Adiponectin Inhibits NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis via AMPK-JNK/ErK1/2-NFκB/ROS Signaling Pathways

Perivascular Fat: A Novel Risk Factor for Coronary Artery Disease

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) interacts with the vascular wall and secretes bioactive factors which regulate vascular wall physiology. Vice versa, vascular wall inflammation affects the adjacent PVAT via paracrine signals, which induce cachexia-type morphological changes in perivascular fat. These changes can be quantified in pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT), as an increase in PCAT attenuation in coronary computed tomography angiography images. Fat attenuation index (FAI), a novel imaging biomarker, measures PCAT attenuation around coronary artery segments and is associated with coronary artery disease presence, progression, and plaque instability. Beyond its diagnostic capacity, PCAT attenuation can also ameliorate cardiac risk stratification, thus representing an innovative prognostic biomarker of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, technical, biological, and anatomical factors are weakly related to PCAT attenuation and cause variation in its measurement. Thus, to integrate FAI, a research tool, into clinical practice, a medical device has been designed to provide FAI values standardized for these factors. In this review, we discuss the interplay of PVAT with the vascular wall, the diagnostic and prognostic value of PCAT attenuation, and its integration as a CVD risk marker in clinical practice.

The Relationship Between the Serum NLRP3 and Adiponectin Levels and Coronary Lesions in Patients with Unstable Angina with Type 2 Diabetes

Objective

To investigate the Levels of Nucleotide-binding, leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) and Adiponectin (APN) and their relationship with the severity of coronary artery disease in patients with Unstable Angina (UA) and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D).

Methods

Two hundred and thirty-one patients with UA were diagnosed by CAG in the Department of Cardiology of the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from July 2022 to May 2023 were included, and 74 healthy subjects were included as the control group. The levels of NLRP3 and APN in each group were detected by ELISA and the Gensini score in each patient according to the results of CAG. The correlations between NLRP3, APN, and Gensini score were analyzed. According to whether complicated with T2D or not, we further analyze the effect of NLRP3 and APN levels of patients with UA and T2D on the severity of coronary artery stenosis.

Results

The levels of NLRP3 in UA with T2D group were the highest, followed by simple UA group, and the lowest in the control group, and the level of APN was the opposite. Spearman Correlation analysis showed that the level of NLRP3 was positively correlated with Gensini score (ρ1=0.688, P<0.05) and the level of APN was negatively associated with Gensini score (ρ2= -0.515, P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between NLRP3 and the level of APN (ρ3= -0.366, P<0.05). High NLRP3 and low APN levels are the risk factors for atherosclerosis.

Conclusion

The NLRP3 and APN were abnormally expressed in patients with UA complicated with T2D. With the aggravation of atherosclerosis, the level of NLRP3 increased and the level of APN decreased.

Huajuxiaoji Formula Alleviates Phenyl Sulfate-Induced Diabetic Kidney Disease by Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Pyroptosis

Background: One of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes is diabetic kidney disease (DKD). The Huajuxiaoji formula (HJXJ) has shown clinical efficacy for DKD; however, its regulatory mechanisms against DKD remain elusive. We investigated NLRP3 inflammasome and the mechanisms of HJXJ by which HJXJ alleviates DKD. Methods: Phenyl sulfate (PS) was used to establish DKD models. HJXJ was administered to mice through intragastric or made into a pharmaceutical serum for the cell cultures. Biological indicator levels in mouse blood and urine were analyzed, and kidney tissues were used for HE, Masson, and PAS staining. ELISA and western blotting were used to detect inflammatory cytokines and protein levels, respectively. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and pyroptosis were evaluated using flow cytometry. Lentiviral vector-mediated overexpression of NLRP3 was performed to determine whether NLRP3 participates in the antipyroptotic effect of HJXJ. Results: HJXJ significantly reduced the severity of the injury and, in a dose-dependent manner, decreased the levels of biological markers including creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, urine protein, and endotoxin, as well as inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-6 in DKD mice. Treatment with HJXJ reversed the downregulation of podocin, nephrin, ZO-1, and occludin and upregulated ROS, NLRP3, Caspase-1 P20, and GSDMD-N induced by PS. Moreover, the upregulation of NLRP3 expression increased the number of cells positive for pyroptosis. HJXJ suppressed pyroptosis and inflammasome activation by inhibiting NLRP3 expression. Conclusions: Generally, HJXJ has the potential to reduce DKD injury and exerts anti-DKD effects by inhibiting the NLRP3-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in vitro and in vivo.

Paeonol attenuates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by regulating intestinal flora and AhR/NLRP3/Caspase-1 metabolic pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a common metabolic liver injury disease that is closely associated with obesity and metabolic disorders. Paeonol, an active ingredient found in Moutan Cortex, a traditional Chinese medicine which exhibits significant therapeutic effect on liver protection, has shown promising effects in treating liver diseases, particularly NASH. However, the specific intervention mechanism of paeonol on NASH is still unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Our objective is to elucidate the pharmacological mechanism of paeonol in intervening NASH at the in vivo level, focusing on the impact on intestinal flora, tryptophan-related targeted metabolome, and related Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathways.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Here, we explored the intervention effect of paeonol on NASH by utilizing the NASH mouse model. The Illumina highthroughput sequencing technology was preformed to determine the differences of gut microbiota of model and paeonol treatment group. The concentration of Indoleacetic acid is determined by ELISA. The intervention effect of NASH mouse and AhR/NLRP3/Caspase-1 metabolic pathway is analyzed by HE staining, oil red O staining, Immunohistochemistry, Immunofluorescence, Western blot and qRT-PCR assays. Fecal microbiota transplantation experiment also was performed to verify the intervention effect of paeonol on NASH by affecting gut microbiota.

RESULTS

Firstly, we discovered that paeonol effectively reduced liver pathology and blood lipid levels in NASH mice, thereby intervening in the progression of NASH. Subsequently, through 16S meta-analysis, we identified that paeonol can effectively regulate the composition of intestinal flora in NASH mice, transforming it to resemble that of normal mice. Specifically, paeonol decreased the abundance of certain Gram-negative tryptophan-metabolizing bacteria. Moreover, we discovered that paeonol significantly increased the levels of metabolites Indoleacetic acid, subsequently enhancing the expression of AhR-related pathway proteins. This led to the inhibition of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome production and inflammation generation in NASH. Lastly, we verified the efficacy of paeonol in intervening NASH by conducting fecal microbiota transplantation experiments, which confirmed its role in promoting the AhR/NLRP3/cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase (Caspase-1) pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that paeonol can increase the production of Indoleacetic acid by regulating the gut flora, and promote the AhR/NLRP3/Caspase-1 metabolic pathway to intervene NASH.

