Exercise suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation in mice with diet-induced NASH: a plausible role of adropin

Can Methamphetamine-Induced Cardiotoxicity be Ameliorated by Aerobic Training and Nutrition Bio-shield Superfood Supplementation in Rats After Withdrawal?

The abuse of methamphetamine is a significant threat to cardiovascular health and has detrimental effects on the myocardium. The present study aims to explore potential interventions that can mitigate myocardial pyroptosis in rats following methamphetamine withdrawal. A total of 104 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to eight groups. The rats underwent a methamphetamine administration protocol, receiving intraperitoneal injections of 10 mg/kg during the 1st week, followed by a weekly dose escalation of 1 mg/kg from the second to the 6th week and two times per day. Concurrently, the rats engaged in 6 weeks of moderate-intensity treadmill aerobic training, lasting 60 min per day, 5 days a week. Simultaneously, the Nutrition bio-shield Superfood (NBS) supplement was administered at a dosage of 25 g/kg daily for 6 weeks. The study assessed the expression levels of Caspase-1, Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and Interleukin-18 (IL-18) genes in myocardial tissue. Data analysis utilized a one-way analysis of variance (p ≤ 0.05). The findings revealed that methamphetamine usage significantly elevated the expression of Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 genes (p ≤ 0.05). Conversely, methamphetamine withdrawal led to a notable reduction in the expression of these genes (p ≤ 0.05). Noteworthy reductions in Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 expression were observed following aerobic training, supplementation, and the combined approach (p ≤ 0.05). The chronic use of methamphetamine was associated with cardiac tissue damage. This study highlights the potential of aerobic training and NBS Superfood supplementation in mitigating the harmful effects of methamphetamine-induced myocardial pyroptosis. The observed reductions in gene expression levels indicate promising interventions to address the cardiovascular consequences of methamphetamine abuse. The findings of this study suggest that a combination of aerobic exercise and NBS Superfood supplementation can provide a promising approach to mitigate the deleterious effects of methamphetamine on the heart. These findings can be useful for healthcare professionals and policymakers to design effective interventions to prevent and manage the adverse effects of methamphetamine abuse.

Physical exercise in liver diseases

Liver diseases contribute to ~2 million deaths each year and account for 4% of all deaths globally. Despite various treatment options, the management of liver diseases remains challenging. Physical exercise is a promising nonpharmacological approach to maintain and restore homeostasis and effectively prevent and mitigate liver diseases. In this review, we delve into the mechanisms of physical exercise in preventing and treating liver diseases, highlighting its effects on improving insulin sensitivity, regulating lipid homeostasis, and modulating immune function. In addition, we evaluate the impact of physical exercise on various liver diseases, including liver ischemia/reperfusion injury, cardiogenic liver disease, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, portal hypertension, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. In conclusion, the review underscores the effectiveness of physical exercise as a beneficial intervention in combating liver diseases.

Longitudinal Analysis of Mitochondrial Function in a Choline-Deficient L-Amino Acid-Defined High-Fat Diet-Induced Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis Mouse Model

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide. Some patients with MAFLD develop metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which can lead to severe liver fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this progression remain unknown, and no effective treatment for MASH has been developed so far. In this study, we performed a longitudinal detailed analysis of mitochondria in the livers of choline-deficient, methionine-defined, high-fat-diet (CDAHFD)-fed mice, which exhibited a MASH-like pathology. We found that FoF1-ATPase activity began to decrease in the mitochondria of CDAHFD-fed mice prior to alterations in the activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex, almost at the time of onset of liver fibrosis. In addition, the decrease in FoF1-ATPase activity coincided with the accelerated opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP), for which FoF1-ATPase might be a major component or regulator. As fibrosis progressed, mitochondrial permeability transition (PT) induced in CDAHFD-fed mice became less sensitive to cyclosporine A, a specific PT inhibitor. These results suggest that episodes of fibrosis might be related to the disruption of mitochondrial function via PTP opening, which is triggered by functional changes in FoF1-ATPase. These novel findings could help elucidate the pathogenesis of MASH and lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Molecular insights of exercise therapy in disease prevention and treatment

