FBXW5 aggravates hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury via promoting phosphorylation of ASK1 in a TRAF6-dependent manner

Combined swimming with melatonin protects against behavioural deficit in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury induced rats associated with modulation of Mst1- MAPK -ERK signalling pathway

BACKGROUND

The inconvenience of social and behavioural deficits after cerebral ischaemia reperfusion (I/R) injury is still not well documented.

AIM

We aimed to study the protective effect of preconditioning swimming exercise combined with melatonin against cerebral I/R induced injury.

METHODOLOGY

Sixty rats were allocated into 6 groups; groups I and II served as control. Groups 3,4,5,6 subjected to bilateral carotid ligation for 30 minutes (min.) followed by reperfusion. Group 3 left untreated while groups 4 and 6; underwent swimming exercise 30 min/day, five days a week for three weeks before the surgery. Groups 5 and 6 treated with melatonin 30 minutes before the operation, then, all rats in groups 4, 5,6 were subjected to I/R. After that, groups 5 and 6 treated with 2nd dose of melatonin 30 minutes after reperfusion.

RESULTS

Combined strategy exhibited the most neuroprotective effect through prevention of cerebral I/R induced inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis with subsequent improvement in socio behaviour deficits and enhanced Glial cell proliferative capacity.

CONCLUSION

The protective contribution of combined strategy is associated with modulation in Macrophage-stimulating 1/mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MST1/MAPK/ERK) pathway which may explain, at least in part, its protective potential.

High expression of SERPINE1 and CTSL in keratinocytes in pressure injury caused by ischemia-reperfusion injury

INTRODUCTION

Pressure Injury (PI) is a complex disease process which is influenced by multiple factors, among which ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is closely related to the progression of PI. But its biomarkers are still unclearly. Understanding its physiological mechanisms and related molecular biomarkers is a key to developing effective prevention and therapeutic strategies.

METHODS

This study through obtained the candidate genes of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the PI rat model by transcriptome sequencing, PI single-cell sequencing database, and genes related to I/R injury from GeneCards database to analyze and screen prognostic related target genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed using clusterProfiler package, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify hub genes. The genes related to I/R injury were identified and analyzed using three machine learning algorithms. Then, the hub genes were evaluated using nomogram and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and validated using immunohistochemistry in the PI rat model.

RESULTS

There were finally 7 candidate genes obtained from the intersection of the three datasets. GO and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the DEGs were enriched in complement and coagulation cascades, and the keratinocyte differentiation is a significant factor. Then, two hub genes Serine protease inhibitor clade E member 1 (SERPINE1) and Cathepsin L (CTSL) were identified through three machine learning algorithms. The two hub genes were indicated had a high prognosis value by nomogram and ROC curves. SERPINE1 and CTSL both play crucial roles in vasculogenesis, coagulation and degradation of the extracellular matrix, which is essential for wound healing. The results of immunohistochemistry demonstrated that SERPINE1 and CTSL are significantly upregulated in skin tissue from PI caused by I/R injury, and their mRNA expression levels significantly correlate with PI outcomes.

CONCLUSION

According to our research we referred that the SERPINE1 and CTSL might be the potential biomarkers of PI.

Dimethyl fumarate alleviate hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury through suppressing cGAS-STING signaling

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury frequently occurs during the perioperative phase of liver surgery. Inappropriate activation of STING signaling can trigger excessive inflammation response to aggravate hepatic I/R injury. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an FDA-approved immunomodulatory drug used to treat multiple sclerosis and psoriasis due to its notable anti-inflammation properties. However, the mechanism and targets of DMF in immunomodulation remain unclear. Here, we found that DMF suppresses cGAS-STING activation induced by HSV-1, hering testis DNA, and mitochondrial DNA in a variety of cells. DMF significantly reduces hepatic I/R injury and inhibits cGAS-STING pathway activation in mice. The alleviating effect of DMF on hepatic I/R injury was negligible in STING-knockout mice. Mechanistically, DMF directly inhibits STING activation via an autophagy-independent pathway, and the immunocoprecipitation experiment showed that DMF inhibited STING recruitment of downstream TBK1 and IRF3. Our study found that DMF protects liver I/R injury by inhibiting the STING pathway and may be a potential target of this disease.

