MiR-139 protects against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced nerve injury through targeting c-Jun to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation

SNHG3 deficiency restrains spinal cord injury-induced inflammation through sponging miR-139-5p and provides a novel biomarker for disease severity

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs and long non-coding RNAs play pivotal roles in the progression and recovery of spinal cord injury (SCI), which is a serious traumatic disease in central nervous system. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression and clinical value of SNHG3 in SCI patients and explore the regulatory effects of SNHG3 on SCI-induced inflammatory responses in vitro.

METHODS

The relationship between SNHG3 and miR-139-5p was confirmed using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. A SCI cell model was constructed in SH-SY5Y cells using hypoxia treatment. SNHG3 and miR-139-5p expression was analyzed using qRT-PCR. Effects of SNHG3 and miR-139-5p on cell model viability and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated by CCK-8 assay and ELISA kits, respectively. ROC curves based on serum SNHG3 and miR-139-5p were constructed to evaluate their diagnostic performance.

RESULTS

In SCI patients, serum SNHG3 was upregulated, but miR-139-5p was downregulated (P<0.05), and a negative correlation between the two ncRNAs was found. Both SNHG3 and miR-139-5p showed relatively high discrimination abilities for the screening of SCI and complete SCI (CSCI) patients. SNHG3 was positively correlated with inflammatory cytokines, and miR-139-5p showed opposite results in SCI patients. By in-vitro analysis, SNHG3 knockdown enhanced cell viability but inhibited inflammation by increasing miR-139-5p.

CONCLUSIONS

All the data found that serum upregulated SNHG3 and downregulated miR-139-5p served as biomarkers to diagnose SCI and indicate injury severity. The deficiency of SNHG3 alleviated neuronal injury by restraining inflammatory responses through targeting miR-139-5p. Thus, the SNHG3/miR-139-5p axis may provide novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for SCI.

MicroRNA Regulatory Pattern in Diabetic Mouse Cortex at Different Stages Following Ischemic Stroke

After ischemic stroke, microRNAs (miRNAs) participate in various processes, including immune responses, inflammation, and angiogenesis. Diabetes is a key factor increasing the risk of ischemic stroke; however, the regulatory pattern of miRNAs at different stages of diabetic stroke remains unclear. This study comprehensively analyzed the miRNA expression profiles in diabetic mice at 1, 3, and 7 days post-reperfusion following the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). We identified differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in diabetic stroke and found significant dysregulation of some novel miRNAs (novel_mir310, novel_mir89, and novel_mir396) post-stroke. These DEmiRNAs were involved in apoptosis and the formation of tight junctions. Finally, we identified three groups of time-dependent DE miRNAs (miR-6240, miR-135b-3p, and miR-672-5p). These have the potential to serve as biomarkers of diabetic stroke. These findings provide a new perspective for future research, emphasizing the dynamic changes in miRNA expression after diabetic stroke and offering potential candidates as biomarkers for future clinical applications.

Therapeutic efficacy and pharmacological mechanism of Yindan Xinnaotong soft capsule on acute ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis and network pharmacology analysis

Yindan Xinnaotong soft capsule (YDXNT), a traditional Chinese medicine preparation, has shown a promising effect in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The goal of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects and pharmacological mechanisms of YDXNT on AIS. Randomized controlled trials were searched and screened. Review Manager 5.4 was used for a meta-analysis. Active ingredients and targets of YDXNT were extracted from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database, Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Encyclopaedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine. AIS-related targets were retrieved from GeneCards, OMIM, and DrugBank databases. We constructed PPI and ingredient-target networks, performed Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses, and conducted molecular docking. The YDXNT group had a higher total effective rate and a higher Barthel Index score. YDXNT reduced the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the whole blood viscosity at high and shear rates. Our study identified 313 ingredients and 1196 common targets. The key ingredients were mainly quercetin, neocryptotanshinone II, miltionone I, neotanshinone C, and tanshiquinone B, and the key targets were mainly SRC, MAPK3, AKT1, MAPK1, and JUN. GO analysis showed that the core targets mainly involved in atherosclerosis and neural apoptosis. The core pathways were lipid and atherosclerosis, PI3K-Akt, MAPK, and other pathways. Key ingredients exhibited robust binding interactions with core targets. YDXNT could effectively improve the total effective rate, ability of daily life, blood lipids, and blood viscosity. Antiatherosclerotic and neuroprotective effects are the main pharmacological mechanisms.Registration number: CRD42023400127.

