Boosting mTOR-dependent autophagy via upstream TLR4-MyD88-MAPK signalling and downstream NF-κB pathway quenches intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress injury

Copper-luteolin nanocomplexes for Mediating multifaceted regulation of oxidative stress, intestinal barrier, and gut microbiota in inflammatory bowel disease

Oxidative stress, dysbiosis, and immune dysregulation have been confirmed to play pivotal roles in the complex pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Herein, we design copper ion-luteolin nanocomplexes (CuL NCs) through a metal-polyphenol coordination strategy, which plays a multifaceted role in the amelioration of IBD. The fabricated CuL NCs function as therapeutic agents with exceptional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities because of their great stability and capacity to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). It can effectively modulate the inflammatory microenvironment including facilitating the efficient reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, protecting intestinal epithelial cells, promoting mucosal barrier repair and regulating intestinal microbiota. In addition, CuL NCs have been found to enhance cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities by regulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) oxidative stress pathway and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, respectively. Notably, CuL NCs demonstrate significant prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy in mouse models with typical IBD, including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). This study provides a new approach for building multifaceted therapeutic platforms for natural products to treat IBD.

Regulation of pancreatic cancer cells by suppressing KIN17 through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive tumor, which is often associated with a poor clinical prognosis and resistance to conventional chemotherapy. Therefore, there is a need to identify new therapeutic markers for pancreatic cancer. Although KIN17 is a highly expressed DNA‑ and RNA‑binding protein in a number of types of human cancer, its role in pancreatic cancer development, especially in relation to progression, is currently unknown. The present study verified the upregulation of KIN17 in pancreatic cancer using The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases (GSE15471, GSE71989 and GSE62165), and identified an association between the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and patient prognosis using publicly available datasets (Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis). Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the association between KIN17 and the pathological features of clinical pancreatic cancer samples. Furthermore, knockdown of KIN17 was shown to inhibit the migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells, and to reverse epithelial‑mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer cells through downregulation of Vimentin and N‑cadherin, and upregulation of E‑cadherin. Through various cellular experiments, the role of KIIN17 was explored in PI3K/AKT/mTOR activity. KIN17 inhibition was shown to suppress the migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells through PI3K/AKT/mTOR‑mediated autophagy. Furthermore, combined with mTOR inhibition, dual inhibition could enhance autophagy, leading to anti‑migratory and anti‑invasion effects in pancreatic cancer. In conclusion, the present study indicated that KIN17 may have a role in carcinogenesis and could serve as a prognostic biomarker of pancreatic cancer, owing to its high expression. In addition, KIN17 may be considered a potential therapeutic target with its knockdown having an inhibitory effect on pancreatic cancer.

Retinoic Acid Regulates Allergic Inflammation via Limiting Mast Cell Activation

BackgroundAllergic diseases have become one of the major public health problems to be addressed in the world today. As a tissue resident cell, mast cells are crucial in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Vitamin A is an important fat-soluble vitamin with immunomodulatory functions. Vitamin A deficiency has been shown to be associated with allergic disease states, including asthma; however, no studies have been reported on whether vitamin A deficiency has an effect on the activation of mast cells in allergic reactions. ObjectiveTo explore whether blocking retinoic acid receptors has an effect on mast cell degranulation. Methods Flow cytometry was used to analyze the expression of FCεRIα and CD117 on the cell surface, toluidine blue staining was used to visualize cellular features and morphological changes. ELISA was used to detect histamine release. High-throughput transcriptome sequencing and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression of relevant signaling pathways and cytokine genes. Western blot was used to detect the expression of relevant signaling pathway proteins. ResultsIn the present study, we found that antagonism of the retinoic acid receptor (RAR) resulted in overactive mast cells and increased their degranulation. Furthermore, inflammatory signaling pathways such as MyD88-IKK-NF-κB and PI3K-Akt-m-TOR were involved in the effect of retinoic acid (RA) on the activation state of mast cells. ConclusionsIn this paper, we demonstrated that blocking RAR can exacerbate its activation state in IgE-mediated mast cells. This study provided new insights into the possibility that vitamin A deficiency exacerbated mast cell activation and thus affectd allergic diseases and their mechanisms.

The CCL5/CCR5 axis in ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic nonspecific inflammatory bowel disease characterized mainly by inflammatory changes in the intestinal mucosa. While the specific etiology of UC remains unclear, it is generally believed that it is related to many factors, among which the imbalance in the expression of molecules involved in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes can lead to UC. CCL5 (C-C chemokine ligand 5) is one of the key pro-inflammatory factors and plays an indispensable role in various inflammatory diseases, including UC. CCL5 binds and activates the receptor CCR5 (C-C chemokine receptor type 5), which in turn, promotes signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, and Ras/MAPK, playing an important role in the pathogenesis of UC. The focus of this paper is on the function of the CCL5/CCR5 axis and its subsequent signaling pathways in UC therapy. In addition to this, the article further explores the possible healing benefits of CCR5 antagonists and agonists aimed at the CCL5/CCR5 axis for UC treatment.

Liquid-liquid separation in gut immunity

Gut immunity is essential for maintaining intestinal health. Recent studies have identified that intracellular liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) may play a significant role in regulating gut immunity, however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. LLPS refers to droplet condensates formed through intracellular molecular interactions, which are crucial for the formation of membraneless organelles and biomolecules. LLPS can contribute to the formation of tight junctions between intestinal epithelial cells and influence the colonization of probiotics in the intestine, thereby protecting the intestinal immune system by maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier and the stability of the microbiota. Additionally, LLPS can affect the microclusters on the plasma membrane of T cells, resulting in increased density and reduced mobility, which in turn influences T cell functionality. The occurrence of intracellular LLPS is intricately associated with the initiation and progression of gut immunity. This review introduces the mechanism of LLPS in gut immunity and analyzes future research directions and potential applications of this phenomenon.

Lipopolysaccharide-regulated RNF31/NRF2 axis in colonic epithelial cells mediates homeostasis of the intestinal barrier in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Although previous studies have shown that the Ring Finger Protein 31 (RNF31) gene confers susceptibility to inflammatory disease and colorectal cancer, the exact function of this protein in ulcerative colitis (UC) has not been determined.

METHODS

A mouse dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced experimental colitis model was used to study RNF31 and NRF2 in colitis. RNF31 silencing or overexpression in vitro was applied to address the role of RNF31 in colonic mucosal barrier damage. Immunohistochemistry and silico analysis was performed to investigate the expression of RNF31 via taking advantage of UC tissue samples and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data, respectively. The cycloheximide (CHX)-chase experiment and Co-Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays were conducted to explore the association of RNF31 protein with NRF2 and P62.

RESULTS

RNF31 is highly expressed in UC patients, in inflamed murine colon induced DSS and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated epithelial cells, while the express of NRF2 was Tabdecreased. RNF31-knockdown mice in the DSS-induced colitis model had a less severe phenotype, which was associated with a more integrated barrier of colon epithelial cells. While depletion of NRF2 in colitis model exacerbated intestinal inflammation. Mechanistically, RNF31 promoted the degradation of NRF2 by regulating its ubiquitination. Upon stimulation by RNF31, NRF2 is K63 ubiquitinated, which is associated with the C871 residue of RNF31. Moreover, downregulated NRF2 mediates inflammation by promoting the secretion of IL1β and IL18, leading to damage of the intestinal barrier. Upon LPS stimulation, the interaction of the PUB domain of RNF31 with the UBA domain of P62 increased, resulting in decreased degradation of the RNF31 protein via autophagy.

CONCLUSION

Overall, depletion of RNF31 effectively relieves DSS-induced colitis in mice by inhibiting NRF2 degradation, suggesting that RNF31 may be a potential therapy for human ulcerative colitis.

METTL14 is Involved in TNF-α-Induced Inflammation in Colorectal Epithelial Cells via Autophagy Modulation

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by colorectal inflammation. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of RNA regulates gene expression through the modulation of RNA metabolism, thus influencing various physiological and pathological processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the biological function of m6A methyltransferase METTL14 in colorectal epithelial cell inflammation. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that METTL14 expression was decreased in UC and was associated with disease severity and immune infiltration. We also noted a downregulation of METTL14 expression and a decrease in the total m6A RNA levels in TNF-α-stimulated Caco-2 cells. Moreover, METTL14 knockdown promoted inflammation and inhibited autophagy in TNF-α-stimulated Caco-2 cells, as indicated by the upregulation of NF-κB signaling and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression as well as LC3B protein downregulation. Treatment with the autophagy activator Torin-1 ameliorated the pro-inflammatory effects of METTL14 silencing. Furthermore, METTL14 knockdown significantly reduced the expression of ATG5. ATG5 overexpression could nullify the pro-inflammatory effect of METTL14 knockdown in TNF-α-stimulated Caco-2 cells. Mechanistically, METTL14 knockdown promoted ATG5 mRNA degradation, and luciferase analysis identified ATG5 as a target of m6A modification by METTL14. Taken together, silencing METTL14 promoted inflammation in Caco-2 cells via the downregulation of ATG5. Our findings revealed the importance of the m6A modification in colonic inflammation and autophagy, indicating that targeting METTL14 might be a potential therapeutic strategy for anti-inflammatory treatment in UC.

