scholarly journals Role of ASM/Cer/TXNIP signaling module in the NLRP3 inflammasome activation

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianjun Jiang ◽  
Yining Shi ◽  
Jiyu Cao ◽  
Youjin Lu ◽  
Gengyun Sun ◽  
...  

Abstract Background This study aimed to explore the effects of ceramide (Cer) on NLRP3 inflammasome activation and their underlying mechanisms. Methods Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in J774A.1 cells and THP-1 macrophages was used as an in vitro model of inflammation. Western blotting and real-time PCR (RT-PCR) were used to detect the protein and mRNA levels, respectively. IL-1β and IL-18 levels were measured by ELISA. ASM assay kit and immunofluorescence were used to detect ASM activity and Cer content. Results Imipramine, a well-known inhibitor of ASM, significantly inhibited LPS/ATP-induced activity of ASM and the consequent accumulation of Cer. Additionally, imipramine suppressed the LPS/ATP-induced expression of thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 at the protein and mRNA level. Interestingly verapamil, a TXNIP inhibitor, suppressed LPS/ATP-induced activation of TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome but did not affect LPS/ATP-induced ASM activation and Cer formation. TXNIP siRNA and verapamil inhibited C2-Cer-induced upregulation of TXNIP and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In addition, the pretreatment of cells with sulfo-N-succinimidyl oleate (SSO), an irreversible inhibitor of the scavenger receptor CD36, blocked Cer-induced upregulation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity, TXNIP expression, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Inhibition of NF-κB activation by SN50 prevented Cer-induced upregulation of TXNIP and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome but did not affect CD36 expression. Conclusion This study demonstrated that the ASM/Cer/TXNIP signaling pathway is involved in NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The results documented that the CD36-dependent NF-κB-TXNIP signaling pathway plays an essential role in the Cer-induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes in macrophages.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianjun Jiang ◽  
Yining Shi ◽  
Jiyu Cao ◽  
Youjin Lu ◽  
Gengyun Sun ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: This study aimed to explore the effects of ceramide (Cer) on NLRP3 inflammasome activation and their underlying mechanisms.Methods: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in J774A.1 cells and THP-1 macrophages was used as an in vitro model of inflammation. Western blotting and real-time PCR (RT-PCR) were used to detect the protein and mRNA levels, respectively. IL-1β and IL-18 levels were measured by ELISA. ASM assay kit and immunofluorescence were used to detect ASM activity and Cer content.Results: Imipramine, a well-known inhibitor of ASM, significantly inhibited LPS/ATP-induced activity of ASM and the consequent accumulation of Cer. Additionally, imipramine suppressed the LPS/ATP-induced expression of thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 at the protein and mRNA level. Interestingly verapamil, a TXNIP inhibitor, suppressed LPS/ATP-induced activation of TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome but did not affect LPS/ATP-induced ASM activation and Cer formation. TXNIP siRNA and verapamil inhibited C2-Cer-induced upregulation of TXNIP and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In addition, the pretreatment of cells with sulfo-N-succinimidyl oleate (SSO), an irreversible inhibitor of the scavenger receptor CD36, blocked Cer-induced upregulation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity, TXNIP expression, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Inhibition of NF-κB activation by SN50 prevented Cer-induced upregulation of TXNIP and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome but did not affect CD36 expression.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the ASM/Cer/TXNIP signaling pathway is involved in NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The results documented that the CD36-dependent NF-κB-TXNIP signaling pathway plays an essential role in the Cer-induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes in macrophages.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenyun Zeng ◽  
Danbin Wu ◽  
Yingxin Sun ◽  
Yanrong Suo ◽  
Qun Yu ◽  
...  

