Uric acid aggravates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury via ROS/NLRP3 pyroptosis pathway

Alpha-cyperone mitigates renal ischemic injury via modulation of HDAC-2 expression in diabetes: Insights from molecular dynamics simulations and experimental evaluation

Chronic diabetes mellitus is reported to be associated with acute kidney injury. The enzyme histone deacetylase-2 (HDAC-2) was found to be upregulated in diabetes-related kidney damage. Alpha-cyperone (α-CYP) is one of the active ingredients of Cyperus rotundus that possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. We evaluated the effect of α-CYP on improving oxidative stress and tissue inflammation following renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in diabetic rats. The effect of α-CYP on HDAC-2 expression in renal homogenates and in the NRK-52 E cell line was evaluated following renal I/R injury and high glucose conditions, respectively. Molecular docking was used to investigate the binding of α-CYP with the HDAC-2 active site. Both renal function and oxidative stress were shown to be impaired in diabetic rats due to renal I/R injury. Significant improvements in kidney/body weight ratio, creatinine clearance, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and uric acid were observed in diabetic rats treated with α-CYP (50 mg/kg) two weeks prior to renal I/R injury. α-CYP treatment also improved histological alterations in renal tissue and lowered levels of malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, and hydroxyproline. Treatment with α-CYP suppressed the increased HDAC-2 expression in the renal tissue of diabetic rats and in the NRK-52 E cell line. The molecular docking reveals that α-CYP binds to HDAC-2 with good affinity, ascertained by molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy analysis. Overall, our data suggest that α-CYP can effectively prevent renal injury in diabetic rats by regulating oxidative stress, tissue inflammation, fibrosis and inhibiting HDAC-2 activity.

Protective effects of 4-methylumbelliferone on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats through inhibition of oxidative stress and downregulation of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MI/R) has been found to be one of the important risk factors for global cardiac mortality and morbidity. The study was conducted to inquire into the protective effect of 4-methylumbilliferon (4-MU) against MI/R in rats and clarify its potential underlying mechanism. Animals were divided into four groups (n = 15) including sham, MI/R, MI/R + vehicle, and MI/R + 4-MU. MI/R was established in Wistar rats by occluding the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery for 30 min. 4-MU (25 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally before the induction of reperfusion. Cardiac function, fibrosis, oxidant/antioxidant markers, and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated using echocardiography, ELISA, and Western blot assay. As a result of MI/R induction, a decrease in left ventricular contractile function occurred along with increased cardiac fibrosis and tissue damage. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18 increased, while IL-10 decreased. Oxidant/antioxidant changes were evident with increased MDA levels and decreased GSH, SOD, and CAT in the MI/R group. Furthermore, the protein levels of TLR4, NF-κB, and NLRP3 were significantly increased in the heart tissue of MI/R group. Treatment with 4-MU significantly prevented the reduction of cardiac contractile function and its pathological changes as a result of MI/R by inhibiting the increase of serum inflammatory factors and improving the oxidant/antioxidant balance probably through the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 axis. The results of a current study showed that 4-MU had a potential ability to attenuate the cardiac injury by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in a TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3-dependent mechanism.

Interference with GPR4 inactivates NLRP3 inflammasome signaling by inhibiting LPAR1 expression to ameliorate oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation-induced inflammation and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury is a detrimental disease with high mortality worldwide. We aimed to explore the role of G protein-coupled receptor 4 (GPR4) and lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPAR1) in MI/R injury in vitro. H9c2 cells were exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) conditions to simulate the MI/R injury and GPR4 expression was detected. Then, GPR4 was knocked down and cell viability was examined with a CCK-8 assay. The activities of LDH, CK and CK-MB were detected to evaluate the damage of OGD/R-induced H9c2 cells. ELISA kits and TUNEL staining were used to examine the inflammation and apoptosis of H9c2 cells exposed to OGD/R conditions. Western blot was employed to detect the expression of proteins related to apoptosis and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling. Additionally, Co-IP analyzed the binding between GPR4 and LPAR1. Finally, LPAR1 was overexpressed to conduct the rescue experiments. Results revealed that GPR4 was upregulated in OGD/R-treated H9c2 cells and GPR4 knockdown attenuated the damage of H9c2 cells. OGD/R induced inflammation and apoptosis were markedly inhibited by GPR4 silencing, as evidenced by the decreased TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 levels as well as the elevated Bcl-2 expression and reduced Bax and cleaved caspase3 expression. Moreover, GPR4 bound to LPAR1 and upregulated LPAR1 expression. Interference with GPR4 inactivated the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling. Besides, LPAR1 overexpression abrogated the effects of GPR4 silencing on the damage, inflammation and apoptosis of H9c2 cells induced by OGD/R. Particularly, LPAR1 upregulation promoted the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling in GPR4-silenced H9c2 cells induced by OGD/R. To be concluded, GPR4 deficiency inactivates NLRP3 inflammasome signaling by inhibiting LPAR1 expression to ameliorate OGD/R -induced inflammation and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes.

Boarding pyroptosis onto nanotechnology for cancer therapy

Pyroptosis, a non-apoptotic programmed cellular inflammatory death mechanism characterized by gasdermin (GSDM) family proteins, has gathered significant attention in the cancer treatment. However, the alarming clinical trial data indicates that pyroptosis-mediated cancer therapeutic efficiency is still unsatisfactory. It is essential to integrate the burgeoning biomedical findings and innovations with potent technology to hasten the development of pyroptosis-based antitumor drugs. Considering the rapid development of pyroptosis-driven cancer nanotherapeutics, here we aim to summarize the recent advances in this field at the intersection of pyroptosis and nanotechnology. First, the foundation of pyroptosis-based nanomedicines (NMs) is outlined to illustrate the reliability and effectiveness for the treatment of tumor. Next, the emerging nanotherapeutics designed to induce pyroptosis are overviewed. Moreover, the cross-talk between pyroptosis and other cell death modalities are discussed, aiming to explore the mechanistic level relationships to provide guidance strategies for the combination of different types of antitumor drugs. Last but not least, the opportunities and challenges of employing pyroptosis-based NMs in potential clinical cancer therapy are highlighted.

Pyroptosis in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion and its therapeutic implications

Ischemic heart disease, a prevalent cardiovascular disease with global significance, is associated with substantial morbidity. Timely and successful reperfusion is crucial for reducing infarct size and enhancing clinical outcomes. However, reperfusion may induce additional myocardium injury, manifesting as myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury. Pyroptosis is a regulated cell death pathway, the signaling pathway of which is activated during MI/R injury. In this process, the inflammasomes are triggered, initiating the cleavage of gasdermin proteins and pro-interleukins, which results in the formation of membrane pores and the maturation and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Numerous preclinical evidence underscores the pivotal role of pyroptosis in MI/R injury. Inhibiting pyroptosis is cardioprotective against MI/R injury. Although certain agents exhibiting promise in preclinical studies for attenuating MI/R injury through inhibiting pyroptosis have been identified, the suitability of these compounds for clinical trials remains untested. This review comprehensively summarizes the recent developments in this field, with a specific emphasis on the impact of pyroptosis on MI/R injury. Deciphering these findings not only sheds light on new disease mechanisms but also paves the way for innovative treatments. And then the exploration of the latest advances in compounds that inhibit pyroptosis in MI/R is discussed, which aims to provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies and identify avenues for future research in the pursuit of effective clinical interventions.

Dihydrocapsaicin suppresses the STING-mediated accumulation of ROS and NLRP3 inflammasome and alleviates apoptosis after ischemia-reperfusion injury of perforator skin flap

Avascular necrosis frequently occurs as a complication following surgery involving the distal perforator flap. Dihydrocapsaicin (DHC) can protect tissue from ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, but its specific role in multizone perforator flaps remains unclear. In this study, the prospective target of DHC in the context of I/R injury was predicted using network pharmacology analysis. Flap viability was determined through survival area analysis, laser Doppler blood flow, angiograms, and histological examination. The expressions of angiogenesis, apoptosis, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, oxidative stress, and molecules related to cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP)-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)-interferon gene stimulant (STING) pathway were assessed using western blotting, immunofluorescence, TUNEL staining, and dihydroethidium (DHE) staining. Our finding revealed that DHC promoted the perforator flap survival, which involves the cGAS-STING pathway, oxidative stress, NLRP3 inflammasome, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. DHC induced oxidative stress resistance and suppressed the NLRP3 inflammasome, preventing apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells. Through regulation of STING pathway, DHC controlled oxidative stress in endothelial cells and NLRP3 levels in ischemic flaps. However, activation of the cGAS-STING pathway led to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NLRP3 inflammasome, thereby diminishing the protective role of DHC. DHC enhanced the survival of multidomain perforator flaps by suppressing the cGAS-STING pathway, oxidative stress, and the formation of NLRP3 inflammasome. These findings unveil a potentially novel mechanism with clinical significance for promoting the survival of multidomain perforator flaps.

