NLRP3 Inflammasome as a Molecular Marker in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

The role of NLRP3 inflammasome in type 2 inflammation related diseases

Type 2 inflammation related diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis, are diverse and affect multiple systems in the human body. It is common for individuals to have multiple co-existing type 2 inflammation related diseases, which can impose a significant financial and living burden on patients. However, the exact pathogenesis of these diseases is still unclear. The NLRP3 inflammasome is a protein complex composed of the NLRP3 protein, ASC, and Caspase-1, and is activated through various mechanisms, including the NF-κB pathway, ion channels, and lysosomal damage. The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a role in the immune response to pathogens and cellular damage. Recent studies have indicated a strong correlation between the abnormal activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and the onset of type 2 inflammation. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that suppressing NLRP3 expression effectively diminishes the inflammatory response, highlighting its promising therapeutic applications. Therefore, this article reviews the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in the development and therapy of multiple type 2 inflammation related diseases.

The mechanism and promising therapeutic strategy of diabetic cardiomyopathy dysfunctions: Focus on pyroptosis

Diabetes is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and myocardial damage caused by hyperglycemia is the main cause of heart failure. However, there is still a lack of systematic understanding of myocardial damage caused by diabetes. At present, we believe that the cellular inflammatory damage caused by hyperglycemia is one of the causes of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Pyroptosis, as a proinflammatory form of cell death, is closely related to the occurrence and development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Therefore, this paper focuses on the important role of inflammation in the occurrence and development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. From the perspective of pyroptosis, we summarize the pyroptosis of different types of cells in diabetic cardiomyopathy and its related signaling pathways. It also summarizes the treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy, hoping to provide methods for the prevention and treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy by inhibiting pyroptosis.

Overview of pyroptosis mechanism and in-depth analysis of cardiomyocyte pyroptosis mediated by NF-κB pathway in heart failure

The pyroptosis of cardiomyocytes has become an essential topic in heart failure research. The abnormal accumulation of these biological factors, including angiotensin II, advanced glycation end products, and various growth factors (such as connective tissue growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor beta, among others), activates the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in cardiovascular diseases, ultimately leading to pyroptosis of cardiomyocytes. Therefore, exploring the underlying molecular biological mechanisms is essential for developing novel drugs and therapeutic strategies. However, our current understanding of the precise regulatory mechanism of this complex signaling pathway in cardiomyocyte pyroptosis is still limited. Given this, this study reviews the milestone discoveries in the field of pyroptosis research since 1986, analyzes in detail the similarities, differences, and interactions between pyroptosis and other cell death modes (such as apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis), and explores the deep connection between pyroptosis and heart failure. At the same time, it depicts in detail the complete pathway of the activation, transmission, and eventual cardiomyocyte pyroptosis of the NF-κB signaling pathway in the process of heart failure. In addition, the study also systematically summarizes various therapeutic approaches that can inhibit NF-κB to reduce cardiomyocyte pyroptosis, including drugs, natural compounds, small molecule inhibitors, gene editing, and other cutting-edge technologies, aiming to provide solid scientific support and new research perspectives for the prevention and treatment of heart failure.

Pyroptosis and chemical classification of pyroptotic agents

Pyroptosis, as a lytic-inflammatory type of programmed cell death, has garnered considerable attention due to its role in cancer chemotherapy and many inflammatory diseases. This review will discuss the biochemical classification of pyroptotic inducers according to their chemical structure, pyroptotic mechanism, and cancer type of these targets. A structure-activity relationship study on pyroptotic inducers is revealed based on the surveyed pyroptotic inducer chemotherapeutics. The shared features in the chemical structures of current pyroptotic inducer agents were displayed, including an essential cyclic head, a vital linker, and a hydrophilic tail that is significant for π-π interactions and hydrogen bonding. The presented structural features will open the way to design new hybridized classes or scaffolds as potent pyroptotic inducers in the future, which may represent a solution to the apoptotic-resistance dilemma along with synergistic chemotherapeutic advantage.

TAK-242 alleviates diabetic cardiomyopathy via inhibiting pyroptosis and TLR4/CaMKII/NLRP3 pathway

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is identified as a progressive disease that may lead to irreparable heart failure. Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling is believed to be implicated in the pathogenesis of DCM. This study intended to explore the potential impact of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) on DCM in vitro and in vivo. Streptozotocin and HG medium were utilized to induce diabetes in animal and cell models, respectively. Selective TLR4 inhibitor TAK-242 and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-II (CaMKII) inhibitor KN-93 were employed to explore the involvement of TLR4/CaMKII in DCM. TLR4 expression was increased in DCM hearts, while inhibition of TLR4 activation by TAK-242 improved cardiac function, attenuated heart hypertrophy, and fibrosis, as well as reduced oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokine levels in rats, which were confirmed by Doppler echocardiography, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and Masson Trichome staining and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Besides, the expression of hypertrophy-related molecules and oxidative stress damage were also inhibited by TAK-242. Furthermore, TAK-242 treatment reduced CaMKII phosphorylation accompanied by decreased expression of NOD-like pyrin domain-containing protein 3, gasdermin D (GSDMD), The N-terminal domain of Gasdermin D (GSDMD-N), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase-recruitment domain (ASC) and Caspase-1 both in vivo and in vitro. Similar positive impacts on HG-induced pyroptosis were also observed with KN-93 treatment, and this was achieved without affecting TLR4 expression. Collectively, our work suggested that TAK-242 demonstrated substantial benefits against DCM both in vivo and in vitro, potentially attributed to the suppression of the TLR4-mediated CaMKII/NLRP3 pathway activity.

Involucrasin B suppresses airway inflammation in obese asthma by inhibiting the TLR4-NF-κB-NLRP3 pathway

BACKGROUND

Obese asthma is an asthma phenotype that causes more severe lung inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness than allergic asthma and it is resistant to conventional therapy. Involucrasin B (IB) is a dihydroflavonoid isolated from Shuteria involucrata (Wall.) Wight & Arn., a traditional "Dai" and "Wa" medicine was used in southern China to treat the "phlegm and wetness of sputum" (obesity disease) as well as lung inflammation. However, whether IB can ameliorate obese asthma remains unclear, and the underlying mechanisms and molecular expression in obese asthma specifically targeted by IB are still not fully understood.

METHODS

An in vivo C57BL/6 J mouse model of obese asthma was established using house dust mites (HDMs) and high-fat diet (HFD) as inducers to evaluate the therapeutic effect of IB. An in vitro cell culture of human THP-1 monocytic cell culture was used to investigate the effect of IB after the treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and palmitic acid (PA).

RESULTS

In vivo, we found that intervention with IB improved airway hyperresponsiveness and lung histopathology and significantly inhibited the secretion of relevant inflammatory factors, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-17A, and IL-22 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and total-IgE and HDM-IgE in serum compared with the model group (HFD+HDM). The findings indicate that IB could decrease the expression of granulocyte receptor 1 (Gr-1) and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in lung tissue, as well as the expression of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and inducible nitric oxide synthase in M1 macrophages (M1). IB also reduced the population of ILC3/Th17 cells, which are responsible for producing IL-17A, a crucial mediator of neutrophil-mediated inflammation, confirming that the therapeutic effect of IB in obesity-related asthma was related to neutrophils and M1 cells. In addition, IB regulated lipid metabolism and inhibited the production of macrophages in adipose tissue. The in vitro results revealed that IB inhibited the secretion of IL-1β, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) from THP-1 cells, and the expression of NLRP3-related protein in THP-1 cells compared with the model groups (LPS, PA, and LPS+PA), confirming that the action of IB involved the TLR4-NF-κB-NLRP3 pathway.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated the therapeutic effect of IB in obese asthma for the first time and further clarified its mechanistic pathway as the TLR4-NF-κB-NLRP3 pathway.

Picroside II suppresses chondrocyte pyroptosis through MAPK/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway alleviates osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Picroside II (P-II) is the main bioactive constituent of Picrorhiza Kurroa, a traditional Chinese herb of interest for its proven anti-inflammatory properties. Its beneficial effects have been noted across several physiological systems, including the nervous, circulatory, and digestive, capable of treating a wide range of diseases. Nevertheless, the potential of Picroside II to treat osteoarthritis (OA) and the mechanisms behind its efficacy remain largely unexplored.

