MicroRNA-302b negatively regulates IL-1β production in response to MSU crystals by targeting IRAK4 and EphA2

IL-1 receptor-associated kinase family proteins: An overview of their role in liver disease

The interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) family is a group of serine-threonine kinases that regulates various cellular processes via toll-like receptor (TLR)/interleukin-1 receptor (IL1R)-mediated signaling. The IRAK family comprises four members, including IRAK1, IRAK2, IRAK3, and IRAK4, which play an important role in the expression of various inflammatory genes, thereby contributing to the inflammatory response. IRAKs are key proteins in chronic and acute liver diseases, and recent evidence has implicated IRAK family proteins (IRAK1, IRAK3, and IRAK4) in the progression of liver-related disorders, including alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, hepatitis virus infection, acute liver failure, liver ischemia-reperfusion injury, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the role of IRAK family proteins and their associated inflammatory signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of liver diseases. The purpose of this study is to explore whether IRAK family proteins can serve as the main target for the treatment of liver related diseases.

Traditional herbal medicine: Therapeutic potential in acute gouty arthritis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Acute gouty arthritis (AGA) is characterized by a rapid inflammatory reaction caused by the build-up of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in the tissues surrounding the joints. This condition often associated with hyperuricemia (HUA), is distinguished by its symptoms of intense pain, active inflammation, and swelling of the joints. Traditional approaches in AGA management often fall short of desired outcomes in clinical settings. However, recent ethnopharmacological investigations have been focusing on the potential of Traditional Herbal Medicine (THM) in various forms, exploring their therapeutic impact and targets in AGA treatment.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review briefly summarizes the current potential pharmacological mechanisms of THMs - including active ingredients, extracts, and prescriptions -in the treatment of AGA, and discusses the relevant potential mechanisms and molecular targets in depth. The objective of this study is to offer extensive information and a reference point for the exploration of targeted AGA treatment using THMs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This review obtained scientific publications focused on in vitro and in vivo studies of anti-AGA THMs conducted between 2013 and 2023. The literature was collected from various journals and electronic databases, including PubMed, Elsevier, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The retrieval and analysis of relevant articles were guided by keywords such as "acute gouty arthritis and Chinese herbal medicine," "acute gouty arthritis herbal prescription," "acute gouty arthritis and immune cells," "acute gouty arthritis and inflammation," "acute gouty arthritis and NOD-like receptor thermoprotein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3)," "acute gouty arthritis and miRNA," and "acute gouty arthritis and oxidative stress."

RESULTS

We found that AGA has a large number of therapeutic targets, highlighting the effectiveness the potential of THMs in AGA treatment through in vitro and in vivo studies. THMs and their active ingredients can mitigate AGA symptoms through a variety of therapeutic targets, such as influencing macrophage polarization, neutrophils, T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and addressing factors like inflammation, NLRP3 inflammasome, signaling pathways, oxidative stress, and miRNA multi-target interactions. The anti-AGA properties of THMs, including their active components and prescriptions, were systematically summarized and categorized based on their respective therapeutic targets.

CONCLUSION

phenolic, flavonoid, terpenoid and alkaloid compounds in THMs are considered the key ingredients to improve AGA. THMs and their active ingredients achieve enhanced efficacy through interactions with multiple targets, of which NLRP3 is a main therapeutic target. Nonetheless, given the intricate composition of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), additional research is required to unravel the underlying mechanisms and molecular targets through which THMs alleviate AGA.

Restoration of epigenetic impairment in the skeletal muscle and chronic inflammation resolution as a therapeutic approach in sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is an age-associated loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function, accompanied by severe adverse health outcomes, such as falls and fractures, functional decline, high health costs, and mortality. Hence, its prevention and treatment have become increasingly urgent. However, despite the wide prevalence and extensive research on sarcopenia, no FDA-approved disease-modifying drugs exist. This is probably due to a poor understanding of the mechanisms underlying its pathophysiology. Recent evidence demonstrate that sarcopenia development is characterized by two key elements: (i) epigenetic dysregulation of multiple molecular pathways associated with sarcopenia pathogenesis, such as protein remodeling, insulin resistance, mitochondria impairments, and (ii) the creation of a systemic, chronic, low-grade inflammation (SCLGI). In this review, we focus on the epigenetic regulators that have been implicated in skeletal muscle deterioration, their individual roles, and possible crosstalk. We also discuss epidrugs, which are the pharmaceuticals with the potential to restore the epigenetic mechanisms deregulated in sarcopenia. In addition, we discuss the mechanisms underlying failed SCLGI resolution in sarcopenia and the potential application of pro-resolving molecules, comprising specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) and their stable mimetics and receptor agonists. These compounds, as well as epidrugs, reveal beneficial effects in preclinical studies related to sarcopenia. Based on these encouraging observations, we propose the combination of epidrugs with SCLI-resolving agents as a new therapeutic approach for sarcopenia that can effectively attenuate of its manifestations.

