Gracillin inhibits apoptosis and inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to alleviate cardiac injury in mice via improving miR-29a

Natural products act as game-changer potentially in treatment and management of sepsis-mediated inflammation: A clinical perspective

BACKGROUND

Sepsis, a life-threatening condition resulting from uncontrolled host responses to infection, poses a global health challenge with limited therapeutic options. Due to high heterogeneity, sepsis lacks specific therapeutic drugs. Additionally, there remains a significant gap in the clinical management of sepsis regarding personalized and precise medicine.

PURPOSE

This review critically examines the scientific landscape surrounding natural products in sepsis and sepsis-mediated inflammation, highlighting their clinical potential.

METHODS

Following the PRISMA guidelines, we retrieved articles from PubMed to explore potential natural products with therapeutic effects in sepsis-mediated inflammation.

RESULTS

434 relevant in vitro and in vivo studies were identified and screened. Ultimately, 55 studies were obtained as the supporting resources for the present review. We divided the 55 natural products into three categories: those influencing the synthesis of inflammatory factors, those affecting surface receptors and modulatory factors, and those influencing signaling pathways and the inflammatory cascade.

CONCLUSION

Natural products' potential as game-changers in sepsis-mediated inflammation management lies in their ability to modulate hallmarks in sepsis, including inflammation, immunity, and coagulopathy, which provides new therapeutic avenues that are readily accessible and capable of undergoing rapid clinical validation and deployment, offering a gift from nature to humanity. Innovative techniques like bioinformatics, metabolomics, and systems biology offer promising solutions to overcome these obstacles and facilitate the development of natural product-based therapeutics, holding promise for personalized and precise sepsis management and improving patient outcomes. However, standardization, bioavailability, and safety challenges arise during experimental validation and clinical trials of natural products.

Modulatory effects of fermented Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua on immune homeostasis and gut integrity in a dextran-sulfate-sodium-induced colitis model

The gut health-promoting properties of saponin-rich Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (FP) fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum P9 were explored in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. FP supplementation effectively inhibited DSS-induced physiological alteration and impaired immune responses by reducing the disease activity index (DAI) score and restoring the T helper (Th) 1/Th2 and regulatory T (Treg)/Th17 ratios. In addition, FP supplementation protected the gut barrier function against DSS-induced damage via upregulation of zonula occludens (ZO)-1 and occludin and downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-18, and the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). This study further elucidated the potential mechanisms underlying the FP-mediated suppression of the plasticity of type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) and subsequent macrophage polarization. Therefore, the FP supplementation effectively restored mucosal immune homeostasis and enhanced gut integrity. In addition, it suppressed the growth of Escherichia-Shigella and Enterococcus and promoted the enrichment of probiotics and short-chain fatty acid-producing microbes, such as Romboutsia, Faecalibaculum, and Blautia. In conclusion, P. cyrtonema Hua fermented with L. plantarum P9 might be a promising dietary intervention to improve gut health by sustaining overall gut homeostasis and related gut integrity.

Effect of L-carnitine in Ameliorating Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Cardiomyocyte Injury via MAPK Signaling

The present study aimed to elucidate whether L-carnitine (LC) protected H9c2 cells and its underlying mechanisms. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to evaluate cell viability. Apoptosis, cell morphology, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assessment were used to prove effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LC on H9c2 cells. RT-qPCR and western blot assays were hired to evaluate the mRNA and protein expression levels, respectively. ELISA assay was performed to determine the released protein levels. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was evaluated by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. LC was revealed to protect H9c2 cells against LPS-induced injury as indicated by increased cell viability, reduced apoptosis ratio and LDH level. LC treatment also reduced BAX expression as well as up-regulated Bcl-2 expression under LPS treatment. Mechanically, LC reduced oxidative stress and ameliorated the mitochondrial injury through modulating extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase phosphorylation levels as indicated by decreased membrane potential, increased ATP production and mtDNA expression. We found that LC ameliorates LPS-induced cardiomyocyte injury by abrogating cell apoptosis ratio, ROS levels, as well as mitochondrial dysfunction via mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. Our findings revealed a potential drug for sepsis or LPS-induced cardiomyocyte injury.

SNHG1/miR-21 axis mediates the cardioprotective role of aloin in sepsis through modulating cardiac cell viability and inflammatory responses

BACKGROUND

Aloin has cardioprotective effects, however, its cardioprotective role in sepsis remains unclear. This study aimed to analyze whether aloin could prevent sepsis-related myocardial damage and explore the underlying mechanisms by examining the expression of long-noncoding RNA (lncRNA) SNHG1 and microRNA-21 (miR-21).

