Astragaloside IV Suppresses High Glucose-Induced NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation by Inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB and CaSR

Curcumin inhibits the activity of ubiquitin ligase Smurf2 to promote NLRP3‑dependent pyroptosis in non‑small cell lung cancer cells

Non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a malignant tumor of significant clinical relevance. Curcumin has been investigated for its potential anticancer properties, as it has been reported to act through multiple cancer‑related targets and pathways. The present study aimed to explore the effects of curcumin in NSCLC using both in vitro and in vivo models. NSCLC cell lines (specifically, A549 and NCI‑H1299 cells), and a mouse tumor model established through the subcutaneous injection of A549 cells, were utilized to evaluate the effects of curcumin intervention. The effects of treatment with curcumin on NOD‑like receptor pyrin domain‑containing 3 (NLRP3) ubiquitination, cell pyroptosis and pyroptosis‑associated factors were also evaluated. In addition, Smad ubiquitination regulatory factor 2 (Smurf2) was analyzed via a series of knockdown and overexpression experiments, both in vitro and in vivo, aimed at investigating its association with curcumin and NLRP3. The results obtained from these experiments showed that curcumin inhibited NSCLC cell growth, promoted pyroptosis and reduced the level of NLRP3 ubiquitination. NLRP3 knockdown reversed the curcumin‑induced increase in pyroptosis‑associated factors both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, Smurf2 interacted with NLRP3 and alterations in Smurf2 expression levels influenced NLRP3 ubiquitination and cell pyroptosis. Moreover, molecular docking analysis demonstrated that curcumin could bind directly to Smurf2, which subsequently led to an inhibition of Smurf2 activity. Knockdown of Smurf2 enhanced curcumin's ability to stabilize NLRP3 and to promote pyroptosis, whereas Smurf2 overexpression negated these effects. In the in vivo animal model, curcumin treatment led to reduced tumor volumes and weights, in addition to a decreased expression level of Ki67 and increased expression levels of NLRP3 and pyroptosis‑associated factors. Similarly, these effects were enhanced or reversed by Smurf2 knockdown or overexpression, respectively. In conclusion, the findings of the present study showed that curcumin inhibited Smurf2 activity, thereby promoting NLRP3‑dependent pyroptosis in NSCLC cells. In addition, these findings have provided mechanistic insights into the role of curcumin in NSCLC, opening an avenue for its potential therapeutic application.

The protection of bisphenol A-modulated miRNAs and targets by natural products

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant with endocrine-disrupting functions. Identifying protective drugs and exploring the mechanisms against BPA are crucial in healthcare. Natural products exhibiting antioxidant properties are considered to be able to protect against BPA toxicity. Although BPA-modulated targets and miRNAs have been individually reported, their connections to natural products were rarely organized. With the help of a protein-protein interaction database (STRING), the relationship between individual BPA-modulated targets was interconnected to provide a systemic view. In this review, BPA-downregulated and -upregulated targets are classified, and their interactive network was innovatively analyzed using the bioinformatic database (STRING). BPA-modulated miRNAs were also retrieved and ingeniously connected to BPA-modulated targets. Moreover, a novel connection between BPA-countering natural products was integrated into BPA-modulated miRNAs and targets. All these targets-associated natural products and/or miRNAs were incorporated into the STRING network, providing systemic relationships. Overall, the BPA-modulated target-miRNA-protecting natural product axis was innovatively constructed, providing a straightforward direction for exploring the integrated BPA-countering effects and mechanisms of natural products.

Tangzu granule alleviate neuroinflammation in diabetic peripheral neuropathy by suppressing pyroptosis through P2X7R /NLRP3 signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, mainly manifested as paresthesia. Tangzu granule (TZG) is derived from famous traditional Chinese medicine decoctions and optimized by long-term temporary practice. TZG has good efficacy in improving numbness, pain and pruritus of the lower extremities of DPN patients. However, the overall regulatory mechanisms underlying its effects on DPN remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to explore the potential mechanism of TZG for treating DPN.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used to establish an in vivo model of DPN with streptozotocin (STZ) injection and high-fat diet (HFD) feeding. Additionally, sciatic glial RSC96 cells were induced with high glucose in vitro. SD rats in intervention group received TZG treatment for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of treatment, sciatic nerve function was evaluated by intelligent hot plate meter and neuro electrophysiology detector. The morphological changes of sciatic nerve cells were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscope. IL-1β, IL-18 inflammatory cytokines, pyroptosis and P2X7R/NLRP3 signaling pathway were observed by Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining and ELISA.

RESULTS

TZG improved nerve conduction velocity and sciatic neuropathy rational structural changes in DPN rats. It also inhibited RSC96 inflammatory response and cell death that induced by high glucose. This may be related to TZG inhibiting P2X7R, decreasing the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes, down-regulating the levels of pyroptosis proteins such as caspase-1, cleaved caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD), and GSDMD-N, and inhibiting the release of interleuki (IL)-18 and IL-1β inflammatory cytokines.

CONCLUSIONS

TZG inhibited pyroptosis through P2X7R/NLRP3 signaling pathway, alleviated neuroinflammation, and showed protective effect in the treatment of DPN.

Astragaloside IV inhibits vascular calcification through estrogen receptor alpha

Astragaloside IV (As-IV), a key component of traditional Japanese Hozai tonics, has a steroid skeleton like estrogen. It inhibits vascular calcification via estrogen receptor α, offering cardiovascular benefits. However, its estrogen-like properties promote breast cancer cell proliferation. Targeted research is needed to optimize cardiovascular preventive effects without adverse effects.

Astragaloside IV attenuates podocyte apoptosis via regulating TXNIP/NLRP3/GSDMD signaling pathway in diabetic nephropathy

OBJECTIVES

Among all the diabetes complications brought on by persistent inflammation is diabetic kidney disease (DKD). One essential method of the inflammatory response's programmed cell death is anthrax. One of the main causes of diabetic renal disease progression in a high-glycemic environment is the lysis of renal resident cells.

METHOD

This investigation sought to determine whether Astragaloside IV (AS-IV)'s anti-pyroptosis action provides a protective function for the kidneys. For 12 weeks, db/db mice received 40 mg/kg of AS-IV by transgastric gavage. To validate the possible in vitro mechanism, mouse podocytes were cultivated for additional experiments.

RESULTS

In vitro, AS-IV led to a significant reduction in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urine albumen-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), serum creatinine (CREA), and hyperglycemia in db/db mice and lessen the pathological alterations in the kidney. Moreover, pyrin structural domain of the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), cleaved-caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD), IL-18, and IL-1β were down-expressed and podocyte markers podocin and nphs1 were up-regulated following AS-IV intervention. By silencing GSDMD, we demonstrated in vitro that HG-stimulated podocytes undergo pyroptosis. We also discovered that AS-IV can mitigate this pyroptosis. To confirm that AS-IV prevented the NLRP3 inflammasome from activating, the NLRP3 inhibitor CY-09 was employed. It was also discovered that AS-IV prevents the expression of TXNIP and NLRP3 as well as their interaction. GSDMD expression was significantly downregulated following TXNIP-siRNA treatment, whereas GSDMD expression was upregulated in TXNIP overexpression cells; this upregulation could be undone with AS-IV.

CONCLUSIONS

The anti-pyroptosis effect of AS-IV via the TXNIP-NLRP3-GSDMD axis improves the renal function and podocyte damage of db/db mice and delays the onset of DKD, according to in vivo and in vitro experimental data.

Role of inflammasomes in endothelial dysfunction

The vascular endothelium dynamically responds to environmental cues and plays a pivotal role in maintaining vascular homeostasis by regulating vasomotor tone, blood cell trafficking, permeability and immune responses. However, endothelial dysfunction results in various pathological conditions. Inflammasomes are large intracellular multimeric complexes activated by pathogens or cellular damage. Inflammasomes in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) initiate innate immune responses, which have emerged as significant mediators in endothelial dysfunction, contributing to the pathophysiology of an array of diseases. This review summarizes the mechanisms and ramifications of inflammasomes in ECs and related vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, stroke, and lung and kidney diseases. We also discuss potential drugs targeting EC inflammasomes and their applications in treating vascular diseases.