Purinergic signaling by TCRαβ+ double-negative T regulatory cells ameliorates liver ischemia-reperfusion injury

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) is an important cause of liver injury following liver transplantation and major resections, and neutrophils are the key effector cells in HIRI. Double-negative T regulatory cells (DNT) are increasingly recognized as having critical regulatory functions in the immune system. Whether DNT expresses distinct immunoregulatory mechanisms to modulate neutrophils, as in HIRI, remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that murine and human DNT highly expressed CD39 that protected DNT from extracellular ATP-induced apoptosis and generated adenosine in tandem with CD73, to induce high levels of neutrophil apoptosis. Furthermore, extracellular adenosine enhanced DNT survival and suppressive function by upregulating survivin and NKG2D expression via the A2AR/pAKT/FOXO1 signaling pathway. Adoptive transfer of DNT ameliorated HIRI in mice through the inhibition of neutrophils in a CD39-dependent manner. Lastly, the adoptive transfer of A2ar-/- DNT validated the importance of adenosine/A2AR signaling, in promoting DNT survival and immunomodulatory function to protect against HIRI in vivo. In conclusion, purinergic signaling is crucial for DNT homeostasis in HIRI. Augmentation of CD39 or activation of A2AR signaling in DNT may provide novel therapeutic strategies to target innate immune disorders.

FTO Alleviates Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Regulating Apoptosis and Autophagy

Objective: Despite N6-methyladenosine (m6A) being closely involved in various pathophysiological processes, its potential role in liver injury is largely unknown. We designed the current research to study the potential role of fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO), an m6A demethylase, on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Methods: Wild-type mice injected with an adeno-associated virus carrying fat mass and obesity-associated protein (AAV-FTO) or adeno-associated virus carrying green fluorescent protein (GFP) (AAV-GFP) were subjected to a hepatic IRI model in vivo. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe IRI. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to observe the cell apoptosis. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to observe the expression of FTO. The protein levels of FTO, apoptosis, or autophagy-associated signaling proteins were detected by western blot. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were determined by flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry was used to detect the FTO and LC3-II expression. For in vitro experiments, cultured hepatocytes were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) stimulation. Monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining was used to visualize autophagic vesicles. Results: In the present study, we showed that FTO was involved in hepatic IRI, apoptosis, and autophagy. Specifically, the expression level of FTO was significantly reduced in the hepatic IRI. Besides, increasing FTO expression (AAV-FTO) ameliorated the hepatic IRI in animal models, accompanied by decreased apoptosis and autophagy. Furthermore, the FTO inhibitor (FB23-2) aggravated autophagy in hepatocytes upon H/R-induced damage. Conclusion: FTO could act as a protective effector during hepatic IRI, associated with decreased apoptosis and autophagy. FTO-mediated m6A demethylation modification may be an important therapeutic target for hepatic IRI.

ALKBH5 promotes malignant proliferation of renal clear cell carcinoma by activating the MAPK pathway through binding to HNRNPDL

It is well established that ALKBH5 plays a crucial role in the malignant progression of various types of tumors. However, its role in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we employed a range of techniques, including protein blotting, real-time quantitative PCR, silver staining, mass spectrometry, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), GST-pull down, and immunofluorescence, to investigate the functions of ALKBH5 in ccRCC and elucidate the specific mechanisms involved. Our results demonstrated that ALKBH5 expression was significantly upregulated in ccRCC. In vitro experiments revealed that ALKBH5 promoted tumor proliferation, invasion, migration, and stemness. In vivo, ALKBH5 was shown to enhance tumor growth and lung metastasis. Mechanistically, our studies suggest that ALKBH5 accelerates the malignant progression of ccRCC by binding to heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein D-like (HNRNPDL), facilitating the nuclear translocation of MEK, ERK, and p38, and activating downstream targets such as c-Myc and PCNA.