METHODS

The interaction of SNHG1 with miR-21 was identified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The levels of SNHG1 and miR-21 were measured by real-time quantitative PCR. The cardioprotective function of aloin was assessed in a sepsis animal model, which was induced by cecal ligation and puncture, and in a myocardial injury cell model in H9C2 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. Myocardial injury biomarker levels and hemodynamic indicators in mice model were measured to evaluate cardiac function. The viability of H9C2 cells was assessed by cell counting kit-8 assay. Inflammatory cytokine levels were examined by an ELISA method.

RESULTS

Decreased SNHG1 and increased miR-21 were found in sepsis patients with cardiac dysfunction, and they were negatively correlated. Aloin significantly attenuated myocardial damage and inflammatory responses of mice model, and increased the viability and suppressed inflammation in H9C2 cell model. In addition, SNHG1 expression was upregulated and miR-21 expression was downregulated by aloin in both mice and cell models. Moreover, in mice and cell models, SNHG1/miR-21 axis affected sepsis-related myocardial damage, and mediated the cardioprotective effects of aloin.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that aloin exerts protective effects in sepsis-related myocardial damage through regulating cardiac cell viability and inflammatory responses via regulating the SNHG1/miR-21 axis.

Anticancer Potential of the Plant-Derived Saponin Gracillin: A Comprehensive Review of Mechanistic Approaches

With the increasing prevalence of cancer and the toxic side effects of synthetic drugs, natural products are being developed as promising therapeutic approaches. Gracillin is a naturally occurring triterpenoid steroidal saponin with several therapeutic activities. It is obtained as a major compound from different Dioscorea species. This review was designated to summarize the research progress on the anti-cancer activities of gracillin focusing on the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms, as well as its pharmacokinetic features. The data were collected (up to date as of May 1, 2023) from various reliable and authentic literatures comprising PubMed, Springer Link, Scopus, Wiley Online, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The findings demonstrated that gracillin displays promising anticancer effects through various molecular mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory effects, apoptotic cell death, induction of oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, induction of genotoxicity, cell cycle arrest, anti-proliferative effect, autophagy, inhibition of glycolysis, and blocking of cancer cell migration. Additionally, this review highlighted the pharmacokinetic features of gracillin, indicating its lower oral bioavailability. As a conclusion, it can be proposed that gracillin could serve as a hopeful chemotherapeutic agent. However, further extensive clinical research is recommended to establish its safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential in cancer treatment.

Gracillin relieves pulmonary fibrosis by suppressing the STAT3 axis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a persistent and refractory illness accompanied by inflammation and fibrosis. Gracillin, a natural steroidal saponin, is one of the components of Dioscorea quinqueloba which has been used in herbal medicines for treating some inflammatory diseases. Therefore, it may be a potential drug candidate for PF management.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to elucidate and verify the anti-pulmonary fibrosis effect of gracillin.

METHODS

We established an in vivo model of PF by treatment of mice with bleomycin (BLM) and an in vitro model by treatment of NIH-3T3 cells with TGF-β1. Pathological changes to the structure of lung tissue, pulmonary function, inflammatory exudation of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and deposition of collagen were detected in vivo, and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and migration were evaluated in vitro. The significance of gracillin on STAT3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation were evaluated by western blotting, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assays. The STAT3 transcriptional activity was quantified with a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Recovery experiments were performed by plasmid-directed overexpression of STAT3.

RESULTS

We found that gracillin could improve pulmonary function, reduce lung inflammation and mitigate collagen deposition to ameliorate BLM-induced PF in mice. Gracillin also suppressed TGF-β1-induced increases in ECM deposition biomarkers, including COL1A1, fibronectin, α-SMA, N-cad and vimentin, and repressed migration in NIH-3T3 cells. Additionally, gracillin suppressed the phosphorylation, nuclear translocation and transcriptional action of STAT3. Furthermore, the decreased ECM deposition and migration upon gracillin treatment were abrogated upon overexpression of STAT3 in NIH-3T3 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Gracillin protects against PF by inhibiting the STAT3 axis, providing a safe and efficacious approach to treating PF.