Super Astragalus polysaccharide in specific gut microbiota metabolism alleviates chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced cognitive deficits mice

Chronic stress affects intestinal microbiota. Astragaloside IV (AS), called super Astragalus polysaccharide, is a monomer component of traditional herbs Astragalus membranaceus which belongs to medicinal food homology (MFH), exerts a neuroprotection effect, but the underlying mechanism has not yet been elucidated. Intestinal flora is also involved in the biotransformation of the active ingredients of MFH species, thus affecting their physiological and pharmacological properties. In this study, we found that AS improved CUMS-induced cognitive impairment, inhibited neuroinflammation, and restored intestinal barrier damage, but the improvement was suppressed by the elimination of gut microbiota, suggesting a key regulatory role for the microbiota. The results of 16S rDNA sequencing showed that AS treatment significantly increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) and Bacteroides acidifaciens. Furthermore, supplementation of L. reuteri rather than Lactobacillus plantarum restored the effect of AS-supplied dysbiosis mice via inhibition of inflammatory repose and the maintenance of the intestinal epithelial barrier, indicating that dietary AS requires L. reuteri to ameliorate cognitive injury. These findings provide evidence for new therapeutic strategies to treat chronic stress and support the role of specific bacteria in the intestinal environment that metabolizes the AS.

Saponins as potential novel NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors for inflammatory disorders

Nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) is a downstream protein from the pattern recognition receptor family that forms the NLRP3 inflammasome. The NLRP3 inflammasome releases caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18, contributing to inflammatory responses associated with diabetes mellitus, arthritis, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Recent studies suggest that specific saponin monomers and extracts from traditional Chinese medicines can inhibit inflammatory responses and related pathways, including the production of inflammatory factors. MCC950 is one of the most influential and specific NLRP3 inhibitors. Comparative molecular docking studies have identified 22 of the 37 saponin components as more robust binders to NLRP3 than MCC950. Dioscin, polyphyllin H, and saikosaponin-a have the highest binding affinities and potential NLRP3 inhibitors, offering a theoretical basis for developing novel anti-inflammatory therapies.

The processed Euphorbia lathyris L. alleviates the inflammatory injury via regulating LXRα/ABCA1 expression and TLR4 positioning to lipid rafts

Euphorbia lathyris L. (EL) is a traditional poisonous herbal medicine used to treat dropsy, ascites, amenorrhea, anuria and constipation. Processing to reduce toxicity of EL is essential for its safe and effective application. However, there is little known regarding the molecular mechanism of reducing toxicity after EL processing. This research aimed to screen the differential markers for EL and PEL, explore the differential mechanisms of inflammatory injury induced by EL and processed EL (PEL) to expound the mechanism of alleviating toxicity after EL processing. The results showed that 15 potential biomarkers, mainly belonging to diterpenoids, were screened to distinguish EL from PEL. EL promoted the expressions of TLR4, NLRP3, NF-κB p65, IL-1β and TNF-α, increased lipid rafts abundance and promoted TLR4 positioning to lipid rafts. Meanwhile, EL decreased LXRα and ABCA1 expression, and reduced cholesterol efflux. In contrast to EL, the effects of PEL on these indicators were markedly weakened. In addition, Euphorbia factors L1, L2, and L3 affected LXRα, ABCA1, TLR4, NLRP3, NF-κB p65, TNF-α and IL-1β expression, influenced cholesterol efflux and lipid rafts abundance, and interfered with the colocalization of TLR4 and lipid rafts. The inflammatory injury caused by processed EL was significantly weaker than that caused by crude EL, and reduction of Euphorbia factors L1, L2, and L3 as well as attenuation of inflammatory injury participated in processing-based detoxification of EL. Our results provide valuable insights into the attenuated mechanism of EL processing and will guide future research on the processing mechanism of toxic traditional Chinese medicine.

Vitexin protects against high glucose-induced endothelial cell apoptosis and oxidative stress via Wnt/β-catenin and Nrf2 signalling pathway

Vitexin, a polyphenolic flavonoid, has been reported to be traditionally applied in the treatment of diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-apoptosis and anti-oxidation effect and the potential mechanism of vitexin on high glucose-induced HUVECs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A high dose of glucose was added to HUVECs to establish an in vitro model. The cell viability was detected by CCK8 and flow cytometry assays. 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, colorimetry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were performed to detect oxidative stress. Besides, top flash and western blotting were employed to evaluate the effect of vitexin on Wnt/β-catenin. Furthermore, a Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor (KYA1797K) was used to confirm whether Wnt/β-catenin is involved in the protection of vitexin. At the same time, RT-PCR and western blot were performed to determine the effect of vitexin on Nrf2, while immunofluorescence assays were employed for the assessment of Nrf2 localisation. Then, in order to validate that Nrf2 plays an important role in the anti-oxidant effect of vitexin, methods were utilised to silence Nrf2 gene.

RESULTS

Herein, vitexin inhibited the proliferation and apoptosis of HG-mediated HUVECs. Mechanically, vitexin disrupted Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, thus resulting in the decrease of apoptosis in HG-induced HUVECs. A Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor (KYA1797K), was used for reverse verification. In the meantime, vitexin administration decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and malondialdehyde (MDA) content and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in HG-induced HUVECs. Further investigations have revealed vitexin activated Nrf2 in HUVEC under high glucose, which was involved in its anti-oxidant effects.

CONCLUSION

Our investigation demonstrated that vitexin protected HUVECs from high glucose-induced injury via up-regulation of Wnt/β-catenin and Nrf2 signalling pathway. These results suggested that vitexin might serve as a potential drug for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications of diabetes.

AMPA receptor inhibition alleviates inflammatory response and myocardial apoptosis after myocardial infarction by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway

Myocardial infarction leads to myocardial inflammation and apoptosis, which are crucial factors leading to heart failure and cardiovascular dysfunction, eventually resulting in death. While the inhibition of AMPA receptors mitigates inflammation and tissue apoptosis, the effectiveness of this inhibition in the pathophysiological processes of myocardial infarction remains unclear. This study investigated the role of AMPA receptor inhibition in myocardial infarction and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. This study established a myocardial infarction model by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery in Sprague-Dawley rats. The findings suggested that injecting the AMPA receptor antagonist NBQX into myocardial infarction rats effectively alleviated cardiac inflammation, myocardial necrosis, and apoptosis and improved their cardiac contractile function. Conversely, injecting the AMPA receptor agonist CX546 into infarcted rats exacerbated the symptoms and tissue damage, as reflected by histopathology. This agonist also stimulated the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, further deteriorating cardiac function. Furthermore, the investigations revealed that AMPA receptor inhibition hindered the nuclear translocation of P65, blocking its downstream signaling pathway and attenuating tissue inflammation. In summary, this study affirmed the potential of AMPA receptor inhibition in countering inflammation and tissue apoptosis after myocardial infarction, making it a promising therapeutic target for mitigating myocardial infarction.

Discovery of astragaloside IV against high glucose-induced apoptosis in retinal ganglion cells: Bioinformatics and in vitro studies

OBJECTIVE

To examine the therapeutic mechanism of astragaloside IV (AS-IV) in the management of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) injury induced by high glucose (HG), a comprehensive approach involving the integration of network pharmacology and conducting in vitro and in vivo experiments was utilized.

METHODS

A rat model of diabetic retinopathy (DR) injury was created by administering streptozotocin through intraperitoneal injection. Additionally, a model of RGC injury induced by HG was established using a glucose concentration of 0.3 mmol/mL. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) images were captured 8 weeks after the injection of AS-IV. AS-IV and FBS were added to the culture medium and incubated for 48 h. The viability of cells was assessed using a CCK-8 assay, while the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured using DCFH-DA. Apoptosis was evaluated using Annexin V-PI. To identify the targets of AS-IV, hyperglycemia, and RGC, publicly available databases were utilized. The Metascape platform was employed for conducting GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. The STRING database in conjunction with Cytoscape 3.7.2 was used to determine common targets of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and to identify the top 10 core target proteins in the RGC based on the MCC algorithm. qRT-PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of the top10 core target proteins in RGCs.