LncRNA SNHG1 alleviates myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury by regulating the miR-137-3p/KLF4/TRPV1 axis

AIMS

Myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) contributes to serious myocardial injury and even death. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play pivotal roles in the occurrence and development of MIRI. Here, the detailed molecular mechanism of lncRNA SNHG1 in MIRI was explored.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A cell model of MIRI was established through hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) stimulation. Cell viability and pyroptosis were evaluated utilizing MTT, PI staining, and flow cytometry. Interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 secretion levels were examined by ELISA. The gene and protein expression were detected by RT-qPCR and western blot, respectively. Dual luciferase reporter gene, RIP and ChIP assays were performed to analyse the molecular interactions. The results showed that lncRNA SNHG1 overexpression alleviated H/R-induced HL-1 cell pyroptosis (all P < 0.05). LncRNA SNHG1 promoted KLF4 expression by sponging miR-137-3p. miR-137-3p silencing alleviated H/R-induced pyroptosis in HL-1 cells (all P < 0.05), which was abolished by KLF4 knockdown (all P < 0.05). KLF4 activated the AKT pathway by transcriptionally activating TRPV1 in HL-1 cells (all P < 0.05). TRPV1 knockdown reversed the alleviation of SNHG1 upregulation on H/R-induced pyroptosis in HL-1 cells (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed that lncRNA SNHG1 assuaged cardiomyocyte pyroptosis during MIRI progression by regulating the KLF4/TRPV1/AKT axis through sponging miR-137-3p. Our findings may provide novel therapeutic targets for MIRI.

AMPK, a key molecule regulating aging-related myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Aging leads to the threat of more diseases to the biological anatomical structure and the decline of disease resistance, increasing the incidence and mortality of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MI/RI). Moreover, MI/RI promotes damage to an aging heart. Notably, 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates cellular energy metabolism, stress response, and protein metabolism, participates in aging-related signaling pathways, and plays an essential role in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury diseases. This study aims to introduce the aging theory, summarize the interaction between aging and MI/RI, and describe the crosstalk of AMPK in aging and MI/RI. We show how AMPK can offer protective effects against age-related stressors, lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption and smoking, and hypertension. We also review some of the clinical prospects for the development of interventions that harness the effect of AMPK to treat MI/RI and other age-related cardiovascular diseases.

LncRNA Peg13 Alleviates Myocardial Infarction/Reperfusion Injury through Regulating MiR-34a/Sirt1-Mediated Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

Myocardial infarction/reperfusion (I/R) injury significantly impacts the health of older individuals. We confirmed that the level of lncRNA Peg13 was downregulated in I/R injury. However, the detailed function of Peg13 in myocardial I/R injury has not yet been explored.To detect the function of Peg13, in vivo model of I/R injury was constructed. RT-qPCR was employed to investigate RNA levels, and Western blotting was performed to assess levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis-associated proteins. EdU staining was confirmed to assess the cell proliferation.I/R therapy dramatically produced myocardial injury, increased the infarct area, and decreased the amount of Peg13 in myocardial tissues of mice. In addition, hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) notably induced the apoptosis and promoted the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress of HL-1 cells, while overexpression of Peg13 reversed these phenomena. Additionally, Peg13 may increase the level of Sirt1 through binding to miR-34a. Upregulation of Peg13 reversed H/R-induced ER stress via regulation of miR-34a/Sirt1 axis.LncRNA Peg13 reduces ER stress in myocardial infarction/reperfusion injury through mediation of miR-34a/Sirt1 axis. Hence, our research might shed new lights on developing new strategies for the treatment of myocardial I/R injury.

Biofunctional coacervate-based artificial protocells with membrane-like and cytoplasm-like structures for the treatment of persistent hyperuricemia

Coacervate droplets formed by liquid-liquid phase separation have attracted considerable attention due to their ability to enrich biomacromolecules while preserving their bioactivities. However, there are challenges to develop coacervate droplets as delivery vesicles for therapeutics resulting from the lack of physiological stability and inherent lack of membranes in coacervate droplets. Herein, polylysine-polynucleotide complex coacervate droplets with favorable physiological stability are formulated to efficiently and facilely concentrate small molecules, biomacromolecules and nanoparticles without organic solvents. To improve the biocompatibility, the PEGylated phospholipid membrane is further coated on the surface of the coacervate droplets to prepare coacervate-based artificial protocells (ArtPC) with membrane-like and cytoplasm-like structures. The ArtPC can confine the cyclic catalytic system of uricase and catalase inside to degrade uric acid and deplete the toxicity of H2O2. This biofunctional ArtPC effectively reduces blood uric acid levels and prevents renal injuries in mice with persistent hyperuricemia. The ArtPC-based therapy can bridge the disciplines of synthetic biology, pharmaceutics and therapeutics.

Acetyl-11-Keto-β-Boswellic Acid Accelerates the Repair of Spinal Cord Injury in Rats by Resisting Neuronal Pyroptosis with Nrf2

The primary aim of this study is to delve into the potential of Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) in ameliorating neuronal damage induced by acute spinal cord injury, as well as to unravel the intricate underlying mechanisms. A cohort of 40 Sprague-Dawley rats was meticulously categorized into four groups. Following a seven-day oral administration of AKBA, damaged spinal cord samples were meticulously procured for Nissl staining and electron microscopy to assess neuronal demise. Employing ELISA, immunofluorescence, Western blot (WB), and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), the modulatory effects of AKBA within the context of spinal cord injury were comprehensively evaluated. Furthermore, employing an ex vivo extraction of spinal cord neurons, an ATP + LPS-induced pyroptotic injury model was established. The model was subsequently subjected to Nrf2 inhibition, followed by a battery of assessments involving ELISA, DCFH-DA staining, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and WB to decipher the effects of AKBA on the spinal cord neuron pyroptosis model. By engaging the Nrf2-ROS-NLRP3 pathway, AKBA exerted a repressive influence on the expression of the pyroptotic initiator protein Caspase-1, thereby mitigating the release of GSDMD and alleviating pyroptosis. Additionally, AKBA demonstrated the ability to attenuate the release of IL-18 and IL-1β, curbing neuronal loss and expediting the restorative processes within the context of spinal cord injury. Our study elucidates that AKBA can reduce spinal cord neuronal apoptosis, providing a basis for the development of AKBA as a clinical treatment for spinal cord injury.

Penaeid shrimp counteract high ammonia stress by generating and using functional peptides from hemocyanin, such as HMCs27

Agricultural and anthropogenic activities release high ammonia levels into aquatic ecosystems, severely affecting aquatic organisms. Penaeid shrimp can survive high ammonia stress conditions, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. Here, total hemocyanin and oxyhemocyanin levels decreased in Penaeus vannamei plasma under high ammonia stress. When shrimp were subjected to high ammonia stress for 12 h, 24 hemocyanin (HMC) derived peptides were identified in shrimp plasma, among which one peptide, designated as HMCs27, was chosen for further analysis. Shrimp survival was significantly enhanced after treatment with the recombinant protein of HMCs27 (rHMCs27), followed by high ammonia stress. Transcriptome analysis of shrimp hepatopancreas after treatment with or without rHMCs27 followed by high ammonia stress revealed 973 significantly dysregulated genes, notable among which were genes involved in oxidation and metabolism, such as cytochrome C, catalase (CAT), isocitrate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), trypsin, chymotrypsin, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione s-transferase (GST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). In addition, levels of key biochemical indicators, such as SOD, CAT, and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), were significantly enhanced, whereas hepatopancreas malondialdehyde levels and plasma pH, NH3, GST, and ALT levels were significantly decreased after rHMCs27 treatment followed by high ammonia stress. Moreover, high ammonia stress induced hepatopancreas tissue injury and apoptosis, but rHMCs27 treatment ameliorated these effects. Collectively, the current study revealed that in response to high ammonia stress, shrimp generate functional peptides, such as peptide HMCs27 from hemocyanin, which helps to attenuate the ammonia toxicity by enhancing the antioxidant system and the tricarboxylic acid cycle to decrease plasma NH3 levels and pH.