Despite substantial evidence emphasizing the pleiotropic benefits of exercise for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, the underlying biological mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Several exercise benefits have been attributed to signaling molecules that are released in response to exercise by different tissues such as skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, adipose, and liver tissue. These signaling molecules, which are collectively termed exerkines, form a heterogenous group of bioactive substances, mediating inter-organ crosstalk as well as structural and functional tissue adaption. Numerous scientific endeavors have focused on identifying and characterizing new biological mediators with such properties. Additionally, some investigations have focused on the molecular targets of exerkines and the cellular signaling cascades that trigger adaption processes. A detailed understanding of the tissue-specific downstream effects of exerkines is crucial to harness the health-related benefits mediated by exercise and improve targeted exercise programs in health and disease. Herein, we review the current in vivo evidence on exerkine-induced signal transduction across multiple target tissues and highlight the preventive and therapeutic value of exerkine signaling in various diseases. By emphasizing different aspects of exerkine research, we provide a comprehensive overview of (i) the molecular underpinnings of exerkine secretion, (ii) the receptor-dependent and receptor-independent signaling cascades mediating tissue adaption, and (iii) the clinical implications of these mechanisms in disease prevention and treatment.

Left ventricle function and post-transcriptional events with exercise training in pigs

BACKGROUND

Standardized exercise protocols have been shown to improve overall cardiovascular fitness, but direct effects on left ventricular (LV) function, particularly diastolic function and relation to post-transcriptional molecular pathways (microRNAs (miRs)) are poorly understood. This project tested the central hypothesis that adaptive LV remodeling resulting from a large animal exercise training protocol, would be directly associated with specific miRs responsible for regulating pathways relevant to LV myocardial stiffness and geometry.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Pigs (n = 9; 25 Kg) underwent a 4 week exercise training protocol (10 degrees elevation, 2.5 mph, 10 min, 5 days/week) whereby LV chamber stiffness (KC) and regional myocardial stiffness (rKm) were measured by Doppler/speckle tracking echocardiography. Age and weight matched non-exercise pigs (n = 6) served as controls. LV KC fell by approximately 50% and rKm by 30% following exercise (both p < 0.05). Using an 84 miR array, 34 (40%) miRs changed with exercise, whereby 8 of the changed miRs (miR-19a, miR-22, miR-30e, miR-99a, miR-142, miR-144, miR-199a, and miR-497) were correlated to the change in KC (r ≥ 0.5 p < 0.05) and mapped to matrix and calcium handling processes. Additionally, miR-22 and miR-30e decreased with exercise and mapped to a localized inflammatory process, the inflammasome (NLRP-3, whereby a 2-fold decrease in NLRP-3 mRNA occurred with exercise (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Chronic exercise reduced LV chamber and myocardial stiffness and was correlated to miRs that map to myocardial relaxation processes as well as local inflammatory pathways. These unique findings set the stage for utilization of myocardial miR profiling to identify underlying mechanisms by which exercise causes changes in LV myocardial structure and function.

PC 18:1/18:1 mediates the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise and remodels tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is essential for membrane structural integrity and lipid-dependent signaling pathways, and is an essential component required for cancer cell growth. Using hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as a tumor model, this study aims to further screen phospholipid biomarkers of the tumor microenvironment and explore the anti-tumor effects and mechanisms of aerobic exercise.

MAIN METHODS

The HCC of C57BL/6J mice was induced by the injection of the carcinogen diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Exercise was performed on an ungraded treadmill for weeks. The inflammation-related markers were detected by ELISA, PCR and immunohistochemistry, hepatic metabolic profile was analyzed by GC/MS, and lipid metabolism profile was further detected by lipid-targeted LC/MS. Cell culture was used to verify the anti-inflammatory effect of PC.

KEY FINDINGS

Exercise reduced hepatic inflammation, tumor incidence and volume. Metabolomics analysis showed that palmitic acid is a key metabolic marker for exercise to improve tumor microenvironment. Injection of exogenous palmitic acid following exercise impaired the anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects of exercise. Lipid metabolomics analysis further showed that metabolites for exercise were enriched in glycerol phospholipid metabolism, including 14 phosphatidylcholines (PCs), 18 phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs), and 6 triglycerides (TGs). These biomarkers contain different lengths of fatty acid chains and different numbers of unsaturated bonds, respectively. Cell culture verified that PC (18:1/18:1) mediated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in HepG2 cell.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results suggest that exercise remodels glycerophospholipid metabolism and reduces hepatic palmitic acid loading and PC (18:1/18:1) level, thereby reconstructing a microenvironment that is hostile to HCC.