Adiponectin inhibits ROS/NLRP3 inflammatory pathway through FOXO3A to ameliorate oral submucosal fibrosis

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is an oral condition characterized by chronic progression, which may lead to the development of malignancy. Currently, available treatments for OSF only provide temporary relief of symptoms, and there is a limited availability of effective interventions that can effectively cure this condition. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether adiponectin (APN) could ameliorate OSF and the mechanisms involved in it. First, human oral mucosal fibroblasts (HOMFs) were cultured, an OSF model was established using arecoline, and APN and Imiquimod treatment were administered. Then we overexpressed NLRP3 and knocked down FOXO3A. FOXO3A, fibrosis-related factors (ɑ-SMA, COL1A, CTGF), TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling-related factors (TGF-β1, p-Smad3, Smad3), NLRP3 inflammasome-related factors (NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β), and ROS levels were evaluated. Finally, we explored the effect of APN on OSF in mice by in vivo experiments. We found that arecoline significantly increased ɑ-SMA, COL1A, CTGF, and TGF-β1 expressions and promoted Smad3 phosphorylation, while APN significantly inhibited the elevation of these fibrosis-related factors. ROS production was significantly elevated in HOMFs after arecoline treatment, while APN treatment inhibited ROS production. However, the addition of Imiquimod and overexpression of NLRP3 exhibited a trend of elevated ROS, resisting the inhibitory effect of APN. Furthermore, adding Imiquimod and overexpression of NLRP3 elevated ɑ-SMA, COL1A and CTGF and activated TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. Additionally, knockdown of FOXO3A enhanced APN-inhibited ɑ-SMA and COL1A. In vivo experiments further confirmed that APN ameliorated OSF in mice by inhibiting ROS/NLRP3 inflammatory pathway. In conclusion, APN ameliorated arecoline-induced OSF by promoting FOXO3A expression and downregulating the ROS/NLRP3 pathway.

The mysterious association between adiponectin and endometriosis

Adiponectin is a pleiotropic cytokine predominantly derived from adipose tissue. In addition to its role in regulating energy metabolism, adiponectin may also be related to estrogen-dependent diseases, and many studies have confirmed its involvement in mediating diverse biological processes, including apoptosis, autophagy, inflammation, angiogenesis, and fibrosis, all of which are related to the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Although many researchers have reported low levels of adiponectin in patients with endometriosis and suggested that it may serve as a protective factor against the development of the disease. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to provide an up-to-date summary of the roles of adiponectin and its downstream cytokines and signaling pathways in the aforementioned biological processes. Further systematic studies on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of action of adiponectin may provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of endometriosis as well as potential therapeutic targets.

Maximakinin reversed H2O2 induced oxidative damage in rat cardiac H9c2 cells through AMPK/Akt and AMPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathways

Maximakinin (MK), a homolog of bradykinin (BK), is extracted from skin venom of the Chinese toad Bombina maxima. Although MK has a good antihypertensive effect, its effect on myocardial cells is unclear. This study investigates the protective effect of MK on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative damage in rat cardiac H9c2 cells and explores its mechanism of action. A 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-Thiazolyl)-2,5-Diphenyl Tetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay was selected to detect the effect of MK on H9c2 cell viability, while flow cytometry was used to investigate the influence of MK and H2O2 on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Protein expression changes were detected by western blot. In addition, specific protein inhibitors were applied to confirm the induction of ROS-related signaling pathways by MK. MTT assay results show that MK significantly reversed H2O2-induced cell growth inhibition. Flow cytometry Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining shows that MK significantly reversed H2O2-induced increases in intracellular ROS production in H9c2 cells. Moreover, the addition of specific protein inhibitors suggests that MK reverses H2O2-induced oxidative damage by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/protein kinase B (Akt) and AMPK/extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) pathways. Finally, an inhibitor of bradykinin B2 receptors (B2Rs), HOE-140, was applied to investigate potential targets of MK in H9c2 cells. HOE-140 significantly blocked induction of AMPK/Akt and AMPK/ERK1/2 pathways by MK, suggesting a potentially important role for B2Rs in MK reversing H2O2-induced oxidative damage. Above all, MK protects against oxidative damage by inhibiting H2O2-induced ROS production in H9c2 cells. The protective mechanism of MK may be achieved by activation of B2Rs to activate downstream AMPK/Akt and AMPK/ERK1/2 pathways.

Porphyromonas gingivalis triggers inflammation in hepatocyte depend on ferroptosis via activating the NF-κB signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a clinicopathological syndrome characterized by excessive fat deposition in hepatocytes caused by non-alcoholic liver injury. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g) is the main pathogen causing periodontitis, which can aggravate the progression of NAFLD in our previously study. The objective of this study was to further investigate the pathogenesis and moleculer michanisma of NAFLD aggravated by P.g.

METHODS

A mouse model of NAFLD was established, and the changes of inflammatory factors and NF-κB signaling pathway in liver tissue and L-02 cells were analyzed by transcriptome sequencing, Western blot, IHC and RT-PCR. In addition, the NF-κB signaling pathway inhibitor QNZ and ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1 were used to analyze the relationship between NF-κB signaling pathway and ferroptosis in vitro.

RESULTS

In vivo and in vitro experiments, P.g can induce liver inflammation and activate NF-κB signaling pathway. At the same time, P.g promotes ferroptosis and inflammation in L-02 in vitro. QNZ alleviates ferroptosis and inflammatory activation in L-02. Fer-1 can relieve the L-02 inflammation caused by P.g products.

CONCLUSION

Porphyromonas gingivalis can induce ferroptosis and inflammation in hepatocytes and further worsen liver lesions. The mechanism of ferroptosis in hepatocytes depends on NF-κB signaling pathway, which provides a new strategy for clinical treatment and prevention of NAFLD.

