Targeting endothelial cells with golden spice curcumin: A promising therapy for cardiometabolic multimorbidity

Endothelial dysfunction: Pathophysiology and therapeutic targets for sepsis-induced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

Sepsis and septic shock are critical medical conditions characterized by a systemic inflammatory response to infection, significantly contributing to global mortality rates. The progression to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) represents the most severe complication of sepsis and markedly increases clinical mortality. Central to the pathophysiology of sepsis, endothelial cells play a crucial role in regulating microcirculation and maintaining barrier integrity across various organs and tissues. Recent studies have underscored the pivotal role of endothelial function in the development of sepsis-induced MODS. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology of sepsis-induced MODS, with a specific focus on endothelial dysfunction. It also compiles compelling evidence regarding potential small molecules that could attenuate sepsis and subsequent multi-organ damage by modulating endothelial function. Thus, this review serves as an essential resource for clinical practitioners involved in the diagnosing, managing, and providing intensive care for sepsis and associated multi-organ injuries, emphasizing the importance of targeting endothelial cells to enhance outcomes of the patients.

Curcumin in Cancer and Inflammation: An In-Depth Exploration of Molecular Interactions, Therapeutic Potentials, and the Role in Disease Management

This paper delves into the diverse and significant roles of curcumin, a polyphenolic compound from the Curcuma longa plant, in the context of cancer and inflammatory diseases. Distinguished by its unique molecular structure, curcumin exhibits potent biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential anticancer effects. The research comprehensively investigates curcumin's molecular interactions with key proteins involved in cancer progression and the inflammatory response, primarily through molecular docking studies. In cancer, curcumin's effectiveness is determined by examining its interaction with pivotal proteins like CDK2, CK2α, GSK3β, DYRK2, and EGFR, among others. These interactions suggest curcumin's potential role in impeding cancer cell proliferation and survival. Additionally, the paper highlights curcumin's impact on inflammation by examining its influence on proteins such as COX-2, CRP, PDE4, and MD-2, which are central to the inflammatory pathway. In vitro and clinical studies are extensively reviewed, shedding light on curcumin's binding mechanisms, pharmacological impacts, and therapeutic application in various cancers and inflammatory conditions. These studies are pivotal in understanding curcumin's functionality and its potential as a therapeutic agent. Conclusively, this review emphasizes the therapeutic promise of curcumin in treating a wide range of health issues, attributed to its complex chemistry and broad pharmacological properties. The research points towards curcumin's growing importance as a multi-faceted natural compound in the medical and scientific community.

Ameliorative effect of anisodamine (654-1/654-2) against myocardial dysfunction induced by septic shock via the NF-κB/NLRP-3 or the PI3K-AKT/NF-κB pathway

BACKGROUND

Septic shock, an extremely dangerous condition that causes impairment of organ function, always largely contributes to mortality in intensive care units. The impact of septic shock-induced organ damage on morbidity and mortality is substantially influenced by myocardial dysfunction. However, it remains unclear whether and in what manner anisodamine (654-1/654-2) ameliorates myocardial dysfunction caused by septic shock.

PURPOSE

This study is the pioneering investigation and validation about the protective efficacy of anisodamine (654-1/654-2) against LPS-induced myocardial dysfunction in septic shock rats. It also aims to explore the differences in the underlying molecular mechanisms of both drugs.

METHODS

A septic shock model was established in SD rats by after tail vein administration of LPS. 64 rats were distributed into eight groups, such as LPS group, control group, LPS+654-1 group (1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg), and LPS+654-2 group (1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg). The hemodynamics, echocardiography, immunohistochemical analysis, TEM, TUNEL assay, and H&E staining were utilized to assess the septic shock model and myocardial function. Lactic acid, inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), endothelial injure markers (SDC-1, HS and TM) and myocardial injury markers (CK, c-TNT and NT-pro BNP) were assessed using ELISA or biochemical kits. Additionally, the mechanisms of 654-1/654-2 were analyzed using RNA-seq and bioinformatics, and validated using western blotting and RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Administration of 654-1/654-2 significantly restored hemodynamics and improved myocardial and endothelial glycocalyx injury in septic shock rats. Furthermore, 654-1/654-2 dose-dependently reduced plasma levels of lactic acid, inflammatory cytokines, and markers of endothelial and myocardial injury. Analyses using RNA-seq, WB and RT-PCR techniques indicated that 654-1/654-2 could mitigate myocardial and endothelial injury by inhibiting the NF-κB and NLRP-3 pathways, and activating the PI3K-AKT pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrated that 654-1/654-2 could alleviate myocardial damage in septic shock rats. Specifically, 654-1 inhibited the NF-κB/NLRP-3 pathway, whereas 654-2 promoted the PI3K-AKT pathway and inhibited the NF-κB pathway, effectively mitigating the inflammatory response and cell apoptosis.