Celastrol attenuates psoriasiform inflammation by targeting the IRF1/GSTM3 axis

Liquiritin exerts psoriasis therapy and prevention by regulating the YY1/RBP3 axis

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis (PSO) poses a global health threat. The current research challenge in PSO is relapse. Liquiritin (LIQ), a major active compound from Glycyrrhiza inflata Batalin, has multiple pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative. Nonetheless, the precise mechanisms underlying LIQ's therapeutic actions in PSO and prevention abilities remain elusive.

PURPOSE

The present study aimed to delve into the potential to treat and prevent PSO and the mechanism of LIQ.

METHODS

The anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects of LIQ were studied in vitro with the HaCaT cell line. Then, Transcriptional analysis and bioinformatic analysis were used to determine the internal associations of the target set. Subsequently, functional experiment, luciferase report assay, ChIP-PCR, and immunohistochemical validation of clinical samples were performed to investigate the mechanism of LIQ. Finally, the anti-psoriatic effects and prevention abilities of LIQ were verified in vivo with imiquimod (IMQ)-induced PSO-like mouse models.

RESULTS

Here, we identified differentially expressed genes in LIQ-stimulated HaCaT cells and Retinol-Binding Protein 3 (RBP3) as the core target, whereas YY1 was a predicted upstream transcription factor of RBP3. The YY1/RBP3 axis was obviously altered after administering LIQ at optimal doses of 20 μM in vitro and 100 µg/ml in vivo. LIQ can significantly inhibit the progression of PSO in vivo. Notably, LIQ also prevented the relapse of psoriatic lesions induced by the second round of low-dose IMQ. Mechanistically, we observed that LIQ could increase the promotion of YY1 for RBP3 by enhancing the binding affinity between them.

CONCLUSION

These findings revealed that the YY1/RBP3 axis is a potential psoriatic target, and LIQ is a promising and innovative therapeutic candidate for the treatment and prevention of PSO.

The multiple roles of interferon regulatory factor family in health and disease

Interferon Regulatory Factors (IRFs), a family of transcription factors, profoundly influence the immune system, impacting both physiological and pathological processes. This review explores the diverse functions of nine mammalian IRF members, each featuring conserved domains essential for interactions with other transcription factors and cofactors. These interactions allow IRFs to modulate a broad spectrum of physiological processes, encompassing host defense, immune response, and cell development. Conversely, their pivotal role in immune regulation implicates them in the pathophysiology of various diseases, such as infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, metabolic diseases, and cancers. In this context, IRFs display a dichotomous nature, functioning as both tumor suppressors and promoters, contingent upon the specific disease milieu. Post-translational modifications of IRFs, including phosphorylation and ubiquitination, play a crucial role in modulating their function, stability, and activation. As prospective biomarkers and therapeutic targets, IRFs present promising opportunities for disease intervention. Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms governing IRF regulation, potentially pioneering innovative therapeutic strategies, particularly in cancer treatment, where the equilibrium of IRF activities is of paramount importance.

Qinzhuliangxue mixture ameliorates psoriasis by restraining apoptosis in psoriasis via downregulating the MDA-5 pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Psoriasis is characterized by hyperkeratosis that produces the classic silvery scales, and the pathogenesis of psoriasis involves abnormal proliferation of keratinocytes. Emerging evidence supports that apoptosis regulates keratinocyte proliferation and formation of stratum corneum, which maintains the homeostasis of the skin. Qinzhuliangxue mixture (QZLX) is a representative formula for the treatment of psoriasis, which was earliest recorded in the classic Chinese medicine book Xia's Surgery. In our previous clinical studies, QZLX demonstrated 83.33% efficacy with few side effects in the treatment of psoriasis. Furthermore, our published basic research has also proved that the QZLX mixture effectively inhibits the hyperproliferation of keratinocytes, thus exerting therapeutic effects on psoriasis. However, whether QZLX mixture can regulate keratinocytes apoptosis requires further clarification.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

To investigate the mechanism of QZLX in the treatment of psoriasis from the perspective of keratinocyte apoptosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, psoriasis-like mice with imiquimod (IMQ)-induced were given QZLX intragastric administration and Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) scores were recored for 11 consecutive days to appraise the efficacy. Then, tissue samples were collected for transcriptome analysis. The DEseq2 method detected significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs), Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Pathway databases were used to analyze the functions and pathway enrichment of DEGs. After that, the therapeutic mechanisms of QZLX in intervening with psoriasis were explored using TUNEL, immunohistochemical staining, and western blotting.

