Selenium deficiency exacerbates LPS-induced necroptosis by regulating miR-16-5p targeting PI3K in chicken tracheal tissue

Curcumin alleviates Aflatoxin B1-triggered chicken liver necroptosis by targeting the LOC769044/miR-1679/STAT1 axis

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is an unavoidable environmental toxin. The accumulation of AFB1 and its metabolites in the liver poses a threat to both human and animal health. Curcumin exhibits anti-oxidative, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory properties. There is no report on the mechanism regarding how curcumin relived liver necroptosis in chickens induced by AFB1 based on the regulatory network of ceRNA. To explore this, we performed transmission electron microscopy and sequenced lncRNA and mRNA in chicken livers treated with AFB1 and/or curcumin for 28 d in vivo. We observed substantial alterations in the lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles within the chicken liver, indicating that curcumin can mitigate AFB1-induced necroptosis both in vivo and in vitro. Further analysis, including the establishment of an lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network and the utilization of a dual luciferase reporter assay, revealed that LOC769044 acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-1679. In addition, STAT1 was identified as a direct target of miR-1679. Modulating miR-1679 levels through overexpression, and silencing LOC769044 and STAT1, effectively reversed the necroptotic effects induced by AFB1, a reversal that was also observed with curcumin supplementation. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that curcumin alleviates AFB1-induced liver necroptosis through the LOC769044/miR-1679/STAT1 signaling axis. This study suggests that LOC769044 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for managing AFB1-mediated liver toxicity.

PI3K/AKT pathway modulation and cold acclimation alleviation concerning apoptosis and necroptosis in broiler thymus

Moderate cold stimulation regulates the thymus's growth and function and facilitates cold acclimatization in broilers. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. To explore the possible mechanism of the thymus in cold-acclimated broilers against cold stress, 240 one-day-old Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were assigned to 2 groups randomly. The control group (C) was housed at conventional temperatures. The temperature during the first week was 33°C to 34°C. Between the ages of 8 and 32 d, the temperature was lowered by 1°C every 2 d, i.e., gradually from 32°C to 20°C, and then maintained at 20°C until 42 d of age. The cold-acclimated group (C-3) was housed at the same temperature as C from 1 to 7 d after birth. Between 8 and 42 d, the temperature of C-3 was 3°C colder than C. After 24 h exposure to acute cold stress (ACS) at 42 d, C and C-3 were named as S and S-3. The results showed that ACS was able to induce oxidation stress, modulate PI3K/AKT signal, and cause necroptosis and apoptosis in broiler thymus. By contrast, cold acclimation could alleviate apoptosis and necroptosis induced by cold stress via alleviating oxidative stress, efficiently activating the PI3K/AKT signal, as well as decreasing apoptotic and necrotic genes' levels. This study offers a novel theoretical basis for cold acclimation to improve the body's cold tolerance.

Gut microbiota contribution to selenium deficiency-induced gut-liver inflammation

There is limited knowledge about the factors that drive gut-liver axis changes after selenium (Se) deficiency-induced gut or liver injuries. Thus, we tested Se deficiency in mice to determine its effects on intestinal bacterial balance and whether it induced liver injury. Serum Se concentration, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) level, and liver injury biomarkers were tested using a biochemical method, while pathological changes in the liver and jejunum were observed via hematoxylin and eosin stain, and a fluorescence spectrophotometer was used to evaluate intestinal permeability. Tight junction (TJ)-related and toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling-related pathway genes and proteins were tested using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene-targeted sequencing of jejunum microorganisms. Se deficiency significantly decreased glutathione peroxidase activity and disrupted the intestinal flora, with the most significant effect being a decrease in Lactobacillus reuteri. The expression of TJ-related genes and proteins decreased significantly with increased treatment time, whereas supplementation with Se, fecal microbiota transplantation, or L. reuteri reversed these decreases. Signs of liver injury and LPS content were significantly increased after intestinal flora imbalance or jejunum injury, and the levels of TLR signaling-related genes were significantly increased. The results indicated that Se deficiency disrupted the microbiota balance, decreased the expression of intestinal TJ factors, and increased intestinal permeability. By contrast, LPS increased due to a bacterial imbalance, which may induce inflammatory liver injury via the TLR4 signaling pathway.

Polystyrene microplastics with different sizes induce the apoptosis and necroptosis in liver through the PTEN/PI3K/AKT/autophagy axis

The production of plastics worldwide has been instrumental in the progress of modern society, while the increasing accumulation of plastics castoff in oceans, soils and anywhere else has become a major pressure source on environmental sustainability and animal health. Meanwhile, from a biological perspective, our understanding of the toxicological fingerprints of plastics, especially microplastics (MPs), is still poor. Here, we reported a phenomenon of hepatotoxicity dominated by MPs in the form of polystyrene (PS), was observed in mice model systems and cellular assays. Apoptosis and necroptosis related to the size of particles were seen upon PS-MPs introduction, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and quantitative analysis of signaling pathways in vivo and vitro. Collectively, the current study demonstrated that the levels of liver cell injury caused by PS-MPs were negatively correlated with the particle diameters. Small-sized particles (1-10 μm) induced cell death primarily as necroptosis whereas the large-sized particles (50-100 μm) mainly induced apoptosis, which was directly accomplished by PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling axis and its targeted autophagy flux. More interestingly, inhibition of autophagy not only alleviated PS-MPs-triggered cell death, but also changed the form of death injury to a certain extent. This uncovered crosstalk relationship opens up a new avenue for investigating the biological and toxicological effects of MPs, and may provide important insights for preventing and limiting of health hazards from MPs.

