ACT001 suppressing M1 polarization against inflammation via NF-κB and STAT1 signaling pathways alleviates acute lung injury in mice

Comparative study on the anti-inflammatory and protective effects of different oxygen therapy regimens on lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice

Oxygen therapy after acute lung injury can regulate the inflammatory response and reduce lung tissue injury. However, the optimal exposure pressure, duration, and frequency of oxygen therapy for acute lung injury remain unclear. In the present study, after intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide in ICR mice, 1.0 atmosphere absolute (ATA) pure oxygen and 2.0 ATA hyperbaric oxygen treatment for 1 hour decreased the levels of proinflammatory factors (interleukin-1beta and interleukin-6) in peripheral blood and lung tissues. However, only 2.0 ATA hyperbaric oxygen increased the mRNA levels of anti-inflammatory factors (interleukin-10 and arginase-1) in lung tissue; 3.0 ATA hyperbaric oxygen treatment had no significant effect. We also observed that at 2.0 ATA, the anti-inflammatory effect of a single exposure to hyperbaric oxygen for 3 hours was greater than that of a single exposure to hyperbaric oxygen for 1 hour. The protective effect of two exposures for 1.5 hours was similar to that of a single exposure for 3 hours. These results suggest that hyperbaric oxygen alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by regulating the expression of inflammatory factors in an acute lung injury model and that appropriately increasing the duration and frequency of hyperbaric oxygen exposure has a better tissue-protective effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury. These results could guide the development of more effective oxygen therapy regimens for acute lung injury patients.

Gene Therapy for Inflammatory Cascade in Intrauterine Injury with Engineered Extracellular Vesicles Hybrid Snail Mucus-enhanced Adhesive Hydrogels

Early hyper-inflammation caused by intrauterine injury triggered subsequent intrauterine adhesion (IUA). STAT1-mediated M1 macrophages are confirmed to secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines to accelerate inflammatory cascade and IUA formation by multi-omics analysis and experimental verification. However, clinically used hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels are prone to slip out of injury sites due to poor bio-adhesion properties. Therefore, there are still challenges in applying hydrogels for M1 macrophage intervention in IUA treatment. Herein, an engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs) hybrid snail mucus (SM)-enhanced adhesive hydrogels to improve bio-adhesion property is fabricated and M1 macrophage intervention through targeting delivery and STAT1 silencing is achieved. First, inspired by the high bio-adhesion capacity of SM, SM and gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) solution are mixed to construct GelMA/SM (GS) hydrogel. Then, folic acid-modified extracellular vesicles (FA-EVs) are synthesized for targeting the delivery of STAT1-siRNA. Upon injection of FA-EVs hybrid GS hydrogel into the uterine cavity, a protective hydrogel layer forms on the surface of injury sites and sustains the release of STAT1-siRNA-loaded FA-EVs to curtail M1 macrophages generation through inhibiting STAT1 phosphorylation, resulting in reduction of myofibroblasts activation and collagen deposition. In addition, the pregnancy rate and the number of fetuses in rats treated with this hydrogel were much higher than those in other groups, suggesting that the hydrogel could promote functional endometrial regeneration and restore fertility. Overall, this study presents a promising strategy for employing FA-EVs hybrid adhesive hydrogel with superior bio-adhesion properties and M1 macrophage targeting delivery for IUA treatment and uterus recovery.

C-176 inhibits macrophage polarization towards M1-subtype and ameliorates LPS induced acute kidney injury

Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (SI-AKI) has become a focal point in nephrology research field due to its high mortality and potential progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The increase of M1 macrophages within renal tissue and their associated inflammatory responses are key contributors to renal inflammation and subsequent damage. Additionally, the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) signaling pathway is abnormally activated during the onset of acute kidney injury (AKI). However, the relationship between the activation of this pathway and the increase in M1 macrophages has not been fully elucidated. This study investigated the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of the STING pathway-specific inhibitor C-176 on LPS-induced AKI, using an LPS and IFN-γ induced M1 macrophage model and an LPS-induced sepsis AKI mouse model. The in vivo results demonstrate that C-176 intervention can alleviate acute kidney injury and improve renal function by reducing macrophage infiltration in renal tissue, decreasing the proportion of M1 macrophages, and mitigating the inflammatory response. Additionally, in vitro results indicate that C-176 intervention inhibits the polarization of M0 macrophages to M1 macrophages, promotes their polarization to M2 macrophages, and reduces the amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α at both the protein and gene expression levels. The biological effects of C-176 are associated with the inhibition of STING-IRF3 signaling pathway activation. In summary, the findings of this study have certain scientific significance and application value for exploring the pathogenesis and treatment methods of SI-AKI.