Bioinformatics and Integrative Experimental Method to Identifying and Validating Co-Expressed Ferroptosis-Related Genes in OA Articular Cartilage and Synovium

Purpose

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease worldwide and is the primary cause of disability and chronic pain in older adults.Ferroptosis is a type of programmed cell death characterized by aberrant iron metabolism and reactive oxygen species accumulation; however, its role in OA is not known.

Methods

To identify ferroptosis markers co-expressed in articular cartilage and synovium samples from patients with OA, in silico analysis was performed.Signature genes were analyzed and the results were evaluated using a ROC curve prediction model.The biological function, correlation between Signature genes, immune cell infiltration, and ceRNA network analyses were performed. Signature genes and ferroptosis phenotypes were verified through in vivo animal experiments and clinical samples. The expression levels of non-coding RNAs in samples from patients with OA were determined using qRT-PCR. ceRNA network analysis results were confirmed using dual-luciferase assays.

Results

JUN, ATF3, and CDKN1A were identified as OA- and ferroptosis-associated signature genes. GSEA analysis demonstrated an enrichment of these genes in immune and inflammatory responses, and amino acid metabolism. The CIBERSORT algorithm showed a negative correlation between T cells and these signature genes in the cartilage, and a positive correlation in the synovium. Moreover, RP5-894D12.5 and FAM95B1 regulated the expression of JUN, ATF3, and CDKN1A by competitively binding to miR-1972, miR-665, and miR-181a-2-3p. In vivo, GPX4 was downregulated in both OA cartilage and synovium; however, GPX4 and GSH were downregulated, while ferrous ions were upregulated in patient OA cartilage and synovium samples, indicating that ferroptosis was involved in the pathogenesis of OA. Furthermore, JUN, ATF3, and CDKN1A expression was downregulated in both mouse and human OA synovial and cartilage tissues. qRT-PCR demonstrated that miR-1972, RP5-894D12.5, and FAM95B1 were differentially expressed in OA tissues. Targeted interactions between miR-1972 and JUN, and a ceRNA regulatory mechanism between RP5-894D12.5, miR-1972, and JUN were confirmed by dual-luciferase assays.

Conclusion

This study identified JUN, ATF3, and CDKN1A as possible diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for joint synovitis and OA. Furthermore, our finding indicated that RP5-894D12.5/miR-1972/JUN was a potential ceRNA regulatory axis in OA, providing an insight into the connection between ferroptosis and OA.

Banxia Xiexin Decoction Prevents HT22 Cells from High Glucose-induced Neurotoxicity via JNK/SIRT1/Foxo3a Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction (DCD) is a chronic complication of diabetes that has gained international attention. The medicinal compound Banxia Xiexin Decoction (BXXXD) from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown potential in improving insulin resistance, regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), and inhibiting cell apoptosis through various pathways. However, the specific mechanism of action and medical value of BXXXD remain unclear.

METHODS

We utilized TCMSP databases to screen the chemical constituents of BXXXD and identified DCD disease targets through relevant databases. By using Stitch and String databases, we imported the data into Cytoscape 3.8.0 software to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and subsequently identified core targets through network topology analysis. The core targets were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. The results were further validated through in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology analysis revealed the screening of 1490 DCD-related targets and 190 agents present in BXXXD. The topological analysis and enrichment analysis conducted using Cytoscape software identified 34 core targets. Additionally, GO and KEGG pathway analyses yielded 104 biological targets and 97 pathways, respectively. BXXXD exhibited its potential in treating DCD by controlling synaptic plasticity and conduction, suppressing apoptosis, reducing inflammation, and acting as an antioxidant. In a high glucose (HG) environment, the expression of JNK, Foxo3a, SIRT1, ATG7, Lamp2, and LC3 was downregulated. BXXXD intervention on HT22 cells potentially involved inhibiting excessive oxidative stress, promoting neuronal autophagy, and increasing the expression levels of JNK, SIRT1, Foxo3a, ATG7, Lamp2, and LC3. Furthermore, the neuroprotective effect of BXXXD was partially blocked by SP600125, while quercetin enhanced the favorable role of BXXXD in the HG environment.