MECHANISMS OF CARDIAC DYSFUNCTION IN SEPSIS

ABSTRACT

Studies in animal models of sepsis have elucidated an intricate network of signaling pathways that lead to the dysregulation of myocardial Ca 2+ handling and subsequently to a decrease in cardiac contractile force, in a sex- and model-dependent manner. After challenge with a lethal dose of LPS, male animals show a decrease in cellular Ca 2+ transients (ΔCa i ), with intact myofilament function, whereas female animals show myofilament dysfunction, with intact ΔCa i . Male mice challenged with a low, nonlethal dose of LPS also develop myofilament desensitization, with intact ΔCa i . In the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model, the causative mechanisms seem similar to those in the LPS model in male mice and are unknown in female subjects. ΔCa i decrease in male mice is primarily due to redox-dependent inhibition of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ ATP-ase (SERCA). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are overproduced by dysregulated mitochondria and the enzymes NADPH/NADH oxidase, cyclooxygenase, and xanthine oxidase. In addition to inhibiting SERCA, ROS amplify cardiomyocyte cytokine production and mitochondrial dysfunction, making the process self-propagating. In contrast, female animals may exhibit a natural redox resilience. Myofilament dysfunction is due to hyperphosphorylation of troponin I, troponin T cleavage by caspase-3, and overproduction of cGMP by NO-activated soluble guanylate cyclase. Depleted, dysfunctional, or uncoupled mitochondria likely synthesize less ATP in both sexes, but the role of energy deficit is not clear. NO produced by NO synthase (NOS)-3 and mitochondrial NOSs, protein kinases and phosphatases, the processes of autophagy and sarco/endoplasmic reticulum stress, and β-adrenergic insensitivity may also play currently uncertain roles.

Protective effect and mechanism of Polygonatum kingianum against hypoxia-induced injury

Background

Hypoxia is an essential cause of fatigue and aging, and is associated with the occurrence and development of many diseases. Polygonatum kingianum (PK) is a deficiency-nourishing Chinese herbal medicine utilized as both medicine and food, and it has long been used to ameliorate human conditions associated with fatigue and aging over 2000 years in China. PK is an important genuine-medicinal-materials cultivated in Yunnan, China, and is used by the Bai, Wa, and Zhuang nationalities as a traditional medicine for enhancing immunity, anti-fatigue, and anti-aging, while the preventive effect of PK on hypoxia-induced injury and the underlying mechanism are indefinite.

Aim of the study

The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-hypoxia efficacy and understand the corresponding mechanism of PK water extract.

Materials and methods

The main active ingredients and targets of PK were predicted using network pharmacology, and the anti-hypoxia activities of Gracillin and Liquiritigenin were verified by in vitro experiments. The pharmacodynamic experiments were conducted to evaluate the major signal pathways of PK for detecting anti-hypoxia activity.

Results

Fifty active ingredients and 371 potential targets were screened by network pharmacology, then, we confirmed that Gracillin and Liquiritigenin were the main active components of PK to exert anti-hypoxia effect in vitro. The pharmacodynamic experiments revealed that PK enhanced the extension rate of the survival time (ERST) and regulated the targets-related biochemical parameters of rats under hypoxia, showing significant anti-hypoxia effects on rats.

Conclusion

The network pharmacology results suggested that PK exerts its anti-hypoxia effect through a multi-component and multi-target manner. Simultaneously, we also observed that Gracillin (saponins) and Liquiritigenin (flavonoids) are the main active components of PK to play a role in anti-hypoxia. The anti-hypoxia effect of PK could be associated with scavenging excess free radicals, maintaining the activities of antioxidant enzymes, and inhibiting oxidative stress due to lipid peroxidation. These findings provide insight into the Polygonatum kingianum as promising medicines or healthcare products for preventing and treating hypoxia.

CARDIOMYOCYTE REPROGRAMMING IN ANIMAL MODELS OF SEPTIC SHOCK

ABSTRACT

Cardiomyocyte reprogramming plays a pivotal role in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy through the induction or overexpression of several factors and enzymes, ultimately leading to the characteristic decrease in cardiac contractility. The initial trigger is the binding of LPS to TLR-2, -3, -4, and -9 and of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF, IL-1, and IL-6, to their respective receptors. This induces the nuclear translocation of nuclear factors, such as NF-κB, via activation of MyD88, TRIF, IRAK, and MAPKs. Among the latter, ROS- and estrogen-dependent p38 and ERK 1/2 are proinflammatory, whereas JNK may play antagonistic, anti-inflammatory roles. Nuclear factors induce the synthesis of cytokines, which can amplify the inflammatory signal in a paracrine fashion, and of several effector enzymes, such as NOS-2, NOX-1, and others, which are ultimately responsible for the degradation of cardiomyocyte contractility. In parallel, the downregulation of enzymes involved in oxidative phosphorylation causes metabolic reprogramming, followed by a decrease in ATP production and the release of fragmented mitochondrial DNA, which may augment the process in a positive feedback loop. Other mediators, such as NO, ROS, the enzymes PI3K and Akt, and adrenergic stimulation may play regulatory roles, but not all signaling pathways that mediate cardiac dysfunction of sepsis do that by regulating reprogramming. Transcription may be globally modulated by miRs, which exert protective or amplifying effects. For all these mechanisms, differentiating between modulation of cardiomyocyte reprogramming versus systemic inflammation has been an ongoing but worthwhile experimental challenge.