RESULTS

QZLX ameliorated the symptoms and pathological characteristics of IMQ-induced psoriasis in mice. The epidermal cell hyperplasia in the skin was inhibited, in accordance with the suppressed expression of PCNA and Ki67 after treatment. Transcriptome sequencing showed that melanoma differentiation associated gene-5 (MDA-5) was downregulated. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of the signaling pathways indicated that the differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in apoptosis pathways. Besides, QZLX treatment decreased the apoptosis of keratinocyte as shown by reduced TUNEL-positive cells. As MDA-5 protein levels decreased, so did the expression of the downstream protein Caspase-8, which indicates that the apoptotic pathway was triggered. Furthermore, QZLX therapy might also help to balance the apoptotic Bcl-2 family expression.

CONCLUSION

QZLX restrains the apoptosis of keratinocyte in psoriasis-like mice by downregulating the MDA-5 pathway. The restoration of the balance between cell apoptosis and proliferation in the skin may lead to considerable psoriasis relief. Our study reveals the possible molecular processes behind the effects of QZLX therapy on the skin lesions of psoriasis, and lends support to its clinical efficacy.

Formononetin attenuates psoriasiform inflammation by regulating interferon signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a long-lasting, inflammatory, continuous illness caused through T cells and characterized mainly by abnormal growth and division of keratinocytes. Currently, corticosteroids are the preferred option. However, prolonged use of traditional topical medication can lead to adverse reactions and relapse, presenting a significant therapeutic obstacle. Improved alternative treatment options are urgently required. Formononetin (FMN) is a representative component of isoflavones in Huangqi (HQ) [Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge.]. It possesses properties that reduce inflammation, combat oxidation, inhibit tumor growth, and mimic estrogen. Although FMN has been shown to ameliorate skin barrier devastation via regulating keratinocyte apoptosis and proliferation, there are no reports of its effectiveness in treating psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE

Through transcriptomics clues and experimental investigation, we aimed to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms underlying FMN's action on psoriasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cell viability was examined using CCK8 assay in this study. The results of analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between FMN-treated HaCaT cells and normal HaCaT cells using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) were presented on volcano plots and heatmap. Enrichment analysis was conducted on DEGs using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO), and results were validated through RT-qPCR verification. After 12 days of FMN treatment in psoriasis mouse model, we gauged the PASI score and epidermis thickness. A variety of techniques were used to assess FMN's effectiveness on inhibiting inflammation and proliferation related to psoriasis, including RT-qPCR, HE staining, western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

RESULTS

The findings indicated that FMN could suppress the growth of HaCaT cells using CCK8 assay (with IC50 = 40.64 uM) and 20 uM FMN could reduce the level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) to the greatest extent. FMN-treated HaCaT cells exhibited 985 up-regulated and 855 down-regulated DEGs compared to normal HaCaT cells. GO analysis revealed that DEGs were linked to interferon (IFN) signaling pathway. Furthermore, FMN improved pathological features, which encompassed decreased erythema, scale, and thickness scores of skin lesions in psoriasis mouse model. In vivo experiments confirmed that FMN down-regulated expression of IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, decreased secretion of TNF-α and IL-17 inflammatory factors, inhibited expression of IFN-related chemokines included Cxcl9, Cxcl10, Cxcl11 and Cxcr3 and reduced expression of transcription factors p-STAT1, p-STAT3 and IFN regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) in the imiquimod (IMQ) group.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, these results suggested that FMN played an anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative role in alleviating psoriasis by inhibiting IFN signaling pathway, and FMN could be used as a potential therapeutic agent.

Celastrol ameliorates hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in neonatal rats by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation

BACKGROUND

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is caused by perinatal hypoxia and subsequent reductions in cerebral blood flow and is one of the leading causes of severe disability or death in newborns. Despite its prevalence, we currently lack an effective drug therapy to combat HIE. Celastrol (Cel) is a pentacyclic triterpene extracted from Tripterygium Wilfordi that can protect against oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer. However, whether Cel can alleviate neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain damage remains unclear.

METHODS

Here, we established both in vitro and in vivo models of HI brain damage using CoCl2-treated PC12 cells and neonatal rats, respectively, and explored the neuroprotective effects of Cel in these models.

RESULTS

Analyses revealed that Cel administration reduced brain infarction size, microglia activation, levels of inflammation factors, and levels of oxidative stress markers by upregulating levels of p-AMPKα, Nrf2, HO-1, and by downregulating levels of TXNIP and NLRP3. Conversely, these beneficial effects of Cel on HI brain damage were largely inhibited by AMPKα inhibitor Compound C and its siRNA.

CONCLUSIONS

We present compelling evidence that Cel decreases inflammation and oxidative stress through the AMPKα/Nrf2/TXNIP signaling pathway, thereby alleviating neonatal HI brain injury. Cel therefore represents a promising therapeutic agent for treating HIE.

IMPACT

We firstly report that celastrol can ameliorate neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury both in in vivo and in vitro, which represents a promising therapeutic agent for treating related brain injuries. Celastrol activates the AMPKα/Nrf2/TXNIP signaling pathway to relieve oxidative stress and inflammation and thereby alleviates neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.