Selenium deficiency caused hepatitis in chickens via the miR-138-5p/SelM/ROS/Ca2+ overload pathway induced by hepatocyte necroptosis

Selenoprotein M (SelM), a key thioredoxin like enzyme in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), is closely related to hepatocyte degeneration. However, the role of miR-138-5p/SelM and necroptosis in chicken SelM-deficient hepatitis and the specific biological mechanism of liver inflammation caused by SelM deficiency have not been elucidated. We established an in vivo chicken liver Se deficiency model by feeding a low-Se diet. The miR-138-5p knockdown and overexpression models and SelM knockdown models were established in LMH cells for an in vitro study. Transmission electron microscopy, H&E staining, Fluo4-AM/ER staining, and flow cytometry were used to detect the morphological changes in chicken liver tissue and the expression changes of necroptosis and inflammation in chicken liver cells. We observed that Se deficiency resulted in liver inflammation, up-regulation of miR-138-5p expression and down-regulation of SelM expression in chickens. Oxidative stress, Ca2+ overload, energy metabolism disorder and necroptosis occurred in chicken liver tissue. Importantly, ROS and the Ca2+ inhibitor could effectively alleviate the energy metabolism disorder, necroptosis and inflammatory cytokine secretion caused by miR-138-5p overexpression and SelM knockdown in LMH cells. In conclusion, selenium deficiency causes hepatitis by upregulating miR-138-5p targeting SelM. Our research findings enrich our knowledge about the biological functions of SelM and provide a theoretical basis for the lack of SelM leading to liver inflammation in chickens.

Novel, non-conventional pathways of necroptosis in the heart and other organs: Molecular mechanisms, regulation and inter-organelle interplay

Necroptosis, a cell death modality that is defined as a necrosis-like cell death depending on the receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) and mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudokinase (MLKL), has been found to underlie the injury of various organs. Nevertheless, the molecular background of this cell loss seems to also involve, at least under certain circumstances, some novel axes, such as RIPK3-PGAM5-Drp1 (mitochondrial protein phosphatase 5-dynamin-related protein 1), RIPK3-CaMKII (Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II) and RIPK3-JNK-BNIP3 (c-Jun N-terminal kinase-BCL2 Interacting Protein 3). In addition, endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress via the higher production of reactive oxygen species produced by the mitochondrial enzymes and the enzymes of the plasma membrane have been implicated in necroptosis, thereby depicting an inter-organelle interplay in the mechanisms of this cell death. However, the role and relationship between these novel non-conventional signalling and the well-accepted canonical pathway in terms of tissue- and/or disease-specific prioritisation is completely unknown. In this review, we provide current knowledge on some necroptotic pathways being not directly associated with RIPK3-MLKL execution and report studies showing the role of respective microRNAs in the regulation of necroptotic injury in the heart and in some other tissues having a high expression of the pro-necroptotic proteins.

Protective Effect of a Novel RIPK1 Inhibitor, Compound 4-155, in Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and Sepsis

Excessive inflammatory response is a critical pathogenic factor for the tissue damage and organ failure caused by systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis. In recent years, drugs targeting RIPK1 have proved to be an effective anti-inflammatory strategy. In this study, we identified a novel anti-inflammatory lead compound 4-155 that selectively targets RIPK1. Compound 4-155 significantly inhibited necroptosis of cells, and its activity is about 10 times higher than the widely studied Nec-1 s. The anti-necroptosis effect of 4-155 was mainly dependent on the inhibition of phosphorylation of RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL. In addition, we demonstrated that 4-155 specifically binds RIPK1 by drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS), immunoprecipitation, kinase assay, and immunofluorescence microscopy. More importantly, compound 4-155 could inhibit excessive inflammation in vivo by blocking RIPK1-mediated necroptosis and not influence the activation of MAPK and NF-κB, which is more potential for the subsequent drug development. Compound 4-155 effectively protected mice from TNF-induced SIRS and sepsis. Using different doses, we found that 6 mg/kg oral administration of compound 4-155 could increase the survival rate of SIRS mice from 0 to 90%, and the anti-inflammatory effect of 4-155 in vivo was significantly stronger than Nec-1 s at the same dose. Consistently, 4-155 significantly reduced serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and protected the liver and kidney from excessive inflammatory damages. Taken together, our results suggested that compound 4-155 could inhibit excessive inflammation in vivo by blocking RIPK1-mediated necroptosis, providing a new lead compound for the treatment of SIRS and sepsis.

A Novel Defined PANoptosis-Related miRNA Signature for Predicting the Prognosis and Immune Characteristics in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: A miRNA Signature for the Prognosis of ccRCC

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most prevalent cancers, and PANoptosis is a distinct, inflammatory-programmed cell death regulated by the PANoptosome. The essential regulators of cancer occurrence and progression are microRNAs (miRNAs). However, the potential function of PANoptosis-related microRNAs (PRMs) in ccRCC remains obscure. This study retrieved ccRCC samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and three Gene Expression Omnibus datasets. PRMs were recognized based on previous reports in the scientific literature. Regression analyses were used to identify the prognosis PRMs and construct a PANoptosis-related miRNA prognostic signature based on the risk score. We discovered that high-risk patients had poorer survival prognoses and were significantly linked to high-grade and advanced-stage tumors, using a variety of R software packages and web analysis tools. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the low-risk group had significant changes in their metabolic pathways. In contrast, the high-risk group was characterized by high immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint expression, and low half-maximum inhibition concentration (IC50) values of chemotherapeutic agents. This suggests that high-risk patients may benefit more from immunotherapy and chemotherapy. In conclusion, we constructed a PANoptosis-related microRNA signature and revealed its potential significance in clinicopathological features and tumor immunity, thereby providing new precise treatment strategies.