Pathogenesis of gout: Exploring more therapeutic target

Gout is a chronic metabolic and immune disease, and its specific pathogenesis is still unclear. When the serum uric acid exceeds its saturation in the blood or tissue fluid, it is converted to monosodium urate crystals, which lead to acute arthritis of varying degrees, urinary stones, or irreversible peripheral joint damage, and in severe cases, impairment of vital organ function. Gout flare is a clinically significant state of acute inflammation in gout. The current treatment is mostly anti-inflammatory analgesics, which have numerous side effects with limited treatment methods. Gout pathogenesis involves many aspects. Therefore, exploring gout pathogenesis from multiple perspectives is conducive to identifying more therapeutic targets and providing safer and more effective alternative treatment options for patients with gout flare. Thus, this article is of great significance for further exploring the pathogenesis of gout. The author summarizes the pathogenesis of gout from four aspects: signaling pathways, inflammatory factors, intestinal flora, and programmed cell death, focusing on exploring more new therapeutic targets.

Pipeline Therapies for Gout

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Despite effective available treatments, gout management is often unsuccessful in getting patients to target serum urate goal and in managing flares in the setting of comorbidities. Studies addressing future treatment options for short- and long-term management are reviewed.

RECENT FINDINGS

URAT-1 blocking agents have been helpful but have had limitations related to effects on renal function, lack of efficacy with renal impairment, and potential to increase renal stones. Dotinurad may function in the setting of decreased renal function. Arhalofenate has anti-URAT-1 activity and may also blunt gout flares. A new xanthine oxidase inhibitor (XOI), tigulixostat, is under study. New uricase treatments manufactured in combination with agents that can reduce immunogenicity may make uricase treatment simpler. A unique strategy of inhibiting gut uricase may offer the benefits of avoiding systemic absorption. For gout flares, IL-1β inhibitor studies in progress include different dosing schedules. Dapansutrile, an oral agent under investigation, inhibits activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and may be an effective anti-inflammatory. New treatments for gout that are under study may work in the setting of comorbidities, simplify management, utilize new mechanisms, or have reduced side effects.

Glibenclamide-Loaded Nanoparticles Reduce NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Modulate miR-223-3p/miR-7-1-5p Expression in THP-1 Cells

The anti-hyperglycemic drug glibenclamide (Glb) might represent an interesting therapeutic option in human neurodegenerative diseases because of its anti-inflammatory activity and its ability to downregulate activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Bi-functionalized liposomes that can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) may be used to release Glb into the central nervous system (CNS), overcoming its poor solubility and bioavailability. Here, we analyzed in vitro the effect of Glb-loaded nanovectors (GNVs) and Glb itself on NLRP3 inflammasome activation using a lipopolysaccharide- and nigericine-activated THP-1 cell model. Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) aggregation and NLRP3-related cytokine (IL-1β, caspase 1, and IL-18) production and gene expression, as well as the concentration of miR-223-3p and miR-7-1-5p, known to modulate the NLRP3 inflammasome, were evaluated in all conditions. Results showed that both GNVs and Glb reduced significantly ASC-speck oligomerization, transcription and translation of NLRP3, as well as the secretion of caspase 1 and IL-1β (p < 0.05 for all). Unexpectedly, GNVs/Glb significantly suppressed miR-223-3p and upregulated miR-7-1-5p expression (p < 0.01). These preliminary results thus suggest that GNVs, similarly to Glb, are able to dampen NLRP3 inflammasome activation, inflammatory cytokine release, and modulate miR-223-3p/miR-7-1-5p. Although the mechanisms underlying the complex relation among these elements remain to be further investigated, these results can open new roads to the use of GNVs as a novel strategy to reduce inflammasome activation in disease and rehabilitation.

Sirt3 improves monosodium urate crystal-induced inflammation by suppressing Acod1 expression

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have revealed that Sirt3 deficiency is associated with several inflammatory responses. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role and potential molecular mechanisms of Sirt3 in the inflammation induced by monosodium urate (MSU) crystals.

METHODS

The Sirt3 expression level in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with gout was measured. Function and molecular mechanism of Sirt3 in MSU crystal-induced inflammation were investigated in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), C57BL/6 mouse, and Sirt3^-/- mouse.

RESULTS

Sirt3 expression was decreased in the PBMCs of patients with gout. Sirt3 agonist (Viniferin) inhibited the acetylation levels of mitochondrial proteins including the SOD2 protein. RNA sequencing, bio-informatics analysis, RT-PCR, and Western blot demonstrated that Sirt3 could suppress the expression of Acod1 (Irg1), which plays an important role in gout. In BMDMs treated with palmitic acid (C16:0) plus MSU crystals, Acod1 knockdown repressed mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) over-production, macrophage migration, and mitochondrial fragmentation, and Acod1 improved AMPK activity. The over-expression of Acod1 did not significantly affect the level of itaconic acid, but greatly decreased the levels of some important intermediate metabolites of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. These data indicate that Acod1 exerts a pro-inflammatory role in MSU crystal-induced inflammation and is independent of the metabolic level of itaconic acid. Sirt3 deficiency exacerbates inflammatory response induced by MSU crystals in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

The current study has shown that Sirt3 can alleviate the MSU crystal-induced inflammation by inhibiting the expression of Acod1.