A classical herbal formula alleviates high-fat diet induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) via targeting mitophagy to rehabilitate dysfunctional mitochondria, validated by UPLC-HRMS identification combined with in vivo experiment

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has caused a significant burden on public health care systems, the economy and society. However, there has still been no officially approved pharmacotherapy for NASH. It has been suggested that oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction play vital roles in NASH pathological progression. Shugan Xiaozhi (SG) formula, as a kind of classical herbal formula, was shown to attenuate NASH.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore the potential mechanisms of SG formula treating NASH.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry combined with bioinformatics analysis was applied to explore the therapeutic targets and main components of SG formula. Moreover, in vivo NASH model was utilized to confirmed the therapeutic effects of SG formula. Molecular docking analysis and further validation experiments were conducted to verify the results of bioinformatics analysis.

RESULTS

The in vivo experiments confirmed SG formula significantly attenuated hepatic pathological progression and relieved oxidative stress in high-fat diet (HFD) induced - NASH model. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS) combined with bioinformatics analysis expounded the components of SG formula and revealed the mitochondrial regulation mechanism of SG formula treating NASH. Further in vivo experiments validated that SG formula could alleviate oxidative stress by rehabilitating the structure and function of mitochondria, which was strongly related to regulating mitophagy.

CONCLUSION

In summary, this study demonstrated that SG formula, which could attenuate NASH by regulating mitochondria and might be a potential pharmacotherapy for NASH.

Adropin deficiency worsens TNBS-induced colitis

The aim of this study was to describe the effects of adropin deficiency on the distribution, phenotype and pathological phenotype of macrophages in colonic and mesenteric tissues of AdrKO (Enho-/-) mice, so as to explore the mechanism of adropin deficiency in spontaneous and experimental colitis. In this study, RNA-seq and metabonomics were used to screen the regulatory mechanism of adropin on the phenotypic transformation of macrophages. We found that adropin levels in active UC patients were significantly lower than those in normal subjects and remission UC patients, and at the same time, a large number of proinflammatory M1-type macrophages were infiltrated in the mesenteric tissue of colonic tissues from UC and CD patients. At the same time, spontaneous colitis occurred in Enho-/- (adropin-deficient)C57BL/6 mice, and there was an imbalance of M2 → M1 polarization of macrophages in colon and mesentery of Enho-/- mice. In vivo, it has showed that adropin deficiency could exacerbate the pathological phenotype of colitis induced by TNBS. In vitro, adropin was used to intervene RAW264.7 macrophages, and then combined analysis of RNA-seq and metabolomics demonstrated that adropin regulated lipid metabolism of macrophages through PPARγ, thus promoting the repolarization of macrophages from M1 to M2. Adropin deficiency led to an imbalance in the phenotypic distribution of macrophages infiltrating the colon and mesenteric tissues, namely, an increase in M1 type, which led to the occurrence and development of colitis.

Exploring exercise-driven inhibition of pyroptosis: novel insights into treating diabetes mellitus and its complications

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications are important, worldwide public health issues, exerting detrimental effects on human health and diminishing both quality of life and lifespan. Pyroptosis, as a new form of programmed cell death, plays a critical role in DM and its complications. Exercise has been shown to be an effective treatment for improving insulin sensitivity or preventing DM. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of exercise on pyroptosis-related diseases remain elusive. In this review, we provided a comprehensive elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying pyroptosis and the potential mechanism of exercise in the treatment of DM and its complications through the modulation of anti-pyroptosis-associated inflammasome pathways. Based on the existing evidence, further investigation into the mechanisms by which exercise inhibits pyroptosis through the regulation of inflammasome pathways holds promising potential for expanding preventive and therapeutic strategies for DM and facilitating the development of novel therapeutic interventions.