Liraglutide Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Through the Inhibition of Necroptosis by Activating GLP-1R/PI3K/Akt Pathway

Necroptosis is a crucial programmed cell death that is tightly associated with myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI). Liraglutide is an effective option for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and has recently been reported to exert cardioprotective effects on MI/RI. Researchers do not know whether the cardioprotective effect of liraglutide is involved in regulating necroptosis. This study aimed to explore the effect of liraglutide on MI/RI-induced necroptosis and its potential mechanisms. Hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) was performed on H9c2 cells in vitro to simulate ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, and an MI/RI rat model was established in vivo by ligating the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery. H/R or I/R damage was assessed by performing biochemical assay, Hoechst 33342/PI staining, H&E (hematoxylin and eosin) staining, and Annexin-V/PI staining. Our data revealed that liraglutide resulted in markedly increased cell viability and reduced cardiac enzyme release by protecting cardiomyocytes from a necrosis-like phenotype after H/R. The myocardial infarct size and cardiac enzyme release were reduced in the heart tissues from the liraglutide-treated group. The levels of necroptosis-associated proteins (receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3), p-RIPK3, and phosphorylated-mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (p-MLKL)) were also reduced by the liraglutide treatment. Mechanistically, we revealed that liraglutide exerted cardioprotective effects through a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)-dependent pathway. Both the GLP-1R inhibitor exendin (9-39) and the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 abrogated the protective effects of liraglutide in vitro. We found that liraglutide may attenuate MI/RI by inhibiting necroptosis, in part by enhancing the activity of the GLP-1R/PI3K/Akt pathway.

Bisphenol A exacerbates selenium deficiency-induced pyroptosis via the NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway in chicken trachea

Selenium deficiency can lead to multiple tissue and organ damage in the body and could coexist with chronic toxic exposures. Contamination from Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure can induce the occurrence of various injuries including pyroptosis. However, it is not clear whether selenium deficiency and BPA exposure affect tracheal tissue pyroptosis in chickens. To investigate whether selenium deficiency and BPA exposure induce chicken tracheal tissue pyroptosis via the NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway and the effect of their combined exposure on tissue injury, we developed a model of relevant chicken tracheal injury. Sixty broilers were divided into four groups: the control group (C group), selenium-deficient group (SeD group), BPA-exposed group (BPA group) and combined exposure group (SeD + BPA group). The study examined the expression indicators of markers of pyroptosis (NLRP3&GSDMD), NF-κB pathway-related inflammatory factors (NF-κB, iNOS, TNF-α, COX-2), pyroptosis-related factors (ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18), and some heat shock proteins and interleukins (HSP60, HSP90, IL-6, IL-17) in the samples. The results showed that the expression of the above indicators was significantly upregulated in the different treatment groups (P < 0.05). In addition, the expression levels of the above related indicators were more significantly up-regulated in the combined selenium-deficient and BPA-exposed group compared to the group in which they were individually exposed. It was concluded that selenium deficiency and BPA exposure induced tracheal tissue pyroptosis in chickens through NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway, and BPA exposure exacerbated selenium deficiency-induced tracheal pyroptosis. The present study provides new ideas into studies related to the co-exposure of organismal micronutrient deficiency and chronic toxicants.

Selenium deficiency aggravates bisphenol A-induced autophagy in chicken kidney through regulation of nitric oxide and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway

Bisphenol A (BPA), a phenolic compound, is harmful to humans and animals as its residue in the water threatens multiple organs, especially the kidney. Low selenium (Se) diets are consumed in many regions of the world, and poor Se status has exacerbating effect on toxicity of several environmental chemicals. Here, we described the discovery path of Se deficiency aggravation on autophagy in BPA treated chicken kidney through regulating nitric oxide (NO) and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways. The actual dietary Se intake for chickens was 0.30 mg/kg in control group and 0.03 mg/kg in Low-Se group, and BPA exposure concentration for chickens was 0.05 g/kg. Chicken embryo kidney (CEK) cells were used in vitro and the BPA exposure concentration for CEK cells was 150 nM. We found that BPA significantly increased levels of NO and inducible nitric oxide synthase, activated AMPK/mTOR signaling pathways, thereby triggering p62/LC3/Beclin1 signaling, resulting in formations of autophagosome and autolysosome, and finally stimulating autophagy in the chicken kidney. Additionally, Se deficiency promoted the occurrence of autophagy in BPA-treated kidneys. Altogether, our findings showed that Se deficiency exacerbates BPA-induced renal autophagy in chickens via regulation of NO and AMPK/mTOR signaling pathways. These findings will improve our understandings of the mechanisms of nephrotoxicity of BPA and detoxification by Se in chickens. In addition, further work is required to determine if Se status of exposed populations needs to be considered in future epidemiological assessments.