Exosomal miR-122, miR-128, miR-200, miR-298, and miR-342 as novel diagnostic biomarkers in NAFL/NASH: Impact of LPS/TLR-4/FoxO3 pathway

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disorder affecting a quarter of the global residents. Progression of NAFL into nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) may cause cirrhosis, liver cancer, and failure. Gut microbiota imbalance causes microbial components translocation into the circulation, triggering liver inflammation and NASH-related fibrosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression via repressing target genes. Exosomal miRNAs are diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for NAFL and NASH liver damage. Our work investigated the role of the gut microbiota in NAFLD pathogenesis via the lipopolysaccharide/toll-like receptor 4/Forkhead box protein O3 (LPS/TLR-4/FoxO3) pathway and certain miRNAs as noninvasive biomarkers for NAFL or its development to NASH. miRNA expression levels were measured using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in 50 NAFL patients, 50 NASH patients, and 50 normal controls. Plasma LPS, TLR-4, adiponectin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ), and FoxO3 concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In NAFL and NASH patients, miR-122, miR-128, FoxO3, TLR-4, LPS, and PPAR-γ were upregulated while miR-200, miR-298, miR-342, and adiponectin were downregulated compared with the normal control. The examined miRNAs might distinguish NAFL and NASH patients from the normal control using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Our study is the first to examine these miRNAs in NAFLD. Our findings imply that these are potentially promising biomarkers for noninvasive early NAFL diagnosis and NASH progression. Understanding the LPS/TLR-4/FoxO3 pathway involvement in NAFL/NASH pathogenesis may aid disease management.

AMPK signaling inhibits the differentiation of myofibroblasts: impact on age-related tissue fibrosis and degeneration

Disruption of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and an accumulation of fibrotic lesions within tissues are two of the distinctive hallmarks of the aging process. Tissue fibroblasts are mesenchymal cells which display an impressive plasticity in the regulation of ECM integrity and thus on tissue homeostasis. Single-cell transcriptome studies have revealed that tissue fibroblasts exhibit a remarkable heterogeneity with aging and in age-related diseases. Excessive stress and inflammatory insults induce the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts which are fusiform contractile cells and abundantly secrete the components of the ECM and proteolytic enzymes as well as many inflammatory mediators. Detrimental stresses can also induce the transdifferentiation of certain mesenchymal and myeloid cells into myofibroblasts. Interestingly, many age-related stresses, such as oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stresses, ECM stiffness, inflammatory mediators, telomere shortening, and several alarmins from damaged cells are potent inducers of myofibroblast differentiation. Intriguingly, there is convincing evidence that the signaling pathways stimulated by the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) are potent inhibitors of myofibroblast differentiation and accordingly AMPK signaling reduces fibrotic lesions within tissues, e.g., in age-related cardiac and pulmonary fibrosis. AMPK signaling is not only an important regulator of energy metabolism but it is also able to control cell fate determination and many functions of the immune system. It is known that AMPK signaling can delay the aging process via an integrated signaling network. AMPK signaling inhibits myofibroblast differentiation, e.g., by suppressing signaling through the TGF-β, NF-κB, STAT3, and YAP/TAZ pathways. It seems that AMPK signaling can alleviate age-related tissue fibrosis and degeneration by inhibiting the differentiation of myofibroblasts.

Pharmacological Activation of AMPK Prevents Drp1-mediated Mitochondrial Fission and Alleviates Hepatic Steatosis In vitro

BACKGROUND

The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing worldwide. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation is beneficial for NAFLD treatment. Recent studies show the excessive fission of mitochondria during NAFLD progression, so targeting mitochondria dynamics may be a possible target for NAFLD. Still, little is known about whether AMPK regulates mitochondrial dynamics in hepar.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated whether AMPK activation alleviates hepatic steatosis by regulating mitochondrial dynamics mediated by GTPase dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1).

METHODS

Human hepatocyte line L-02 cells were cultured and subjected to palmitic acid (PA) treatment for 24 h to establish a hepatic steatosis model in vitro, which was pre-treated with different tool drugs. Hepatocyte function, hepatocyte lipid content, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were examined. The expression levels of genes and proteins associated with mitochondrial dynamics were assessed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting.

RESULTS

The results indicated that 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-β-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR), an AMPK activator, improved hepatocyte function, as demonstrated by decreased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In addition, AICAR decreased total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) content and lipid deposition in hepatocytes (P<0.01); decreased ROS production; improved MMP (P<0.01); reduced fission-1 (Fis1) and mitochondrial fission factor (Mff) mRNA expression; and downregulated p-Drp1 (Ser 616) protein expression. In contrast, AICAR increased mitochondrial fusion factor mitofusin-1 (Mfn1) and mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) mRNA expression and upregulated p-Drp1 (Ser 637) protein expression. Mdivi-1, a Drp-1 inhibitor, was used to confirm whether mitochondrial dynamics regulated by Drp1-mediated the role of AICAR. Similar to AICAR, Mdivi-1 improved hepatocyte function and MMP significantly, decreased ROS production and lipid deposition, downregulated Fis1 and Mff mRNA expression, downregulated p-Drp1 (Ser 616) protein expression, and enhanced Mfn1 and Mfn2 mRNA and p-Drp1 (Ser 637) protein expression. However, Compound C, an AMPKspecific inhibitor, had less impact on the protective effect of Mdivi-1.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrated that AMPK activation has a protective effect on hepatic steatosis in vitro, largely dependent on the inhibition of Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission.

What Does Sarcopenia Have to Do with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease. As the second stage of developing steatosis, nonalcoholic hepatitis (NASH) carries the risk of fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Sarcopenia is defined as a condition characterized by a decrease in muscle mass and functional decline. Both NAFLD and sarcopenia are global problems. The pathophysiological mechanisms that link the two entities of the disease are insulin resistance, inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, impairment of myostatin and adiponectin, or physical inactivity. Furthermore, disorders of the gut-liver axis appear to induce the process of developing NAFLD and sarcopenia. The correlations between NAFLD and sarcopenia appear to be bidirectional, so the main objective of the review was to determine the cause-and-effect relationship between the two diseases.