CONCLUSION

BXXXD exerts its effects on DCD through multiple components, targets, levels, and pathways. It modulates the JNK/SIRT1/Foxo3a signaling pathway to mitigate autophagy inhibition and apoptotic damage in HT22 cells induced by HG. These findings provide valuable perspectives and concepts for future clinical trials and fundamental research.

Pharmacological intervention of curcumin via the NLRP3 inflammasome in ischemic stroke

Ischemic-induced neuronal injury arises due to low oxygen/nutrient levels and an inflammatory response that exacerbates neuronal loss. NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) is an important regulator of inflammation after ischemic stroke, with its inhibition being involved in nerve regeneration. Curcumin, a main active ingredient in Chinese herbs, plays a positive role in neuronal repair and neuroprotection by regulating the NLRP3 signaling pathway. Nevertheless, the signaling mechanisms relating to how curcumin regulates NLRP3 inflammasome in inflammation and neural restoration following ischemic stroke are unknown. In this report, we summarize the main biological functions of the NLRP3 inflammasome along with the neuroprotective effects and underlying mechanisms of curcumin via impairment of the NLRP3 pathway in ischemic brain injury. We also discuss the role of medicinal interventions that target the NLRP3 and potential pathways, as well as possible directions for curcumin therapy to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and hinder inflammation in ischemic stroke. This report conclusively demonstrates that curcumin has neuroprotective properties that inhibit inflammation and prevent nerve cell loss, thereby delaying the progression of ischemic brain damage.

Identification of canonical pyroptosis-related genes, associated regulation axis, and related traditional Chinese medicine in spinal cord injury

Neuroinflammation plays an important role in spinal cord injury (SCI), and pyroptosis is inflammatory-related programmed cell death. Although neuroinflammation induced by pyroptosis has been reported in SCI, there is a lack of systematic research on SCI pyroptosis and its regulation mechanism. The purpose of this study was to systematically analyze the expression of pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) in different SCI models and associated regulation axis by bioinformatics methods. We downloaded raw counts data of seven high-throughput sequencings and two microarray datasets from the GEO database, classified by species (rat and mouse) and SCI modes (moderate contusive model, aneurysm clip impact-compression model, and hemisection model), including mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, basically covering the acute, subacute and chronic stages of SCI. We performed differential analysis by R (DEseq2) or GEO2R and found that the AIM2/NLRC4/NLRP3 inflammasome-related genes, GSDMD, IL1B, and IL18, were highly expressed in SCI. Based on the canonical NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis-related genes (NLRP3/PRGs), we constructed transcription factors (TFs)-NLRP3/PRGs, miRNAs- Nlrp3/PRGs and lncRNAs/circRNAs/mRNAs-miRNA- Nlrp3/PRGs (ceRNA) networks. In addition, we also predicted Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and small, drug-like molecules with NLRP3/PRGs as potential targets. Finally, 39 up-regulated TFs were identified, which may regulate at least two of NLRP3/PRGs. A total of 7 down-regulated miRNAs were identified which could regulate Nlrp3/PRGs. ceRNA networks were constructed including 23 lncRNAs, 3 cicrRNAs, 6 mRNAs, and 44 miRNAs. A total of 24 herbs were identified which may with two NLRP3/PRGs as potential targets. It is expected to provide new ideas and therapeutic targets for the treatment of SCI.

The involvement of DDX3X in compression-induced nucleus pulposus pyroptosis

OBJECTIVE

A study has been conducted to investigate the relationship between DDX3X and nucleus pulposus (NP) pyroptosis.

METHODS

DDX3X and pyroptosis-related proteins (Caspase-1, Full-length GSDMD, Cleaved GSDMD) were measured in compression-induced human NP cells and tissue. DDX3X was overexpressed or knocked down by gene transfection. The expressions of NLRP3, ASC, and pyroptosis-related proteins were detected by Western blot assay. IL-1β and IL-18 were detected by ELISA. HE staining and immunohistochemistry were used to observe the expression of DDX3X, NLRP3, and Caspase-1 in the rat model of compression-induced disc degeneration.

RESULTS

DDX3X, NLRP3, and Caspase-1 were highly expressed in degenerated NP tissue. Overexpression of DDX3X induced pyroptosis in NP cells and increased levels of NLRP3, IL-1β, IL-18, and pyroptosis-related proteins. Knockdown of DDX3X showed an opposite trend to overexpression of DDX3X. The NLRP3 inhibitor CY-09 effectively prevented the up-regulation of the expression of IL-1β, IL-18, ASC, Pro-caspase-1, Full-length GSDMD, and Cleaved GSDMD. Increased expression of DDX3X, NLRP3, and Caspase-1 was observed in the rat model of compression-induced disc degeneration.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that DDX3X mediates pyroptosis of NP cells by upregulating NLRP3 expression, which ultimately leads to intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). This discovery deepens the understanding of IDD pathogenesis and provides a promising and novel therapeutic target for IDD.