CTRP5 Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity Via Inhibiting TLR4/NLRP3 Signaling

BACKGROUND

C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein 5 (CTRP5) has been reported to be a crucial regulator in cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Nevertheless, the potential role of CTRP5 in doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity and the potential mechanisms remain largely unclear.

METHODS

We overexpressed CTRP5 in the hearts using an adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9) system through tail vein injection. C57BL/6 mice were subjected to DOX (15 mg/kg/day, i.p.) to generate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity for 4 weeks. Subsequently, cardiac staining and molecular biological analysis were performed to analyze the morphological and biochemical effects of CTRP5 on the cardiac injury. H9c2 cells were used for validation in vitro.

RESULTS

CTRP5 expression was down-regulated after DOX treatment both in vivo and in vitro. CTRP5 overexpression significantly attenuated DOX-induced cardiac injury, cardiac dysfunction, inhibited oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Mechanistically, CTRP5 overexpression markedly decreased the protein expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1 and caspase-1, indicating TLR/NLRP3 signaling contributes to the cardioprotective role of CTRP5 in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, our findings demonstrated that CTRP5 overexpression could protect the heart from oxidative stress and inflammatory injury induced by DOX through inhibiting TLR4/NLRP3 signaling, suggesting that CTRP5 might be a potential therapeutic target in the prevention of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.

Pathogen-induced apoptosis in echinoderms: A review

Echinoderms possess unique biological traits that make them valuable models in immunology, regeneration, and developmental biology studies. As a class rich in active substances with significant nutritional and medicinal value, echinoderms face threats from marine pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and parasites, which have caused substantial economic losses in echinoderm aquaculture. Echinoderms counteract pathogen invasion through innate immunity and programmed cell death, in particular, with apoptosis being essential for eliminating infected or damaged cells and maintaining homeostasis in many echinoderm cell types. Despite the importance of this process, there is a lack of comprehensive and updated reviews on this topic. This review underscores that echinoderm apoptotic pathways exhibit a complexity comparable to that of vertebrates, featuring proteins with unique domains that may indicate the presence of novel signaling mechanisms. We synthesize current knowledge on how echinoderms utilize diverse transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms to regulate apoptosis in response to pathogen infections and explore how pathogens have evolved strategies to manipulate echinoderm apoptosis, either by inhibiting it to create survival niches or by inducing excessive apoptosis to weaken the host. By elucidating the primary apoptotic pathways in echinoderms and the host-pathogen interactions that modulate these pathways, this review aims to reveal new mechanisms of apoptosis in animal immune defense and provide insights into the evolutionary arms race between hosts and pathogens.

Glycolytic reprogramming in microglia: A potential therapeutic target for ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke is currently the second leading cause of mortality worldwide, with limited treatment options available. As resident immune cells, microglia promptly respond to cerebral ischemic injury, influencing neuroinflammatory damage and neurorepair. Studies suggest that microglia undergo metabolic reprogramming from mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis in response to ischemia, significantly impacting their function during ischemic stroke. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the roles and regulatory mechanisms involved in this process, aiming to identify a new therapeutic target or potential drug candidate.

Targeting Inflammation and Skin Aging via the Gut-Skin Axis: The Role of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HY7714-Derived Extracellular Vesicles

Intestinal mucosal tissues are prone to infections, often leading to inflammation. Lactic acid bacteria in the gut can modulate these inflammatory responses, but the interaction between host cells and lactic acid bacteria remains unclear. This study examines how Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HY7714 alleviates intestinal inflammation using gut-on-a-chip technology and in vitro models. Inflammation was induced using a gut-on-a-chip, and changes in cell morphology and barrier function were analyzed. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from HY7714-improved intestinal cell structure repaired damage and restored tight junction integrity. Additionally, they attenuated inflammatory cytokines by regulating the MyD88/mTOR/NF-κB signaling pathway. RNA sequencing revealed downregulation of vicinal oxygen chelate (VOC) family proteins and proline aminopeptidase, both linked to inflammation and extracellular matrix interactions in skin health. Therefore, we explored the effects of HY7714 EVs on skin cells. The findings showed that HY7714 EVs reduced cytotoxicity and downregulated metalloproteinase expression in skin cells exposed to UVB radiation, indicating their potential anti-aging and anti-photoaging properties. These findings suggest that HY7714-derived EVs enhance both intestinal and skin health by reducing inflammation and improving barrier function, with potential benefits for the gut-skin axis.

Maternal Broccoli Powder Intake Ameliorates Insulin Resistance and Inflammation via AMPK/mTOR Pathway in the Livers of High-Fructose-Fed Male Rat Offspring Exposed to Maternal Protein Restriction

SCOPE

Sub-optimal prenatal conditions such as maternal undernutrition during pregnancy and lactation posit high risks of adult metabolic diseases. High fructose intake causes insulin resistance and liver inflammation contributing to metabolic diseases. However, food-based preventive measure for these metabolic diseases in the offspring is under-researched. This study aims to investigate the effect of maternal broccoli powder (BP) intake during lactation on insulin resistance and liver inflammation in high-fructose-diet-fed adult male offspring exposed to maternal protein restriction.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Pregnant Wistar rats are provided normal protein (NP) or low protein (LP) diets and 0% or 0.74% BP-containing NP diets and 0% or 0.74% BP-containing LP diet during lactation. At weaning, offspring receiving water (W) or 10% fructose solution (Fr) are assigned into six groups: NP/NP/W, NP/NP/Fr, NP/NPBP/Fr, LP/LP/W, LP/LP/Fr, and LP/LPBP/Fr. At week 13, plasma insulin, macrophage infiltration, activated protein kinase (AMPK) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation, and autophagy flux markers are examined. LP/LPBP/Fr shows lower insulin levels and Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values than LP/LP/Fr. Liver macrophage infiltration are decreased in LP/LPBP/Fr. LP/LPBP/Fr exhibits upregulated AMPK phosphorylation, downregulated mTOR phosphorylation, and increased Microtubule-associated protein1A/1B-light chain 3B-II (LC3B-II) levels.

CONCLUSION

Maternal BP intake during lactation ameliorates insulin resistance and inflammation in the livers of adult offspring on a high-fructose diet from LP mothers.

mTORC2: A neglected player in aging regulation

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that plays a pivotal role in various biological processes, through integrating external and internal signals, facilitating gene transcription and protein translation, as well as by regulating mitochondria and autophagy functions. mTOR kinase operates within two distinct protein complexes known as mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2), which engage separate downstream signaling pathways impacting diverse cellular processes. Although mTORC1 has been extensively studied as a pro-proliferative factor and a pro-aging hub if activated aberrantly, mTORC2 received less attention, particularly regarding its implication in aging regulation. However, recent studies brought increasing evidence or clues for us, which implies the associations of mTORC2 with aging, as the genetic elimination of unique subunits of mTORC2, such as RICTOR, has been shown to alleviate aging progression in comparison to mTORC1 inhibition. In this review, we first summarized the basic characteristics of mTORC2, including its protein architecture and signaling network. We then focused on reviewing the molecular signaling regulation of mTORC2 in cellular senescence and organismal aging, and proposed the multifaceted regulatory characteristics under senescent and nonsenescent contexts. Next, we outlined the research progress of mTOR inhibitors in the field of antiaging and discussed future prospects and challenges. It is our pleasure if this review article could provide meaningful information for our readers and call forth more investigations working on this topic.

