Metallothionein-1 is Positively Correlated with Inflammation and Ankylosing Spondylitis Activity

Metallothionein: A Comprehensive Review of Its Classification, Structure, Biological Functions, and Applications

Metallothionein is a cysteine-rich protein with a high metal content that is widely found in nature. In addition to heavy metal detoxification, metallothionein is well known as a potent antioxidant. The high sulfhydryl content of metallothionein confers excellent antioxidant activity, enabling it to effectively scavenge free radicals and mitigate oxidative stress damage. In addition, metallothionein can play a neuroprotective role by alleviating oxidative damage in nerve cells, have an anticancer effect by enhancing the ability of normal cells to resist unfavorable conditions through its antioxidant function, and reduce inflammation by scavenging reactive oxygen species. Due to its diverse biological functions, metallothionein has a broad potential for application in alleviating environmental heavy metal pollution, predicting and diagnosing diseases, and developing skin care products and health foods. This review summarizes the recent advances in the classification, structure, biological functions, and applications of metallothionein, focusing on its powerful antioxidant effects and related functions.

Xinfeng capsule inhibits lncRNA NONHSAT227927.1/TRAF2 to alleviate NF-κB-p65-induced immuno-inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic rheumatic disease known for its insidious and refractory symptoms, primarily associated with immuno-inflammation in its early stages, that affects the self-perception of patients (SPP). The exploration of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in immuno-inflammation of AS has garnered considerable interest. Additionally, the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine Xinfeng Capsule (XFC) in mitigating immuno-inflammation in AS has also been observed. However, the specific mechanisms still need to be characterized.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study elucidated the mechanism of the lncRNA NONHSAT227927.1/TRAF2/NF-κB axis in the immuno-inflammation of AS and XFC in AS treatment.

METHODS

LncRNA NONHSAT227927.1 and mRNA expression were assessed utilizing real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Protein level was determined using Western blot, and cytokine expression was measured using ELISA. Furthermore, mass spectrometry was used to analyze the binding proteins of lncRNA and rescue experiments were conducted to validate the findings. Inconsistencies in clinical baseline data were addressed using propensity score matching. The association between the XFC effect and indicator changes was evaluated using the Apriori algorithm.

RESULTS

The study revealed a substantial elevation in the expression of lncRNA NONHSAT227927.1 and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) in AS-peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Its expression was also notably reduced after XFC treatment. In addition to this, there was a positive correlation between lncRNA NONHSAT227927.1 and TRAF2 with clinical immuno-inflammatory indicators. On the other hand, they showed a negative association with the SPP indicators. In vitro experiments have demonstrated that lncRNA NONHSAT227927.1 activated the nuclear factor (NF)-κB-p65 pathway by promoting TRAF2 expression. This activation resulted in enhanced IL-6 and TNF-α levels and reduced IL-10 and IL-4 levels. Conversely, XFC decreased the expression of lncRNA NONHSAT227927.1 and TRAF2, inhibiting the stimulation of the NF-κB-p65 cascade and restoring balance to the cytokines. The association rule analysis results indicated a strong association between XFC and decreased levels of C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and immunoglobulin A. Furthermore, XFC was strongly associated with improved SPP indicators, including general health, vitality, mental health, and role-emotional.

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNA NONHSAT227927.1 plays a pro-inflammatory role in AS. XFC treatment may reverse lncRNA NONHSAT227927.1 to suppress TRAF2-mediated NF-κB-p65 activation, which in turn suppresses immuno-inflammation and improves SPP, thereby making XFC a promising candidate for therapeutic applications in AS management.