Regulation of pyroptosis in cardiovascular pathologies: Role of noncoding RNAs

Upregulation of LncRNA UCA1 promotes cardiomyocyte proliferation by inhibiting the miR-128/SUZ12/P27 pathway

Enhancing cardiomyocyte proliferation is essential to reverse or slow down the heart failure progression in many cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction (MI). Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to regulate cardiomyocyte proliferation. In particular, lncRNA urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 (lncUCA1) played multiple roles in regulating cell cycle progression and cardiovascular diseases, making lncUCA1 a potential target for promoting cardiomyocyte proliferation. However, the role of lncUCA1 in cardiomyocyte proliferation remains unknown. This study aimed at exploring the function and underlying molecular mechanism of lncUCA1 in cardiomyocyte proliferation. Quantitative RT-PCR showed that lncUCA1 expression decreased in postnatal hearts. Gain-and-loss-of-function experiments showed that lncUCA1 positively regulated cardiomyocyte proliferation in vitro and in vivo. The bioinformatics program identified miR-128 as a potential target of lncUCA1, and loss of miR-128 was reported to promote cardiomyocyte proliferation by inhibiting the SUZ12/P27 pathway. Luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunostaining experiments further revealed that lncUCA1 acted as a ceRNA of miR-128 to upregulate its target SUZ12 and downregulate P27, thereby increasing cyclin B1, cyclin E, CDK1 and CDK2 expression to promote cardiomyocyte proliferation. In conclusion, upregulation of lncRNA UCA1 promoted cardiomyocyte proliferation by inhibiting the miR-128/SUZ12/P27 pathway. Our results indicated that lncUCA1 might be a new therapeutic target for stimulating cardiomyocyte proliferation.

Noncoding RNAs: the crucial role of programmed cell death in osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the most common skeletal disease characterized by an imbalance between bone resorption and bone remodeling. Osteoporosis can lead to bone loss and bone microstructural deterioration. This increases the risk of bone fragility and fracture, severely reducing patients' mobility and quality of life. However, the specific molecular mechanisms involved in the development of osteoporosis remain unclear. Increasing evidence suggests that multiple noncoding RNAs show differential expression in the osteoporosis state. Meanwhile, noncoding RNAs have been associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and fracture. Noncoding RNAs are an important class of factors at the level of gene regulation and are mainly involved in cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and cell death. Programmed cell death is a genetically-regulated form of cell death involved in regulating the homeostasis of the internal environment. Noncoding RNA plays an important role in the programmed cell death process. The exploration of the noncoding RNA-programmed cell death axis has become an interesting area of research and has been shown to play a role in many diseases such as osteoporosis. In this review, we summarize the latest findings on the mechanism of noncoding RNA-mediated programmed cell death on bone homeostasis imbalance leading to osteoporosis. And we provide a deeper understanding of the role played by the noncoding RNA-programmed cell death axis at the gene regulatory level of osteoporosis. We hope to provide a unique opportunity to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for osteoporosis.

NcRNA Regulated Pyroptosis in Liver Diseases and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Narrative Review

Pyroptosis is a novel pro-inflammatory mode of programmed cell death that differs from ferroptosis, necrosis, and apoptosis in terms of its onset and regulatory mechanisms. Pyroptosis is dependent on cysteine aspartate protein hydrolase (caspase)-mediated activation of GSDMD, NLRP3, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1 (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18), ultimately leading to cell death. Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) is a type of RNA that does not encode proteins in gene transcription but plays an important regulatory role in other post-transcriptional links. NcRNA mediates pyroptosis by regulating various related pyroptosis factors, which we termed the pyroptosis signaling pathway. Previous researches have manifested that pyroptosis is closely related to the development of liver diseases, and is essential for liver injury, alcoholic fatty liver disease (ALD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver fibrosis, and liver cancer. In this review, we attempt to address the role of the ncRNA-mediated pyroptosis pathway in the above liver diseases and their pathogenesis in recent years, and briefly outline that TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) intervene in liver diseases by modulating ncRNA-mediated pyroptosis, which will provide a strategy to find new therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases in the future.