A systematic review of the research progress of non-coding RNA in neuroinflammation and immune regulation in cerebral infarction/ischemia-reperfusion injury

Cerebral infarction/ischemia-reperfusion injury is currently the disease with the highest mortality and disability rate of cardiovascular disease. Current studies have shown that nerve cells die of ischemia several hours after ischemic stroke, which activates the innate immune response in the brain, promotes the production of neurotoxic substances such as inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, reactive oxygen species and − nitrogen oxide, and mediates the destruction of blood-brain barrier and the occurrence of a series of inflammatory cascade reactions. Meanwhile, the expression of adhesion molecules in cerebral vascular endothelial cells increased, and immune inflammatory cells such as polymorphonuclear neutrophils, lymphocytes and mononuclear macrophages passed through vascular endothelial cells and entered the brain tissue. These cells recognize antigens exposed by the central nervous system in the brain, activate adaptive immune responses, and further mediate secondary neuronal damage, aggravating neurological deficits. In order to reduce the above-mentioned damage, the body induces peripheral immunosuppressive responses through negative feedback, which increases the incidence of post-stroke infection. This process is accompanied by changes in the immune status of the ischemic brain tissue in local and systemic systems. A growing number of studies implicate noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) as novel epigenetic regulatory elements in the dysfunction of various cell subsets in the neurovascular unit after cerebral infarction/ischemia-reperfusion injury. In particular, recent studies have revealed advances in ncRNA biology that greatly expand the understanding of epigenetic regulation of immune responses and inflammation after cerebral infarction/ischemia-reperfusion injury. Identification of aberrant expression patterns and associated biological effects of ncRNAs in patients revealed their potential as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cerebral infarction/ischemia-reperfusion injury. Therefore, this review systematically presents recent studies on the involvement of ncRNAs in cerebral infarction/ischemia-reperfusion injury and neuroimmune inflammatory cascades, and elucidates the functions and mechanisms of cerebral infarction/ischemia-reperfusion-related ncRNAs, providing new opportunities for the discovery of disease biomarkers and targeted therapy. Furthermore, this review introduces clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Display as a possible transformative tool for studying lncRNAs. In the future, ncRNA is expected to be used as a target for diagnosing cerebral infarction/ischemia-reperfusion injury, judging its prognosis and treatment, thereby significantly improving the prognosis of patients.

RNA adenosine deaminase (ADAR1) alleviates high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic inflammatory disease in which nucleotide-binding domain of leucine-rich repeat protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays an important role. The present research was aimed to explore the protective function of ADAR1, an RNA editing enzyme, against inflammatory damages in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD through inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome and subsequent inflammation. A total of 30 patients with NAFLD were investigated, and ADAR1 mRNA expression in peripheral blood monocytes surveyed. The in vivo study used lentivirus to explore the function of ADAR1 overexpression in the HFD-induced mouse model of NAFLD. The in vitro study used lentivirus and siRNA to explore the function of ADAR1 on the NLRP3 inflammasome activation in THP-1 cells. Results shown that the ADAR1 expression was upregulated in NAFLD patients in comparison to healthy controls. In vivo, the upregulation of ADAR1 impaired NLRP3 inflammasome activation and alleviated liver disease in HFD mice in comparison to the control group. Moreover, ADAR1 overexpression attenuated NLRP3 inflammasome in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)+ palmitic acid (PA)-induced THP-1 cells, while ADAR1 knockdown increased the NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Furthermore, we speculated that c-Jun may participate in ADAR1's inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome. Our results suggested that ADAR1 is a potential treatment target for NAFLD via regulating the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.