The impact of dietary supplementation of Quercetagetin on growth, antioxidant capacity, and gut microbiota of diquat-challenged broilers

This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of Quercetagetin (QG) on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and cecal microbiota of broilers. Two hundred and forty 21-day-old WOD168 broilers with similar body weights were randomly divided into five groups of six replicates each with eight chickens. The control group was fed a basal diet composed of corn and soybean meal, while the experimental groups received basal diets supplemented with 0, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg QG, along with intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg body weight Diquat (DQ). The experiment lasted for 21 days. The results showed that: (1) QG significantly alleviated the decrease in average daily feed intake and average daily gain induced by Diquat, reduced the elevation of serum ACTH content, and significantly increased GH content (P < 0.05); (2) QG supplementation significantly mitigated the decrease in serum CAT activity and duodenal GSH-Px activity induced by Diquat (P < 0.05), as well as the increase in MDA content (P < 0.05); additionally, QG significantly increased the gene expression levels of GSH-Px, Nrf2, and Keap1 (P < 0.05); (3) Alpha and Beta diversity analysis revealed that QG supplementation significantly increased the cecal microbial OTUs and Chao1 index of broilers (P < 0.05). At the phylum level, compared with the Diquat group, the LQG group significantly decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes (P < 0.05) and significantly increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidota (P < 0.05). At the genus level, compared with the CON group, the Diquat group significantly decreased the abundance of Lactobacillus and Alistipes (P < 0.05), while QG supplementation significantly alleviated the decrease in the abundance of Lactobacillus and Alistipes (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of an appropriate amount (20 mg/kg) of QG to the diet can promote the growth of broilers, enhance antioxidant capacity, and improve intestinal health.

Emerging functions of lycopene in the management of digestive premalignant lesions

Common digestive precancerous lesions, including oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), gastric ulcers and colorectal adenoma, harbor high risk of cancerous transformation. Early intervention of these lesions is significant to prevent carcinogenesis and improve patients' prognosis. Lycopene, a carotenoid predominantly accumulated in tomatoes, is clinically recommended with its cis structure; as lycopene harbors the most potent antioxidative effects among carotenoids, its chemopreventive effects on the premalignant lesions is noted. Despite several reviews have assessed lycopene's efficacy for OPMDs, emerging studies have reported varying efficacy for digestive precancerous lesion with no comprehensive summary. Therefore, this review initially evaluates the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of lycopene for management of digestive precancerous lesions. According to the included studies, lycopene may show high promise in the management of digestive precancerous lesions, such as relieving mouth opening and burning sensation of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), presenting potentially equivalent efficacy on managing oral lichen planus (OLP) as steroids and alleviating gastrointestinal precancers' symptoms, meanwhile lowering colon cancer risk. Moreover, its mechanisms for managing digestive precancerous lesions are concretely summarized, including anti-oxidative stress effects, anti-inflammatory response and regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis, especially its modifications on TLR4/TRIF/NF-κB signaling pathway and p53-dependent cell cycle control and apoptosis. More studies are warranted to confirm its long-term efficacy and preventive role against malignant transformation of digestive precancerous lesions as evidence is insufficient.

A20 Alleviates the Inflammatory Response in Bovine Endometrial Epithelial Cells by Promoting Autophagy

Endometritis represents a prevalent condition in perinatal dairy cows. Bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEECs), as the primary interface between cavity and the external environment, are particularly vulnerable to infection by pathogenic bacteria following parturition. A20 is essential for regulating inflammation and modulating immune responses. Nevertheless, the exact role of A20 in the BEECs in response to inflammatory response is not fully understood. An endometritis model infected by Escherichia coli (E. coli) in vivo and a BEECs inflammation model induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro were built to investigate the function and governing mechanisms of A20 in endometritis. The results showed that infection with E. coli resulted in endometrial damage, inflammatory cell infiltration, and upregulation of inflammatory factors in dairy cows. Furthermore, A20 expression was upregulated in the endometrium of cows with endometritis and in BEECs following LPS stimulation. A20 overexpression attenuated the level of proinflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated BEECs; conversely, A20 knockdown lead to an exacerbated response to LPS stimulation. The overexpression of A20 was shown to activate autophagy and suppress the NF-κB signaling pathway in LPS-stimulated BEECs. However, blocking autophagy with chloroquine notably attenuated the anti-inflammatory effect of A20, leading to the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. In summary, the study demonstrated that A20's suppression of inflammation in LPS-stimulated BEECs is associated with the activation of autophagy. Therefore, the A20 protein showed potential as a novel treatment focus for managing endometritis in dairy cows.

LncRNA MIAT suppresses inflammation in LPS-induced J774A.1 macrophages by promoting autophagy through miR-30a-5p/SOCS1 axi

Accumulated data implicate that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) plays a pivotal role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), potentially serving as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for microRNAs (miRNAs). The lncRNA myocardial infarction-associated transcript (MIAT) has been demonstrated to regulate inflammation. However, the role of MIAT in the inflammation of RA remains inadequately explored. This study aims to elucidate MIAT's role in the inflammation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages and to uncover the underlying molecular mechanisms. We observed heightened MIAT expression in LPS-induced J774A.1 cells and collagen-induced arthritis mouse models, in contrast to the expression pattern of miR-30a-5p. Silencing MIAT resulted in increased expression of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α. Simultaneously, MIAT interference significantly impeded macrophage autophagy, evidenced by decreased expression of autophagy-related markers LC3-II and Beclin-1, alongside increased levels of p62 in LPS-induced J774A.1 cells. Notably, MIAT functioned as a ceRNA, sponging miR-30a-5p and exerting a negative regulatory influence on its expression. SOCS1 emerged as a target of miR-30a-5p, modulated by MIAT. Mechanistically, inhibiting miR-30a-5p reversed the impact of MIAT deficiency in promoting LPS-induced inflammation, while SOCS1 knockdown countered the cytokine inhibitory effect induced by silencing miR-30a-5p. In summary, this study indicates that lncRNA MIAT suppresses inflammation in LPS-induced J774A.1 macrophages by stimulating autophagy through the miR-30a-5p/SOCS1 axis. This suggests that MIAT holds promise as a potential therapeutic target for RA inflammation.

Autophagy and its role in gastrointestinal diseases

Gastrointestinal disorders encompass a spectrum of conditions affecting various organs within the digestive system, such as the esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, pancreas, liver, small intestine, and bile ducts. The role of autophagy in the etiology and progression of gastrointestinal diseases has garnered significant attention. This paper seeks to evaluate the impact and mechanisms of autophagy in gastrointestinal disorders by synthesizing recent research findings. Specifically, we delve into inflammation-related gastrointestinal conditions, including ul-cerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and pancreatitis, as well as gastrointestinal cancers such as esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers. Additionally, we provide commentary on a recent publication by Chang et al in the World Journal of Gastroenterology. Our objective is to offer fresh perspectives on the mechanisms and therapeutic approaches for these gastrointestinal ailments. This review aims to offer new perspectives on the mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for gastrointestinal disorders by critically analyzing relevant publications. As discussed, the role of autophagy in gastrointestinal diseases is complex and, at times, contentious. To harness the full therapeutic potential of autophagy in treating these conditions, more in-depth research is imperative.

Activation of GABABR Attenuates Intestinal Inflammation by Reducing Oxidative Stress through Modulating the TLR4/MyD88/NLRP3 Pathway and Gut Microbiota Abundance

Oxidative stress emerges as a prominent factor in the onset and progression of intestinal inflammation, primarily due to its critical role in damaging cells and tissues. GABAergic signaling is important in the occurrence and development of various intestinal disorders, yet its effect on oxidative stress remains unclear. We attempted to assess whether GABAergic signaling participated in the regulation of oxidative stress during enteritis. The results showed that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) significantly decreased γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the ileal tissues of mice. Interestingly, the application of GABA significantly repressed the shedding of intestinal mucosal epithelial cells and inflammatory cell infiltration, inhibited the expressions of proinflammatory factors, including granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, and enhanced the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10, indicating that GABA could alleviate enteritis in mice. This observation was further supported by transcriptome sequencing, revealing a total of 271 differentially expressed genes, which exhibited a marked enrichment of inflammatory and immune-related pathways, alongside a prominent enhancement of GABA B receptor (GABABR) signaling following GABA administration. Effectively, Baclofen pretreatment alleviated intestinal mucosal damage in LPS-induced mice, suppressed proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha expressions, and boosted total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) levels. Moreover, Baclofen notably enhanced the viability of LPS-stimulated IPEC-J2 cells, contracted the proinflammatory secretion factors, and reinforced SOD, GSH, and catalase levels, emphasizing the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects associated with GABABR activation. Mechanistically, Baclofen restrained the mRNA and protein levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3), and inducible nitric oxide synthase, while elevating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1 in both mice and IPEC-J2 cells, indicating that activating GABABR strengthened antioxidant abilities by interrupting the TLR4/MyD88/NLRP3 pathway. Furthermore, 16S rDNA analysis demonstrated that Baclofen increased the relative abundance of probiotic, particularly Lactobacillus, renowned for its antioxidant properties, while reducing the relative richness of harmful bacteria, predominantly Enterobacteriaceae, suggesting that GABABR signaling may have contributed to reversing intestinal flora imbalances to relieve oxidative stress in LPS-induced mice. Our study identified previously unappreciated roles for GABABR signaling in constricting oxidative stress to attenuate enteritis, thus offering novel insights for the treatment of intestinal inflammation.