Pyroptosis-related non-coding RNAs emerging players in atherosclerosis pathology

Globally, atherosclerosis a persistent inflammatory condition of the artery walls continues to be the primary cause of cardiovascular illness and death. The ncRNAs are important regulators of important signalling pathways that affect pyroptosis and the inflammatory environment in atherosclerotic plaques. Comprehending the complex interaction between pyroptosis and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) offers fresh perspectives on putative therapeutic targets for ameliorating cardiovascular problems linked to atherosclerosis. The discovery of particular non-coding RNA signatures linked to the advancement of atherosclerosis could lead to the creation of novel biomarkers for risk assessment and customised treatment approaches. A thorough investigation of the regulatory networks regulated by these non-coding RNAs has been made possible by the combination of cutting-edge molecular methods and bioinformatics tools. Studying pyroptosis-related ncRNAs in detail appears to be a promising way to advance our understanding of disease pathophysiology and develop focused therapeutic methods as we work to unravel the complex molecular tapestry of atherosclerosis. This review explores the emerging significance of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the regulation of pyroptosis and their consequential impact on atherosclerosis pathology.

The role of ncRNAs-mediated pyroptosis in diabetes and its vascular complications

Over the past decade, the prevalence of diabetes has increased significantly worldwide, leading to an increase in vascular complications of diabetes (VCD), such as diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), diabetic nephropathy (DN), and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long Noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play a key role in cellular processes, including the pathophysiology of diabetes and VCD via pyroptosis. ncRNAs (e.g., miR-17, lnc-MEG3, and lnc-KCNQ1OT1) can regulate pyroptosis in pancreatic β cells. Some ncRNAs are involved in VCD progression. For example, miR-21, lnc-KCNQ1OT1, lnc-GAS5, and lnc-MALAT1 were reported in DN and DCM, and lnc-MIAT was identified in DCM and DR. Herein, this review aimed to summarize recent research findings related to ncRNAs-mediated pyroptosis at the onset and progression of diabetes and VCD.

High-Density Lipoproteins at the Interface between the NLRP3 Inflammasome and Myocardial Infarction

Despite significant therapeutic advancements, morbidity and mortality following myocardial infarction (MI) remain unacceptably high. This clinical challenge is primarily attributed to two significant factors: delayed reperfusion and the myocardial injury resulting from coronary reperfusion. Following reperfusion, there is a rapid intracellular pH shift, disruption of ionic balance, heightened oxidative stress, increased activity of proteolytic enzymes, initiation of inflammatory responses, and activation of several cell death pathways, encompassing apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis. The inflammatory cell death or pyroptosis encompasses the activation of the intracellular multiprotein complex known as the NLRP3 inflammasome. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are endogenous particles whose components can either promote or mitigate the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In this comprehensive review, we explore the role of inflammasome activation in the context of MI and provide a detailed analysis of how HDL can modulate this process.

Nanomaterials for Disease Treatment by Modulating the Pyroptosis Pathway

Pyroptosis differs significantly from apoptosis and cell necrosis as an alternative mode of programmed cell death. Its occurrence is mediated by the gasdermin protein, leading to characteristic outcomes including cell swelling, membrane perforation, and release of cell contents. Research underscores the role of pyroptosis in the etiology and progression of many diseases, making it a focus of research intervention as scientists explore ways to regulate pyroptosis pathways in disease management. Despite numerous reviews detailing the relationship between pyroptosis and disease mechanisms, few delve into recent advancements in nanomaterials as a mechanism for modulating the pyroptosis pathway to mitigate disease effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need to fill this gap and elucidate the path for the use of this promising technology in the field of disease treatment. This review article delves into recent developments in nanomaterials for disease management through pyroptosis modulation, details the mechanisms by which drugs interact with pyroptosis pathways, and highlights the promise that nanomaterial research holds in driving forward disease treatment.