Etomidate Inhibits Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Depending on the Activation of Nrf2-HO-1 Signaling Pathway

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury (HIRI) is recognized as a local aseptic inflammatory response driven by innate immunity and is considered a leading cause of early organ dysfunction and failure following liver transplantation. Etomidate (Eto), an anesthetic drug known for its ability to inhibit inflammatory response and apoptosis, was the focus of our investigation. In this study, we conducted hepatic I/R surgery in vivo on C57 mice, analyzing liver damage through histopathology. Additionally, primary hepatocytes isolated from mice were cultured and subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) insult in vitro, with cell activity assessed using the CCK8 assay and immunofluorescence staining employed to analyze liver inflammatory cell infiltration and apoptosis. Results showed that Eto effectively inhibited liver injury, inflammatory response, and apoptosis induced by HIRI surgery, with the greatest effect observed at an Eto concentration of 10 mg/kg. Furthermore, Eto also showed the ability to inhibit H/R-induced cell damage, inflammatory activation, and apoptosis in primary hepatocytes. Further mechanistic studies revealed that Eto could promote the activation of the Nrf2-HO-1 signaling pathway, and the protective effect of Eto on HIRI was nullified when the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 was utilized. This study highlights the potential of Eto to protect against HIRI by promoting the Nrf2-HO-1 signaling axis.

TWEAK is an activator of Hippo-YAP signaling protecting against hepatic Ischemia/ reperfusion injury

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) represents a formidable complication commonly linked with hemorrhagic shock, liver resection, and transplantation. This study aims to elucidate the role of Tumor Necrosis Factor-like Weak Inducer of Apoptosis (TWEAK) in the pathogenesis of hepatic I/R injury and to delineate the underlying mechanisms involved. Utilizing a hypoxia-reoxygenation model in human liver organoids (HLOs) alongside a murine model of warm ischemia-reperfusion injury, we systematically investigated the interplay between TWEAK, its receptor Fn14, and the HIPPO signaling pathway. Our findings indicate that TWEAK pretreatment significantly mitigates IRI in murine livers as well as hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in HLOs. Notably, administration of adeno-associated virus (AAV) to knock down Fn14 abrogated the protective effects of TWEAK in the murine model. Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that the interaction between TWEAK and Fn14 enhances cellular resistance to IRI by activating the HIPPO signaling pathway. Overall, TWEAK emerges as a promising therapeutic target for mitigating hepatic I/R injury, potentially improving outcomes in liver transplantation.

PTX3 exacerbates hepatocyte pyroptosis in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury by promoting macrophage M1 polarization

BACKGROUNDS

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) triggers macrophage activation, which in turn mediates inflammatory responses and affects tissue repair and injury severity. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is vital in immune regulation and inflammatory processes. In this study, we aim to investigate the potential role of PTX3 in macrophage-mediated hepatic IRI.

METHODS

Gene expression profiles and single-cell data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression levels of PTX3, CD68, and CD86 in samples from the human and mouse hepatic IRI models. The effects of PTX3 knockdown or overexpression on macrophage polarization were assessed in Raw264.7. PTX3 knockdown/ overexpression in Raw264.7 and co-culturing with AML12 were performed under conditions of hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) to examine pyroptosis and injury in AML12.

RESULTS

PTX3 expression was significantly upregulated in both human and mouse hepatic IRI model samples. Bulk and single-cell RNA-seq data analyses revealed that PTX3 is associated with inflammatory response pathways and macrophage activation. Macrophages with high PTX3 expression exhibit M1-like characteristics. Similarly, overexpression of PTX3 promotes M1 polarization of Raw264.7 after H/R, while the knockdown group exhibits reduced M1 polarization. Co-culture results indicated that pyroptosis in AML12 was significantly reduced after H/R in the PTX3 knockdown group, whereas the PTX3 overexpression group exhibited the opposite outcome.

CONCLUSION

PTX3 regulates macrophage polarization during hepatic IRI, consequently influencing hepatocellular pyroptosis.

Role for the F-box proteins in heart diseases

The maintenance of cardiac homeostasis necessitates proper protein turnover, which is regulated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. F-box proteins are one type of E3 ubiquitin ligases, and accumulating evidence suggests that dysregulation of FBPs exacerbates heart diseases. Therefore, in this review, we summarized the F-box proteins present in the heart, which can be divided into three types based on their repeated sequences, namely FBXO (Fbxo32, Fbxo25, Fbxo44, Fbxo27 and Fbxo28), FBXW (Fbxw7 and Fbxw5), and FBXL (Fbxl1, Fbxl10, Fbxl16 and Fbxl2). Moreover, the physiological and pathological roles and the functional mechanisms of these F-box proteins were elucidated within the cardiac context, providing new theories and strategies for the prevention and treatment of heart diseases.