Immune and inflammatory mechanisms and therapeutic targets of gout: An update

Gout is an autoimmune disease characterized by acute or chronic inflammation and damage to bone joints induced due to the precipitation of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. In recent years, with the continuous development of animal models and ongoing clinical investigations, more immune cells and inflammatory factors have been found to play roles in gouty inflammation. The inflammatory network involved in gout has been discovered, providing a new perspective from which to develop targeted therapy for gouty inflammation. Studies have shown that neutrophil macrophages and T lymphocytes play important roles in the pathogenesis and resolution of gout, and some inflammatory cytokines, such as those in the interleukin-1 (IL-1) family, have been shown to play anti-inflammatory or proinflammatory roles in gouty inflammation, but the mechanisms underlying their roles are unclear. In this review, we explore the roles of inflammatory cytokines, inflammasomes and immune cells in the course of gout development and the research status of therapeutic drugs used for inflammation to provide insights into future targeted therapy for gouty inflammation and the direction of gout pathogenesis research.

Regulation of Inflammasome by microRNAs in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: New Opportunities for Therapy

During the past decade, researchers have investigated the molecular mechanisms of breast cancer initiation and progression, especially triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), in order to identify specific biomarkers that could serve as feasible targets for innovative therapeutic strategies development. TNBC is characterized by a dynamic and aggressive nature, due to the absence of estrogen, progesterone and human epidermal growth factor 2 receptors. TNBC progression is associated with the dysregulation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, followed by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and caspase-1 dependent cell death, termed pyroptosis. The heterogeneity of the breast tumor microenvironment triggers the interest of non-coding RNAs' involvement in NLRP3 inflammasome assembly, TNBC progression and metastasis. Non-coding RNAs are paramount regulators of carcinogenesis and inflammasome pathways, which could help in the development of efficient treatments. This review aims to highlight the contribution of non-coding RNAs that support inflammasome activation and TNBC progression, pointing up their potential for clinical applications as biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy.

Research progress on microRNA in gout

Gout is a common form of arthritis caused by the deposition of sodium urate crystals in the joints and tissues around them. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs that have been shown to be involved in regulating the pathogenesis of gout through multiple cellular signaling pathways, which may be potential targets for the treatment of gout. In this review, we systematically discuss the regulatory roles of related miRNAs in gout, which will provide help for the treatment of gout and miRNAs is expected to become a potential biomarker for gout diagnosis.

Exploring RNA modifications, editing, and splicing changes in hyperuricemia and gout

Hyperuricemia and gout are two of the most common metabolic disorders worldwide; their incidence is increasing with changes in lifestyle, and they are correlated with many diseases, including renal and cardiovascular diseases. The majority of studies on hyperuricemia and gout have focused on the discovery of the associated genes and their functions and on the roles of monocytes and neutrophils in the development of gout. Virtually no studies investigating the epigenomics of gout disease or exploring the clinical significance of such research have been conducted. In this study, we observed that the expression of enzymes involved in RNA modifications or RNA editing was affected in uric acid (UA)- or monosodium urate (MSU)-treated cell lines. RNA alternative splicing and splicing factors were also affected by UA or MSU treatment. We used transcriptome sequencing to analyze genome-wide RNA splicing and RNA editing and found significant changes in RNA splicing and RNA editing in MSU- or UA-treated THP-1 and HEK293 cells. We further found significant changes of RNA modifications, editing, and splicing in patients with gout. The data indicate that RNA modifications, editing, and splicing play roles in gout. The findings of this study may help to understand the mechanism of RNA splicing and modifications in gout, facilitating the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Effects of the Dectin-2/TNF-α Pathway on Ventricular Arrhythmia after Acute Myocardial Infarction in Mice

Background

Inflammatory responses are involved in ischemic injuries and cardiac repair after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Dectin-2 is a C-type lectin receptor that induces cytokine production and promotes local inflammatory responses.

Methods

Sixty C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to a sham-surgery group, AMI group, or AMI + etanercept group, with 20 mice in each group. Programmed electrical stimulation (PES) was used to anesthetized mice to induce ventricular tachycardia. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot analysis were adopted to determine the expression and distribution of dectin-2 in heart tissues. The tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL) 4, and IL-5 levels in the serum were determined using ELISAs.