Circ-USP9X interacts with EIF4A3 to promote endothelial cell pyroptosis by regulating GSDMD stability in atherosclerosis

Endothelial pyroptosis is a pathological mechanism of atherosclerosis (AS). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are vital in AS progression by regulating endothelial cell functions. The study aimed to explore whether circ-USP9× regulated pyroptosis of endothelial cell to involve in AS development and the molecular mechanism. Pyroptosis was determined using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), flow cytometry, propidium iodide (PI) staining assay, and western blot. The mechanism of circ-USP9× was determined using RNA pull-down and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. Results showed that circ-USP9× was upregulated in AS and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Knockdown of circ-USP9× suppressed ox-LDL induced pyroptosis of HUVECs. Mechanically, circ-USP9× could bind to EIF4A3 in the cytoplasm. Moreover, EIF4A3 was bound to GSDMD and further affects GSDMD stability. Overexpression of EIF4A3 rescued cell pyroptosis induced by circ-USP9× depletion. In short, circ-USP9× interacted with EIF4A3 to enhance GSDMD stability, thus further promoting ox-LDL-induced pyroptosis of HUVECs. These findings suggested that circ-USP9× participates in AS progression and may be a potential therapeutic target for AS.

A novel mechanism regulating pyroptosis-induced fibrosis in endometriosis via lnc-MALAT1/miR-141-3p/NLRP3 pathway†

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease distinguished by ectopic endometrium and fibrosis. NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis are present in endometriosis. Aberrant increase of Long noncoding (Lnc)-metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) plays a vital role in endometriosis. However, the relationship between lnc-MALAT1, pyroptosis, and fibrosis is not completely known. In the present study, we found that the pyroptosis levels in ectopic endometrium of patients with endometriosis were significantly increased, consistent with fibrosis levels. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) + ATP could induce pyroptosis of primary endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), thereby releasing interleukin (IL)-1β and stimulating transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-mediated fibrosis. NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 had the same effect as TGF-β1 inhibitor SB-431542 in suppressing the fibrosis-inducing effect of LPS + ATP in vivo and in vitro. The abnormal increase of lnc-MALAT1 in ectopic endometrium was connected with NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis and fibrosis. Leveraging bioinformatic prediction and luciferase assays combined with western blotting and quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, we validated that lnc-MALAT1 sponges miR-141-3p to promote NLRP3 expression. Silencing lnc-MALAT1 in HESCs ameliorated NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis and IL-1β release, thereby relieving TGF-β1-mediated fibrosis. Consequently, our findings suggest that lnc-MALAT1 is critical for NLRP3-induced pyroptosis and fibrosis in endometriosis through sponging miR-141-3p, which may indicate a new therapeutic target of endometriosis treatment.

Inhibition of microRNA-122 alleviates pyroptosis by targeting dual-specificity phosphatase 4 in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury

Pyroptosis is a type of programmed cell death that induces myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/RI), which leads to cardiac dysfunction and even lethal reperfusion injury. MiR-122 is a liver-specific miRNA associated with coronary heart disease, but its role in pyroptosis activation in myocardial I/RI remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to determine whether miR-122 inhibition exerts myocardial I/RI protection in in vivo and in vitro models. An I/RI model was established in vivo using C57BL/J6 male mice. MiR-122 expression was upregulated in the heart tissues from the I/RI group. Quantitative results of echocardiography parameters showed that miR-122 inhibition improved cardiac function and downregulated interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, caspase 1, and caspase 11. However, pretransfection with recombinant adeno-associated virus type 9 encoding a DUSP4-specific siRNA (AAV9-siDUSP4) blocked the protective effects of miR-122 inhibition. A hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model was established to mimic the I/R condition in vitro using H9C2 cells. Results showed that miR-122 inhibition increased superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) and cell viability and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) level, IL-1β, IL-18, caspase 1, caspase 11, and cell death. These protective effects were abolished by transfection with DUSP4-specific siRNA. In summary, miR-122 expression is upregulated in I/RI, and miR-122 inhibition alleviates I/RI by suppressing pyroptosis through targeting DUSP4. Thus, miR-122 may be a novel therapeutic target for treating myocardial I/RI.