Whole transcriptome sequencing identifies key lncRNAs, circRNAs and miRNAs in sepsis-associated acute lung injury

Purpose: In this study, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and signaling pathways to gain insight into the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI). Methods: C57BL/6 mice were intravenously injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish a sepsis-induced ALI model. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to evaluate the model. Whole transcriptome sequencing was performed to identify the expression changes in lncRNAs, circRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs in lung tissues. The crucial RNAs and the biological function of the target genes were confirmed and annotated based on bioinformatics analysis. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to verify the expression levels of key lncRNAs, circRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs in the lung tissues and human bronchoalveolar lavage (BALF). Results: A total of 3304 (1632 upregulated and 1672 downregulated) differentially expressed mRNAs, 794 (397 up and 397 down) differentially expressed lncRNAs, 89 (58 up and 31 down) differentially expressed circRNAs, and 14 (11 up and 3 down) differentially expressed miRNAs were identified between the control and LPS lung tissues. The lncRNA ceRNA subnetwork and circRNA ceRNA subnetwork were constructed based on the observed interaction and co-expression among the differentially expressed RNAs. An analysis of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and hub genes revealed crucial mRNAs for circRNA-Tcf20. The lncRNA-Snhg12, Edn1, Stat1, miR-212-3p and miR-223-3p were upregulated in sepsis ARDS patients. CircRNA-Tcf20, Col1a1, Col1a2 and Flt3 were significantly downregulated in sepsis ARDS patients. The biological function analysis indicated that these genes were enriched in the TNF signaling pathway, Necroptosis signaling pathway and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that circRNA-Tcf20, miR-212-3p, miR-223-3p, Col1a1, Col1a2 and Flt3 may be new regulatory factors that participate in the pathogenesis of sepsis-related acute lung injury. CircRNA-Tcf20, lncRNA-Snhg12 and all the other RNAs may be potential biomarkers for septic ALI/ARDS.

From bioinformatics to anti-inflammation and immune regulation: ACT001 in lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury

BACKGROUND

ACT001 is a potent anti-inflammatory small-molecule drug. However, the single cell and spatial molecular basis of pyroptosis and whether ACT001 exerts a therapeutic effect by preventing pyroptosis on acute lung injury (ALI) remains unclear.

METHODS

The bioinformatics approach was employed to identify single cell and spatial landscape of nucleotide-binding domains and leucine-rich repeat protein 3 (NLRP3)-dependent pyroptosis in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and influenza virus-induced ALI. Molecular docking was performed to elucidate the relationship between ACT001 and NLRP3. LPS-induced ALI mice model was established. Histopathological analysis and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid collection were conducted to investigate the anti-inflammatory and protective effects. In vitro experiments were also performed on bone marrow-derived macrophages to explore the effect of ACT001 on the balance of mitochondrial fusion and fission protein.

RESULTS

Single cell transcriptomic and spatial transcriptomic analysis predicted that NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis significantly correlated with the development of ALI both in single cell and spatial distribution. Molecular docking provided a stable and reliable docking between ACT001 and NLRP3. ACT001 improved the 7-day survival of mice by approximately 50% over the loading dose of LPS-induced ALI. ACT001 (5 uM) attenuated the disruption of mitochondrial integrity and reactive oxygen species. Further, ACT001 reduced the overexpression of the mitochondrial fission protein DRP1 without affecting fusion protein Mitofusin2 levels. Moreover, ACT001 exerted a similar protective effect of suppressing pyroptosis as the DRP1-inhibitor Mdivi-1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that pyroptosis genes were highly expressed in single-cell and spatial mapping along the first week of ALI occurrence. ACT001 attenuates ALI by reducing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis and balancing mitochondrial fission and fusion.