Crosstalk between regulated necrosis and micronutrition, bridged by reactive oxygen species

The discovery of regulated necrosis revitalizes the understanding of necrosis from a passive and accidental cell death to a highly coordinated and genetically regulated cell death routine. Since the emergence of RIPK1 (receptor-interacting protein kinase 1)-RIPK3-MLKL (mixed lineage kinase domain-like) axis-mediated necroptosis, various other forms of regulated necrosis, including ferroptosis and pyroptosis, have been described, which enrich the understanding of pathophysiological nature of diseases and provide novel therapeutics. Micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals, position centrally in metabolism, which are required to maintain cellular homeostasis and functions. A steady supply of micronutrients benefits health, whereas either deficiency or excessive amounts of micronutrients are considered harmful and clinically associated with certain diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disease. Recent advance reveals that micronutrients are actively involved in the signaling pathways of regulated necrosis. For example, iron-mediated oxidative stress leads to lipid peroxidation, which triggers ferroptotic cell death in cancer cells. In this review, we illustrate the crosstalk between micronutrients and regulated necrosis, and unravel the important roles of micronutrients in the process of regulated necrosis. Meanwhile, we analyze the perspective mechanism of each micronutrient in regulated necrosis, with a particular focus on reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Selenium Deficiency Induces Autophagy in Chicken Bursa of Fabricius Through ChTLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Pathway

To explore the role of ChTLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway on autophagy induced by selenium (Se) deficiency in the chicken bursa of Fabricius, autophagosome formation in the bursa of Fabricius was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the expression of ChTLR4 and its signaling pathway molecules (MyD88, TRIF, and NF-κB), inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α), and autophagy-related factors (ATG5, Beclin1, and LC3-II) in the Se-deficient chicken bursa of Fabricius at different ages. The results showed that ChTLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway was activated in the chicken bursa of Fabricius and autophagy was induced at the same time by Se deficiency. In order to verify the relationship between the autophagy and ChTLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, HD11 cells were used to establish the normal C group, low Se group, and low Se + TLR4 inhibitor (TAK242) group. The results demonstrated that autophagy could be hindered when the TLR4 signaling pathway was inhibited under Se deficiency. Furthermore, autophagy double-labeled adenovirus was utilized to verify the integrity of autophagy flow induced by Se deficiency in HD11 cells. The results showed that it appeared to form a complete autophagy flow under the condition of Se deficiency and could be blocked by TAK242. In summary, we found that Se deficiency was involved in the chicken bursa of Fabricius autophagy occurring by activating the ChTLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.

Bisphenol A aggravates renal apoptosis and necroptosis in selenium-deficient chickens via oxidative stress and PI3K/AKT pathway

Bisphenol A (BPA) in the environment can have deleterious effects on humans and animals. BPA can exert nephrotoxicity by inducing oxidative stress. Selenium (Se) deficiency can specifically impair kidney tissues and additionally show a synergistic effect on the toxicity of several environmental chemicals. However, the toxic effects of BPA on the chicken kidney and whether Se deficiency produces synergistic effects on the toxicity of BPA remain poorly understood. Herein, we established BPA exposure models and Se deficiency model in vivo and in vitro, and described the discovery path of BPA aggravation on apoptosis and necroptosis in Se-deficient chicken kidneys via regulation of oxidative stress and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/threonine kinase (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway. We found that BPA exposure increased reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels, reduced activities of catalase, GPx, and superoxide dismutase, downregulated PI3K and AKT expressions, activated Bcl/Bax-Caspase 9-Caspase 3, and receptor-interacting protein kinase 1/mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein signaling pathways, resulting in apoptosis and necroptosis in the chicken kidney. In addition, Se deficiency significantly promoted the expression of renal apoptosis and necroptosis in BPA-exposed chicken kidneys. Altogether, our results showed that BPA aggravates apoptosis and necroptosis in Se-deficient chicken kidneys via regulation of oxidative stress and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Our findings elucidate the mechanism of BPA nephrotoxicity and Se deficiency exacerbation toxicity in chickens and will provide great significance for the protection of the ecological environment and animal health.

Selenium Alleviates Inflammation in Staphylococcus aureus-Induced Mastitis via MerTK-Dependent Activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway in Mice

Mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus infection not only causes serious economic losses, but also affects human health. Se plays an important role in body immunity. However, the mechanisms by which Se regulates mastitis induced by S. aureus are still principally unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether Se can inhibit mastitis induced by S. aureus through regulation of MerTK. Sixty BALB/c female mice were fed low, normal, or high Se concentrations for 7 weeks and then randomly divided into six groups (Se-Low Control group (LSN), Se-Normal Control group (NSN), Se-High Control group (HSN), Se-Low S. aureus group (LSS), Se-Normal S. aureus group (NSS), Se-High S. aureus group (HSS)). The regulation of Se on MerTK was detected via histopathological staining, western blot analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and qRT-PCR. With increased selenium concentrations, the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α decreased, while the phosphorylation levels of MerTK, PI3K, AKT, and mTOR increased. Therefore, this study showed that Se could alleviate S. aureus mastitis by activating MerTK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Rutin Ameliorates Cadmium-Induced Necroptosis in the Chicken Liver via Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and MAPK/NF-κB Pathway