Targeting Energy Protection as a Novel Strategy to Disclose Di'ao Xinxuekang against the Cardiotoxicity Caused by Doxorubicin

Doxorubicin (DOX) can induce myocardial energy metabolism disorder and further worsen heart failure. "Energy protection" is proposed as a new cardiac protection strategy. Previous studies have found that Di'ao Xinxuekang (DXXK) can improve doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in mice by inhibiting ferroptosis. However, there are very few studies associating DXXK and energy protection. This study aims to explore the "energy protection" effect of DXXK on cardiotoxicity induced by DOX. A DOX-induced cardiotoxicity model established in rats and H9c2 cells are used to analyze the therapeutic effects of DXXK on serum indexes, cardiac function indexes and cardiac histopathology. The metabonomic methods were used to explore the potential mechanism of DXXK in treating DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. In addition, we also observed the mitochondrial- and autophagy-related indicators of myocardial cells and the mRNA expression level of the core target regulating energy-metabolism-related pathways. Our results indicated that DXXK can improve cardiac function, reduce myocardial enzymes and alleviate the histological damage of heart tissue caused by DOX. In addition, DXXK can improve mitochondrial damage induced by DOX and inhibit excessive autophagy. Metabonomics analysis showed that DOX can significantly affects the pathways related to energy metabolism of myocardial cells, which are involved in the therapeutic mechanism of DXXK. In conclusion, DXXK can treat DOX-induced cardiotoxicity through the AMPK-mediated energy protection pathway.

Expression of MicroRNAs in Sepsis-Related Organ Dysfunction: A Systematic Review

Sepsis is a critical condition characterized by increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and proliferating cells such as neutrophils and macrophages in response to microbial pathogens. Such processes lead to an abnormal inflammatory response and multi-organ failure. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are single-stranded non-coding RNAs with the function of gene regulation. This means that miRNAs are involved in multiple intracellular pathways and thus contribute to or inhibit inflammation. As a result, their variable expression in different tissues and organs may play a key role in regulating the pathophysiological events of sepsis. Thanks to this property, miRNAs may serve as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in such life-threatening events. In this narrative review, we collect the results of recent studies on the expression of miRNAs in heart, blood, lung, liver, brain, and kidney during sepsis and the molecular processes in which they are involved. In reviewing the literature, we find at least 122 miRNAs and signaling pathways involved in sepsis-related organ dysfunction. This may help clinicians to detect, prevent, and treat sepsis-related organ failures early, although further studies are needed to deepen the knowledge of their potential contribution.

Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Carrying MicroRNA-29a Improves Ovarian Function of Mice with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency by Targeting HMG-Box Transcription Factor/Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling

Background

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a female disease characterized by ovarian function loss under 40 years old. Transplantation of exosomes is an encouraging regenerative medicine method that has the potential for restoring ovarian functions post-POI with high efficiency. Therefore, we investigate the therapeutic efficacy and potential mechanisms of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell- (UCMSC-) derived exosomes on ovarian dysfunction post-POI.

Methods

The model of POI was established by intraperitoneal injection with 5 mg/kg cisplatin. The mouse ovarian function was detected by measuring the levels of anti-Mullerian hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and estradiol and detecting the morphological changes. For in vitro experiments, the characterization and identification of UCMSCs and UCMSC-derived exosomes were done by observation of morphologies and flow cytometry. To exclude the interference effect of nonspecific precipitation substances, UCMSCs were treated with RNase A or RNase A in combination with Triton X-100. Granulosa cell (GC) identification was performed using immunofluorescence. GC proliferation and viability were assessed using 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), and GC apoptosis was calculated by flow cytometry. Gene expression and protein levels were evaluated using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting. The binding relationship between miR-29a and HMG-box transcription factor (HBP1) was verified by luciferase reporter assays.

Results

In vitro, the human UCMSC-derived exosomes carrying miR-29a upregulation promoted the proliferation of GCs and suppressed their apoptosis. In vivo, miR-29a upregulation reserved the mature follicles and restored the ovarian functions. miR-29a targeted HBP1 and negatively regulated its expression. HBP1 upregulation rescued the miR-29a upregulation-induced inhibition in GC apoptosis and inactivated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Conclusion

The exosomal miR-29a derived from human UCMSCs improves the ovarian function by targeting HBP1 and activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Research Progress on the Mechanism of Sepsis Induced Myocardial Injury

Sepsis is an abnormal condition with multiple organ dysfunctions caused by the uncontrolled infection response and one of the major diseases that seriously hang over global human health. Besides, sepsis is characterized by high morbidity and mortality, especially in intensive care unit (ICU). Among the numerous subsequent organ injuries of sepsis, myocardial injury is one of the most common complications and the main cause of death in septic patients. To better manage septic inpatients, it is necessary to understand the specific mechanisms of sepsis induced myocardial injury (SIMI). Therefore, this review will elucidate the pathophysiology of SIMI from the following certain mechanisms: apoptosis, mitochondrial damage, autophagy, excessive inflammatory response, oxidative stress and pyroptosis, and outline current therapeutic strategies and potential approaches in SIMI.