Positive Impacts of Aphanizomenon Flos Aquae Extract on Obesity-Related Dysmetabolism in Mice with Diet-Induced Obesity

The present study evaluated the ability of KlamExtra®, an Aphanizomenon flos aquae (AFA) extract, to counteract metabolic dysfunctions due to a high fat diet (HFD) or to accelerate their reversion induced by switching an HFD to a normocaloric diet in mice with diet-induced obesity. A group of HFD mice was fed with an HFD supplemented with AFA (HFD-AFA) and another one was fed with regular chow (standard diet-STD) alone or supplemented with AFA (STD-AFA). AFA was able to significantly reduce body weight, hypertriglyceridemia, liver fat accumulation and adipocyte size in HFD mice. AFA also reduced hyperglycaemia, insulinaemia, HOMA-IR and ameliorated the glucose tolerance and the insulin response of obese mice. Furthermore, in obese mice AFA normalised the gene and the protein expression of factors involved in lipid metabolism (FAS, PPAR-γ, SREBP-1c and FAT-P mRNA), inflammation (TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA, NFkB and IL-10 proteins) and oxidative stress (ROS levels and SOD activity). Interestingly, AFA accelerated the STD-induced reversion of glucose dysmetabolism, hepatic and VAT inflammation and oxidative stress. In conclusion, AFA supplementation prevents HFD-induced dysmetabolism and accelerates the STD-dependent recovery of glucose dysmetabolism by positively modulating oxidative stress, inflammation and the expression of the genes linked to lipid metabolism.

The alleviating effect of Scutellaria amoena extract on the regulation of gut microbiota and its metabolites in NASH rats by inhibiting the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 axis

Background: Scutellaria amoena (SA) is the root of S. amoena C.H. Wright of Labiatae, also known as Scutellaria southwestern. This is mainly distributed in Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou in China. In southwest China, SA is used as an alternative method to genuine medicine for the treatment of allergy, diarrhea, inflammation, hepatitis, and bronchitis. Thus far, studies on the effects of SA on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are lacking. This paper investigated the effect of SA on the regulation of gut microbiota and its metabolites in NASH rats by inhibiting the NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3)/apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC)/caspase-1 axis. Methods: A NASH rat model was induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks, and rats were orally given different doses of SA extracts (150 and 300 mg/kg/d) for 6 weeks. Changes in histological parameters, body weight, organ indexes, cytokines, and biochemical parameters related to NLRP3 in NASH rats were checked. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and UPLC-MS/MS technology were used to analyze the changes in the gut microbiota composition and its metabolites in NASH rats. Results: SA significantly inhibited the HFD-induced increase in body weight, lipid levels, and inflammatory infiltration. SA notably inhibited the HFD-induced increase in the upper and lower factors of NLRP3, such as transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-18, pro-IL-18, IL-1β, pro-IL-1β, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1. Additionally, mRNA expressions of caspase-1, NLRP3, and ASC were significantly downregulated after SA treatment. The results of the intestinal flora showed that SA could increase the diversity of flora and change its structure and composition in NASH rats by reducing Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio, Blautia (genus), Lachospiraceae (family), and Christensenellaceae R-7 group (genus), and increasing Muribaculaceae (family) and Bacteroides (genus). The metabolomics revealed that 24 metabolites were possibly the key metabolites for SA to regulate the metabolic balance of NASH rats, including chenodeoxycholic acid, xanthine, and 9-OxoODE. Nine metabolic pathways were identified, including primary bile acid biosynthesis, bile secretion, purine metabolism, and secondary bile acid biosynthesis. Conclusion: SA can regulate the intestinal microbial balance and metabolic disorder by inhibiting the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 axis to relieve NASH.

Sanguisorba officinalis L. promotes diabetic wound healing in rats through inflammation response mediated by macrophage

Sanguisorba officinalis L., a traditional Chinese medicine, is frequently used to treat burns and scalds. But even so, it is unknown whether S. officinalis L. can accelerate diabetic wounds (DW) healing. Here, to bridge the gap, we employed in vivo and in vitro evaluations to assess the positive effect of S. officinalis L. ethanol extract (ESO) on DW. Results demonstrated that ESO dramatically improved the DW healing rate. With ESO treatment, the inappropriately elevated levels of IL6, IL1β and TNFα in DW were reduced, while the expression of IL10 was increased, indicating that the abnormal inflammation in DW was also under control. Moreover, the abnormally elevated expression of CD86 was significantly inhibited and the expression of CD206 was significantly up-regulated following treatment with ESO. The global level of NF-κB protein was not affected by ESO treatment, but it suppressed the expression of phosphorylated NF-κB and prevented its nuclear entry. In addition, in RAW264.7 cells activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the expression of NLRP3, Caspase1 and IL1β were significantly diminished following ESO treatment. In conclusion, ESO was proved to be a promising treatment for DW healing due to its potential to accelerate the healing process by suppressing the inflammatory response. This was achieved by increasing the ratio of M2 to M1 polarization through blocking the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

An overview of anti-SARS-CoV-2 and anti-inflammatory potential of baicalein and its metabolite baicalin: Insights into molecular mechanisms

The current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is highly contagious infection that breaks the healthcare systems of several countries worldwide. Till to date, no effective antiviral drugs against COVID-19 infection have reached the market, and some repurposed drugs and vaccines are prescribed for the treatment and prevention of this disease. The currently prescribed COVID-19 vaccines are less effective against the newly emergent variants of concern of SARS-CoV-2 due to several mutations in viral spike protein and obviously there is an urgency to develop new antiviral drugs against this disease. In this review article, we systematically discussed the anti-SARS-CoV-2 and anti-inflammatory efficacy of two flavonoids, baicalein and its 7-O-glucuronide, baicalin, isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis, Oroxylum indicum, and other plants as well as their pharmacokinetics and oral bioavailability, for development of safe and effective drugs for COVID-19 treatment. Both baicalein and baicalin target the activities of viral S-, 3CL-, PL-, RdRp- and nsp13-proteins, and host mitochondrial OXPHOS for suppression of viral infection. Moreover, these compounds prevent sepsis-related inflammation and organ injury by modulation of host innate immune responses. Several nanoformulated and inclusion complexes of baicalein and baicalin have been reported to increase oral bioavailability, but their safety and efficacy in SARS-CoV-2-infected transgenic animals are not yet evaluated. Future studies on these compounds are required for use in clinical trials of COVID-19 patients.