Nicotinic acid attenuates experimental non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome/pyroptosis pathway

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a global public health concern that may progress into fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, with limited curative treatment options. While the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is closely linked to NASH progression, nicotinic acid (NA), a vitamin used for the treatment of dyslipidemia, is an emerging pharmaceutical treatment for hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Here, we investigated pharmacological effects of NA on experimental NASH and whether NLRP3 inflammasome/pyroptosis inhibition is an associated mechanism of action. Rats were fed a high-fat sucrose diet supplemented with cholesterol and a low dose of CCl4. NA significantly reduced inflammation by decreasing the protein levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and nuclear factor kappa B. Moreover, NA inhibited the formation of NLRP3- apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing caspase recruitment domain-Caspase-1, decreasing interleukin-1beta, interleukin-18, and gasdermin D protein. In addition, NA reduced tumor growth factor-beta, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and hepatic levels of collagen-1, consequently decreasing extracellular matrix synthesis. Our results indicate that NA can inhibit NASH progression and encourage further basic and clinical studies on the use of NA for the treatment of human NASH.

Research Progress of Pyroptosis in Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease (FLD) is a clinical and pathological syndrome characterized by excessive fat deposition and even steatosis in hepatocytes. It has been proven that liver inflammation induced by fat and its derivatives are involved in the pathogenesis of FLD, while the precise mechanism still remains poorly understood. Pyroptosis is programmed inflammatory cell death driving cell swelling and membrane rupture. Pyroptosis is initiated by the activation of inflammasomes and caspases, which further cleaves and activates various gasdermins, leading to pores forming on the cell membrane and the release of pro-inflammatory factors such as interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. Recent studies demonstrate that pyroptosis occurs in hepatocytes, and inhibiting pyroptosis could effectively reduce fat deposition in the liver and could ameliorate inflammation from FLD, attracting our prime focus on the role of pyroptosis in FLD. In this manuscript, we reviewed the current understanding of pyroptosis in FLD development, aiming to provide new insights and potential research targets for the clinical diagnosis and intervention of FLD.

NLRP3: a new therapeutic target in alcoholic liver disease

The liver is in charge of a wide range of critical physiological processes and it plays an important role in activating the innate immune system which elicits the inflammatory events. Chronic ethanol exposure disrupts hepatic inflammatory mechanism and leads to the release of proinflammatory mediators such as chemokines, cytokines and activation of inflammasomes. The mechanism of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis involve activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to the destruction of hepatocytes and subsequent metabolic dysregulation in humans. In addition, increasing evidence suggests that alcohol intake significantly modifies liver epigenetics, promoting the development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Epigenetic changes including histone modification, microRNA-induced genetic modulation, and DNA methylation are crucial in alcohol-evoked cell signaling that affects gene expression in the hepatic system. Though we are at the beginning stage without having the entire print of epigenetic signature, it is time to focus more on NLRP3 inflammasome and epigenetic modifications. Here we review the novel aspect of ALD pathology linking to inflammation and highlighting the role of epigenetic modification associated with NLRP3 inflammasome and how it could be a therapeutic target in ALD.

Physical Activity Protocols in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Management: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials and Animal Models

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely associated with other metabolic disease and cardiovascular disease. Regular exercise reduces hepatic fat content and could be the first-line treatment in the management of NAFLD. This review aims to summarize the current evidence of the beneficial effects of exercise training and identify the molecular pathways involved in the response to exercise to define their role in the resolution of NAFLD both in animal and human studies. According to the inclusion criteria, 43 animal studies and 14 RCTs were included in this systematic review. Several exercise modalities were demonstrated to have a positive effect on liver function. Physical activity showed a strong association with improvement in inflammation, and reduction in steatohepatitis and fibrosis in experimental models. Furthermore, both aerobic and resistance exercise in human studies were demonstrated to reduce liver fat, and to improve insulin resistance and blood lipids, regardless of weight loss, although aerobic exercises may be more effective. Resistance exercise is more feasible for patients with NAFLD with poor cardiorespiratory fitness. More effort and awareness should be dedicated to encouraging NAFLD patients to adopt an active lifestyle and benefit from it its effects in order to reduce this growing public health problem.

NOD-like receptors in the pathogenesis of metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease: Therapeutic agents targeting NOD-like receptors

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), activation of inflammatory processes marks the transition of simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, which can further evolve to advanced fibrosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Under the stress of chronic overnutrition, the innate immune system orchestrates hepatic inflammation through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Cytosolic PRRs that include NOD-like receptors (NLRs) are crucial for inducing inflammatory processes in the liver.