Toll-like receptor 4 mediated autophagy regulates airway smooth muscle cells behavior

OBJECTIVES

Airway remodeling, a prominent feature of asthma, involves aberrant proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are implicated in the regulation of the autophagy pathway. In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) on autophagy and its underlying mechanism in ASMC proliferation, apoptosis, and migration.

METHODS

Histopathological changes in the lungs of asthmatic mice assessed by Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration were evaluated utilizing CCK8, Edu, Flow cytometry and wound heading assays. The effectiveness of siRNA transfection and the expression of TLR4, autophagy, and proliferation-related proteins after siRNA treatment were examined through RT-PCR and Western blot (WB).

CONCLUSION

We observed an increase in TLR4 expression and autophagy in a mouse model of OVA-induced asthma. In vitro experiments showed that siRNA-mediated inhibition of TLR4 suppressed autophagy, proliferation, and migration of ASMCs, whereas TLR4 activation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) had the opposite effect. Furthermore, the autophagy inhibitor 3-Methyladenine (3MA) inhibited ASMCs proliferation and migration while promoting apoptosis. Significantly, our study demonstrated that autophagy inhibition reversed the promotion effect of LPS on ASMC proliferation and migration. These findings suggest that TLR4 may modulate ASMC behavior through the regulation of autophagy.

Fatty acids promote M1 polarization of monocyte-derived macrophages in healthy or ketotic dairy cows and a bovine macrophage cell line by impairing mTOR-mediated autophagy

Excessive concentrations of free fatty acids (FFA) are the main factors causing immune dysfunction and inflammation in dairy cows with ketosis. Polarization of macrophages (the process of macrophages freely switching from one phenotype to another) into M1 or M2 phenotypes is an important event during inflammation induced by environmental stimuli. In nonruminants, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-mediated autophagy (a major waste degradation process) regulates macrophage polarization. Thus, our objective was to unravel the role of mTOR-mediated autophagy on macrophage polarization in ketotic dairy cows. We performed 4 experiments: (1) In vitro differentiated monocyte-derived macrophages from healthy dairy cows or dairy cows with clinical ketosis (CK) were treated for 24 h with 100 ng/mL LPS and 100 ng/mL IFN-γ or with 10 ng/mL IL4 and 10 ng/mL IL10; (2) Immortalized bovine macrophages were treated for 24 h with 0, 0.3, 0.6, or 1.2 mM FFA, LPS, and IFN-γ, or with IL4 and IL10; (3) Macrophages were pretreated with 2 μM 4,6-dimorpholino-N-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine (MHY1485) for 30 min before treatment with LPS and IFN-γ or IL4 and IL10; (4) Macrophages were pretreated with 100 nM rapamycin (RAPA) for 2 h before treatment with LPS and IFN-γ or IL4 and IL10. Compared with healthy cows, cows with CK had a greater mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD86+, but lower MFI of CD206+ and lower number of autophagosomes and autolysosomes in macrophages. Exogenous FFA treatment upregulated protein abundance of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the MFI of CD86, whereas it downregulated the protein abundance of arginase 1 and the MFI of CD206. In addition, FFA increased the p-p65/p65 protein abundance and tumor necrosis factor α, IL1B, and IL6 mRNA abundance, but decreased LC3-phosphatidylethanolamine conjugate protein abundance and the number of autophagosomes and autolysosomes number. Pretreatment with MHY1485 promoted macrophage M1 polarization and inhibited macrophage M2 polarization via decreased mTOR-mediated autophagy. Activation of mTOR-mediated autophagy by pretreatment with RAPA attenuated the upregulation of inflammation in M1 macrophages that was induced by FFA. These data revealed that high concentrations of FFA promote macrophage M1 polarization in ketotic dairy cows by impairing mTOR-mediated autophagy.

A structured biomimetic nanoparticle as inflammatory factor sponge and autophagy-regulatory agent against intervertebral disc degeneration and discogenic pain

Lower back pain (LBP) is a common condition closely associated with intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), causing a significant socioeconomic burden. Inflammatory activation in degenerated discs involves pro-inflammatory cytokines, dysregulated regulatory cytokines, and increased levels of nerve growth factor (NGF), leading to further intervertebral disc destruction and pain sensitization. Macrophage polarization is closely related to autophagy. Based on these pathological features, a structured biomimetic nanoparticle coated with TrkA-overexpressing macrophage membranes (TMNP@SR) with a rapamycin-loaded mesoporous silica core is developed. TMNP@SR acted like sponges to adsorbe inflammatory cytokines and NGF and delivers the autophagy regulator rapamycin (RAPA) into macrophages through homologous targeting effects of the outer engineered cell membrane. By regulating autophagy activation, TMNP@SR promoted the M1-to-M2 switch of macrophages to avoid continuous activation of inflammation within the degenerated disc, which prevented the apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells. In addition, TMNP@SR relieved mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, reduced calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) expression in the dorsal root ganglion, and downregulated GFAP and c-FOS signaling in the spinal cord in the rat IDD model. In summary, TMNP@SR spontaneously inhibits the aggravation of disc inflammation to alleviate disc degeneration and reduce the ingress of sensory nerves, presenting a promising treatment strategy for LBP induced by disc degeneration.

New horizons for the role of selenium on cognitive function: advances and challenges

Cognitive deficits associated with oxidative stress and the dysfunction of the central nervous system are present in some neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Selenium (Se), an essential microelement, exhibits cognition-associated functions through selenoproteins mainly owing to its antioxidant property. Due to the disproportionate distribution of Se in the soil, the amount of Se varies greatly in various foods, resulting in a large proportion of people with Se deficiency worldwide. Numerous cell and animal experiments demonstrate Se deficiency-induced cognitive deficits and Se supplementation-improved cognitive performances. However, human studies yield inconsistent results and the mechanism of Se in cognition still remains elusive, which hinder the further exploration of Se in human cognition. To address the urgent issue, the review summarizes Se-contained foods (plant-based foods, animal-based foods, and Se supplements), brain selenoproteins, mechanisms of Se in cognition (improvement of synaptic plasticity, regulation of Zn2+ level, inhibition of ferroptosis, modulation of autophagy and de novo synthesis of L-serine), and effects of Se on cognitive deficits, as well as consequently sheds light on great potentials of Se in the prevention and treatment of cognitive deficits.

Teleost-specific TLR23 in Takifugu rubripes recruits MyD88 to trigger ERK pathway and promotes antibacterial defense

Takifugu rubripes is a highly valued cultured fish in Asia, while pathogen infections can result in severe diseases and lead to substantial economic losses. Toll-like receptors (TLRs), as pattern recognition receptors, play a crucial role on recognition pathogens and initiation innate immune response. However, the immunological properties of teleost-specific TLR23 remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the biological functions of TLR23 (TrTLR23) from T. rubripes, found that TrTLR23 existed in various organs. Following bacterial pathogen challenge, the expression levels of TrTLR23 were significantly increased in immune related organs. TrTLR23 located on the cellular membrane and specifically recognized pathogenic microorganism. Co-immunoprecipitation and antibody blocking analysis revealed that TrTLR23 recruited myeloid differentiation primary response protein (MyD88), thereby mediating the activation of the ERK signaling pathway. Furthermore, in vivo showed that, when TrTLR23 is overexpressed in T. rubripes, bacterial replication in fish tissues is significantly inhibited. Consistently, when TrTLR23 expression in T. rubripes is knocked down, bacterial replication is significantly enhanced. In conclusion, these findings suggested that TrTLR23 played a critical role on mediation TLR23-MyD88-ERK axis against bacterial infection. This study revealed that TLR23 involved in the innate immune mechanism, and provided the foundation for development disease control strategies in teleost.

