Food & Function
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2020
·Vol. 11
·期 9
·7925-7934
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IF 4.171
Yi-Chao Du,Li Lai,Hao Zhang,Fu-Rui Zhong,Huan-Li Cheng,Bao-Lin Qian,Peng Tan,Xian-Ming Xia,Wen-Guang Fu
Acetaminophen (APAP) is one of the safest and most effective over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics and antipyretics, but excessive doses of APAP will induce hepatotoxicity with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Kaempferol (KA), a flavonoid compound derived from the medicinal and edible plant of Penthorum chinense Pursh, has been reported to exert a profound anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. In this study, we explored the protective effect and novel mechanism of KA against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. The results revealed that KA pretreatment significantly reduced the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), relieved hepatocellular damage and apoptosis, attenuated the exhaustion of glutathione (GSH) and accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA), increased the expression of antioxidative enzymes (e.g., heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1)), and thus restrained APAP-induced oxidative damage in the liver. KA suppressed the expression of NLRP3 and reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory factors, including interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Moreover, KA remarkably inhibited high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression as well as nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) activation for liver protection against APAP-induced inflammatory responses and apoptosis. Taken together, our findings suggested that KA could effectively protect hepatocytes from APAP hepatotoxicity through the up-regulation of HO-1 and NQO1 expression, the down-regulation of NLRP3 expression, and the inhibition of the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Food & Function
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2020
·Vol. 11
·期 6
·5156-5165
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IF 4.171
Yu-Sheng Shi,Xiao-Xing Li,Hao-Tian Li,Yan Zhang
Liver fibrosis is a histological change that often occurs due to hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and excessive formation of an extracellular matrix in the liver. Pelargonidin (PEL) is a natural anthocyanidin existing in blueberries, berries, strawberries, and red radishes and has been demonstrated to possess health beneficial effects. Herein, we investigated the effect of PEL on liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 and hepatic stellate cells induced by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). We found that PEL administration prevented liver injury and liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 in a dose-dependent manner. Further data revealed that PEL increased liver nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and reduced liver oxidative stress and the expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1 and IL-1β. In TGF-β-challenged HSCs (LX-2 cells), PEL effectively inhibited the LX-2 cell activation. In addition, the anti-fibrosis effects of PEL in LX-2 cells were abolished by Nrf2 knockdown. In summary, our study demonstrated that PEL ameliorated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis and HSC activation induced by TGF-β. The possible molecular mechanisms of PEL in liver fibrosis may be attributed to its suppression of ROS-NLRP3-IL-1β signaling by Nrf2 activation.
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International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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2019
·Vol. 17
·期 1
·138
·
IF 2.468
Chang Liu,Yaohui Zhu,Zhenxiang Lu,Weina Guo,Bayaer Tumen,Yalan He,Chao Chen,Shanshan Hu,Kangzhi Xu,Yan Wang,Lei Li,Shenghe Li
Acute Cadmium (Cd) exposure usually induces hepatotoxicity. It is well known that oxidative stress and inflammation causes Cd-induced liver injury. However, the effect of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in Cd-induced liver injury is not completely understood. In this study, we observed Cd-induced liver damage and the potential contribution of Nrf2, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Nod-like receptor 3 (NLRP3), and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathways. Changes in serum transaminases and proinflammatory cytokines expression showed that Cd could induce acute hepatotoxicity. Moreover, Nrf2 and its downstream heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) were inhibited by Cd exposure, and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), the inhibitory protein of Nrf2, was increased. Furthermore, NF-κB, NLRP3, and MAPKs signaling pathways were all activated by Cd intoxication. In conclusion, the inhibition of Nrf2, HO-1, and the activation of NF-κB, NLRP3, and MAPKs all contribute to Cd-induced liver injury.Keywords:Cadmium;acute liver injury;Nrf2;NLRP3;NF-κB;MAPKs
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CHEMICAL RESEARCH IN TOXICOLOGY
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2016