Inhibition of miR-423-5p Exerts Neuroprotective Effects in an Experimental Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are widely acknowledged to play a unique role in cerebrovascular disease. This research investigates the function of microRNAs in ischemic stroke via a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Four differentially expressed microRNAs in rat brains were identified by bioinformatics analysis, and qRT-PCR showed that miR-423-5p exhibited the highest expression in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats, with peak levels observed at 24 hours. After microRNA inhibitors and mimics were administrated in the rat model of MCAO, the neurological scores and brain water content were detected, and triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC), Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), and Nissl staining were conducted to explore the influence of miR-423-5p on ischemic stroke. Subsequently, western blot, ELISA, MPO, TUNEL and commercial assay kits were applied to assess the influence of miR-423-5p on NLRP3 inflammasome, apoptosis, and oxidative stress levels in ischemic penumbra tissue. The results showed that miR-423-5p knockdown could effectively improve neurological indicators, such as cerebral infarct volume, brain water content, neurological scores, and nerve tissue damage, and inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. In contrast, the miR-423-5p mimic yielded opposite results. In conclusion, inhibition of miR-423-5p expression could effectively attenuate ischemic stroke and might be considered a promising target for stroke.

TLR4 aggravates microglial pyroptosis by promoting DDX3X-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation via JAK2/STAT1 pathway after spinal cord injury

Background

Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) participates in the initiation of neuroinflammation in various neurological diseases, including central nervous system injuries. NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome‐mediated microglial pyroptosis is crucial for the inflammatory response during secondary spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the underlying mechanism by which TLR4 regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation and microglial pyroptosis after SCI remains uncertain.

Methods

We established an in vivo mouse model of SCI using TLR4‐knockout (TLR4‐KO) and wild‐type (WT) mice. The levels of pyroptosis, tissue damage and neurological function recovery were evaluated in the three groups (Sham, SCI, SCI‐TLR4‐KO). To identify differentially expressed proteins, tandem mass tag (TMT)‐based proteomics was conducted using spinal cord tissue between TLR4‐KO and WT mice after SCI. For our in vitro model, mouse microglial BV2 cells were exposed to lipopolysaccharides (1 µg/ml, 8 h) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) (5 mM, 2 h) to induce pyroptosis. A series of molecular biological experiments, including Western blot (WB), real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence (IF), immunohistochemical (IHC), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), Dual‐Luciferase Reporter assay (DLA) and co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP), were performed to explore the specific mechanism of microglial pyroptosis in vivo and in vitro.

Results

Our results indicated that TLR4 promoted the expression of dead‐box helicase 3 X‐linked (DDX3X), which mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and microglial pyroptosis after SCI. Further analysis revealed that TLR4 upregulated the DDX3X/NLRP3 axis by activating the JAK2/STAT1 signalling pathway, and importantly, STAT1 was identified as a transcription factor promoting DDX3X expression. In addition, we found that biglycan was increased after SCI and interacted with TLR4 to jointly regulate microglial pyroptosis through the JAK2/STAT1/DDX3X/NLRP3 axis after SCI.

Conclusion

Our study preliminarily identified a novel mechanism by which TLR4 regulates NLRP3 inflammasome‐mediated microglial pyroptosis in response to SCI—providing a novel and promising therapeutic target for SCI.

NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation: A Therapeutic Target for Cerebral Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury

Millions of patients are suffering from ischemic stroke, it is urgent to figure out the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury in order to find an effective cure. After I/R injury, pro-inflammatory cytokines especially interleukin-1β (IL-1β) upregulates in ischemic brain cells, such as microglia and neuron. To ameliorate the inflammation after cerebral I/R injury, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD), leucine-rich repeat (LRR), and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is well-investigated. NLRP3 inflammasomes are complicated protein complexes that are activated by endogenous and exogenous danger signals to participate in the inflammatory response. The assembly and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome lead to the caspase-1-dependent release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. Furthermore, pyroptosis is a pro-inflammatory cell death that occurs in a dependent manner on NLRP3 inflammasomes after cerebral I/R injury. In this review, we summarized the assembly and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome; moreover, we also concluded the pivotal role of NLRP3 inflammasome and inhibitors, targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome in cerebral I/R injury.

Identification of a ferroptosis-related gene pair biomarker with immune infiltration landscapes in ischemic stroke: a bioinformatics-based comprehensive study

Background

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a principal contributor to long-term disability in adults. A new cell death mediated by iron is ferroptosis, characterized by lethal aggregation of lipid peroxidation. However, a paucity of ferroptosis-related biomarkers early identify IS until now. This study investigated potential ferroptosis-related gene pair biomarkers in IS and explored their roles in immune infiltration.