RESULTS

OCT detection indicated that the thickness of the outer nucleus, and inner and outer accessory layers of the retina increased in the AS-IV treated retina compared to that in the DM group but decreased compared to that in the CON group. Coculturing RGC cells with AS-IV after HG induction resulted in a significant increase in cell viability and a decrease in ROS and apoptosis, suggesting that AS-IV can reduce damage to RGC cells caused by high glucose levels by inhibiting oxidative stress. There were 14 potential targets of AS-IV in the treatment of RGC damage induced by high glucose levels. The top 10 core target proteins identified by the MCC algorithm were HIF1α, AKT1, CTNNB1, SMAD2, IL6, SMAD3, IL1β, PPARG, TGFβ1, and NOTCH3. qRT-PCR analysis showed that AS-IV could upregulate the mRNA expression levels of SMAD3, TGF-β1, and NOTCH3, and downregulate the mRNA expression levels of HIF1α, AKT1, CTNNB1, SMAD2, SMAD3, and IL-1β in high glucose-induced RGC cells.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study validate the efficacy of astragaloside IV in the treatment of DR and shed light on the molecular network involved. Specifically, HIF1α, AKT1, CTNNB1, SMAD2, SMAD3, and IL-1β were identified as the crucial candidate molecules responsible for the protective effects of astragaloside IV on RGCs.

Therapeutic effects of a walnut-derived peptide on NLRP3 inflammasome activation, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive dysfunction in T2DM mice

NLRP3 inflammasome activation plays a key role in the development of diabetes-induced cognitive impairment. However, strategies to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation remain elusive. Herein, we evaluated the impact of a walnut-derived peptide, TWLPLPR (TW-7), on cognitive impairment in high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice and explored its underlying mechanisms in high glucose-induced HT-22 cells. In the Morris water maze test, TW-7 alleviated cognitive deficits in mice; this was confirmed at the level of synaptic structure and dendritic spine density in the mouse hippocampus using transmission electron microscopy and Golgi staining. TW-7 increased the expression of synaptic plasticity-related proteins and suppressed the NEK7/NLRP3 inflammatory pathway, as determined by western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis. The mechanism of action of TW-7 was verified in an HT-22 cell model of high glucose-induced insulin resistance. Collectively, TW-7 could regulate T2DM neuroinflammation and synaptic function-induced cognitive impairment by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and improving synaptic plasticity.

Astragaloside IV Protects against Shear Stress-Induced Glycocalyx Damage and Alleviates Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm by Regulating miR-17-3p/Syndecan-1

Background

The present study aimed to analyze the impact of astragaloside IV (AS-IV) on abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and the glycocalyx, elucidating the potential mechanism of AS-IV.

Methods

Rat models of AAA were established using porcine pancreatic elastase. The effects of intraperitoneal AS-IV injection on the morphology, diameter, and glycocalyx of the aorta and the expression of miR-17-3p and Syndecan-1 (SDC1) protein were examined. Differentially expressed miRNAs from peripheral blood samples of healthy individuals, untreated patients with AAA, and treated patients with AAA were identified through sequencing. The relationship between miR-17-3p and SDC1 was validated using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. In vitro, shear stress was induced in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) to simulate AAA. Overexpression of miR-17-3p was performed to assess the effects of AS-IV on miR-17-3p and SDC1 expressions, apoptosis, and glycocalyx in HAECs.

Results

AS-IV mitigated aortic damage in AAA rats, reducing the aortic diameter and alleviating glycocalyx damage. In addition, it suppressed the increase in miR-17-3p expression and promoted SDC1 expression in AAA rats. Peripheral blood miR-17-3p levels were significantly higher in patients with AAA than in healthy individuals. miR-17-3p inhibited the SDC1 protein expression in HAECs. In the in vitro AAA environment, miR-17-3p was upregulated and SDC1 was downregulated in HAECs. AS-IV inhibited miR-17-3p expression, promoted SDC1 expression, and mitigated shear stress-induced apoptosis and glycocalyx damage in HAECs. Overexpression of miR-17-3p blocked AS-IV-induced SDC1 expression promotion, glycocalyx protection, and apoptosis suppression in HAECs.

Conclusion

miR-17-3p may damage the glycocalyx of aortic endothelial cells by targeting SDC1. AS-IV may promote SDC1 expression by inhibiting miR-17-3p, thereby protecting the glycocalyx and alleviating AAA.

Cell surface GRP78: A potential therapeutic target for high glucose-induced endothelial injury

Endothelial cell inflammation and oxidative stress are critical to developing diabetic vascular complications. GRP78 translocation to the cell surface has been observed in different types of endothelial cells, but the potential role of cell surface GRP78 in modulating endothelial inflammation and oxidative stress remains uncertain. In this study, we investigated whether inhibiting cell surface GRP78 function using a novel anti-GRP78 monoclonal antibody (MAb159) could suppress high glucose (HG)-induced endothelial inflammation and oxidative stress. Our findings demonstrated that the expression of cell surface GRP78 was increased in HG-treated HUVECs. Inhibition of cell surface GRP78 using MAb159 attenuated HG-induced endothelial injury, inflammation and oxidative stress, while activation of GRP78 by recombinant GRP78 further amplified HG-induced endothelial damage, inflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, we discovered that cell surface GRP78 promoted HG-induced inflammation and oxidative stress by activating the TLR4/NF-κB signalling pathway. Moreover, HG-induced GRP78 translocation to the cell surface is dependent on ER stress. Our data demonstrate that targeting cell surface GRP78 could be a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating endothelial injury, inflammation and oxidative stress.

Role of pyroptosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy: an updated review

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), one of the common complications of diabetes, presents as a specific cardiomyopathy with anomalies in the structure and function of the heart. With the increasing prevalence of diabetes, DCM has a high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent studies have found that pyroptosis, as a programmed cell death accompanied by an inflammatory response, exacerbates the growth and genesis of DCM. These studies provide a theoretical basis for exploring the potential treatment of DCM. Therefore, this review aims to summarise the possible mechanisms by which pyroptosis promotes the development of DCM as well as the relevant studies targeting pyroptosis for the possible treatment of DCM, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis, different cellular pyroptosis pathways associated with DCM, the effects of pyroptosis occurring in different cells on DCM, and the relevant drugs targeting NLRP3 inflammasome/pyroptosis for the treatment of DCM. This review might provide a fresh perspective and foundation for the development of therapeutic agents for DCM.

FUT3 facilitates glucose metabolism of lung adenocarcinoma via activation of NF-κB pathway

OBJECTIVE

Fucosyltransferases (FUTs) molecules have been identified to be involved in carcinogenesis of malignant tumors. Nevertheless, the biological function of fucosyltransferases-3 (FUT3) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) malignant phenotype remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the association between FUT3 and LUAD pathological process.

METHODS

Immunochemistry, RT-qPCR and western blot assays were conducted to evaluate the expression of FUT3 in LUAD and corresponding adjacent tissues. The prognostic value of FUT3 was assessed via Kaplan‑Meier plotter database. The biological process and potential mechanism of FUT3 in LUAD were conducted via GSEA. Additionally, immunofluorescence and metabolite activity detection were performed to determine the potential role of FUT3 in LUAD glucose metabolism. The active biomarkers associated with NF-κB signaling pathway were detected via western blot. Subcutaneous tumor model was conducted to analyze the effect of FUT3 on tumorigenesis of LUAD.

RESULTS

FUT3 was remarkably upregulated in LUAD tissues compared with adjacent tissues from individuals. FUT3 overexpression may predict poor prognosis of LUAD patients. Knockdown of FUT3 significantly inhibited tumor proliferation, migration and glucometabolic alteration in LUAD cells. Moreover, GSEA demonstrated that elevated FUT3 was positively related to NF-κB signaling pathway. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo assays also indicated that downregulation of FUT3 resulted in the suppression of oncogenesis and glucose metabolism via inactivation of NF-κB pathway.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrated that FUT3 was involved in glucometabolic process and tumorigenesis of LUAD via NF-κB signaling pathway. FUT3 may be an optimal target for diagnosis and treatment of LUAD patients.

Jia-Wei-Kai-Xin-San Treatment Alleviated Mild Cognitive Impairment through Anti-Inflammatory and Antiapoptotic Mechanisms in SAMP8 Mice

Background

Alleviating mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is crucial to delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Jia-Wei-Kai-Xin-San (JWKXS) is applied for treating AD with MCI. However, the mechanism of JWKXS in the treatment of MCI is unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of JWKXS in SAMP8 mice models of MCI.

Methods

MCI models were established to examine learning and memory ability and explore the pathomechanisms in brain of SAMP8 mice at 4, 6, and 8 months. The mice were treated for 8 weeks and the effects of JWKXS on MCI were characterized through Morris water maze and HE/Nissl's/immunohistochemical staining. Its mechanism was predicted by the combination of UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and system pharmacology analysis, further verified with SAMP8 mice, BV2 microglial cells, and PC12 cells.