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IF 3.025
Xiaomin Xia,Qiong Shi,Xiufang Song,Juanli Fu,Zixuan Liu,Yawen Wang,Yuxin Wang,Chuanyang Su,Erqun Song,Yang Song
Our previous studies suggested that tetrachlorobenzoquinone (TCBQ) elicits pro-inflammatory activities; however, the mechanism of its toxicity toward vascular endothelial cell has not been characterized. Although TCBQ has been shown to stimulate interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) expression, it is unknown whether TCBQ regulates post-translational IL-1β activation. Using human umbilical vein endothelial cells, we discovered that TCBQ not only promotes the expression of NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) components [composed of NLRP3, adaptor molecule apoptosis-associated speck like protein containing a caspase activation and recruitment domain (ASC), and pro-caspase 1] but also participates in priming the NLRP3 inflammasome. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome results in the maturation and release of IL-1β. Further experiments showed that K+ efflux, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondrial DNA damage may be involved in NLRP3 inflammasome activation mediated by TCBQ. Moreover, TCBQ downregulates the ubiquitination of NLRP3, further facilitating the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. These results suggest that the NLRP3/IL-1β signaling pathway plays an important role in TCBQ-induced endothelial cell pro-inflammatory responses, which may point to potential therapeutic approaches against TCBQ-mediated toxicity.
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JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
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2024
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IF 4.3
Xin Zhao,Chao Chen,Weina Han,Min Liang,Yuanyuan Cheng,Yingjie Chen,Defeng Pang,Haoqi Lei,Xuefei Feng,Shifeng Cao,Zhixiong Li,Jinhui Wang,Yan Zhang,Baofeng Yang
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Recent studies have identified pyroptosis, a type of programmed cell death, as a critical process in the development and progression of lung cancer. In this study, we investigated the effect of EEBR, a new compound synthesized by our team, on pyroptosis in non-small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC) and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Our results demonstrated that EEBR significantly reduced the proliferation and metastasis of NSCLC cells in vitro. Moreover, EEBR-induced pyroptosis in NSCLC cells, as evidenced by cell membrane rupture, the release of cytokines such as interleukin-18 and interleukin-1 beta and the promotion of Gasdermin D cleavage in a Caspase-1-dependent manner. Furthermore, EEBR promoted the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and upregulated the protein level of NLRP3. Subsequent studies revealed that EEBR-induced pyroptosis was suppressed by the inhibition of NF-κB. Finally, EEBR effectively suppressed the growth of lung cancer xenograft tumours by promoting NSCLC pyroptosis in animal models. Taken together, our findings suggest that EEBR induces Caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis through the NF-κB/NLRP3 signalling cascade in NSCLC, highlighting its potential as a candidate drug for NSCLC treatment.
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Journal of Ginseng Research
·
2025
·
IF 5.6
Ji Zhang,Jing Xie,Zhiqiang Niu,Long You,Yanan Liu,Rui Guo,Guigui Yang,Ziliang He,Ting Shen,Honggang Wang,Qi Yan,Weicheng Hu
Background Ginsenoside Rg2 (G-Rg2), a major active compound of Panax ginseng , exhibits a wide range of pharmacological properties, including anticancer, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. However, the mechanisms by which G-Rg2 mitigates ulcerative colitis (UC) have not been clearly elucidated. Aims In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which G-Rg2 mitigated UC. Methods In this study, we investigated the efficacy of G-Rg2 in ameliorating dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC and its potential mechanisms using a DSS-induced UC mouse model and Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)/ nigericin (Nig)-induced NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation on immortalized bone marrow-derived macrophages (iBMDMs). Results Oral administration of G-Rg2 at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg significantly mitigated weight loss, normalized food and water intake, and improved colon histopathology in DSS-induced UC mice. G-Rg2 also restored mRNA expression levels of occludin, claudin-3, zona occluden (ZO)-1 and mucin 2, thereby enhancing intestinal barrier integrity. G-Rg2 significantly suppressed the nuclear translocation of p65, the subunit of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), as well as downregulated NLRP3, cleaved IL-1β and caspase1 p20 expression induced by LPS/Nig in iBMDMs. Conclusion G-Rg2 effectively reduced colon inflammation in DSS-induced UC mice and diminishes inflammatory responses under LPS/Nig conditions by regulating NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway, thereby inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which may serve as a potent therapeutic agent for UC.
