ZNF561-AS1 Regulates Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis in Myocardial Infarction Through miR-223-3p/NLRP3 Axis

Integrated Analysis of Gene Expression and Immune Cell Infiltration Reveals Dysregulated Genes and miRNAs in Acute Kidney Injury

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a multifaceted condition characterised by rapid deterioration of renal function, often precipitated by diverse etiologies. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular underpinnings of AKI is pivotal for identifying potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. This study utilised bioinformatics to elucidate gene expression and immune infiltration in AKI. Publicly available mRNA and miRNA datasets were harnessed to discern differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and miRNAs in AKI. The CIBERSORT algorithm was employed to quantify immune cell infiltration in AKI samples. Functional enrichment analyses were conducted to unravel the implicated biological processes. Furthermore, the expression of identified genes and miRNAs was validated by quantitative real-time PCR in an AKI model. Our study revealed significant dysregulation of three genes (Aspn, Clec2h, Tmigd1) and two miRNAs (mmu-miR-21a-3p, mmu-miR-223-3p) in AKI, each with p < 0.0001. These molecular markers are implicated in immune responses, tissue remodelling, and inflammation. We observed notable disturbances in specific immune cells, including activated and immature dendritic cells, M1 macrophages, and subsets of T cells (Treg, Th1, Th17). These alterations correlated significantly with AKI pathology, with dendritic cells and M1 macrophages showing p < 0.01, and T cell subsets demonstrating p < 0.05. These results highlight the intricate involvement of the immune system in AKI and indicate significant enrichment of pathways related to immune response, inflammation, and tissue remodelling, pointing to their pivotal roles in AKI pathophysiology. Our study underscored the significance of immune cell infiltration and dysregulated gene and miRNA expression in AKI. The identified genes (Clec2h, Aspn, and Tmigd1) and miRNAs (mmu-miR-21a-3p and mmu-miR-223-3p) offer potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic avenues for AKI. Subsequent investigations targeting these genes and miRNAs, along with the elucidated pathways, may augment the clinical management and outcomes for AKI patients.

High-Density Lipoproteins at the Interface between the NLRP3 Inflammasome and Myocardial Infarction

Despite significant therapeutic advancements, morbidity and mortality following myocardial infarction (MI) remain unacceptably high. This clinical challenge is primarily attributed to two significant factors: delayed reperfusion and the myocardial injury resulting from coronary reperfusion. Following reperfusion, there is a rapid intracellular pH shift, disruption of ionic balance, heightened oxidative stress, increased activity of proteolytic enzymes, initiation of inflammatory responses, and activation of several cell death pathways, encompassing apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis. The inflammatory cell death or pyroptosis encompasses the activation of the intracellular multiprotein complex known as the NLRP3 inflammasome. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are endogenous particles whose components can either promote or mitigate the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In this comprehensive review, we explore the role of inflammasome activation in the context of MI and provide a detailed analysis of how HDL can modulate this process.

NLRP3 inflammasome involves in the pathophysiology of sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction by multiple mechanisms

Sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD) is one of the serious health-affecting problems worldwide. At present, the mechanisms of SIMD are still not clearly elucidated. The NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been assumed to be involved in the pathophysiology of SIMD by regulating multiple biological processes. NLRP3 inflammasome and its related signaling pathways might affect the regulation of inflammation, autophagy, apoptosis, and pyroptosis in SIMD. A few molecular specific inhibitors of NLRP3 inflammasome (e.g., Melatonin, Ulinastatin, Irisin, Nifuroxazide, and Ginsenoside Rg1, etc.) have been developed, which showed a promising anti-inflammatory effect in a cellular or animal model of SIMD. These experimental findings indicated that NLRP3 inflammasome could be a promising therapeutic target for SIMD treatment. However, the clinical translation of NLRP3 inhibitors for treating SIMD still requires robust in vivo and preclinical trials.