Single-atom catalysts-based catalytic ROS clearance for efficient psoriasis treatment and relapse prevention via restoring ESR1

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory disease of especially high recurrence rate (90%) which is suffered by approximately 3% of the world population. The overexpression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a critical role in psoriasis progress. Here we show that biomimetic iron single-atom catalysts (FeN4O2-SACs) with broad-spectrum ROS scavenging capability can be used for psoriasis treatment and relapse prevention via related gene restoration. FeN4O2-SACs demonstrate attractive multiple enzyme-mimicking activities based on atomically dispersed Fe active structures, which are analogous to those of natural antioxidant enzymes, iron superoxide dismutase, human erythrocyte catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase. Further, in vitro and in vivo experiments show that FeN4O2-SACs can effectively ameliorate psoriasis-like symptoms and prevent the relapse with augmented efficacy compared with the clinical drug calcipotriol. Mechanistically, estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) is identified as the core protein upregulated in psoriasis treatment through RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. Together, this study provides a proof of concept of psoriasis catalytic therapy (PCT) and multienzyme-inspired bionics (MIB).

Discovery of CLEC2B as a diagnostic biomarker and screening of celastrol as a candidate drug for psoriatic arthritis through bioinformatics analysis

BACKGROUND

Psoriatic arthritis (PSA) is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory joint disease that is liked to mortality due to cardiovascular disease. Diagnostic markers and effective therapeutic options for PSA remain limited due to the lack of understanding of the pathogenesis. We aimed to identify potential diagnostic markers and screen the therapeutic compounds for PSA based on bioinformatics analysis.

METHODS

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of PSA were identified from the GSE61281 dataset. WGCNA was used to identify PSA-related modules and prognostic biomarkers. Clinical samples were collected to validate the expression of the diagnostic gene. These DEGs were subjected to the CMap database for the identification of therapeutic candidates for PSA. Potential pathways and targets for drug candidates to treat PSA were predicted using Network Pharmacology. Molecular docking techniques were used to validate key targets.

RESULTS

CLEC2B was identified as a diagnostic marker for PSA patients (AUC > 0.8) and was significantly upregulated in blood samples. In addition, celastrol was identified as a candidate drug for PSA. Subsequently, the network pharmacology approach identified four core targets (IL6, TNF, GAPDH, and AKT1) of celastrol and revealed that celastrol could treat PSA by modulating inflammatory-related pathways. Finally, molecular docking demonstrated stable binding of celastrol to four core targets in the treatment of PSA. Animal experiments indicated celastrol alleviated inflammatory response in the mannan-induced PSA.

CONCLUSION

CLEC2B was a diagnostic marker for PSA patients. Celastrol was identified as a potential therapeutic drug for PSA via regulating immunity and inflammation.

Celastrol inhibits LL37-induced rosacea by inhibiting Ca2+/CaMKII-mTOR-NF-κB activation

Rosacea is a common chronic facial inflammatory disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Due to the unclear etiology of rosacea, effective treatments are limited. Celastrol, a plant-derived triterpene, has been reported to alleviate inflammation in various diseases. However, whether celastrol exerts protective effects in rosacea remains to be elucidated. In this study, weighted gene co-expression network analyses (WGCNA) were performed. Hub modules closely related to rosacea clinical characteristics were identified and found to be involved in inflammation- and angiogenesis-related signaling pathways. Then, the pharmacological targets of celastrol were predicted using the TargetNet and Swiss Target Prediction databases. A GO analysis indicated that the biological process regulated by celastrol highly overlapped with the pathogenic biological processes in rosacea. Next, we showed that celastrol ameliorated erythema, skin thickness and inflammatory cell infiltration in the dermis of LL37-treated mice. Celastrol suppressed the expression of rosacea-related inflammatory cytokines and inhibited the Th17 immune response and cutaneous angiogenesis in LL37-induced rosacea-like mice. We further demonstrated that celastrol attenuated LL37-induced inflammation by inhibiting intracellular-free calcium ([Ca²⁺]_i)-mediated mTOR signaling in keratinocytes. Chelating intracellular Ca²⁺ with BAPTA/AM potentiated celastrol-induced repression of LL37-induced p-S6 elevation. The mTOR agonist MHY1485 dramatically reinforced LL37-induced rosacea-like characteristics, while celastrol attenuated these outcomes. Moreover, celastrol inhibited LL37-activated NF-κB in a mTOR signaling-dependent manner. In conclusion, our findings underscore that celastrol may be a rosacea protective agent by inhibiting the LL37-activated Ca²⁺/CaMKII-mTOR-NF-κB pathway associated with skin inflammation disorders.