Results

It was found that 4-month-old SAMP8 mice exhibited MCI. Two months of JWKXS treatment improved the learning and memory ability, alleviated the hippocampal tissue and neuron damage. Through network pharmacology, four key signaling pathways were found to be involved in treatment of MCI by JWKXS, including TLR4/NF-κB pathway, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that JWKXS attenuated neuroinflammation by inhibiting microglia activation, suppressing TLR4/NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways, and blocking the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways leading to neuronal apoptosis suppression in the hippocampus.

Conclusion

JWKXS treatment improved the learning and memory ability and conferred neuroprotective effects against MCI by inducing anti-inflammation and antiapoptosis. Limitations. The small sample size and short duration of the intervention limit in-depth investigation of the mechanisms. Future Prospects. This provides a direction for further clarification of the anti-AD mechanism, and provides certain data support for the formulation to move toward clinical practice.

mPEG-CS-modified flexible liposomes-reinforced thermosensitive sol-gel reversible hydrogels for ocular delivery of multiple drugs with enhanced synergism

Non-invasive drug delivery offers a safe treatment while improving patient compliance. However, due to the particular physiological structure of the ocular, long-term retention and sustained drug release of the drug delivery system is crucial. Herein, this study aimed to design mPEG-CS-modified flexible liposomes-reinforced thermosensitive sol-gel reversible hydrogels (mPEG-CS-FL-TSG) for the delivery of astragaloside IV (AS-IV) and tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) to treat age-related macular degeneration. In vitro biological properties of mPEG-CS-FL and mPEG-CS-FL-TSG showed that they could be successfully taken up by ARPE-19 cells, and the uptake rate of mPEG-CS-FL-TSG was higher. Not only that, the release rate of mPEG-CS-FL-TSG was slower. More significantly, the results showed that the cytotoxicity of mPEG-CS-FL-TSG was lower than that of mPEG-CS-FL. In vivo result revealed that the drug delivery system could prominently enhance the ocular bioavailability of AS-IV and TMP, which is the enhanced synergism of well-permeable liposome and slow-releasing hydrogel. In summary, the mPEG-CS-FL-TSG can compensate for the short retention time and sudden release of liposome, as well as the low drug penetration of hydrogel, in order to show great promise in the non-invasive delivery of multiple drugs for the treatment of posterior ocular diseases.

Astragaloside IV restrains pyroptosis and fibrotic development of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells to ameliorate pulmonary artery hypertension through the PHD2/HIF1α signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Astragaloside (AS)-IV, extracted from traditional Chinese medicine Astragalus mongholicus, has been widely used in the anti-inflammatory treatment for cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanism by which AS-IV affects pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) development remains largely unknown.

METHODS

Monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH model rats were administered with AS-IV, and hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining were performed to evaluate the histological change in pulmonary tissues of rats. Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) were treated by hypoxia and AS-IV. Pyroptosis and fibrosis were assessed by immunofluorescence, western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

AS-IV treatment alleviated pulmonary artery structural remodeling and pulmonary hypertension progression induced by MCT in rats. AS-IV suppressed the expression of pyroptosis-related markers, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 and fibrosis development in pulmonary tissues of PAH rats and in hypoxic PAMSCs. Interestingly, the expression of prolyl-4-hydroxylase 2 (PHD2) was restored by AS-IV administration in PAH model in vivo and in vitro, while hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) was restrained by AS-IV. Mechanistically, silencing PHD2 reversed the inhibitory effect of AS-IV on pyroptosis, fibrosis trend and pyroptotic necrosis in hypoxia-cultured PASMCs, while the HIF1α inhibitor could prevent these PAH-like phenomena.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, AS-IV elevates PHD2 expression to alleviate pyroptosis and fibrosis development during PAH through downregulating HIF1α. These findings may provide a better understanding of AS-IV preventing PAH, and the PHD2/HIF1α axis may be a potential anti-pyroptosis target during PAH.

Pharmacological Effects of Astragaloside IV: A Review

Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is one of the main active components extracted from the Chinese medicinal herb Astragali and serves as a marker for assessing the herb's quality. AS-IV is a tetracyclic triterpenoid saponin in the form of lanolin ester alcohol and exhibits various biological activities. This review article summarizes the chemical structure of AS-IV, its pharmacological effects, mechanism of action, applications, future prospects, potential weaknesses, and other unexplored biological activities, aiming at an overall analysis. Papers were retrieved from online electronic databases, such as PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI, and data from studies conducted over the last 10 years on the pharmacological effects of AS-IV as well as its impact were collated. This review focuses on the pharmacological action of AS-IV, such as its anti-inflammatory effect, including suppressing inflammatory factors, increasing T and B lymphocyte proliferation, and inhibiting neutrophil adhesion-associated molecules; antioxidative stress, including scavenging reactive oxygen species, cellular scorching, and regulating mitochondrial gene mutations; neuroprotective effects, antifibrotic effects, and antitumor effects.

YuPingFengSan ameliorates LPS-induced acute lung injury and gut barrier dysfunction in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Yupingfengsan (YPFS) is a traditional Chinese medicine decoction. YPFS comprises Astragalus mongholicus Bunge (Huangqi), Atractylodes rubra Dekker (Baizhu), and Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.ex Ledeb.) Schischk (Fangfeng). YPFS is commonly used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, respiratory infections, and pneumonia, but the mechanism of action remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Acute lung injury (ALI) and its severe form of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) cause morbidity and mortality in critical patients. YPFS is a commonly used herbal soup to treat respiratory and immune system diseases. Nevertheless, the effect of YPFS on ALI remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of YPFS on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI in mice and elucidate its potential molecular mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The major components of YPFS were detected by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). C57BL/6J mice were given YPFS for seven days and then treated with LPS. IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, iNOS, NLRP3, PPARγ, HO-1, ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1, AQP3, AQP4, AQP5, ENaCα, ENaCβ, EnaCγ mRNA in lung and ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1, AQP3, AQP4, AQP5, ENaCα, ENaCβ, and EnaCγ mRNA in colon tissues were measured by Real-Time Quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The expressions of TLR4, MyD88, NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), ASC, MAPK signaling pathway, Nrf2, and HO-1 in the lung were detected by Western blot. Plasma inflammatory factors Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Lung tissues were processed for H & E staining, and colon tissues for HE, WGA-FITC, and Alcian Blue staining.

RESULTS

The results showed that YPFS administration alleviated lung injury and suppressed the production of inflammatory factors, including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Additionally, YPFS reduced pulmonary edema by promoting the expressions of aquaporin and sodium channel-related genes (AQP3, AQP4, AQP5, ENaCα, ENaCβ, and EnaCγ). Further, YPFS intervention exhibited a therapeutic effect on ALI by inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and MAPK signaling pathways. Finally, YPFS improved gut barrier integrity and suppressed intestinal inflammation in LPS-challenged mice.

CONCLUSIONS

YPFS protected mice against LPS-induced ALI by attenuating lung and intestinal tissue damage. This study sheds light on the potential application of YPFS to treat ALI/ARDS.

Astragaloside IV regulates TL1A and NF-κB signal pathway to affect inflammation in necrotizing enterocolitis

AIM

This study aims to explore the possible effect of Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) on necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) neonatal rat models and verify the possible implication of TNF-like ligand 1 A (TL1A) and NF-κB signal pathway.

METHODS

NEC neonatal rat models were established through formula feeding, cold/asphyxia stress and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) gavage method. The appearance, activity and skin as well as the pathological status of rats subjected to NEC modeling were assessed. The intestinal tissues were observed after H&E staining. The expression of oxidative stress biomarkers (SOD, MDA and GSH-Px) and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) were detected by ELISA and qRT-PCR. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were applied to detect expressions of TL1A and NF-κB signal pathway-related proteins. Cell apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL.

RESULTS

NEC neonatal rat models were established successfully, in which TL1A was highly expressed and NF-κB signal pathway was activated, while TL1A and NF-κB signal pathway can be suppressed by AS-IV treatment in NEC rats. Meanwhile, inflammatory response in intestinal tissues was increased in NEC rat models and AS-IV can attenuate inflammatory response in NEC rats through inhibiting TL1A and NF-κb signal pathway.