Design strategies, advances and future perspectives of colon-targeted delivery systems for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) significantly contribute to high mortality globally and negatively affect patients' qualifications of life. The gastrointestinal tract has unique anatomical characteristics and physiological environment limitations. Moreover, certain natural or synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs are associated with poor targeting, low drug accumulation at the lesion site, and other side effects, hindering them from exerting their therapeutic effects. Colon-targeted drug delivery systems represent attractive alternatives as novel carriers for IBD treatment. This review mainly discusses the treatment status of IBD, obstacles to drug delivery, design strategies of colon-targeted delivery systems, and perspectives on the existing complementary therapies. Moreover, based on recent reports, we summarized the therapeutic mechanism of colon-targeted drug delivery. Finally, we addressed the challenges and future directions to facilitate the exploitation of advanced nanomedicine for IBD therapy.

Macrophage α7nAChR alleviates the inflammation of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis through mTOR/NLRP3/IL-1β pathway

BACKGROUND

Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most prevalent and severe intestinal emergencies in newborns. The inflammatory activation of macrophages is associated with the intestinal injury of NEC. The neuroimmune regulation mediated by α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) plays an important role in regulating macrophage activation and inflammation progression, but in NEC remains unclear. This study aims to explore the effect of macrophage α7nAChR on NEC.

METHODS

Mice NEC model were conducted with high-osmolarity formula feeding, hypoxia, and cold stimulation. The α7nAChR agonist PNU-282987 and mTOR inhibitor rapamycin were treated by intraperitoneal injections in mice. The expression and distribution of macrophages, α7nAChR, and phospho-mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) in the intestines of NEC patients and mice was assessed using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. The expression of NLRP3, activated caspase-1 and IL-1β in mice intestines was detected by flow cytometry, western blot or ELISA. In vitro, the mouse RAW264.7 macrophage cell line was also cultured followed by various treatments. Expression of p-mTOR, NLRP3, activated caspase-1, and IL-1β in macrophages was determined.

RESULTS

Macrophages accumulated in the intestines and the expression of α7nAChR in the mucosal and submucosal layers of the intestines was increased in both the NEC patients and mice. The p-mTOR and CD68 were increased and co-localized in intestines of NEC patients. In vitro, α7nAChR agonist PNU-282987 significantly reduced the increase of NLRP3, activated caspase-1, and IL-1β in macrophages. PNU-282987 also significantly reduced the increase of p-mTOR. The effect was blocked by AMPK inhibitor compound C. The expression of NLRP3, activated caspase-1, and IL-1β was inhibited after mTOR inhibitor rapamycin treatment. In NEC model mice, PNU-282987 reduced the expression of p-mTOR, NLRP3, activated caspase-1, and IL-1β in the intestine. Meanwhile, rapamycin significantly attenuated NLRP3 activation and the release of IL-1β. Moreover, the proportion of intestinal macrophages and intestinal injury decreased after PNU-282987 treatment.

CONCLUSION

Macrophage α7nAChR activation mitigates NLRP3 inflammasome activation by modulating mTOR phosphorylation, and subsequently alleviates intestinal inflammation and injury in NEC.

Discovery and Validation of Ferroptosis-Associated Genes of Ulcerative Colitis

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a long-lasting idiopathic condition, but its precise mechanisms remain unclear. Meanwhile, evidence has demonstrated that ferroptosis seems to interlock with the progress of UC. This research sought to identify hub genes of UC related to ferroptosis.

Methods

First, the relevant profiles for this article were obtained from GEO database. From the FerrDb, 479 genes linked to ferroptosis were retrieved. Using analysis of the difference and WGCNA on colonic samples from GSE73661, the remaining six hub genes linked to ferroptosis and UC were discovered. Through logistic regression analyses, the diagnostic model was constructed and was then evaluated by external validation using dataset GSE92415. Afterwards, the correlation between immune cell filtration in UC and hub genes was examined. Finally, a mice model of colitis was established, and the results were verified using qRT-PCR.

Results

We acquired six hub genes linked to ferroptosis and UC. In order to create a diagnostic model for UC, we used logistic regression analysis to screen three of the six ferroptosis related genes (HIF1A, SLC7A11, and LPIN1). The ROC curve showed that the three hub genes had outstanding potential for disease diagnosis (AUC = 0.976), which was subsequently validated in samples from GSE92415 (AUC = 0.962) and blood samples from GSE3365 (AUC = 0.847) and GSE94648 (AUC = 0.769). These genes might be crucial for UC immunity based upon the results on the immune system. Furthermore, mouse samples examined using qRT-PCR also verified our findings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the findings have important implications for ferroptosis and UC, and these hub genes may also offer fresh perspectives on the aetiology and therapeutic approaches of UC.

Protective effects of Amauroderma rugosum on dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis through the regulation of macrophage polarization and suppression of oxidative stress

BACKGROUND

Amauroderma rugosum (AR) is a medicinal mushroom commonly used to treat inflammation, gastric disorders, epilepsy, and cancers due to its remarkable anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. This study was designed to evaluate the pharmacological effects of AR and its underlying mechanism of action against ulcerative colitis (UC) in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

A UC mouse model was established by administration of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). AR extract was administered intragastrically to mice for 7 days. At the end of the experiment, histopathology, macrophage phenotype, oxidative stress, and inflammatory status were examined in vivo. Furthermore, RAW 264.7, THP-1, and Caco-2 cells were used to elucidate the mechanism of action of AR in vitro.

RESULTS

AR extract (0.5-2 mg/mL) significantly suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)-induced M1 macrophage (pro-inflammatory) polarization in both RAW 264.7 and THP-1 cells. LPS-induced pro-inflammatory mediators (nitric oxide, TNF-α, IL-1β, MCP-1, and IL-6) were reduced by AR extract in a concentration-dependent manner. Similarly, AR extract downregulated MAPK signaling activity in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. AR extract elicited a concentration-dependent increase in the mRNA expression of M2 (anti-inflammatory) phenotype markers (CD206, Arg-1, Fizz-1, and Ym-1) in RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, AR extract suppressed DSS-induced ROS generation and mitochondrial dysfunction in Caco-2 cells. The in vivo experiment revealed that AR extract (200 mg/kg) increased colon length compared to the DSS-treated group. In addition, disease activity index, spleen ratio, body weight, oxidative stress, and colonic inflammation were markedly improved by AR treatment in DSS-induced UC mice. Finally, AR suppressed M1 and promoted M2 macrophage polarization in UC mice.

CONCLUSION

The AR extract protected against DSS-induced UC by regulating macrophage polarization and suppressing oxidative stress. These valuable findings suggest that adequate intake of AR can prevent and/or treat UC.

ROS-responsive nano-medicine for navigating autophagy to enhance targeted therapy of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by immune dysregulation and intestinal inflammation. Rapamycin (Ra), an mTORC1 pathway inhibitor, has shown promise for autophagy induction in IBD therapy but is associated with off-target effects and toxicity. To address these issues, we developed an oral liposome responsive to reactive oxygen species (ROS) using lipids and amphiphilic materials. We combined ketone thiol (TK) for ROS responsive and hyaluronic acid (HA) with high affinity for CD44 receptors to prepare rapamycin-loaded nanoparticle (Ra@TH). Owing to its ROS responsive characteristic, Ra@TH can achieve inflammatory colonic targeting. Additionally, Ra@TH can induce autophagy by inhibiting the mTORC1 pathway, leading to the clearance of damaged organelles, pathogenic microorganisms and oxidative stress products. Simultaneously, it also collaboratively inhibits the NF-κB pathway suppressed by the removal of ROS resulting from TK cleavage, thereby mediating the expression of inflammatory factors. Furthermore, Ra@TH enhances the expression of typical tight junction proteins, synergistically restoring intestinal barrier function. Our research not only expands the understanding of autophagy in IBD treatment but also introduces a promising therapeutic approach for IBD patients.

Hydrogen Sulfide can Scavenge Free Radicals to Improve Spinal Cord Injury by Inhibiting the p38MAPK/mTOR/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes irreversible cell loss and neurological dysfunctions. Presently, there is no an effective clinical treatment for SCI. It can be the only intervention measure by relieving the symptoms of patients such as pain and fever. Free radical-induced damage is one of the validated mechanisms in the complex secondary injury following primary SCI. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as an antioxidant can effectively scavenge free radicals, protect neurons, and improve SCI by inhibiting the p38MAPK/mTOR/NF-κB signaling pathway. In this report, we analyze the pathological mechanism of SCI, the role of free radical-mediated the p38MAPK/mTOR/NF-κB signaling pathway in SCI, and the role of H2S in scavenging free radicals and improving SCI.