Ammidin ameliorates myocardial hypoxia/reoxygenation injury by inhibiting the ACSL4/AMPK/mTOR-mediated ferroptosis pathway

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of ammidin on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury in primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes by observing the role of ferroptosis in the process of H/R injury, and to verify its target and regulatory signaling pathways.

METHODS

The network pharmacology analysis was used to predict the biological processes, core targets and related signaling pathways of Angelica dahurica in the treatment of ferroptosis. Cell viability was assessed using live cell imaging and cell counting kit-8. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) content were determined to assess the level of ferroptosis. Western blotting was performed to measure protein expression.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology predicted that Acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4) was highly associated with myocardial H/R injury in the intersection of Angelica dahurica and ferroptosis. The top three active components of Angelica dahurica were found to be mandenol, alloisoimperatorin and ammidin, among which ammidin was found to have the strongest binding to the target proteins of the ACSL4/AMPK/mTOR pathway. H/R reduced the viability of cardiomyocytes, while the inhibition of ferroptosis by ferrostatin-1 alleviated the H/R-induced inhibition of cardiomyocyte viability. This was evidenced by the increased cell viability, SOD release, MMP level and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) protein expression, as well as the decreased LDH and MDA release and ROS production and ACSL4 protein expression (P < 0.05). To verify the existence of ferroptosis in myocardial hypoxia/reoxygenation injury. In addition, ammidin increased cell viability and GPX4 protein expression (P < 0.05), decreased ROS generation, and MDA and MTT expression (P < 0.05), then inhibited ferroptosis, and finally alleviated myocardial H/R injury by regulating the ACSL4/AMPK signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Network pharmacology was used to predict the correlation between ammidin and ferroptosis following myocardial H/R injury. It was demonstrated that ammidin may regulate ferroptosis by inhibiting the ACSL4/AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway and reduce H/R injury in cardiomyocytes.

Urolithin A protects severe acute pancreatitis-associated acute cardiac injury by regulating mitochondrial fatty acid oxidative metabolism in cardiomyocytes

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) often develops into acute cardiac injury (ACI), contributing to the high mortality of SAP. Urolithin A (UA; 3,8-dihydroxy-6H-dibenzopyran-6-one), a natural polyphenolic compound, has been extensively studied and shown to possess significant anti-inflammatory effects. Nevertheless, the specific effects of UA in SAP-associated acute cardiac injury (SACI) have not been definitively elucidated. Here, we investigated the therapeutic role and mechanisms of UA in SACI using transcriptomics and untargeted metabolomics analyses in a mouse model of SACI and in vitro studies. SACI resulted in severely damaged pancreatic and cardiac tissues with myocardial mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial metabolism disorders. UA significantly reduced the levels of lipase, amylase and inflammatory factors, attenuated pathological damage to pancreatic and cardiac tissues, and reduced myocardial cell apoptosis and oxidative stress in SACI. Moreover, UA increased mitochondrial membrane potential and adenosine triphosphate production and restored mitochondrial metabolism, but the efficacy of UA was weakened by the inhibition of CPT1. Therefore, UA can attenuate cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction and reduce myocardial apoptosis by restoring the balance of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation metabolism. CPT1 may be a potential target. This study has substantial implications for advancing our understanding of the pathogenesis and drug development of SACI.

Oxidative stress signaling in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy and the potential therapeutic role of antioxidant naringenin

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent metabolic disorders that poses a global threat to human health. It can lead to complications in multiple organs and tissues, owing to its wide-ranging impact on the human body. Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a specific cardiac manifestation of DM, which is characterized by heart failure in the absence of coronary heart disease, hypertension and valvular heart disease. Given that oxidative stress is a key factor in the pathogenesis of DCM, intervening to mitigate oxidative stress may serve as a therapeutic strategy for managing DCM. Naringenin is a natural product with anti-oxidative stress properties that can suppress oxidative damage by regulating various oxidative stress signaling pathways. In this review, we address the relationship between oxidative stress and its primary signaling pathways implicated in DCM, and explores the therapeutic potential of naringenin in DCM.

NLRP3 inhibitors: Unleashing their therapeutic potential against inflammatory diseases

The NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been linked to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and is essential for innate defence against infection and danger signals. These secreted cytokines improve the inflammatory response caused by tissue damage and associated inflammation. Consequently, the development of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors are viable option for the treatment of diverse inflammatory disorders. The significant anti-inflammatory effects of the NLRP3 inhibitors have severe side effects. Hence, the application of NLRP3 inhibitors against inflammatory disease has not yet been understood and most of the developed inhibitors are unsuccessful in clinical trials. The processes behind the NLRP3 complex, priming, and activation are the main emphasis of this review, which also covers therapeutical inhibitors of the NLRP3 inflammasome and potential therapeutic strategies for directing the NLRP3 inflammasome towards clinical development.

Toxoplasma gondii Induces Pyroptosis in Human Placental Trophoblast and Amniotic Cells by Inducing ROS Production and Activation of Cathepsin B and NLRP1/NLRP3/NLRC4/AIM2 Inflammasome

Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women may cause fetal anomalies; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The current study investigated whether T. gondii induces pyroptosis in human placental cells and the underlying mechanisms. Human placental trophoblast (BeWo and HTR-8/SVneo) and amniotic (WISH) cells were infected with T. gondii, and then reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, cathepsin B (CatB) release, inflammasome activation, and pyroptosis induction were evaluated. The molecular mechanisms of these effects were investigated by treating the cells with ROS scavengers, a CatB inhibitor, or inflammasome-specific siRNA. T. gondii infection induced ROS generation and CatB release into the cytosol in placental cells but decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. T. gondii-infected human placental cells and villi exhibited NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRC4, and AIM2 inflammasome activation and subsequent pyroptosis induction, as evidenced by increased expression of ASC, cleaved caspase-1, and mature IL-1β and gasdermin D cleavage. In addition to inflammasome activation and pyroptosis induction, adverse pregnancy outcome was shown in a T. gondii-infected pregnant mouse model. Administration of ROS scavengers, CatB inhibitor, or inflammasome-specific siRNA into T. gondii-infected cells reversed these effects. Collectively, these findings show that T. gondii induces NLRP1/NLRP3/NLRC4/AIM2 inflammasome-dependent caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis via induction of ROS production and CatB activation in placental cells. This mechanism may play an important role in inducing cell injury in congenital toxoplasmosis.

Magnetic vagus nerve stimulation alleviates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by the inhibition of pyroptosis through the M2AChR/OGDHL/ROS axis in rats

BACKGROUND

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is accompanied by an imbalance in the cardiac autonomic nervous system, characterized by over-activated sympathetic tone and reduced vagal nerve activity. In our preceding study, we pioneered the development of the magnetic vagus nerve stimulation (mVNS) system. This system showcased precise vagus nerve stimulation, demonstrating remarkable effectiveness and safety in treating myocardial infarction. However, it remains uncertain whether mVNS can mitigate myocardial I/R injury and its specific underlying mechanisms. In this study, we utilized a rat model of myocardial I/R injury to delve into the therapeutic potential of mVNS against this type of injury.

RESULTS

Our findings revealed that mVNS treatment led to a reduction in myocardial infarct size, a decrease in ventricular fibrillation (VF) incidence and a curbing of inflammatory cytokine release. Mechanistically, mVNS demonstrated beneficial effects on myocardial I/R injury by inhibiting NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis through the M2AChR/OGDHL/ROS axis.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, these outcomes highlight the promising potential of mVNS as a treatment strategy for myocardial I/R injury.

