SOCS1/JAK2/STAT3 axis regulates early brain injury induced by subarachnoid hemorrhage via inflammatory responses

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum polysaccharide ameliorated ulcerative colitis by remodeling intestinal mucosal barrier function via regulating the SOCS1/JAK2/STAT3 pathway

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by a chronic and protracted course and often leads to a poor prognosis. Patients with this condition often experience postoperative complications, further complicating the management of their condition. Tetrastigma hemsleyanum polysaccharide (THP) has demonstrated considerable potential as a treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. However, its underlying mechanism in the treatment of UC remains unclear. This study systematically and comprehensively investigated the effects of THP on dextran sulfate-induced UC mice and illustrated its specific mechanism of action. The colon and spleen in UC mice were restored after THP treatment. The levels of key markers, such as secretory immunoglobulin A, β-defensin, and mucin-2 were increased, collagen deposition and epithelial cell apoptosis were decreased. Notably, THP administration led to increased levels of Ki67 and tight junction proteins in colon tissue and reduced colon tissue permeability. THP contributed to the restored balance of intestinal flora. Furthermore, THP downregulated the expressions of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-17 and promoted those of the regulatory factors forkhead box protein P3. It also exerted anti-inflammatory effects by promoting suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS1) expression and inhibiting the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. Our results demonstrated that THP had an efficacy comparable to that of JAK inhibitor in treating UC. In addition, THP might play a role in UC therapy through modulation of the SOCS1/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and remodeling of the intestinal mucosal barrier.

Ginsenoside Rg1 regulates astrocytes to promote angiogenesis in spinal cord injury via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Mey) is a common traditional Chinese medicine used for anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, anti-oxidative stress, and neuroprotection. Ginsenosides Rg1, the main active components isolated from ginseng, may be a feasible therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI).

AIMS OF THE STUDY

SCI causes endothelial cell death and blood vessel rupture, ultimately resulting in long-term neurological impairment. As a result, encouraging spinal angiogenesis may be a feasible therapy for SCI. This investigation aimed to validate the capacity of ginsenoside Rg1 in stimulating angiogenesis within the spinal cord.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats with SCI were injected intraperitoneally with ginsenoside Rg1. The effectiveness of ginsenoside Rg1 was assessed using the motor function score and the motor-evoked potential (MEP). Immunofluorescence techniques were applied to identify the spinal cord's angiogenesis. Angiogenic factors were examined through Western Blot (WB) and Immunohistochemistry. Oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) was employed to establish the hypoxia-ischemia model in vitro, and astrocytes (As) were given ginsenoside Rg1 and co-cultured with spinal cord microvascular endothelial cells (SCMECs). Immunofluorescence, wound healing test, and tube formation assay were used to identify the co-cultured SCMECs' activity. Finally, network pharmacology analysis and siRNA transfection were applied to verify the mechanism of ginsenoside Rg1 promoting angiogenesis.

RESULTS

The rats with SCI treated with ginsenoside Rg1 indicated more significant functional recovery, more pronounced angiogenesis, and higher levels of angiogenic factor expression. In vitro, the co-culture system with ginsenoside Rg1 intervention improved SCMECs' capacity for proliferating, migrating, and forming tubes, possibly by promoting the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in As via the janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Ginsenoside Rg1 can regulate As to promote angiogenesis, which may help to understand the mechanism of promoting SCI recovery.

Resveratrol ameliorates glioblastoma inflammatory response by reducing NLRP3 inflammasome activation through inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-tumor effect of resveratrol (RSV) on glioblastoma (GBM) and its specific mechanism in improving the inflammatory response of the tumor microenvironment. The tumor microenvironment of GBM is highly neuroinflammatory, inducing tumor immunosuppression. Therefore, ameliorating the inflammatory response is an important focus for anti-tumor research.

METHODS

The anti-tumor effect of RSV on GBM was demonstrated through in vitro cellular assays, including CCK-8, EdU, PI staining, Transwell, wound healing assay, and flow cytometry. Potential mechanisms of RSV's anti-GBM effects were identified through network pharmacological analysis. In addition, the relationship of RSV with the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and the inflammasome NLRP3 was verified using Western blot.

RESULTS

RSV significantly inhibited cell viability in GBM cell lines LN-229 and U87-MG. Furthermore, it inhibited the proliferation and invasive migration ability of GBM cells, while promoting apoptosis. Network pharmacological analysis revealed a close association between the anti-GBM effects of RSV and the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, as well as inflammatory responses. Western blot analysis confirmed that RSV inhibited the over-activation of the inflammasome NLRP3 through the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Partial reversal of RSV's inhibition of inflammasome NLRP3 was observed with the addition of the JAK/STAT agonist RO8191.