Exploring the Phytochemistry, Signaling Pathways, and Mechanisms of Action of Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Sch.Bip.: A Comprehensive Literature Review

The traditional use of Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Sch.Bip., commonly known as feverfew, extends across various medical conditions, notably those associated with pain and inflammation. In alignment with the growing trend towards developing medications that target specific signaling pathways for enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects, extensive research has been conducted to investigate and validate the pharmacological effects of feverfew. Among its bioactive compounds, parthenolide stands out as the most potent, categorized as a germacranolide-type sesquiterpene lactone, and has been extensively studied in multiple investigations. Significantly, the anti-inflammatory properties of feverfew have been primarily attributed to its capacity to inhibit nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), resulting in a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Furthermore, the anticancer properties of feverfew have been associated with the modulation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) and NF-κB signaling pathways. This study further delves into the neuroprotective potential of feverfew, specifically in the management of conditions such as migraine headaches, epilepsy, and neuropathic pain through various mechanisms. The core objective of this study is to elucidate the phytochemical composition of feverfew, with a particular emphasis on understanding the molecular mechanisms and examining the signaling pathways that contribute to its pharmacological and therapeutic effects. Additionally, the safety, toxicity, and potential adverse effects of feverfew are comprehensively evaluated, with an overarching goal of providing valuable insights into the plant's potential for targeted and effective treatments.

Molecular mechanisms of Sepsis attacking the immune system and solid organs

Remarkable progress has been achieved in sepsis treatment in recent times, the mortality rate of sepsis has experienced a gradual decline as a result of the prompt administration of antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, and the implementation of various therapies aimed at supporting multiple organ functions. However, there is still significant mortality and room for improvement. The mortality rate for septic patients, 22.5%, is still unacceptably high, accounting for 19.7% of all global deaths. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly comprehend the pathogenesis of sepsis in order to enhance clinical diagnosis and treatment methods. Here, we summarized classic mechanisms of sepsis progression, activation of signal pathways, mitochondrial quality control, imbalance of pro-and anti- inflammation response, diseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), cell death, presented the latest research findings for each mechanism and identify potential therapeutic targets within each mechanism.

MCL attenuates atherosclerosis by suppressing macrophage ferroptosis via targeting KEAP1/NRF2 interaction

BACKGROUND

Micheliolide (MCL), which is the active metabolite of parthenolide, has demonstrated promising clinical application potential. However, the effects and underlying mechanisms of MCL on atherosclerosis are still unclear.

METHOD

ApoE-/- mice were fed with high fat diet, with or without MCL oral administration, then the plaque area, lipid deposition and collagen content were determined. In vitro, MCL was used to pretreat macrophages combined by ox-LDL, the levels of ferroptosis related proteins, NRF2 activation, mitochondrial function and oxidative stress were detected.

RESULTS

MCL administration significantly attenuated atherosclerotic plaque progress, which characteristics with decreased plaque area, less lipid deposition and increased collagen. Compared with HD group, the level of GPX4 and xCT in atherosclerotic root macrophages were increased in MCL group obviously. In vitro experiment demonstrated that MCL increased GPX4 and xCT level, improved mitochondrial function, attenuated oxidative stress and inhibited lipid peroxidation to suppress macrophage ferroptosis induced with ox-LDL. Moreover, MCL inhibited KEAP1/NRF2 complex formation and enhanced NRF2 nucleus translocation, while the protective effect of MCL on macrophage ferroptosis was abolished by NRF2 inhibition. Additionally, molecular docking suggests that MCL may bind to the Arg483 site of KEAP1, which also contributes to KEAP1/NRF2 binding. Furthermore, Transfection Arg483 (KEAP1-R483S) mutant plasmid can abrogate the anti-ferroptosis and anti-oxidative effects of MC in macrophages. KEAP1-R483S mutation also limited the protective effect of MCL on atherosclerosis progress and macrophage ferroptosis in ApoE-/- mice.

CONCLUSION

MCL suppressed atherosclerosis by inhibiting macrophage ferroptosis via activating NRF2 pathway, the related mechanism is through binding to the Arg483 site of KEAP1 competitively.

ACT001 Alleviates chronic kidney injury induced by a high-fat diet in mice through the GPR43/AMPK pathway

BACKGROUND

Roughly 10 -15% of global populace suffer from Chronic Kidney Disease(CKD). A major secondary disease that can progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is obesity-associated kidney disease (ORG). Although clinical management strategies are currently available, morbidity and mortality rates are increasing. Thus, new solutions are needed. Intestinal permeability, systemic inflammation, and aberrant intestinal metabolites have all been linked to ORG.

PURPOSE

ACT001 has anti-inflammatory, redox-regulatory and antitumour activities. The current study was designed to examine how ACT001 affects ORG and analyze the fundamental processes.