Cadmium (Cd) is a recognized toxic metal and exerts serious hepatotoxicity in animals and humans. Rutin (RUT) is a dietary bioflavonoid with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. However, little is known about the alleviating effect of RUT against Cd-induced liver necroptosis. The aim of this study was to ascertain the ameliorative mechanism of RUT on necroptosis triggered by Cd in chicken liver. One hundred twenty-eight 100-day-old Isa hens were randomly divided into four groups: the control group, RUT group, Cd + RUT cotreated group, and Cd group. Cd exposure prominently elevated Cd accumulation and the activities of liver function indicators (ALT and AST). Furthermore, the histopathological results, the overexpression of genes (RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL) related to the necroptosis pathway, and low Caspase 8 levels in Cd-exposed chicken liver indicated that Cd intoxication induced necroptosis in chicken liver. Meanwhile, Cd administration drastically increased the levels of oxidizing stress biomarkers (ROS production, MDA content, iNOS activity, and NO generation), and obviously reduced the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in chicken liver. Cd treatment promoted the expression of the main members of the MAPK and NF-κB pathways (JNK, ERK, P38, NF-κB, and TNF-α) and activated heat shock proteins (HSP27, HSP40, HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90). However, RUT application remarkably alleviated these Cd-induced variations and necroptosis injury. Overall, our study demonstrated that RUT might prevent Cd-induced necroptosis in the chicken liver by inhibiting oxidative stress and MAPK/NF-κB pathway.

MiR-1656 targets GPX4 to trigger pyroptosis in broilers kidney tissues by activating NLRP3 inflammasome under Se deficiency

Selenium (Se) is a vital minor element for the organism. Se deficiency caused inflammation in kidney tissue and regulate the expression of selenoproteins and microRNAs (miRNAs). Pyroptosis involved in the inflammatory response, however, whether microRNA targets GPX4 to regulate Se-deficient kidney tissue pyroptosis is unclear. In this study, broilers were divided into two groups, Control group with 0.3mg/kg Se diet and Se-deficient group with 0.03mg/kg Se diet. The dual luciferase reporter assay system and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) were used to screen the specificity of miR-1656 and its target protein in Se-deficient broilers. We tested the pyroptosis-related genes of Se-deficient broilers kidney and miR-1656-transfected primary broilers kidney by qRT-PCR, Western blot (WB) and immunofluorescence staining. Our research indicated that the GPX4 is one of the target genes of miR-1656, and Se deficiency leaded to the overexpression of miR-1656 and the increased expression of pyroptosis-related genes. The overexpression of miR-1656 can induce increased expression of pyroptosis-related genes including NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-18, and IL-1β by inhibiting the release of GPX4. This study showed that miR-1656 could increase the release of ROS by targeting GPX4, activated the NLRP3 inflammasome, and release the inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18 to trigger pyroptosis in the kidney tissue of Se-deficient broilers. This finding may provide new research ideas for kidney injury and cell death due to Se deficiency.

MiR-144-3p targets STC1 to activate PI3K/AKT pathway to induce cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in selenium deficiency broilers

Selenium (Se) is an indispensable trace element in vertebrate. Se deficiency can damage the immune system. Studies have shown that Se deficiency can cause immune organ damage by regulating the expression of microRNA. Bursa of Fabricius is a special immune organ in poultry. In order to explore the mechanism of bursa of Fabricius injury caused by Se deficiency and the role of miRNA in this process. Firstly, we established the Se deficient model of broilers in vivo and found that Se deficiency could induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of bursa of Fabricius cells through Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Protein Kinase B (AKT) pathway. Secondly, we inferred miRNA (miR-144-3p) and target gene Stanniocalcin 1 (STC1) that may regulate PI3K/AKT pathway through biological analysis system, and further predicted and determined the targeting relationship between them through dual luciferase, it was found that miR-144-3p was highly expressed in the process of cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest induced by Se deficiency. Finally, in order to further understand whether miR-144-3p/STC1 axis is involved in the process, miR-144-3p knockdown and overexpression experiments were carried out, it was found that miR-144-3p inhibitor can reduce the occurrence of cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. In conclusion, Se deficiency can induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of bursa of Fabricius in Broilers by up regulating miR-144-3p targeting STC1 and activating PI3K/AKT pathway, leading to injury of bursa of Fabricius in broilers.

LncRNA CAIF suppresses LPS-induced inflammation and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes through regulating miR-16 demethylation

BACKGROUND

The long noncoding RNA, cardiac autophagy inhibitory factor (CAIF), and microRNA (miR)-16 are reported to be involved in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses and cell apoptosis in many diseases. Herein, we investigated the interaction between CAIF and miR-16 in sepsis-induced chronic heart failure (CHF).

METHODS

The expression of CAIF and miR-16 in plasma samples from sepsis-induced CHF patients (n = 60) and healthy controls (n = 60) were measured using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The correlations between CAIF and miR-16 across plasma samples from patients with sepsis-induced CHF and healthy controls were analyzed using linear regression. The messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase, C-C motif chemokine 2 (CCL2), growth-regulated alpha protein (CXCL1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were evaluated using qRT-PCR while nuclear factor κB activation was evaluated using luciferase assay.

RESULTS

The expression levels of CAIF and miR-16 were downregulated in the plasma of sepsis-induced CHF patients and were positively correlated in these patients. In cardiomyocytes, LPS treatment dose-dependently decreased CAIF and miR-16 levels. CAIF overexpression increased miR-16 expression by demethylating miR-16. CAIF and/or miR-16 overexpression suppressed LPS-induced CCL2, CXCL1, and IL-6 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. Analysis of cell apoptosis and western blot analysis showed that CAIF and/or miR-16 overexpression inhibited LPS-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by reducing Bax and cleaved caspase 3 levels and enhancing Bcl-2 levels.

