Fucoxanthin alleviated myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury through inhibition of ferroptosis via the NRF2 signaling pathway

Background: Myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury (MIRI) is a severe complication of revascularization therapy in patients with myocardial infarction. Therefore, there is an urgent requirement to find more therapeutic solutions for MIRI. Recently, ferroptosis, which is characterized by lipid peroxidation, was considered a critical contributor to MIRI. Fucoxanthin (FX), a natural antioxidant carotenoid, which is abundant in brown seaweed, exerts protective effects under various pathological conditions. However, whether FX alleviates MIRI is unclear. This study aims to clarify the effects of FX on MIRI. Methods: Mice with left anterior descending artery ligation and reperfusion were used as in vivo models. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCs) induced with hypoxia and reperfusion were used as in vitro models. TTC-Evans blue staining was performed to validate the infarction size. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to detect mitochondrial injury in cardiomyocytes. In addition, 4 weeks after MIRI, echocardiography was performed to measure cardiac function; fluorescent probes and western blots were used to detect ferroptosis. Results: TTC-Evans blue staining showed that FX reduced the infarction size induced by MIRI. Transmission electron microscopy showed that FX ameliorated the MIRI-induced myofibril loss and mitochondrion shrinkage. Furthermore, FX improved LVEF and LVFS and inhibited myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis after 4 weeks in mice with MIRI. In the in vitro study, calcein AM/PI staining and TUNEL staining showed that FX reduced cell death caused by hypoxia and reperfusion treatment. DCFH-DA and MitoSOX probes indicated that FX inhibited cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, C11-BODIPY 581/591 staining, ferro-orange staining, MDA assay, Fe2+ assay, 4-hydroxynonenal enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and western blot were performed and the results revealed that FX ameliorated ferroptosis in vitro and in vivo, as indicated by inhibiting lipid ROS and Fe2+ release, as well as by modulating ferroptosis hallmark FTH, TFRC, and GPX4 expression. Additionally, the protective effects of FX were eliminated by the NRF2 inhibitor brusatol, as observed from western blotting, C11-BODIPY 581/591 staining, and calcein AM/PI staining, indicating that FX exerted cardio-protective effects on MIRI through the NRF2 pathway. Conclusion: Our study showed that FX alleviated MIRI through the inhibition of ferroptosis via the NRF2 signaling pathway.

Xanthohumol alleviates palmitate-induced inflammation and prevents osteoarthritis progression by attenuating mitochondria dysfunction/NLRP3 inflammasome axis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent chronic degenerative joint disease worldwide. Obesity has been linked to OA, and increased free fatty acid levels (e.g., palmitate) contribute to inflammatory responses and cartilage degradation. Xanthohumol (Xn), a bioactive prenylated chalcone, was shown to exhibit antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity capacities in multiple diseases. However, a clear description of the preventive effects of Xn on obesity-associated OA is unavailable. This study aimed to assess the chondroprotective function of Xn on obesity-related OA. The in vitro levels of inflammatory and ECM matrix markers in human chondrocytes were assessed after the chondrocytes were treated with PA and Xn. Additionally, in vivo cartilage degeneration was assessed following oral administration of HFD and Xn. This study found that Xn treatment completely reduces the inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation caused by PA. The proposed mechanism involves AMPK signaling pathway activation by Xn, which increases mitochondrial biogenesis, attenuates mitochondrial dysfunction, and inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome and the NF-κB signaling pathway induced by PA. In summary, this study highlights that Xn could decrease inflammation reactions and the degradation of the cartilage matrix induced by PA by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome and attenuating mitochondria dysfunction in human chondrocytes.