AIM

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Picroside II in the treatment of osteoarthritis and its potential molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

In vitro, we induced cellular inflammation in chondrocytes with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and subsequently treated with Picroside II to assess protective effect on chondrocyte. We employed the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay to assess the impact of Picroside II on cell viability and select the optimal Picroside II concentration for subsequent experiments. We explored the effect of Picroside II on chondrocyte pyroptosis and its underlying molecular mechanisms by qRT-PCR, Western blot (WB) and immunofluorescence. In vivo, we established the destabilization of the medial meniscus surgery to create an OA mouse model. The therapeutic effects of Picroside II were then assessed through Micro-CT scanning, Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, Safranin O-Fast Green (S&F) staining, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

In in vitro studies, toluidine blue and CCK-8 results showed that a certain concentration of Picroside II had a restorative effect on the viability of chondrocytes inhibited by LPS. Picroside II notably suppressed the expression levels of caspase-1, IL-18, and IL-1β, which consequently led to the reduction of pyroptosis. Moreover, Picroside II was shown to decrease NLRP3 inflammasome activation, via the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. In vivo studies have shown that Picroside II can effectively reduce subchondral bone destruction and osteophyte formation in the knee joint of mice after DMM surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research suggests that Picroside II can inhibit chondrocyte pyroptosis and ameliorate osteoarthritis progression by modulating the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Polystyrene Microplastics Induce Injury to the Vascular Endothelial Through NLRP3-Mediated Pyroptosis

The health risks associated with microplastics have attracted widespread attention. Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) can induce damage to cardiac tissue, while pyroptosis-mediated injury to the vascular endothelial plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. The study intended to explore the role and mechanism of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) mediated pyroptosis in PS-MPs causing the injury of vascular endothelial cells. In vivo, Wistar rats were exposed to 0.5, 5, and 50 mg/kg/d 0.5 μm PS-MPs. In vitro, the human vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used for mechanistic studies. siRNA was used for silencing the NILRP3 gene. H&E staining and flow cytometry were performed to examine the vascular injury and cell membrane damage. The oxidative stress was detected by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and corresponding kits. ELISA were used to measure the levels of inflammatory factors. Real-time PCR and western blot were used to measure the expression of pyroptosis signaling pathway. In rats, PS-MPs could cause vascular damage, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response, and activated the pyroptosis signaling pathway. HUVECs exposure to PS-MPs, the vitality decreased in a dose-dependent manner, ROS and MDA were significantly increased while SOD was decreased. PS-MPs induced the onset of pyroptosis signaling pathway in HUVECs. Cell membrane damage and the levels of IL-Iβ and IL-18 in HUVECs significantly increased, those are symbols for the development of pyroptosis. Inhibition of NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis effectively protected HUVECs from PS-MPs-induced damage. Pyroptosis played a vital role in controlling the vascular endothelial injury caused by PS-MPs.

Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Cell Death in Renal Fibrosis

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is indispensable for maintaining normal life activities. Dysregulation of the ER function results in the accumulation of harmful proteins and lipids and the disruption of intracellular signaling pathways, leading to cellular dysfunction and eventual death. Protein misfolding within the ER disrupts its delicate balance, resulting in the accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins, a condition known as endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). Renal fibrosis, characterized by the aberrant proliferation of fibrotic tissue in the renal interstitium, stands as a grave consequence of numerous kidney disorders, precipitating a gradual decline in renal function. Renal fibrosis is a serious complication of many kidney conditions and is characterized by the overgrowth of fibrotic tissue in the glomerular and tubular interstitium, leading to the progressive failure of renal function. Studies have shown that, during the onset and progression of kidney disease, ERS causes various problems in the kidneys, a process that can lead to kidney fibrosis. This article elucidates the underlying intracellular signaling pathways modulated by ERS, delineating its role in triggering diverse forms of cell death. Additionally, it comprehensively explores a spectrum of potential pharmacological agents and molecular interventions aimed at mitigating ERS, thereby charting novel research avenues and therapeutic advancements in the management of renal fibrosis.

Effect of NLRP3 gene knockdown on pyroptosis and ferroptosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy injury

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a chronic disease caused by diabetes mellitus, which is recognized as a worldwide challenging disease. This study aimed to investigate the role and the potential mechanism of knocking down the NACHT-, LRR- and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), an inflammasome associated with onset and progression of various diseases, on high glucose or diabetes -induced cardiac cells pyroptosis and ferroptosis, two regulated non-necrosis cell death modalities discovered recent years. In the present study, both in vivo and in vitro studies were conducted simultaneously. Diabetic rats were induced by 55 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Following the intraperitoneal injection of MCC950 (10 mg/kg), On the other hand, the DCM model in H9C2 cardiac cells was simulated with 35 mmol/L glucose and a short hairpin RNA vector of NLRP3 were transfected to cells. The results showed that in vivo study, myocardial fibers were loosely arranged and showed inflammatory cell infiltration, mitochondrial cristae were broken and the GSDMD-NT expression was found notably increased in the DM group, while the protein expressions of xCT and GPX4 was significantly decreased, both of which were reversed by MCC950. High glucose reduced the cell viability and ATP level in vitro, accompanied by an increase in LDH release. All of the above indicators were reversed after NLRP3 knockdown compared with the HG treated alone. Moreover, the protein expressions of pyroptosis- and ferroptosis-related fators were significantly decreased or increased, consistent with the results shown by immunofluorescence. Furthermore, the protective effects of NLRP3 knockdown against HG were reversed following the mtROS agonist rotenone (ROT) treatment. In conclusion, inhibition of NLRP3 suppressed DM-induced myocardial injury. Promotion of mitochondrial ROS abolished the protective effect of knockdown NLRP3, and induced the happening of pyroptosis and ferroptosis. These findings may present a novel therapeutic underlying mechanism for clinical diabetes-induced myocardial injury treatment.

Ginsenoside Rb1 reduces oxidative/carbonyl stress damage and dysfunction of RyR2 in the heart of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress may contribute to cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) dysfunction in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) is a major pharmacologically active component of ginseng to treat cardiovascular diseases. Whether Rb1 treat diabetes injured heart remains unknown. This study was to investigate the effect of Rb1 on diabetes injured cardiac muscle tissue and to further investigate its possible molecular pharmacology mechanisms.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected streptozotocin solution for 2 weeks, followed 6 weeks Rb1 or insulin treatment. The activity of SOD, CAT, Gpx, and the levels of MDA was measured; histological and ultrastructure analyses, RyR2 activity and phosphorylated RyR2(Ser2808) protein expression analyses; and Tunel assay were performed.

RESULTS

There was decreased activity of SOD, CAT, Gpx and increased levels of MDA in the diabetic group from control. Rb1 treatment increased activity of SOD, CAT, Gpx and decreased the levels of MDA as compared with diabetic rats. Neutralizing the RyR2 activity significantly decreased in diabetes from control, and increased in Rb1 treatment group from diabetic group. The expression of phosphorylation of RyR2 Ser2808 was increased in diabetic rats from control, and were attenuated with insulin and Rb1 treatment. Diabetes increased the apoptosis rate, and Rb1 treatment decreased the apoptosis rate. Rb1 and insulin ameliorated myocardial injury in diabetic rats.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that Rb1 could be useful for mitigating oxidative damage, reduced phosphorylation of RyR2 Ser2808 and decreased the apoptosis rate of cardiomyocytes in diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Cardioprotective role of diacerein in diabetic cardiomyopathy via modulation of inflammasome/caspase1/interleukin1β pathway in juvenile rats

Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder affecting different body organs; one of its serious complications is diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Thus, finding more cardiopreserving agents to protect the heart against such illness is a critical task. For the first time, we planned to study the suspected role of diacerein (DIA) in ameliorating DCM in juvenile rats and explore different mechanisms mediating its effect including inflammasome/caspase1/interleukin1β pathway. Four-week-aged juvenile rats were randomly divided into groups; the control group, diacerein group, diabetic group, and diabetic-treated group. Streptozotocin (45 mg/kg) single intraperitoneal (i.p.) dose was administered for induction of type 1 diabetes on the 1st day which was confirmed by detecting blood glucose level. DIA was given in a dose of 50 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks to diabetic and non-diabetic rats, then we evaluated different inflammatory, apoptotic, and oxidative stress parameters. Induction of DCM succeeded as there were significant increases in cardiac enzymes, heart weights, fasting blood glucose level (FBG), and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) associated with elevated blood pressure (BP), histopathological changes, and increased caspase 3 immunoexpression. Furthermore, there was an increase of malondialdehyde (MDA), inflammasome, caspase1, angiotensin II, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), and interleukin 1β (IL1β). However, antioxidant parameters such as reduced glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) significantly declined. Fortunately, DIA reversed the diabetic cardiomyopathy changes mostly due to the observed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties with regulation of blood glucose level.DIA has an ability to regulate DCM-associated biochemical and histopathological disturbances.