Dexmedetomidine alleviates propofol-induced pyroptosis of hippocampal neurons through NLRP3 inflammasome pathway

Propofol is neurotoxic to trigger neuronal pyroptosis and dexmedetomidine possesses the ability to suppress proptosis. This study expounded on the protective functions of dexmedetomidine on propofol-induced pyroptosis of primary hippocampal neurons via NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway. At first, primary hippocampal neurons underwent separation and identification and were treated with different concentrations of propofol (1, 10, and 100 μM). The toxicity of propofol in the neurons was evaluated. Prior to propofol treatment, the neurons were treated with different concentrations of dexmedetomidine (0.01, 0.1, 1, 5, and 10 μM). The viability of neurons with different treatments was detected. The mRNA expressions of homeobox A5 (HOXA5) and NLRP3 were identified. The protein levels of intracellular HOXA5, NLRP3, the N-terminal fragment of gasdermin D (GSDMD-N), and cleaved-caspase-1 and the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 were examined. Subsequently, the binding of HOXA5 to the NLRP3 promoter was detected. Joint experiments were conducted with pcDNA3.1-HOXA5 or pcDNA3.1-NLRP3 in dexmedetomidine-treated neurons. Dexmedetomidine pretreatment attenuated propofol-induced pyroptosis of hippocampal neurons, increased cell viability, and repressed NLRP3, GSDMD-N, and cleaved-caspase-1 protein levels and IL-1β and IL-18 concentrations. Dexmedetomidine pretreatment inhibited intracellular HOXA5 expression, and HOXA5 bound to the NLRP3 promoter region to promote NLRP3 expression. Overexpressing HOXA5 or NLRP3 reversed anti-pyroptosis role of dexmedetomidine pretreatment in hippocampal neurons. Dexmedetomidine pretreatment suppressed NLRP3 expression by downregulating HOXA5 expression, inhibiting propofol-induced pyroptosis in primary hippocampal neurons.

The aggravate role of exosomal circRNA11:120406118|12040782 on macrophage pyroptosis through miR-30b-5p/NLRP3 axis in silica-induced lung fibrosis

Silica dust inhalation could lead to silicosis, and there is no specific biomarker for its early diagnosis and no effective treatment due to the lack of research on its pathogenesis. The homeostasis of macrophages was considered to be crucial during the development of silicosis from persistent chronic inflammation to irreversible fibrosis. However, its regulatory mechanism and the communication between macrophages and others are still not clear. Exosomal circRNAs emerge as favorable candidates for cellular communication. Therefore, our study aimed to illustrate the regulatory mechanism of silicosis from the view of exosomal circRNAs. Our study identified a novel exosomal circRNA, circRNA11:120406118|12040782, in the peripheral serum of silicosis patients. Furthermore, the detailed role of circRNA11:120406118|12040782 was investigated both in silicosis mouse model and in silica-stimulated macrophages and fibroblasts. On the one hand, circRNA11:120406118|12040782 was shown to regulate silica-stimulated macrophage pyroptosis through circRNA11:120406118|12040782/miR-30b-5p/NLRP3 network. And this macrophage-derived cirRNA could promote the activation of fibroblasts. On the other hand, overexpressing miR-30b-5p, the crucial component of circRNA11:120406118|12040782/miR-30b-5p/NLRP3 regulatory network, could inhibit pyroptosis and attenuate silica-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis in mice. Our findings suggested that exosomal circRNA11:120406118|12040782 could aggravate NLRP3-mediated macrophages pyroptosis through sponging miR-30b-5p in silicosis development, which provide an experimental basis and shed light on the early diagnosis and treatment of silicosis.

Identification of pyroptosis-related genes and long non-coding RNAs signatures in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a highly malignant tumor, with very high disability and fatality rates. However, the overall prognosis is not optimistic. Pyroptosis is a newly discovered cell death modality accompanied by inflammation, which is closely related to varieties of cancers. In this study, the RNA-seq data were downloaded from public databases, the differences in the expression of the pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) were identified, and the six PRGs signature was established through the univariate and LASSO Cox analysis. The patients were grouped according to the PRGs signature, and the prognosis between the two groups was further compared. In addition, a ten pyroptosis-related lncRNAs (PRLs) prognostic signature was also constructed. Through functional analysis of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), the immune-related pathways were found to be enriched. The Pearson correlation analysis showed a strong correlation between the pyroptosis-related biomarkers. Finally, we identified a promising biomarker, CHMP4C, which is highly expressed in osteosarcoma. Overexpression of CHMP4C promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of the osteosarcoma cell. Our results thus provide new evidence for exploring prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets of osteosarcoma.

