PYCARD (PYD and CARD domain containing)

Cannabidiol Protects Human Skin Keratinocytes from Hydrogen-Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress via Modulation of the Caspase-1-IL-1β Axis

Preclinical and clinical studies support cannabidiol (CBD)'s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which are linked to its skin protective effects, but there have been limited mechanistic studies reported. Herein we evaluated CBD's protective effects against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells and explored its possible mechanism(s) of action. CBD (10 μM) protected HaCaT cells by alleviating H₂O₂ (200 μM)-induced cytotoxicity (by 11.3%) and reactive oxygen species (total- and mitochondrial-derived). Several NLRP3 inflammasome-related genes including CASP1 and IL1B were identified as potential molecular targets for CBD's antioxidant effects by multiplexed gene and network pharmacology analyses. CBD treatment down-regulated the mRNA expression levels of CASP1 and IL1B (by 32.9 and 51.0%, respectively) and reduced IL-1β level (by 16.2%) in H₂O₂-stimulated HaCaT cells. Furthermore, CBD inhibited the activity of caspase-1 enzyme (by 15.7%) via direct binding to caspase-1 protein, which was supported by data from a biophysical binding assay (surface plasmon resonance) and a computational docking experiment. In addition, CBD mitigated H₂O₂-induced pyroptosis (capase-1-mediated cell death) and apoptosis by 23.6 and 44.0%, respectively. The findings from the current study suggest that CBD exerts protective effects in human keratinocytes via the modulation of the caspase-1-IL-1β axis, supporting its potential skin health applications.

Differential Expression of MARK4 Protein and Related Perturbations in Females with Ovulatory PCOS

Background:

Ovulatory PCOS (OPCOS) is the mildest form of the polycystic ovarian syndrome among all four determined phenotypes. Though the females with OPCOS are ovulating, hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovarian morphology increase the susceptibility of cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia and metabolic syndrome in these females.

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to identify the significance associated with OPCOS phenotype through serum proteomic profiling of OPCOS females and normal age-matched healthy ovulating females.

Methods:

One and two-dimensional gel-based proteomic approaches were adopted to fractionate the complex serum proteome. Differential protein profiles generated were analyzed with PD-QUEST Software. Protein spots differing in intensity by >2-fold were selected and identified further by MALDI-TOF MS. Validation of identified protein was carried out by Biolayer Interferometry.

Results:

One and two-dimensional gel profiles revealed a differential expression pattern of proteins. 10 selected spots were identified as GMP synthase [glutamine hydrolyzing], zinc finger protein 518A, pericentriolar material 1 protein, BCLAF1 and THRAP3 family member 3, MAP/microtubule affinityregulating kinase 4, H/ACA ribonucleoprotein complex subunit 1, Melanoma-associated antigen B3 and Zinc finger protein 658B. Expression of MAP/microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 4 (MARK4) was found to be downregulated in OPCOS females as compared to controls on validation.

Conclusion:

Reduced expression of MARK4 protein in OPCOS increases the associated risk of hyperlipidemia, hyperandrogenism and metabolic syndrome, thus the protein holds strong candidature as a drug target for the syndrome.