Curcumin activates NLRC4, AIM2, and IFI16 inflammasomes and induces pyroptosis by up-regulated ISG3 transcript factor in acute myeloid leukemia cell lines

Pyroptosis in health and disease: mechanisms, regulation and clinical perspective

Pyroptosis is a type of programmed cell death characterized by cell swelling and osmotic lysis, resulting in cytomembrane rupture and release of immunostimulatory components, which play a role in several pathological processes. Significant cellular responses to various stimuli involve the formation of inflammasomes, maturation of inflammatory caspases, and caspase-mediated cleavage of gasdermin. The function of pyroptosis in disease is complex but not a simple angelic or demonic role. While inflammatory diseases such as sepsis are associated with uncontrollable pyroptosis, the potent immune response induced by pyroptosis can be exploited as a therapeutic target for anti-tumor therapy. Thus, a comprehensive review of the role of pyroptosis in disease is crucial for further research and clinical translation from bench to bedside. In this review, we summarize the recent advancements in understanding the role of pyroptosis in disease, covering the related development history, molecular mechanisms including canonical, non-canonical, caspase 3/8, and granzyme-mediated pathways, and its regulatory function in health and multiple diseases. Moreover, this review also provides updates on promising therapeutic strategies by applying novel small molecule inhibitors and traditional medicines to regulate pyroptosis. The present dilemmas and future directions in the landscape of pyroptosis are also discussed from a clinical perspective, providing clues for scientists to develop novel drugs targeting pyroptosis.

Anoectochilus roxburghii polysaccharide reduces D-GalN/LPS-induced acute liver injury by regulating the activation of multiple inflammasomes

BACKGROUND

Acute liver injury (ALI) is a serious syndrome with a high mortality rate due to viral infection, toxic exposure, and autoimmunity, and its severity can range from mildly elevated liver enzymes to severe liver failure. Activation of the nod-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is closely associated with the development of ALI, and the search for an inhibitor targeting this pathway may be a novel therapeutic option. Anoectochilus roxburghii polysaccharide (ARP) is a biologically active ingredient extracted from Anoectochilus roxburghii with immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory bioactivities and pharmacological effects. In this study, we focused on D-galactosamine (D-GalN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute liver injury by ARP through inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome.

METHODS

An inflammasome activation model was established in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) to investigate the effects of ARP on caspase-1 cleavage, IL-1β secretion, and ASC oligomerization in inflammasomes under different agonists. We used the D-GalN/LPS-induced acute liver injury model in mice, intraperitoneally injected ARP or MCC950, and collected liver tissues, serum, and intraperitoneal lavage fluid for pathological and biochemical indexes.

RESULTS

ARP effectively inhibited the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and had an inhibitory effect on non-classical NLRP3, AIM2, and NLRC4 inflammasomes. It also effectively inhibited the oligomerization of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC) from a variety of inflammatory vesicles. Meanwhile, ARP has good therapeutic effects on acute liver injury induced by D-GaIN/LPS.

CONCLUSION

The inhibitory effect of ARP on a wide range of inflammasomes, as well as its excellent protection against acute liver injury, suggests that ARP may be a candidate for acute liver injury.

Diallyl trisulfide induces pyroptosis and impairs lung CSC-like properties by activating the ROS/Caspase 1 signaling pathway