Redox Regulation of Nucleotide-Binding and Oligomerization Domain-Like Receptors Inflammasome

Significance: Inflammasomes are multimeric complexes that, as part of the innate immune response, sense a wide range of pathogenic and sterile stimuli. They consist of three components, namely a sensor protein, an adaptor, and procaspase-1, which once activated result in secretion of proinflammatory interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 and, eventually, in a gasdermin D-dependent lytic cell death called pyroptosis. Recent Advances: Since their discovery 20 years ago, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of inflammasomes have been extensively studied. Oxidative stress appears as a major contributor to modulate inflammasomes, especially NLRP3 as well as NLRP1, NLRP6, and NLRC4. Growing evidence supports the idea that the positive feedback between redox imbalance and inflammasome-driven inflammation fuels an OxInflammatory state in a variety of human pathologies. Critical Issues: The current knowledge about the redox signaling pathways involved in inflammasomes activation and functions are here highlighted. In addition, we discuss the role of this complex molecular network interaction in the onset and progression of pathological conditions including neurological and metabolic diseases as well as skin disorders, also with an insight on COVID-19-related pathology. Finally, the therapeutic strategies able to mitigate the redox-mediated inflammasome activation with synthetic and natural compounds as well as by acting on inflammasome-related post-translational modifications and microRNAs are also addressed. Future Directions: Further investigations leading to a deeper understanding of the reciprocal interaction between inflammasomes and reactive oxygen species will help identify other molecular targets for modulating their hyperactivated state, and to design novel therapeutics for chronic OxInflammatory conditions. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 39, 744-770.

Progress in molecular mechanisms of coronary microvascular dysfunction

Coronary microvascular dysfunction is a high-risk factor for many cardiovascular events. However, because of multiple risk factors and limited understanding about its underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, it was easily misdiagnosed. Therefore, its clinical diagnosis and treatment were greatly restricted. Coronary microcirculation refers to microvessels that play an important role in the physiological regulation of myocardial perfusion and regulating blood flow distribution, fulfilling myocardial metabolic needs and moderating peripheral vascular resistance. In coronary microvascular dysfunction, vascular endothelial celldamage is a critical link. The main feature of early coronary microvascular dysfunction is the impairment of endothelial cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, apoptosis, and secretion. Moreover, coronary microvascular dysfunction risk factors include hyperglycemia, lipid metabolism disorders, ischemia-reperfusion injury, aging, and hypertension, similar to coronary atherosclerosis. There are various mechanisms by which these risk factors harm endothelial function and cause microcirculatory disturbances. Therefore, we reviewed coronary microvascular dysfunction's risk factors and pathogenesis in this article.

Broadening horizons: The role of ferroptosis in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Ferroptosis is a novel type of regulated cell death (RCD) discovered in recent years, where abnormal intracellular iron accumulation leads to the onset of lipid peroxidation, which further leads to the disruption of intracellular redox homeostasis and triggers cell death. Iron accumulation with lipid peroxidation is considered a hallmark of ferroptosis that distinguishes it from other RCDs. Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is a process of increased myocardial cell injury that occurs during coronary reperfusion after myocardial ischemia and is associated with high post-infarction mortality. Multiple experiments have shown that ferroptosis plays an important role in MIRI pathophysiology. This review systematically summarized the latest research progress on the mechanisms of ferroptosis. Then we report the possible link between the occurrence of MIRI and ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes. Finally, we discuss and analyze the related drugs that target ferroptosis to attenuate MIRI and its action targets, and point out the shortcomings of the current state of relevant research and possible future research directions. It is hoped to provide a new avenue for improving the prognosis of the acute coronary syndrome.

L-Arginine-Loaded Gold Nanocages Ameliorate Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Promoting Nitric Oxide Production and Maintaining Mitochondrial Function

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Reperfusion therapy is vital to patient survival after a heart attack but can cause myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI). Nitric oxide (NO) can ameliorate MI/RI and is a key molecule for drug development. However, reactive oxygen species (ROS) can easily oxidize NO to peroxynitrite, which causes secondary cardiomyocyte damage. Herein, L-arginine-loaded selenium-coated gold nanocages (AAS) are designed, synthesized, and modified with PCM (WLSEAGPVVTVRALRGTGSW) to obtain AASP, which targets cardiomyocytes, exhibits increased cellular uptake, and improves photoacoustic imaging in vitro and in vivo. AASP significantly inhibits oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced H9C2 cell cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Mechanistic investigation revealed that AASP improves mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), restores ATP synthase activity, blocks ROS generation, and prevents NO oxidation, and NO blocks ROS release by regulating the closing of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). AASP administration in vivo improves myocardial function, inhibits myocardial apoptosis and fibrosis, and ultimately attenuates MI/RI in rats by maintaining mitochondrial function and regulating NO signaling. AASP shows good safety and biocompatibility in vivo. This findings confirm the rational design of AASP, which can provide effective treatment for MI/RI.

Insulin reduces pyroptosis-induced inflammation by PDHA1 dephosphorylation-mediated NLRP3 activation during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

Previous studies proved that pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3)-induced pyroptosis plays an important role in Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). Insulin can inhibit the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, although the exact mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether insulin reduces NLRP3-induced pyroptosis by regulating pyruvate dehydrogenase E1alpha subunit (PDHA1) dephosphorylation during MIRI.

METHODS

Rat hearts were subject to 30 min global ischemia followed by 60 min reperfusion, with or without 0.5 IU/L insulin. Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury was evaluated by measuring myocardial enzymes release, Cardiac hemodynamics, pathological changes, infarct size, and apoptosis rate. Cardiac aerobic glycolysis was evaluated by measuring ATP, lactic acid content, and pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHc) activity in myocardial tissue. Recombinant adenoviral vectors for PDHA1 knockdown were constructed. Pyroptosis-related proteins were measured by Western blotting analysis, immunohistochemistry staining, and ELISA assay, respectively.

RESULTS

It was found that insulin significantly reduced the area of myocardial infarction, apoptosis rate, and improved cardiac hemodynamics, pathological changes, energy metabolism. Insulin inhibits pyroptosis-induced inflammation during MIRI. Subsequently, Adeno-associated virus was used to knock down cardiac PDHA1 expression. Knockdown PDHA1 not only promoted the expression of NLRP3 but also blocked the inhibitory effect of insulin on NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in MIRI.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that insulin protects against MIRI by regulating PDHA1 dephosphorylation, its mechanism is not only to improve myocardial energy metabolism but also to reduce the NLRP3-induced pyroptosis.

The interplay between T lymphocytes and macrophages in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury

Acute myocardial infarction is one of the most important causes of death in the world, causing a huge health and economic burden to the world. It is still a ticklish problem how to effectively prevent reperfusion injury while recovering the blood flow of ischemic myocardium. During the process of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI), the modulation of immune cells plays an important role. Monocyte/macrophage, neutrophils and endothelial cells initiate the inflammatory response and induce the release of various inflammatory cytokines, resulting in increased vascular permeability, tissue edema and damage. Meanwhile, T cells were recruited to impaired myocardium and release pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. T cells and macrophages play important roles in keeping cardiac homeostasis and orchestrate tissue repair. T cells differentiation and macrophages polarization precisely regulates the tissue microenvironment in MI/RI, and shows cross action, but the mechanism is unclear. To identify potential intervention targets and propose ideas for treatment and prevention of MI/RI, this review explores the crosstalk between T lymphocytes and macrophages in MI/RI.

Hyperuricemia promotes the progression of atherosclerosis by activating endothelial cell pyroptosis via the ROS/NLRP3 pathway

Hyperuricemia closely correlates with the development of atherosclerosis, but little is known of the mechanism by which atherosclerosis progression occurs in hyperuricemia. Atherosclerosis appears to involve pyroptosis, an emerging mechanism of proinflammatory regulated cell death. This study tested the hypothesis that pyroptosis underlies the relationship between hyperuricemia and atherosclerosis, using ApoE-/- mice (a model of atherosclerosis), human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and human atherosclerotic arterial samples. We found that hyperuricemia can aggravate the aortic atherosclerotic plaque-load in ApoE-/- mice and promote endothelial cell pyroptosis. Additionally, hyperuricemia can increase the levels of serum inflammatory factors (including IL-1β and IL-18). Exposure to lipopolysaccharide plus a high concentration of soluble uric acid (≥12 mg/dL) induced cell pyroptosis in HUVECs, as evidenced by increased expression of pyroptosis-related proteins and elevated release of lactate dehydrogenase (a marker of tissue damage). Further, MCC950, a selective nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome inhibitor, and N-acetyl- l-cysteine, an antioxidant, attenuated HUVEC pyroptosis by inhibiting activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Finally, we detected significantly higher expression of pyroptosis-associated proteins in carotid specimens from patients with hyperuricemia. Collectively, our findings suggest that hyperuricemia can aggravate endothelial cell pyroptosis in aortic atherosclerotic plaques, promoting the development of atherosclerosis. Additionally, a high concentration of soluble uric acid can trigger the activation stage of the NLRP3 inflammasome, mediating endothelial cell pyroptosis, and this process is regulated by the cellular ROS level.