Multifunctional gallic acid self-assembled hydrogel for alleviation of ethanol-induced acute gastric injury

Ethanol-induced acute gastric injury is a prevalent type of digestive tract ulcer, yet conventional treatments strategies frequently encounter several limitations, such as poor bioavailability, degradation of enzymes and adverse side effects. Gallic acid (GA), a natural compound extracted from dogwood, has demonstrated potential protective effects in mitigating acute gastric injury. However, its poor stability and limited bioavailability have restricted applications in vivo. To address these issues, we report a hydrogel constructed only by gallic acid with high bioavailability for alleviation of gastric injury. Molecular dynamic simulation studies revealed that the self-assembly of GA into hydrogel was predominantly attributed to π-π and hydrogen bonds. After assembling, the GA hydrogel exhibits superior anti-oxidative stress, anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammatory properties compared with free GA. As anticipated, in vitro experiments demonstrated that GA hydrogel possessed the remarkable ability to promote the proliferation of GES-1 cells, and alleviates apoptosis and inflammation caused by ethanol. Subsequent in vivo investigation further confirmed that GA hydrogel significantly alleviated ethanol-triggered acute gastric injury. Mechanistically, GA hydrogel treatment enhanced the antioxidant capacity, reduced oxidative stress while simultaneously suppressing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced the production of pro-apoptotic proteins during the process of gastric injury. Our finding suggest that this multifunctional GA hydrogel is a promising candidate for gastric injury, particularly in cases of ethanol-induced acute gastric injury.

C21 steroidal glycosides from the root bark of Periploca sepium and their NO production inhibitory and cytotoxic activity

A series of C21 steroidal glycosides were isolated from the root bark of Periploca sepium, including a new compound, perisepiumoside A1 (1), and six known compounds (2-7). Their structures were elucidated by analysis of HR-ESI-MS, and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. All these compounds were tested for their NO production inhibitory activity in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Results showed that these C21 steroidal glycosides could remarkably inhibit NO production, particularly 1 and 2 with IC50 values of 30.81 ± 0.18 μM and 44.39 ± 0.21 μM, respectively. In addition, the cytotoxicity of these compounds was measured on A549, MCF-7, and HeLa cancer cell lines. Among them, compounds 1 and 7 displayed cytotoxicity against the A549 cell line with IC50 values of 28.41 ± 0.12 μM and 39.06 ± 0.05 μM, respectively.

Fucoxanthin Attenuates Inflammation via Interferon Regulatory Factor 3 (IRF3) to Improve Sepsis

Suppression of excessive inflammatory responses improves the survival of patients with sepsis. We previously illustrated the anti-inflammatory effects of fucoxanthin (FX), a natural carotenoid isolated from brown algae; nevertheless, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we examine the mechanism of the action of FX by targeting interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) to inhibit inflammatory response. We observed that FX regulated innate immunity by inhibiting IRF3 phosphorylation in vitro. The in silico approach demonstrated a good binding mode between FX and IRF3. To examine the in vivo effects of FX, a mouse model of sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was created using both wild-type (WT) and Irf3-/- mice. FX significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and reactive oxygen species production, changed the circulating immune cell composition, and increased the survival rate of the CLP-induced sepsis model. Overall, FX ameliorated sepsis by targeting IRF3 activation, providing novel insights into the therapeutic potential and molecular mechanism of action of FX in the treatment of sepsis and suggesting that it may be used clinically to improve the survival rate in mice undergoing sepsis.

Mitophagy in atherosclerosis: from mechanism to therapy

Mitophagy is a type of autophagy that can selectively eliminate damaged and depolarized mitochondria to maintain mitochondrial activity and cellular homeostasis. Several pathways have been found to participate in different steps of mitophagy. Mitophagy plays a significant role in the homeostasis and physiological function of vascular endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and macrophages, and is involved in the development of atherosclerosis (AS). At present, many medications and natural chemicals have been shown to alter mitophagy and slow the progression of AS. This review serves as an introduction to the field of mitophagy for researchers interested in targeting this pathway as part of a potential AS management strategy.

Fucoxanthin protects retinal ganglion cells and promotes parkin-mediated mitophagy against glutamate excitotoxicity

OBJECTIVE

To clarify whether fucoxanthin plays a protective role and regulates parkin-mediated mitophagy on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) against glutamate excitotoxicity.