AbstractNLRP3 inflammasome is a vital player in macrophages pyroptosis, which is a type of proinflammatory cell-death and takes part in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In this study, we used apoE−/− mice and ox-LDL induced THP-1 derived macrophages to explore the mechanisms of MCC950, a selective NLRP3 inhibitor in treating atherosclerosis. For the in vivo study, MCC950 was intraperitoneal injected to 8-week-old apoE−/− mice fed with high-fat diet for 12 weeks. For the in vitro study, THP-1 derived macrophages were treated with ox-LDL and MCC950 for 48 h. MCC950 administration reduced plaque areas and macrophages contents, but did not improve the serum lipid profiles in aortic root of apoE−/− mice. MCC950 inhibited the activation of NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1/GSDMD-N axis, and alleviated macrophages pyroptosis and the production of IL-1β and IL-18 both in aorta and in cell lysates. However, MCC950 did not affect the expression of TLR4 or the mRNA levels of NLRP3 inflammasome and its downstream proteins, suggesting that MCC950 had no effects on the priming of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages. The anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms of MCC950 on attenuating macrophages inflammation and pyroptosis involved in inhibiting the assembly and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, rather than interrupting its priming.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianjun Jiang ◽  
Jin Yang ◽  
Yining Shi ◽  
Jiyu Cao ◽  
Youjin Lu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The NOD-Like Receptor Protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a crucial component of an array of inflammatory conditions. It functions by boosting the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines: interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18). Previous studies have established the vital role of the acid sphingomyelinase (ASM)/ceramide (Cer) pathway in the functional outcome of cells, with a particular emphasis on the inflammatory processes. This study aimed to explore the effects and associated underlying mechanism of Cer-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation.Methods: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in J774A.1 cells was used as an in vitro inflammatory model. Western blotting and Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) were used to detect the protein and mRNA levels, respectively. IL-1β and IL-18 levels were evaluated using ELISA kits. ASM assay kit and immunofluorescence were used to detect ASM activity and Cer content.Results: Imipramine, a well-known inhibitor of ASM, significantly inhibited ASM activity and inhibited Cer accumulation, which indicated ASM activation. Besides, it also suppressed the LPS/ATP-induced expression of proteins and mRNA: thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18. Interestingly verapamil, a TXNIP inhibitor, suppressed LPS/ATP-induced TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome activation; however, it did not affect LPS/ATP-induced ASM activation and ceramide production. Further analysis showed that the exogenous C2-Cer treated J774A.1 cells induced the overexpression of TXNIP, NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18. Besides, TXNIP siRNA or verapamil inhibited C2-Cer-induced TXNIP overexpression and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.Conclusion: This study demonstrated the involvement of the ASM/Cer/TXNIP signaling pathway in NLRP3 inflammasome activation.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 1555-1571 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Wang ◽  
Zhihua Han ◽  
Yuqi Fan ◽  
Junfeng Zhang ◽  
Kan Chen ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: MicroRNA-9 (miR-9) is involved in inflammatory reaction in atherosclerosis; however, its function and regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. We aimed to uncover the exact roles of miR-9 and downstream signaling pathways using in vitro human atherosclerosis models. Methods: We used oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-stimulated human THP-1 derived macrophages, oxLDL-stimulated human primary peripheral blood monocytes and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or Alum-stimulated human THP-1 derived macrophages as in vitro atherosclerosis inflammation models. Transient transfection of over-expression vectors, small interference RNAs (siRNAs) or antisense oligonucleotides was used to regulate intracellular protein or miR-9 levels. Cell responses and signal transduction were detected by multiple assays including Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and luciferase reporter assay. Results: MiR-9 inhibited while anti-miR-9 antisense oligonucleotides induced interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in all in vitro models. Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) were identified as the target genes of miR-9. In oxLDL-stimulated human THP-1 derived macrophages, knockdown of JAK1 by siRNA blocked the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and mimicked the effects of miR-9. In the same model, JAK1 knockdown blocked the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 in the nuclei and the phosphorylation of NF-κB IκBα in the cytoplasm. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that miR-9 could inhibit activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and attenuate atherosclerosis-related inflammation, likely through the JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway. Therefore, miR-9 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.