The study of the mechanism of non-coding RNA regulation of programmed cell death in diabetic cardiomyopathy

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) represents a distinct myocardial disorder elicited by diabetes mellitus, characterized by aberrations in myocardial function and structural integrity. This pathological condition predominantly manifests in individuals with diabetes who do not have concurrent coronary artery disease or hypertension. An escalating body of scientific evidence substantiates the pivotal role of programmed cell death (PCD)-encompassing apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis-in the pathogenic progression of DCM, thereby emerging as a prospective therapeutic target. Additionally, numerous non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been empirically verified to modulate the biological processes underlying programmed cell death, consequently influencing the evolution of DCM. This review systematically encapsulates prevalent types of PCD manifest in DCM as well as nascent discoveries regarding the regulatory influence of ncRNAs on programmed cell death in the pathogenesis of DCM, with the aim of furnishing novel insights for the furtherance of research in PCD-associated disorders relevant to DCM.

Circular RNAs: a small piece in the heart failure puzzle

Cardiovascular disease, specifically heart failure (HF), remains a significant concern in the realm of healthcare, necessitating the development of new treatments and biomarkers. The RNA family consists of various subgroups, including microRNAs, PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRAN) and long non-coding RNAs, which have shown potential in advancing personalized healthcare for HF patients. Recent research suggests that circular RNAs, a lesser-known subgroup of RNAs, may offer a novel set of targets and biomarkers for HF. This review will discuss the biogenesis of circular RNAs, their unique characteristics relevant to HF, their role in heart function, and their potential use as biomarkers in the bloodstream. Furthermore, future research directions in this field will be outlined. The stability of exosomal circRNAs makes them suitable as biomarkers, pathogenic regulators, and potential treatments for cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, acute coronary syndrome, ischemia/reperfusion injury, HF, and peripheral artery disease. Herein, we summarized the role of circular RNAs and their exosomal forms in HF diseases.

Redox homeostasis in cardiac fibrosis: Focus on metal ion metabolism

Cardiac fibrosis is a major public health problem worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality, affecting almost all patients with heart disease worldwide. It is characterized by fibroblast activation, abnormal proliferation, excessive deposition, and abnormal distribution of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. The maladaptive process of cardiac fibrosis is complex and often involves multiple mechanisms. With the increasing research on cardiac fibrosis, redox has been recognized as an important part of cardiac remodeling, and an imbalance in redox homeostasis can adversely affect the function and structure of the heart. The metabolism of metal ions is essential for life, and abnormal metabolism of metal ions in cells can impair a variety of biochemical processes, especially redox. However, current research on metal ion metabolism is still very limited. This review comprehensively examines the effects of metal ion (iron, copper, calcium, and zinc) metabolism-mediated redox homeostasis on cardiac fibrosis, outlines possible therapeutic interventions, and addresses ongoing challenges in this rapidly evolving field.

Effects of NLRP3 Inflammasome Mediated Pyroptosis on Cardiovascular Diseases and Intervention Mechanism of Chinese Medicine

Activation of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling pathway is an important mechanism underlying myocardial pyroptosis and plays an important role in inflammatory damage to myocardial tissue in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as diabetic cardiomyopathy, ischemia/reperfusion injury, myocardial infarction, heart failure and hypertension. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are important regulatory factors. Many Chinese medicine (CM) compounds, including their effective components, can regulate pyroptosis and exert myocardium-protecting effects. The mechanisms underlying this protection include inhibition of inflammasome protein expression, Toll-like receptor 4-NF-κB signal pathway activation, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), and mixed lineage kinase 3 expression and the regulation of silent information regulator 1. The NLRP3 protein is an important regulatory target for CVD prevention and treatment with CM. Exploring the effects of the interventions mediated by CM and the related mechanisms provides new ideas and perspectives for CVD prevention and treatment.

miR-29b-3p regulates cardiomyocytes pyroptosis in CVB3-induced myocarditis through targeting DNMT3A

BACKGROUND

Viral myocarditis (VMC) is a disease resulting from viral infection, which manifests as inflammation of myocardial cells. Until now, the treatment of VMC is still a great challenge for clinicians. Increasing studies indicate the participation of miR-29b-3p in various diseases. According to the transcriptome sequencing analysis, miR-29b-3p was markedly upregulated in the viral myocarditis model. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of miR-29b-3p in the progression of VMC.

METHODS

We used CVB3 to induce primary cardiomyocytes and mice to establish a model of viral myocarditis. The purity of primary cardiomyocytes was identified by immunofluorescence. The cardiac function of mice was detected by Vevo770 imaging system. The area of inflammatory infiltration in heart tissue was shown by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The expression of miR-29b-3p and DNMT3A was detected by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The expression of a series of pyroptosis-related proteins was detected by western blot. The role of miR-29b-3p/DNMT3A in CVB3-induced pyroptosis of cardiomyocytes was studied in this research.

RESULTS

Our data showed that the expression of miR-29b-3p was upregulated in CVB3-induced cardiomyocytes and heart tissues in mice. To explore the function of miR-29b-3p in CVB3-induced VMC, we conducted in vivo experiments by knocking down the expression of miR-29b-3p using antagomir. We then assessed the effects on mice body weight, histopathology changes, myocardial function, and cell pyroptosis in heart tissues. Additionally, we performed gain/loss-of-function experiments in vitro to measure the levels of pyroptosis in primary cardiomyocytes. Through bioinformatic analysis, we identified DNA methyltransferases 3A (DNMT3A) as a potential target gene of miR-29b-3p. Furthermore, we found that the expression of DNMT3A can be modulated by miR-29b-3p during CVB3 infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate a correlation between the expression of DNMT3A and CVB3-induced pyroptosis in cardiomyocytes. These findings unveil a previously unidentified mechanism by which CVB3 induces cardiac injury through the regulation of miR-29b-3p/DNMT3A-mediated pyroptosis.

Teneligliptin mitigates diabetic cardiomyopathy by inhibiting activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome

BACKGROUND

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), which is a complication of diabetes, poses a great threat to public health. Recent studies have confirmed the role of NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor protein 3) activation in DCM development through the inflammatory response. Teneligliptin is an oral hypoglycemic dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitor used to treat diabetes. Teneligliptin has recently been reported to have anti-inflammatory and protective effects on myocardial cells.

AIM

To examine the therapeutic effects of teneligliptin on DCM in diabetic mice.

METHODS

Streptozotocin was administered to induce diabetes in mice, followed by treatment with 30 mg/kg teneligliptin.

RESULTS

Marked increases in cardiomyocyte area and cardiac hypertrophy indicator heart weight/tibia length reductions in fractional shortening, ejection fraction, and heart rate; increases in creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), aspartate transaminase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels; and upregulated NADPH oxidase 4 were observed in diabetic mice, all of which were significantly reversed by teneligliptin. Moreover, NLRP3 inflammasome activation and increased release of interleukin-1β in diabetic mice were inhibited by teneligliptin. Primary mouse cardiomyocytes were treated with high glucose (30 mmol/L) with or without teneligliptin (2.5 or 5 µM) for 24 h. NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Increases in CK-MB, AST, and LDH levels in glucose-stimulated cardiomyocytes were markedly inhibited by teneligliptin, and AMP (p-adenosine 5'-monophosphate)-p-AMPK (activated protein kinase) levels were increased. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of teneligliptin on hyperglycaemia-induced cardiomyocytes were abolished by the AMPK signaling inhibitor compound C.

CONCLUSION

Overall, teneligliptin mitigated DCM by mitigating activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.

NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis in cardiovascular diseases and exercise intervention

NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is an intracellular sensing protein complex that possesses NACHT, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin domain, playing a crucial role in innate immunity. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome leads to the production of pro-inflammatory cellular contents, such as interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, and induction of inflammatory cell death known as pyroptosis, thereby amplifying or sustaining inflammation. While a balanced inflammatory response is beneficial for resolving damage and promoting tissue healing, excessive activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis can have harmful effects. The involvement of the NLRP3 inflammasome has been observed in various cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Indeed, the NLRP3 inflammasome and its associated pyroptosis are closely linked to key cardiovascular risk factors including hyperlipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and hyperhomocysteinemia. Exercise compared with medicine is a highly effective measure for both preventing and treating CVD. Interestingly, emerging evidence suggests that exercise improves CVD and inhibits the activity of NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis. In this review, the activation mechanisms of the NLRP3 inflammasome and its pathogenic role in CVD are critically discussed. Importantly, the purpose is to emphasize the crucial role of exercise in managing CVD by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activity and proposes it as the foundation for developing novel treatment strategies.