Results

In total, we identified 6 differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes (DEFRGs) in the metadata cohort. Of these genes, 4 DEFRGs were incorporated into the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, including 78 lncRNA-miRNA and 16 miRNA-mRNA interactions. Based on relative expression values of DEFRGs, we constructed gene pairs. An integrated scheme consisting of machine learning algorithms, ceRNA network, and gene pair was proposed to screen the key DEFRG biomarkers. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve witnessed that the diagnostic performance of DEFRG pair CDKN1A/JUN was superior to that of single gene. Moreover, the CIBERSORT algorithm exhibited immune infiltration landscapes: plasma cells, resting NK cells, and resting mast cells infiltrated less in IS samples than controls. Spearman correlation analysis confirmed a significant correlation between plasma cells and CDKN1A/JUN (CDKN1A: r = − 0.503, P < 0.001, JUN: r = − 0.330, P = 0.025).

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that CDKN1A/JUN could be a robust and promising gene-pair diagnostic biomarker for IS, regulating ferroptosis during IS progression via C9orf106/C9orf139-miR-22-3p-CDKN1A and GAS5-miR-139-5p/miR-429-JUN axes. Meanwhile, plasma cells might exert a vital interplay in IS immune microenvironment, providing an innovative insight for IS therapeutic target.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08295-0.

Do pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis (PANoptosis) exist in cerebral ischemia? Evidence from cell and rodent studies

Some scholars have recently developed the concept of PANoptosis in the study of infectious diseases where pyroptosis, apoptosis and necroptosis act in consort in a multimeric protein complex, PANoptosome. This allows all the components of PANoptosis to be regulated simultaneously. PANoptosis provides a new way to study the regulation of cell death, in that different types of cell death may be regulated at the same time. To test whether PANoptosis exists in diseases other than infectious diseases, we chose cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury as the research model, collected articles researching cerebral ischemia/reperfusion from three major databases, obtained the original research data from these articles by bibliometrics, data mining and other methods, then integrated and analyzed these data. We selected papers that investigated at least two of the components of PANoptosis to check its occurrence in ischemia/reperfusion. In the cell model simulating ischemic brain injury, pyroptosis, apoptosis and necroptosis occur together and this phenomenon exists widely in different passage cell lines or primary neurons. Pyroptosis, apoptosis and necroptosis also occurred in rat and mouse models of ischemia/reperfusion injury. This confirms that PANoptosis is observed in ischemic brain injury and indicates that PANoptosis can be a target in the regulation of various central nervous system diseases.

HIV-1 Tat and cocaine impact astrocytic energy reservoir influence on miRNA epigenetic regulation

Astrocytes are the primary regulator of energy metabolism in the central nervous system (CNS), and impairment of astrocyte's energy resource may trigger neurodegeneration. HIV infections and cocaine use are known to alter epigenetic modification, including miRNAs, which can target gene expression post-transcriptionally. However, miRNA-mediated astrocyte energy metabolism has not been delineated in HIV infection and cocaine abuse. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), we identified a total of 1900 miRNAs, 64 were upregulated and 68 miRNAs were downregulated in the astrocytes by HIV-1 Tat with cocaine exposure. Moreover, miR-4727-3p, miR-5189-5p, miR-5090, and miR-6810-5p expressions were significantly impacted, and their gene targets were identified as VAMP2, NFIB, PPM1H, MEIS1, and PSD93 through the bioinformatic approach. In addition, the astrocytes treated with the nootropic drug piracetam protects these miRNAs. These findings provide evidence that the miRNAs in the astrocytes may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for HIV and cocaine abuse-induced neurodegeneration.

Long non-coding RNA MIAT impairs neurological function in ischemic stroke via up-regulating microRNA-874-3p-targeted IL1B

OBJECTIVE

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have diagnostic and therapeutic values in the setting of ischemic stroke (IS). Here, we evaluated the value of myocardial infarction-associated transcript (MIAT) in IS with the involvement of microRNA (miR)-874-3p/interleukin (IL) 1B.

METHODS

MIAT, miR-874-3p and IL1B levels in serum of patients with IS were measured. A middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established in mice. MCAO mice were injected with Agomir of miR-874-3p, shRNA or overexpression vector of MIAT or siRNA of IL1B. Subsequently, behavioral activities and neurological function of mice were assessed. The number of Nissl bodies, brain damage, neuronal apoptosis and inflammatory factors in brain tissues of mice were measured. The targeting relationship between MIAT and miR-874-3p, as well as that between miR-874-3p and IL1B was explored.