Effect and mechanism of circHMGA2 on ferroptosis and pyroptosis in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion model CircHMGA2 exacerbates MI/R injury

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MI/R) injury is a common and serious complication following reperfusion treatment for myocardial infarction (MI). Increasing evidence has verified the crucial role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the MI/R injury processes. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects and potential regulatory mechanisms of circHMGA2 on MI/R injury. Hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) models were established using human cardiac myocytes (HCMs) and mice models were induced by MI/R. The level of circHMGA2 was detected by RT-qPCR. Myocardial function was evaluated by the hemodynamic parameters, the activity of serum myocardial enzymes, HE staining and TUNEL assays. Cell proliferation was measured by CCK-8 assay. The ferrous ion (Fe²⁺) level was determined with an iron assay kit. Ferroptosis- and pyroptosis-related proteins were determined using western blotting. The levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory factors were analyzed using DCFH-DA staining or ELISA assays. CircHMGA2 was upregulated in H/R-induced HCMs and myocardial tissues of MI/R mice. In vitro, circHMGA2 knockdown attenuated the proliferation inhibition, restrained the ferroptosis and pyroptosis in H/R-induced HCMs. This regulatory mechanism may be associated with the suppression of NLRP3 pathway. In vivo, circHMGA2 depletion attenuated myocardial tissue damage of MI/R mice through inhibiting the oxidative stress and pyroptosis. Taken together, CircHMGA2 enhanced MI/R injury via promoting ferroptosis and pyroptosis, providing new insights into the treatment of MI/R injury.

The association between serum uric acid and creatine phosphokinase in the general population: NHANES 2015-2018

BACKGROUND

The association between serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK), a standard biochemical measure of acute myocardial infarction, and serum uric acid (sUA) has not been studied. This study aimed to determine the association between sUA and CPK in the general population of the US.

METHODS

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015-2018 were used, including a total of 8,431 subjects aged ≥ 30 years. Weighted multiple regression analysis was used to estimate the independent relationship between sUA and CPK. Fitted smoothing curves and weighted generalized additive models were also performed.

RESULTS

We found a positive relationship between sUA and CPK after adjusting for potential confounders. In subgroup analyses stratified by sex and race/ethnicity, sUA was positively correlated with CPK in each subgroup. The association between sUA and CPK followed an inverted U-shaped curve in females (turning point: sUA = 428.3 μmol/L).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggested that sUA level was positively correlated with CPK in the general population of the US. However, CPK increased with sUA until the turning point (sUA = 428.3 μmol/L) in females. Fundamental research and large sample prospective studies are needed to determine the exact mechanism of the association between sUA and CPK.

Ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis in cancer: Crucial cell death types in radiotherapy and post-radiotherapy immune activation

Tumor cell death and antitumor immune activation induced by radiotherapy are extensively well-studied. While radiotherapy is believed to mainly induce tumor cell necrosis and apoptosis, recent studies have shown that it can also induce ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis in tumor cells. However, studies on the role of ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis in radiotherapy and post-radiotherapy immune activation are limited. In this review, we summarize the comprehensive literature on the molecular mechanisms and more recent research progress related to radiotherapy-induced ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis in tumor cells. Further, we discuss the role of tumor cells undergoing these types of cell death in immune activation after radiotherapy. In addition, we highlight some unresolved questions on the association of radiotherapy with ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis. This review can improve our current understanding of the relationship between radiotherapy and different cell death pathways and provide a theoretical framework to improve the therapeutic effect of tumor radiotherapy in the future.

Bone marrow stromal cell‐derived exosomes improve oxidative stress and pyroptosis in doxorubicin‐induced myocardial injury in vitro by regulating the transcription of GSDMD through the PI3K‐AKT‐Foxo1 pathway

Objectives

Doxorubicin (DOX) can contribute to severe myocardial injury, and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC)‐exosomes (Exos) improves acute myocardial infarction. Hence, this research investigated whether BMSC‐Exos alleviated DOX‐induced myocardial injury.

Methods

BMSC‐derived Exos were isolated and identified, and the optimal concentration of DOX was confirmed. H9C2 cells were treated with DOX and BMSC‐Exos or in combination with the protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and JC‐1 were detected to assess oxidative stress (OS) and mitochondrial membrane damage, respectively. In addition, the expression of pyroptosis‐related molecules was measured. The expression of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)‐AKT pathway‐related proteins and the phosphorylation and acetylation of forkhead box O1 (Foxo1) in the cell nucleus and cytoplasm were tested. Last, interactions between Foxo1 and gasdermin D (GSDMD) were assessed.

Results

BMSC‐Exo treatment increased viability and mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced lactic dehydrogenase release and ROS levels in DOX‐treated H9C2 cells. Furthermore, the addition of BMSC‐Exos suppressed DOX‐induced activation and upregulation of NLRP3 and apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing A CARD (ASC) and in vitro cleavage of caspase‐1, GSDMD, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐18 proteins. Additionally, BMSC‐Exo treatment enhanced the expression of phosphorylated (p)‐PI3K, p‐AKT, and p‐mTOR in DOX‐treated H9C2 cells and the levels of phosphorylated Foxo1 in the cytoplasm of DOX‐treated H9C2 cells. Foxo1 was enriched in the promoter region of GSDMD. Moreover, the AKT inhibitor API‐2 annulled the effects of BMSC‐Exos on OS, pyroptosis, and Foxo1 phosphorylation in DOX‐treated H9C2 cells.

Conclusions

BMSC‐Exos phosphorylated Foxo1 and inactivated Foxo1 transcription via the PI3K‐AKT pathway to diminish GSDMD expression, thus restraining DOX‐induced pyroptosis and OS of myocardial cells.

Notopterol Ameliorates Hyperuricemia-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction in Mice

Notopterol is a naturally occurring furanocoumarin compound found in the root of Notopterygium incisum. Hyperuricemia involves the activation of chronic inflammation and leads to cardiac damage. Whether notopterol has cardioprotective potential in hyperuricemia mice remains elusive. The hyperuricemic mouse model was constructed by administration of potassium oxonate and adenine every other day for six weeks. Notopterol (20 mg/kg) and allopurinol (10 mg/kg) were given daily as treatment, respectively. The results showed that hyperuricemia dampened heart function and reduced exercise capacity. Notopterol treatment improved exercise capacity and alleviated cardiac dysfunction in hyperuricemic mice. P2X7R and pyroptosis signals were activated both in hyperuricemic mice and in uric acid-stimulated H9c2 cells. Additionally, it was verified that inhibition of P2X7R alleviated pyroptosis and inflammatory signals in uric acid-treated H9c2 cells. Notopterol administration significantly suppressed expression levels of pyroptosis associated proteins and P2X7R in vivo and in vitro. P2X7R overexpression abolished the inhibition effect of notopterol on pyroptosis. Collectively, our findings suggested that P2X7R played a critical role in uric acid-induced NLRP3 inflammatory signals. Notopterol inhibited pyroptosis via inhibiting the P2X7R/NLRP3 signaling pathway under uric acid stimulation. Notopterol might represent a potential therapeutic strategy against pyroptosis and improve cardiac function in hyperuricemic mice.

The role of ROS-induced pyroptosis in CVD

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death in the world and seriously threatens human health. Pyroptosis is a new type of cell death discovered in recent years. Several studies have revealed that ROS-induced pyroptosis plays a key role in CVD. However, the signaling pathway ROS-induced pyroptosis has yet to be fully understood. This article reviews the specific mechanism of ROS-mediated pyroptosis in vascular endothelial cells, macrophages, and cardiomyocytes. Current evidence shows that ROS-mediated pyroptosis is a new target for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis (AS), myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI), and heart failure (HF).