Protective Role of lncRNA TTN-AS1 in Sepsis-Induced Myocardial Injury Via miR-29a/E2F2 Axis

OBJECTIVE

Approximately 50% of patients with sepsis encounter myocardial injury. The mortality of septic patients with cardiac dysfunction (approx. 70%) is much higher than that of patients with sepsis only (20%). A large number of studies have suggested that lncRNA TTN-AS1 promotes cell proliferation in a variety of diseases. This study delves into the function and mechanism of TTN-AS1 in sepsis-induced myocardial injury in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

LPS was used to induce sepsis in rats and H9c2 cells. Cardiac function of rats was assessed by an ultrasound system. Myocardial injury was revealed by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. Gain and loss of function of TTN-AS1, miR-29a, and E2F2 was achieved in H9c2 cells before LPS treatment. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and cTnT were monitored by ELISA. The expression levels of cardiac enzymes as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were measured using the colorimetric method. The expression levels of TTN-AS1, miR-29a, E2F2, and apoptosis-related proteins were measured by RT-qPCR and/or western blotting. The proliferation and apoptosis of H9c2 cells were separately detected by CCK-8 and flow cytometry. Luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the targeting relationships among TTN-AS1, miR-29a and E2F2, and RIP assay was further used to confirm the binding between miR-29a and E2F2.

RESULTS

TTN-AS1 was lowly expressed, while miR-29a was overexpressed in the cell and animal models of sepsis. Overexpression of TTN-AS1 or silencing of miR-29a reduced the expression levels of CK, CK-MB, LDH, TNF-B, IL-1B, and IL-6 in the supernatant of LPS-induced H9c2 cells, attenuated mitochondrial ROS activity, and enhanced MMP. Consistent results were observed in septic rats injected with OE-TTN-AS1. Knockdown of TTN-AS1 or overexpression of miR-29a increased LPS-induced inflammation and injury in H9c2 cells. TTN-AS1 regulated the expression of E2F2 by targeting miR-29a. Overexpression of miR-29a or inhibition of E2F2 abrogated the suppressive effect of TTN-AS1 overexpression on myocardial injury.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates TTN-AS1 attenuates sepsis-induced myocardial injury by regulating the miR-29a/E2F2 axis and sheds light on lncRNA-based treatment of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy.

Gracillin Shows Potential Efficacy Against Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Through Inhibiting the mTOR Pathway

The leading cause of cancer deaths is lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common type of lung cancers, remains a difficult cancer to treat and cure. It is urgent to develop new products to treat NSCLS. Gracillin, extracted from Reineckia carnea, Dioscorea villosa, and other medicinal plants, has anti-tumor potential with toxic effect on a variety of tumor cells such as NSCLC. However, the anti-NSCLC mechanism of gracillin is not completely clear. In this study, A549 cells and athymic nude mice were used as models to evaluate the anti-NSCLC effects of gracillin. The antiproliferative activity of gracillin on A549 cells was conducted by CCK-8, and obvious autophagy was observed in gracillin-treated A549 through transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, the expressions of Beclin-1, LC3-II, and WIPI1 were upregulated, while the expression of p62 was downregulated in gracillin-treated A549. The further mechanism study found that the mTOR signaling pathway was significantly inhibited by gracillin. Accordingly, the PI3K/Akt pathway positively regulating mTOR was inhibited, and AMPK negatively regulating mTOR was activated. Meanwhile, LC3-II transformation was found to be significantly reduced after WIPI1 was silenced in A549 cells but increased after gracillin treatment. It also proves that WIPI is involved in the process of gracillin regulating A549 autophagy. At last, the anti-tumor growth activity of gracillin in vivo was validated in A549-bearing athymic nude mice. In conclusion, gracillin has anti-NSCLC activity by inducing autophagy. The mechanism maybe that gracillin inhibited the mTOR signaling pathway. Gracillin has the potential to be a candidate product for the treatment of NSCLC in the future.

Verbascoside protects from LPS-induced septic cardiomyopathy via alleviating cardiac inflammation, oxidative stress and regulating mitochondrial dynamics

BACKGROUND

Verbascoside (VB), as an active component of multiple medicinal plants, has been proved to exert anti-oxidative, anti-aging and neuroprotective effects. This study was designed to investigate whether VB could play a cardioprotective role in septic heart injury.