Comprehensive analysis of the prognostic signature and tumor microenvironment infiltration characteristics of cuproptosis-related lncRNAs for patients with colon adenocarcinoma

Background

Cuproptosis, a newly described method of regulatory cell death (RCD), may be a viable new therapy option for cancers. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been confirmed to be correlated with epigenetic controllers and regulate histone protein modification or DNA methylation during gene transcription. The roles of cuproptosis-related lncRNAs (CRLs) in Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD), however, remain unknown.

Methods

COAD transcriptome data was obtained from the TCGA database. Thirteen genes associated to cuproptosis were identified in published papers. Following that, correlation analysis was used to identify CRLs. The cuproptosis associated prognostic signature was built and evaluated using Lasso regression and COX regression analysis. A prognostic signature comprising six CRLs was established and the expression patterns of these CRLs were analyzed by qRT-PCR. To assess the clinical utility of prognostic signature, we performed tumor microenvironment (TME) analysis, mutation analysis, nomogram generation, and medication sensitivity analysis.

Results

We identified 49 prognosis-related CRLs in COAD and constructed a prognostic signature consisting of six CRLs. Each patient can be calculated for a risk score and the calculation formula is: Risk score =TNFRSF10A-AS1 * (-0.2449) + AC006449.3 * 1.407 + AC093382.1 *1.812 + AC099850.3 * (-0.0899) + ZEB1-AS1 * 0.4332 + NIFK-AS1 * 0.3956. Six CRLs expressions were investigated by qRT-PCR in three colorectal cancer cell lines. In three cohorts, COAD patients were identified with different risk groups, with the high-risk group having a worse prognosis than the low-risk group. Furthermore, there were differences in immune cell infiltration and tumor mutation burden (TMB) between the two risk groups. We also identified certain drugs that were more sensitive to the high-risk group: Paclitaxel, Vinblastine, Sunitinib and Elescloml.

Conclusions

Our findings may be used to further investigate RCD, comprehension of the prognosis and tumor microenvironment infiltration characteristics in COAD.

The mechanisms of glycolipid metabolism disorder on vascular injury in type 2 diabetes

Patients with diabetes have severe vascular complications, such as diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, cardiovascular disease, and neuropathy. Devastating vascular complications lead to increased mortality, blindness, kidney failure, and decreased overall quality of life in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Glycolipid metabolism disorder plays a vital role in the vascular complications of T2D. However, the specific mechanism of action remains to be elucidated. In T2D patients, vascular damage begins to develop before insulin resistance and clinical diagnosis. Endothelial dysregulation is a significant cause of vascular complications and the early event of vascular injury. Hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, which impair endothelial function. Furthermore, during the pathogenesis of T2D, epigenetic modifications are aberrant and activate various biological processes, resulting in endothelial dysregulation. In the present review, we provide an overview and discussion of the roles of hyperglycemia- and hyperlipidemia-induced endothelial dysfunction, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and epigenetic modification in the pathogenesis of T2D. Understanding the connections of glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity with vascular injury may reveal a novel potential therapeutic target for diabetic vascular complications.

Therapeutic Implications of Targeting Pyroptosis in Cardiac-related Etiology of Heart Failure

Heart failure remains a considerable clinical and public health problem, it is the dominant cause of death from cardiovascular diseases, besides, cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The survival of patients with heart failure continues to be low with 45-60% reported deaths within five years. Apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis mediate cardiac cell death. Acute cell death is the hallmark pathogenesis of heart failure and other cardiac pathologies. Inhibition of pyroptosis, autophagy, apoptosis, or necrosis reduces cardiac damage and improves cardiac function in cardiovascular diseases. Pyroptosis is a form of inflammatory deliberate cell death that is characterized by the activation of inflammasomes such as NOD-like receptors (NLR), absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2), interferon-inducible protein 16 (IFI-16), and their downstream effector cytokines: Interleukin IL-1β and IL-18 leading to cell death. Recent studies have shown that pyroptosis is also the dominant cell death process in cardiomyocytes, cardiac fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells. It plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of cardiac diseases that contribute to heart failure. This review intends to summarize the therapeutic implications targeting pyroptosis in the main cardiac pathologies preceding heart failure.