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INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
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2024
·
IF 4.8
Xing-Jie Zhang,Yu-Kun Pu,Peng-Yun Yang,Meng-Ru Wang,Rui-Han Zhang,Xiao-Li Li,Wei-Lie Xiao
Background NOD like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is involved in innate immunity, and related to liver injury. However, no inflammasome inhibitors are clinically available until now. Our previous research suggests that isolicoflavonol (ILF), isolated from Macaranga indica , is a potent NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor, but its mechanism is unclear. Methods Fluorescent imaging and Western blot assay were used to ascertain the effects of ILF on pyroptosis and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages. Next, Nrf2 signal pathway, its downstream gene transcription and expression were further investigated. ML385, a Nrf2 inhibitor, was used to verify whether ILF targets Nrf2 signaling. A carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury model was introduced to evaluate the liver protection activity of ILF in mice. Results This work revealed that ILF inhibited macrophage LDH release and IL-1β secretion in a dose-dependent manner. ILF had no significant cytotoxic effect on macrophage, it reduced pyroptosis and Gasdermin D N-terminal fragment formation. Moreover, ILF inhibited IL-1β maturation and Caspase-1 cleavage, but did not affect NLRP3, pro-Caspase-1, pro-IL-1β and ASC expression. ILF decreased ASC speck rate and reduced ASC oligomer formation. ILF decreased aggregated JC-1 formation restoring mitochondria membrane potential. In addition, ILF increased Nrf2 expression, extended Nrf2 lifespan and upregulated Nrf2 signaling pathway in macrophages whether the NLRP3 inflammasome was activated or not. Besides, ILF increased Nrf2 nuclear translocation, maintained a high proportion of Nrf2 in the nucleus, and upregulated ARE-related gene transcription and expression. Furthermore, Nrf2 signal inhibition attenuated compound ILF-mediated inhibition of pyroptosis, inflammasome activation and upregulation of Nrf2 signaling. ILF in a liver injury mouse model inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and enhanced Nrf2 signaling. Conclusion Our study verified that ILF ameliorates liver injury via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation through boosting Nrf2 signaling, and highlighted that ILF is a potent anti-inflammatory drug for inflammasome-related liver diseases.
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Theranostics
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2024
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IF 12.4
Lijun Xu,Jie Zhu,Lingjun Rong,Huinan Yang,Bin Wang,Shuai Lu,Lingxiao Zhang,Fuyi Li,Shihua Yang,Zhifang Wang,Chong Li,Xiao Hu,Ruoyun Liu,Lili Zheng,Hongjian Liu,Haohao Zhang,Yanling Liu,Di Zhao,Shuiying Zhao,Lun Zhang,Yingbo Jia,Shiyu Liang,Zhikang Guo,Xixiu Xie,Ruitian Liu,Lixia Zhang
Rationale: NLRP3 inflammasome is critical in the development and progression of many metabolic diseases driven by chronic inflammation, but its effect on the pathology of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) remains poorly understood. Methods: We here firstly examined the levels of NLRP3 inflammasome in PMOP patients by ELISA. Then we investigated the possible mechanisms underlying the effect of NLRP3 inflammasome on PMOP by RNA sequencing of osteoblasts treated with NLRP3 siRNA and qPCR. Lastly, we accessed the effect of decreased NLRP3 levels on ovariectomized (OVX) rats. To specifically deliver NLRP3 siRNA to osteoblasts, we constructed NLRP3 siRNA wrapping osteoblast-specific aptamer (CH6)-functionalized lipid nanoparticles (termed as CH6-LNPs-siNLRP3). Results: We found that the levels of NLRP3 inflammasome were significantly increased in patients with PMOP, and were negatively correlated with estradiol levels. NLRP3 knock-down influenced signal pathways including immune system process, interferon signal pathway. Notably, of the top ten up-regulated genes in NLRP3-reduced osteoblasts, nine genes (except Mx2) were enriched in immune system process, and five genes were related to interferon signal pathway. The in vitro results showed that CH6-LNPs-siNLRP3 was relatively uniform with a dimeter of 96.64 ± 16.83 nm and zeta potential of 38.37 ± 1.86 mV. CH6-LNPs-siNLRP3 did not show obvious cytotoxicity and selectively delivered siRNA to bone tissue. Moreover, CH6-LNPs-siNLRP3 stimulated osteoblast differentiation by activating ALP and enhancing osteoblast matrix mineralization. When administrated to OVX rats, CH6-LNPs-siNLRP3 promoted bone formation and bone mass, improved bone microarchitecture and mechanical properties by decreasing the levels of NLRP3, IL-1β and IL-18 and increasing the levels of OCN and Runx2. Conclusion: NLRP3 inflammasome may be a new biomarker for PMOP diagnosis and plays a key role in the pathology of PMOP. CH6-LNPs-siNLRP3 has potential application for the treatment of PMOP.
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INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
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2024
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IF 4.8
Yongping Chen,Haotian Yang,Xueyuan Hu,Tianyuan Yang,Yuan Zhao,Huanqi Liu,Honggang Fan
Increasing evidence has demonstrated that coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) exhibits a range of biological properties. Herein, we explored the protective effect and potential molecular mechanism of CoQ10 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI). We found that medium (10 mg/kg) and high (50 mg/kg) doses of CoQ10 ameliorated LPS (50 µg/µL)-induced ALI to varying degrees, as demonstrated by reduced lung coefficient, lower wet/dry weight lung tissue ratio, decreased bronchoalveolar lavage fluid protein concentration, less anatomical and histopathological damage to the lung, and increased expression of proteins related to lung epithelial barrier structure. CoQ10 also alleviated LPS-induced oxidative stress and inflammation mediated by NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) by reducing the reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde, and mitochondrial ROS concentrations, increasing superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and catalase activity, and decreasing NLRP3 expression at the protein and mRNA levels. Moreover, CoQ10 alleviated structural and functional damage to the mitochondria, inhibited mitochondrial fission, and promoted mitochondrial fusion, mainly by inhibiting phosphorylation of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) at Ser616 and Ser637. Correlation analysis revealed that mitochondrial fission (especially Drp1) was positively correlated with oxidative stress, NLRP3-mediated inflammation, and structural damage to the lung epithelial barrier. Molecular docking analysis showed that CoQ10 binds stably to Drp1, with a binding energy of −5.9 kcal/mol. Furthermore, the use of schaftoside (a Drp1 inhibitor) has further elucidated the mechanism of action of CoQ10. Together, these results suggest that CoQ10 alleviates LPS-induced ALI by regulating mitochondrial dynamics, attenuating oxidative stress, and decreasing NLRP3-medated inflammation, thereby promoting lung epithelial barrier structural remodeling.
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CARDIOVASCULAR DRUGS AND THERAPY
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2025
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IF 3.1
Ba Lina,Wu Nan,Feng Xiang,Wang Ruixuan,Zhao Zhichao,Wang Rui,Liu Renling,Shi Pilong,Sun Hongli,Qi Hanping
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of biochanin A (BCA) on cardiac hypertrophy and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The research question was whether BCA can reverse heart dysfunction and attenuate cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by pressure overload and AngII, respectively, and how it interacts with the NLRP3 pyroptosis pathway to achieve these effects. Methods We employed an animal model of pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and an in vitro model of AngII-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy to assess the effects of BCA. The expression of NLRP3 and its related signaling molecules was analyzed by western blotting, and the activity of the NLRP3 pathway was measured using pyroptosis assays. The role of Cbl-b, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, in BCA-mediated NLRP3 inhibition was also investigated. Results BCA was found to reverse heart dysfunction and attenuate cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by pressure overload and AngII. Mechanistically, BCA mitigated cardiac hypertrophy by targeting the NLRP3 pyroptosis pathway. The reduction in NLRP3 expression by BCA was predominantly mediated through the upregulation of Cbl-b, which enhanced the ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of NLRP3. Additionally, BCA facilitated the upregulation of Cbl-b expression by interacting with NF-κB, preventing NF-κB binding to the promoter region of Cbl-b and reversing its suppressive action on Cbl-b expression. Conclusion This study provides initial evidence that BCA can protect against cardiac hypertrophy. Its mechanism of action involves interacting with NF-κB to promote the expression of Cbl-b, which facilitates the ubiquitination and degradation of NLRP3, ultimately inhibiting pyroptosis. This finding suggests that BCA may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy.
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ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
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2024
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IF 6.2
Yu Ma,Wei Yang,Peiyao Liang,Ruzhen Feng,Tianming Qiu,Jingyuan Zhang,Xiance Sun,Qiujuan Li,Guang Yang,Xiaofeng Yao
As a persistent organic pollutant, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) has a serious detrimental impact on human health. It has been suggested that PFOS is associated with liver inflammation. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Here, PFOS was found to elevate the oligomerization tendency of voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) in the mice liver and human normal liver cells L-02. Inhibition of VDAC1 oligomerization alleviated PFOS-induced nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat protein-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation. Cytoplasmic membrane VDAC1 translocated to mitochondria was also observed in response to PFOS. Therefore, the oligomerization of VDAC1 occurred mainly in the mitochondria. VDAC1 was found to interact with the ATP synthase beta subunit (ATP5B) under PFOS treatment. Knockdown of ATP5B or immobilization of ATP5B to the cytoplasmic membrane alleviated the increased VDAC1 oligomerization and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Therefore, our results suggested that PFOS induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation through VDAC1 oligomerization, a process dependent on ATP5B to transfer VDAC1 from the plasma membrane to the mitochondria. The findings offer novel perspectives on the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, the regulatory mode on VDAC1 oligomerization, and the mechanism of PFOS toxicity.
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Journal of Inflammation Research
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2025
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IF 4.1
Zhongzhu Ai,Dongfeng Yuan,Yun Li,Jingyi Cai,Daonian Zhou,Wei Liu
Background Hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is characterized by the pathological dilation of anal vascular cushions, causing pain, itching and bleeding. Recent evidence links HD onset and progression to rectal inflammation. Medical Hemorrhoid Gel (MHG), a multi-component botanical preparation, has gained empirical validation for HD management. This study aims to systematically evaluate the safety, efficacy, and mechanism of action of MHG in treating HD.Methods The phytochemical composition of MHG was characterized using UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS analyses. In vivo, the efficacy was assessed in a croton oil preparation (COP)‑induced HD rat model (n=10 per group) via anorectal coefficient (ARC) measurement, macroscopic severity score, Evans blue extravasation quantification, and H&E/PAS staining. Transcriptomic sequencing of anorectal tissues was integrated with experimental validation using ELISA, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Western blotting to delineate molecular mechanism. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett’s multiple comparison post hoc test (significance at p<0.05).Results MHG significantly reduced ARC, macroscopic severity score, and Evans blue extravasation, restored intestinal villus structure and goblet cell numbers, and alleviated inflammation. Acute toxicity tests showed that MHG did not cause anorectal abnormalities or systemic toxicity in rats. Transcriptomic analysis integrated with experimental validation suggested the therapeutic mechanism of MHG involves inflammation response and NF-κB pathway. Specifically, MHG suppressed the levels of the pro-inflammatory mediator TNF-α, while it enhanced the levels of the anti-inflammatory mediator IL-10. Mechanistic studies revealed that MHG inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation, reduced the phosphorylation level of p65 and enhanced IκBα expression. Phytochemical analysis identified 20 constituents that contribute to the bioactivity of MHG.Conclusion Our study substantiated that MHG exerts anti-hemorrhoidal effects through NLRP3 inflammasome suppression via NF-κB pathway regulation. This mechanistic insight provides scientific validation for clinical application of MHG in HD management.
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