CONCLUSION

Our study is the first to report the abnormal expression of CAIF and miR-16 in heart disease. CAIF plays a protective role in sepsis-induced CHF by inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inflammation, possibly by regulating miR-16 demethylation.

Protective effects of selenium yeast against cadmium-induced necroptosis through miR-26a-5p/PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in chicken kidney

Cadmium (Cd) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant of increasing worldwide concern to both humans and animals. Selenium yeast (Se-Y) is an organic selenium source that has been shown an advantage in antagonizing Cd-induced liver necroptosis in chicken. Herein, we described the discovery path of Se-Y antagonism in Cd-induced renal necroptosis in chicken through targeting miR-26a-5p/PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. We set up four groups of chickens at random: control group (0.5 mg/kg Na₂SeO₃), Se-Y group (0.5 mg/kg Se-Y), Se-Y+Cd group (0.5 mg/kg Se-Y and 150 mg/kg CdCl₂) and Cd group (150 mg/kg CdCl₂ and 0.5 mg/kg Na₂SeO₃). Interestingly, we found Se-Y, but not Na₂SeO₃, significantly blocked Cd accumulation in the kidney and alleviated Cd-induced necroptosis through inhibiting the expression of RIP1, RIP3 and MLKL. Se-Y, activated miR-26a-5p expression, thereby down-regulated the expression of PTEN, resulting in the up-regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and the inhibition of oxidative stress in both Se-Y and Cd treated chickens. Besides that, Se-Y could also specifically reduce the expression levels of heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), HSP70 and HSP90 in Se-Y and Cd co-treated chickens. Taken together, our results showed that Se-Y has an added value to antagonize Cd-induced necroptosis in chicken kidney by regulating the miR-26a-5p/PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and HSPs, indicating that Se-Y could serve as an effective antagonist on Cd-induced renal necroptosis in chickens.

Selenium-deficient diet induces necroptosis in the pig brain by activating TNFR1 via mir-29a-3p

Selenium (Se) deficiency is one of the crucial factors related to nervous system disease and necroptosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play vital roles in regulating necroptosis. However, the mechanism of Se deficiency-induced necroptosis in the pig brain tissue and the role that miRNAs play in this process are unclear. Therefore, in this study, in vitro and pig models of Se deficiency were replicated, and electron microscopy, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot assays were performed. The results showed that brain cells typically undergo necrotic changes, and that Se deficiency suppresses mir-29a-3p, which increases the levels of TNFRSF1A (TNFR1). Subsequently, a distinct increase in the necroptosis markers (RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL) and an evident decrease in caspase 8 was observed. And the expression of 10 selenoproteins was decreased. Moreover, the in vitro experiments showed that the expression of mir-29a-3p decreased as the Se content in the medium decreased and the application of an mir-29a-3p inhibitor increased the number of necrotic cells and the accumulation of ROS, and these effects were inhibited by necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) and N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), respectively. Taken together, we proved that Se deficiency induced necroptosis both in vitro and in vivo through the targeted regulation of TNFR1 by mir-29a-3p in the pig brain.

Non-coding RNAs in necroptosis, pyroptosis and ferroptosis in cancer metastasis

Distant metastasis is the main cause of death for cancer patients. Recently, the newly discovered programmed cell death includes necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, which possesses an important role in the process of tumor metastasis. At the same time, it is widely reported that non-coding RNA precisely regulates programmed death and tumor metastasis. In the present review, we summarize the function and role of necroptosis, pyrolysis, and ferroptosis involving in cancer metastasis, as well as the regulatory factors, including non-coding RNAs, of necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis in the process of tumor metastasis.

Selenium-deficient diet induces inflammatory response in the pig adrenal glands by activating TLR4/NF-κB pathway via miR-30d-R_1

Selenium (Se) is an important trace element to maintain the body's dynamic balance. Lack of Se can cause inflammation. Studies have shown that inflammation often leads to disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, but the mechanism by which Se deficiency causes inflammation of the porcine adrenal glands is still unclear. In order to study the effect of Se deficiency on the adrenal glands of pigs, we obtained Se-deficient pig adrenal glands through a low-Se diet. The results of mass spectrometry showed that the Se content in the Se-deficient group was only one-tenth of the control group. We detected the expression of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and downstream factors by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, and found that the lack of Se affected the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. It is known that miR-155-3p, miR-30d-R_1, and miR-146b have all been verified for targeting relationship with TLR4. We confirmed by qRT-PCR that miR-30d-R_1 decreased most significantly in the Se-deficient pig model. Then we tested 25 selenoproteins and some indicators of oxidative stress. It is confirmed that Se deficiency reduces the antioxidant capacity and induces oxidative stress in pig adrenal tissue. In short, a diet lacking Se induces oxidative stress in pig adrenal tissues and leads to inflammation through the miR-30d-R_1/TLR4 pathway. This study provides a reference for the prevention of adrenal inflammation in pigs from a nutritional point of view.