METHODS

A high-fat diet (HFD) was used to generate ORG in female C57BL/6 J mice. ORG mice were divided into three groups at random: HFD, HFD + ACT001, HFD + polyphosphocholine (PPC). To assess renal and colonic damage, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining were used. Following that, renal inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid deposition, colonic inflammation, and intestinal permeability were evaluated by protein blotting, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining. Lastly, the SCFAs content was assessed by gas chromatographymass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Mice in the HFD group displayed more severe albuminuria, glomerular hypertrophy, renal oxidative damage, inflammation, and lipid accumulation than mice with the normal diet (ND) group, as well as lower levels of intestinal SCFA valproic acid, colonic inflammation, and tight junction protein downregulation. ACT001 treatment restores the content of valproic acid in intestinal SCFAs, promotes the binding of SCFAs to renal GPR43, activates the AMPK signalling pathway. Therefore, it promotes the Nrf2-Keap1 signalling pathway and inhibits the NF-κB signalling pathway. SCFAs, additionally, augment colonic GPR43 concentrations, diminishing NLRP3 inflammasome expression and restoring ZO-1 and occludin protein levels.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to look at ACT001's potential as a treatment for obesity-related kidney disease. Regulating GPR43 and AMPK signalling pathways, By controlling the GPR43 and AMPK signalling pathways, ACT001 improves colitis and the intestinal mucosal barrier, decreases renal lipid deposition, and suppresses inflammation and oxidative stress in the kidneys. According to this study, ACT001 could be a viable ORG therapy option.

The role of macrophages polarization in sepsis-induced acute lung injury

Sepsis presents as a severe infectious disease frequently documented in clinical settings. Characterized by its systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis has the potential to trigger multi-organ dysfunction and can escalate to becoming life-threatening. A common fallout from sepsis is acute lung injury (ALI), which often progresses to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Macrophages, due to their significant role in the immune system, are receiving increased attention in clinical studies. Macrophage polarization is a process that hinges on an intricate regulatory network influenced by a myriad of signaling molecules, transcription factors, epigenetic modifications, and metabolic reprogramming. In this review, our primary focus is on the classically activated macrophages (M1-like) and alternatively activated macrophages (M2-like) as the two paramount phenotypes instrumental in sepsis' host immune response. An imbalance between M1-like and M2-like macrophages can precipitate the onset and exacerbate the progression of sepsis. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between macrophage polarization and sepsis-induced acute lung injury (SALI) and elaborates on the intervention strategy that centers around the crucial process of macrophage polarization.

Liver Cell Type-Specific Targeting by Nanoformulations for Therapeutic Applications

Hepatocytes exert pivotal roles in metabolism, protein synthesis and detoxification. Non-parenchymal liver cells (NPCs), largely comprising macrophages, dendritic cells, hepatic stellate cells and liver sinusoidal cells (LSECs), serve to induce immunological tolerance. Therefore, the liver is an important target for therapeutic approaches, in case of both (inflammatory) metabolic diseases and immunological disorders. This review aims to summarize current preclinical nanodrug-based approaches for the treatment of liver disorders. So far, nano-vaccines that aim to induce hepatitis virus-specific immune responses and nanoformulated adjuvants to overcome the default tolerogenic state of liver NPCs for the treatment of chronic hepatitis have been tested. Moreover, liver cancer may be treated using nanodrugs which specifically target and kill tumor cells. Alternatively, nanodrugs may target and reprogram or deplete immunosuppressive cells of the tumor microenvironment, such as tumor-associated macrophages. Here, combination therapies have been demonstrated to yield synergistic effects. In the case of autoimmune hepatitis and other inflammatory liver diseases, anti-inflammatory agents can be encapsulated into nanoparticles to dampen inflammatory processes specifically in the liver. Finally, the tolerance-promoting activity especially of LSECs has been exploited to induce antigen-specific tolerance for the treatment of allergic and autoimmune diseases.

Lung cancer treatment potential and limits associated with the STAT family of transcription factors

Lung cancer is one of the mortal cancers and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with a cancer survival rate of fewer than 5% in developing nations. This low survival rate can be linked to things like late-stage detection, quick postoperative recurrences in patients receiving therapy, and chemoresistance developing against various lung cancer treatments. Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors are involved in lung cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, immunological control, and treatment resistance. By interacting with specific DNA sequences, STAT proteins trigger the production of particular genes, which in turn result in adaptive and incredibly specific biological responses. In the human genome, seven STAT proteins have been discovered (STAT1 to STAT6, including STAT5a and STAT5b). Many external signaling proteins can activate unphosphorylated STATs (uSTATs), which are found inactively in the cytoplasm. When STAT proteins are activated, they can increase the transcription of several target genes, which leads to unchecked cellular proliferation, anti-apoptotic reactions, and angiogenesis. The effects of STAT transcription factors on lung cancer are variable; some are either pro- or anti-tumorigenic, while others maintain dual, context-dependent activities. Here, we give a succinct summary of the various functions that each member of the STAT family plays in lung cancer and go into more detail about the advantages and disadvantages of pharmacologically targeting STAT proteins and their upstream activators in the context of lung cancer treatment.