Noncoding RNAs in pyroptosis and cancer progression: Effect, mechanism, and clinical application

Cell death is generally classified into two categories: regulated cell death (RCD) and accidental cell death (ACD). In particular, RCD is a kind of genetically controlled process, including programmed apoptotic death and programmed necrotic death. Pyroptosis, an inflammatory form of programmed necrotic death, causes inflammation in cells. The influence of pyroptosis on tumor is complicated. On the one hand, pyroptosis triggers antitumor response. On the other hand, pyroptosis may induce carcinogenesis. Pyroptosis is initiated by various factors, especially non-coding RNAs. In this review, we discuss the effects of ncRNAs on pyroptosis and the mechanisms by which ncRNAs initiate pyroptosis. Moreover, we introduce the influence of ncRNA on tumor resistance via pyroptosis. Additionally, we summarize how ncRNA-associated pyroptosis modulates the tumor microenvironment (TME) and thereafter triggers antitumor immune response. Finally, pyroptosis-related ncRNAs are promising diagnostic and immunotherapeutic biomarkers and therapeutic targets

Non-coding RNAs in necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis in cardiovascular diseases

Accumulating evidence has proved that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a critical role in the genetic programming and gene regulation of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality are rising and have become a primary public health issue that requires immediate resolution through effective intervention. Numerous studies have revealed that new types of cell death, such as pyroptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis, play critical cellular roles in CVD progression. It is worth noting that ncRNAs are critical novel regulators of cardiovascular risk factors and cell functions by mediating pyroptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis. Thus, ncRNAs can be regarded as promising therapeutic targets for treating and diagnosing cardiovascular diseases. Recently, there has been a surge of interest in the mediation of ncRNAs on three types of cell death in regulating tissue homeostasis and pathophysiological conditions in CVDs. Although our understanding of ncRNAs remains in its infancy, the studies reviewed here may provide important new insights into how ncRNAs interact with CVDs. This review summarizes what is known about the functions of ncRNAs in modulating cell death-associated CVDs and their role in CVDs, as well as their current limitations and future prospects.

Noncoding RNA-mediated macrophage and cancer cell crosstalk in hepatocellular carcinoma

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a well-recognized system that plays an essential role in tumor initiation, development, and progression. Intense intercellular communication between tumor cells and other cells (especially macrophages) occurs in the TME and is mediated by cell-to-cell contact and/or soluble messengers. Emerging evidence indicates that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are critical regulators of the relationship between cells within the TME. In this review, we provide an update on the regulation of ncRNAs (primarily micro RNAs [miRNAs], long ncRNAs [lncRNAs], and circular RNAs [circRNAs]) in the crosstalk between macrophages and tumor cells in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). These ncRNAs are derived from macrophages or tumor cells and act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, contributing to tumor progression not only by regulating the physiological and pathological processes of tumor cells but also by controlling macrophage infiltration, activation, polarization, and function. Herein, we also explore the options available for clinical therapeutic strategies targeting crosstalk-related ncRNAs to treat HCC. A better understanding of the relationship between macrophages and tumor cells mediated by ncRNAs will uncover new diagnostic biomarkers and pharmacological targets in cancer.

MiR-21 participates in the neuroprotection of diazoxide against hypoxic-ischemia encephalopathy by targeting PDCD4

BACKGROUND

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is one of the leading causes of neonatal death and permanent neurological disability. Here, we designed to quest therapeutic effects of diazoxide (DZ) on HIE and its mechanism.