Adiponectin as a therapeutic target for diabetic foot ulcer

The global burden of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) is a significant public health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. These wounds cause considerable suffering and have a high economic cost. Therefore, there is a need for effective strategies to prevent and treat DFUs. One promising therapeutic approach is the use of adiponectin, a hormone primarily produced and secreted by adipose tissue. Adiponectin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic properties, and researchers have suggested its potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of DFUs. Studies have indicated that adiponectin can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, increase the production of vascular endothelial growth factor, a key mediator of angiogenesis, and inhibit the activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Additionally, adiponectin has been found to possess antioxidant properties and impact glucose metabolism, the immune system, extracellular matrix remodeling, and nerve function. The objective of this review is to summarize the current state of research on the potential role of adiponectin in the treatment of DFUs and to identify areas where further research is needed in order to fully understand the effects of adiponectin on DFUs and to establish its safety and efficacy as a treatment for DFUs in the clinical setting. This will provide a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of DFUs that can aid in the development of new and more effective treatment strategies.

Relationship Between Plasma Aldosterone Concentrations and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Diagnosis in Patients with Hypertension: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective

To investigate the association between plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) diagnosis in Chinese hypertensive patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of all patients diagnosed with hypertension between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2021. We included 3713 hypertensive patients based on the criteria for inclusion and exclusion. PAC measurement was performed using a radioimmunoassay. NAFLD was diagnosed using abdominal ultrasonography. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for univariable and multivariable models. A generalized additive model was used to identify nonlinear relationships between PAC and NAFLD diagnosis.

Results

A total of 3713 participants were included in the analysis. Over a median follow-up of 30 months, 1572 hypertensive individuals developed new-onset NAFLD. When PAC was used as a continuous variable, the risk of NAFLD increased by 1.04 and 1.24-fold for each 1 ng/dL and 5 ng/dL increase in PAC, respectively. When PAC was considered a categorical variable, the HR for tertile 3 was 1.71 (95% CI, 1.47-1.98, P < 0.001) compared to tertile 1. Overall, there was a J-shaped relationship between PAC and new-onset NAFLD. By fitting a two-piecewise linear regression model and using a recursive algorithm, we identified a PAC inflection point at 13 ng/dL (log-likelihood ratio test, P = 0.005). In adjusted model 3, for PAC ≥ 13 ng/dL, a 5 ng/dL increase in PAC was associated with a 30% increase in the risk of new-onset NAFLD (95% CI, 1.25-1.35, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The study revealed a non-linear relationship between elevated PAC levels and the incidence of NAFLD in hypertensive patients. Notably, the risk of new-onset NAFLD was significantly increased when PAC levels were ≥13 ng/dL. Larger, prospective studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Osteocalcin and Its Potential Functions for Preventing Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome in Poultry

Osteocalcin (OCN) is synthesized and secreted by differentiating osteoblasts. In addition to its role in bone, OCN acts as a hormone in the pancreas, liver, muscle, fat, and other organs to regulate multiple pathophysiological processes including glucose homeostasis and adipic acid metabolism. Fat metabolic disorder, such as excessive fat buildup, is related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in humans. Similarly, fatty liver hemorrhage syndrome (FLHS) is a metabolic disease in laying hens, resulting from lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. FLHS affects hen health with significant impact on poultry egg production. Many studies have proposed that OCN has protective function in mammalian NAFLD, but its function in chicken FLHS and related mechanism have not been completely clarified. Recently, we have revealed that OCN prevents laying hens from FLHS through regulating the JNK pathway, and some pathways related to the disease progression have been identified through both in vivo and vitro investigations. In this view, we discussed the current findings for predicting the strategy for using OCN to prevent or reduce FLHS impact on poultry production.

Ribosome stalling is a signal for metabolic regulation by the ribotoxic stress response

Impairment of translation can lead to collisions of ribosomes, which constitute an activation platform for several ribosomal stress-surveillance pathways. Among these is the ribotoxic stress response (RSR), where ribosomal sensing by the MAP3K ZAKα leads to activation of p38 and JNK kinases. Despite these insights, the physiological ramifications of ribosomal impairment and downstream RSR signaling remain elusive. Here, we show that stalling of ribosomes is sufficient to activate ZAKα. In response to amino acid deprivation and full nutrient starvation, RSR impacts on the ensuing metabolic responses in cells, nematodes, and mice. The RSR-regulated responses in these model systems include regulation of AMPK and mTOR signaling, survival under starvation conditions, stress hormone production, and regulation of blood sugar control. In addition, ZAK^-/- male mice present a lean phenotype. Our work highlights impaired ribosomes as metabolic signals and demonstrates a role for RSR signaling in metabolic regulation.

IL-37 alleviates Coxsackievirus B3-induced viral myocarditis via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis

Our study aims to verify the potential effects and underlying mechanisms of IL-37 in Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)-induced viral myocarditis (VMC). VMC model was established by intraperitoneal injection of CVB3 into 6-week-old male balb-c mice on day 0. Each mouse of the IL-37-control group and IL-37-VMC CVB3 groups was intraperitoneally injected with IL-37 on day 4 and day 7. The cardiac function was evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography including LVEF, LVFE, IVSs and IVSd. Myocardial injury was measured by Elisa for serum cTnI. The inflammation infiltration and fibrosis were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining. The expression levels of NLRP3 inflammasome components in pyroptosis were determined by western blot, Elisa, and immunofluorescent analysis. We also detected the expression of IL-37-IL-1R8 in PBMCs by immunofluorescence after injection with CVB3 and IL-37. Compared with the VMC group, mice received CVB3 and IL-37 have improved cardiac function, reduced inflammation infiltration and fibrosis, and with lower expression of cTnI, IL-1β, IL-18 and NLRP3 inflammasome component. IL-37 weakened the upregulation of GSDMD and phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 induced by CVB3. Exogenous addition of IL-37 with CVB3 further increases the production of IL-37-IL-1R8 -IL-18RA complex in vitro. Our findings indicate that IL-37 alleviates CVB3-induced VMC, which may be produced by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis, NF-κB signaling pathway, and IL-37-IL-1R8 -IL-18RA complex.