Understanding One Half of the Sex Difference Equation: The Modulatory Effects of Testosterone on Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Diabetes is a prevalent disease, primarily characterized by high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Significantly higher rates of myocardial dysfunction have been noted in individuals with diabetes, even in those without coronary artery disease or high blood pressure (hypertension). Numerous molecular mechanisms have been identified through which diabetes contributes to the pathology of diabetic cardiomyopathy, which presents as cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. At the cellular level, oxidative stress and inflammation in cardiomyocytes are triggered by hyperglycemia. Although males are generally more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than females, diabetic males are less likely to develop diabetic cardiomyopathy than are diabetic females. One reason for these differences may be the higher levels of serum testosterone in males compared with females. Although testosterone appears to protect against cardiomyocyte oxidative stress and exacerbate hypertrophy, its role in inflammation and fibrosis is much less clear. Additional preclinical and clinical studies will be required to delineate testosterone's effect on the diabetic heart.

LncRNA and mRNA expression characteristic and bioinformatic analysis in myocardium of diabetic cardiomyopathy mice

BACKGROUND

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is becoming a very well-known clinical entity and leads to increased heart failure in diabetic patients. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of DCM. In the present study, the expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs were illuminated in myocardium from DCM mice, with purpose of exploring probable pathological processes of DCM involved by differentially expressed genes in order to provide a new direction for the future researches of DCM.

RESULTS

The results showed that a total of 93 differentially expressed lncRNA transcripts and 881 mRNA transcripts were aberrantly expressed in db/db mice compared with the controls. The top 6 differentially expressed lncRNAs like up-regulated Hmga1b, Gm8909, Gm50252 and down-regulated Msantd4, 4933413J09Rik, Gm41414 have not yet been reported in DCM. The lncRNAs-mRNAs co-expression network analysis showed that LncRNA 2610507I01Rik, 2310015A16Rik, Gm10503, A930015D03Rik and Gm48483 were the most relevant to differentially expressed mRNAs.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that db/db DCM mice exist differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs in hearts. These differentially expressed lncRNAs may be involved in the pathological process of cardiomyocyte apoptosis and fibrosis in DCM.

Identification and Validation of the Pyroptosis-Related Hub Gene Signature and the Associated Regulation Axis in Diabetic Keratopathy

Background

Diabetic keratopathy (DK) poses a significant challenge in diabetes mellitus, yet its molecular pathways and effective treatments remain elusive. The aim of our research was to explore the pyroptosis-related genes in the corneal epithelium of the streptozocin-induced diabetic rats.

Methods

After sixteen weeks of streptozocin intraperitoneal injection, corneal epithelium from three diabetic rats and three normal groups underwent whole-transcriptome sequencing. An integrated bioinformatics pipeline, including differentially expressed gene (DEG) identification, enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, coexpression, drug prediction, and immune deconvolution analyses, identified hub genes and key drivers in DK pathogenesis. These hub genes were subsequently validated in vivo through RT-qPCR.

Results

A total of 459 DEGs were screened out from the diabetic group and nondiabetic controls. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis highlighted significant enrichment of the NOD-like receptor, Toll-like receptor, and NF-kappa B signaling pathways. Intersection of DEGs and pyroptosis-related datasets showed 33 differentially expressed pyroptosis-related genes (DEPRGs) associated with pathways such as IL-17, NOD-like receptor, TNF, and Toll-like receptor signaling. A competing endogenous RNA network comprising 16 DEPRGs, 22 lncRNAs, 13 miRNAs, and 3 circRNAs was constructed. After PPI network, five hub genes (Nfkb1, Casp8, Traf6, Ptgs2, and Il18) were identified as upregulated in the diabetic group, and their expression was validated by RT-qPCR in streptozocin-induced rats. Immune infiltration characterization showed that diabetic corneas owned a higher proportion of resting mast cells, activated NK cells, and memory-resting CD4 T cells. Finally, several small compounds including all-trans-retinoic acid, Chaihu Shugan San, dexamethasone, and resveratrol were suggested as potential therapies targeting these hub genes for DK.

Conclusions

The identified and validated hub genes, Nfkb1, Casp8, Traf6, Ptgs2, and Il18, may play crucial roles in DK pathogenesis and serve as therapeutic targets.

Bicyclol alleviates obesity-induced renal injury by inhibiting JNK and NF-κB-mediated inflammation

Obesity is recognized as a major risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is accompanied by increased renal lipid build-up, fibrosis, inflammation, apoptosis and pyroptosis. Bicyclol (BIC), a Chinese marketed hepatoprotective drug, has shown excellent anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrosis, anti-apoptotic, and lipid regulation effects in different animal models. In this study, we explored the role and mechanism of BIC in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity-related nephropathy. Mice were fed with HFD for 24 weeks to develop obesity-related nephropathy, while mice in the BIC administration group were treated with BIC (50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg, once every two days) at the last 12 weeks. We found that BIC treatment relieved the impairment of kidney structure and renal dysfunction caused by HFD. In addition, we found that BIC mitigated HFD-induced renal fibrosis, inflammation, apoptosis and pyroptosis by inhibiting JNK and NF-κB pathways. SV40-MES-13 cells treated with palmitate (PA) were used as the in vitro model. Our data show that BIC pre-administration relieved cellular damage caused by PA through suppressing JNK and NF-κB signaling pathways. In conclusion, we demonstrated that BIC attenuated obesity-induced renal injury by inhibiting chronic inflammation, fibrosis, apoptosis and pyroptosis via targeting JNK and NF-κB pathways. Our data suggested that BIC could be potentially used to prevent obesity-associated nephropathy, which warrants future investigation.

Identification of potential biomarkers for diabetic cardiomyopathy using LC-MS-based metabolomics

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) that contributes to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the metabolic alterations and specific biomarkers associated with DCM in T2DM remain unclear. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive metabolomic analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to investigate the plasma metabolite profiles of T2DM patients with and without DCM. We identified significant differences in metabolite levels between the groups, highlighting the dysregulation of various metabolic pathways, including starch and sucrose metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, tryptophan metabolism, purine metabolism, and pyrimidine metabolism. Although several metabolites showed altered abundance in DCM, they also shared characteristics of DCM and T2DM rather than specific to DCM. Additionally, through biomarker analyses, we identified potential biomarkers for DCM, such as cytidine triphosphate, 11-ketoetiocholanolone, saccharopine, nervonic acid, and erucic acid. These biomarkers demonstrated distinct patterns and associations with metabolic pathways related to DCM. Our findings provide insights into the metabolic changes associated with DCM in T2DM patients and highlight potential biomarkers for further validation and clinical application. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and validate the diagnostic and prognostic value of these biomarkers in larger cohorts.

Phoenixin-14 protects cardiac damages in a streptozotocin-induced diabetes mice model through SIRT3

BACKGROUND

Type I diabetes is a metabolic syndrome that severely impacts the normal lives of patients through its multiple complications, such as diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Phoenixin-14 is a peptide found to be widely expressed in eukaryons with multiple protective properties, including anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects. The present study aims to explore the potential therapeutic impacts of Phoenixin-14 on DCM.

METHODS

Type I diabetes was induced by treatment with a single dose of STZ (40 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally for 5 consecutive days. Mice were divided into four groups: the Control, Phoenixin-14, T1DM, and Phoenixin-14 +T1DM groups. The levels of myocardial injury markers were measured. Cardiac hypertrophy was assessed using wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining.

RESULTS

Phoenixin-14 was significantly downregulated in the cardiac tissue of diabetic mice. The myocardial injury and deteriorated cardiac function in diabetic mice induced by STZ were significantly ameliorated by Phoenixin-14, accompanied by the alleviation of cardiac hypertrophy. In addition, the severe oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetic mice were dramatically mitigated by Phoenixin-14. Lastly, the downregulated SIRT3 and upregulated p-FOXO3 in diabetic mice were pronouncedly reversed by Phoenixin-14. It is worth mentioning that compared to the Control, no significant changes to any of the investigated parameters in the present study were found in the Phoenixin-14-treated normal mice, suggesting that treatment with it has no side effects.

CONCLUSION

Our data revealed that Phoenixin-14 protected against cardiac damages in STZ-induced diabetes mice models.