METHODS

The cell model of HIE was established. CCK8 and flow cytometry were applied to test cell viability and apoptosis. RT-qPCR and western blotting was evaluated to the expression of miR-21, PDCD4, PI3K, and p-AKT/AKT. Commercial kits were employed to detect SOD, MDA, LDH. DCFH-DA was used to measure intracellular ROS. ELISA was performed to estimate IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. Dual-luciferase reporter gene and RIP assay were applied to confirm the binding relationships between miR-21 and PDCD4.

RESULTS

In H19-7 cells and PC12 cells stimulated by OGD, with low cell viability, high apoptosis, miR-21 high expression and PDCD4 low expression. However, the functions were all reversed by DZ administration. Furthermore, miR-21 inhibitor could abolish the beneficial effects of DZ on OGD-induced cells. Besides, miR-21 could interact with PDCD4. In addition, PDCD4 involved with the regulation of DZ to OGD-induced cells via PI3K/AKT pathway.

CONCLUSION

DZ enhanced miR-21 level and inhibited PDCD4 level via PI3K/AKT pathway to resisted HIE.

Safety assessment of graphene oxide and microcystin-LR complex: a toxicological scenario beyond physical mixture

Background

Nanomaterials have been widely used in electrochemistry, sensors, medicine among others applications, causing its inevitable environmental exposure. A raising question is the “carrier” effect due to unique surface properties of nanomaterials, which may collectively impact the bioavailability, toxicokinetic, distribution and biological effects of classic toxicants. Noteworthy, this aspect of information remains largely unexplored.

Methods

Here, we deliberately selected two entities to mimic this scenario. One is graphene oxide (GO), which is made in ton quantity with huge surface-area that provides hydrophilicity and π–π interaction to certain chemicals of unique structures. The other is Microcystin-LR (MCLR), a representative double-bond rich liver-toxic endotoxin widely distributed in aquatic-system. Firstly, the adsorption of GO and MCLR after meeting under environmental conditions was explored, and then we focused on the toxicological effect and related mechanism of GO-MCLR complex on human skin cutin forming cells (HaCaT cells) and normal liver cells (L02 cells).

Results

Abiotically, our study demonstrated that GO could effectively adsorb MCLR through hydrogen bonding and π–π interaction, the oxidation degree of GO-MCLR decreased significantly and surface defect level raised. Compared to GO or MCLR, GO-MCLR was found to induce more remarkable apoptosis and ferroptosis in both HaCaT and L02 cells. The underlying mechanism was that GO-MCLR induced stronger intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mtROS generation, followed by Fe²⁺ accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction and cytoskeletal damage.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the GO-MCLR complex formed by GO adsorption of MCLR may exhibit more toxic effects than the single material, which demonstrates the necessity for assessing nano-toxicant complexity. Our discovery may serve as a new toxicological paradigm in which nanomaterial mediated surface adsorption effects could impact the degree of cytotoxicity and toxicological mechanisms of classic toxins.

Graphical Abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12989-022-00466-x.

Integrated Analysis of Multi-Omics Alteration, Immune Profile, and Pharmacological Landscape of Pyroptosis-Derived lncRNA Pairs in Gastric Cancer

Background: Recent evidence demonstrates that pyroptosis-derived long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have profound impacts on the initiation, progression, and microenvironment of tumors. However, the roles of pyroptosis-derived lncRNAs (PDLs) in gastric cancer (GC) remain elusive.

Methods: We comprehensively analyzed the multi-omics data of 839 GC patients from three independent cohorts. The previous gene set enrichment analysis embedding algorithm was utilized to identify PDLs. A gene pair pipeline was developed to facilitate clinical translation via qualitative relative expression orders. The LASSO algorithm was used to construct and validate a pyroptosis-derived lncRNA pair prognostics signature (PLPPS). The associations between PLPPS and multi-omics alteration, immune profile, and pharmacological landscape were further investigated.

Results: A total of 350 PDLs and 61,075 PDL pairs in the training set were generated. Cox regression revealed 15 PDL pairs associated with overall survival, which were utilized to construct the PLPPS model via the LASSO algorithm. The high-risk group demonstrated adverse prognosis relative to the low-risk group. Remarkably, genomic analysis suggested that the lower tumor mutation burden and gene mutation frequency (e.g., TTN, MUC16, and LRP1B) were found in the high-risk group patients. The copy number variants were not significantly different between the two groups. Additionally, the high-risk group possessed lower immune cell infiltration abundance and might be resistant to a few chemotherapeutic drugs (including cisplatin, paclitaxel, and gemcitabine).