Common NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors and Covid-19: Divide and conquer

Severe SARS-CoV-2 infection causes systemic inflammation, cytokine storm, and hypercytokinemia due to activation of the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that have been associated with case-fatality rate. The immune overreaction and cytokine storm in the infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 may be linked to NLRP3 inflammasome activation which has supreme importance in human innate immune response mainly against viral infections. In SARS-CoV-2 infection, NLRP3 inflammasome activation results in the stimulation and synthesis of natural killer cells (NKs), NFκB, and interferon-gamma (INF-γ), while inhibiting IL-33 expression. Various efforts have identified selective inhibitors of NLRP3 inflammasome. To achieve this, studies are exploring the screening of natural compounds and/or repurposing of clinical drugs to identify potential NLRP3 inhibitors. NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors are expected to suppress exaggerated immune reaction and cytokine storm-induced-organ damage in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors could mitigate the immune-overreaction and hypercytokinemia in Covid-19 infection.

Role of adiponectin in osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread and most common joint disease which leads to social cost increasing accompany with aging population. Surgery is often the final treatment option. The major progression of OA includes cartilage degradation caused by chondrocytes metabolism imbalance. So, the molecular mechanisms of action in chondrocytes may provide insights into treatment methods for OA. Adiponectin is an adipokine with many biological functions in the cell metabolism. Numerous studies have illustrated that adiponectin has diverse biological effects, such as inhibition of cell apoptosis. It regulates various functions in different organs, including muscle, adipose tissue, brain, and bone, and regulates skeletal homeostasis. However, the relationship between adiponectin and cell death in the progression of OA needs further investigation. We elaborate the structure and function and the effect of adiponectin and state the correlation and intersection between adiponectin, autophagy, inflammation, and OA. From the perspective of oxidative stress, apoptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy, we discuss the possible association between adiponectin, chondrocyte metabolism, and inflammatory factor efforts in OA. What’s more, we summarize the possible treatment methods, including the use of adiponectin as a drug target, and highlight the potential future mechanistic research. In this review, we summarize the molecular pathways and mechanisms of action of adiponectin in chondrocyte inflammation and death and the pathogenesis of OA. We also review the research on adiponectin as a target for treating OA. These studies provide a novel perspective to explore more effective treatment options considering the complex interrelationship between inflammation and metabolism in OA.

Mouse models of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): pathomechanisms and pharmacotherapies

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) increases year by year, and as a consequence, NAFLD has become one of the most prevalent liver diseases worldwide. Unfortunately, no pharmacotherapies for NAFLD have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration despite promising pre-clinical benefits; this situation highlights the urgent need to explore new therapeutic targets for NAFLD and for the discovery of effective therapeutic drugs. The mouse is one of the most commonly used models to study human disease and develop novel pharmacotherapies due to its small size, low-cost and ease in genetic engineering. Different mouse models are used to simulate various stages of NAFLD induced by dietary and/or genetic intervention. In this review, we summarize the newly described patho-mechanisms of NAFLD and review the preclinical mouse models of NAFLD (based on the method of induction) and appraises the use of these models in anti-NAFLD drug discovery. This article will provide a useful resource for researchers to select the appropriate model for research based on the research question being addressed.

Manno-oligosaccharides from cassia seed gum ameliorate inflammation and improve glucose metabolism in diabetic rats

Functional oligosaccharides show anti-diabetic effects through inflammation regulation with improved glucose metabolism. In this study, novel prebiotics of manno-oligosaccharides from cassia seed gum (CMOS) were incorporated into the diet of streptozotocin (STZ) plus high-fat and high-sugar diet (HFSD)-induced rats. After feeding for 8 weeks, CMOS (300-1200 mg per kg b.w. per d) significantly ameliorated the fasting blood glucose level (7.1-8.2 mmol L^-1) as compared with that of the model group (14.2 mmol L^-1), where the area under the oral glucose tolerance test curve was decreased by 20.0%-24.5%. Meanwhile, CMOS prevented STZ plus HFSD-induced damage to islet tissue with a clear and integrated morphology and reduced the glucagon/insulin area ratio (by 97.9% for 300 mg per kg b.w. per d CMOS). CMOS also reduced metabolic endotoxemia and maintained intestinal integrity with recovered mRNA expression of Zo-1 and occludin to the normal comparable level. Upon 16S rDNA sequencing, it was found that CMOS regulated the microbiota composition in the cecum with an increased relative abundance of Bifidobacteria, while that of Shigella was decreased. The molecular mechanisms involved in the anti-diabetic effects of CMOS were further studied. CMOS reduced the mRNA expression of Tlr2 and Tlr4 in the intestines of STZ plus HFSD-induced rats. Meanwhile, Nlrp3 associated inflammasome activation in the intestine and liver with glucose metabolism disorder was inhibited by CMOS, resulting in reduced interleukin-1β secretion (by 38.8-46.4% for CMOS of 300-1200 mg per kg b.w. per d) and inflammation. Furthermore, CMOS regulated the AKT/IRS/AMPK signaling pathway and improved glucose metabolism in the liver. Findings obtained here implicated that CMOS could modulate metabolic-inflammation as a functional dietary supplement.

Adiponectin inhibits the activation of lung fibroblasts and pulmonary fibrosis by regulating the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a common pulmonary interstitial disease with a high mortality rate. Adiponectin (APN) is reportedly an effective therapy for fibrosis-related diseases. This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of APN on IPF. Male BALB/c mice were injected with bleomycin (BLM) and treated with different doses of APN (0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/kg). The body weights of the mice were recorded. Immunohistochemical, hematoxylin and eosin, and Masson staining were performed to evaluate pulmonary histopathological changes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blotting were performed to assess tissue inflammation. The human lung fibroblasts HELF were stimulated with TGF-β1 and treated with different doses of APN (2.5, 5, and 10 μg/ml). Cell proliferation, inflammation, and fibrosis were determined by MTT assay, EdU assay, colony formation assay, ELISA, and western blotting. APN significantly attenuated BLM-induced body weight loss, alveolar destruction, and collagen fiber accumulation in mice (p < 0.05). APN decreased the expression of α-SMA and collagen I and reduced the concentration of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissues (p < 0.05). In TGF-β1-treated HELF cells, cell proliferation and colony formation were inhibited by APN (p < 0.05). Additionally, the expression of α-SMA, collagen I, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were suppressed by APN (p < 0.05). APN inhibited the phosphorylation of IκB and nuclear translocation of p65. In conclusion, these findings suggest that APN is an effective agent for controlling IPF progression. The antifibrotic effects of APN might be mediated via inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Antioxidant Effects of Irisin in Liver Diseases: Mechanistic Insights