SIRT5-related lysine demalonylation of GSTP1 contributes to cardiomyocyte pyroptosis suppression in diabetic cardiomyopathy

Sirtuin 5 (SIRT5), localized in the mitochondria, has been identified as a protein desuccinylase and demalonylase in the mitochondria since the depletion of SIRT5 boosted the global succinylation and malonylation of mitochondrial proteins. We investigated the role of SIRT5 in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) and identified the mechanism regarding lysine demalonylation in this process. Wild-type and SIRT5 knockout mice were induced with DCM, and primary cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts extracted from wild-type and SIRT5 knockout mice were subjected to high glucose (HG). SIRT5 deficiency exacerbated myocardial injury in DCM mice, aggravated HG-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiomyocytes, and intensified cardiomyocyte senescence, pyroptosis, and DNA damage. DCM-induced SIRT5 loss diminished glutathione S-transferase P (GSTP1) protein stability, represented by significantly increased lysine malonylation (Mal-Lys) modification of GSTP1. SIRT5 overexpression alleviated DCM-related myocardial injury, which was reversed by GSTP1 knockdown. Reduced SIRT5 transcription in DCM resulted from the downregulation of SPI1. SPI1 promoted the transcription of SIRT5, thereby ameliorating DCM-associated myocardial injury. However, SIRT5 deletion resulted in a significant reversal of the protective effect of SPI1. These observations suggest that SPI1 activates SIRT5 transcriptionally to mediate GSTP1 Mal-Lys modification and protein stability, thus ameliorating DCM-associated myocardial injury.

CD38 Deficiency Alleviates Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Coordinately Inhibiting Pyroptosis and Apoptosis

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is one of the diabetes mellitus-induced cardiovascular complications that can result in heart failure in severe cases, which is characterized by cardiomyocyte apoptosis, local inflammation, oxidative stress, and myocardial fibrosis. CD38, a main hydrolase of NAD+ in mammals, plays an important role in various cardiovascular diseases, according to our previous studies. However, the role of CD38 in diabetes-induced cardiomyopathy is still unknown. Here, we report that global deletion of the CD38 gene significantly prevented diabetic cardiomyopathy induced by high-fat diet plus streptozotocin (STZ) injection in CD38 knockout (CD38-KO) mice. We observed that CD38 expression was up-regulated, whereas the expression of Sirt3 was down-regulated in the hearts of diabetic mice. CD38 deficiency significantly promoted glucose metabolism and improved cardiac functions, exemplified by increased left ventricular ejection fraction and fractional shortening. In addition, we observed that CD38 deficiency markedly decreased diabetes or high glucose and palmitic acid (HG + PA)-induced pyroptosis and apoptosis in CD38 knockout hearts or cardiomyocytes, respectively. Furthermore, we found that the expression levels of Sirt3, mainly located in mitochondria, and its target gene FOXO3a were increased in CD38-deficient hearts and cardiomyocytes with CD38 knockdown under diabetic induction conditions. In conclusion, we demonstrated that CD38 deficiency protected mice from diabetes-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy by reducing pyroptosis and apoptosis via activating NAD+/Sirt3/FOXO3a signaling pathways.

Secretome of EMSCs neutralizes LPS‑induced acute lung injury via aerosol administration

Ectodermal mesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs) are cells harvested from the stem cell niche (nasal mucosa) with high therapeutic potential. To the best of our knowledge, however, the anti‑inflammatory properties of these neural crest‑derived EMSCs have been rarely reported. The present study aimed to explore the effects of aerosolized EMSC‑Secretome (EMSC‑Sec) and clarify underlying mechanisms in treating acute lung injury (ALI). EMSCs were isolated by adherent method and identified by immunofluorescence staining. EMSC‑Sec was collected and evaluated using western blotting, BCA and ELISA tests. Then, mouse lung epithelial cells (MLE‑12) were used to mimic inflammatory stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After developing an ALI model through intraperitoneal injection of LPS, mice were treated with an EMSC‑Sec spray. The lung in each group underwent an observation and measurement to preliminarily assess the extent of damage. H&E staining, immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescence and western‑blotting were utilized to further access the impacts of EMSC‑Sec. The results showed that EMSC‑Sec had great anti‑inflammatory potential and was highly successful in vitro and in vivo. EMSC‑Sec mitigated LPS‑induced ALI with low inflammatory cell inflation and mild damage. EMSC‑Sec could regulate inflammation via the NF‑κB(p50/p65)/NLRP3 pathway. Overall, the present study demonstrated that EMSC‑Sec regulated inflammation, hoping to provide a novel strategy for ALI treatment.

Current understanding of structural and molecular changes in diabetic cardiomyopathy

Diabetic Mellitus has been characterized as the most prevalent disease throughout the globe associated with the serious morbidity and mortality of vital organs. Cardiomyopathy is the major leading complication of diabetes and within this, myocardial dysfunction or failure is the leading cause of the emergency hospital admission. The review is aimed to comprehend the perspectives associated with diabetes-induced cardiovascular complications. The data was collected from several electronic databases such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, ACS publication, PubMed, Springer, etc. using the keywords such as diabetes and its associated complication, the prevalence of diabetes, the anatomical and physiological mechanism of diabetes-induced cardiomyopathy, the molecular mechanism of diabetes-induced cardiomyopathy, oxidative stress, and inflammatory stress, etc. The collected scientific data was screened by different experts based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study. This review findings revealed that diabetes is associated with inefficient substrate utilization, inability to increase glucose metabolism and advanced glycation end products within the diabetic heart resulting in mitochondrial uncoupling, glucotoxicity, lipotoxicity, and initially subclinical cardiac dysfunction and finally in overt heart failure. Furthermore, several factors such as hypertension, overexpression of renin angiotensin system, hypertrophic obesity, etc. have been seen as majorly associated with cardiomyopathy. The molecular examination showed biochemical disability and generation of the varieties of free radicals and inflammatory cytokines and becomes are the substantial causes of cardiomyopathy. This review provides a better understanding of the involved pathophysiology and offers an open platform for discussing and targeting therapy in alleviating diabetes-induced early heart failure or cardiomyopathy.

Transcriptome analysis reveals the mechanism of pyroptosis-related genes in septic cardiomyopathy

Background

Septic cardiomyopathy (SC) is characterized by myocardial dysfunction caused by sepsis and constitutes one of the serious complications of sepsis. Pyroptosis is a unique proinflammatory programmed cell death process. However, the role of pyroptosis in the development of SC remains unclear, and further study is required. The purpose of this study is to identify pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) in SC and explore the mechanism of pyroptosis involved in the regulation of SC formation and progression.

Methods

Differential expression analysis and enrichment analysis were performed on the SC-related dataset GSE79962 to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). PRGs were screened by intersecting genes associated with pyroptosis in previous studies with the DEGs obtained from GSE79962. The expression pattern of them was studied based on their raw expression data. Additionally, corresponding online databases were used to predict miRNAs, transcription factors (TFs) and therapeutic agents of PRGs. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cell damage models in H9C2 and AC16 cell lines were constructed, cell activity was detected by CCK-8 and cell pyroptosis were detected by Hoechst33342/PI staining. Furthermore, these PRGs were verified in the external datasets (GSE53007 and GSE142615) and LPS-induced cell damage model. Finally, the effect of siRNA-mediated PRGs knockdown on the pyroptosis phenotype was examined.

Results

A total of 1,206 DEGs were screened, consisting of 663 high-expressed genes and 543 low-expressed genes. Among them, ten PRGs (SOD2, GJA1, TIMP3, TAP1, TIMP1, NOD1, TP53, CPTP, CASP1 and SAT1) were identified, and they were mainly enriched in "Pyroptosis", "Ferroptosis", "Longevity regulating pathway", and "NOD-like receptor signaling pathway". A total of 147 miRNAs, 31 TFs and 13 therapeutic drugs were predicted targeting the PRGs. The expression trends of SOD2 were confirmed in both the external datasets and LPS-induced cell damage models. Knockdown of SOD2 induced increased pyroptosis in the AC16 LPS-induced cell damage model.

Conclusions

In this study, we demonstrated that SOD2 is highly expressed in both the SC and LPS-induced cell damage models. Knockdown of SOD2 led to a significant increase in pyroptosis in the AC16 LPS-induced cell damage model. These findings suggest that SOD2 may serve as a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of SC.

Exploring exercise-driven inhibition of pyroptosis: novel insights into treating diabetes mellitus and its complications

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications are important, worldwide public health issues, exerting detrimental effects on human health and diminishing both quality of life and lifespan. Pyroptosis, as a new form of programmed cell death, plays a critical role in DM and its complications. Exercise has been shown to be an effective treatment for improving insulin sensitivity or preventing DM. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of exercise on pyroptosis-related diseases remain elusive. In this review, we provided a comprehensive elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying pyroptosis and the potential mechanism of exercise in the treatment of DM and its complications through the modulation of anti-pyroptosis-associated inflammasome pathways. Based on the existing evidence, further investigation into the mechanisms by which exercise inhibits pyroptosis through the regulation of inflammasome pathways holds promising potential for expanding preventive and therapeutic strategies for DM and facilitating the development of novel therapeutic interventions.