Key Role of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Interaction with Macrophages in Promoting Repair of Lung Injury

Lung macrophages (Mφs) are essential for pulmonary innate immunity and host defense due to their dynamic polarization and phenotype shifts. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have secretory, immunomodulatory, and tissue-reparative properties and have shown promise in acute and chronic inflammatory lung diseases and in COVID-19. Many beneficial effects of MSCs are mediated through their interaction with resident alveolar and pulmonary interstitial Mφs. Bidirectional MSC-Mφ communication is achieved through direct contact, soluble factor secretion/activation, and organelle transfer. The lung microenvironment facilitates MSC secretion of factors that result in Mφ polarization towards an immunosuppressive M2-like phenotype for the restoration of tissue homeostasis. M2-like Mφ in turn can affect the MSC immune regulatory function in MSC engraftment and tissue reparatory effects. This review article highlights the mechanisms of crosstalk between MSCs and Mφs and the potential role of their interaction in lung repair in inflammatory lung diseases.

pH-responsive theranostic nanoplatform of ferrite and ceria co-engineered nanoparticles for anti-inflammatory

Multiple component integration to achieve both therapy and diagnosis in a single theranostic nanosystem has aroused great research interest in the medical investigator. This study aimed to construct a novel theranostic nanoplatform ferrite and ceria co-engineered mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Fe/Ce-MSN) antioxidant agent though a facile metal Fe/Ce-codoping approach in the MSN framework. The resulted Fe³⁺-incorporated ceria-based MSN nanoparticles possessing a higher Ce³⁺-to-Ce⁴⁺ ratio than those revealed by ceria-only nanoparticles. The as-prepared Fe/Ce-MSN nanoparticles exhibited an excellent efficiency in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is attributed to improving the superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetics activity by increasing Ce³⁺ content and maintaining a higher activity of catalase (CAT) mimetics via including ferrite ion in nanoparticles. The fast Fe/Ce-MSN biodegradation, which is sensitive to the mild acidic microenvironment of inflammation, can accelerate Fe/Ce ion release, and the freed Fe ions enhanced T₂-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the inflammation site. PEGylated Fe/Ce-MSN nanoparticles in vitro cell models significantly attenuated ROS-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in macrophages by scavenging overproduced intracellular ROS. More importantly, Fe/Ce-MSN-PEG NPs exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) levels in vitro. Additionally, it can promote the macrophages polarization of pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype towards an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Thus, the novel pH-responsive theranostic nanoplatform shows great promise for inflammation and oxidative stress-associated disease treatment.

Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells attenuate lung inflammation and fibrosis in the bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis rat model via caveolin-1/NF-kB signaling axis

Stem cells have emerged as promising therapeutic options for several human diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis (PF). In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) in the bleomycin-induced PF model rats and the underlying mechanisms. The PF model rats were generated by intratracheal injections of 5 mg/kg bleomycin sulfate. The ADMSC group rats were generated by injecting 2×10(6) ADMSCs via the tail vein at 0, 12, and 24 h after bleomycin injection. The control, PF, and ADMSC group rats were sacrificed on day 21 after bleomycin injections and the changes in lung histology and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, collagen I, and caveolin-1 (Cav-1), and the activity of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway in the lung tissues was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, ELISA, and western blotting assays. The lung tissues of the PF model rats showed significant infiltration of neutrophils, tissue destruction, and collagen deposition, but these effects were abrogated by the ADMSCs. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1beta, and TGF-beta1 were elevated in the lung tissues and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of the bleomycin-induced PF model rats, but these effects were reversed by the ADMSCs. The lung tissues of the PF model rats showed significant downregulation of Cav-1 and significantly higher activation of the pro-inflammatory NF-kappaB pathway. However, administration of the ADMSCs restored the expression levels of Cav-1 and suppressed the NF-kappaB signaling pathway in the lungs of the bleomycin-induced PF model rats. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the ADMSCs protected against bleomycin-induced PF in the rat model by modulating the Cav-1/NF-kappaB axis.