Oxidative stress is a crucial factor in the development of various liver diseases. Irisin, a metabolic hormone discovered in 2012, is mainly produced by proteolytic cleavage of fibronectin type III domain containing 5 (FNDC5) in skeletal muscles. Irisin is induced by physical exercise, and a rapidly growing body of literature suggests that irisin is, at least partially, responsible for the beneficial effects of regular exercise. The major biological function of irisin is believed to be involved in the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis. However, recent studies have suggested the therapeutic potential of irisin against a variety of liver diseases involving its antioxidative function. In this review, we aim to summarize the accumulating evidence demonstrating the antioxidative effects of irisin in liver diseases, with an emphasis on the current understanding of the potential molecular mechanisms.

Trichoderma stromaticum spores induce autophagy and downregulate inflammatory mediators in human peripheral blood-derived macrophages

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T. stromaticum biocontrol agent induces autophagy, up-regulating autophagy-related genes

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T. stromaticum modulates expression of micro RNAs that control imune response

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T. stromaticum dow-nregulates expression of TLR2, TLR4, CLEC7A, NLRP3, IL-10, IL1β and IL18

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T. stromaticum modulates ROS production

Trichoderma spp. are usually considered safe and normally used as biocontrol and biofertilization. Safety for human health is evaluated by several tests that detect various effects such as allergenicity, toxicity, infectivity, and pathogenicity. However, they do not evaluate the effects of the agent upon the immune system. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between T. stromaticum spores and mammalian cells to assess the immunomodulatory potential of the spores of this fungus. First, mouse macrophage cell line J774 and human macrophages were exposed to fungal spores and analyzed for structural features, through scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Then, various analysis were performed in human macrophages as to their effect in some functional and molecular aspects of the immune system through immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry and gene expression assays. We demonstrated that T. stromaticum spores induces autophagy and autophagy-related genes (ATGs) and downmodulate inflammatory mediators, including ROS, NLRP3, the cytokines IL-1β, IL-18, IL-12 and IL-10, as well as TLR2, TLR4, miR-146b and miR-155, which may lead to an augmented susceptibility to pathogens. Our study shows the extension of damages the biofungicide Tricovab® can cause in the innate immune response. Further studies are necessary to elucidate other innate and adaptive immune responses and, consequently, the safety of this fungus when in contact with humans.

Empagliflozin Attenuates Obesity-Related Kidney Dysfunction and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity Through the HO-1-Adiponectin Axis

Empagliflozin (EMPA) is a novel sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) that produces protective cardiovascular-renal outcomes in patients with diabetes. However, the effects of EMPA on obesity-related kidney disease have not been determined. The heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)-adiponectin axis is an essential antioxidant system with anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties. This study explored whether EMPA improves obesity-related kidney disease through regulation of the renal HO-1-mediated adiponectin axis. C57BL/6J mice were assigned to control, high-fat diet (HFD) groups, and EMPA (10 mg/kg) groups. HFD mice showed metabolic abnormality and renal injury, including increased urinary albumin excretion, morphologic changes, and lipid accumulation. EMPA treatment improved metabolic disorders and attenuated lipotoxicity-induced renal injury. Furthermore, EMPA treatment ameliorated renal NLRP3 inflammasome activity and upregulated the HO-1-adiponectin axis. Our findings indicate that EMPA improves obesity-related kidney disease through reduction of NLRP3 inflammasome activity and upregulation of the HO-1-adiponectin axis, suggesting a novel mechanism for SGLT2i-mediated renal protection in obesity.

High-fat Western diet consumption exacerbates silica-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis

Consumption of a high-fat Western diet (HFWD) contributes to obesity, disrupted adipose endocrine function, and development of metabolic dysfunction (MetDys). Impaired lung function, pulmonary hypertension, and asthma are all associated with MetDys. Over 35% of adults in the U.S. have MetDys, yet interactions between MetDys and hazardous occupational inhalation exposures are largely unknown. Occupational silica-inhalation leads to chronic lung inflammation, progressive fibrosis, and significant respiratory morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aim to determine the potential of HFWD-consumption to alter silica-induced inflammatory responses in the lung. Six-wk old male F344 rats fed a high fat Western diet (HFWD; 45 kcal % fat, sucrose 22.2% by weight) to induce MetDys, or standard rat chow (STD, controls) for 16 wk were subsequently exposed to silica (6 h/d, 5 d/wk, 39 d; Min-U-Sil 5®, 15 mg/m³) or filtered air; animals remained on their assigned diet for the study duration. Indices of lung inflammation and histopathologic assessment of lung tissue were quantified at 0, 4, and 8 wk after cessation of exposure. Combined HFWD+silica exposure increased bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) total cells, leukocytes, and BAL lactate dehydrogenase compared to STD+silica exposure controls at all timepoints. HFWD+silica exposure increased BAL proinflammatory cytokines at 4 and 8 wk compared to STD+silica exposure. At 8 wk, histopathological analysis confirmed that alveolitis, epithelial cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia, lipoproteinosis, fibrosis, bronchoalveolar lymphoid hyperplasia and granulomas were exacerbated in the HFWD+silica-exposed group compared to STD+silica-exposed controls. Our results suggest an increased susceptibility to silica-induced lung disease caused by HFWD consumption.

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HFWD exacerbates silica (SIL)-induced lung injury at 8 wk post-exposure.

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HFWD+SIL increases BAL cells and LDH compared to STD+SIL.

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HFWD+SIL increases BAL proinflammatory cytokines compared to STD+SIL.

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Histopathology confirms exacerbated lung injury HFWD+silica treatment.