Moxibustion mitigates mitochondrial dysfunction and NLRP3 inflammatory activation in cyclophosphamide-induced premature ovarian insufficiency rats

AIMS

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of moxibustion on ovarian dysfunction in rats with cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). It also aimed at revealing its potential mechanisms and emphasizing its role in mitigating the mitochondrial dysfunction and NLRP3 inflammatory activation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

POI models were established by the intraperitoneal administration of Cy using female Sprague-Dawley rats. Moxibustion (BL23 or CV4, CV8) was used to treat POI models for fifteen days. Vaginal smears, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, hematoxylin-eosin, tunnel staining, flow cytometry analysis, immunohistochemistry staining, qRT-PCR, and western blotting were conducted to evaluate the ovarian function, mitochondrial dysfunction, and NLRP3 inflammatory activation in this study.

KEY FINDINGS

Moxibustion could improve the disorder of the estrous cycles and reproductive hormone levels, promote follicular growth, reduce the number of atresia follicles, and alleviate the apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) in rats with POI. Furthermore, moxibustion mitigated the mitochondrial damage, reversed the elevated serum levels of IL-18 and IL-1β, and decreased their protein expression in the ovaries of rats with POI. Moxibustion significantly inhibited the expression of the mRNAs and proteins of NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), caspase 1, and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in the ovaries of rats with POI.

SIGNIFICANCE

These results supported that moxibustion may ameliorate Cy-induced POI by mitigating the mitochondrial dysfunction and NLRP3 inflammatory activation. Targeted treatment of mitochondrial damage and NLRP3 inflammatory activation may be a novel therapeutic strategy for POI.

Plausible Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome and Associated Cytokines in Pathogenesis of Rheumatic Heart Disease

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a post-streptococcal sequela caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. The global burden of disease is high among people with low socio-economic status, with significant cases emerging every year despite global eradication efforts. The current treatment includes antibiotic therapies to target strep throat and rheumatic fever and valve replacement strategies as a corrective measure for chronic RHD patients. Valvular damage and valve calcification are considered to be the end-stage processes of the disease resulting from impairment of the endothelial arrangement due to immune infiltration. This immune infiltration is mediated by a cascade of events involving NLRP3 inflammasome activation. NLRP3 inflammasome is activated by wide range of stimuli including bacterial cell wall components like M proteins and leukocidal toxins like nicotinamide dehydrogenase (NADase) and streptolysin O (SLO) and these play a major role in sustaining the virulence of Streptococcus pyogenes and progression of RHD. In this review, we are discussing NLRP3 inflammasome and its plausible role in the pathogenesis of RHD by exploiting the host-pathogen interaction mainly focusing on the NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Different therapeutic approaches involving NLRP3 inflammasome inactivation, caspase-1 inhibition, and blockade of IL-1β and IL-18 are discussed in this review and may be promising for treating RHD patients.

Gasdermin D-mediated pyroptosis in myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury: Cumulative evidence for future cardioprotective strategies

Cardiomyocyte death is one of the major mechanisms contributing to the development of myocardial infarction (MI) and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury. Due to the limited regenerative ability of cardiomyocytes, understanding the mechanisms of cardiomyocyte death is necessary. Pyroptosis, one of the regulated programmed cell death pathways, has recently been shown to play important roles in MI and MI/R injury. Pyroptosis is activated by damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that are released from damaged myocardial cells and activate the formation of an apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) interacting with NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), resulting in caspase-1 cleavage which promotes the activation of Gasdermin D (GSDMD). This pathway is known as the canonical pathway. GSDMD has also been shown to be activated in a non-canonical pathway during MI and MI/R injury via caspase-4/5/11. Suppression of GSDMD has been shown to provide cardioprotection against MI and MI/R injury. Although the effects of MI or MI/R injury on pyroptosis have previously been discussed, knowledge concerning the roles of GSDMD in these settings remains limited. In this review, the evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies focusing on cardiac GSDMD activation during MI and MI/R injury is comprehensively summarized and discussed. Implications from this review will help pave the way for a new therapeutic target in ischemic heart disease.

Ginsenoside Rh2 attenuates myocardial ischaemia‑reperfusion injury by regulating the Nrf2/HO‑1/NLRP3 signalling pathway

Ginsenoside Rh2 (GRh2) is a monomer isolated from red ginseng that has extensive pharmacological effects. However, whether GRh2 has a protective effect on ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) in the myocardium has yet to be elucidated. The present study aimed to identify the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of GRh2 on I/R in the myocardium and its underlying mechanism. A rat model of myocardial I/R injury was constructed by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery, which was subsequently treated with GRh2. A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the following four groups: The sham group, the I/R group, the I/R+GRh2 (10 mg/kg) group and the I/R+GRh2 (20 mg/kg) group. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were also used to evaluate the protective effect of GRh2 on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced myocardial injury in vitro. The GRh2 pre-treatment reduced the I/R- or H/R-induced release of myocardial enzymes and the production of IL-1β, IL-18 and TNF-α. GRh2 reduced the area of myocardial infarction and the histological changes in the myocardium and improved cardiac functions. In addition, GRh2 reduced the expression levels of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein, caspase-1, malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species and increased the expression levels of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. In conclusion, the present study confirmed that GRh2 could reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in cardiomyocytes after reperfusion, and its mechanism of action may be related to its regulation of the Nrf2/HO-1/NLRP3 signalling pathway.

Pyroptosis: A Newly Discovered Therapeutic Target for Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, uncommon among patients suffering from myocardial infarction, stroke, or acute kidney injury, can result in cell death and organ dysfunction. Previous studies have shown that different types of cell death, including apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy, can occur during I/R injury. Pyroptosis, which is characterized by cell membrane pore formation, pro-inflammatory cytokine release, and cell burst, and which differentiates itself from apoptosis and necroptosis, has been found to be closely related to I/R injury. Therefore, targeting the signaling pathways and key regulators of pyroptosis may be favorable for the treatment of I/R injury, which is far from adequate at present. This review summarizes the current status of pyroptosis and its connection to I/R in different organs, as well as potential treatment strategies targeting it to combat I/R injury.

Pyroptosis is a drug target for prevention of adverse cardiac remodeling: The crosstalk between pyroptosis, apoptosis, and autophagy

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the main reasons of cardiovascular disease-related death. The introduction of percutaneous coronary intervention to clinical practice dramatically decreased the mortality rate in AMI. Adverse cardiac remodeling is a serious problem in cardiology. An increase in the effectiveness of AMI treatment and prevention of adverse cardiac remodeling is difficult to achieve without understanding the mechanisms of reperfusion cardiac injury and cardiac remodeling. Inhibition of pyroptosis prevents the development of postinfarction and pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling, and mitigates cardiomyopathy induced by diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Therefore, it is reasonable to hypothesize that the pyroptosis inhibitors may find a role in clinical practice for treatment of AMI and prevention of cardiac remodeling, diabetes and metabolic syndrome-triggered cardiomyopathy. It was demonstrated that pyroptosis interacts closely with apoptosis and autophagy. Pyroptosis could be inhibited by nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor with a pyrin domain 3 inhibitors, caspase-1 inhibitors, microRNA, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin Ⅱ receptor blockers, and traditional Chinese herbal medicines.

NLRP3: Role in ischemia/reperfusion injuries

NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) is expressed in immune cells, especially in dendritic cells and macrophages and acts as a constituent of the inflammasome. This protein acts as a pattern recognition receptor identifying pathogen-associated molecular patterns. In addition to recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns, it recognizes damage-associated molecular patterns. Triggering of NLRP3 inflammasome by molecules ATP released from injured cells results in the activation of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Abnormal activation of NLRP3 inflammasome has been demonstrated to stimulate inflammatory or metabolic diseases. Thus, NLRP3 is regarded as a proper target for decreasing activity of NLRP3 inflammasome. Recent studies have also shown abnormal activity of NLRP3 in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries. In the current review, we have focused on the role of this protein in I/R injuries in the gastrointestinal, neurovascular and cardiovascular systems.