METHODS

A literature search was performed with Medline (PubMed), Google Scholar and Scopus electronic databases till January 2023, using relevant keywords to extract studies describing the role of NLRs in the pathogenesis of MAFLD.

RESULTS

Several NLRs operate through the formation of inflammasomes, which are multimolecular complexes that generate pro-inflammatory cytokines and induce pyroptotic cell death. A multitude of pharmacological agents target NLRs and improve several aspects of MAFLD. In this review, we discuss the current concepts related to the role of NLRs in the pathogenesis of MAFLD and its complications. We also discuss the latest research on MAFLD therapeutics functioning through NLRs.

CONCLUSIONS

NLRs play a significant role in the pathogenesis of MAFLD and its consequences, especially through generation of inflammasomes, such as NLRP3 inflammasomes. Lifestyle changes (exercise, coffee consumption) and therapeutic agents (GLP-1 receptor agonists, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, obeticholic acid) improve MAFLD and its complications partly through blockade of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. New studies are required to explore these inflammatory pathways fully for the treatment of MAFLD.

Activation of Kupffer cells in NAFLD and NASH: mechanisms and therapeutic interventions

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are emerging as the leading causes of liver disease worldwide. These conditions can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure, and other related ailments. At present, liver transplantation remains the sole treatment option for end-stage NASH, leading to a rapidly growing socioeconomic burden. Kupffer cells (KCs) are a dominant population of macrophages that reside in the liver, playing a crucial role in innate immunity. Their primary function includes phagocytosing exogenous substances, presenting antigens, and triggering immune responses. Moreover, they interact with other liver cells during the pathogenesis of NAFLD, and this crosstalk may either delay or exacerbate disease progression. Stimulation by endogenous signals triggers the activation of KCs, resulting in the expression of various inflammatory factors and chemokines, such as NLRP3, TNF-α, IL-1B, and IL-6, and contributing to the inflammatory cascade. In the past 5 years, significant advances have been made in understanding the biological properties and immune functions of KCs in NAFLD, including their interactions with tissue molecules, underlying molecular mechanisms, signaling pathways, and relevant therapeutic interventions. Having a comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms and characteristics can have enormous potential in guiding future strategies for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.

Effects of Tylophora yunnanensis Schltr on regulating the gut microbiota and its metabolites in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis rats by inhibiting the activation of NOD-like receptor protein 3

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tylophora yunnanensis Schltr (TYS) is widely distributed in Yunnan, Guizhou, and other places in China. It is commonly used by folks to treat hepatitis and other liver-related diseases; however, its mechanism of action is still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to determine the effects of TYS on regulating gut microbiota and its metabolites in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) rats by inhibiting the activation of NOD-like receptor protein3 (NLRP3).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An HFD-induced rat model was established to investigate if the intragastric administration of TYS could mediate gut microbiota and their metabolites to ultimately improve the symptoms of NASH. The improving effects of TYS on NASH rats were assessed by measuring their body weight, lipid levels, histopathology, and inflammatory factor levels in the rat models. The regulatory effects of TYS on NLRP3 in the NASH rats were analyzed using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which determined the levels of NLRP3-related factors. The changes in the composition of the gut microbiota of NASH rats were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology. Meanwhile, the Ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used for the non-targeted analysis of metabolites in the cecum contents.

RESULTS

The results showed that TYS could improve NASH by decreasing the body weight and levels of lipid, AST, ALT, LPS, FFA, VLDL, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β, NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1 in the NASH rats. The analysis of gut microbiota showed that TYS could improve the diversity and abundance of gut microbiota and alter their composition by decreasing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio and relative abundances of Lachnospiraceae, Christensenellaceae, Blautia, etc. while increasing those of Muribaculaceae, Rumiaococcus, Ruminococcaceae, etc. The analysis of metabolites in the cecum contents suggested that the arachidonic acid metabolism, bile secretion, serotonergic synapse, Fc epsilon RI signaling pathway, etc. were regulated by TYS. The metabolites enriched in these pathways mainly included chenodeoxycholic acid, prostaglandin D2, TXB2, 9-OxoODE, and 13(S)-HOTrE.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that TYS could alleviate the NASH symptoms by decreasing the body weight, regulating the lipid levels, reducing the inflammatory response, and inhibiting the expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1 in the NASH rats. The changes in the composition of gut microbiota and their metabolic disorder were closely related to the activation of NLRP3. TYS could significantly inhibit the activation of NLRP3 and regulate the composition of gut microbiota and the disorder of metabolites during NASH modeling.