AEBP1 Silencing Protects Against Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Regulating Neuron Ferroptosis and Microglia M2 Polarization Through PRKCA-PI3K-Akt Axis

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury is one of the main causes of neuronal damage. Neuron ferroptosis and microglia polarization are considered as critical processes during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 (AEBP1) usually acts as a transcriptional repressor which is involved in various diseases. However, it is still remains unknown whether AEBP1 could have important roles in regulating the neuron ferroptosis and microglia polarization in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. The oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R)-treated cells and middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-treated mice were used as in vitro and in vivo models. The differentially expressed factors were analyzed according to GEO datasets. Relative mRNA and protein expression levels were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot analysis. Cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay. ROS, GSH and iron contents were detected using specifical assay kits. CD26 and CD206 levels were measured by immunofluorescence assay. Inflammatory cytokines were detected by ELISA. The association between AEBP1 and PRKCA was assessed by luciferase reporter and ChIP analyses. The neuron damage in mice was analyzed by TTC staining and neurological deficit score. Transcription factor AEBP1 was increased in OGD/R-treated HT22 and BV2 cells. AEBP1 silencing attenuated OGD/R-induced HT22 cell ferroptosis through increasing cell viability, GSH and GPX4 levels, and decreasing ROS, iron and ACSL4 levels. AEBP1 knockdown promoted microglia M2 polarization by increasing CD206-positive cells and Arg-1 level, and reducing iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels in BV2 cells. AEBP1 transcriptionally repressed PRKCA expression, and further regulated PI3K/Akt signaling activation. Inhibition of PRKCA or PI3K/Akt reversed the effects of AEBP1 silencing on neuron ferroptosis and microglia M2 polarization. AEBP1 downregulation attenuated neuronal damage by decreasing infarct size and deficit scores in MCAO-treated mice. AEBP1 silencing mitigated neuron ferroptosis and promoted microglia M2 polarization through increasing PRKCA and activating PI3K/Akt signaling, indicating the potentially protective action of AEBP1 knockdown in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Radix rehmanniae praeparata extracts ameliorate hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury by reversing LRP1-NOTCH1-C/EBPβ axis-mediated senescence fate of LSECs

BACKGROUND

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) is commonly observed in cases of extensive hepatic resection and involves complex mechanisms. Cell senescence has been recognized as a factor in liver injury including HIRI, where it presents as a pro-inflammatory phenotype called senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata (RRP) is a commonly utilized traditional Chinese medicine known for its hepatoprotective, anti-aging and antioxidant qualities. Despite its recognized benefits, the specific mechanisms by which RRP may impede the progression of HIRI through the regulation of cell senescence and the identification of the most potent anti-aging extracts from RRP remain unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Here, we first applied different chemical analysis methods to identify the RRP aqueous extract (RRPAE) and active fractions of RRP. Next, we constructed a surgically established mouse model and a hypoxia-reoxygenation (HR)-stimulated liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) model to explore the underlying mechanism of RRP against HIRI through transcriptomics and multiple molecular biology experiments.

RESULTS

After identifying active ingredients in RRP, we observed that RRP and its factions effectively restored LSECs fenestration and improved inflammation, cellular swelling and vascular continuity in the hepatic sinusoidal region during HIRI. Transcriptomic results revealed that RRP might reverse HIRI-induced senescence through the NOTCH signaling pathway and cell categorization further showed that the senescent cell population in HIRI liver was primarily LSECs rather than other cell types. Different RRPAE, especially RRP glucoside (RRPGLY), improved LSECs senescence and suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory SASP genes either induced by HR insult or NOTCH1 activator, which was accompanied with the inhibition of LRP1-NOTCH1-C/EBPβ pathways. Additionally, the specific inhibition of NOTCH1 by siRNA synergistically enhanced the hepatoprotective effect of RRPGLY. The ChIP-qPCR results further showed that C/EBPβ was enriched at the promoter of a representative SASP, Il-1β, in hypoxic LSECs but was significantly inhibited by RRPGLY.