Lung cancer stem cells (CSCs) drive continuous cancer growth and metastatic dissemination; thus, there is an urgent requirement to acquire effective therapeutic strategies for targeting lung CSCs. Diallyl trisulfide (DATS), a garlic organosulfide, possesses suppressive potential in lung cancer; however, its underlying mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we identified DATS as a pyroptosis inducer in lung cancer cells. DATS-treated A549 and H460 cells exhibited pyroptotic cell death, with characteristic large bubbles appearing on their plasma membrane and LDH release. DATS induced cell death, arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase, and inhibited colony formation in lung cancer cells. Meanwhile, we found that DATS significantly suppressed the malignant features by impairing lung CSC-like properties, including sphere formation ability, CD133 positive cell number, and lung CSCs marker expression. Mechanistically, DATS induced cell pyroptosis via increasing the expression of NLRP3, ASC, Pro Caspase 1, Cleaved Caspase 1, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, and IL-1β. The verification experiments showed that the effects of DATS on pyroptosis and lung CSC-like properties were weakened after Caspase 1 inhibitor VX-765 treatment, indicating that DATS activated NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis by targeting Caspase 1 in lung cancer cells. Moreover, DATS increased ROS overproduction and mitochondrial dysfunction, which contributed to DATS-induced pyroptosis of lung cancer cells. NAC treatment reversed the effects of DATS on pyroptosis and CSC-like properties. In vivo experiment further confirmed that DATS restrained tumor growth. Together, our results suggest that DATS promotes pyroptosis and impairs lung CSC-like properties by activating ROS/Caspase 1 signaling pathway, thereby retarding lung cancer progression.

Targeting regulated cell death (RCD) in hematological malignancies: Recent advances and therapeutic potential

Regulated cell death (RCD) is a form of cell death that can be regulated by numerous biomacromolecules. Accumulating evidence suggests that dysregulated expression and altered localization of related proteins in RCD promote the development of cancer. Targeting subroutines of RCD with pharmacological small-molecule compounds is becoming a promising therapeutic avenue for anti-tumor treatment, especially in hematological malignancies. Herein, we summarize the aberrant mechanisms of apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, PANoptosis, and ferroptosis in hematological malignancies. In particular, we focus on the relationship between cell death and tumorigenesis, anti-tumor immunotherapy, and drug resistance in hematological malignancies. Furthermore, we discuss the emerging therapeutic strategies targeting different RCD subroutines. This review aims to summarize the significance and potential mechanisms of RCD in hematological malignancies, along with the development and utilization of pertinent therapeutic strategies.

The role of IFI16 in regulating PANoptosis and implication in heart diseases

Interferon Gamma Inducible Protein 16 (IFI16) belongs to the HIN-200 protein family and is pivotal in immunological responses. Serving as a DNA sensor, IFI16 identifies viral and aberrant DNA, triggering immune and inflammatory responses. It is implicated in diverse cellular death mechanisms, such as pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis. Notably, these processes are integral to the emergent concept of PANoptosis, which encompasses cellular demise and inflammatory pathways. Current research implies a significant regulatory role for IFI16 in PANoptosis, particularly regarding cardiac pathologies. This review delves into the complex interplay between IFI16 and PANoptosis in heart diseases, including atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and diabetic cardiomyopathy. It synthesizes evidence of IFI16's impact on PANoptosis, with the intention of providing novel insights for therapeutic strategies targeting heart diseases.

Crosstalk between hypoxia-induced pyroptosis and immune escape in cancer: From mechanisms to therapy

Pyroptosis can be triggered through both canonical and non-canonical inflammasome pathways, involving the cleavage of gasdermin (GSDM) protein family members, like GSDMD and GSDME. The impact of pyroptosis on tumors is nuanced, because its role in regulating cancer progression and anti-tumor immunity may vary depending on the tumor type, stage, location, and immune status. However, pyroptosis cannot be simply categorized as promoting or inhibiting tumors based solely on whether it is acute or chronic in nature. The interplay between pyroptosis and cancer is intricate, with some evidence suggesting that chronic pyroptosis may facilitate tumor growth, while the acute induction of pyroptosis could stimulate anti-cancer immune responses. Tumor hypoxia activates hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) signaling to modulate pyroptosis and immune checkpoint expression. Targeting this hypoxia-pyroptosis-immune escape axis could be a promising therapeutic strategy. This review highlights the complex crosstalk between hypoxia, pyroptosis, and immune evasion in the TME.

A novel pyroptosis-related gene signature exhibits distinct immune cells infiltration landscape in Wilms' tumor

BACKGROUND

Wilms' tumor (WT) is the most common renal tumor in childhood. Pyroptosis, a type of inflammation-characterized and immune-related programmed cell death, has been extensively studied in multiple tumors. In the current study, we aim to construct a pyroptosis-related gene signature for predicting the prognosis of Wilms' tumor.