CONCLUSIONS

In vitro, RSV can exert anti-tumor effects on GBM and improve the inflammatory response in the GBM microenvironment by inhibiting the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. These findings provide new insights into potential therapeutic targets for GBM.

Molybdenum exposure induces inflammatory response via the regulatory effects of lncRNA-00072124/miR-308/OSMR crosstalk on JAK/STAT axis in duck kidneys

Molybdenum (Mo) is an essential nutrient in living organisms. Although numerous researchers have noticed the health damage caused by excessive Mo, the underlying mechanism of excessive Mo-induced nephrotoxicity remains poorly understood. A gene crosstalk called competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) can interpret many regulatory mechanisms molecularly. But there are few researches have tried to explain the damage mechanism of excess Mo to organisms through ceRNAs network. To clarify this, the study explored the changes in lncRNAs and miRNAs expression profiles in the kidney of ducks exposed to excess Mo for 16 weeks. The sequencing results showed that Mo exposure caused differential expression of 144 lncRNAs and 14 miRNAs. The occurrence of inflammation through the JAK/STAT axis was observed and the lncRNA-00072124/miR-308/OSMR axis was verified by a double luciferase reporter assay. Overexpression of miR-308 and RNA interference of OSMR reduced Mo-induced inflammatory factors, while miR-308 knockdown showed the opposite effect. Simultaneously, lncRNA-00072124 affected OSMR function as a ceRNA. Taken together, these results concluded that Mo exposure activated the JAK/STAT axis and induced inflammation mediated by the lncRNA-00072124/miR-308/OSMR crosstalk. The results might provide new views for revealing the toxic effects of excess Mo in duck kidneys.

Active Fraction of Polyrhachis Vicina Roger (AFPR) Ameliorate Depression Induced Inflammation Response by FTO/miR-221-3p/SOCS1 Axis

Purpose

Neuroinflammation is a significant etiological factor in the development of depression. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated notable efficacy in the treatment of inflammation. Our previous study surfaces that the active fraction of Polyrhachis vicina Roger (AFPR) has antidepressant and anti-neuroinflammatory effects, but the specific mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of AFPR on inflammation in depression via the FTO/miR-221-3p/SOCS1 axis.

Methods

Chronic unpredictable stress (CUMS)-induced rats and LPS-induced BV2 cells were employed to simulate depression models in vivo and in vitro. The levels of inflammatory factors were detected using the ELISA assay. The expression of genes and proteins was detected using qRT-PCR and Western blot. Gene interactions were detected using the dual luciferase reporter gene. Protein-RNA interactions were investigated using RNA methylation immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP). Neuroinflammation in the brain was examined through H&E staining, while neuronal apoptosis was assessed using TUNEL staining.

Results

The results showed that AFPR ameliorated depression induced inflammation by increasing SOCS1 expression. However, SOCS1 was identified as a target of miR-221-3p. Overexpression of miR-221-3p decreased the expression of SOCS1 and increased the levels of NF-κB, IL-7, and IL-6. In addition, we found that miR-221-3p was regulated by FTO-mediated m6A modification through MeRIP and RIP experiments. Interference with miR-221-3p and overexpression of FTO resulted in increased SOCS1 gene expression and decreased levels of NF-κB, IL-7, and IL-6, which were reversed by AFPR.

Conclusion

AFPR inhibits the maturation of pri-miR-221-3p through FTO-mediated m6A modification, reduces the production of miR-221-3p, increases the expression of SOCS1, and reduces the level of inflammation, thereby improving depressive symptoms.

Inhibition of CCR1 attenuates neuroinflammation via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway after subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Neuroinflammation is an important mechanism underlying brain injury caused by subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). C-C chemokine receptor type 1 (CCR1)-mediated inflammation is involved in the pathology of many central nervous system diseases. Herein, we investigated whether inhibition of CCR1 alleviated neuroinflammation after experimental SAH and aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of its potential protective effects.

METHODS

To analyze SAH transcriptome data R studio was used, and a mouse model of SAH was established using endovascular perforations. In this model, the selective CCR1 antagonist Met-RANTES (Met-R) and the CCR1 agonist recombinant CCL5 (rCCL5) were administered 1 h after SAH induction. To investigate the possible downstream mechanisms of CCR1, the JAK2 inhibitor AG490 and the JAK2 activator coumermycin A1 (C-A1) were administered 1 h after SAH induction. Furthermore, post-SAH evaluation, including SAH grading, neurological function tests, Western blot, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay, and Fluoro-Jade B and fluorescent immunohistochemical staining were performed. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were detected by ELISA.