High Uric Acid Levels in Acute Myocardial Infarction Provide Better Long-Term Prognosis Predictive Power When Combined with Traditional Risk Factors

The current study aimed to investigate the association between serum UA levels and the mortality rate of AMI patients. We analyzed 5888 patients with successfully revascularized AMI (mean age: 64.0 ± 12.7 years). The subjects were divided into the high UA group (uric acid >6.5 mg/dL for males, >5.8 mg/dL for females) or the normal UA group based on initial serum UA level measured at admission. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. A total of 4141 (70.3%) and 1747 (29.7%) patients were classified into the normal UA group and high UA groups, respectively. Over a median follow-up of 5.02 (3.07, 7.55) years, 929 (21.5%) and 532 (34.1%) patients died in each group. Cox regression analysis identified high UA levels as an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.69 [95% CI 1.52−1.88]; p < 0.001, adjusted HR 1.18 [95% CI: 1.05−1.32]; p = 0.005). The results were consistent after propensity-score matching and inverse probability weighting to adjust for baseline differences. The predictive accuracies of conventional clinical factor discrimination and reclassification were significantly improved upon the addition of hyperuricemia (C-index 0.788 [95% CI 0.775−0.801]; p = 0.005, IDI 0.004 [95% CI 0.002−0.006]; p < 0.001, NRI 0.263 [95% CI 0.208−0.318]; p < 0.001).

NLRP3 Inflammasome/Pyroptosis: A Key Driving Force in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious diabetic complication, is a kind of low-grade inflammatory cardiovascular disorder. Due to the high risk of morbidity and mortality, DCM has demanded the attention of medical researchers worldwide. The pathophysiological nature of DCM is intricate, and the genesis and development of which are a consequence of the coaction of many factors. However, the exact pathogenesis mechanism of DCM remains unclear. Pyroptosis is a newly identified programmed cell death (PCD) that is directly related to gasdermin D(GSDMD). It is characterized by pore formation on the cell plasma membrane, the release of inflammatory mediators, and cell lysis. The initiation of pyroptosis is closely correlated with NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) activation, which activates caspase-1 and promotes the cleaving of GSDMD. In addition to adjusting the host’s immune defense, NLRP3 inflammasome/pyroptosis plays a critical role in controlling the systemic inflammatory response. Recent evidence has indicated that NLRP3 inflammasome/pyroptosis has a strong link with DCM. Targeting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome or pyroptosis may be a hopeful therapeutic strategy for DCM. The focus of this review is to summarize the relevant mechanisms of pyroptosis and the relative contributions in DCM, highlighting the potential therapeutic targets in this field.

AMP-activated protein kinase α2 contributes to acute and chronic hyperuricemic nephropathy via renal urate deposition in a mouse model

Hyperuricemia can induce acute and chronic kidney damage, but the pathological mechanism remains unclear. The potential role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) α2 in hyperuricemia-induced renal injury was investigated in this study. Acute and chronic hyperuricemic nephropathy was induced by administering intraperitoneal injections of uric acid and oxonic acid to AMPK α2 knockout and wild-type mice. Changes in renal function, histopathology, inflammatory cell infiltration, renal interstitial fibrosis, and urate deposition were analyzed. In both acute and chronic hyperuricemic nephropathy mouse models, knockout of AMPK α2 significantly reduced serum creatinine levels and renal pathological changes. The tubular expression of kidney injury molecule-1 was also reduced in hyperuricemic nephropathy mice deficient in AMPK α2. In addition, knockout of AMPK α2 significantly suppressed the infiltration of renal macrophages and progression of renal interstitial fibrosis in mice with chronic hyperuricemic nephropathy. Knockout of AMPK α2 reduced renal urate crystal deposition, probably through increasing the expression of the uric acid transporter, multidrug resistance protein 4. In summary, AMPK α2 is involved in acute and chronic hyperuricemia-induced kidney injury and may be associated with increased urate crystal deposition in the kidney.

LC-MS-based metabolomics reveals metabolic changes in short- and long-term administration of Compound Danshen Dripping Pills against acute myocardial infarction in rats

BACKGROUND

Mild and systematically improving multiple metabolic disorders was a focused view for Compound Danshen Dripping Pills playing synergistic effects through multiple components and multiple targets. The difference in overall therapeutic effects and endogenous metabolic regulation between short- and long-term administration was still unclear.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore the difference in endogenous metabolic regulation between short- and long-term Compound Danshen Dripping Pills (CDDP) administration against acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

METHODS

The model of AMI was induced by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. The cardiac protection effects of CDDP were investigated by echocardiography, 1- or 2-week were defined as short- and long-term based on desirable efficacy variability. The entire metabolic changes between short- and long-term administration of CDDP were profiled by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. In addition, the metabolic regulatory network of CDDP administration against myocardial infarction rats was also compared with those of a typical chemical drug isosorbide 5-mononitrate (ISMN).

RESULTS

After 1- or 2-week continuous oral administration, CDDP could significantly alleviate AMI-induced cardiac dysfunction. By using LC-MS-based metabolomics analyses, we systematically investigated the metabolic profiles of plasma and heart tissue samples at fixed exposure time-points (2 h, 24 h) from AMI rats with CDDP treatment. Most interestingly, global endogenous metabolic changes were observed in cardiac samples collected at different stages post consecutive CDDP administration, fluctuating at 2 and 24 h after 1 week but stabilizing after 2 weeks. The disrupted metabolic pathways such as glycerophospholipid, amino acids, fatty acids, and arachidonic acid metabolism were reconstructed after both short- and long-term CDDP treatment, while taurine and hypotaurine metabolism and purine metabolism contributed to the whole efficacy after long-term CDDP administration.

CONCLUSION

Long-term CDDP treatment plays prolonged and stable efficacy against AMI compared with short-term treatment by specifically regulating purine and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism and systematically redressing metabolic disorders.

Short-Term Hyperuricemia Leads to Structural Retinal Changes That Can be Reversed by Serum Uric Acid Lowering Agents in Mice

Purpose

Metabolic disorders have been implicated in ocular diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Recently, hyperuricemia (HUA) has been proposed as another risk factor for AMD, although no cause-and-effect experimental data have been published. In this study, we investigated whether HUA would initiate AMD or related retinal damages in hyperuricemic mice.

Methods

HUA was induced in male ICR mice by dietary supplements of uric acid and oxonic acid potassium salt, with or without treatments by allopurinol or benzbromarone for various durations. Serum uric acid and angiotensin II concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at regular intervals. The retinal damages were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunostaining, and TUNEL assay. The cause-and-effect of HUA was compared among the study groups.

Results

The results showed that the total thickness of photoreceptor inner and outer segments, as well as the thickness of the photoreceptor outer segment alone, were reduced under HUA. Furthermore, HUA elevated serum angiotensin II, which indicated activation of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), leading to higher matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) expression, and glial activation in the ganglion cell layer. HUA also led to the reduction of retinal pigment epithelium gap junction protein connexin-43 and apoptosis. Uric acid lowering agents, allopurinol or benzbromarone, were effective in ameliorating the impairments.

Conclusions

HUA may pose as a causative factor of retinal injuries. The reduction of serum uric acid may reduce the detrimental effects caused by HUA.

Total extract of Abelmoschus manihot L. alleviates uric acid-induced renal tubular epithelial injury via inhibition of caspase-8/caspase-3/NLRP3/GSDME signaling

Purpose: The incidence of uric acid (UA)-induced kidney injury is increasing owing to the high incidence of hyperuricemia in recent years. The flower of Abelmoschus manihot (Linneus) Medik is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb widely used in the treatment of some kidney diseases. In our previous study, we reported that the total extract of A. manihot L. flower (TEA) attenuated adriamycin-induced renal tubular cell injury. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of TEA in UA-induced tubular cell injury.

Methods: Normal rat proximal epithelial NRK-52E cells were incubated with UA to mimic hyperuricemia conditions. The role of TEA in the renal tubular cells was also assessed. The cellular morphology was observed using phase-contrast microscopy, and cell viability was analyzed using the Cell Counting kit-8. Living and dead cells were stained using a Calcein-AM/PI double stain kit. The release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was analyzed by LDH cytotoxicity Assay Kit. The expression of target proteins was analyzed using western blot analysis.

Results: UA triggered NRK-52E cell injury, as evidenced by morphological changes, detachment of cells from the bottom, cell swelling, large bubbles blowing from cell membrane and loss of cell viability. UA increased release of LDH. UA induced the expression of p-ERK1/2 and the subsequent activation of caspase-8, caspase-3, and NLRP3 inflammasomes. Pyroptosis was elicited by UA after gasdermin E N-terminal (GSDME-NT) was cleaved from gasdermin E (GSDME). Z-DEVD-FMK, a caspase-3 inhibitor, suppressed the expression of both NLRP3 and GSDME-NT, but not that of caspase-8. INF39, an NLRP3 inhibitor, altered the expression of GSDME-NT expression, but not that caspase-3 and caspase-8. TEA alleviated UA-induced cell injury by suppressing ERK1/2/caspase-8/caspase-3/NLRP3/GSDME signaling.