Results

The expression of dectin-2 and TNF-α was increased in the myocardium in AMI, and the susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmia (VA) was increased. The induction rate of VA was significantly decreased by etanercept. Compared with those in the sham-surgery group, the AMI group showed significantly higher serum TNF-α and IFN-γ levels and lower IL-4 and IL-5levels.

Conclusion

Dectin-2 intensifies the activation of the TNF-α immune reaction through the Th1 differentiation, which may increase vulnerability to VA in AMI.

MicroRNA-142-3p facilitates inflammatory response by targeting ZEB2 and activating NF-κB signaling in gouty arthritis

Gouty arthritis (GA) is caused by monosodium urate (MSU) crystal accumulation in the joints. MSU-mediated inflammation is an important inducing factor in gouty arthritis (GA). Recent studies have demonstrated that microRNAs can influence GA progression. Herein, the role and mechanism of miRNA-142-3p in GA were explored. To establish the in vitro and in vivo GA models, MSU was used to induce inflammatory response in human monocyte cell line THP-1 and male C57BL/6 mice. Protein levels, gene expression and proinflammatory cytokine secretion were respectively tested by Western blotting, RT-qPCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pathological changes in sagittal sections of ankle tissues were exhibited by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Binding relationship between miRNA-142-3p and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2) was predicted and confirmed by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay. In this study, MSU induced inflammatory response and upregulated miRNA-142-3p in THP-1 cells. Functionally, miRNA-142-3p knockdown inhibited inflammatory response in MSU-stimulated THP-1 cells and alleviated pathological symptoms of GA mice. Mechanically, miRNA-142-3p targeted ZEB2 in THP-1 cells. ZEB2 expression was elevated in MSU-administrated THP-1 cells and GA mice. ZEB2 downregulation reserved the inhibitory effect of miRNA-142-3p deficiency on inflammatory response in MSU-treated THP-1 cells. In addition, miRNA-142-3p activated NF-κB signaling by binding with ZEB2 in THP-1 cells upon MSU stimulation. Overall, miRNA-142-3p facilitates inflammatory response by targeting ZEB2 and activating NF-κB signaling in GA.

Role of microRNA alternation in the pathogenesis of gouty arthritis

Gouty arthritis is a common inflammatory disease. The condition is triggered by a disorder of uric acid metabolism, which causes urate deposition and gout flares. MicroRNAs are a class of conserved small non-coding RNAs that bind to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of mRNA and regulate the expression of a variety of proteins at the post-transcriptional level. In recent years, attention has been focused on the role of miRNAs in various inflammatory diseases, including gouty arthritis. It is thought that miRNAs may regulate immune function and inflammatory responses, thereby influencing the onset and progression of the disease. This article mainly reviewed the roles of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of gouty arthritis and prospected their potential as diagnostic and prognostic relevant biomarkers and as possible therapeutic targets.

The epigenome: key to understanding and predicting gout flares

Gout is a form of arthritis, resulting from an inflammatory reaction to the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in the synovial fluid of the joint space. It is characterised by periods of acute inflammation in the affected joint, or joints (known as gout flares), separated by asymptomatic periods. There seems to be substantial overlap between environmental triggers of gout flares and common environmental modifiers (diet, pharmaceuticals, and stress) of epigenetic markers (DNA methylation, histone modifications, and ncRNA). Very few studies have looked at whether environment is influencing gout through epigenetic mechanisms. The pathogenesis of gouty inflammation is well understood but understanding the variation of response to hyperuricaemia in terms of gout flare initiation is less well known. In this review, we will examine the potential of epigenomics in understanding how gout flares may occur, both in terms of development of hyperuricaemia and the inflammatory response. Looking at the epigenome and its intersection with lifestyle could help identify new targets and strategies for effective management of gout flares.

Non-coding RNAs: The key regulators in NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated inflammatory diseases

Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes responding to various microbes and endogenous danger signals, contributing to initiating the innate protective response of inflammatory diseases. NLRP3 inflammasome is a crucial regulator of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-18) production through activating caspase-1. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a class of RNA transcripts lacking the ability to encode peptides or proteins. Its dysregulation leads to the development and progression of inflammation in diseases. Recently, accumulating evidence has indicated that NLRP3 inflammasome activation could be modulated by ncRNAs (lncRNAs, miRNAs, and circRNAs) in a variety of inflammatory diseases. This review focuses on the substantial role and function of ncRNAs in the NLRP3 inflammasome activation, providing novel insight for the future therapeutic approach of inflammatory diseases.