RESULTS

CCL5 and CCR1 expression levels increased significantly following SAH. Met-R significantly improved neurological deficits in mice, decreased apoptosis and degeneration of ipsilateral cerebral cortex neurons, reduced infiltrating neutrophils, and promoted microglial activation after SAH induction. Furthermore, Met-R inhibited the expression of p-JAK2, p-STAT3, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α. However, the protective effects of Met-R were abolished by C-A1 treatment. Furthermore, rCCL5 injection aggravated neurological dysfunction and increased the expression of p-JAK2, p-STAT3, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α in SAH mice, all of which were reversed by the administration of AG490. Finally, the levels of CCL5 and CCR1 were elevate in the CSF of SAH patient and high level of CCL5 and CCR1 levels were associated with poor outcome.

CONCLUSION

The present results suggested that inhibition of CCR1 attenuates neuroinflammation after SAH via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, which may provide a new target for the treatment of SAH.

Network analysis between neuron dysfunction and neuroimmune response based on neural single-cell transcriptome of COVID-19 patients

Despite global vaccination efforts, COVID-19 breakthrough infections caused by variant virus continue to occur frequently, long-term sequelae of COVID-19 infection like neuronal dysfunction emerge as a noteworthy issue. Neuroimmune disorder induced by Inflammatory factor storm was considered as a possible reason, however, little was known about the functional factors affecting neuroimmune response to this virus. Here, using medial prefrontal cortex single cell data of COVID-19 patients, expression pattern analysis indicated that some immune-related pathway genes expressed specifically, including genes associated with T cell receptor, TNF signaling in microglia and Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and HIF-1 signaling pathway genes in astrocytes. Besides the well-known immune-related cell type microglia, we also observed immune-related factors like IL17D, TNFRSF1A and TLR4 expressed in Astrocytes. Based on the ligand-receptor relationship of immune-related factors, crosstalk landscape among cell clusters were analyzed. The findings indicated that astrocytes collaborated with microglia and affect excitatory neurons, participating in the process of immune response and neuronal dysfunction. Moreover, subset of astrocytes specific immune factors (hinged neuroimmune genes) were proved to correlate with Covid-19 infection and ventilator-associated pneumonia using multi-tissue RNA-seq and scRNA-seq data. Function characterization clarified that hinged neuroimmune genes were involved in activation of inflammation and hypoxia signaling pathways, which could lead to hyper-responses related neurological sequelae. Finally, a risk model was constructed and testified in RNA-seq and scRNA data of peripheral blood.

The Protective Effect of miRNA-146a Liposome Nanoparticles on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells After Coronary Intervention

The abnormal expression of miRNA-146a is related to the progression of coronary arteries. This study intends to explore the protective effect of miRNA-146a on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) after coronary intervention and the related mechanism. 10 miniature pigs were randomly assigned into control group, model group, blank group, miRNA-146a group, cilostazol group, and STAT3 signaling agonist group followed by analysis of the morphology and viability of VSMCs, expression of miRNA-146a, STAT3, NF-kB, TNF-a, IL-6, and AT-1R as well as the relationship between miR-146a and STAT3. The BNP (192.39±12.32) pg/ml and cTnI (14.20±2.12) μg/L of model group were significantly higher than those of control group (P < 0.05). miRNA-146a level was highest in miRNA-146a group and cilostazol group, while lower in other two groups with the lowest level in agonist group (P <0.05). The cell viability and AngII level of miRNA-146a group and cilostazol group were lower, and higher in the other two groups with highest level in pathway agonist group (P < 0.05). miRNA-146a group and cilostazol group showed lower expressions of STAT3, NF-kB, TNF-a, IL-6, AT-1R than the other two groups. The pathway agonist group showed significantly higher level than blank group (P <0.05). liposome nanoparticles carrying miRNA-146a inhibited the activity of STAT3 signaling, down-regulated the levels of downstream factors including TNF-a, IL-6, and TNF-a and subsequently decreased AngII and AT-1R levels, therefore playing a protective effect on VSMCs after coronary intervention.