Dietary Selenium Regulates microRNAs in Metabolic Disease: Recent Progress

Selenium (Se) is an essential element for the maintenance of a healthy physiological state. However, due to environmental and dietary factors and the narrow safety range of Se, diseases caused by Se deficiency or excess have gained considerable traction in recent years. In particular, links have been identified between low Se status, cognitive decline, immune disorders, and increased mortality, whereas excess Se increases metabolic risk. Considerable evidence has suggested microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate interactions between the environment (including the diet) and genes, and play important roles in several diseases, including cancer. MiRNAs target messenger RNAs to induce changes in proteins including selenoprotein expression, ultimately generating disease. While a plethora of data exists on the epigenetic regulation of other dietary factors, nutrient Se epigenetics and especially miRNA regulated mechanisms remain unclear. Thus, this review mainly focuses on Se metabolism, pathogenic mechanisms, and miRNAs as key regulatory factors in Se-related diseases. Finally, we attempt to clarify the regulatory mechanisms underpinning Se, miRNAs, selenoproteins, and Se-related diseases.

Dietary selenomethionine ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced renal inflammatory injury in broilers via regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway to inhibit necroptosis

Selenomethionine (SeMet) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as a widely used organic Se source in food supplements, and its inhibitory effect on the prevention and treatment of renal inflammatory injury is unclear. Here, in order to explore the protective effect of SeMet on kidney tissue of broilers and determine its potential molecular mechanism, we took broilers as the research object, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used as the source of stimulation, and the model was established by adding SeMet to the diet. The histopathological observation indicated that SeMet alleviated the LPS-induced characteristic changes of renal inflammatory injury. Besides, SeMet inhibited LPS-induced PI3K, AKT, caspase 8 and IκB-α downregulation, the necroptosis marker genes (FADD, RIP1, RIP3, MLKL and TNF-α), pro-inflammatory factors (NF-κB, PTGEs, COX-2, iNOS, IL-1β and IL-6) and HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90 overexpression. We concluded that SeMet ameliorates LPS-induced renal inflammatory injury in broilers by inhibiting necroptosis via the regulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Thus, we speculated that dietary SeMet may be a potential new strategy for the treatment of renal injury.

Se Deficiency Induced Inflammation Resulting to a Diminished Contraction of the Small Intestinal Smooth Muscle in Mice

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for both humans and animals. Se deficiency leads to myocardial injury, reproductive disorder, increased exudation, inflammatory injury, and other diseases. The present study analyzed the relationships of Se deficiency, inflammation, and smooth muscle contraction in the small intestine, which is the main tissue that digests and absorbs Se. The model was established by feeding the animals diets with different concentrations of Se. The results showed that the dietary Se content was positively correlated with the blood Se concentration and the intestinal Se concentration. ROS and MPO activity increased with the lack of Se. TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 expression was increased at both the mRNA and protein levels with Se deficiency. The pathways tested showed that the IκBα, NF-κB p65, p38, ERK, and JNK phosphorylation levels were significantly increased with the lack of Se. Moreover, the contractility analysis confirmed that contraction of the intestinal smooth muscle was attenuated by Se deficiency, as shown by the MedLab data acquisition system. These results further illuminated the relationship between inflammation and inhibition of smooth muscle contraction under Se deficiency in the small intestine. The Ca²⁺ concentration was decreased, and RhoA phosphorylation and ROCK expression were also inhibited by Se deficiency. The results also showed that MLC protein phosphorylation decreased with Se deficiency. In conclusion, the present study indicated that inflammation under Se deficiency leads to the inhibition of smooth muscle contraction in the small intestine.

The Alleviative Effects of Quercetin on Cadmium-Induced Necroptosis via Inhibition ROS/iNOS/NF-κB Pathway in the Chicken Brain

Cadmium (Cd), a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, has neurotoxicity to humans and animals. Quercetin (QE), the main component of flavonoids, has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, little is reported about the influence of Cd exposure on necroptosis in the chicken brain and the antagonistic impacts of QE against Cd-induced brain necroptosis. The aim of this study was to ascertain the alleviative mechanism of QE on Cd-induced necroptosis in the chicken brain. Two hundred 3.5-month-old Isa hens were randomly divided into four groups, control group, QE group, Cd group, and Cd + QE co-administration group. The histopathological analysis indicated that necrosis features were observed in the Cd-intoxicated chicken brains. Meanwhile, the expression levels of RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL were elevated and the level of Caspase 8 was reduced in the Cd group, which further testified Cd triggered the occurrence of necroptosis in the chicken brain. Cd exposure obviously increased Cd accumulation, ROS generation, and MDA level; weakened the activities of antioxidase (SOD, GPx, and CAT); enhanced iNOS activity and NO production; promoted the expression of inflammatory factors (NF-κB, TNFα, COX-2, iNOS, PTGEs, and IL-1β); and activated HSPs (HSP27, HSP40, HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90). But, these Cd-caused variations were obviously attenuated in the Cd + QE group. This study indicated that QE had an alleviative effect on Cd-induced necroptosis in the chicken brain through inhibition ROS/iNOS/NF-κB pathway.