METHODS

The excitotoxicity model of primary RGCs was carried out with glutamate. Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured by JC-1 kit (Abcam, USA). The apoptotic rate and cytotoxicity were detected by Hoechst staining and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) kit (Takara, Japan). Mitochondria was assessed by MitoTracker staining and confocal microscopy. The mRNA levels and protein expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, parkin, optineurin, LC3, and LAMP1 in RGCs were analyzed by quantitative PCR and immunoblotting. Finally, the mitochondrial health score and mitophagy were assessed by transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Fucoxanthin increased the mitochondrial membrane potential of RGCs, reduced cytotoxicity, and decreased apoptosis in RGCs under glutamate excitotoxicity. It also enhanced expression levels of parkin, optineurin, and LAMP1, and upgraded the ratio of LC3-II to LC3-I. Meanwhile, fucoxanthin increased LC3 and MitoTracker co-localization staining. In addition, up-regulated mitochondrial health score, and the number of autophagosomes and mitophagosomes were observed in fucoxanthin-treated RGCs under glutamate excitotoxicity.

CONCLUSION

Fucoxanthin may exert its neuroprotective effect on RGCs via promoting parkin-mediated mitophagy under glutamate excitotoxicity. The neuroprotective effect of fucoxanthin in glaucomatous neurodegeneration and ocular diseases characterized by impaired mitophagy warrants further investigation.

Fucoxanthin Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation and Immunosuppression in RAW264.7 Macrophages

Fucoxanthin (FX) has been reported to reduce mortality in mouse models of sepsis, but its exact cause remains to be determined. In the present study, we evaluated the immunomodulatory properties of FX in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Our results showed that FX could not only suppress the immune activation responses caused by LPS primary stimulation, but also antagonize LPS restimulation-induced immunosuppression in macrophages. The immunomodulatory capabilities of FX was mainly demonstrated by regulating the production of the inflammatory mediator under different LPS stimuli. Furthermore, we found that adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation was required for FX's anti-inflammatory and anti-immunosuppressive activities. Our results complement existing data supporting the clinical potential for FX in treating sepsis.

Advances in Fucoxanthin Research for the Prevention and Treatment of Inflammation-Related Diseases

Owing to its unique structure and properties, fucoxanthin (FX), a carotenoid, has attracted significant attention. There have been numerous studies that demonstrate FX's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-obesity properties against inflammation-related diseases. There is no consensus, however, regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. In this review, we summarize the potential health benefits of FX in inflammatory-related diseases, from the perspective of animal and cellular experiments, to provide insights for future research on FX. Previous work in our lab has demonstrated that FX remarkably decreased LPS-induced inflammation and improved survival in septic mice. Further investigation of the activity of FX against a wide range of diseases will require new approaches to uncover its molecular mechanism. This review will provide an outline of the current state of knowledge regarding FX application in the clinical setting and suggest future directions to implement FX as a therapeutic ingredient in pharmaceutical sciences in order to develop it into a treatment strategy against inflammation-associated disorders.

Fucoxanthin ameliorated myocardial fibrosis in STZ-induced diabetic rats and cell hypertrophy in HG-induced H9c2 cells by alleviating oxidative stress and restoring mitophagy

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the leading causes of death in diabetic patients, and is accompanied by increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Fucoxanthin (FX), as a marine carotenoid, possesses strong antioxidant activity. The main purpose of our study was to explore whether FX could attenuate experimental cardiac hypertrophy by affecting mitophagy and oxidative stress. We found that FX improved lipid metabolism, myocardial damage, myocardial fibrosis and hypertrophy in the myocardial tissue of STZ-induced diabetic rats. Additionally, FX upregulated Nrf2 signaling to reduce the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). FX also promoted Bnip3/Nix signaling to improve mitochondrial function and reduced the levels of mitochondrial and intracellular ROS, thereby reversing HG-induced H9c2 cell hypertrophy. However, treatment with the autophagy inhibitor CQ abolished the anti-hypertrophic effect of FX, accompanied by impaired mitochondrial function and increased ROS levels. In conclusion, we found that FX reduced the accumulation of TGF-β1, FN and α-SMA to relieve myocardial fibrosis in STZ-induced diabetic rats, and FX up-regulated Bnip3/Nix to promote mitophagy and enhanced Nrf2 signaling to alleviate oxidative stress, thereby inhibiting hypertrophy in HG-induced H9c2 cells. These results imply that FX may be developed as a functional food for DCM.