Research and progress of inflammasomes in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

With the development of the social economy, unhealthy living habits and eating styles are gradually affecting people's health in recent years. As a chronic liver disease, NAFLD is deeply affected by unhealthy living habits and eating styles and has gradually become an increasingly serious public health problem. As a protein complex in clinical research, the inflammasomes play a crucial role in the development of NAFLD, atherosclerosis, and other diseases. This paper reviews the types, composition, characteristics of inflammasomes, and molecular mechanism of the inflammasome in NAFLD. Meanwhile, the paper reviews the drugs and non-drugs that target NLRP3 inflammasome in the treatment of NAFLD in the past decades. we also analyzed and summarized the related experimental models, mechanisms, and results of NAFLD. Although current therapeutic strategies for NAFLD are not effective, we expect that we will be able to find an appropriate treatment to address this problem in the future with further research on inflammasome.

Cardiac Hepatopathy: New Perspectives on Old Problems through a Prism of Endogenous Metabolic Regulations by Hepatokines

Cardiac hepatopathy refers to acute or chronic liver damage caused by cardiac dysfunction in the absence of any other possible causative reasons of liver injury. There is a large number of evidence of the fact that cardiac hepatopathy is associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with acute or actually decompensated heart failure (HF). However, the currently dominated pathophysiological background does not explain a role of metabolic regulative proteins secreted by hepatocytes in progression of HF, including adverse cardiac remodeling, kidney injury, skeletal muscle dysfunction, osteopenia, sarcopenia and cardiac cachexia. The aim of this narrative review was to accumulate knowledge of hepatokines (adropin; fetuin-A, selenoprotein P, fibroblast growth factor-21, and alpha-1-microglobulin) as adaptive regulators of metabolic homeostasis in patients with HF. It is suggested that hepatokines play a crucial, causative role in inter-organ interactions and mediate tissue protective effects counteracting oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and necrosis. The discriminative potencies of hepatokines for HF and damage of target organs in patients with known HF is under on-going scientific discussion and requires more investigations in the future.

EXERCISE IMPROVES ALVEOLAR BONE LOSS AND THE INFLAMMATORY PROFILE OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE

ABSTRACT Periodontal disease (PD) is an inflammatory oral disease and alveolar bone loss is the most important sign of PD. However, the effects of exercise on inflammatory factors and alveolar bone loss in individuals with PD have been little studied. This meta-analysis assesses the effect of physical exercise on alveolar bone loss (ABL) and the inflammatory profile of PD in animal models. Relevant studies published through July 2020 in PubMed, Medline, Embase and Web of Science were searched after developing a PICOS statement. Quality assessment and risk of bias were analyzed according to the SYRCLE protocol. A total of 52 references were retrieved, 4 of which were considered eligible for inclusion. A total of thirty-four male Wistar rats from the included studies were evaluated for alveolar bone loss and assessed for inflammatory profile. The results indicated that physical exercise could reduce alveolar bone loss (95% CI -2.85 to -0.82, p = 0.002) and the pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor–α (TNF-α) in serum or gingival tissue (95% CI -0.45 to -0.24, p < 0.00001). Inversely, exercise increased anti-inflammatory interleukin–10 (IL-10) in serum or gingival tissue (95% CI 0.28 to 0.69, p < 0.00001). However, one study reported a negative result in the expression of TNF-α and IL-10. Current evidence indicates that physical exercise contributes to ameliorate PD by reducing alveolar bone loss and inflammation in animal PD models, which suggests that moderate exercise can be implemented in clinical practice to maintain periodontal health. Level of Evidence I; Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Aerobic exercise alleviates ventilator-induced lung injury by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation

BACKGROUND

Ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) is caused by stretch stimulation and other factors related to mechanical ventilation (MV). NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), an important innate immune component, is strongly associated with VILI. This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanisms of aerobic exercise (EX) on VILI.