CONCLUSION

AS-IV can inhibit TL1A expression and NF-κb signal pathway to attenuate the inflammatory response in NEC neonatal rat models.

Astragaloside IV Attenuates High-Glucose-Induced Impairment in Diabetic Nephropathy by Increasing Klotho Expression via the NF-κB/NLRP3 Axis

Objective

Deficiencies in klotho are implicated in various kidney dysfunctions including diabetic nephropathy (DN) related to inflammatory responses. Klotho is closely related to inflammatory responses and is a potential target for ameliorating kidney failure. Pyroptosis, an inflammatory form of programmed cell death, is reported to take part in DN pathogenesis recently. This study is aimed at exploring whether and how klotho inhibited podocyte pyroptosis and whether astragaloside IV (AS-IV) protect podocyte through the regulation of klotho.

Materials and Methods

SD rat model of DN and conditionally immortalized mouse podocytes exposed to high glucose were treated with AS-IV. Biochemical assays and morphological examination, cell viability assay, cell transfection, phalloidin staining, ELISA, LDH release assay, SOD and MDA detection, MMP assay, ROS level detection, flow cytometry analysis, TUNEL staining assay, PI/Hoechst 33342 staining, immunofluorescence assay, and western blot were performed to elucidate podocyte pyroptosis and to observe the renal morphology.

Results

The treatment of AS-IV can improve renal function and protect podocytes exposed to high glucose. Klotho was decreased, and AS-IV increased klotho levels in serum and kidney tissue of DN rats as well as podocytes exposed to high glucose. AS-IV can inhibit DN glomeruli pyroptosis in vivo. In vitro, overexpressed klotho and treatment with AS-IV inhibited pyroptosis of podocytes cultured in high glucose. Klotho knockdown promoted podocyte pyroptosis, and treatment with AS-IV reversed this effect. Furthermore, the overexpression of klotho and AS-IV reduces oxidative stress levels and inhibited NF-κB activation and NLRP3-mediated podocytes' pyroptosis which was abolished by klotho knockdown. In addition, both the ROS inhibitor NAC and the NF-κB pathway inhibitor PDTC can inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation. NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 can inhibit pyroptosis of podocytes exposed to high glucose.

Conclusion

Altogether, our results demonstrate that the protective effect of AS-IV in upregulating klotho expression in diabetes-induced podocyte injury is associated with the inhibition of NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis via the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Review on the protective mechanism of astragaloside IV against cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular disease is a global health problem. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a saponin compound extracted from the roots of the Chinese herb Astragalus. Over the past few decades, AS-IV has been shown to possess various pharmacological properties. It can protect the myocardium through antioxidative stress, anti-inflammatory effects, regulation of calcium homeostasis, improvement of myocardial energy metabolism, anti-apoptosis, anti-cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, anti-myocardial fibrosis, regulation of myocardial autophagy, and improvement of myocardial microcirculation. AS-IV exerts protective effects on blood vessels. For example, it can protect vascular endothelial cells through antioxidative stress and anti-inflammatory pathways, relax blood vessels, stabilize atherosclerotic plaques, and inhibit the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells. Thus, the bioavailability of AS-IV is low. Toxicology indicates that AS-IV is safe, but should be used cautiously in pregnant women. In this paper, we review the mechanisms of AS-IV prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in recent years to provide a reference for future research and drug development.

The activation of histone deacetylases 4 prevented endothelial dysfunction: A crucial mechanism of HuangqiGuizhiWuwu Decoction in improving microcirculation dysfunction in diabetes

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The regulation of epigenetic factors is considered a crucial target for solving complex chronic diseases such as cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. HuangqiGuizhiWuwu Decoction (HGWWD), a classic Chinese prescription, is mainly used to treat various vascular diseases. Although our previous studies reported that HGWWD could effectively prevent vascular dysfunction in diabetic rodent models, the precise mechanism is still elusive.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, we investigated the epigenetic mechanisms of modulating the damage of vascular endothelial cells in diabetes by HGWWD.

METHODS

We first analyzed common active components of HGWWD by using HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis, and predicted the isoforms of histone deacetylase (HDAC) that can potentially combine the above active components by systems pharmacology. Next, we screened the involvement of specific HDAC isoforms in the protective effect of HGWWD on vascular injury by using pharmacological blockade combined with the evaluation of vascular function in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

Firstly, HDAC1, HDAC2, HDAC3, HDAC4, HDAC6, HDAC7, SIRT2, and SIRT3 have been implicated with the possibility of binding to the thirty-one common active components in HGWWD. Furthermore, the protective effect of HGWWD is reversed by both TSA (HDAC inhibitor) and MC1568 (class II HDAC inhibitor) on vascular impairment accompanied by reduced aortic HDAC activity in STZ mice. Finally, inhibition of HDAC4 blocked the protective effect of HGWWD on microvascular and endothelial dysfunction in diabetic mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These results prove the key role of HDAC4 in diabetes-induced microvascular dysfunction and underlying epigenetic mechanisms for the protective effect of HGWWD in diabetes.

LncRNA SNHG16 regulates RAS and NF-κB pathway-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation to aggravate diabetes nephropathy through stabilizing TLR4

AIMS

LncRNA SNHG16 and Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) participate in diabetes nephropathy. This study investigated whether SNHG16 regulates diabetic renal injury (DRI) via TLR4 and its related mechanism.

METHODS

Diabetic mice and high glucose (HG)-induced HRMCs were used to examine the expressions of SNHG16 and TLR4. The SNHG16 expression, cytokines, reactive oxygen species, MDA, SOD, GSH, and fibrosis-related proteins were evaluated in HG-induced HRMCs transfected with sh-NC or sh-SHNG16. RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down determined the interaction between SNHG16 and EIF4A3 or TLR4 and EIF4A3. We used HG-treated HRMCs or diabetic mice to investigate the roles of TLR4 or SNHG16 in renal injuries.

RESULTS

Both SNHG16 and TLR4 were upregulated in diabetic conditions. HG increased serum Scr and BUN, led to significant fibrosis, increased inflammation- and renal fibrosis-related proteins in mice, and increased ROS, MDA, and decreased SOD and GSH in HRMCs. SNHG16 silencing diminished HG-upregulated SNHG16, decreased HG-increased cytokines secretion, ROS, MDA, and fibrosis but increased SOD and GSH. RIP and RNA pull-down confirmed that SNHG16 recruits EIF4A3 to stabilize TLR4 mRNA. TLR4 knockdown alleviated HG-induced renal injuries by suppressing RAS and NF-κB-mediated activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes. SNHG16 knockdown alleviated HG-induced renal injuries in HG-induced HRMCs or diabetic mice. Interestingly, TLR4 overexpression reversed the effects of SNHG16 knockdown. Mechanistically, SNHG16 knockdown alleviated HG-induced renal injuries by suppressing TLR4.

CONCLUSION

SNHG16 accelerated HG-induced renal injuries via recruiting EIF4A3 to enhance the stabilization of TLR4 mRNA. The SNGHG16/ELF4A3/TLR4 axis might be a novel target for treating DRI.

Astragaloside IV protects against oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells via the histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9)/NF-κB axis

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis is a main cause of multiple cardiovascular diseases, and cell damage of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was reported to participate in the development of atherosclerosis. In this study, we aimed to study the action of Astragaloside IV (ASV) on AS development using in vitro AS cell model.

METHODS

MTT assay, EdU staining assay, and flow cytometry were utilized for detection of cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. The protein expression of histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9), Bax, Bcl-2, p-P65, P65, p-IκBα, and IκBα was gaged using western blot. The angiogenesis was evaluated by tube formation assay. The inflammatory response was evaluated by ELISA kits. SOD activity and MDA level were detected using the matched commercial kits. RT-qPCR was used for HDAC9 mRNA expression measurement.

RESULTS

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) significantly repressed cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and enhanced apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in HUVECs. ASV addition could alleviate ox-LDL-caused cell damage in HUVECs. Moreover, HDAC9 was overexpressed in AS patients and AS cell model. Functionally, HDAC9 knockdown also exhibited the protective role in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs. In addition, ASV treatment protected against ox-LDL-induced damage in HUVECs via targeting HDAC9. ASV could inactivate the NF-κB pathway via regulating HDAC9 in AS cell model.