Impact of inflammation and anti-inflammatory modalities on diabetic cardiomyopathy healing: From fundamental research to therapy

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a prevalent cardiovascular complication of diabetes mellitus, characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. However, treatment options for DCM remain limited. For decades, a substantial body of evidence has suggested that the inflammatory response plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of DCM. Notably, DCM is closely associated with alterations in inflammatory cells, exerting direct effects on major resident cells such as cardiomyocytes, vascular endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. These cellular changes subsequently contribute to the development of DCM. This article comprehensively analyzes cellular, animal, and human studies to summarize the latest insights into the impact of inflammation on DCM. Furthermore, the potential therapeutic effects of current anti-inflammatory drugs in the management of DCM are also taken into consideration. The ultimate goal of this work is to consolidate the existing literature on the inflammatory processes underlying DCM, providing clinicians with the necessary knowledge and tools to adopt a more efficient and evidence-based approach to managing this condition.

Aloe-Emodin Derivative, an Anthraquinone Compound, Attenuates Pyroptosis by Targeting NLRP3 Inflammasome in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is widely recognized as a major contributing factor to the development of heart failure in patients with diabetes. Previous studies have demonstrated the potential benefits of traditional herbal medicine for alleviating the symptoms of cardiomyopathy. We have chemically designed and synthesized a novel compound called aloe-emodin derivative (AED), which belongs to the aloe-emodin (AE) family of compounds. AED was formed by covalent binding of monomethyl succinate to the anthraquinone mother nucleus of AE using chemical synthesis techniques. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of AED in treating DCM. We induced type 2 diabetes in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by administering a high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ) injections. The rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, DCM, AED low concentration (50 mg/kg/day), AED high concentration (100 mg/kg/day), AE (100 mg/kg/day), and positive control (glyburide, 2 mg/kg/day) groups. There were eight rats in each group. The rats that attained fasting blood glucose of ˃16.7 mmol/L were considered successful models. We observed significant improvements in cardiac function in the DCM rats with both AED and AE following four weeks of intragastric treatment. However, AED had a more pronounced therapeutic effect on DCM compared to AE. AED exhibited an inhibitory effect on the inflammatory response in the hearts of DCM rats and high-glucose-treated H9C2 cells by suppressing the pyroptosis pathway mediated by the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes showed a significant enrichment in the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway compared to the high-glucose group. Furthermore, overexpression of NLRP3 effectively reversed the anti-pyroptosis effects of AED in high-glucose-treated H9C2 cells. This study is the first to demonstrate that AED possesses the ability to inhibit myocardial pyroptosis in DCM. Targeting the pyroptosis pathway mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome could provide a promising therapeutic strategy to enhance our understanding and treatment of DCM.

Iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation: implication of ferroptosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) is a serious heart disease caused by diabetes. It is unrelated to hypertension and coronary artery disease and can lead to heart insufficiency, heart failure and even death. Currently, the pathogenesis of DC is unclear, and clinical intervention is mainly symptomatic therapy and lacks effective intervention objectives. Iron overdose mediated cell death, also known as ferroptosis, is widely present in the physiological and pathological processes of diabetes and DC. Iron is a key trace element in the human body, regulating the metabolism of glucose and lipids, oxidative stress and inflammation, and other biological processes. Excessive iron accumulation can lead to the imbalance of the antioxidant system in DC and activate and aggravate pathological processes such as excessive autophagy and mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting in a chain reaction and accelerating myocardial and microvascular damage. In-depth understanding of the regulating mechanisms of iron metabolism and ferroptosis in cardiovascular vessels can help improve DC management. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the relationship between ferroptosis and the pathogenesis of DC, as well as potential intervention targets, and discuss and analyze the limitations and future development prospects of these targets.

Dihydromyricetin inhibits African swine fever virus replication by downregulating toll-like receptor 4-dependent pyroptosis in vitro

African swine fever (ASF), caused by ASF virus (ASFV) infection, poses a huge threat to the pork industry owing to ineffective preventive and control measures. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop strategies, including antiviral drugs targeting ASFV, for preventing ASFV spread. This study aimed to identify novel compounds with anti-ASFV activity. To this end, we screened a small chemical library of 102 compounds, among which the natural flavonoid dihydromyricetin (DHM) exhibited the most potent anti-ASFV activity. DHM treatment inhibited ASFV replication in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, it inhibited porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and swine influenza virus replication, which suggested that DHM exerts broad-spectrum antiviral effects. Mechanistically, DHM treatment inhibited ASFV replication in various ways in the time-to-addition assay, including pre-, co-, and post-treatment. Moreover, DHM treatment reduced the levels of ASFV-induced inflammatory mediators by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. Meanwhile, DHM treatment reduced the ASFV-induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species, further minimizing pyroptosis by inhibiting the ASFV-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Interestingly, the effects of DHM on ASFV were partly reversed by treatment with polyphyllin VI (a pyroptosis agonist) and RS 09 TFA (a TLR4 agonist), suggesting that DHM inhibits pyroptosis by regulating TLR4 signaling. Furthermore, targeting TLR4 with resatorvid (a specific inhibitor of TLR4) and small interfering RNA against TLR4 impaired ASFV replication. Taken together, these results reveal the anti-ASFV activity of DHM and the underlying mechanism of action, providing a potential compound for developing antiviral drugs targeting ASFV.

TXNIP: A key protein in the cellular stress response pathway and a potential therapeutic target

Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), which is also known as thioredoxin-binding protein 2 (TBP2), directly interacts with the major antioxidant protein thioredoxin (TRX) and inhibits its antioxidant function and expression. However, recent studies have demonstrated that TXNIP is a multifunctional protein with functions beyond increasing intracellular oxidative stress. TXNIP activates endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome complex formation, triggers mitochondrial stress-induced apoptosis, and stimulates inflammatory cell death (pyroptosis). These newly discovered functions of TXNIP highlight its role in disease development, especially in response to several cellular stress factors. In this review, we provide an overview of the multiple functions of TXNIP in pathological conditions and summarize its involvement in various diseases, such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. We also discuss the potential of TXNIP as a therapeutic target and TXNIP inhibitors as novel therapeutic drugs for treating these diseases.

Eleutheroside E from pre-treatment of Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr.etMaxim.) Harms ameliorates high-altitude-induced heart injury by regulating NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis via NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway

Eleutheroside E, a major natural bioactive compound in Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr.etMaxim.) Harms, possesses anti-oxidative, anti-fatigue, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and immunoregulatory effects. High-altitude hypobaric hypoxia affects blood flow and oxygen utilisation, resulting in severe heart injury that cannot be reversed, thereby eventually causing or exacerbating high-altitude heart disease and heart failure. The purpose of this study was to determine the cardioprotective effects of eleutheroside E against high-altitude-induced heart injury (HAHI), and to study the mechanisms by which this happens. A hypobaric hypoxia chamber was used in the study to simulate hypobaric hypoxia at the high altitude of 6000 m. 42 male rats were randomly assigned to 6 equal groups and pre-treated with saline, eleutheroside E 100 mg/kg, eleutheroside E 50 mg/kg, or nigericin 4 mg/kg. Eleutheroside E exhibited significant dose-dependent effects on a rat model of HAHI by suppressing inflammation and pyroptosis. Eleutheroside E downregulated the expressions of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), creatine kinase isoenzymes (CK-MB) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH). Moreover, The ECG also showed eleutheroside E improved the changes in QT interval, corrected QT interval, QRS interval and heart rate. Eleutheroside E remarkably suppressed the expressions of NLRP3/caspase-1-related proteins and pro-inflammatory factors in heart tissue of the model rats. Nigericin, known as an agonist of NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis, reversed the effects of eleutheroside E. Eleutheroside E prevented HAHI and inhibited inflammation and pyroptosis via the NLRP3/caspase-1 signalling pathway. Taken together, eleutheroside E is a prospective, effective, safe and inexpensive agent that can be used to treat HAHI.

Astragaloside IV Attenuates High-Glucose-Induced Impairment in Diabetic Nephropathy by Increasing Klotho Expression via the NF-κB/NLRP3 Axis

Objective

Deficiencies in klotho are implicated in various kidney dysfunctions including diabetic nephropathy (DN) related to inflammatory responses. Klotho is closely related to inflammatory responses and is a potential target for ameliorating kidney failure. Pyroptosis, an inflammatory form of programmed cell death, is reported to take part in DN pathogenesis recently. This study is aimed at exploring whether and how klotho inhibited podocyte pyroptosis and whether astragaloside IV (AS-IV) protect podocyte through the regulation of klotho.