2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sai Ma ◽  
Jiangwei Chen ◽  
Zhenli Luo ◽  
Yabin Wang ◽  
Feng Cao

Introduction: NLRP3 inflammasome mediated inflammatory factors secretion is critically involved in atherosclerosis (AS). Melatonin has anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is unknown whether melatonin is beneficial in AS. Hypothesis: Melatonin plays a beneficial role in AS by decreasing NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages. Methods: AS model was induced with high fat diet in apoE -/- mice. Plaque stability was examined with historical staining. In vitro study was performed in ox-LDL treated RAW264.7 cells. NLRP3 inflammasome activation, inflammatory factors secretion, mitochondrial ROS generation, autophagy, mitophagy indexes and potential signaling pathways were investigated. Results: Historical staining results showed that melatonin treatment markedly alleviated AS plaque progression. Despite of unchanged protein expression, Sirt 3 activity was elevated in plaque tissue in melatonin treated mice. Melatonin attenuated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and inflammatory factors secretion in ox-LDL treated macrophages, while this protective effect was abolished by Sirt3-siRNA. Mitochondrial ROS (mitoROS), which was an inducer for NLRP3 inflammasome, was reduced by melatonin through the elimination of damaged mitochondria (mitophagy). Similar with Sirt3-siRNA, autophagy inhibitor 3-MA also abolished the effects of melatonin on mitoROS clearance, indicating the crucial role of autophagy and mitophagy in melatonin caused NLRP3 inactivation. Furthermore, melatonin protected against AS via Sirt3/FoxO3/Parkin signaling pathway. Conclusions: Melatonin prevented atherosclerotic progression. Melatonin reduced mitochondrial ROS through the activation of autophagy and mitophagy, thereby attenuating NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages. Moreover, the protective effect of melatonin was mediated by Sirt3/FoxO3/Parkin signaling pathway. Our study provides insight into a new therapeutic target for AS.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shampa Chatterjee ◽  
Ralph A. Pietrofesa ◽  
Kyewon Park ◽  
Jian-Qin Tao ◽  
Alejandro Carabe-Fernandez ◽  
...  

Updated measurements of charged particle fluxes during the transit from Earth to Mars as well as on site measurements by Curiosity of Martian surface radiation fluxes identified potential health hazards associated with radiation exposure for human space missions. Designing mitigation strategies of radiation risks to astronauts is critical. We investigated radiation-induced endothelial cell damage and its mitigation by LGM2605, a radioprotector with antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties. We used an in vitro model of lung vascular networks (flow-adapted endothelial cells; FAECs), exposed to gamma rays, low/higher linear energy transfer (LET) protons (3–4 or 8–10 keV/µm, respectively), and mixed field radiation sources (gamma and protons), given at mission-relevant doses (0.25 gray (Gy)–1 Gy). We evaluated endothelial inflammatory phenotype, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and oxidative cell injury. LGM2605 (100 µM) was added 30 min post radiation exposure and gene expression changes evaluated 24 h later. Radiation induced a robust increase in mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes post 0.25 Gy and 0.5 Gy gamma radiation, which was significantly decreased by LGM2605. Intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) induction by individual or mixed-field exposures were also significantly blunted by LGM2605. We conclude that LGM2605 is a likely candidate to reduce tissue damage from space-relevant radiation exposure.


Author(s):  
Zhiyong Zhou ◽  
Menghan He ◽  
Qingqing Zhao ◽  
Dongfan Wang ◽  
Changcheng Zhang ◽  
...  