RESULTS

In patients with IS, MIAT and IL1B were up-regulated and miR-874-3p was down-regulated. MIAT absorbed miR-874-3p while miR-874-3p targeted IL1B. Silencing of MIAT or IL1B, or promotion of miR-874-3p improved behavioral activities and neurological function of mice, reduced the number of Nissl bodies, as well as improved brain damage, neuronal apoptosis and inflammation. Overexpression of miR-874-3p abrogated up-regulated MIAT-mediated influence on MCAO mice.

CONCLUSION

Shortly, this study figures out that MIAT impairs neurological function in IS via up-regulating miR-874-3p-targeted IL1B.

The neurodynamic treatment induces biological changes in sensory and motor neurons in vitro

Nerves are subjected to tensile forces in various paradigms such as injury and regeneration, joint movement, and rehabilitation treatments, as in the case of neurodynamic treatment (NDT). The NDT induces selective uniaxial repeated tension on the nerve and was described to be an effective treatment to reduce pain in patients. Nevertheless, the biological mechanisms activated by the NDT promoting the healing processes of the nerve are yet still unknown. Moreover, a dose-response analysis to define a standard protocol of treatment is unavailable. In this study, we aimed to define in vitro whether NDT protocols could induce selective biological effects on sensory and motor neurons, also investigating the possible involved molecular mechanisms taking a role behind this change. The obtained results demonstrate that NDT induced significant dose-dependent changes promoting cell differentiation, neurite outgrowth, and neuron survival, especially in nociceptive neurons. Notably, NDT significantly upregulated PIEZO1 gene expression. A gene that is coding for an ion channel that is expressed both in murine and human sensory neurons and is related to mechanical stimuli transduction and pain suppression. Other genes involved in mechanical allodynia related to neuroinflammation were not modified by NDT. The results of the present study contribute to increase the knowledge behind the biological mechanisms activated in response to NDT and to understand its efficacy in improving nerve regenerational physiological processes and pain reduction.

CHRFAM7A Overexpression Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via Inhibiting Microglia Pyroptosis Mediated by the NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is an inflammation-related disease. CHRFAM7A can regulate inflammatory responses. Therefore, the present study investigated the mechanism of CHRFAM7A in cerebral I/R injury. CHRFAM7A expression and inflammatory cytokine levels in patients with cerebral I/R injury and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-treated microglia were detected. The proliferation, inflammatory cytokine expressions, nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) level, cell pyroptosis, and viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in OGD/R-treated microglia were detected after CHRFAM7A overexpression. The NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway was activated to assess the effect of CHRFAM7A on microglia. Expressions of microglial M1 phenotype marker iNOS and M2 marker Arg1 were detected. Downregulated CHRFAM7A and elevated inflammatory cytokine levels were observed in patients with cerebral I/R injury and OGD/R-treated microglia. In OGD/R-treated microglia, CHRFAM7A overexpression promoted cell proliferation and viability, reduced inflammation and LDH activity, and inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and cell pyroptosis. Mechanically, CHRFAM7A inhibited microglia pyroptosis via inhibiting the NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway and reduced cell inflammatory injury via promoting microglia polarization from M1 to M2. Overall, CHRFAM7A overexpression attenuated cerebral I/R injury by inhibiting microglia pyroptosis in a NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway-dependent manner and promoting microglia polarization to M2 phenotype.

An update on the regulatory mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome activation

The NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a multiprotein complex involved in the release of mature interleukin-1β and triggering of pyroptosis, which is of paramount importance in a variety of physiological and pathological conditions. Over the past decade, considerable advances have been made in elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the priming/licensing (Signal 1) and assembly (Signal 2) involved in NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Recently, a number of studies have indicated that the priming/licensing step is regulated by complicated mechanisms at both the transcriptional and posttranslational levels. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the mechanistic details of NLRP3 inflammasome activation with a particular emphasis on protein-protein interactions, posttranslational modifications, and spatiotemporal regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome machinery. We also present a detailed summary of multiple positive and/or negative regulatory pathways providing upstream signals that culminate in NLRP3 inflammasome complex assembly. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying NLRP3 inflammasome activation will provide opportunities for the development of methods for the prevention and treatment of NLRP3 inflammasome-related diseases.