Conclusion: PDLs were closely implicated in the biological process and prognosis of GC, and our PLPPS model could serve as a promising tool to advance prognostic management and personalized treatment of GC patients.

LncRNAs Target Ferroptosis-Related Genes and Impair Activation of CD4+ T Cell in Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant disease of the digestive tract and a life-threatening disease worldwide. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death caused by lipid peroxidation, is reported to be highly correlated with gastric tumorigenesis and immune cell activity. However, the underlying relationship between ferroptosis and the tumor microenvironment in GC and potential intervention strategies have not been unveiled. In this study, we profiled the transcriptome and prognosis data of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) in GC samples of the TCGA-STAD dataset. The infiltrating immune cells in GC were estimated using the CIBERSORT and XCELL algorithms. We found that the high expression of the hub FRGs (MYB, PSAT1, TP53, and LONP1) was positively correlated with poor overall survival in GC patients. The results were validated in an external GC cohort (GSE62254). Further immune cell infiltration analysis revealed that CD4⁺ T cells were the major infiltrated cells in the tumor microenvironment of GC. Moreover, the hub FRGs were significantly positively correlated with activated CD4⁺ T cell infiltration, especially Th cells. The gene features in the high-FRG score group were enriched in cell division, DNA repair, protein folding, T cell receptor, Wnt and NIK/NF-kappaB signaling pathways, indicating that the hub FRGs may mediate CD4⁺ T cell activation by these pathways. In addition, an upstream transcriptional regulation network of the hub FRGs by lncRNAs was also developed. Three lncRNAs (A2M-AS1, C2orf27A, and ZNF667-AS1) were identified to be related to the expression of the hub FRGs. Collectively, these results showed that lncRNA A2M-AS1, C2orf27A, and ZNF667-AS1 may target the hub FRGs and impair CD4⁺ T cell activation, which finally leads to poor prognosis of GC. Effective interventions for the above lncRNAs and the hub FRGs can help promote CD4⁺ T cell activation in GC patients and improve the efficacy of immunotherapy. These findings provide a novel idea of GC immunotherapy and hold promise for future clinical application.

Emerging roles of circRNAs in the pathological process of myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI) is defined as cardiomyocyte death in a clinical context consistent with ischemic insult. MI remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although there are a number of effective clinical methods for the diagnosis and treatment of MI, further investigation of novel biomarkers and molecular therapeutic targets is required. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), novel non-coding RNAs, have been reported to function mainly by acting as microRNA (miRNA) sponges or binding to RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). The circRNA-miRNA-mRNA (protein) regulatory pathway regulates gene expression and affects the pathological mechanisms of various diseases. Undoubtedly, a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between MI and circRNA will lay the foundation for the development of circRNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for MI. Therefore, this review summarizes the pathophysiological process of MI and various approaches to measure circRNA levels in MI patients, tissues, and cells; highlights the significance of circRNAs in the regulation MI pathogenesis and development; and provides potential clinical insight for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of MI.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Cardiovascular Disease: Causing Factors, Molecular Links, and Treatment Options

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer, which will affect more than a million people by the year 2025. However, current treatment options have limited benefits. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the fastest growing factor that causes HCC in western countries, including the United States. In addition, NAFLD co-morbidities including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) promote HCC development. Alteration of metabolites and inflammation in the tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in HCC progression. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not totally clear. Herein, in this review, we explored the latest molecules that are involved in obesity, T2DM, and CVDs-mediated progression of HCC, as they share some common pathologic features. Meanwhile, several therapeutic options by targeting these key factors and molecules were discussed for HCC treatment. Overall, obesity, T2DM, and CVDs as chronic metabolic disease factors are tightly implicated in the development of HCC and its progression. Molecules and factors involved in these NAFLD comorbidities are potential therapeutic targets for HCC treatment.