CONCLUSION

ASV exerted the protective effects on ox-LDL-induced damage in HUVECs through the HDAC9/NF-κB axis.

Melatonin attenuates high glucose‑induced endothelial cell pyroptosis by activating the Nrf2 pathway to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Endothelial injury induced by hyperglycemia is the most critical initial step in the development of diabetic vasculopathy. The aim of this present study was to explore the prevention and treatment strategies and elucidate the specific mechanism of diabetes‑induced vascular endothelial injury. Melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland to regulate biological rhythm, serves an important role in maintaining human physiological function. Pyroptosis is a type of newly discovered inflammatory cell death. The current study first found by western blotting that melatonin could activate nuclear factor erythroid 2‑related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under high glucose (HG) condition. Second, it found that pretreatment with Luzindole, a specific inhibitor of melatonin receptor (MT1/MT2), significantly reduced the activation of Nrf2 pathway by melatonin in HUVECs. It also found that pretreatment with melatonin or a specific NOD‑like receptor family, pyrin domain‑containing 3 (NLRP3) inhibitor (MCC950) pretreatment reduced HG‑induced endothelial cell pyroptosis. Finally, it was found that the protective effect of melatonin against reactive oxygen species/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway activation induced by HG in HUVECs was decreased after Nrf2 knockdown. In conclusion, the present study showed that melatonin may serve a protective role in HG‑induced vascular endothelial cell pyroptosis by activating the Nrf2 pathway to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In addition, it was further found that melatonin attenuated HG‑induced vascular endothelial cell injury by interacting with its receptors (MT1/MT2) to promote activation of Nrf2 pathway.

Albiflorin attenuates high glucose-induced endothelial apoptosis via suppressing PARP1/NF-κB signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Paeonia lactiflora Pall has long been recognized as an anti-inflammatory traditional Chinese herbal medicine. We aimed to study the pharmacological action of albiflorin, an active ingredient extracted from the roots of Paeonia lactiflora Pall, on diabetic vascular complications.

METHODS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were stimulated with high glucose and treated with 5, 10, and 20 μM albiflorin. CCK-8 assay, EdU staining, Annexin V-FITC staining, transwell assay, scratch test, RT-PCR, ELISA, Western blot, and immunofluorescence were carried out. SwissTargetPrediction database was used for screening targets of albiflorin and molecular docking was done using Autodock Vina software.

RESULTS

Albiflorin treatment dose-dependently alleviated high glucose-induced viability loss of HUVECs. In addition, albiflorin promoted the proliferation and migration, while inhibited apoptosis and the release of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in HUVECs. PARP1 was predicted and confirmed to be a target for albiflorin in vitro. Albiflorin targeted PARP1 to inhibit the activation of NF-κB. Transfection of HUVECs with PARP1 overexpression plasmids effectively reversed the effects of albiflorin on high glucose-treated HUVECs.

CONCLUSIONS

Albiflorin suppressed high glucose-induced endothelial cell apoptosis and inflammation, suggesting its potential in treating diabetic vascular complications. The action of albiflorin possibly caused by its regulation on inhibiting PARP1/NF-κB signaling.

USP14 promotes pyroptosis of human annulus fibrosus cells derived from patients with intervertebral disc degeneration through deubiquitination of NLRP3

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a general disorder that results in low back pain and disability among many affected individuals. However, the current treatments for IVDD are limited to relieving the symptoms but do not solve the fundamental issue. In this study, the role of USP14 in mediating the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the pyroptosis of AF cells from IVDD patients is determined in vitro, and gain- and loss-of-function assays of USP14 and the NLRP3 inflammasome are conducted. Pyroptosis of AF cells is detected by flow cytometry. The inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-18) and protein levels of NLRP3, active Caspase-1, Aggrecan, MMP3 and ADAMTS-5 are determined by ELISA and western blot analysis, respectively. The correlation between USP14 and NLRP3 is measured by coimmunoprecipitation and ubiquitination analysis. Upregulation of USP14 is accompanied by increased level of the NLRP3 inflammasome in AF cells from IVDD patients; furthermore, a positive correlation between them is observed. USP14 knockdown inhibits pyroptosis in AF cells by inducing ubiquitination of NLRP3, while overexpression of USP14 has the opposite effect, which is inhibited by the NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor INF39. USP14 exerts its positive regulatory effect on AF cell pyroptosis by modulating the NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β and IL-18 signaling axes.

The calcium-sensing receptor in inflammation: Recent updates

The Calcium-Sensing Receptor (CaSR) is a member of the class C of G-proteins coupled receptors (GPCRs), it plays a pivotal role in calcium homeostasis by directly controlling calcium excretion in the kidneys and indirectly by regulating parathyroid hormone (PTH) release from the parathyroid glands. The CaSR is found to be ubiquitously expressed in the body, playing a plethora of additional functions spanning from fluid secretion, insulin release, neuronal development, vessel tone to cell proliferation and apoptosis, to name but a few. The present review aims to elucidate and clarify the emerging regulatory effects that the CaSR plays in inflammation in several tissues, where it mostly promotes pro-inflammatory responses, with the exception of the large intestine, where contradictory roles have been recently reported. The CaSR has been found to be expressed even in immune cells, where it stimulates immune response and chemokinesis. On the other hand, CaSR expression seems to be boosted under inflammatory stimulus, in particular, by pro-inflammatory cytokines. Because of this, the CaSR has been addressed as a key factor responsible for hypocalcemia and low levels of PTH that are commonly found in critically ill patients under sepsis or after burn injury. Moreover, the CaSR has been found to be implicated in autoimmune-hypoparathyroidism, recently found also in patients treated with immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Given the tight bound between the CaSR, calcium and vitamin D metabolism, we also speculate about their roles in the pathogenesis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-19 (SARS-COVID-19) infection and their impact on patients' prognosis. We will further explore the therapeutic potential of pharmacological targeting of the CaSR for the treatment and management of aberrant inflammatory responses.

Astragaloside IV alleviates senescence of vascular smooth muscle cells through activating Parkin-mediated mitophagy

Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), as one of the main active components of Astragalus membranaceus, has been reported to have cardiovascular protective effects. However, the role and molecular mechanism of AS-IV in vascular senescence have not been clearly stated. The in vitro aging model was constructed using bleomycin (BLM) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Cell senescence were assessed through Western blotting analysis of aging markers, flow cytometry, and the β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) kit. Mitophagy was determined through transmission electron microscopy, TMRM staining, and Western blotting analysis of p62. A model of aging blood vessels was induced by D-gal. The vascular wall thickness of mice was also evaluated by H&E staining. Our data proved that AS-IV plays an anti-senescent role in vitro and in vivo. Results showed that AS-IV effectively improved mitochondrial injury, raised MMP, and mediated mitophagy in BLM-induced senescent VSMCs and D-gal induced aging mice. Parkin expression strengthened AS-IV's anti-senescent function. In conclusions, AS-IV attenuated BLM-induced VSMC senescence via Parkin to regulate mitophagy. Therefore, AS-IV-mediated Parkin might be a latent therapeutic agent and target for VSMC senescence.

Calcium-Sensing Receptor (CaSR)-Mediated Intracellular Communication in Cardiovascular Diseases

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), is a cell-surface-located receptor that can induce highly diffusible messengers (IP3, Ca²⁺, cAMP) in the cytoplasm to activate various cellular responses. Recently, it has also been suggested that the CaSR mediates the intracellular communications between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, nucleus, protease/proteasome, and autophagy-lysosome, which are involved in related cardiovascular diseases. The complex intracellular signaling of this receptor challenges it as a valuable therapeutic target. It is, therefore, necessary to understand the mechanisms behind the signaling characteristics of this receptor in intracellular communication. This review provides an overview of the recent research progress on the various regulatory mechanisms of the CaSR in related cardiovascular diseases and the heart-kidney interaction; the associated common causes are also discussed.

Myeloid-derived growth factor regulates high glucose-mediated apoptosis of gingival fibroblasts and induce AKT pathway activation and nuclear factor κB pathway inhibition

Background

/purpose: Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs in the tissues that support and attach teeth. There is considerable evidence of a relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease. Emerging studies have reported that myeloid-derived growth factor (MYDGF) can inhibit apoptosis and inflammation. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether MYDGF mediates the role of hyperglycemia in fibroblasts in periodontitis tissues.