Fucoxanthin alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal barrier injury in mice

The aim of this study was to evaluate the preventive role and underlying mechanisms of fucoxanthin (Fx) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal barrier injury in mice. Our results demonstrated that the oral administration of Fx (50 and 200 mg per kg body weight per day) for consecutive 7 days significantly alleviated the severity of LPS-induced intestinal barrier injury in mice, as evidenced by attenuating body weight loss, improving intestinal permeability, and ameliorating intestinal morphological damage such as reduction in the ratio of the villus length to the crypt depth (V/C), intestinal epithelium distortion, goblet cell depletion, and low mucin 2 (MUC2) expression. Fx also significantly mitigated LPS-induced excessive apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and curbed the decrease of tight junction proteins including claudin-1, occludin, and zonula occludens-1 in the ileum and colon. Additionally, Fx effectively alleviated LPS-induced extensive infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils into the intestinal mucosa, the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1beta (IL-1β) and IL-6, and gasdermin D (GSDMD)-mediated pyroptosis of IECs. The underlying mechanisms might be associated with inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling pathways. Moreover, Fx also notably restrained intestinal reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde and protein carbonylation levels in LPS-treated mice, and it might be mediated by activating the nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. Overall, these findings indicated that Fx might be developed as a potential effective dietary supplement to prevent intestinal barrier injury.

Resveratrol for inflammatory bowel disease in preclinical studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that can be managed with treatment, but it is challenging to get IBD cured. Resveratrol, a non-flavonoid polyphenolic organic compound derived from various plants, has a potential effect on IBD. The current research was set out to investigate the therapeutic effects of resveratrol on animal models of IBD. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Chinese databases was performed. The literature search process was completed independently by two people and reviewed by a third person. The risk of bias in the included literature was assessed using the Collaborative Approach to Meta Analysis and Review of Animal Data from Experimental Stroke (CAMARADES) 10-point quality checklist. The meta-analysis utilized Review Manager 5.4 software to evaluate the efficacy of resveratrol, with histopathological index as the primary outcome measure. Subgroup analysis was conducted based on this indicator. Additionally, meta-analyses were carried out on different outcomes reported in the literature, including final disease activity index, final body weight change, colon length, splenic index, and inflammatory factors. Results: After conducting a thorough literature search and selection process, a total of 28 studies were ultimately included in the analysis. It was found that over half of the selected studies had more than five items with low risk of bias in the bias risk assessment. Relevant datas from included literature indicated that the histopathological index of the resveratrol group was significantly lower than that of the control group (WMD = -2.58 [-3.29, -1.87]). Subgroup analysis revealed that higher doses of resveratrol (>80 mg/kg) had a better efficacy (WMD = -3.47 [-4.97, -1.98]). Furthermore, The data summary and quantitative analysis results of SI and colon length also showed that resveratrol was effective in alleviating intestinal mucosal pathological injury of IBD. In terms of biochemical indicators, the summary analysis revealed that resveratrol affected interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) significantly. These effects may be attributed to the mechanism of resveratrol in regulating immune response and inhibiting oxidative stress. Conclusion: This review suggests that resveratrol demonstrated a notable therapeutic impact in preclinical models of IBD, particularly at doses exceeding 80 mg/kg. This efficacy is attributed to the protective mechanisms targeting the intestinal mucosa involved in the pathogenesis of IBD through various pathways. As a result, resveratrol holds promising prospects for potential clinical use in the future.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes as Drug Carriers for Delivering miRNA-29b to Ameliorate Inflammation in Corneal Injury Via Activating Autophagy

Purpose

Corneal injury (CI) resulting in corneal opacity remains a clinical challenge. Exosomes (Exos) derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been proven effective in repairing various tissue injuries and are also considered excellent drug carriers due to their biological properties. Recently, microRNA-29b (miR-29b) was found to play an important role in the autophagy regulation which correlates with cell inflammation and fibrosis. However, the effects of miR-29b and autophagy on CI remain unclear. To find better treatments for CI, we used Exos to carry miR-29b and investigated its effects in the treatment of CI.

Methods

BMSCs were transfected with miR-29b-3p agomir/antagomir and negative controls (NCs) to obtain Exos-29b-ago, Exos-29b-anta, and Exos-NC. C57BL/6J mice that underwent CI surgeries were treated with Exos-29b-ago, Exos-29b-anta, Exos-NC, or PBS. The autophagy, inflammation, and fibrosis of the cornea were estimated by slit-lamp, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunofluorescence, RT‒qPCR, and Western blot. The effects of miR-29b-3p on autophagy and inflammation in immortalized human corneal epithelial cells (iHCECs) were also investigated.

Results

Compared to PBS, Exos-29b-ago, Exos-29b-anta, and Exos-NC all could ameliorate corneal inflammation and fibrosis. However, Exos-29b-ago, which accumulated a large amount of miR-29b-3p, exerted excellent potency via autophagy activation by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and further inhibited corneal inflammation via the mTOR/NF-κB/IL-1β pathway. After Exos-29b-ago treatment, the expressions of collagen type III, α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, and vimentin were significantly decreased than in other groups. In addition, overexpression of miR-29b-3p prevented iHCECs from autophagy impairment and inflammatory injury.

Conclusions

Exos from BMSCs carrying miR-29b-3p can significantly improve the therapeutic effect on CI via activating autophagy and further inhibiting corneal inflammation and fibrosis.

Targeting autophagy in diabetic cardiomyopathy: From molecular mechanisms to pharmacotherapy

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a cardiac microvascular complication caused by metabolic disorders. It is characterized by myocardial remodeling and dysfunction. The pathogenesis of DCM is associated with abnormal cellular metabolism and organelle accumulation. Autophagy is thought to play a key role in the diabetic heart, and a growing body of research suggests that modulating autophagy may be a potential therapeutic strategy for DCM. Here, we have summarized the major signaling pathways involved in the regulation of autophagy in DCM, including Adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), Forkhead box subfamily O proteins (FOXOs), Sirtuins (SIRTs), and PTEN-inducible kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin. Given the significant role of autophagy in DCM, we further identified natural products and chemical drugs as regulators of autophagy in the treatment of DCM. This review may help to better understand the autophagy mechanism of drugs for DCM and promote their clinical application.

Ferroptosis in ulcerative colitis: Potential mechanisms and promising therapeutic targets

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a complex immune-mediated chronic inflammatory bowel disease. It is mainly characterized by diffuse inflammation of the colonic and rectal mucosa with barrier function impairment. Identifying new biomarkers for the development of more effective UC therapies remains a pressing task for current research. Ferroptosis is a newly identified form of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. As research deepens, ferroptosis has been demonstrated to be involved in the pathological processes of numerous diseases. A growing body of evidence suggests that the pathogenesis of UC is associated with ferroptosis, and the regulation of ferroptosis provides new opportunities for UC treatment. However, the specific mechanisms by which ferroptosis participates in the development of UC remain to be more fully and thoroughly investigated. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the research advances in the mechanism of ferroptosis in recent years and describe the potential role of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of UC. In addition, we explore the underlying role of the crosslinked pathway between ferroptosis and other mechanisms such as macrophages, neutrophils, autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and gut microbiota in UC. Finally, we also summarize the potential compounds that may act as ferroptosis inhibitors in UC in the future.

Integrated network pharmacology and experimental validation-based approach to reveal the underlying mechanisms and key material basis of Jinhua Qinggan granules against acute lung injury

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Jinhua Qinggan granules (JHQG), the traditional Chinese formula come into the market in 2016, has been proved clinically effective against coronavirus disease. Acute lung injury (ALI) is a major complication of respiratory infection such as coronavirus and influenza virus, with a high clinical fatality rate. Macrophage activation-induced inflammatory response plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of ALI. However, the participation of inflammatory response in the efficacy of JHQG and its material basis against ALI is still unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The research aims to investigate the inflammatory response-involved efficacy of JHQG on ALI, explore the "ingredient-target-pathway" mechanisms, and searching for key material basis of JHQG by integrated network pharmacology and experimental validation-based approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI mice was established to assess the protective impact of JHQG. Network pharmacology was utilized to identify potential targets of JHQG and investigate its action mechanisms related to inflammatory response in treating ALI. The therapeutic effect and mechanism of the primary active ingredient in JHQG was verified through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and a combination of wet experiments.

RESULTS

JHQG remarkably alleviated lung damage in mice model via suppressing macrophage activation, and inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediator level, p-ERK and p-STAT3 expression, TLR4/NF-κB activation. Network pharmacology combined with HPLC found luteolin is the main effective component of JHQG, and it could interact with TLR4/MD2 complex, further exerting the anti-inflammatory property and the protective role against ALI.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, our finding clarified the underlying mechanisms and material basis of JHQG therapy for ALI by integrated network pharmacology and experimental validation-based strategy.