Materials and Methods

SD rat model of DN and conditionally immortalized mouse podocytes exposed to high glucose were treated with AS-IV. Biochemical assays and morphological examination, cell viability assay, cell transfection, phalloidin staining, ELISA, LDH release assay, SOD and MDA detection, MMP assay, ROS level detection, flow cytometry analysis, TUNEL staining assay, PI/Hoechst 33342 staining, immunofluorescence assay, and western blot were performed to elucidate podocyte pyroptosis and to observe the renal morphology.

Results

The treatment of AS-IV can improve renal function and protect podocytes exposed to high glucose. Klotho was decreased, and AS-IV increased klotho levels in serum and kidney tissue of DN rats as well as podocytes exposed to high glucose. AS-IV can inhibit DN glomeruli pyroptosis in vivo. In vitro, overexpressed klotho and treatment with AS-IV inhibited pyroptosis of podocytes cultured in high glucose. Klotho knockdown promoted podocyte pyroptosis, and treatment with AS-IV reversed this effect. Furthermore, the overexpression of klotho and AS-IV reduces oxidative stress levels and inhibited NF-κB activation and NLRP3-mediated podocytes' pyroptosis which was abolished by klotho knockdown. In addition, both the ROS inhibitor NAC and the NF-κB pathway inhibitor PDTC can inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation. NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 can inhibit pyroptosis of podocytes exposed to high glucose.

Conclusion

Altogether, our results demonstrate that the protective effect of AS-IV in upregulating klotho expression in diabetes-induced podocyte injury is associated with the inhibition of NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis via the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) signals are implicated in cardio-cerebrovascular diseases

Post-translational modifications regulate numerous biochemical reactions and functions through covalent attachment to proteins. Phosphorylation, acetylation and ubiquitination account for over 90% of all reported post-translational modifications. As one of the tyrosine protein kinases, spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) plays crucial roles in many pathophysiological processes and affects the pathogenesis and progression of various diseases. SYK is expressed in tissues outside the hematopoietic system, especially the heart, and is involved in the progression of various cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, heart failure, diabetic cardiomyopathy, stroke and others. Knowledge on the role of SYK in the progress of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases is accumulating, and many related mechanisms have been discovered and validated. This review summarizes the role of SYK in the progression of various cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, and aims to provide a theoretical basis for future experimental and clinical research targeting SYK as a therapeutic option for these diseases.

TXNIP shuttling - a key molecular link in regulating inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction in freeze tolerant wood frogs

Amphibians such as the wood frogs,Rana sylvatica, are a primary example of a freeze-tolerant vertebrate that undergoes whole body freezing. Multiple adaptations including sequestering 65-70% of total body water as extracellular/extra organ ice and producing massive amounts of glucose as a cryoprotectant support this. Interestingly, the high glucose levels induced in response to freezing can amplify oxidative stress's effects (reactive oxygen species, ROS) and induce inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Since both freezing and dehydration stress (independent of freezing) can render wood frogs hyperglycemic, this study focussed on these two stresses to elucidate the role of a scaffold protein thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), which localizes in multiple compartments inside the cell under hyperglycemic conditions and mediate diverse stress responses. The results from this study suggest a stress-specific response of TXNIP in inducing the cell-damaging pathway of inflammasome activation via its cytoplasmic localization during freezing. Interestingly, mitochondrial localization of TXNIP did not leads to increase in its binding to thioredoxin 2 (TRX-2) and activating the dysfunction of this organelle by releasing a mitochondrial protein cytochrome c (Cyt c) in cytoplasm under both freezing and dehydration stresses. Post-translational modifications of TXNIP hinted on changes in the regulating proteins involved in the inflammasome and mitochondrial dysfunction pathways, whereas sequential differences (cytosine residues) of amphibian TXNIP (compared to mammalian) assessed via 3D-modeling attributed to its weak binding to TRX-2. Overall, this study summarizes differential role of proteins activated under freeze and dehydration induced hyperglycemic response in freeze tolerant wood frogs.

The role of ROS-induced pyroptosis in CVD

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death in the world and seriously threatens human health. Pyroptosis is a new type of cell death discovered in recent years. Several studies have revealed that ROS-induced pyroptosis plays a key role in CVD. However, the signaling pathway ROS-induced pyroptosis has yet to be fully understood. This article reviews the specific mechanism of ROS-mediated pyroptosis in vascular endothelial cells, macrophages, and cardiomyocytes. Current evidence shows that ROS-mediated pyroptosis is a new target for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis (AS), myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI), and heart failure (HF).

Piperine mitigates aortic vasculopathy in streptozotocin-diabetic rats via targeting TXNIP-NLRP3 signaling

Several in vivo and in vitro studies reported a favorable effect of piperine (PIP) on vascular function. However, the potential impacts of PIP on macrovasculopathy in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats have not yet been studied. Thirty-two Sprague Dawley rats were used (n= 8/group). STZ-administered rats (50 mg/kg once, i.p) received PIP (30 mg/kg/day, orally) or its vehicle starting from day 15 till the end of the study (10 weeks). Control groups consisted of age-matched normal rats with or without PIP treatment. Metabolic and oxidative stress parameters were biochemically determined. Aortas were histologically examined. Ex vivo aortic reactivity to phenylephrine and acetylcholine was studied. Components of the TXNIP-NLRP3 pathway were assessed using real-time PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. Two-way ANOVA was used to compare groups. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. PIP treatment of diabetic rats significantly reduced levels of fasting glycemia, HbA_1c, and serum AGEs, TGs, TC, and LDL-C compared to control diabetic group. PIP diminished aortic endothelial denudation and fibrous tissue proliferation compared to control STZ aortas. PIP lessened aortic contractility to phenylephrine and improved aortic relaxation to acetylcholine relative to untreated STZ group. PIP administration to diabetic rats elicited significant enhancements in GSH and SOD levels, eNOS expression, and total nitrate/nitrite bioavailability compared to untreated STZ rats. Moreover, PIP attenuated aortic contents of ROS, MDA, TXNIP protein and mRNA, NF-κB p65 mRNA, NLRP3 mRNA, IL-1β protein, and caspase-3 and TNF-α expressions compared to untreated STZ levels. In conclusion, PIP might ameliorate diabetes-associated functional and structural aortic remodeling by targeting TXNIP-NLRP3 signaling.

Obeticholic acid treatment ameliorates the cardiac dysfunction in NASH mice

BACKGROUND

Suppression of cardiac iinflammasome, which can be inhibited by Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist, can ameliorate cardiac inflammation and fibrosis. Increased cardiac inflammasome decrease the abundance of regulatory T (Treg) cells and exacerbate cardiac dysfunction. Interaction between cardiomyocytes and Treg cells is involved in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related cardiac dysfunction.

AIMS

This study evaluates whether the FXR agonist obeticholic acid (OCA) treatment improves NASH-associated cardiac dysfunction.

METHODS

The in vivo and in vitro mechanisms and effects of two weeks of OCA treatment on inflammasome and Treg dysregulation-related cardiac dysfunction in NASH mice (NASH-OCA) at systemic, tissue and cellular levels were investigated.

RESULTS

The OCA treatment suppressed the serum and cardiac inflammasome levels, reduced the cardiac infiltrated CD3+ T cells, increased the cardiac Treg-represented anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10/IL-10R) and improved cardiac inflammation, fibrosis and function [decreased left ventricle (LV) mass and increased fractional shortening (FS)] in NASH-OCA mice. The percentages of OCA-decreased cardiac fibrosis and OCA-increased FS were positively correlated with the percentage of OCA-increased levels of cardiac FXR and IL-10/IL-10R. In the Treg cells from NASH-OCA mice spleen, in comparison with the Treg cells of the NASH group, higher intracellular FXR but lower inflammasome levels, and more proliferative/active and less apoptotic cells were observed. Incubation of H9c2 cardiomyoblasts with Treg-NASHcm [supernatant of Treg from NASH mice as condition medium (cm)], increased inflammasome levels, decreased the proliferative/active cells, suppressed the intracellular FXR, and downregulated differentiation/contraction marker. The Treg-NASHcm-induced hypocontractility of H9c2 can be attenuated by co-incubation with OCA, and the OCA-related effects were abolished by siIL-10R pretreatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic FXR activation with OCA is a potential strategy for activating IL-10/IL-10R signalling, reversing cardiac regulatory T cell dysfunction, and improving inflammasome-mediated NASH-related cardiac dysfunction.