METHODS

We acquired RNA-seq data from TARGET kidney tumor projects for constructing a gene signature, and snRNA-seq data from GEO database for validating signature-constructing genes. Pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) were collected from three online databases. We constructed the gene signature by Lasso Cox regression and then established a nomogram. Underlying mechanisms by which gene signature is related to overall survival states of patients were explored by immune cell infiltration analysis, differential expression analysis, and functional enrichment analysis.

RESULTS

A pyroptosis-related gene signature was constructed with 14 PRGs, which has a moderate to high predicting capacity with 1-, 3-, and 5-year area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.78, 0.80, and 0.83, respectively. A prognosis-predicting nomogram was established by gender, stage, and risk score. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells were quantified by seven algorithms, and the expression of CD8( +) T cells, B cells, Th2 cells, dendritic cells, and type 2 macrophages are positively or negatively correlated with risk score. Two single nuclear RNA-seq samples of different histology were harnessed for validation. The distribution of signature genes was identified in various cell types.

CONCLUSIONS

We have established a pyroptosis-related 14-gene signature in WT. Moreover, the inherent roles of immune cells (CD8( +) T cells, B cells, Th2 cells, dendritic cells, and type 2 macrophages), functions of differentially expressed genes (tissue/organ development and intercellular communication), and status of signaling pathways (proteoglycans in cancer, signaling pathways regulating pluripotent of stem cells, and Wnt signaling pathway) have been elucidated, which might be employed as therapeutic targets in the future.

Deregulation of New Cell Death Mechanisms in Leukemia

Hematological malignancies are among the top five most frequent forms of cancer in developed countries worldwide. Although the new therapeutic approaches have improved the quality and the life expectancy of patients, the high rate of recurrence and drug resistance are the main issues for counteracting blood disorders. Chemotherapy-resistant leukemic clones activate molecular processes for biological survival, preventing the activation of regulated cell death pathways, leading to cancer progression. In the past decade, leukemia research has predominantly centered around modulating the well-established processes of apoptosis (type I cell death) and autophagy (type II cell death). However, the development of therapy resistance and the adaptive nature of leukemic clones have rendered targeting these cell death pathways ineffective. The identification of novel cell death mechanisms, as categorized by the Nomenclature Committee on Cell Death (NCCD), has provided researchers with new tools to overcome survival mechanisms and activate alternative molecular pathways. This review aims to synthesize information on these recently discovered RCD mechanisms in the major types of leukemia, providing researchers with a comprehensive overview of cell death and its modulation.

Curcumin in treatment of hematological cancers: Promises and challenges

Hematological cancers include leukemia, myeloma and lymphoma and up to 178.000 new cases are diagnosed with these tumors each year. Different kinds of treatment including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and stem cell transplantation have been employed in the therapy of hematological cancers. However, they are still causing death among patients. On the other hand, curcumin as an anti-cancer agent for the suppression of human cancers has been introduced. The treatment of hematological cancers using curcumin has been followed. Curcumin diminishes viability and survival rate of leukemia, myeloma and lymphoma cells. Curcumin stimulates apoptosis and G2/M arrest to impair progression of tumor. Curcumin decreases levels of matrix metalloproteinases in suppressing cancer metastasis. A number of downstream targets including VEGF, Akt and STAT3 undergo suppression by curcumin in suppressing progression of hematological cancers. Curcumin stimulates DNA damage and reduces resistance of cancer cells to irradiation. Furthermore, curcumin causes drug sensitivity of hematological tumors, especially myeloma. For targeted delivery of curcumin and improving its pharmacokinetic and anti-cancer features, nanostructures containing curcumin and other anti-cancer agents have been developed.