MiR-302a Limits Vascular Inflammation by Suppressing Nuclear Factor-κ B Pathway in Endothelial Cells

The inflammatory response of endothelial cells accelerates various vascular diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in diverse cellular processes during inflammation. In the present study, we found that miR-302a is an effective suppressor of vascular inflammation in endothelial cells. It was revealed that miR-302a exhibited a lower level in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse model and in patients with vascular inflammatory disease. Genetic haploinsufficiency of miR-302 aggravated the LPS-induced vascular inflammatory response in mice, and overexpression of miR-302a attenuated vascular inflammation in mice. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-302a inhibited the synthesis and secretion of adhesion factors in endothelial cells, and suppressed the adhesion of monocytes to endothelium. In the study of molecular mechanism, we found that miR-302a relieved vascular inflammation mainly by regulating the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway in endothelial cells. The results showed that interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase4 (IRAK4) and zinc finger protein 91 (ZFP91) were the binding targets of miR-302a. MiR-302a prevented the nuclear translocation of NF-κB by inhibiting phosphorylation of IκB kinase complex β (IKKβ) and inhibitors of κBα (IκBα) via targeting IRAK4. In addition, miR-302a downregulated the expression of NF-κB by directly binding with ZFP91. These findings indicate that miR-302a negatively regulates inflammatory responses in the endothelium via the NF-κB pathway and it may be a novel target for relieving vascular inflammation.

MicroRNAs Involved in the Therapeutic Functions of Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) Fruit Juice in the Treatment of Acute Gouty Arthritis in Mice Induced with Monosodium Urate

We investigated the functions of microRNAs in the therapeutic effects of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit juice on mouse models of acute gouty arthritis induced with monosodium urate (MSU). Compared with the model group (treated with MSU), mice in both the positive control group (treated with both MSU and colchicine) and noni fruit juice group (treated with MSU and noni fruit juice) showed a significantly decreased degree of paw swelling in 5 days, as well as the contents of two types of proinflammatory cytokines (i.e., NALP3 and TNF-α). Based on the next-generation sequencing technology, a total of 3896 microRNAs (234 known and 3662 novel) were identified in mice treated with noni fruit juice. A large amount of differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in the noni fruit juice group, suggesting the significant effects of noni fruit juice on the mice with acute gouty arthritis, while the different patterns of change in the numbers of both upregulated and downregulated miRNAs in both noni fruit juice and positive control groups indicated that the mice of acute gouty arthritis may be regulated by differential mechanisms between the treatments of noni fruit juice and colchicine. The target genes of microRNAs involved in the pathogenesis and pathology of acute gouty arthritis in mice were identified and further annotated by both Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Our results revealed the therapeutic effects of noni fruit juice on acute gouty arthritis in mice with a group of microRNAs involved in the pharmacological mechanisms of noni fruit juice, providing scientific evidence to support both the agricultural cultivation and pharmacological significance of noni plants.

Regulation of crystal induced inflammation: current understandings and clinical implications

Introduction: Accumulation of abnormal crystals in the body, derived from endogenous or exogenous materials can drive a wide spectrum of inflammatory disease states. It is well established that intra-articular deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) and calcium pyrophoshate (CPP) crystals contributes to joint destruction through pro-inflammatory processes.Areas covered: This review will focus on current understanding and recent novelty about the mechanisms and the clinical implications of the inflammation induced by MSU and CPP crystals.Expert opinion: Advances in molecular biology reveal that at the base of the inflammatory cascade, stimulated by MSU or CPP crystals, there are many complex cellular mechanisms mainly involving the NLRP3 inflammasome, the hallmark of autoinflammatory syndromes. The extensive studies carried out through in vitro and in vivo models along with a better clinical definition of the disease has led to an optimized use of existing drugs and the introduction of novel therapeutic strategies. In particular, the identification of IL-1 as the most important target in gout and pseudogout has made it possible to expand the pharmacological indications of anti-IL-1 biological drugs, opening new therapeutic perspectives for patients.

Circular RNA circHIPK3 Activates Macrophage NLRP3 Inflammasome and TLR4 Pathway in Gouty Arthritis via Sponging miR-561 and miR-192

Increasing evidences indicate that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in regulating gene expressions in various diseases. However, the role of circRNAs in inflammatory response of gouty arthritis remains unknown. This study aims to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of circHIPK3 in inflammatory response of gouty arthritis. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the expressions of circHIPK3, miR-192 and miR-561. Western blot was used to detect the protein levels of TLR4, NLRP3, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) related proteins, and Caspase-1. Dual luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down assay, and FISH assay were used to confirm the interaction between circHIPK3 and miR-192/miR-561. ELISA was used to detect interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels. circHIPK3 was elevated in synovial fluid mononuclear cells (SFMCs) from patients with gouty arthritis and monosodium urate (MSU)-stimulated THP-1 cells. circHIPK3 overexpression promoted the inflammatory cytokines levels in MSU-stimulated THP-1 cells, and circHIPK3 silencing obtained the opposite effect. Mechanistically, circHIPK3 sponged miR-192 and miR-561, and subsequently promoted the expressions of miR-192 and miR-561 target gene TLR4 and NLRP3. In vivo experiments confirmed circHIPK3 knockdown suppressed gouty arthritis. circHIPK3 sponges miR-192 and miR-561 to promote TLR4 and NLRP3 expressions, thereby promoting inflammatory response in gouty arthritis.