Cyproterone Acetate Mediates IRE1α Signaling Pathway to Alleviate Pyroptosis of Ovarian Granulosa Cells Induced by Hyperandrogen

OBJECTIVE

Hyperandrogenemia (HA) is the main pathophysiological change that takes place in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Cyproterone acetate (CYA) is a drug commonly used to reduce androgen in patients with PCOS. Long-term and continuous exposure to HA can cause ovarian granulosa cells (GCs), pyroptotic death, and follicular dysfunction in PCOS mice. The aim of this study was to investigate whether CYA could ameliorate the hyperandrogenemia-induced pyroptosis of PCOS ovarian GCs by alleviating the activation of the IRE1α signaling pathway.

METHODS

Firstly, thirty PCOS patients with HA as their main clinical manifestation were selected as the study group, and thirty non-PCOS patients were selected as the control group. The GCs and follicular fluid of the patients were collected, and the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins was detected. Secondly, a PCOS mouse model induced by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) was constructed, and the treatment group model was constructed with the subcutaneous injection of cyproterone acetate in PCOS mice. The expression of pyroptosis-related protein in ovarian GCs was detected to explore the alleviating effect of CYA on the pyroptosis of ovarian GCs in PCOS mice. Thirdly, KGN cells-i.e., from the human GC line-were cultured with dihydrotestosterone, CYA, and ERN1 (IRE1α gene) small interfering RNA in vitro to explore whether CYA can alleviate the activation of the IRE1α signaling pathway and ameliorate the hyperandrogenemia-induced pyroptosis of PCOS ovarian GCs.

RESULTS

The expression of pyroptosis-related proteins was significantly increased in ovarian GCs of PCOS patients with HA as the main clinical manifestation, and in the PCOS mouse model induced by DHEA. After treatment with CYA, the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins in the ovarian GCs of mice was significantly lower than that in PCOS mice. In vitro experiments showed that CYA could ameliorate KGN cells' pyroptosis by alleviating the activation of the IRE1α signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that CYA could ameliorate the activation of the IRE1α signaling pathway in mouse GCs and KGN cells, and also alleviate pyroptosis in ovarian GCs. This study provides a new mechanism and evidential support for CYA in the treatment of PCOS patients.

Didymin, a natural flavonoid, relieves the progression of myocardial infarction via inhibiting the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome

CONTEXT

Globally, the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases remain high. Didymin, a flavonoid glycoside, has long been used as a dietary antioxidant.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the role of didymin in myocardial infarction (MI), and its possible myocardial protective mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

C57/BL6 mice (aged 6-8 weeks, n = 40) were divided into five groups: sham group, ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) group, I/R + didymin (1 mg/kg) group, I/R + didymin (2 mg/kg) group and I/R + didymin (4 mg/kg) group. Didymin was administered intragastrically daily before I/R for 5 consecutive days. H9C2 cells were divided into five groups: control group, H/R group, H/R + didymin (3 μM) group, H/R + didymin (10 μM) group and H/R + didymin (30 μM) group. H9C2 cells were treated with didymin for 24 h before hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R).

RESULTS

In vivo, didymin reduced the pathological damage and fibrosis of myocardial tissues, decreased the levels of lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, connective tissue growth factor, collagen I and collagen III. Moreover, didymin reduced myocardial apoptosis, inhibited NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 expression, and alleviated the inflammatory response. In vitro, didymin reduced MI, apoptosis, inflammation and the levels of NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 in H9C2.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Didymin prevented the deterioration of MI by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome in vivo and in vitro, and may be a potential natural drug for the treatment of MI. Our study provides the scientific basis for further research of didymin.

The Role of Anthocyanin in Modulating Diabetic Cardiovascular Disease and Its Potential to Be Developed as a Nutraceutical

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is directly linked to diabetes mellitus (DM), and its morbidity and mortality are rising at an alarming rate. Individuals with DM experience significantly worse clinical outcomes due to heart failure as a CVD consequence than non-diabetic patients. Hyperglycemia is the main culprit that triggers the activation of oxidative damage, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis pathways that aggravate diabetic CVD progression. In recent years, the development of phytochemical-based nutraceutical products for diabetic treatment has risen due to their therapeutic properties. Anthocyanin, which can be found in various types of plants, has been proposed for preventing and treating various diseases, and has elicited excellent antioxidative, anti-inflammation, anti-fibrosis, and anti-apoptosis effects. In preclinical and clinical studies, plants rich in anthocyanin have been reported to attenuate diabetic CVD. Therefore, the development of anthocyanin as a nutraceutical in managing diabetic CVD is in demand. In this review, we unveil the role of anthocyanin in modulating diabetic CVD, and its potential to be developed as a nutraceutical for a therapeutic strategy in managing CVD associated with DM.

Puerarin-V Improve Mitochondrial Respiration and Cardiac Function in a Rat Model of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy via Inhibiting Pyroptosis Pathway through P2X7 Receptors

There is a new form of puerarin, puerarin-V, that has recently been developed, and it is unclear whether puerarin-V has a cardioprotective effect on diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Here, we determined whether puerarin-V had any beneficial influence on the pathophysiology of DCM and explored its possible mechanisms. By injecting 30 mg/kg of STZ intraperitoneally, diabetes was induced in rats. After a week of stability, the rats were injected subcutaneously with ISO (5 mg/kg). We randomly assigned the rats to eight groups: (1) control; (2) model; (3) metformin; (4-6) puerarin-V at different doses; (7) puerarin (API); (8) puerarin injection. DCM rats were found to have severe cardiac insufficiency (arrythmia, decreased LVdP/dt, and increased E/A ratio). In addition, cardiac injury biomarkers (cTn-T, NT-proBNP, AST, LDH, and CK-MB), inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and TNF-α), and oxidative damage markers (MDA, SOD and GSH) were markedly increased. Treatment with puerarin-V positively adjusts these parameters mentioned above by improving cardiac function and mitochondrial respiration, suppressing myocardial inflammation, and maintaining the structural integrity of the cardiac muscle. Moreover, treatment with puerarin-V inhibits the P2X7 receptor-mediated pyroptosis pathway that was upregulated in diabetic hearts. Given these results, the current study lends credence to the idea that puerarin-V can reduce myocardial damage in DCM rats. Furthermore, it was found that the effect of puerarin-V in diabetic cardiomyopathy is better than the API, the puerarin injection, and metformin. Collectively, our research provides a new therapeutic option for the treatment of DCM in clinic.

Acacetin protects against depression-associated dry eye disease by regulating ubiquitination of NLRP3 through gp78 signal

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial syndrome that commonly occurs with depression. However, therapies targeting depression-related dry eye disease are rare. In the current study, we studied the beneficial effect of a natural flavone, acacetin, in depression-associated dry eye disease by utilizing the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) depression model. Our data showed that acacetin improved the depressive behaviors in sucrose preference test (SPT), tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST); relieved the dry eye symptoms including corneal epithelial impairments, tear production decrease and goblet cell loss in CUMS mice. Acacetin also inhibited NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome expression levels and suppressed inflammatory responses via enhancing glycoprotein 78 (gp78)/Insulin induced gene-1 (Insig-1)-controlled NLRP3 ubiquitination in CUMS mice. Furthermore, knockdown of gp78 compromised acacetin-conferred protective efficacy in depression-related dry eye disease. In summary, our findings indicated that acacetin exerts beneficial effect in depression-associated dry eye disease, which is tightly related to gp78-mediated NLRP3 ubiquitination.

The Molecular Mechanisms of Defective Copper Metabolism in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Copper is an essential trace metal element that significantly affects human physiology and pathology by regulating various important biological processes, including mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, connective tissue crosslinking, and antioxidant defense. Copper level has been proved to be closely related to the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart failure, and diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Copper deficiency can induce cardiac hypertrophy and aggravate cardiomyopathy, while copper excess can mediate various types of cell death, such as autophagy, apoptosis, cuproptosis, pyroptosis, and cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Both copper excess and copper deficiency lead to redox imbalance, activate inflammatory response, and aggravate diabetic cardiomyopathy. This defective copper metabolism suggests a specific metabolic pattern of copper in diabetes and a specific role in the pathogenesis and progression of DCM. This review is aimed at providing a timely summary of the effects of defective copper homeostasis on DCM and discussing potential underlying molecular mechanisms.

Pyroptosis and pyroptosis-inducing cancer drugs

Pyroptosis, an inflammatory form of lytic cell death, is a type of cell death mediated by the gasdermin (GSDM) protein family. Upon recognizing exogenous or endogenous signals, cells undergo inflammasome assembly, GSDM cleavage, the release of proinflammatory cytokines and other cellular contents, eventually leading to inflammatory cell death. In this review, we discuss the roles of the GSDM family for anti-cancer functions and various antitumor drugs that could activate the pyroptosis pathways.