A Systematic Review on Marine Algae-Derived Fucoxanthin: An Update of Pharmacological Insights

Fucoxanthin, belonging to the xanthophyll class of carotenoids, is a natural antioxidant pigment of marine algae, including brown macroalgae and diatoms. It represents 10% of the total carotenoids in nature. The plethora of scientific evidence supports the potential benefits of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical uses of fucoxanthin for boosting human health and disease management. Due to its unique chemical structure and action as a single compound with multi-targets of health effects, it has attracted mounting attention from the scientific community, resulting in an escalated number of scientific publications from January 2017 to February 2022. Fucoxanthin has remained the most popular option for anti-cancer and anti-tumor activity, followed by protection against inflammatory, oxidative stress-related, nervous system, obesity, hepatic, diabetic, kidney, cardiac, skin, respiratory and microbial diseases, in a variety of model systems. Despite much pharmacological evidence from in vitro and in vivo findings, fucoxanthin in clinical research is still not satisfactory, because only one clinical study on obesity management was reported in the last five years. Additionally, pharmacokinetics, safety, toxicity, functional stability, and clinical perspective of fucoxanthin are substantially addressed. Nevertheless, fucoxanthin and its derivatives are shown to be safe, non-toxic, and readily available upon administration. This review will provide pharmacological insights into fucoxanthin, underlying the diverse molecular mechanisms of health benefits. However, it requires more activity-oriented translational research in humans before it can be used as a multi-target drug.

Discoidin domain receptor 1a (DDR1a) confers 5-fluorouracil cytotoxicity in LoVo cell via PI3K/AKT/Bcl-2 pathway

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a common chemotherapy drug for patients with advanced colorectal cancer; however, many patients develop resistance to 5-FU and suffer from treatment failure. Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is upregulated in multiple cancers and positively associated with chemoresistance. We explored the effect of DDR1a on the cytotoxicity induced by 5-FU in LoVo cells and the underlying mechanism. Therefore, DDR1a overexpression (DDR1a^high) and knockdown in LoVo cell lines (shDDR1a) were constructed to detect cell viability and cytotoxicity induced by 5-FU. The results showed that cell viability of DDR1a^high cells was higher in comparison with that of the control group. When 5-FU (5 µM) was administered, the percentage of apoptotic cells, cytochrome C release and caspase-3 activity was found to be higher in the shDDR1a group than that in the control group. Both of PI3K and MDM2 proteins level decreased in DDR1a^high and shDDR1a, but the BAX/Bcl-2 level in the shDDR1a group increased compared to that in the control. Therefore, DDR1a might be a potential therapeutic target for 5-FU chemoresistance in colorectal cancer.

Resveratrol Triggered the Quick Self-Assembly of Gallic Acid into Therapeutic Hydrogels for Healing of Bacterially Infected Wounds

Programing self-assembly of naturally bioactive molecules has been a wide topic of great significance for biomedical uses. Despite the fact that plant-derived polyphenols with catechol or pyrogallol moieties have been widely studied to construct nanocomplexes or nanocoatings via self-polymerization, there is no report on the self-assembly of these polyphenols into therapeutic hydrogels for potential applications. Here, we reported that adding a very small amount of resveratrol (Res) into the gallic acid (GA) aqueous solution could trigger the quick self-assembly of GA to form a fibrous hydrogel within 5 min through hydrogen bonds and π-π interactions. The length of GA/Res (GR) fibrils in gels varied from 100 to 1000 microns, with a diameter of around 1 μm. Notably, these GR hydrogels showed excellent colloid stability, providing better slow release and outstanding biocompatibility. Also, in vivo experiments indicated the hydrogels had high antibacterial effects and excellent wound healing capabilities in a total skin defect model via regulating the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) due to the release of therapeutic agents (GA and Res) into the matrix. Overall, our results provide a new strategy to accelerate self-assembly of GA by adding Res to form hydrogels, which is further proved as a promising therapeutic carrier for wound healing.

