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Li Q, Ling Y, Ma Y, Zhang T, Yang Y, Tao S. Paracrine signaling of ferroptotic airway epithelium in crystalline silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis augments local fibroblast activation through glycolysis reprogramming. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 271:115994. [PMID: 38262094 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.115994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to crystalline silica (CS) contributes to pulmonary fibrosis. Airway epithelium dysfunction and fibroblast activation have both been recognized as pivotal players, alongside disturbances in ferroptosis and glycolysis reprogramming. However, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the crosstalk between airway epithelium and fibroblast in the context of CS-induced pulmonary fibrosis. CS was employed in vivo and the in vitro co-culture system of airway epithelium and fibroblast. Spatial transcriptome analysis of CS-induced fibrotic lung tissue was conducted as well. Results showed that epithelium ferroptosis caused by CS enhanced TGFβ1-induced fibroblast activation through paracrine signaling. tPA was further identified to be the central mediator that bridges epithelium ferroptosis and fibroblast activation. And increased fibroblast glycolysis reprogramming was evidenced to promote fibroblast activation. By inhibition of epithelium ferroptosis or silencing tPA of airway epithelium, fibroblast AMPK phosphorylation was inhibited. Moreover, we revealed that tPA secreted by ferroptotic epithelium transmits paracrine signals to fibroblasts by governing glycolysis via p-AMPK/AMPK mediated Glut1 accumulation. Collectively, our study demonstrated the regulation of airway epithelium ferroptosis on fibroblast activation in CS-induced pulmonary fibrosis, which would shed light on the complex cellular crosstalk within pulmonary fibrosis and identify potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianmin Li
- Chongqing University Central Hospital & Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, No.1 Jiankang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Yi Ling
- Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yu Ma
- Chongqing University Central Hospital & Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, No.1 Jiankang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Chongqing University Central Hospital & Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, No.1 Jiankang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Youjing Yang
- Chongqing University Central Hospital & Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, No.1 Jiankang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, No.1 Guihuayuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400014, China.
| | - Shasha Tao
- Chongqing University Central Hospital & Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, No.1 Jiankang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, No.1 Guihuayuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400014, China.
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Wang Y, Cheng B, Lin YJ, Wang R, Xuan J, Xu HM. Preliminary Study on the Effect and Molecular Mechanism of Tetrandrine in Alleviating Pulmonary Inflammation and Fibrosis Induced by Silicon Dioxide. TOXICS 2023; 11:765. [PMID: 37755775 PMCID: PMC10536946 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11090765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to explore the molecular mechanism of tetrandrine (Tet) in alleviating pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis induced by silica (SiO2) from the perspective of autophagy. C57BL/6J mice were selected as experimental animals, and SiO2 was exposed by intranasal instillation. Tet was intervened by oral gavage. The mice were euthanized on the 7th and 42nd day of SiO2 exposure, and lung tissues were collected for histopathological, molecular biological, immunological, and transmission electron microscopy analysis. The results showed that SiO2 exposure could lead to significant lung inflammation and fibrosis, while Tet could significantly reduce SiO2 exposure-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis. Molecular mechanism research indicated that, compared with SiO2 expose group, Tet intervention could significantly reduce the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, MCP-1, TGF-β1, HYP, Col-I, and Fn), and regulate the expression of key molecules ATG7, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B), and P62 in the autophagy pathway to improve the blocking of autophagic flux, promote the recovery of autophagic lysosomal system function, and inhibit apoptosis. In summary, Tet can alleviate silica-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis, which may be achieved by regulating the expression of key molecules in the autophagy process and associated apoptotic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control of Ningxia, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Bin Cheng
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control of Ningxia, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Yu-Jia Lin
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control of Ningxia, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Rui Wang
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control of Ningxia, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Jie Xuan
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- The Fifth People’s Hospital of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Shizuishan 753000, China
| | - Hai-Ming Xu
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control of Ningxia, Yinchuan 750004, China