Dietary Serine and Sulfate-Containing Amino Acids Related to the Nutritional Status of Selenium in Lactating Chinese Women

Previous studies suggested that serine can promote the synthesis of selenoproteins and the interaction, transformation, and replacement of serine, cysteine, and selenocysteine have been observed in the human body. This study was designed to clarify whether the dietary intakes of serine and sulfate-containing amino acids (SAAs) could directly affect the selenium (Se) nutritional status or the level of milk Se in lactating women. Breast milk and plasma samples were collected from a total of 264 lactating Chinese women when they revisited their local hospital at the 42nd day postpartum to detect the concentration of Se with ICP-MS and the content of selenoprotein P (SEPP1) and the activity of glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3) in the plasma by ELISA. The daily Se intake by each subject was calculated based on her own plasma Se concentration. The 24-h dietary record data for 3 consecutive days were collected to calculate their dietary intakes of protein together with each amino acid daily based on the China Food Composition Tables (CFCT). Ordinal polytomous logistic regression was applied to examine the determinants of BMI values for lactating women. For all subjects, the concentration of plasma SEPP1 and milk Se of participants with insufficient Se intake were significantly associated with the dietary intake of serine and 2 SAAs (methionine and cystine), respectively (P < 0.05). No significant correlation was found between each amino acid related to the synthesis of endogenous serine and every biomarker of the Se nutrition status in subjects with an insufficient dietary protein intake (P > 0.05). The ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that dietary protein intake (ordinal OR 1.012, 95% CI = 0.004-0.020, P = 0.002) and plasma SEPP1 (ordinal OR 0.988, 95% CI = - 0.023 to - 0.001, P = 0.036) affected the BMI value together in these lactating women. In conclusion, dietary serine and SAAs were found to directly affect the nutritional status, and both high protein intake and low plasma SEPP1 might be the health risks in these lactating Chinese women.

Zinc Deficiency Aggravation of ROS and Inflammatory Injury Leading to Renal Fibrosis in Mice

Zinc (Zn) is a trace element with a variety of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Zn deficiency is related to tissue fibrosis. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of Zn on renal fibrosis. Mouse models were successfully established by feeding mice diets with different concentrations of Zn. Zn deficiency induced a decrease in Zn levels in kidney tissue. The results also revealed renal vasodilation, hyperemia, and inflammatory cell infiltration, and the levels of creatinine and urea nitrogen were increased. Furthermore, the TUNEL results showed a large degree of renal cell necrosis caused by Zn deficiency. Meanwhile, the corresponding antioxidant and anti-inflammatory regulators (MT-1, MT-2, Nrf2, and TGF-β1) were detected by RT-PCR, showing that the expression of MT-1, MT-2, and Nrf2 decreased but that TGF-β1 expression increased. The results of Sirius red staining proved that the expression of collagen was increased by Zn deficiency. The immunohistochemical experiments found that the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) increased. ELISA showed that the expression of Collagen I, III, and IV; fibronectin (FN); and inflammatory factors (TNF-α and IL-1β) were remarkably increased. The expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-9, MMP-12, and TIMP-1, which are extracellular matrix-regulating molecules, was detected by RT-PCR. The results showed that the expression of TIMPs was increased but that the expression of MMPs was decreased. We also obtained consistent results in vivo. All the experimental results indicated that Zn deficiency could aggravate fibrosis by increasing inflammation in the kidney.

RIP1-dependent linear and nonlinear recruitments of caspase-8 and RIP3 respectively to necrosome specify distinct cell death outcomes

There remains a significant gap in our quantitative understanding of crosstalk between apoptosis and necroptosis pathways. By employing the SWATH-MS technique, we quantified absolute amounts of up to thousands of proteins in dynamic assembling/de-assembling of TNF signaling complexes. Combining SWATH-MS-based network modeling and experimental validation, we found that when RIP1 level is below ~1000 molecules/cell (mpc), the cell solely undergoes TRADD-dependent apoptosis. When RIP1 is above ~1000 mpc, pro-caspase-8 and RIP3 are recruited to necrosome respectively with linear and nonlinear dependence on RIP1 amount, which well explains the co-occurrence of apoptosis and necroptosis and the paradoxical observations that RIP1 is required for necroptosis but its increase down-regulates necroptosis. Higher amount of RIP1 (>~46,000 mpc) suppresses apoptosis, leading to necroptosis alone. The relation between RIP1 level and occurrence of necroptosis or total cell death is biphasic. Our study provides a resource for encoding the complexity of TNF signaling and a quantitative picture how distinct dynamic interplay among proteins function as basis sets in signaling complexes, enabling RIP1 to play diverse roles in governing cell fate decisions.

Selenium Protects against Zearalenone-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in the Mouse Kidney by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

This study assessed the molecular mechanism of selenium (Se) protecting against kidney injury induced by zearalenone (ZEA) in mice. The experimental mice were divided into 4 groups including the control group, the Se group, the ZEA group, and the Se+ZEA group; ZEA and Se were administered orally for 28 days. The changes in renal biochemical index (BUN, UA, and CRE), biochemical change of kidney damage such as BUN, UA, and CRE, and oxidative damage such as MDA, T-SOD, and GSH-Px were investigated. Pathological sections and TUNEL staining were used to analyze renal pathological changes and cell apoptosis. qRT-PCR and Western blot were employed to detect the expression of genes and proteins which were related with endoplasmic reticulum stress. The results showed that ZEA increased the concentration of BUN, UA, and CRE and the content of MDA and decreased the activities of T-SOD and GSH-Px in the mouse kidneys. However, Se reversed above changes of the biochemical and antioxidant indexes of renal injury. Moreover, the results also showed that ZEA can increase the expression of Bax, caspase-12, caspase-3, Bip, CHOP, JNK protein, and mRNA and decrease the expression of Bcl-2 protein and mRNA. But Se reversed these proteins and genes related to endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis. It can be concluded that Se protected against the kidney damage induced by ZEA. Se may protect the kidney from ZEA-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress by inhibiting ERS.