Fucoxanthin Attenuates Free Fatty Acid-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Regulating Lipid Metabolism/Oxidative Stress/Inflammation via the AMPK/Nrf2/TLR4 Signaling Pathway

Fucoxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid abundant in brown algae, is reported to have several biological functions, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor activities, in mice. We investigated the effects and mechanisms of fucoxanthin in the mixture oleate/palmitate = 2/1(FFA)-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) cell model in this study. The results showed that the content of superoxide dismutase in the FFA group was 9.8 ± 1.0 U/mgprot, while that in the fucoxanthin high-dose (H-Fx) group (2 μg/mL) increased to 22.9 ± 0.6 U/mgprot. The content of interleukin-1β in the FFA group was 89.3 ± 3.6 ng/mL, while that in the H-Fx group was reduced to 53.8 ± 2.8 ng/mL. The above results indicate that fucoxanthin could alleviate the FFA-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory levels in the liver cells. Oil red-O staining revealed visible protrusions and a significant decrease in the number of lipid droplets in the cytoplasm of cells in the fucoxanthin group. These findings on the mechanisms of action suggest that fucoxanthin can repair FFA-induced NAFLD via the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway and nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2-mediated (Nrf2) signaling pathway, as well as by downregulating the expression of the Toll-like receptor 4-mediated (TLR4) signaling pathway. Fucoxanthin exhibited alleviating effects in the FFA-induced NAFLD model and could be explored as a potential anti-NAFLD substance.

An eco-friendly approach for the recovery of astaxanthin and β-carotene from Phaffia rhodozyma biomass using bio-based solvents

There is a growing demand in the development of environmentally friendly technologies, based on the use of more biocompatible solvents for the recovery of natural bioactive compounds. In this work, the red yeast Phaffia rhodozyma biomass was used as a source of carotenoids to develop an integrative and efficient platform that promotes the recovery of astaxanthin and β-carotene using bio-based solvents (BioSs). The extraction aptitude of pure BioSs was evaluated and compared with the conventional organic method. At this point, the influence of the BioSs molecular structures involved in the extraction procedures were also investigated. Overall, envisaging the industrial application of the process, an integrative platform was proposed for the recovery of astaxanthin/β-carotene from P. rhodozyma biomass and the recycle of the BioSs. The life cycle assessment of the proposed technology using EtOH was evaluated, validating the sustainability of BioSs in the process with environmental impact reduction of 3-12%.

Bioprospecting of microalgae metabolites against cytokine storm syndrome during COVID-19

In viral respiratory infections, disrupted pathophysiological outcomes have been attributed to hyper-activated and unresolved inflammation responses of the immune system. Integration between available drugs and natural therapeutics have reported benefits in relieving inflammation-related physiological outcomes and microalgae may be a feasible source from which to draw from against future coronavirus-infections. Microalgae represent a large and diverse source of chemically functional compounds such as carotenoids and lipids that possess various bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore in this paper, some implicated pathways causing inflammation in viral respiratory infections are discussed and juxtaposed along with available research done on several microalgal metabolites. Additionally, the therapeutic properties of some known anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulating compounds sourced from microalgae are reported for added clarity.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Effects of Microalgal Carotenoids

Acute inflammation is a key component of the immune system’s response to pathogens, toxic agents, or tissue injury, involving the stimulation of defense mechanisms aimed to removing pathogenic factors and restoring tissue homeostasis. However, uncontrolled acute inflammatory response may lead to chronic inflammation, which is involved in the development of many diseases, including cancer. Nowadays, the need to find new potential therapeutic compounds has raised the worldwide scientific interest to study the marine environment. Specifically, microalgae are considered rich sources of bioactive molecules, such as carotenoids, which are natural isoprenoid pigments with important beneficial effects for health due to their biological activities. Carotenoids are essential nutrients for mammals, but they are unable to synthesize them; instead, a dietary intake of these compounds is required. Carotenoids are classified as carotenes (hydrocarbon carotenoids), such as α- and β-carotene, and xanthophylls (oxygenate derivatives) including zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, fucoxanthin, lutein, α- and β-cryptoxanthin, and canthaxanthin. This review summarizes the present up-to-date knowledge of the anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities of microalgal carotenoids both in vitro and in vivo, as well as the latest status of human studies for their potential use in prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancer.