PANoptosis and Autophagy-Related Molecular Signature and Immune Landscape in Ulcerative Colitis: Integrated Analysis and Experimental Validation

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. Programmed cell death (PCD), including PANoptosis and autophagy, plays roles in inflammation and immunity. This study aimed to investigate the molecular signature and immune landscape of the PANoptosis- and autophagy-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in UC.

Methods

Analyzing UC dataset GSE206285 yielded DEGs. Differentially expressed PANoptosis- and autophagy-related genes were identified using DEGs and relevant gene collections. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses were conducted. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established to identify hub genes. TRRUST database predicted transcription factors (TFs), pivotal miRNAs, and drugs interacting with hub genes. Immune infiltration analysis, UC-associated single-cell sequencing data analysis, and construction of a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network for hub genes were conducted. Machine learning identified key candidate genes, evaluated for diagnostic value via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. A UC mice model verified expression of key candidate genes.

Results

Identifying ten PANoptosis-related hub DEGs and four autophagy-related hub DEGs associated them with cell chemotaxis, wound healing and positive MAPK cascade regulation. Immune infiltration analysis revealed increased immunocyte infiltration in UC patients, with hub genes closely linked to various immune cell infiltrations. Machine learning identified five key candidate genes, TIMP1, TIMP2, TIMP3, IL6, and CCL2, with strong diagnostic performance. At the single-cell level, these genes exhibited high expression in inflammatory fibroblasts (IAFs). They showed significant expression differences in the colon mucosa of both UC patients and UC mice model.

Conclusion

This study identified and validated novel molecular signatures associated with PANoptosis and autophagy in UC, potentially influencing immune dysregulation and wound healing, thus opening avenues for future research and therapeutic interventions.

Wheat peptide alleviates DSS-induced colitis by activating the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway and maintaining the integrity of the gut barrier

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is difficult to cure, and formulating a dietary plan is an effective means to prevent and treat this disease. Wheat peptide contains a variety of bioactive peptides with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions. The results of this study showed that preventive supplementation with wheat peptide (WP) can significantly alleviate the symptoms of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. WP can increase body weight, alleviate colon shortening, and reduce disease activity index (DAI) scores. In addition, WP improved intestinal microbial disorders in mice with colitis. Based on LC-MS, a total of 313 peptides were identified in WP, 4 of which were predicted to be bioactive peptides. The regulatory effects of WP and four bioactive peptides on the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway were verified in Caco-2 cells. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that WP alleviates DSS-induced colitis by helping maintain gut barrier integrity and targeting the Keap1-Nrf2 axis; these results provided a rationale for adding WP to dietary strategies to prevent IBD.

The Effects of Resveratrol and Apigenin on Jejunal Oxidative Injury in Ducks and on Immortalized Duck Intestinal Epithelial Cells Exposed to H2O2

Oxidative stress increases the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells and impairs intestinal epithelial cell renewal, which further promotes intestinal barrier dysfunction and even death. Extensive evidence supports that resveratrol and apigenin have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative properties. Here, we investigated the ability of these two compounds to alleviate diquat-induced jejunal oxidative stress and morphological injury, using the duck as a model, as well as the effects of apigenin on oxidative stress induced by H2O2 in immortalized duck intestinal epithelial cells (IDECs). Ducks were randomly assigned to the following four groups, with five replicates: a control (CON) group, a diquat-challenged (DIQ) group, a resveratrol (500 mg/kg) + diquat (RES) group, and an apigenin (500 mg/kg) + diquat (API) group. We found that serum catalase (CAT) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) markedly reduced in the RES and API groups as compared to the DIQ group (p < 0.05); moreover, serum S superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels increased significantly in the API group as compared to the DIQ group (p < 0.05). In jejunal mucosa, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the RES and API groups decreased more than that in the DIQ group (p < 0.05). In addition, the jejunal expression levels of the NRF2 and GCLM genes in the RES and API groups increased notably compared with those in the DIQ group (p < 0.05); meanwhile, CAT activity in the RES and API groups was markedly elevated compared with that in the CON group (p < 0.05). In IDECs, apigenin significantly restrained the H2O2-mediated increase in MDA content and decrease in CAT levels (p < 0.05). Furthermore, apigenin increased the protein expression of p-NRF2, NRF2, p-AKT, and p-P38; downregulated that of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9; and reduced the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 in H2O2-treated IDECs (p < 0.05). In conclusion, resveratrol and apigenin can be used as natural feed additives to protect against jejunal oxidative stress in ducks.

Lycopene promoted M2 macrophage polarization via inhibition of NOTCH1-PI3K-mTOR-NF-κB-JMJD3-IRF4 pathway in response to Escherichia coli infection in J744A.1 cells

Escherichia coli (E. coli) can induce severe clinical bovine mastitis, which is to blame for large losses experienced by dairy farms. Macrophage polarization into various states is in response to pathogen infections. Lycopene, a naturally occurring hydrocarbon carotenoid, relieved inflammation by controlling M1/M2 status of macrophages. Thus, we wanted to explore the effect of lycopene on polarization states of macrophages in E. coli-induced mastitis. Macrophages were cultivated with lycopene for 24, before E. coli inoculation for 6 h. Lycopene (0.5 μmol/L) significantly enhanced cell viabilities and significantly reduced lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in macrophages, whereas 2 and 3 μmol/L lycopene significantly enhanced LDH activities. Lycopene treatment significantly reduced the increase in LDH release, iNOS, CD86, TNF-α, IL-1β and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expressions in E. coli group. 0.5 μmol/L lycopene significantly increased E. coli-induced downregulation of CD206, arginase I (ARG1), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), chitinase 3-like 3 (YM1), PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), p-mTOR, jumonji domain-containing protein-3 (JMJD3) and interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) levels. Moreover, Ginkgolic acid C17:1 (a specific PTEN inhibitor), 740YPDGFR (a specific PI3K activator), SC79 (a specific AKT activator) or CHPG sodium salt (a specific NF-κB activator) significantly decreased CD206, AGR1, IDO and YM1 expressions in lycopene and E. coli-treated macrophages. Therefore, lycopene increased M2 macrophages via inhibiting NOTCH1-PI3K-mTOR-NF-κB-JMJD3-IRF4 pathway in response to E. coli infection in macrophages. These results contribute to revealing the pathogenesis of E. coli-caused bovine mastitis, providing the new angle of the prevention and management of mastitis.

Protective effects of Dioscin against sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy via regulation of toll-like receptor 4/MyD88/p65 signal pathway

BACKGROUND

Dioscin has many pharmacological effects; however, its role in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) is unknown. Accordingly, we concentrate on elucidating the mechanism of Dioscin in SIC rat model.

METHODS

The SIC rat and H9c2 cell models were established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induction. The heart rate (HR), left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and heart weight index (HWI) of rats were evaluated. The myocardial tissue was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) level in myocardial tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) activities in serum samples of rats and H9c2 cells were determined by colorimetric assay. Bax, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), phosphorylated-p65 (p-p65), and p65 levels in myocardial tissues of rats and treated H9c2 cells were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot. Viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation of treated H9c2 cells were assayed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and dihydroethidium staining assays.

RESULTS

Dioscin decreased HR and HWI, increased LVEF and MAP, alleviated the myocardial tissue damage, and reduced 4-HNE level in SIC rats. Dioscin reversed LPS-induced reduction on SOD, CAT, GSH, and Bcl-2 levels, and increment on Bax and TLR4 levels in rats and H9c2 cells. Overexpressed TLR4 attenuated the effects of Dioscin on promoting viability, as well as dwindling TLR4, ROS and MyD88 levels, and p-p65/p65 value in LPS-induced H9c2 cells.

CONCLUSION

Protective effects of Dioscin against LPS-induced SIC are achieved via regulation of TLR4/MyD88/p65 signal pathway.

Goat milk exosomal microRNAs alleviate LPS-induced intestinal inflammation in mice

Intestinal inflammation is a common digestive system disease. Milk-derived exosomes can participate in intercellular communication and transport a variety of bioactive components, and the microRNAs (miRNAs) they carry play important roles in a variety of biological processes in the body. At present, the preventive effect and mechanism of action of goat milk exosomes and their derived miRNAs on intestinal inflammation are still unclear. In this study, the protective effect of goat milk exosomes on LPS-induced intestinal inflammation was investigated using mouse intestinal inflammation model and IEC-6 cell inflammation model. Small RNA sequencing was used to analyze the miRNA expression profile of goat milk exosomes. In this study, C-Exo and M-Exo alleviated intestinal inflammation by reducing the LPS-induced release of proinflammatory cytokines, inhibiting the increase in the NLRP3 protein and the activation of the TLR4/NFκB signaling pathway. C-Exo has a more significant inhibitory effect on them, and better therapeutic efficacy than M-Exo. Notably, the target genes of miRNAs in C-Exo and M-Exo were significantly enriched in immune-related pathways. Furthermore, their derived miR-26a-5p and miR-30a-5p were found to ameliorate the IEC-6 inflammatory response. These findings suggest that miRNAs in goat milk exosomes have the potential to attenuate LPS-induced intestinal inflammation.