METHODS

Mice were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 10 mg/kg) to induce sepsis. The treatment group received an intraperitoneally injection of VB (20 mg/kg) before LPS challenge. Transthoracic echocardiography, ELISA, immunofluorescence, and qPCR were performed to assess the effect of VB on heart function, oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. Transmission electronic microscopy and immunoblotting were used to evaluate the mitochondrial morphology and biogenesis of the septic heart. In vitro experiments were also performed to repeat above-mentioned assays.

RESULTS

Compared with LPS group, the VB treatment group showed improved cardiac function in sepsis. VB alleviated oxidative stress and inflammatory cell infiltration, as well as cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Specifically, VB could restore sepsis-induced mitochondrial alterations via regulating mitochondrial biogenesis. These results were also confirmed in in vitro experiments.

CONCLUSION

Verbascoside could protected from sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, as well as promoting mitochondrial biogenesis.

Irisin Protects Against LPS-Stressed Cardiac Damage Through Inhibiting Inflammation, Apoptosis, and Pyroptosis

ABSTRACT

Septic cardiac dysfunction remains a clinical problem due to its high morbidity and mortality. Uncontrolled cell death and excessive inflammatory response are closely related to sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction. Irisin has been found to play cardioprotective roles in sepsis. However, there is enough uncertainty in the mechanism of irisin-mediated cardioprotection. We hypothesized that irisin may ameliorate myocardial dysfunction via reducing cardiac apoptosis, pyroptosis, and inflammation during LPS-induced sepsis. Mice were subjected to LPS with or without irisin treatment. After stimuli of LPS, the function of myocardium was distinctly impaired, which was closely related to increased level of apoptosis (decreased expression of Bcl-2 and elevated expression of Caspase-3 and Bax), pyroptosis (increased expression of Caspase1, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), and gasdermin D) and inflammatory mediators (increased level of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6). This process is consistent with increased toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B signal, apoptotic signal, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptotic signal. Activation of apoptosis and pyroptosis enhanced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and further exacerbated septic myocardial damage. However, irisin can inhibit the expression of TLR4 and its downstream signaling molecules and also lower the level of apoptosis and pyroptosis. Besides, similar results were also found in vitro model of LPS-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte injury. In general, irisin suppressed inflammation, apoptosis, and pyroptosis by blocking the TLR4 and NLRP3 inflammasome signalings to mitigate myocardial dysfunction in sepsis.

Targeting miRNA by Natural Products: A Novel Therapeutic Approach for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver

The increasing prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as multifactorial chronic liver disease and the lack of a specific treatment have begun a new era in its treatment using gene expression changes and microRNAs. This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of natural compounds in NAFLD by regulating miRNA expression. MicroRNAs play essential roles in regulating the cell's biological processes, such as apoptosis, migration, lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and adipocyte differentiation, by controlling the posttranscriptional gene expression level. The impact of current NAFLD pharmacological management, including drug and biological therapies, is uncertain. In this context, various dietary fruits or medicinal herbal sources have received worldwide attention versus NAFLD development. Natural ingredients such as berberine, lychee pulp, grape seed, and rosemary possess protective and therapeutic effects against NAFLD by modifying the gene's expression and noncoding RNAs, especially miRNAs.

Knockdown of lncRNA PVT1 attenuated macrophage M1 polarization and relieved sepsis induced myocardial injury via miR-29a/HMGB1 axis

BACKGROUND

LncRNA PVT1 was reported to be elevated in septic myocardial tissue. The underlying mechanism by which PVT1 aggravated sepsis induced myocardial injury needs further investigation.

METHODS

Mice was subjected to LPS injection to mimic in vivo sepsis model. HE staining was applied to observe tissue injury. Cardiac function of mice was determined by echocardiography. Bone marrow derived macrophage (BMDM) was used to confirm the regulatory effect of PVT1 in macrophage polarization. Western blotting or qRT-PCR were performed to evaluate protein or mRNA levels, respectively. ELISA was conducted to determine cytokine levels. Interaction between PVT1 and miR-29a, miR-29a and HMGB1 were accessed by dual luciferase assay.

RESULTS

Expression of PVT1 was elevated in myocardial tissue and heart infiltrating macrophages of sepsis mice. PVT1 knockdown alleviated LPS induced myocardial injury and attenuated M1 macrophage polarization. The mechanic study suggested that PVT1 targeted miR-29a, thus elevated expression of HMGB1, which was repressed by miR-29a targeting. The effect of PVT1 on M1 macrophage polarization was dependent on targeting miR-29a.

CONCLUSION

PVT1 promoted M1 polarization and aggravated LPS induced myocardial injury via miR-29a/HMGB1 axis.