Materials and methods

Fibroblasts were isolated and cultured from normal gums. Gene expression levels were detected by RT-PCR. The protein level was detected by western blotting. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. To investigate the role of MYDGF, the plasmid was transfected into fibroblasts. The expression levels of cytokines were determined by ELISA.

Results

High glucose can down-regulate the expression of MYDGF in human gingival fibroblasts in a time-dependent manner, and decrease the fibroblast activity. SOD level was decreased and MDA level was increased in gingival fibroblasts by high glucose. High glucose up-regulates pro-apoptotic indicator Bax, down-regulates anti-apototic indicator Bcl-2, and increased endoplasmic reticulum stress related indicators Nox 2, GRP78, ATF6, and PERK. In addition, high glucose increased TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8 and CXCL1 protein levels in fibroblasts. Our study also found that high glucose inhibits the AKT signaling pathway and activates the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway. Interestingly, overexpression of MYDGF reversed these effects.

Conclusion

MYDGF is down-regulated in gingival fibroblasts induced by high glucose. Overexpression of MYDGF inhibits apoptosis induced by high glucose, inhibits oxidative stress and cytokine secretion of gingival fibroblasts induced by high glucose, and induces AKT pathway activation and NF-κB pathway inhibition.

Biejiajian Pill Ameliorates Diabetes-Associated Atherosclerosis through Inhibition of the NLRP3 Inflammasome

Objective

To research the efficacy of Biejiajian pill (BJJ) on diabetes-associated atherosclerosis and explore its subsequent mechanisms.

Methods

Diabetes-associated atherosclerosis (AS) was established in apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE^−/−) mice using high-fat diet and streptozotocin. Atorvastatin (ATV, 10 mg/kg/day) or BJJ-L (BJJ low-dose, 0.9 g/kg/day), BJJ-M (BJJ medium-dose, 1.8 g/kg/day), and BJJ-H (BJJ high-dose, 3.6 g/kg/day) were administered to diabetic ApoE^−/− mice for 12 continuous weeks. The normal control group consisted of 10 male C57BL/6J mice. Atherosclerosis plaques, vascular endothelial function, fasting blood glucose, lipid metabolism, inflammatory factors, NLRP3 inflammasome expression, and mitochondria and autophagy changes were evaluated.

Results

The atherosclerotic lesions areas in the aortas were analyzed through Oil Red O and H&E staining, and they were reduced in the BJJ-H and BJJ-M groups. In the BJJ group, endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels were decreased, whereas endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was increased. Fasting blood glucose levels in the BJJ and ATV groups were gradually decreased. Lipid metabolism parameters such as TG, TC, and LDL-C were reduced, while HDL-C was elevated in BJJ groups. The serum IL-1β and IL-18 were decreased under BJJ therapy. The aortic mRNA and protein expressions of NF-κB, TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and IL-1β were inhibited in BJJ-H and BJJ-M groups, especially in the BJJ-H group. Electron microscopy revealed an increase in autophagy in each treatment group.

Conclusions

The findings reveal that BJJ could alleviate diabetic atherosclerosis in diabetic ApoE^−/− mice by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome.

Astragaloside IV alleviates PM2.5-caused lung toxicity by inhibiting inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis via NLRP3/caspase-1 axis inhibition in mice

Exposure to particulate matter (PM)2.5 in air pollution is a serious health issue worldwide. At present, effective prevention measures and modalities of treatment for PM2.5-caused lung toxicity are lacking. This study elucidated the protective effect of astragaloside IV (Ast), a natural product from Astragalus membranaceous Bunge, against PM2.5-caused lung toxicity and its possible molecular mechanisms. The mice model of lung toxicity was performed by intratracheal instillation of PM2.5 dust suspension. The investigation was performed with Ast or in combination with nigericin, which is a NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) activator. The results revealed that PM2.5 lead significant lung inflammation and promoted the pyroptosis pattern of cell death by upregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and causing oxidative stress related to the NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis pathway. Ast protected against PM2.5 resulted lung toxicity via suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis via NLRP3/caspase-1 axis inhibition, thereby protecting the lung against PM2.5-induced lung inflammation and oxidative damage, eventually resulting in prolonged survival in mice. Nigericin partially reversed the protective effects of Ast. The present research provides new insights into the therapeutic potential of Ast, demonstrating that it might be a possible candidate for the prevention of PM2.5-caused respiratory diseases. Targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome might be a novel therapeutic tactic for PM2.5-caused respiratory diseases.

Potential Mechanisms and Effects of Chinese Medicines in Treatment of Diabetic Atherosclerosis by Modulating NLRP3 Inflammasome: A Narrative Review

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) is an intracellular sensor that detects endogenous danger signals and environmental irritants to assemble into the NLRP3 inflammasome. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome leads to the secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines interleutkin (IL)-1β and IL-18 and induces pyroptosis. Recent studies have shown that the NLRP3 inflammasome participates in the initiation and progression of diabetic atherosclerosis through pathological mechanisms such as β-cell dysfunction, insulin resistance, endothelial cell dysfunction, monocyte adhesion and infiltration, and smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration. In diabetic atherosclerosis, Chinese medicine has been proven effective for the inflammatory response mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome. This review summarizes the latest progress on the NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathogenesis and potential Chinese medicine treatment of diabetic atherosclerosis.

(-)-Epicatechin Ameliorates Monosodium Urate-Induced Acute Gouty Arthritis Through Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome and the NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Background: Gouty arthritis is a common and complex inflammatory disease that will reduce the life quality of human beings (-)-Epicatechin (EC) is famous for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of EC on gouty arthritis and its mechanisms. Methods and results: EC was added into a monosodium urate (MSU)-stimulated THP-1 cell that was induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in advance to establish a gout model in vitro. The efficiency of EC on acute gouty arthritis mice induced by MSU was further investigated. The results showed that EC concentration-dependently improved the cell viability of LPS and MSU stimulated THP-1 cells, and significantly alleviated MSU-induced ankle edema in mice in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, EC inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells and local cascular congestion in ankle joint tissue. Furthermore, the secretion of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and TNF-α) activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB signaling pathway were markedly suppressed by EC in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: These results indicated that EC could effectively improve MSU-induced acute gouty arthritis via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome and the NF-κB signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo, which suggested that EC might be a promising active ingredient for the prevention and treatment of gouty arthritis.

Povidone iodine suppresses LPS-induced inflammation by inhibiting TLR4/MyD88 formation in airway epithelial cells

Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) is an antiseptic and a disinfectant with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against various pathogens. However, it is unclear whether PVP-I nasal instillation can suppress mucosal inflammation in non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) mice. This study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory effects and underlying molecular mechanism of PVP-I on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated airway epithelial cells and investigate whether nasal instillation of PVP-I can suppress mucosal inflammation in non-eosinophilic CRS mice. Inflammation-related molecules in the nasal epithelial cells and non-eosinophilic CRS mice were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunoprecipitation, and histopathological analysis. PVP-I blocked expressions of various inflammation-related molecules, such as NLRP3, NF-κB-p65, caspase-1, and IL-1β. Translocation of NF-κB to the nucleus, and assembly of NLRP3/ASC complexes in the nasal epithelial cells and non-eosinophilic CRS mice were also restricted. Notably, PVP-I strongly blocked the receptor co-localization of TLR4 and MyD88 in the epithelial cells of nasal mucosa. We demonstrated that PVP-I significantly attenuated inflammatory molecules and cytokines via blocking the formation of TLR4 and MyD88 complexes during LPS-induced mucosal inflammation in non-eosinophilic CRS.

Tetramethylpyrazine Alleviates Endothelial Glycocalyx Degradation and Promotes Glycocalyx Restoration via TLR4/NF-κB/HPSE1 Signaling Pathway During Inflammation

Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), a Chinese traditional herbal extraction widely used in treating cardiovascular diseases, could attenuate vascular endothelial injuries, but the underlying mechanism remains incomprehensive. Vascular glycocalyx coating on the endothelium would be damaged and caused endothelial dysfunction in the inflammatory microenvironment, which was the initial factor of morbidity of many vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis (AS). Here, we thoroughly investigated the molecular mechanism of TMP on vascular endothelial glycocalyx in the LPS-induced inflammatory model both in vitro and in vivo. Results showed that pretreatment with TMP significantly inhibited glycocalyx degradation and monocytes adhesion to the endothelial process. Moreover, TMP pretreatment inhibited the expression of HPSE1 (a major degrading enzyme of endothelial glycocalyx), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and the translocation of nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65). We were utilized withTLR4 siRNA, NF-κB inhibitor, and HPSE1 overexpression analysis confirmed TMP's protection on endothelial glycocalyx injury, which further contributed to the monocyte-endothelial adhesion process. It was indicated that TMP might suppress glycocalyx degradation through TLR4/NF-κB/HPSE1 signaling pathway. Taken together, our results enriched the occurrence molecular mechanism of glycocalyx shedding and molecular regulation mechanism of TMP in protecting integrity of the glycocalyx structure during inflammation. As TMP is currently used in clinical applications, it may be considered a novel strategy against atherosclerosis through its ability to protect endothelial glycocalyx.