Microglia and Post-Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Vasospasm: Review of Emerging Mechanisms and Treatment Modalities

Vasospasm is a potentially severe complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage. It can be attributed to neuroinflammation and the robust recruitment of microglia. Emerging evidence has linked this sustained inflammation to the development of delayed cerebral ischemia following subarachnoid hemorrhage. In this focused review, we provide an overview of the historical understanding of vasospasm. We then delve into the role of neuroinflammation and the activation of microglia. These activated microglia releases a host of inflammatory cytokines contributing to an influx of peripheral macrophages. This thereby opens a new and innovative treatment strategy to prevent vasospasm. Pre-clinical work has been promising, and the transition to clinical trials is warranted. Finally, some of the key mechanistic targets are outlined with emphasis on translation. This review will serve as a catalyst for researchers and clinicians alike in the quest to improve treatment options for vasospasm.

Roles of Rufy3 in experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced early brain injury via accelerating neuronal axon repair and synaptic plasticity

RUN and FYVE domain-containing 3 (Rufy3) is a well-known adapter protein of a small GTPase protein family and is bound to the activated Ras family protein to maintain neuronal polarity. However, in experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), the role of Rufy3 has not been investigated. Consequently, we aimed to investigate the potential role of Rufy3 in an in vivo model of SAH-induced early brain injury (EBI). In addition, we investigated the relevant brain-protective mechanisms. Oxyhemoglobin (OxyHb) stimulation of cultured primary neurons simulated vitro SAH condition. The SAH rat model was induced by infusing autologous blood into the optic chiasma pool and treating the rats with lentivirus-negative control 1 (LV-NC1), lentivirus-Rufy3 shRNA (LV-shRNA), lentivirus-negative control 2 (LV-NC2), lentivirus-Rufy3 (LV-Rufy3), or 8-pCPT-2′-O-Me-cAMP (8p-CPT) (Rap1 agonist). In experiment one, we found that the protein level of Rufy3 decreased and neuronal axon injury in the injured neurons but was rectified by LV-Rufy3 treatment. In experiment two, mRNA and protein levels of Rufy3 were downregulated in brain tissue and reached the lowest level at 24 h after SAH. In addition, the expression of Myelin Basic Protein was downregulated and that of anti-hypophosphorylated neurofilament H (N52) was upregulated after SAH. In experiments three and four, Rufy3 overexpression (LV-Rufy3) increased the interactions between Rufy3 and Rap1, the level of Rap1-GTP, and the ratio of Rap1-GTP/total GTP. In addition, LV-Rufy3 treatment inhibited axon injury and accelerated axon repair by activating the Rap1/Arap3/Rho/Fascin signaling pathway accompanied by upregulated protein expression levels of ARAP3, Rho, Fascin, and Facin. LV-Rufy3 also enhanced synaptic plasticity by activating the Rap1/MEK/ERK/synapsin I signaling pathway accompanied by upregulated protein expression levels of ERK1, p-ERK1, MEK1, p-MEK1, synaspin I, and p-synaspin I. Moreover, LV-Rufy3 also alleviated brain damage indicators, including cortical neuronal cell apoptosis and degeneration, brain edema, and cognitive impairment after SAH. However, the downregulation of Rufy3 had the opposite effect and aggravated EBI induced by SAH. Notably, the combined application of LV-Rufy3 and 8p-CPT showed a significant synergistic effect on the aforementioned parameters. Our findings suggest that enhanced Rufy3 expression may reduce EBI by inhibiting axon injury and promoting neuronal axon repair and synaptic plasticity after SAH.

A Systematic Review of Inflammatory Cytokine Changes Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Animal Models and Humans

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a severe form of stroke that occurs following rupture of a cerebral aneurysm. Acute inflammation and secondary delayed inflammatory responses, both largely controlled by cytokines, work together to create high mortality and morbidity for this group. The trajectory and time course of cytokine change must be better understood in order to effectively manage unregulated inflammation and improve patient outcomes following aSAH. A systematic review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Three different search phrases ("cytokines and subarachnoid hemorrhage," "cytokine levels and subarachnoid hemorrhage," and "cytokine measurement and subarachnoid hemorrhage") were applied across three databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Library). Our procedures returned 856 papers. After application of inclusion/exclusion criteria, 95 preclinical animal studies and 41 clinical studies remained. Across studies, 22 different cytokines had been investigated, 5 different tissue types were analyzed, and 3 animal models were utilized. Three main pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) demonstrated reliable increases following aSAH across the included studies. While this is a promising area of research for potential therapeutics, there are gaps in the knowledge base that bar progress for clinical translation of this information. In particular, there is a need for investigations that explore the systemic inflammatory response following injury in a more diverse number of cytokines, the balance of specific pro-/anti- inflammatory cytokines, and how these biomarkers relate to patient outcomes and recovery over time.