MicroRNA-223 Suppresses IL-1β and TNF-α Production in Gouty Inflammation by Targeting the NLRP3 Inflammasome

Introduction: MicroRNA-223 (MiR-223) serves as an important regulator of inflammatory and immune responses and is implicated in several auto-inflammatory disorders. Here, we measured miR-223 expression in acute and intercritical gout patients, after which we used RAW264.7 macrophages transfected with a miR-223 mimic/inhibitor to determine the function of miR-223 in monosodium urate (MSU)-induced gouty inflammation.

Methods and Results: MiR-223 was detected among 122 acute gout patients (AG), 118 intercritical gout patients (IG), and 125 healthy subjects (HC). RAW264.7 macrophages were cultured and treated with MSU. Over-expression or under-expression of miR-223 was inducted in RAW264.7 macrophages to investigate the function of miR-223. Real-time quantitative PCR, ELISA and western blotting were used to determine the expression levels of miR-223, cytokines and the NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1). MiR-223 expression was significantly decreased in the AG group in comparison with the IG and HC groups (p < 0.001, respectively). Up-regulated expression of miR-223 was observed after acute gout remission in comparison with that observed during gout flares in 30 paired cases (p < 0.001). The abundance of the NLRP3 inflammasome and cytokines was significantly increased after RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with MSU (p < 0.01, respectively), while that of miR-223 was significantly reduced (p < 0.01). Up-regulation of miR-223 decreased the concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-α, as well as the NLRP3 inflammasome expression (p < 0.01, respectively), while IL-37 and TGF-β1 levels were unchanged (p > 0.05, respectively). Under-expression of miR-223 increased the concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-α, as well as NLRP3 inflammasome expression (p < 0.01, respectively), while IL-37 and TGF-β1 levels were not influenced (p > 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that miR-223 provides negative feedback regulation of the development of gouty inflammation by suppressing production of IL-1β and TNF-α, but not by regulating IL-37 and TGF-β1. Moreover, miR-223 regulates cytokine production by targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome.

MiR-223-3p and miR-22-3p inhibit monosodium urate-induced gouty inflammation by targeting NLRP3

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to play a crucial role in inflammation regulation; however, their relationship with inflammation in acute gouty arthritis has not been fully elucidated. Herein, we conducted a study to explore the regulatory roles of miR-223-3p and miR-22-3p in gouty-associated inflammation.

METHODS

In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to examine the molecular mechanisms of miRNA regulation in gouty inflammation. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the direct target of miR-223-3p and miR-22-3p.

RESULTS

We found that miR-223-3p and miR-22-3p interacted with the 3' untranslated region segment of NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat [NLR] and pyrin domain containing receptor 3) and inhibited its expression. A decreased expression of miR-223-3p and miR-22-3p was observed in both mice air pouch synovium and phorbol myristrate acetate-treated THP-1 cells stimulated with monosodium urate (P < .05). Compared with the negative control group, NLRP3 expression at the transcript and protein level in miR-223-3p and miR-22-3p overexpression group significantly decreased after 6 hours of monosodium urate treatment in vivo and in vitro (P < .05). The results of the dual-luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that miR-223-3p and miR-22-3p directly targeted NLRP3.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study show that miR-223-3p and miR-22-3p can reduce the inflammatory effects of gout by inhibiting the expression of NLRP3.

Long non-coding RNA HOTAIR knockdown alleviates gouty arthritis through miR-20b upregulation and NLRP3 downregulation

This study aimed to determine the mechanism underlying the regulation of gout by the HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). The expression levels of HOTAIR, miR-20b, and Nlrp3 were estimated by qRT-PCR and western blotting. The methylation level of HOTAIR was detected by methylation-specific PCR. The recruitment of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) to the lncRNA HOTAIR promoter was confirmed by a ChIP assay. RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down assays were used to confirm the interaction between HOTAIR and miR-20b. LncRNA HOTAIR and Nlrp3 expression was upregulated, and that of miR-20b was downregulated in synovial fluid mononuclear cells (SFMCs) collected from patients with gouty arthritis and monosodium urate (MSU)-stimulated THP-1 cells. Interleukin (IL)-1β level increased substantially upon stimulation by MSU crystals. The methylation percentage of HOTAIR was reduced in SFMCs from patients with gouty arthritis and MSU-stimulated THP-1 cells. DNMT1 expression was downregulated in MSU-stimulated THP-1 cells, and DNMT1 knockdown increased lncRNA HOTAIR expression. In addition, the interaction of HOTAIR with miR-20b was confirmed. HOTAIR knockdown suppressed Nlrp3 expression and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines via miR-20b regulation. Finally, in vivo experiments showed that HOTAIR knockdown alleviated ankle swelling in a mouse model of gouty arthritis. These findings suggest that lncRNA HOTAIR knockdown suppresses inflammatory cytokine secretion by upregulating miR-20b and downregulating NLRP3, thereby alleviating ankle swelling in gouty arthritis.