Pyroptotic cell death: an emerging therapeutic opportunity for radiotherapy

Pyroptotic cell death, an inflammatory form of programmed cell death (PCD), is emerging as a potential therapeutic opportunity for radiotherapy (RT). RT is commonly used for cancer treatment, but its effectiveness can be limited by tumor resistance and adverse effects on healthy tissues. Pyroptosis, characterized by cell swelling, membrane rupture, and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, has been shown to enhance the immune response against cancer cells. By inducing pyroptotic cell death in tumor cells, RT has the potential to enhance treatment outcomes by stimulating anti-tumor immune responses and improving the overall efficacy of RT. Furthermore, the release of danger signals from pyroptotic cells can promote the recruitment and activation of immune cells, leading to a systemic immune response that may target distant metastases. Although further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and optimize the use of pyroptotic cell death in RT, it holds promise as a novel therapeutic strategy for improving cancer treatment outcomes. This review aims to synthesize recent research on the regulatory mechanisms underlying radiation-induced pyroptosis and to elucidate the potential significance of this process in RT. The insights gained from this analysis may inform strategies to enhance the efficacy of RT for tumors.

The role of inflammasomes in human diseases and their potential as therapeutic targets

Inflammasomes are large protein complexes that play a major role in sensing inflammatory signals and triggering the innate immune response. Each inflammasome complex has three major components: an upstream sensor molecule that is connected to a downstream effector protein such as caspase-1 through the adapter protein ASC. Inflammasome formation typically occurs in response to infectious agents or cellular damage. The active inflammasome then triggers caspase-1 activation, followed by the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and pyroptotic cell death. Aberrant inflammasome activation and activity contribute to the development of diabetes, cancer, and several cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. As a result, recent research has increasingly focused on investigating the mechanisms that regulate inflammasome assembly and activation, as well as the potential of targeting inflammasomes to treat various diseases. Multiple clinical trials are currently underway to evaluate the therapeutic potential of several distinct inflammasome-targeting therapies. Therefore, understanding how different inflammasomes contribute to disease pathology may have significant implications for developing novel therapeutic strategies. In this article, we provide a summary of the biological and pathological roles of inflammasomes in health and disease. We also highlight key evidence that suggests targeting inflammasomes could be a novel strategy for developing new disease-modifying therapies that may be effective in several conditions.

Promoting the proliferation of osteoarthritis chondrocytes by resolvin D1 regulating the NLRP3/caspase-1 signaling pathway

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease commonly found in middle-aged and older people. Chondrocytes are the only cells in joint cartilage that are difficult to heal after pyroptosis, and they will aggravate the wear and tear of joint cartilage and affect the progression of OA. Pyroptosis is a novel form of programmed cell death, and the classical pyroptosis pathway is a programmed cell death pattern mediated by inflammatory cysteine protease-1. Activation of NLRP3 leads to activation and cleavage of caspase-1 precursors, which in turn leads to activation and cleavage of GSDMD proteins and the release of proinflammatory factors. Resolvin D1 (RvD1) is a specialized pro-resolving mediator (SPM) derived from omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids that reduces inflammation and catabolic responses in OA chondrocytes. However, it is unclear whether RvD1 promotes OA chondrocyte proliferation and thus joint cartilage repair. Our results show that RvD1 regulates the NLRP3/caspase-1 signaling pathway by inhibiting the expression of caspase-1, promoting the proliferation of OA chondrocytes, promoting the repair of articular cartilage in rats and delaying the progression of osteoarthritis.

Research Progress on Pyroptosis in Hematological Malignancies

OPINION STATEMENT

Pyroptosis is a kind of programmed cell death dependent on the caspase pathway that is different from apoptosis and necrosis. Recent studies have shown that pyroptosis can be involved in the pathological processes of many diseases, such as cancers, atherosclerosis, diabetic nephropathy, and blood diseases. However, the specific mechanisms by which pyroptosis participates in the occurrence and development of hematological malignant tumors still need further exploration. This article reviews the characteristics of pyroptosis and the regulatory mechanisms promoting or inhibiting pyroptosis and discusses the role of pyroptosis in hematological malignant tumors, which could provide ideas for the clinical treatment of such tumors in the future.