17β-Estradiol Attenuates LPS-Induced Macrophage Inflammation In Vitro and Sepsis-Induced Vascular Inflammation In Vivo by Upregulating miR-29a-5p Expression

Excessive release of cytokines such as IL-1β and other inflammatory mediators synthesized and secreted by macrophages is the fundamental link of uncontrolled inflammatory response in sepsis. 17β-Estradiol (E2) plays anti-inflammatory and vascular protective effects by regulating leukocyte infiltration and the expression of chemokines or cytokines induced by injury. However, the role of E2 in the inflammatory response of macrophages in sepsis and its mechanism are still not fully understood. In the present study, we show that E2 alleviates vascular inflammation in sepsis mice induced by cecal ligation puncture (CLP). E2 significantly decreases RAW 264.7 cell inflammation response by downregulating the expression of NLRP3. Furthermore, we found that miR-29a-5p was significantly downregulated in LPS-treated macrophages. Treating RAW 264.7 cells with E2 markedly upregulated the miR-29a-5p expression level. More importantly, we demonstrated that miR-29a-5p repressed NLRP3 expression by directly targeting its 3′-UTR. Loss- and gain-of-function experiments revealed that transfection of the miR-29a-5p mimic abrogates LPS-induced macrophage inflammation. Moreover, depletion of miR-29a-5p by its inhibitor largely promotes LPS-induced macrophage inflammation. In summary, miR-29a-5p upregulation induced by E2 alleviated RAW 264.7 cell inflammation response by aggravating miR-29a-5p repression of NLRP3 expression. E2 exerts significant anti-inflammatory efficacy in macrophages by regulating the miR-29a-5p/NLRP3 axis. Targeting miR-29a-5p may be a novel therapeutic strategy to suppress sepsis-induced vascular inflammation.

Hyperoside prevents sepsis-associated cardiac dysfunction through regulating cardiomyocyte viability and inflammation via inhibiting miR-21

BACKGROUND

Sepsis-associated cardiac dysfunction results in increased mortality. Hyperoside (Hyp) is a flavonoid, showing significant anti-inflammatory effects. However, its pharmacological effects on sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction remain unknown. In this study, we attempted to explore whether Hyp could prevent cardiac dysfunction and its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

We established a mice mode of sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) treatment, and constructed a cell model of myocardial injury by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. The cardiac function indicators and the inflammatory cytokine levels were measured. Effect of Hyp on cardiomyocyte viability was evaluated using MTT assay. The expression and functional role of microRNA-21 (miR-21), a documented molecule that regulated by Hyp, was evaluated in the constructed models, and the potential targets of miR-21 were predicted.

RESULTS

Hyp alleviated the impaired cardiac function and stimulated inflammation caused by CLP in the in vivo sepsis model, and alleviated the LPS-induced decrease in cell viability and increase in inflammation of cardiomyocytes. Additionally, Hyp significantly inhibited the expression of miR-21 in LPS-induced cardiomyocytes, and the increased cell viability and decreased inflammation caused by Hyp in the in vitro model could be reversed by miR-21 overexpression. In animal model of sepsis, the protective influence of Hyp against sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction was attenuated by miR-21 upregulation.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrated that Hyp may serve as a promising natural drug for the treatment of sepsis-associated cardiac dysfunction, and its protective role may exerted through regulating cardiomyocyte viability and inflammation by suppressing miR-21.

LncRNA XIST promotes inflammation by downregulating GRα expression in the adenoids of children with OSAHS

Whether glucocorticoid receptor α (GRα) serves a role in obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) remains unclear. However, it has been reported that GRα expression is decreased in the adenoids of patients with OSAHS. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of GRα in OSAHS and the underlying mechanism. Bioinformatics assays revealed that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) X inactivate-specific transcript (XIST) was closely associated with GRα. Furthermore, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR showed that the expression of lncRNA XIST was significantly increased in the adenoids of patients with OSAHS compared with healthy controls. Further in vitro studies by Pearson correlation analysis, RNA pull-down assay, western blot analysis and ELISA demonstrated that XIST significantly decreased the expression of GRα and that significantly increased the production of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-8, tumor necrosis factor α, IL-6 and IL-1β, while the overexpression of GRα significantly decreased the production of these inflammatory cytokines in NP69 cells, a human nasopharyngeal epithelial cell line. Furthermore, XIST significantly increased the protein levels of nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) subunits, including Rel-B, c-Rel, P52, P50 and P65, which are associated with the transcription of cytokines. The stimulatory effect of XIST was significantly inhibited by the NF-κB inhibitor EVP4593. These results indicated that the stimulatory effect of XIST was dependent on NF-κB. In summary, the present study demonstrated that the XIST-GRα-NF-κB signaling pathway contributed to inflammation in the adenoids of patients with OSAHS.