AMBRA1 promotes intestinal inflammation by antagonizing PP4R1/PP4c mediated IKK dephosphorylation in an autophagy-independent manner

IκB kinase (IKK) complex is central regulators of the NF-κB pathway, and dysregulation of IKK phosphorylation leads to hyperactivation of proinflammatory response in various chronic inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the dynamic modulation of IKK phosphorylation and dephosphorylation in intestinal inflammation remains uncharacterized. Here, we found that autophagy/beclin-1 regulator 1 (AMBRA1) was highly expressed in inflamed colons in a colitis mouse model and in clinical IBD samples. Importantly, AMBRA1 deletion significantly decreased proinflammatory cytokine expression and enhanced the therapeutic effect of infliximab on intestinal inflammation. Mechanistically, the N-term F1 domain of AMBRA1 was required for AMBRA1 to competitively interact with protein phosphatase 4 regulatory subunit 1 (PP4R1) and catalytic protein phosphatase 4 (PP4c) to suppress their interactions with IKK, promote the dissociation of the PP4R1/PP4c complex, and antagonize the dephosphorylation activity of this complex towards the IKK complex. In response to TNF-α stimulation, IKKα phosphorylates AMBRA1 at S1043 to stabilize AMBRA1 expression by impairing its binding to Cullin4A (CUL4A) to decrease its CUL4A-mediated K48-linked ubiquitination. Overall, our study identifies an autophagy-independent function of AMBRA1 as a positive modulator of IKK phosphorylation to promote intestinal inflammation, thus providing a new targeted therapeutic strategy for patients with refractory IBD.

Kuicolong-yu enema decoction retains traditional Chinese medicine enema attenuates inflammatory response ulcerative colitis through TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Ulcer colitis (UC) is a chronic, nonspecific, and noninfectious inflammatory bowel disease. Recently, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been found to be closely associated with clinical inflammatory diseases. Achieving complete remission in patients with intermittent periods of activity followed by dormancy is challenging. Moreover, no study has explored the mechanism by which Kuicolong-yu enema decoction retains traditional Chinese medicine enemas to attenuate the inflammatory response in UC.

AIM

To explore the mechanism by which Kuicolong-yu enema decoction retains traditional Chinese medicine enemas to attenuate the inflammatory response in UC.

METHODS

This prospective clinical study included patients who met the exclusion criteria in 2020 and 2021. The patients with UC were divided into two groups (control and experimental). The peripheral blood of the experimental and control groups were collected under aseptic conditions. The expression of TLR4 protein, NF-κB, IL-6, and IL-17 was detected in the peripheral blood of patients in the experimental group and control group before and 1 month after taking the drug. Linear correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the expression level of TLR4 protein and the expression levels of downstream signal NF-κB and inflammatory factors IL-6 and IL-17, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the patient characteristics between the control and experimental groups. The results showed that the expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The levels of IL-6 and IL-17 in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The TLR4 protein expression in the experimental group was positively correlated with the expression level of downstream signal NF-κB and was positively correlated with the levels of downstream inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-17 (r = 0.823, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Kuicolong-yu enema decoction retains traditional Chinese medicine enema attenuates the inflammatory response of UC through the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Impact of diabetes mellitus on osteoarthritis: a scoping review on biomarkers

Osteoarthritis (OA) commonly affects the knee and hip joints and accounts for 19.3% of disability-adjusted life years and years lived with disability worldwide (Refs , ). Early management is important in order to avoid disability uphold quality of life (Ref. ). However, a lack of awareness of subclinical and early symptomatic stages of OA often hampers early management (Ref. ). Moreover, late diagnosis of OA among those with severe disease, at a stage when OA management becomes more complicated is common (Refs , , , ). Established risk factors for the development and progression of OA include increasing age, female, history of trauma and obesity (Ref. ). Recent studies have also drawn a link between OA and metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia and hypertension (Refs , ).

Ginseng polysaccharides ameliorate ulcerative colitis via regulating gut microbiota and tryptophan metabolism

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is regarded as a recurring inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, for which treatment approaches remain notably limited. In this study, we demonstrated that ginseng polysaccharides (GPs) could alleviate the development of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC as reflected by the ameliorated pathological lesions in the colon. GPs strikingly suppressed the expression levels of multiple inflammatory cytokines, as well as significantly inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells. Microbiota-dependent investigations by virtue of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, antibiotic treatment and fecal microbiota transplantation illustrated that GPs treatment prominently restored intestinal microbial balance predominantly through modulating the relative abundance of Lactobacillus. Additionally, GPs remarkably influenced the levels of microbial tryptophan metabolites, diminished the intestinal permeability and strengthened intestinal barrier integrity via inhibiting the 5-HT/HTR3A signaling pathway. Taken together, the promising therapeutic potential of GPs on the development of UC predominantly hinges on the capacity to suppress the expression of inflammatory cytokines as well as to influence Lactobacillus and microbial tryptophan metabolites.

Morphological and biochemical characteristics associated with autophagy in gastrointestinal diseases

Autophagy is a cellular catabolic process characterized by the formation of double-membrane autophagosomes. Transmission electron microscopy is the most rigorous method to clearly visualize autophagic engulfment and degradation. A large number of studies have shown that autophagy is closely related to the digestion, secretion, and regeneration of gastrointestinal (GI) cells. However, the role of autophagy in GI diseases remains controversial. This article focuses on the morphological and biochemical characteristics of autophagy in GI diseases, in order to provide new ideas for their diagnosis and treatment.

An Update on the Role and Potential Molecules in Relation to Ruminococcus gnavus in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus

Ruminococcus gnavus (R. gnavus) is a gram-positive anaerobe commonly resides in the human gut microbiota. The advent of metagenomics has linked R. gnavus with various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obesity, and diabetes mellitus (DM), which has become a growing area of investigation. The initial focus of research primarily centered on assessing the abundance of R. gnavus and its potential association with disease presentation, taking into account variations in sample size, sequencing and analysis methods. However, recent investigations have shifted towards elucidating the underlying mechanistic pathways through which R. gnavus may contribute to disease manifestation. In this comprehensive review, we aim to provide an updated synthesis of the current literature on R. gnavus in the context of IBD, obesity, and DM. We critically analyze relevant studies and summarize the potential molecular mediators implicated in the association between R. gnavus and these diseases. Across numerous studies, various molecules such as methylation-controlled J (MCJ), glucopolysaccharides, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), interleukin(IL)-10, IL-17, and capric acid have been proposed as potential contributors to the link between R. gnavus and IBD. Similarly, in the realm of obesity, molecules such as hydrogen peroxide, butyrate, and UDCA have been suggested as potential mediators, while glycine ursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA) has been implicated in the connection between R. gnavus and DM. Furthermore, it is imperative to emphasize the necessity for additional studies to evaluate the potential efficacy of targeting pathways associated with R. gnavus as a viable strategy for managing these diseases. These findings have significantly expanded our understanding of the functional role of R. gnavus in the context of IBD, obesity, and DM. This review aims to offer updated insights into the role and potential mechanisms of R. gnavus, as well as potential strategies for the treatment of these diseases.

Inhibition of NF-κB signaling unveils novel strategies to overcome drug resistance in cancers

Drug resistance in cancer remains a major challenge in oncology, impeding the effectiveness of various treatment modalities. The nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway has emerged as a critical player in the development of drug resistance in cancer cells. This comprehensive review explores the intricate relationship between NF-κB and drug resistance in cancer. We delve into the molecular mechanisms through which NF-κB activation contributes to resistance against chemotherapeutic agents, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies. Additionally, we discuss potential strategies to overcome this resistance by targeting NF-κB signaling, such as small molecule inhibitors and combination therapies. Understanding the multifaceted interactions between NF-κB and drug resistance is crucial for the development of more effective cancer treatment strategies. By dissecting the complex signaling network of NF-κB, we hope to shed light on novel therapeutic approaches that can enhance treatment outcomes, ultimately improving the prognosis for cancer patients. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on NF-κB and its role in drug resistance, offering insights that may guide future research and therapeutic interventions in the fight against cancer.