Bioresponsive and multifunctional cyclodextrin-based non-viral nanocomplexes in cancer therapy: Building foundations for gene and drug delivery, immunotherapy and bioimaging

The interest towards application of nanomaterials in field of cancer therapy is that the drawbacks of conventional therapies including chemoresistance, radio-resistance and lack of specific targeting of tumor cells can be solved by nanotechnology. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are amphiphilic cyclic oligosaccharides that can be present in three forms of α-, β- and γ-CDs, and they can be synthesized from natural sources. The application of CDs in cancer shows an increasing trend due to benefits of these nanocomplexes in improving solubility and bioavailability of current bioactives and therapeutics for cancer. CDs are widely utilized in delivery of drugs and genes in cancer therapy, and by targeted delivery of these therapeutics into target site, they improve anti-proliferative and anti-cancer potential. The blood circulation time and tumor site accumulation of therapeutics can be improved using CD-based nanostructures. More importantly, the stimuli-responsive types of CDs including pH-, redox- and light-sensitive types can accelerate release of bioactive compound at tumor site. Interestingly, the CDs are able to mediate photothermal and photodynamic impact in impairing tumorigenesis in cancer, enhancing cell death and improving response to chemotherapy. In improving the targeting ability of CDs, their surface functionalization with ligands has been conducted. Moreover, CDs can be modified with green products such as chitosan and fucoidan, and they can be embedded in green-based nanostructures to suppress tumorigenesis. The internalization of CDs into tumor cells can occur through endocytosis and this can be clethrin-, caveolae- or receptor-mediated endocytosis. Furthermore, CDs are promising candidates in bioimaging, cancer cell and organelle imaging as well as isolating tumor cells. The main benefits of using CDs in cancer therapy including sustained and low release of drugs and genes, targeted delivery, bioresponsive release of cargo, ease of surface functionalization and complexation with other nanostructures. The application of CDs in overcoming drug resistance requires more investigation.

Curcumin in cancer therapy: Exploring molecular mechanisms and overcoming clinical challenges

Cancer poses a significant global health burden, necessitating the widespread use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy as conventional frontline interventions. Although targeted therapy and immunotherapy have shown remarkable advancements, the challenges of resistance development and severe side effects persist in cancer treatment. Consequently, researchers have actively sought more effective alternatives with improved safety profiles. In recent years, curcumin, a natural polyphenolic phytoalexin, has garnered considerable attention due to its broad spectrum of biological effects. This concise review provides valuable insights into the role of curcumin in cancer therapy, with a focus on elucidating its molecular mechanisms in inducing programmed cell death of tumor cells and suppressing tumor cell metastasis potential. Additionally, we discuss the challenges associated with the clinical application of curcumin and explore current endeavors aimed at overcoming these limitations. By shedding light on the promising potential of curcumin, this review contributes to the advancement of cancer treatment strategies.

Unveiling the therapeutic potential of natural-based anticancer compounds inducing non-canonical cell death mechanisms

In the Mid-19th century, Rudolf Virchow considered necrosis to be a prominent form of cell death; since then, pathologists have recognized necrosis as both a cause and a consequence of disease. About a century later, the mechanism of apoptosis, another form of cell death, was discovered, and we now know that this process is regulated by several molecular mechanisms that "programme" the cell to die. However, discoveries on cell death mechanisms are not limited to these, and recent studies have allowed the identification of novel cell death pathways that can be molecularly distinguished from necrotic and apoptotic cell death mechanisms. Moreover, the main goal of current cancer therapy is to discover and develop drugs that target apoptosis. However, resistance to chemotherapeutic agents targeting apoptosis is mainly responsible for the failure of clinical therapy and adverse side effects of the chemotherapeutic agents currently in use pose a major threat to the well-being and lives of patients. Therefore, the development of natural-based anticancer drugs with low cellular and organismal side effects is of great interest. In this comprehensive review, we thoroughly examine and discuss natural anticancer compounds that specifically target non-canonical cell death mechanisms.