CONCLUSION

Our study not only clarified the potential mechanism of RRP active extractions in alleviating HIRI, but also highlighted RRPGLY was the main component of RRP that exerted anti-aging and anti-HIRI effects, providing a fresh perspective on the use of RRP to improve HIRI.

Multimodal modulation of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury by phytochemical agents: A mechanistic evaluation of hepatoprotective potential and safety profiles

BACKGROUND

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a clinically fundamental phenomenon that occurs through liver resection surgery, trauma, shock, and transplantation.

AIMS OF THE REVIEW

This review article affords an expanded and comprehensive overview of various natural herbal ingredients that have demonstrated hepatoprotective effects against I/R injury through preclinical studies in animal models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For the objective of this investigation, an extensive examination was carried out utilizing diverse scientific databases involving PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Egyptian Knowledge Bank (EKB), and Research Gate. The investigation was conducted based on specific identifiable terms, such as hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury, liver resection and transplantation, cytokines, inflammation, NF-kB, interleukins, herbs, plants, natural ingredients, phenolic extract, and aqueous extract.

RESULTS

Bioactive ingredients derived from ginseng, curcumin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, lycopene, punicalagin, crocin, celastrol, andrographolide, silymarin, and others and their effects on hepatic IRI were discussed. The specific mechanisms of action, signaling pathways, and clinical relevance for attenuation of liver enzymes, cytokine production, immune cell infiltration, oxidative damage, and cell death signaling in rodent studies are analyzed in depth. Their complex molecular actions involve modulation of pathways like TLR4, NF-κB, Nrf2, Bcl-2 family proteins, and others.

CONCLUSION

The natural ingredients have promising values in the protection and treatment of various chronic aggressive clinical conditions, and that need to be evaluated on humans by clinical studies.

Oridonin attenuates liver ischemia-reperfusion injury by suppressing PKM2/NLRP3-mediated macrophage pyroptosis

BACKGROUND

The NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) mediated pyroptosis of macrophages is closely associated with liver ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). As a covalent inhibitor of NLRP3, Oridonin (Ori), has strong anti-inflammasome effect, but its effect and mechanisms for liver IRI are still unknown.

METHODS

Mice and liver macrophages were treated with Ori, respectively. Co-IP and LC-MS/MS analysis of the interaction between PKM2 and NLRP3 in macrophages. Liver damage was detected using H&E staining. Pyroptosis was detected by WB, TEM, and ELISA.

RESULTS

Ori ameliorated liver macrophage pyroptosis and liver IRI. Mechanistically, Ori inhibited the interaction between pyruvate kinase M2 isoform (PKM2) and NLRP3 in hypoxia/reoxygenation（H/R）-induced macrophages, while the inhibition of PKM2/NLRP3 reduced liver macrophage pyroptosis and liver IRI.

CONCLUSION

Ori exerted protective effects on liver IRI via suppressing PKM2/NLRP3-mediated liver macrophage pyroptosis, which might become a potential therapeutic target in the clinic.

FDA compound library screening Baicalin upregulates TREM2 for the treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a leading cause of global incidence and mortality rates. Oxidative stress and inflammation are key factors in the pathogenesis of AIS neuroinjury. Therefore, it is necessary to develop drugs that target neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in AIS. The Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 2 (TREM2), primarily expressed on microglial cell membranes, plays a critical role in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in AIS. In this study, we employed a high-throughput screening (HTS) strategy to evaluate 2625 compounds from the (Food and Drug Administration) FDA library in vitro to identify compounds that upregulate the TREM2 receptor on microglia. Through this screening, we identified Baicalin as a potential drug for AIS treatment. Baicalin, a flavonoid compound extracted and isolated from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis, demonstrated promising results. Next, we established an in vivo mouse model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (MCAO/R) and an in vitro microglia cell of oxygen-glucose deprivation reperfusion (OGD/R) to investigate the role of Baicalin in inflammation injury, oxidative stress, and neuronal apoptosis. Our results showed that baicalin effectively inhibited microglia activation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and inflammatory responses in vitro. Additionally, baicalin suppressed neuronal cell apoptosis. In the in vivo experiments, baicalin not only improved neurological functional deficits and reduced infarct volume but also inhibited microglia activation and inflammatory responses. Overall, our findings demonstrate the efficacy of Baicalin in treating MCAO/R by upregulating TREM2 to reduce inflammatory responses and inhibit neuronal apoptosis.

