Plumbagin rescues the granulosa cell's pyroptosis by reducing WTAP-mediated N6-methylation in polycystic ovary syndrome

Inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome-A potential mechanistic therapeutic for treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome?

This review article explores the relationship between the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and the risk of developing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The NLRP3 inflammasome, a fundamental element of the innate immune system, plays a crucial role in the production of proinflammatory mediators and pyroptosis, a type inflammatory cell death. We conducted a thorough search on scientific databases to gather relevant information on this topic, utilizing relevant keywords. The reviewed studies indicated a correlation between PCOS and a higher incidence of granulosa cell (GC) death and the presence of ovarian tissue fibrosis. NLRP3 inflammasome stimulation and subsequent pyroptosis in GCs play a significant role in the pathophysiology of PCOS. Active NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in the production of inflammatory mediators like interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18, contributing to the development of PCOS, particularly in overweight patients. Therefore, inhibiting NLRP3 activation and pyroptosis could potentially offer novel therapeutic strategies for PCOS. Some limited studies have explored the use of agents with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as gene therapy approaches, to target the NLRP3 and pyroptosis signaling pathways. This study overview the understanding of the relationship between NLRP3 inflammasome activation, pyroptosis, and PCOS. It highlights the potential of targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome as an approach for treating PCOS. Nonetheless, further research and clinical trials are imperative to validate these results and explore the effectiveness of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition in the management of PCOS.

Signaling pathways and targeted therapeutic strategies for polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. Although promising strides have been made in the field of PCOS over the past decades, the distinct etiologies of this syndrome are not fully elucidated. Prenatal factors, genetic variation, epigenetic mechanisms, unhealthy lifestyles, and environmental toxins all contribute to the development of this intricate and highly heterogeneous metabolic, endocrine, reproductive, and psychological disorder. Moreover, interactions between androgen excess, insulin resistance, disruption to the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary (HPO) axis, and obesity only make for a more complex picture. In this review, we investigate and summarize the related molecular mechanisms underlying PCOS pathogenesis from the perspective of the level of signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt, TGF-β/Smads, Wnt/β-catenin, and Hippo/YAP. Additionally, this review provides an overview of prospective therapies, such as exosome therapy, gene therapy, and drugs based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and natural compounds. By targeting these aberrant pathways, these interventions primarily alleviate inflammation, insulin resistance, androgen excess, and ovarian fibrosis, which are typical symptoms of PCOS. Overall, we hope that this paper will pave the way for better understanding and management of PCOS in the future.

Role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in gynecological disease

The NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is involved in the innate immune system and is a three-part macromolecular complex comprising the NLRP3 protein, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) and the cysteine protease pro-caspase-1. When the NLRP3 inflammasome is activated, it can produce interleukin (IL)- 1β and IL-18 and eventually lead to inflammatory cell pyroptosis. Related studies have demonstrated that the NLRP3 inflammasome can induce an immune response and is related to the occurrence and development of gynecological diseases, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome and breast cancer. NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors are beneficial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and tissue health and have been found effective in targeting some gynecological diseases. However, excessive inhibitor concentrations have been found to cause adverse effects. Therefore, proper control of NLRP3 inflammasome activity is critical. This paper summarizes the structure and function of the NLRP3 inflammasome and highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting it in gynecological diseases, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome and breast cancer The application of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors is also discussed.

Identification of a novel pyroptosis-related gene signature in human spermatogenic dysfunction

PURPOSE

To reveal the underlying roles that pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) played in human spermatogenic dysfunction.

METHODS

One discovery set and three validation sets were employed to inspect the previously reported 33 PRGs in the human testis with different status of spermatogenesis. PRGs that differentially expressed in all sets were considered as key differentially expressed pyroptosis-related genes (PR-DEGs). The relationships between key PR-DEGs and samples' clinicopathological, therapeutic, and immune patterns were respectively studied. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNS-seq) analyses were conducted to show the expression changes and related mechanisms of key PR-DEGs at a single-cell resolution.