Astragaloside IV Relieves Atherosclerosis and Hepatic Steatosis via MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in LDLR−/− Mice

Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is the main active compound of Astragalus membranaceus. In this study, we investigated whether AS-IV could attenuate atherosclerosis and hepatic steatosis in LDLR−/−mice and its potential mechanisms. After 12 weeks of high fat diet, the LDLR−/−mice were randomly divided into four groups. Then, the mice were administrated with 0.9% saline or AS-IV (10 mg/kg) or atorvastatin (1.3 mg/kg) for 12 weeks. Serum lipid profiles and inflammatory cytokines were detected by ELISA, hepatic TC and TG by colorimetric enzymatic kits, gene expression by RT-qPCR, plaque sizes by H&E staining, Oil Red O, liver pathology by H&E staining, collagen content by Masson, α-SMA, caspase-3 and NF-κB p65 production by immunofluorescence staining. MAPK/NF-κB pathway and inflammation related proteins were detected by Western Blot. The results showed that AS-IV decreased the levels of serum lipids, reduced plaque area and increased plaque stability in HFD-induced LDLR−/− mice. AS-IV also decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the serum, aortas and liver tissue, and NF-κB p65 in aortic roots. The phosphorylation of JNK, ERK1/2, p38 and NF-κB, and inflammatory proteins (iNOS, VCAM-1and IL-6) was inhibited in AS-IV-treated group. In summary, AS-IV inhibited inflammation to attenuate atherosclerosis and hepatic steatosis via MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway in LDLR−/− mice.

The Molecular Pathways of Pyroptosis in Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease seriously endangering human health, whose occurrence and development is related to many factors. Pyroptosis is a recently identified novel programmed cell death associated with an inflammatory response and involved in the formation and progression of AS by activating different signaling pathways. Protein modifications of the sirtuin family and microRNAs (miRNAs) can directly or indirectly affect pyroptosis-related molecules. It is important to link atherosclerosis, thermogenesis and molecular modifications. This article will systematically review the molecular pathways of pyroptosis in AS, which can provide a new perspective for AS prevention and treatment.

Tetrahydropalmatine Alleviates Hyperlipidemia by Regulating Lipid Peroxidation, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, and Inflammasome Activation by Inhibiting the TLR4-NF-κB Pathway

Hyperlipidemia (HLP) is a lipid metabolism disorder that can induce a series of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease, and stroke, which seriously threaten human health. Tetrahydropalmatine (THP) is a component of the plant Rhizoma corydalis and has been shown to exert hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in HLP. However, whether THP regulates lipid peroxidation in hyperlipidemia, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and inflammasome activation and even the underlying protective mechanism against HLP remain unclear. An animal model of HLP was established by feeding a high-fat diet to golden hamsters. Our results showed that THP reduced the body weight and adipose index; decreased the serum content of ALT, AST, TC, TG, and LDL-C; decreased the free fatty acid hepatic lipid content (liver index, TC, TG, and free fatty acid); inhibited oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation; extenuated hepatic steatosis; and inhibited ER stress and inflammasome activation in high-fat diet-fed golden hamsters. In addition, for the first time, the potential mechanism by which THP protects against HLP through the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway was demonstrated. In conclusion, these data indicate that THP attenuates HLP through a variety of effects, including antioxidative stress, anti-ER stress, and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, THP also inhibited the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway in golden hamsters.

Melatonin Exerts Cardioprotective Effects by Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome-Induced Pyroptosis in Mice following Myocardial Infarction

Myocardial infarction- (MI-) induced myocardial damage is mainly attributed to the loss of cardiomyocytes. Pyroptosis is a newly recognized form of programmed cell necrosis that is associated with the progression of MI. Melatonin has been shown to exert cardioprotective effects against cardiac damage in multiple cardiovascular diseases. However, the effect of melatonin on pyroptosis-induced cardiac injury in MI has not been elucidated. Herein, we found that melatonin administration ameliorated cardiac dysfunction and reduced cardiomyocyte death both in mice following coronary artery ligation and in H9C2 cells exposed to hypoxia. The results also showed that pyroptosis was induced both in vivo and in vitro, as evidenced by increased NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, GSDMD-N, and mature IL-1β and IL-18 levels, and these changes were decreased by melatonin treatment. Furthermore, we observed that TLR4 and NF-κB levels were increased by MI or hypoxia, and these increases were reversed by melatonin. The antipyroptotic action of melatonin was abrogated by treatment with an agonist of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Our results indicate that melatonin can exert cardioprotective effects by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-induced pyroptosis through modulation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and provide strong evidence for the utility of melatonin in the treatment of MI.

The therapeutic effect and mechanism of Qishen Yiqi dripping pills on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and diabetic complications

The alterations in vascular homeostasis is deeply involved in the development of numerous diseases, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, and diabetic complications. Changes in blood flow and endothelial permeability caused by vascular dysfunction are the common mechanisms for these three types of diseases. The disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism can result in changes of the energy production patterns in endothelium and surrounding cells which may consequently cause local energy metabolic disorders, oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) follows the principle of the "treatment by the syndrome differentiation". TCM considers of that coronary heart disease, stroke and diabetes complications all as the type of "Qi deficiency and Blood stasis" syndrome, which mainly happens to the vascular system. Therefore, the common pathogenesis of these three types of diseases suggests the treatment strategy by TCM should be in a close manner and named as "treating different diseases by the same treatment". Qishen Yiqi dripping pills is a modern Chinese herbal medicine which has been widely used for treatment of patients with coronary heart disease characterized as "Qi deficiency and blood stasis" in China. Recently, many clinical reports have demonstrated the potent therapeutic effects of Qishen Yiqi dripping pills on ischemic stroke and diabetic nephropathy. Based on these reports, we will summarize the clinical applications of Qishen Yiqi dripping pills on coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke and diabetic nephropathy, including the involved mechanisms with basic researches.

Astragaloside IV ameliorates diabetic nephropathy in db/db mice by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome‑mediated inflammation

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a primary cause of end‑stage renal disease. Despite the beneficial effects of astragaloside IV (AS)‑IV on renal disease, the underlying mechanism of its protective effects against DN has not been fully determined. The aims of the present study were to assess the effects of AS‑IV against DN in db/db mice and to explore the mechanism of AS‑IV involving the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), caspase‑1 and interleukin (IL)‑1β pathways. The 8‑week‑old db/db mice received 40 mg/kg AS‑IV once a day for 12 weeks via intragastric administration. Cultured mouse podocytes were used to further confirm the underlying mechanism in vitro. AS‑IV effectively reduced weight gain, hyperglycemia and the serum triacylglycerol concentration in db/db mice. AS‑IV also reduced urinary albumin excretion, urinary albumin‑to‑creatinine ratio and creatinine clearance rate, as well as improved renal structural changes, accompanied by the upregulation of the podocyte markers podocin and synaptopodin. AS‑IV significantly inhibited the expression levels of NLRP3, caspase‑1 and IL‑1β in the renal cortex, and reduced the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‑α and monocyte chemoattractant protein‑1. In high glucose‑induced podocytes, AS‑IV significantly improved the expression levels of NLRP3, pro‑caspase‑1 and caspase‑1, and inhibited the cell viability decrease in a dose‑dependent manner, while NLRP3 overexpression eliminated the effect of AS‑IV on podocyte injury and the inhibition of the NLRP3 and caspase‑1 pathways. The data obtained from in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that AS‑IV ameliorated renal functions and podocyte injury and delayed the development of DN in db/db mice via anti‑NLRP3 inflammasome‑mediated inflammation.