Unraveling the therapeutic potential of natural products in the prevention and treatment of leukemia

Leukemia is a heterogeneous group of hematological malignancies distinguished by differentiation blockage and uncontrolled proliferation of myeloid or lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB). There are various types of leukemia in which intensive chemotherapy regimens or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are now the most common treatments associated with severe side effects and multi-drug resistance in leukemia cells. Therefore, it is crucial to develop novel therapeutic approaches with adequate therapeutic efficacy and selectively eliminate leukemic cells to improve the consequences of leukemia. Medicinal plants have been utilized for ages to treat multiple disorders due to their diverse bioactive compounds. Plant-derived products have been used as therapeutic medication to prevent and treat many types of cancer. Over the last two decades, 50 % of all anticancer drugs approved worldwide are from natural products and their derivatives. Therefore this study aims to review natural products such as polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, nitrogen-containing, and organosulfur compounds as antileukemic agents. Current investigations have identified natural products efficiently destroy leukemia cells through diverse mechanisms of action by inhibiting proliferation, reactive oxygen species production, inducing cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in both in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. Current investigations have identified natural products as suitable promising chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive agents. It played an essential role in drug development and emerged as a possible source of biologically active metabolites for therapeutic interventions, especially in leukemia. DATA AVAILABILITY: Data will be made available on request.

Pyroptosis as a double-edged sword: The pathogenic and therapeutic roles in inflammatory diseases and cancers

Pyroptosis is a programmed cell death mode discovered in recent years. It is caused by inflammasomes and the perforation of Gasdermin family proteins, and results in the release of inflammatory factors and triggering of an inflammatory cascade response. The pathways of pyroptosis include the caspase-1-dependent canonical pathway, the caspase-4/5/11-dependent non-canonical pathway, other caspase-dependent pathways and caspase-independent pathways. Its morphological features are different from other programmed cell death modes (apoptosis, autophagy, etc.). Pyroptosis can be observed microscopically that abundant pores are formed in the cell membrane, resulting in cell swelling and rupture, and eventually leading to the outflow of cellular contents. In addition to causing tissue damage and dysfunction through inflammation, pyroptosis can also become a potential cancer treatment strategy by reducing drug resistance in cancer cells. However, many details are still unclear on the molecular mechanisms of its role in pathogenicity and therapeutics, and therefore lots of work needs to be done. This article reviews the morphological characteristics, pathogenic and therapeutic mechanisms of pyroptosis and its related research progress in inflammatory diseases and cancers. It helps to further understand the mechanism of pyroptosis and provide new ideas for the research and prevention of inflammatory diseases and cancers.

The therapeutic potential of natural products for treating pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most malignant tumors of the digestive tract, with the poor prognosis and low 5-year survival rate less than 10%. Although surgical resection and chemotherapy as gemcitabine (first-line treatment) has been applied to the pancreatic cancer patients, the overall survival rates of pancreatic cancer are quite low due to drug resistance. Therefore, it is of urgent need to develop alternative strategies for its treatment. In this review, we summarized the major herbal drugs and metabolites, including curcumin, triptolide, Panax Notoginseng Saponins and their metabolites etc. These compounds with antioxidant, anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic activities can inhibit the progression and metastasis of pancreatic cancer. Expecting to provide comprehensive information of potential natural products, our review provides valuable information and strategies for pancreatic cancer treatment.

Emerging mechanisms of pyroptosis and its therapeutic strategy in cancer

Pyroptosis, a type of inflammatory programmed cell death, is triggered by caspase cleavage of gasdermin family proteins. Based on accumulating evidence, pyroptosis is closely associated with tumour development, but the molecular mechanism underlying pyroptosis activation and the signalling pathways regulated by pyroptosis remain unclear. In this review, we first briefly introduce the definition, morphological characteristics, and activation pathways of pyroptosis and the effect of pyroptosis on anticancer immunity. Then we review recent progress concerning the complex role of pyroptosis in various tumours. Importantly, we summarise various FDA-approved chemotherapy drugs or natural compounds that exerted antitumor properties by inducing pyroptosis of cancer cells. Moreover, we also focus on the current application of nanotechnology-induced pyroptosis in tumour therapy. In addition, some unsolved problems and potential future research directions are also raised.