Advances and trends in biotechnological production of natural astaxanthin by Phaffia rhodozyma yeast

Astaxanthin (AXT) is a natural xanthophyll with strong antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial activities, widely used in the food, feed, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. So far, 95% of the AXT global market is produced by chemical synthesis, but growing customer preferences for natural products are currently changing the market for natural AXT, highlighting the production from microbially-based sources such as the yeast Phaffia rhodozyma. The AXT production by P. rhodozyma has been studied for a long time at a laboratory scale, but its use in industrial-scale processes is still very scarce. The optimization of growing conditions as well as an effective integration of upstream-downstream operations into P. rhodozyma-based AXT processes has not yet been fully achieved. With this critical review, we scrutinized the main approaches for producing AXT using P. rhodozyma strains, highlighting the impact of using conventional and non-conventional procedures for the extraction of AXT from yeast cells. In addition, we also pinpointed research directions, for example, the use of low-cost residues to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of the bioprocess, the use of environmentally/friendly and low-energetic integrative operations for the extraction and purification of AXT, as well as the need of further human clinical trials using yeast-based AXT.

Fucoxanthin rescues dexamethasone induced C2C12 myotubes atrophy

Muscle atrophy and weakness are the adverse effects of long-term or high dose usage of glucocorticoids. In the present study, we explored the effects of fucoxanthin (10 μM) on dexamethasone (10 μM)-induced atrophy in C2C12 myotubes and investigated its underlying mechanisms. The diameter of myotubes was observed under a light microscope, and the expression of myosin heavy chain (MyHC), proteolysis-related, autophagy-related, apoptosis-related, and mitochondria-related proteins was analyzed by western blots or immunoprecipitation. Fucoxanthin alleviates dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy in C2C12 myotubes, indicated by increased myotubes diameter and expression of MyHC, decreased expression of muscle atrophy F-box (Atrogin-1) and muscle ring finger 1 (MuRF1). Through activating SIRT1, fucoxanthin inhibits forkhead box O (FoxO) transcriptional activity to reduce protein degradation, induces autophagy to enhance degraded protein clearance, promotes mitochondrial function and diminishes apoptosis. In conclusion, we identified fucoxanthin ameliorates dexamethasone induced C2C12 myotubes atrophy through SIRT1 activation.

Advances in Studies on the Pharmacological Activities of Fucoxanthin

Fucoxanthin is a natural carotenoid derived mostly from many species of marine brown algae. It is characterized by small molecular weight, is chemically active, can be easily oxidized, and has diverse biological activities, thus protecting cell components from ROS. Fucoxanthin inhibits the proliferation of a variety of cancer cells, promotes weight loss, acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, interacts with the intestinal flora to protect intestinal health, prevents organ fibrosis, and exerts a multitude of other beneficial effects. Thus, fucoxanthin has a wide range of applications and broad prospects. This review focuses primarily on the latest progress in research on its pharmacological activity and underlying mechanisms.

The NLRP3 Inflammasome: Metabolic Regulation and Contribution to Inflammaging

In response to inflammatory stimuli, immune cells reconfigure their metabolism and bioenergetics to generate energy and substrates for cell survival and to launch immune effector functions. As a critical component of the innate immune system, the nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome can be activated by various endogenous and exogenous danger signals. Activation of this cytosolic multiprotein complex triggers the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 and initiates pyroptosis, an inflammatory form of programmed cell death. The NLRP3 inflammasome fuels both chronic and acute inflammatory conditions and is critical in the emergence of inflammaging. Recent advances have highlighted that various metabolic pathways converge as potent regulators of the NLRP3 inflammasome. This review focuses on our current understanding of the metabolic regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and the contribution of the NLRP3 inflammasome to inflammaging.