Scopoletin and umbelliferone protect hepatocytes against palmitate- and bile acid-induced cell death by reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress

BACKGROUND

The number of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rapidly increasing due to the growing epidemic of obesity. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the inflammatory stage of NAFLD, is characterized by lipid accumulation in hepatocytes, chronic inflammation and hepatocyte cell death. Scopoletin and umbelliferone are coumarin-like molecules and have antioxidant, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. Cytoprotective effects of these compounds have not been described in hepatocytes and the mechanisms of the beneficial effects of scopoletin and umbelliferone are unknown.

AIM

To investigate whether scopoletin and/or umbelliferone protect hepatocytes against palmitate-induced cell death. For comparison, we also tested the cytoprotective effect of scopoletin and umbelliferone against bile acid-induced cell death.

METHODS

Primary rat hepatocytes were exposed to palmitate (1 mmol/L) or the hydrophobic bile acid glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA; 50 μmol/L). Apoptosis was assessed by caspase-3 activity assay, necrosis by Sytox green assay, mRNA levels by qPCR, protein levels by Western blot and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by fluorescence assay.

RESULTS

Both scopoletin and umbelliferone protected against palmitate and GCDCA-induced cell death. Both palmitate and GCDCA induced the expression of ER stress markers. Scopoletin and umbelliferone decreased palmitate- and GCDCA-induced expression of ER stress markers, phosphorylation of the cell death signaling intermediate JNK as well as ROS production.

CONCLUSION

Scopoletin and umbelliferone protect against palmitate and bile acid-induced cell death of hepatocytes by inhibition of ER stress and ROS generation and decreasing phosphorylation of JNK. Scopoletin and umbelliferone may hold promise as a therapeutic modality for the treatment of NAFLD.

Common NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors and Covid-19: Divide and Conquer

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Activation of AMPK by triptolide alleviates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by improving hepatic lipid metabolism, inflammation and fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Triptolide is naturally isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F., possessing multiple biological activities. Hepatotoxicity is one of the main side effects of triptolide. However, the effect of triptolide on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease remains unknown (NAFLD).

PURPOSE

This study aimed to observe the amelioration of triptolide against NAFLD and investigate the engaged mechanism.

METHODS

Two typical animal models of NAFLD, obese db/db mice and methionine/choline-deficient (MCD) diet-fed mice, were used. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis were evaluated by H&E and Masson staining. Oil red O staining and lipid extraction analysis were used to detect fat content in mice livers. Expression of lipid metabolism, inflammatory and fibrogenic genes was also detected by Real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Phosphoproteomics, molecular docking, and TR-FRET assay were performed to provide further insight into how triptolide improved NAFLD.

RESULTS

Intraperitoneal injection of triptolide at a daily dose of 50 μg/kg significantly alleviated MCD diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), but 100 μg/kg triptolide caused severe hepatotoxicity. Pathological staining confirmed low-dose triptolide treatment reducing hepatic lipid deposition, inflammation, and fibrosis in NASH. Serum biochemical analysis revealed a reduction in the level of liver enzymes and bilirubin. MCD also induced rising expression of typical genes and proteins related to fibrosis (fibronectin, α-SMA, collagens, TGF-β) and inflammation (ILs, TNF-α, MCP-1), which was suppressed by low-dose triptolide. Data from the proteomics/phosphoproteomics and TR-FRET assay indicated triptolide was a potential allosteric AMPK agonist to increase the phosphorylation on Thr172 residue, with the EC₅₀ of 277.78 μM and 231.02 μM for AMPKα1 and AMPKα2, respectively. Moreover, triptolide exhibited an ability to activate AMPK and further led to increasing ACC1 phosphorylation in the liver. The positive results that triptolide ameliorated hepatic lipogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, and fibrosis of NAFLD via activating AMPK were further confirmed in db/db mice with 10-week intervention (50 μg/kg, i.v., twice a week).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that dose-related triptolide as an allosteric AMPK agonist has the potential to alleviate NAFLD without hepatotoxicity.

The Role of Adiponectin in the Skin

Adiponectin (Ad), a 30 kDa molecule, is an anti-diabetic adipokine; although derived from adipose tissue, it performs numerous activities in various other tissues. It binds to its own receptors, namely adiponectin receptor 1(AdipoR1), adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2), and T-cadherin (CDH13). Ad plays several roles, especially as a regulator. It modulates lipid and glucose metabolism and promotes insulin sensitivity. This demonstrates that Ad has a robust correlation with fat metabolism. Furthermore, although Ad is not in direct contact with other tissues, including the skin, it can be delivered to them by diffusion or secretion via the endocrine system. Recently it has been reported that Ad can impact skin cell biology, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic biomarker of skin diseases. In the present review, we have discussed the association between skin cell biology and Ad. To elaborate further, we described the involvement of Ad in the biology of various types of cells in the skin, such as keratinocytes, fibroblasts, melanocytes, and immune cells. Additionally, we postulated that Ad could be employed as a therapeutic target to maintain skin homeostasis.

Adiponectin in psoriasis and its comorbidities: a review

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease characterized by abnormal T cell activation and excessive proliferation of keratinocytes. In addition to skin manifestations, psoriasis has been associated with multiple metabolic comorbidities, such as obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. An increasing amount of evidence has highlighted the core role of adipokines in adipose tissue and the immune system. This review focus on the role of adiponectin in the pathophysiology of psoriasis and its comorbidities, highlighting the future research avenues.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Beyond Their Pancreatic Effects

Glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin secretory molecule. GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) due to their attributes such as body weight loss, protection of islet β cells, promotion of islet β cell proliferation and minimal side effects. Studies have found that GLP-1R is widely distributed on pancreatic and other tissues and has multiple biological effects, such as reducing neuroinflammation, promoting nerve growth, improving heart function, suppressing appetite, delaying gastric emptying, regulating blood lipid metabolism and reducing fat deposition. Moreover, GLP-1RAs have neuroprotective, anti-infectious, cardiovascular protective, and metabolic regulatory effects, exhibiting good application prospects. Growing attention has been paid to the relationship between GLP-1RAs and tumorigenesis, development and prognosis in patient with T2DM. Here, we reviewed the therapeutic effects and possible mechanisms of action of GLP-1RAs in the nervous, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems and their correlation with metabolism, tumours and other diseases.