Rosuvastatin corrects oxidative stress and inflammation induced by LPS to attenuate cardiac injury by inhibiting the NLRP3/TLR4 pathway

Rosuvastatin has been found to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the current study was to evaluate whether rosuvastatin was effective in attenuating cardiac injury in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) - challenged mice and H9C2 cells and identify the underlying mechanisms, focusing on the nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway. Cardiac injury, cardiac function, apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and the NLRP3/TLR4 pathway were evaluated in both in vivo and in vitro studies. LPS-induced cardiomyocyte injury was markedly attenuated by rosuvastatin treatment, evidenced by increased cell proliferation of H9C2 cells, rescued cardiac function, and improved morphological changes in mice and reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase MB fraction (CK-MB), and troponin I (cTnI) in serum. Apoptosis was clearly ameliorated in myocardial tissue and H9C2 cells co-treated with rosuvastatin. In addition, after LPS challenge, excessive oxidative stress was present, indicated by increases in malondialdehyde (MDA) content, NADPH activity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Rosuvastatin improved all the indicators of oxidative stress, with an effect similar to that of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (an ROS scavenger). Notably, LPS-exposed H9C2 cells and mice showed significant NLRP3 and TLR4/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway activation and inflammatory responses. Administration of rosuvastatin reduced the increases in NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), pro-caspase-1, TLR4, and p65 expression and decreased the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-18, and IL-6 contents, with an effect similar to that of MCC950 (an NLRP3 inhibitor). In conclusion, inhibition of the inflammatory response and oxidative stress contributes to cardioprotective effect of rosuvastatin against cardiac injury induced by LPS, and the effect of rosuvastatin was achieved through inactivation of the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.

MicroRNAs and Sepsis-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction: A Systematic Review

Sepsis is a severe condition characterized by systemic inflammation. One of the most involved organs in sepsis is the heart. On the other hand, heart failure and dysfunction are some of the most leading causes of death in septic patients. miRNAs are short single-strand non-coding ribonucleic acids involved in the regulation of gene expression on a post-transcriptional phase, which means they are a part of the epigenetic process. Recently, researchers have found that miRNA expression in tissues and blood differs depending on different conditions. Because of this property, their use as serum sepsis biomarkers has also been explored. A narrative review is carried out to gather and summarize what is known about miRNAs' influence on cardiac dysfunction during sepsis. When reviewing the literature, we found at least 77 miRNAs involved in cardiac inflammation and dysfunction during sepsis. In the future, miRNAs may be used as early sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction biomarkers or as new drug targets. This could help clinicians to early detect, prevent, and treat cardiac damage. The potential role of miRNAs as new diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies worth deepening the complex network between non-coding RNA and biological pathways. Additional studies are needed to further investigate their role in sepsis-induced myocardium injury.

Mapping the Multi-Organ miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network in LPS-Mediated Endotoxemic Mice: Exploring the Shared Underlying Key Genes and Mechanisms

Background

To this day, the molecular mechanism of endotoxin-induced multi-organ failure has not been completely clarified. This study aimed to construct an miRNA-mRNA regulatory network and identify main pathways and key genes in multi-organ of LPS-mediated endotoxemic mice.

Methods

Public datasets from six mRNA and three miRNA microarray datasets were downloaded from the GEO website to screen final differentially expressed genes (FDEGs) and hub genes in the heart, lung, liver, and kidney of LPS-mediated endotoxemic mice. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis of FDEGs was used to identify the main pathways in multi-organ damage of LPS-treated mice. Finally, hub genes of each organ were intersected to obtain the key genes of multi-organ.

Results

Firstly, 158, 358, 299, and 91 FDEGs were identified in the heart, lung, liver, and kidney, respectively. The pathway enrichment analysis of the FDEGs then showed that the TNF signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and some viral-infection-related pathways (influenza A, measles, and herpes simplex) were the main pathways in multi-organ damage of LPS-mediated endotoxemic mice. Moreover, miRNA-mRNA or PPI regulatory networks were constructed based on FDEGs. According to these networks, 31, 34, 34, and 31 hub genes were identified in the heart, lung, liver, and kidney, respectively. Among them, nine key genes (Cd274, Cxcl1, Cxcl9, Icam1, Ifit2, Isg15, Stat1, Tlr2, and Usp18) were enriched in Toll-like receptor signaling pathway and chemokine signaling pathway. Finally, seven potential drugs were predicted based on these key genes.

Conclusion

The shared underlying molecular pathways in endotoxin-induced multi-organ damage that have been identified include Toll-like receptor signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathway. Besides, nine key genes (Cd274, Cxcl1, Cxcl9, Icam1, Ifit2, Isg15, Stat1, Tlr2, and Usp18) and seven potential drugs were identified. Our data provide a new sight and potential target for future therapy in endotoxemia-induced multi-organ failure.