The Role of Noncoding RNAs in Gout

Over the past decade, noncoding ribonucleic acids (ncRNAs) have been shown to have crucial functional importance in health and disease. ncRNAs have been well studied and may be involved in the development of inflammatory arthritis, including gouty arthritis. Gout is also associated with metabolic pathway disorders, such as hyperuricemia, due to disturbed purine nucleotide metabolism or excretion of uric acid through the kidney. Moreover, their presence in the circulation has led to the idea that ncRNAs might serve as biomarkers for specific disease states to guide clinical decision-making. Therefore, we summarize the emerging evidence and review the current literature on the regulatory role of miRNAs and lncRNAs in gout pathophysiology. We further discuss the opportunities and challenges of ncRNAs as new blood-based biomarkers for future studies aimed at translation into clinical applications in the diagnosis and therapy of gout.

SNP rs2240688 in CD133 gene on susceptibility and clinicopathological features of hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

CD133 is one of the important cancer stem cells (CSCs) markers of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between CD133 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and risk factors associated with HCC susceptibility and clinicopathological features in HCC cases and healthy controls from the Guangxi region of southern China.

Methods

A case control study was conducted, including 565 HCC patients and 561 control subjects. The genotyping of rs2240688 was performed using the SNaPshot method. Unconditional logistic regression was used to correct for gender, age, and other confounding factors. Odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to analyze the relationship between allele and genotype frequency and the risk of HCC.

Results

The distribution frequencies of CD133 alleles and genotypes in the HCC case group and the control group were statistically significant (P<0.05). The CA heterozygous (P=0.003, OR =1.463, 95% CI: 1.134–1.887) and CC homozygous genotypes (P=0.036, OR =1.910, 95% CI: 1.044–3.493), as well as C carrier status (P=0.004, OR =1.465, 95% CI: 1.136–1.889) and C alleles (P=0.004, OR =1.465, 95% CI: 1.136–1.889), were associated with an increased risk of HCC. Additionally, in the subgroup analysis of CD133 rs2240688 polymorphism and clinical characteristics, the results showed that the genotype distribution of CD133 rs2240688 was significantly different in genotype distribution of metastasis and alanine aminotransferase (ALT).

Conclusions

the expression of miRNA binding site rs2240688 of tumor stem cell marker gene CD133 in HCC may be a promising marker for the prediction of HCC, but larger studies are still needed.

Silencing of Gasdermin D by siRNA-Loaded PEI-Chol Lipopolymers Potently Relieves Acute Gouty Arthritis through Inhibiting Pyroptosis

Gasdermin D (GSDMD) plays a causal role in NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis eruption, which has been regarded as a potential therapeutic target for pyroptosis-related diseases including acute gouty arthritis. In the present study, the synthesized PEI-Chol (cholesterol grafted polyethylenimine) was assembled with GSDMD small interfering RNA (siRNA) to form PEI-Chol/siGSDMD polyplexes, which provided high transfection efficiency for siRNA-mediated GSDMD knockdown. Then we evaluated the effect of GSDMD siRNA-loaded PEI-Chol on inflammatory cascades in bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and acute gouty arthritis animal models under MSU exposure. When accompanied by pyroptosis blockade and decreased release of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), NLRP3 inflammasome activation was also suppressed by GSDMD knockdown in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, in MSU-induced acute gouty arthritis mice, blocking GSDMD with siRNA significantly improved ankle swelling and inflammatory infiltration observed in histopathological analysis. Furthermore, investigation using a mouse air pouch model verified the effect of siGSDMD-loaded PEI-Chol on pyroptosis of recruited macrophages and related signaling pathways in response to MSU. These novel findings exhibited that GSDMD knockdown relieved acute gouty arthritis through inhibiting pyroptosis, providing a possible therapeutic approach for MSU-induced acute gouty arthritis molecular therapy using PEI-Chol as a nucleic acid delivery carrier.

Harnessing the Power of Eph/ephrin Biosemiotics for Theranostic Applications

Comprehensive basic biological knowledge of the Eph/ephrin system in the physiologic setting is needed to facilitate an understanding of its role and the effects of pathological processes on its activity, thereby paving the way for development of prospective therapeutic targets. To this end, this review briefly addresses what is currently known and being investigated in order to highlight the gaps and possible avenues for further investigation to capitalize on their diverse potential.