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Niu Y, Yang S, Hu X. Silica exposure activates non-canonical inflammasome complex in intratracheal instilled rat model. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2022; 11:784-790. [PMID: 36337236 PMCID: PMC9618110 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfac061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inhalation of silica crystals in occupational settings is a main cause of silicosis, a chronic irreversible pulmonary disorder. Our prior studies demonstrated the activation of inflammasome sensors AIM2 and NLRP3, effector protein caspase-1, and significant increase in IL-1β in silica exposed rats, suggesting that the canonical inflammasome activation may be associated with silica-induced tissue damage and inflammation. Aims and Methods In our current study using the same animal model system, we further evaluated the components of non-canonical inflammasome, including NEK7, caspase-11, and GSDMD following silica exposure. Results We demonstrated sustained NEK7 elevation in the rat lung epithelial cells and macrophages following 1- and 3-day exposure. Enhanced NEK7 expression was also detected in lung homogenate by western blot. Similarly, caspase-11 expression was induced by silica exposure in lung sections and homogenate. Elevated GSDMD was observed both in lung sections by immunohistochemical staining and in lung tissue homogenate by western blot. Conclusion In summary, our current study demonstrated increase in NEK7, caspase-11, and GSDMD in silica exposed rats, indicating activation of non-canonical inflammasome complex, thereby providing a broad inflammasome activation pathway caused by silica exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingmei Niu
- Occupational Disease and Toxicology Department, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Shuangli Yang
- Occupational Disease and Toxicology Department, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Xiumei Hu
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
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Puleo MG, Miceli S, Di Chiara T, Pizzo GM, Della Corte V, Simonetta I, Pinto A, Tuttolomondo A. Molecular Mechanisms of Inflammasome in Ischemic Stroke Pathogenesis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1168. [PMID: 36297283 PMCID: PMC9612213 DOI: 10.3390/ph15101168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke (also called cerebral ischemia) is one of the leading causes of death and severe disability worldwide. NLR inflammasomes play a crucial role in sensing cell damage in response to a harmful stimuli and modulating the inflammatory response, promoting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-18 and IL-1β following ischemic injury. Therefore, a neuroprotective effect is achieved by inhibiting the expression, assembly, and secretion of inflammasomes, thus limiting the extent of brain detriment and neurological sequelae. This review aims to illustrate the molecular characteristics, expression levels, and assembly of NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor [NLR] family pyrin-domain-containing 3) inflammasome, the most studied in the literature, in order to discover promising therapeutic implications. In addition, we provide some information regarding the contribution of NLRP1, NLRP2, and NLRC4 inflammasomes to ischemic stroke pathogenesis, highlighting potential therapeutic strategies that require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Antonino Tuttolomondo
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche n.2, 90127 Palermo, Italy
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Luo Y, Ge P, Wen H, Zhang Y, Liu J, Dong X, Lan B, Zhang G, Yang Q, Chen H. C/EBPβ Promotes LPS-Induced IL-1β Transcription and Secretion in Alveolar Macrophages via NOD2 Signaling. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:5247-5263. [PMID: 36120185 PMCID: PMC9477153 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s377499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective C/EBPβ, a crucial transcription factor, regulates innate immunity and inflammatory responses. However, the role played by C/EBPβ in alveolar macrophage (AM) inflammatory responses remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of C/EBPβ in alveolar macrophages (AMs) from the transcriptional level and to search for natural compounds targeting C/EBPβ. Methods Rat AMs were infected with Lv-sh-C/EBPβ and treated with LPS, and the expression levels of iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were measured by RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and ELISA. Mechanistically, transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed changes in gene expression patterns in AMs after LPS stimulation and C/EBPβ knockdown. Functional enrichment analyses and rescue experiments identified and validated inflammation-associated cell signaling pathways regulated by C/EBPβ. Furthermore, virtual screening was used to search for natural compounds that inhibit C/EBPβ with the structure of helenalin as a reference. Results Following stimulation with LPS, AMs exhibited an increased expression of C/EBPβ. C/EBPβ knockdown significantly decreased the expression levels of inflammatory mediators. A total of 374 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between LPS-stimulated C/EBPβ knockdown and negative control cells. The NOD-like receptor signaling may be a key target for C/EBPβ, according to functional enrichment analyses of the DEGs. Further experiments showed that the muramyl dipeptide (MDP, NOD2 agonist) reversed the downregulation of inflammatory mediators and the NF-κB pathway caused by the C/EBPβ knockdown. The virtual screening revealed that N-caffeoyltryptophan, orilotimod, and petasiphenone have comparable pharmacological properties to helenalin (a known C/EBPβ inhibitor) and demonstrate a great binding capacity to C/EBPβ. Conclusion Ablation of C/EBPβ may attenuate LPS-induced inflammatory damage in AMs by inhibiting the NOD2 receptor signaling pathway. Three natural compounds, N-caffeoyltryptophan, orilotimod, and petasiphenone, may be potential C/EBPβ inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Luo
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China.,Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Ge
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China.,Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyun Wen
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China.,Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Yibo Zhang
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China.,Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Liu
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuanchi Dong
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Bowen Lan
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Guixin Zhang
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China.,Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Hailong Chen
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China.,Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China
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