TRIM37 exacerbates hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury by facilitating IKKγ translocation

BACKGROUND

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is one of the major pathological processes associated with various liver surgeries. However, there is still a lack of strategies to protect against hepatic I/R injury because of the unknown underlying mechanism. The present study aimed to identify a potential strategy and provide a fundamental experimental basis for treating hepatic I/R injury.

METHOD

A classic 70% ischemia/reperfusion injury was established. Immunoprecipitation was used to identify direct interactions between proteins. The expression of proteins from different subcellular localizations was detected by Western blotting. Cell translocation was directly observed by immunofluorescence. HE, TUNEL and ELISA were performed for function tests.

RESULT

We report that tripartite motif containing 37 (TRIM37) aggravates hepatic I/R injury through the reinforcement of IKK-induced inflammation following dual patterns. Mechanistically, TRIM37 directly interacts with tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), inducing K63 ubiquitination and eventually leading to the phosphorylation of IKKβ. TRIM37 enhances the translocation of IKKγ, a regulatory subunit of the IKK complex, from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, thereby stabilizing the cytoplasmic IKK complex and prolonging the duration of inflammation. Inhibition of IKK rescued the function of TRIM37 in vivo and in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, the present study discloses some potential function of TRIM37 in hepatic I/R injury. Targeting TRIM37 might be potential for treatment against hepatic I/R injury.Targeting TRIM37 might be a potential treatment strategy against hepatic I/R injury.

Mechanism of ASK1 involvement in liver diseases and related potential therapeutic targets: A critical pathway molecule worth investigating

Since the discovery of apoptosis signal-regulated kinase 1 (ASK1), the signal transduction mechanism and pathophysiological process involved in its regulation have been continuously revealed. Many previous studies have identified that ASK1 is involved and plays a critical role in the development of diseases affecting the nervous, cardiac, renal, and other systems. As a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase kinase, ASK1 mediates apoptosis, necrosis, inflammation, and other pathological processes by activating its downstream c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/p38 MAPK. Owing to the important role of ASK1, an increasing number of studies in recent years have focused on its status in liver-related diseases. In this paper, we review the mechanisms and targets of ASK1 in liver-related diseases to emphasize its important role in the development of liver disease.

MAPK Signaling Pathways in Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

The mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway can be activated by a variety of growth factors, cytokines, and hormones, and mediates numerous intracellular signals related to cellular activities, including cell proliferation, motility, and differentiation. It has been widely studied in the occurrence and development of inflammation and tumor. Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) is a common pathophysiological phenomenon that occurs in surgical procedures such as lobectomy and liver transplantation, which is characterized by severe inflammatory reaction after ischemia and reperfusion. In this review, we mainly discuss the role of p38, ERK1/2, JNK in MAPK family and TAK1 and ASK1 in MAPKKK family in HIRI, and try to find an effective treatment for HIRI.

DUSP9 alleviates hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury by restraining both mitogen-activated protein kinase and IKK in an apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1-dependent manner

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury occurs frequently in various liver operations and diseases, but its effective treatment remains inadequate because the key switch that leads to hepatic explosive inflammation has not been well disclosed. Dual specificity phosphatase 9 (DUSP9) is widely involved in the innate immune response of solid organs and is sometimes regulated by ubiquitin. In the present study, we find that DUSP9 is reduced in mouse hepatic I/R injury. DUSP9 enrichment attenuates hepatic inflammation both in vivo and in vitro as revealed by western blot analysis and qRT-PCR. In contrast, DUSP9 depletion leads to more severe I/R injury. Mechanistically, DUSP9 inhibits the phosphorylation of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) by directly binding to ASK1, thereby decreasing tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), K63 ubiquitin and the phosphorylation of p38/JNK1 instead of ERK1. The present study documents a novel role of DUSP9 in hepatic I/R injury and implies the potential of targeting the DUSP9/ASK1 axis towards mitogen-activated protein kinase and TRAF6/inhibitor of κB kinase pathways.