Conclusion: GSDME-mediated pyroptosis was involved in UA-induced renal tubular cell injury. This is the first study to report that TEA protects renal tubular epithelial cells against UA by inhibiting the ERK/1/2/caspase-8/caspase-3/NLRP3/GSDME pathway.

The anti-alcoholism drug disulfiram effectively ameliorates ulcerative colitis through suppressing oxidative stresses-associated pyroptotic cell death and cellular inflammation in colonic cells

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress, cell pyroptosis and inflammation are considered as important pathogenic factors for ulcerative colitis (UC) development, and the traditional anti-alcoholism drug disulfiram (DSF) has recently been reported to exert its regulating effects on all the above cellular functions, which makes DSF as ideal therapeutic agent for UC treatment, but this issue has not been fully studied.

METHODS

Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced animal models in C57BL/6J mice and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cellular models in colonic cell lines (HT-29 and Caco-2) for UC were respectively established. Cytokine secretion was determined by ELISA. Cell viability and proliferation were evaluated by MTT assay and EdU assay. Real-Time qPCR, Western Blot, immunofluorescent staining assay and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were employed to evaluate gene expressions. The correlations of the genes in the clinical tissues were analyzed by using the Pearson Correlation analysis.

RESULTS

DSF restrained oxidative stress, pyroptotic cell death and cellular inflammation in UC models in vitro and in vivo, and elimination of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) by N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) rescued cell viability in LPS-treated colonic cells (HT-29 and Caco-2). Further experiments suggested that a glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β)/Nrf2/NLRP3 signaling cascade played critical role in this process. Mechanistically, DSF downregulated GSK-3β and NLRP3, whereas upregulated Nrf2 in LPS-treated colonic cells. Also, the regulating effects of DSF on Nrf2 and NLRP3 were abrogated by upregulating GSK-3β. Moreover, upregulation of GSK-3β abolished the protective effects of DSF on LPS-treated colonic cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, data of this study indicated that DSF restrained oxidative damages-related pyroptotic cell death and inflammation via regulating the GSK-3β/Nrf2/NLRP3 pathway, leading to the suppression of LPS-induced UC development.

Targeting Nrf2 in ischemia-reperfusion alleviation: From signaling networks to therapeutic targeting

The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a master regulator of redox balance and it responds to various cell stresses that oxidative stress is the most well-known one. The Nrf2 should undergo nuclear translocation to exert its protective impacts and decrease ROS production. On the other hand, ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a pathological event resulting from low blood flow to an organ and followed by reperfusion. The I/R induces cell injury and organ dysfunction. The present review focuses on Nrf2 function in alleviation of I/R injury. Stimulating of Nrf2 signaling ameliorates I/R injury in various organs including lung, liver, brain, testis and heart. The Nrf2 enhances activity of antioxidant enzymes to reduce ROS production and prevent oxidative stress-mediated cell death. Besides, Nrf2 reduces inflammation via decreasing levels of pro-inflammatory factors including IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α. Nrf2 signaling is beneficial in preventing apoptosis and increasing cell viability. Nrf2 induces autophagy to prevent apoptosis during I/R injury. Furthermore, it can interact with other molecular pathways including PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, miRNAs, lncRNAs and GSK-3β among others, to ameliorate I/R injury. The therapeutic agents, most of them are phytochemicals such as resveratrol, berberine and curcumin, induce Nrf2 signaling in I/R injury alleviation.

Apoptosis of Lens Epithelial Cells and Expression of NLRP3-related Proteins in Patients with Diabetes and Cataract

AIM

To compare the expression of apoptosis-related factors and Nlrp3-related proteins in the lens epithelial cells (LECs) of patients with diabetes and cataract and patients with age-related cataract (ARC) alone.

METHODS

All patients were divided into four groups according to the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and the degree of diabetic retinopathy (DR). LECs were obtained during cataract surgery. The expression levels of cleaved caspase-3, caspase-7, ASC, caspase-1and Nlrp3 in LECs were determined. And analyzed by age, course of DM, and HbA1c levels.

RESULTS

The incidence of LEC apoptosis and positive rates of cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-7 expression were significantly higher in the groups with DM (P<0.05).The positive expression rates of ASC, caspase-1, and Nlrp3 increased with longer duration of DM, increased HbA1c level, or advanced DR (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

In cataract patients with DM, the expression of apoptosis-related factors in LECs increased. Nlrp3-related protein expression levels, diabetes duration, HbA1c levels, and extent of DR may be potential risk factors for diabetic cataract formation.

CTRP12 alleviates cardiomyocyte ischemia‑reperfusion injury via regulation of KLF15

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) serves a crucial role in myocardial infarction. C1q/TNF-related protein 12 (CTRP12) is a secretory protein involved in metabolism. It has been reported that CTRP12 participates in the regulation of numerous cardiovascular diseases. However, its role in myocardial I/R injury remains unclear. In the present study, the left anterior descending coronary artery in mice was ligated to establish a mouse I/R model. A myocardial hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) cell model was also established. Cardiomyocyte injury was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining, Cell Counting Kit-8 and a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) kit. The expression levels of CTRP12 and Krueppel-like factor 15 (KLF15) in murine myocardial tissues and H9c2 cells were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting, as KLF15 was previously reported to protect against I/R-induced cardiomyocyte damage. Furthermore, inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were analyzed using ELISA while apoptosis was assessed using TUNEL assays and western blotting. Moreover, the activity of the CTRP12 promoter was determined using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The results demonstrated that I/R surgery markedly exacerbated myocardial tissue damage, whereas H/R treatment significantly reduced cell viability and significantly increased LDH activity as well as the release of inflammatory factors and apoptosis. I/R and H/R induction significantly reduced the expression levels of CTRP12 and KLF15. CTRP12 overexpression significantly alleviated H/R-induced cell injury and significantly inhibited inflammation and apoptosis. Further analysis demonstrated that KLF15 could significantly promote the activity of the CTRP12 promoter. However, following CTRP12 knockdown, KLF15 overexpression exacerbated cell injury, inflammation and apoptosis. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that CTRP12 may mitigate inflammation and apoptosis in H/R-induced cardiomyocytes, possibly via the regulation of KLF15, which provided a theoretical basis for the potential treatment of I/R-induced myocardial infarction.

NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated Pyroptosis Pathway Contributes to the Pathogenesis of Candida albicans Keratitis

Purpose

Fungal keratitis is a sight-threatening corneal infection caused by fungal pathogens, and the pathogenic mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine whether NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis contributes to Candida albicans (C. albicans) keratitis and explore the underlying mechanism.

Methods

An in vivo mouse model of C. albicans keratitis and an in vitro culture model of human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) challenged with heat-killed C. albicans (HKCA) were established in this study. The degree of corneal infection was evaluated by clinical scoring. Gene expression was assessed using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot analysis or immunofluorescence staining was performed to evaluate protein expression. TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was performed to examine the pyroptotic cell death. A lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay was performed to assess cytotoxicity.

Results

Compared with the mock-infected group, we observed that the mRNA levels of NLRP3, caspase-1 (CASP1), interleukin (IL)−1β and gasdermin-D (GSDMD) in C. albicans-infected mice cornea was significantly increased. Our data also demonstrated that the protein expression of NLRP3 and the pyroptosis-related markers apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cleaved CASP1, N-GSDMD, cleaved IL-1β and cleaved IL-18 as well as pyroptotic cell death were dramatically elevated in the mouse model of C. albicans keratitis. More importantly, NLRP3 knockdown markedly alleviated pyroptosis and consequently reduced corneal inflammatory reaction in C. albicans keratitis. In vitro, the presence of activated NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptotic cell death were validated in HCECs exposed to HKCA. Furthermore, the potassium (K⁺) channel inhibitor glyburide decreased LDH release and suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in HCECs exposed to HKCA.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the current study revealed for the first time that NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis occur in C. albicans-infected mouse corneas and HCECs. Moreover, NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis signaling is involved in the disease severity of C. albicans keratitis. Therefore, This NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent pathway may be an attractive target for the treatment of fungal keratitis.