METHODS

To test the effects of the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide I on PKC and NLRP3, male C57BL/6 mice (7 weeks old, 19 ~ 23 g) were randomly divided into four groups: control group(C), bisindolylmaleimide I-pretreated group(B), MV group, and bisindolylmaleimide I-pretreated + MV (B + MV) group. The mice were pretreated with bisindolylmaleimide I through intraperitoneal injection (0.02 mg/kg) 1 h before MV. MV was performed at a high tidal volume (30 ml/kg). To explore the ameliorative effect of EX on VILI, the mice were randomly divided into C group, MV group, EX group and EX + MV group and subjected to either MV or 5 weeks of EX training. After ventilation, haematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and wet/dry weight ratio was used to assess lung pathophysiological changes. PKCɑ, P-PKCɑ, ASC, procaspase-1, caspase-1, pro-IL-1β, IL-1β, NLRP3 and occludin (tight junction protein) expression in lung tissues was determined by Western blotting. The level of IL-6 in alveolar lavage fluid was determined by ELISA.

RESULTS

NLRP3, P-PKCɑ, and PKCɑ levels were inceased in MV group, but bisindolylmaleimide I treatment reversed these changes. Inhibition of PKC production prevented NLRP3 activation. Moreover, MV increased ASC, procaspase-1, caspase-1, pro-IL-1β, and IL1β levels and decreased occludin levels, but EX alleviated these changes. HE staining and lung injury scoring confirmed an absence of obvious lung injury in C group and EX group. Lung injury was most severe in MV group but was improved in EX + MV group. Overall, these findings suggest that MV activates the NLRP3 inflammasome by activating PKCɑ and inducing occludin degradation, while Exercise attenuates NLRP3 inflammasome and PKCɑ activation. Besides, exercise improves cyclic stretch-induced degradation of occludin.

CONCLUSION

PKC activation can increase the level of NLRP3, which can lead to lung injury. Exercise can reduce lung injury by inhibiting PKCɑ and NLRP3 activation. Exercise maybe a potential measure for clinical prevention of VILI.

Higd1a facilitates exercise-mediated alleviation of fatty liver in diet-induced obese mice

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the most common liver disease. Exercise is an effective strategy against NAFLD, but its underlying molecular mechanism is not completely understood.

METHODS

Higd1a, a mitochondrial inner membrane protein, was knocked down or overexpressed in mice livers by tail vein injection of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. High fat diet-induced obese mice were subjected to treadmill training. Alpha mouse liver 12 (AML12) cells were used for in vitro studies.

RESULTS

Higd1a was upregulated in mice livers after treadmill exercise training. Knockdown of Higd1a in diet-induced obese mice livers impaired exercise-mediated alleviation of hepatic steatosis, liver injury and inflammation. On the contrary, hepatic overexpression of Higd1a ameliorated fatty liver, liver injury and inflammation in synergy with exercise. Mechanistically, deficiency of Higd1a in hepatocytes promoted free fatty acids (FFAs)-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress, and elevated the cytosolic level of oxidized mitochondrial DNA (ox-mtDNA) to activate NLRP3 inflammasome and JNK signaling, leading to decreased expression of critical genes involved in fatty acid oxidation (FAO), such as Ppara, Cpt1a and Acadm. Overexpression of Higd1a in hepatocytes blunted the above effects, which ultimately increased FAO genes expression and alleviated fat accumulation in hepatocytes.

CONCLUSION

These results identify a Higd1a-mediated inhibition of cytosolic ox-mtDNA/NLRP3 inflammasomes/JNK pathway that facilitates exercise-mediated alleviation of hepatosteatosis.

Aerobic exercise training alleviates renal injury in db/db mice through inhibiting Nox4-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease, with few therapeutic options available to slow its progression. Aerobic exercise training is an effective strategy for diabetes mellitus and its complications' prevention and treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of aerobic exercise training on diabetic kidney injury in db/db mice and to characterize the mechanism underlying the renal protective effects. The db/db mice were exercised 5 days a week for 60 min each day for 8 weeks at a speed of 5.6 m/min, after which renal function, morphology, oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and the expression of the Nox4/ROS/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway-related protein were assessed. Our results showed that aerobic exercise training significantly reduced body weight and microalbuminuria, improved renal function, and attenuated renal pathological changes in db/db mice independent of hyperglycemic state. Aerobic exercise training was also found to significantly improve oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidneys of db/db mice by decreasing the activity of complex I, the levels of MDA, 8-OHdG, Nox4, ROS, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-18, increasing the activities of SOD and GSH-Px, the expression of klotho and NPHS2, and decreasing the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and IκBα, as well as the expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 p20, and IL-1β. Additionally, aerobic exercise training decreased TGF-β, collagen I, collagen IV, and α-SMA expression, thereby slowing the progression of kidney fibrosis in db/db mice. In conclusion, aerobic exercise training effectively reduces oxidative stress, inflammation, and renal fibrosis by modulating the Nox4/ROS/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway, implying that aerobic exercise training has significant potential to protect diabetic kidney injury and should be given more emphasis in DKD treatment.