RESULTS

CASP4 and GPX4 were identified as two key PR-DEGs. These two genes were significantly dysregulated in spermatogenic dysfunctional samples, but with opposite tendency. CASP4 was negatively correlated with Johnsen scores but positively correlated with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels (all p < 0.05), while GPX4 exhibited significant positive correlations with Johnsen scores and negative relevance with FSH. For treatments, both molecules showed a prospective value of being predictors for sperm retrieval surgeries. Moreover, CASP4 and GPX4 were potential immunoregulators in the testicular immune microenvironment and showed significant correlations to testicular macrophages and mast cell infiltration. In scRNA-seq analyses, GPX4 was highly expressed in germ cells, which therefore suffered a sharp reduction with the loss of germ cells in spermatogenic dysfunction. On the other hand, CASP4 were basically somatic cell-derived, and the proportion of CASP4-positive Leydig cells significantly increased in disease testes (p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

In all, we revealed two key PRGs of human testes that might be functional in spermatogenic dysfunction.

Current Advances in Cellular Approaches for Pathophysiology and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent gynecological and endocrine disorder that results in irregular menstruation, incomplete follicular development, disrupted ovulation, and reduced fertility rates among affected women of reproductive age. While these symptoms can be managed through appropriate medication and lifestyle interventions, both etiology and treatment options remain limited. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in cellular approaches utilized for investigating the pathophysiology of PCOS through in vitro cell models, to avoid the confounding systemic effects such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) therapy. The primary objective is to enhance the understanding of abnormalities in PCOS-associated folliculogenesis, particularly focusing on the aberrant roles of granulosa cells and other relevant cell types. Furthermore, this article encompasses analyses of the mechanisms and signaling pathways, microRNA expression and target genes altered in PCOS, and explores the pharmacological approaches considered as potential treatments. By summarizing the aforementioned key findings, this article not only allows us to appreciate the value of using in vitro cell models, but also provides guidance for selecting suitable research models to facilitate the identification of potential treatments and understand the pathophysiology of PCOS at the cellular level.

The Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Obesity and PCOS-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Inflammasomes have recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of several chronic inflammatory disorders, such as diabetes and obesity. The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the possible role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify studies investigating NLRP3 its related components (Caspase 1, ASC and IL-1β) in adipose tissue and/or blood from obese individuals compared to non-obese controls. Another search was conducted for studies investigating NLRP3 in PCOS women and animal models. The ssearched databases included Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Clinicaltrials.gov, the EU Clinical Trials Register and the WHO International Clinical Trials Register. The quality and risk of bias for the included articles were assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Data were extracted and pooled using RevMan software for the calculation of the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Twelve eligible studies were included in the obesity systematic review and nine in the PCOS review. Of the obesity studies, nine (n = 270) were included in the meta-analysis, which showed a significantly higher adipose tissue NLRP3 gene expression in obese (n = 186) versus non-obese (n = 84) participants (SMD 1.07; 95% CI, 0.27, 1.87). Pooled analysis of adipose tissue IL-1β data from four studies showed significantly higher IL-1β gene expression levels in adipose tissue from 88 obese participants versus 39 non-obese controls (SMD 0.56; 95% CI, 0.13, 0.99). Meta-analysis of adipose tissue ASC data from four studies showed a significantly higher level in obese (n = 109) versus non-obese (n = 42) individuals (SMD 0.91, 95% CI, 0.30, 1.52). Of the nine PCOS articles, three were human (n = 185) and six were animal studies utilizing PCOS rat/mouse models. All studies apart from one article consistently showed upregulated NLRP3 and its components in PCOS women and animal models. In conclusion, obesity and PCOS seem to be associated with upregulated expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components. Further research is required to validate these findings and to elucidate the role of NLRP3 in obesity and PCOS.

Roles of RNA Methylations in Cancer Progression, Autophagy, and Anticancer Drug Resistance

RNA methylations play critical roles in RNA processes, including RNA splicing, nuclear export, nonsense-mediated RNA decay, and translation. Regulators of RNA methylations have been shown to be differentially expressed between tumor tissues/cancer cells and adjacent tissues/normal cells. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal modification of RNAs in eukaryotes. m6A regulators include m6A writers, m6A demethylases, and m6A binding proteins. Since m6A regulators play important roles in regulating the expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, targeting m6A regulators can be a strategy for developing anticancer drugs. Anticancer drugs targeting m6A regulators are in clinical trials. m6A regulator-targeting drugs could enhance the anticancer effects of current chemotherapy drugs. This review summarizes the roles of m6A regulators in cancer initiation and progression, autophagy, and anticancer drug resistance. The review also discusses the relationship between autophagy and anticancer drug resistance, the effect of high levels of m6A on autophagy and the potential values of m6A regulators as diagnostic markers and anticancer therapeutic targets.