Genistein-3'-sodium sulfonate ameliorates cerebral ischemia injuries by blocking neuroinflammation through the α7nAChR-JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in rats

BACKGROUND

Neuroinflammation plays a pivotal role in the acute progression of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/RI). We previously reported that genistein-3'-sodium sulfonate (GSS), a derivative from the extract of the phytoestrogen genistein (Gen), protects cortical neurons against focal cerebral ischemia. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effects exerted by GSS remains unclear.

PURPOSE

The present study focused on the anti-inflammatory effects of GSS following I/RI in rats.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

The tMCAO rat model and LPS-stimulated BV2 in vitro model were used. Longa's scare was used to observe neurological function. TTC staining and Nissl staining were used to evaluate brain injury. ELISA, qRT-PCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescent staining methods were used to detect cytokine concentration, mRNA level, protein expression and location.

RESULTS

GSS treatment improves neurological function, reduces the volume of cerebral infarction, attenuates proinflammatory cytokines and inactivates the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 in I/RI rats. Furthermore, GSS increased the expression of α7nAChR. More importantly, the neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway effects of GSS were counteracted in the presence of alpha-bungarotoxin (α-BTX), an α7nAChR inhibitor, suggesting that α7nAChR is a potential target associated with the anti-inflammatory effects of GSS in the I/RI rats. GSS also inhibited BV2 cells from releasing IL-1β via the α7nAChR pathway after LPS stimulation.

CONCLUSION

GSS protects against cerebral I/RI through the expression of α7nAChR and inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Our findings provide evidence for the role of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in neuroinflammation and uncover a potential novel mechanism for GSS treatment in ischemic stroke. The downstream signals of GSS, α7nAChR- JAK2/STAT3 could also be potential targets for the treatment of I/RI.

Up-regulation of circARF3 reduces blood-brain barrier damage in rat subarachnoid hemorrhage model via miR-31-5p/MyD88/NF-κB axis

Inflammation events have been found to aggravate brain injury and blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This study probed the role and mechanism of a novel circRNA, circARF3, in regulating the BBB injury in SAH rats and hypoxia-induced vascular endothelial cell (VEC) injury in vitro. Levels of circARF3 and miR-31-5p were monitored by RT-PCR. The expression of inflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α was verified by ELISA. In vivo SAH model was constructed in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. The BBB integrity and cerebral edema, as well as the neurological functions of the rats were evaluated. The apoptotic neurons and microglia in brain lesions were examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The MyD88/NF-κB pathway was tested by Western blot. Furthermore, gain-of functional assay were constructed to explore the effects of circARF3 and miR-31-5p in primary cultured brain microvascular endothelial cell (BMEC) injury and microglial inflammation induced by oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD). circARF3 was significantly down-regulated in plasma and CSF in SAH patients with higher Fisher stages. In the SAH rat model, overexpressing circARF3 improved BBB integrity and neurological score, decreased neuronal apoptosis and microglial activation in ipsilateral basal cortex, with declined miR-31-5p expression and MyD88-NF-κB activation. In vitro, overexpressing circARF3 attenuated OGD-mediated integrity destruction of BMECs and microglial induced neuroinflammation, while overexpressing miR-31-5p had opposite effects. Mechanistically, circARF3 sponged miR-31-5p as an endogenous competitive RNA and dampens its expression, thus inactivating MyD88-NF-κB pathway. CircARF3 attenuates BBB destruction in SAH rats by regulating the miR-31-5p-activated MyD88-NF-κB pathway.

Filamentous Bacteriophage-A Powerful Carrier for Glioma Therapy

Glioma is a life-threatening malignant tumor. Resistance to traditional treatments and tumor recurrence present major challenges in treating and managing this disease, consequently, new therapeutic strategies must be developed. Crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is another challenge for most drug vectors and therapy medications. Filamentous bacteriophage can enter the brain across the BBB. Compared to traditional drug vectors, phage-based drugs offer thermodynamic stability, biocompatibility, homogeneity, high carrying capacity, self-assembly, scalability, and low toxicity. Tumor-targeting peptides from phage library and phages displaying targeting peptides are ideal drug delivery agents. This review summarized recent studies on phage-based glioma therapy and shed light on the developing therapeutics phage in the personalized treatment of glioma.