Research Progress of Mitochondrial Mechanism in NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Exercise Regulation of NLRP3 Inflammasome

NLRP3 is an important pattern recognition receptor in the innate immune system, and its activation induces a large number of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β and IL-18 which are involved in the development of various diseases. In recent years, it has been suggested that mitochondria are the platform for NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Additionally, exercise is considered as an important intervention strategy to mediate the innate immune responses. Generally, chronic moderate-intensity endurance training, resistance training and high-intensity interval training inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation in response to various pathological factors. In contrast, acute exercise activates NLRP3 inflammasome. However, the mechanisms by which exercise regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation are largely unclear. Therefore, the mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome activation is discussed mainly from the perspective of mitochondria in this review. Moreover, the effect and potential mechanism of exercise on NLRP3 inflammasome are explored, hoping to provide new target for relevant research.

Tai Chi as a Therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Reducing Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective

This study systematically evaluated the effects of Tai Chi exercise on blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and quality of life (QOL) in patients with hypertension. A meta-analysis was performed to provide a reliable reference for clinical practice.

Methods

We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in five English databases and two Chinese databases, with the earliest data dated December 5, 2020. A quality assessment of the methods and a meta-analysis were also conducted.

Results

The meta-analysis of 24 studies showed that the intervention group showed better outcomes in terms of systolic blood pressure (SBP) (SMD −1.05, 95% CI −1.44 to −0.67, P ≤ 0.001; I² = 93.7%), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (SMD −0.91, 95% CI −1.24 to −0.58, P ≤ 0.001; I² = 91.9%), and QOL (physical functioning (SMD 0.86, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.37, P=0.001; I² = 91.3%), role-physical (SMD 0.86, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.11, P ≤ 0.001; I² = 65%), general health (SMD 0.75, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.17, P=0.001; I² = 88.1%), bodily pain (SMD 0.65, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.00, P ≤ 0.001; I² = 83.1%), vitality (SMD 0.71, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.07, P ≤ 0.001; I² = 84.3%), social functioning (SMD 0.63, 95% CI 0.07 to 1.19, P=0.027; I² = 93.1%), role-emotional (SMD 0.64, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.06, P=0.003; I² = 88.1%), and mental health (SMD 0.73, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.16, P=0.001; I² = 88.2%)) compared to those of the control group. However, no significant improvements were seen in BMI of the intervention group (SMD −0.08, 95% CI −0.35 to −0.19, P=0.554; I² = 69.4%) compared to that of the control group.

Conclusion

Tai Chi is an effective intervention to improve SBP and DBP in patients with essential hypertension.

New Peptides as Potential Players in the Crosstalk Between the Brain and Obesity, Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases

According to the World Health Organization report published in 2016, 650 million people worldwide suffer from obesity, almost three times more than in 1975. Obesity is defined as excessive fat accumulation which may impair health with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke), and some cancers. Despite medical advances, cardiovascular complications are still the leading causes of death arising from obesity. Excessive fat accumulation is caused by the imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. The pathogenesis of this process is complex and not fully understood, but current research is focused on the role of the complex crosstalk between the central nervous system (CNS), neuroendocrine and immune system including the autonomic nervous system, adipose tissue, digestive and cardiovascular systems. Additionally, special attention has been paid to newly discovered substances: neuropeptide 26RFa, preptin, and adropin. It was shown that the above peptides are synthesized both in numerous structures of the CNS and in many peripheral organs and tissues, such as the heart, adipose tissue, and the gastrointestinal tract. Recently, particular attention has been paid to the role of the presented peptides in the pathogenesis of obesity, metabolic and cardiovascular system diseases. This review summarizes the role of newly investigated peptides in the crosstalk between brain and peripheral organs in the pathogenesis of obesity, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases.