ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
·
2025
·
IF 7.7
Zhongyuan Zhang,Jiaming Fu,Yihong Di,Honghui Li,Bing Wu,Xueyan Tian,Meiyan Li,Yuqing Dai,Zhuoheng Shen,Jinhao Jia,Zeyang Bai,Limeng Xiong,Yuhan Zhang,Xiaoyu Li,Yi Zhao,Hao Hu,GuangJun Wang,Huifang Yang,Rui Zhang,Jian Sun
Previous epidemiologic studies have indicated a positive association between population-based imidacloprid (IMI) exposure and diabetes. Moreover, toxicological evidence suggests that IMI can disrupt glucose metabolism in non-target organisms. However, the toxic doses of IMI in previous experimental studies were much higher than the exposure levels in the real world, and the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this study, based on the exposure level of neonicotinoids in humans, we investigated the possible mechanism of IMI-induced glucose metabolism disorders using cybertoxicology predictions, a long-term exposure model of IMI in mice, and cellular models. The cybertoxicology predictions showed that NF-κB and apoptosis play key roles in the association of IMI, pancreatic β-cell injury, and diabetes. However, exposure of mice to IMI through potable water (104 μg/kg, population exposure maximum) for 24 weeks did not result in abnormal glucose metabolism (P > 0.05), while significant activation of inflammatory response, NF-κB phosphorylation, and mitochondrial apoptosis pathways were observed (P < 0.05). After inhibition of NF-κB P65 phosphorylation in the cellular model, IMI-induced alterations in the MIN6 cell structure and function, inflammatory responses, and mitochondrial apoptotic pathways were alleviated (P < 0.05). This finding provides evidence for the disruption of glucose metabolism due to long-term exposure to IMI, and subsequent studies should focus on the effects of longer exposure to IMI on glucose metabolism as well as the role of the NF-κB signaling pathway.
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
·
2025
·Vol. 26
·期 20
·10073
·
IF 4.9
Mei Feng,Xinxiang Chen,Fan Huang,Lin Chen,Can Liu,Wei Li,Yinyan Li,Shaobin Chen,Zhen Deng,Zhengyi Wei,Yuan Luo,Xiyong Yu,Aiping Qin
Alpinetin, a distinctive plant-derived dihydroflavonoid from cardamom seeds, represents an under-explored chemical scaffold compared to common flavonoids like quercetin or kaempferol. While many flavonoids have shown general cardioprotective potential, the structural specificity of alpinetin may confer unique pharmacological advantages. Inspired by its historical use in traditional Chinese medicine for cardiac discomfort, this study systematically investigated its efficacy against acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In a rat AMI model, alpinetin demonstrated superior infarct size reduction and functional recovery relative to other tested flavonoids. It significantly attenuated key AMI pathologies—including inflammatory infiltration, CD68+ macrophage activation, IL-6/TNF-α release, collagen deposition, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis—more effectively than common flavonoid benchmarks. Mechanistically, alpinetin selectively targeted the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling axis with notable potency, a pathway not robustly modulated by other flavonoids in the screening. These findings not only validate the traditional wisdom of cardamom but also establish alpinetin as a structurally and mechanistically distinct flavonoid with high translational promise, offering a new candidate for the targeted treatment of ischemic heart disease.
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npj Science of Food
·
2025
·Vol. 9
·期 1
·1-13
·
IF 7.8
Liu Ziwei,Li Hangyu,Yang Shuyao,Zhang Xinnan,Liu Qianqian,Xu Yuan,Yang Yanwen,Liao Yi,Wang Yao,Feng Haibo
A novel pectic polysaccharide with dual backbones (SHP-A, 15,866 Da) was isolated from Sinopodophyllum hexandrum fruits. This polysaccharide is a heteropolymer composed of six monosaccharides. Structural characterization based on nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, methylation analysis, and other methods demonstrated that SHP-A features a unique architecture consisting of a rhamnogalacturonan-I backbone (alternating α-GalpA and α-Rha molecules with β-Galp/α-Araf side chains) and a β-glucomannan backbone (alternating β-Manp and β-Glcp molecules), interconnected via β-Galp bridges. Bioactivity assays showed that SHP-A exerts potent immunomodulatory effects by enhancing macrophage phagocytosis and nitric oxide release. Transcriptomics analyses and NOD1 inhibitor interventions confirmed that SHP-A can activate the NOD1/RIPK2/NF-κB axis and induce M1 polarization in RAW264.7 macrophages, thereby upregulating various cytokines and chemokines. Furthermore, SHP-A also appeared to enhance immune function through mitochondrial metabolism, which indicated its potential as an immunomodulatory agent that can be used in the development of immune-enhancing health foods in the future.
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CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
·
2026
·
IF 12.5
Yana Ma,Wen Luo,Weijia Zhu,Zhichao Deng,Shijun Xu,Hang Yuan,Wei-jun Fan,Quanjun Yao,Wei Yao,Ho-Young Song,Mingzhen Zhang,Jizhao Wang,Hongtao Hu
Oxidative stress, resulting from excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), is critically involved in the development and progression of inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease. Therefore, targeting ROS for the treatment of inflammation holds great potential, and the underlying mechanism is of great significance for clinical medication. In this work, carbon dots (C-dots) based on chrysanthemum as carbon source were obtained through a hydrothermal method. The as-prepared C-dots exhibited favorable ROS scavenging capacity and biocompatibility. The ROS level and the oxidative damage were reversed, the expression of proinflammatory factors was reduced, and the disrupted barrier was recovered by chrysanthemum-derived C-dots in the cellular inflammatory model. The anti-inflammatory effects were also validated in mice colitis model. Mechanistically, the chrysanthemum-derived C-dots regulated the Keap1/Nrf2 antioxidant signaling and inhibited the NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated inflammatory signaling, thereby restoring redox homeostasis and modulating the inflammatory microenvironment. Collectively, the C-dots from chrysanthemum with preferable biocompatibility hold a bright prospect in inflammation resolution through remodeling redox and inflammatory microenvironment.
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BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
·
2026
·
IF 6.5
Xia Wu,Chun-Feng Liu
Septic cardiomyopathy (SCM) is a prevalent complication among septic patients, accompanied by high mortality. Estrogen‐related receptor alpha (ERRα), a transcription factor, is implicated in various cardiovascular diseases. Nonetheless, its role in SCM remains unclear. Here, the cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) procedure was used to construct a mouse sepsis model. We found that the ERRα expression was downregulated in septic hearts. Adeno-associated virus-9 (AAV-9)-mediated cardiomyocyte-specific ERRα overexpression improved the survival rate of septic mice. Additionally, ERRα overexpression ameliorated CLP-induced cardiac dysfunction and myocardial pathological damage. In vitro , HL-1 mouse cardiomyocytes were transduced with an ERRα overexpression adenovirus before LPS stimulation. The results demonstrated that ERRα overexpression mitigated LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-18) and apoptosis (Bax, cleaved caspase-3/9) in HL-1 cells. Mechanistically, ERRα inhibited the NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome activation in septic hearts and LPS-stimulated HL-1 cells. Furthermore, we overlapped the differentially expressed genes of septic hearts (GSE125042) and ERRα KO hearts (GSE7196) to identify the downstream target genes. Meteorin like, glial cell differentiation regulator (METRNL) was identified as the target gene of ERRα. Notably, ERRα bound to the METRNL promoter and upregulated its activity, which was confirmed via dual-luciferase reporter assay, ChIP-qPCR, and oligonucleotide pull-down assay. Knockdown of METRNL prevented the effects of ERRα overexpression on the apoptosis and inflammatory response of cardiomyocytes induced by LPS. Our findings underscore the role of ERRα in mitigating myocardial injury in SCM, indicating its potential as a new therapeutic approach.
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International Journal of Nanomedicine
·
2026
·
IF 8.7
Pongsigeraxi Borjigin,Caixia Deng,Rilaga Su,Juan Li,Ying Ying,Yingsong Chen,Tegexibaiyin Wang
Purpose This study aimed to enzymatically synthesize pearl powder fluorescent carbon dots (PFCDs) and investigate their neuroprotective potential against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI) by modulating the Anxa2/NF-κB signaling pathway.Methods PFCDs were synthesized through enzymatic digestion and characterized. Neuroprotective effects were assessed using an in vitro oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model in PC12 cells and a middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) rat model. Cell viability, neurological function, cerebral infarct volume, and neuronal injury were evaluated. Expression of Anxa2/NF-κB signaling pathway proteins and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) was analyzed by Western blot, immunofluorescence, and ELISA.Results The synthesized PFCDs exhibited an organic–inorganic hybrid structure, uniform particle size below 10 nm, and distinctive optical properties. In vitro, PFCDs enhanced cell viability under OGD/R conditions, inhibited phosphorylation of Anxa2 and NF-κB p65, and reduced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β). In vivo, treatment with PFCDs in MCAO/R rats improved neurological function, reduced cerebral infarct volume, and alleviated neuronal injury. These protective effects were linked to downregulation of the Anxa2/NF-κB signaling pathway and reduced serum levels of inflammatory cytokines.Conclusion We successfully achieved the enzymatic synthesis of carbon dots from pearl powder, characterized by a unique organic–inorganic hybrid structure. PFCDs effectively alleviated CIRI-induced neuroinflammation by suppressing the Anxa2/NF-κB signaling pathway, highlighting their therapeutic potential as a nanomedicine derived from natural products.
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MOLECULES
·
2026
·Vol. 31
·期 11
·1933
·
IF 5.1
Yanlong Li,Anning Zhan,Xiaobing Zhang,Yu Duan,Jiawen Tang,Hua Bai,Qi Wang
Objective: The present study investigates the effect of 1,8-cineole on improving lipid metabolism disorder by regulating oxidative stress and inflammation via the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. 1,8-Cineole is a monoterpene compound widely found in the essential oils of many plants and has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. However, its role in regulating lipid metabolism disorders remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 1,8-cineole on lipid metabolism and explore the potential mechanisms related to oxidative stress and inflammation. Methods: Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay to determine the optimal PA concentration for inducing lipid accumulation and the non-cytotoxic range of 1,8-cineole in HepG2 and AML-12 cells. Lipid droplets were visualized by Oil Red O staining, while triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels were quantified using enzymatic kits. Oxidative stress markers (ROS by DCFH-DA fluorescence; MDA by TBA method; CAT activity by ammonium molybdate method) and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-18 by ELISA) were measured. Western blotting analyzed key proteins in the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway (TLR4, MyD88, p-P65, p-IκBα). Pathway-specific inhibitors were employed for mechanistic validation. Results: 1,8-Cineole (up to 1000 μg/mL) showed no cytotoxicity. It significantly attenuated PA-induced lipid droplet accumulation, reduced TG and TC levels (p< 0.05), and ameliorated oxidative stress by decreasing ROS and MDA while enhancing CAT activity in AML-12 cells (p< 0.01). Furthermore, 1,8-cineole suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine release (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β;p< 0.01), whereas no significant effect was observed on IL-18 levels. Downregulated TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway activation. Inhibition of TLR4 or NF-κB mirrored these protective effects. Conclusions: 1,8-Cineole alleviates PA-induced lipid metabolism disorders, oxidative stress, and inflammation in hepatocytes, likely through suppression of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Scientific Reports
·
2026
·
IF 4.9
Niu Jiale,Liu Guangxia,He Guangyao,Zhang Xiaomeng,Bai Huihui,Lu Yamin
To investigate the role of IL-17 in macrophage M1 polarization within a type 2 diabetic (T2DM) milieu and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of its neutralizing antibody. PMA-differentiated THP-1 macrophages were polarized to M1 state. Under high glucose, cells were treated with IL-17 and an IL-17 neutralizing antibody. Inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) were measured; mRNA levels of TNF-α, HIF-1α, and NLRP3 were assessed by qPCR; and protein expression related to the NF-κB, mTOR/HIF-1α axis and pyroptosis (NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD) was analyzed by Western Blot. High glucose and IL-17 synergistically promoted M1 polarization, enhancing proinflammatory cytokine secretion. This was associated with activation of the NF-κB, mTOR/HIF-1α signaling axis and induction of pyroptosis, evidenced by NLRP3 inflammasome assembly, Caspase-1 activation, and GSDMD cleavage. The IL-17 neutralizing antibody effectively suppressed these pathological processes. IL-17 acts as a key immunological amplifier in diabetes, driving M1 polarization, oxidative stress, and pyroptosis via the NF-κB, mTOR/HIF-1α axis and NLRP3 inflammasome. Treatment with an αIL-17 effectively reversed the aberrant activation of the aforementioned cellular phenotypes and signaling pathways, partially restoring macrophage functional balance. This finding provides preliminary experimental support for further exploration of IL-17-targeted immunomodulatory strategies to ameliorate diabetes-associated metabolic inflammation.
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR MEDICINE
·
2022
·Vol. 50
·期 5
·1-14
·
IF 5.314
Weichao Sun,Wei Xie,Dixi Huang,Yinxing Cui,Jiaji Yue,Qifei He,Luoyong Jiang,Jianyi Xiong,Wei Sun,Qian Yi
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative disease affecting the joints, and inflammation appears to play a critical role in the initiation and progression of OA. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a natural flavonoid compound, has anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant functions. However, its anti‑inflammatory effects on OA and the underlying mechanisms of action of CAPE in the treatment of OA remain elusive. Therefore, the present study investigated the anti‑inflammatory effects of CAPE on IL‑1β‑stimulated chondrocytes in vitro and surgically induced rat models of OA in vivo. In vitro, CAPE reduced the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase‑2 in IL‑1β‑stimulated chondrocytes, as well as the extracellular secretion of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 in the cell culture supernatants. In addition, CAPE attenuated the degradation of extracellular matrix by increasing the expression of aggrecan and collagen II, and decreasing the expression of MMP3, MMP13 and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif‑5. Furthermore, CAPE attenuated NF‑κB signaling and activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2‑related factor 2/heme oxygenase‑1 signaling pathway in IL‑1β‑stimulated chondrocytes. In vivo, CAPE protected cartilage from destruction and delayed the progression of OA in rats. Taken together, the findings of the present study indicated that CAPE may be a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention or treatment of OA.
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NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERGS ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY
·
2023
·Vol. 396
·期 6
·1247-1255
·
IF 3.6
Su Jie,Yin Wei,Huo Mengmeng,Yao Qing,Ding Liqiong
Glioma is an extremely aggressive primary brain tumor, which is highly resistant to chemotherapy, presenting a therapeutic challenge. Here, we explored the anti-glioma effects and the underlying mechanism of lycorine, an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from lycoris on glioma cells. We found that lycorine could dose dependently inhibit C6 glioma cell growth and induce cell apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) values of lycorine on C6 glioma cells at 48 h was 2.85 μM. Meanwhile, lycorine treatment caused dysfunction of the NF-κB signal, as demonstrated by the up-regulation of NF-κB inhibitor protein IκB and the downregulation of the NF-κB phosphorylation protein p-p65. The addition of NF-κB inhibitor SC75741 further confirmed the importance of the NF-κB pathway in lycorine-induced cell-growth inhibition. Moreover, lycorine might act synergically with temozolomide (TMZ) to reduce drug resistance by blocking the NF-κB pathway. Our study suggested that lycorine exerts an anti-glioma effect by inducing ROS production and inhibiting NF-κB, which validated that lycorine may be a potential candidate for glioma treatment alone or in combination with TMZ.
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Advanced Healthcare Materials
·
2023
·Vol. 12
·期 10
·2203195
·
IF 10
Zhongyin Zhang,Lichan Yuan,Yufeng Liu,Ruobing Wang,Yihong Zhang,Yan Yang,Hui Wei,Junqing Ma
Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ OA) is a degenerative joint disease with no complete cure at present. Notably, the inflammatory microenvironment in TMJ OA is modulated by oxidative stress, which impacts cartilage metabolism, chondrocyte apoptosis, inflammatory cytokine release, and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis. Thus, it is reasoned that reducing excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the chondrocyte microenvironment may be an effective therapeutic strategy for TMJ OA. Recently, cascade nanozymes, including Pt@PCN222-Mn, have been exploited to treat ROS-associated diseases. Nevertheless, cascade nanozymes are not employed for TMJ OA therapy. To fill this gap, it is explored whether the Pt@PCN222-Mn cascade nanozyme could be applied to the treatment of TMJ OA. The in vitro results demonstrate that the Pt@PCN222-Mn nanozyme can inhibit the production of inflammatory factors, the degradation of ECM, and the apoptosis of chondrocytes by inhibiting the ROS-nuclear factor kappa-B (NF- κ B_ and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. The in vivo results further demonstrate that the Pt@PCN222-Mn nanozyme can delay the progression of TMJ OA in the rat unilateral anterior crossbite model. It is believed that insightful perspectives on the application of nanozymes in TMJ OA will be provided here.
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Food & Function
·
2022
·Vol. 13
·期 7
·3946-3956
·
IF 6.317
Zhe Wang,Chunhai Li,Xi He,Kang Xu,Zhipeng Xue,Ting Wang,Zhenshang Xu,Xinli Liu
The effect of Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) on colitis and its underlying mechanism were rarely studied. In this study, Lactobacillus rhamnosus 217-1 was used to ferment PG roots, and the concentrations of platycodin-D, flavonoids, and polyphenols and the DPPH free radical scavenging rate were significantly increased. Treatment with a PG root fermentation broth (PGRFB) could reduce dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. Meanwhile, the PGRFB significantly reduced the content of inflammatory factors in mouse serum and the expression of inflammatory factor mRNA in the intestinal tract, regulated the polarization of M1/M2 macrophages, and increased the expression of tight junction protein mRNA in intestinal epithelial cells. In summary, it was proved that the PGRFB could inhibit the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and the expression of Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and lowering the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
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