Introduction:: Microglia-mediated inflammatory responses play a crucial role in aging-related neurodegenerative diseases. The TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway is a key pathway leading to microglial activation. Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) have been widely used for the treatment of stroke in China. Objective:: This study evaluates the anti-neuroinflammatory effect of PNS and investigates the mechanism via TXNIPmediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation in aging rats. Materials and Methods:: Eighteen-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the aging control group and PNS treated groups (n=15 each group). For PNS-treated groups, rats were administrated food with PNS at the doses of 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg for consecutive 6 months until they were 24-month old. Rats from the aging control group were given the same food without PNS. Two-month-old rats were purchased and given the same food until 6-month old as the adult control group (n = 15). Then, the cortex and hippocampus were rapidly harvested and deposited. H&E staining was used to assess histo-morphological changes. Western blotting was carried out to detect the protein expression. Immunofluorescence was employed to measure the co-localization of NLRP3, TXNIP and Iba-1. In vitro model was established by LPS+ATP coincubation in the BV2 microglia cell line. Results:: Aging rats exhibited increased activation of microglia, accompanied by a high level of IL-1β expression. Meanwhile, aging rats showed enhanced protein expression of TXNIP and NLRP3 related molecules, which co-localized with microglia. PNS treatment effectively reduced the number of degenerated neurons and reversed the activation of the TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammatory pathway. In vitro results showed that PNS up to 100 μg / ml had no significant toxicity on BV2 microglia. Discussion:: PNS (25, 50 μg/ml) effectively reduced the inflammatory response induced by LPS and ATP co-stimulation, thus inhibiting the expression of TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway-related proteins. Conclusion:: PNS treatment improved aging-related neuronal damage through inhibiting TXNIP mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which provided a potential target for the treatment of inflammatory-related neurodegenerative diseases.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sahabuddin Ahmed ◽  
Samir Ranjan Panda ◽  
Mohit Kwatra ◽  
Bidya Dhar Sahu ◽  
VGM Naidu

Abstract Several activators of NLRP3 inflammasome have been described; however, the central mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in brain microglia, especially at the activating step through free radical generation, still require further clarification. Hence the present study aimed to investigate the role of free radicals in activating NLRP3 inflammasome driven neurodegeneration and elucidated the neuroprotective role of perillyl alcohol (PA) in vitro and in vivo models of Parkinson’s disease. Initial priming of microglial cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) following treatment with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induces NF-κB translocation to nucleus with robust generation of free radicals that act as Signal 2 in augmenting NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and its downstream targets. PA treatment suppresses nuclear translocation of NF-κB and maintains cellular redox homeostasis in microglia that limits NLRP3 inflammasome activation along with processing active caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18. To further correlates the in vitro study with in vivo MPTP model, treatment with PA also inhibits the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and downregulates the NLRP3 inflammasome activation. PA administration upregulates various antioxidant enzymes levels and restored the level of dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the striatum of the mice brain with improved behavioural activities. Additionally, treatment with Mito-TEMPO (a mitochondrial ROS inhibitor) was also seen to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome and rescue dopaminergic neuron loss in the mice brain. Therefore, we conclude that NLRP3 inflammasome activation requires a signal from damaged mitochondria for its activation. Further pharmacological scavenging of free radicals restricts microglia activation and simultaneously supports neuronal survival via targeting NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in Parkinson’s disease.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huiwen Tian ◽  
Shumei Lin ◽  
Jing Wu ◽  
Ming Ma ◽  
Jian Yu ◽  
...  

Abstract Corneal transplantation rejection remains a major threat to the success rate in high-risk patients. Given the many side effects presented by traditional immunosuppressants, there is an urgency to clarify the mechanism of corneal transplantation rejection and to identify new therapeutic targets. Kaempferol is a natural flavonoid that has been proven in various studies to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and neuroprotective properties. However, the relationship between kaempferol and corneal transplantation remains largely unexplored. To address this, both in vivo and in vitro, we established a model of corneal allograft transplantation in Wistar rats and an LPS-induced inflammatory model in THP-1 derived human macrophages. In the transplantation experiments, we observed an enhancement in the NLRP3 / IL-1 β axis and in M1 macrophage polarization post-operation. In groups to which kaempferol intraperitoneal injections were administered, this response was effectively reduced. However, the effect of kaempferol was reversed after the application of autophagy inhibitors. Similarly, in the inflammatory model, we found that different concentrations of kaempferol can reduce the LPS-induced M1 polarization and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Moreover, we confirmed that kaempferol induced autophagy and that autophagy inhibitors reversed the effect in macrophages. In conclusion, we found that kaempferol can inhibit the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasomes by inducing autophagy, thus inhibiting macrophage polarization, and ultimately alleviating corneal transplantation rejection. Thus, our study suggests that kaempferol could be used as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of allograft rejection.


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