Dysregulation of Inflammasome Priming and Activation by MicroRNAs in Human Immune-Mediated Diseases

Inflammasomes are protein complexes that respond to a wide range of pathogens and cellular damage signals. Their activation prompts the caspase-1-mediated cleavage of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Inflammasome dysregulation has been demonstrated to play a role in a range of diseases involving the adaptive immune system like multiple sclerosis, rheumatic diseases, and type 1 diabetes. Priming and activation of inflammasomes can be modulated by microRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally. miRNAs, such as miR-223-3p, have been demonstrated to directly target the inflammasome components NLRP3, caspase-1, and caspase-8. Other miRNAs like miR-155-5p modulate TLR-, IL-1R-, TNFR-, and IFNAR-mediated signaling pathways upstream of the inflammasomes. In this study, we discuss how a more detailed elucidation of miRNA-driven inflammasome regulation helps in understanding the molecular processes underlying immune-mediated human diseases, holds potential for the identification of biomarkers and may offer novel targets for the development of future therapeutics.

Downregulated miR‑302d‑3p promotes chondrocyte proliferation and migration by regulation of Unc‑51‑like kinase 1

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common musculoskeletal disease and is related to the function of chondrocytes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of miR-302d-3p on chondrocytes. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was conducted to detect mRNA expression, while western blotting was performed to investigate protein expression in these cells. RNAs mimics, inhibitors and small interfering (si)RNAs were respectively transfected into chondrocytes (CHON-001 cell line), after which, a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was performed to detect chondrocyte viability. Giemsa staining of the cells was also conducted to analyze the colony formation ability of the cells. Additionally, cell apoptosis was evaluated with an apoptosis detection kit using flow cytometry. A scratch-wound assay was conducted to investigate cell migration. Bioinformatics analysis using TargetScan 7.2 revealed the potential the target gene of microRNA (miR)-302d-3p; a dual luciferase reporter assay determined the target gene. Suppression of miR-302d-3p increased the viability of cells, cell colony number and migration; CHON-001 cell apoptosis was also inhibited. miR-302d-3p mimics decreased the luciferase activity of reporter plasmids containing the wild-type 3′-untranslated region of Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1). siULK1 decreased CHON-001 cell viability and migration. Furthermore, siULK1 promoted the expression of phosphorylated IκBα and p65, while miR-302d-3p inhibitor suppressed the expression of phosphorylated IκBα and p65. Inhibition of miR-302d-3p could promote the proliferation and migration, and inhibit the apoptosis of chondrocytes, potentially by upregulating ULK1; thus, inflammation may be suppressed. The findings of the present study suggest miR-302d-3p and ULK1 as potential therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of OA.

MicroRNAs as important regulators of the NLRP3 inflammasome

Inflammasomes are a group of cytosolic multi-protein signaling complexes that regulate maturation of the interleukin (IL)-1 family cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 through activation of inflammatory caspase-1. The NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is the best characterized and consists of several key components that are assembled and activated in response to different endogenous and exogenous signals. The NLRP3 inflammasome is common to a number of human inflammatory diseases and its targeting may lead to novel anti-inflammatory therapy. NLRP3 inflammasome activation is tightly regulated by different mechanisms especially post-transcriptional modulation via microRNAs (miRNA). MicroRNAs are small endogenous noncoding RNAs that are 21-23 nucleotides in length and control the expression of various genes through binding to the 3'-untranslated regions of the respective mRNA and subsequent post-transcriptional regulation. MicroRNAs have recently been recognized as crucial regulators of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the role of miRNAs in the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome complexes and their impact on the pathogenesis of inflammatory disease processes.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Chuanhutongfeng Mixture for the Treatment of Chronic Gouty Arthritis by Regulating miRNAs

Background

We investigated whether Chuanhutongfeng mixture has actions on chronic gouty arthritis (CGA) by regulating miRNAs.

Methods

A total of 255 patients with CGA and 30 controls were enrolled. miRNA expression profiles and cluster analysis were preformed; RT-qPCR was used to detect miRNAs associated with CGA. Patients were allocated into Chuanhutongfeng mixture, allopurinol (positive control), and control (etoricoxib) groups. Expression of plasma miRNAs was measured before and after treatments; expression of chemokine 2 (CCL2) and interleukin 8 (CXCL8) was determined by ELISA.

Results

48 miRNAs were differentially expressed and compared to controls. 36 miRNAs expression levels were > 1.5 times and 12 miRNAs < 1.5 times compared to the controls. miR-339-5p, miR-486-5p, and miR-361-5p levels in patients with CGA were lower than in controls (P < 0.05). This trial showed that the Chuanhutongfeng mixture and allopurinol groups had upregulated the expressions of miR-486-5, miR-339-5p, and miR-361-5p and decreased levels of CCL2 and CXCL8 proteins. After 8 weeks of treatment, Chuanhutongfeng mixture decreased serum uric acid levels more than allopurinol (P < 0.05) and reduced levels of CCL2 and CXCL8 protein significantly more than in the allopurinol and control groups.

Conclusions

The therapeutic actions of Chuanhutongfeng mixture inhibit the expression of proteins CCL2 and CXCL8 in plasma and upregulated the expressions of three miRNAs (miR-486-5p, miR-339-5p, and miR-361-5p).