Elimination of Intracellular Calcium Overload by BAPTA-AM-Loaded Liposomes: A Promising Therapeutic Agent for Acute Liver Failure

Distinct neurotoxic mechanisms of thallium and lead: Calcium-mediated apoptosis and iron-induced ferroptosis in zebrafish at environmental concentrations

Environmental neurotoxicants, such as thallium (Tl) and lead (Pb), pose significant risks to human health, yet their toxicological mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study investigates the distinct mechanisms of Tl+- and Pb2+-induced neurotoxicity at environmentally relevant concentrations using zebrafish embryos as a model. Transcriptomic analyses revealed minimal overlap in gene expression changes between the two metals, underscoring their unique toxicological pathways. Further study demonstrated that Tl+ disrupted calcium homeostasis, activating the calcium signaling pathway and triggering apoptosis via MAPK signaling. In contrast, Pb2+ exposure triggered ferroptosis, characterized by iron overload and lipid peroxidation, with significant involvement of oxidative stress and disruption of iron metabolism. Cellular assays validated these findings, confirming the critical roles of calcium and iron dysregulation in neuronal damage. These results emphasize the complexity of metal-induced neurotoxicity and the importance of studying pollutants at realistic exposure levels. Understanding the divergent pathways of Tl+- and Pb2+-induced neurotoxicity provides critical insights for mitigating their environmental and public health impacts, highlighting the need for targeted regulatory strategies to address heavy metal pollution effectively.

Multi-omics analysis identified and confirmed TNF-α as a key initiator of the inflammatory response following spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex central nervous system (CNS) trauma that triggers multifaceted immune responses. In recent years, zinc has garnered considerable attention for its beneficial roles in anti-apoptosis and the attenuation of oxidative stress. However, the regulatory mechanisms by which zinc influence post-SCI immune-inflammatory responses remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we employed a multi-omics approach, combining transcriptomics, metabolomics, and single-cell RNA sequencing, to elucidate the mechanisms through which zinc ions modulate immune responses in injured spinal cord tissues. Our results demonstrate that zinc ions significantly regulate the expression of TNF-α signaling molecules. By inhibiting the TNF-α signaling pathway, zinc ions effectively mitigate apoptosis and reduce immune-inflammatory responses following SCI. Furthermore, through the integration of human and murine immune cell atlases, we performed a cluster analysis of key immune cell populations and constructed an immunological landscape of spinal cord tissues post‑zinc ion treatment. Notably, we identified microglia, key CNS immune cells, as exerting a strong anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing their TNF-α signaling activity. This study not only sheds light on the pivotal immune-inflammatory regulatory mechanisms of TNF-α signaling in zinc ion-mediated SCI therapy but also provides valuable theoretical and experimental insights for advancing preclinical research on SCI.

Ammonium tetrathiomolybdate attenuates acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure by inhibiting the TRPV4/Calcium/NF-κB signaling pathway

Acute liver failure (ALF), characterized by fulminant hepatic necrosis and excessive inflammatory-oxidative cascades, remains a critical clinical challenge with limited therapeutic options. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of ammonium tetrathiomolybdate (ATTM)-a copper-chelating agent with multimodal anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties-in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced ALF. Utilizing APAP-challenged C57BL/6J mice, we demonstrated that ATTM administration, whether prophylactic or delayed by 2 h post-exposure, significantly attenuated hepatotoxicity, as evidenced by reduced histopathological damage and improved survival rates. These therapeutic effects were further confirmed in AML12 hepatocytes, thereby reinforcing the observed in vivo findings. RNA sequencing revealed that calcium signaling is the predominant pathway modulated by ATTM. Subsequent mechanistic validation identified Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily V Member 4 (TRPV4)-mediated calcium influx as the critical therapeutic target. ATTM suppressed TRPV4-dependent calcium mobilization, thereby inhibiting the sequential phosphorylation of NF-κB pathway components in both murine liver tissue and AML12 cells. Crucially, TRPV4 agonism via RN-1747 reversed the hepatoprotective effects of ATTM, thereby confirming the centrality of this axis in mediating ATTM's therapeutic actions. These findings establish ATTM as a novel modulator of the TRPV4/calcium/NF-κB signaling cascade, capable of interrupting inflammatory-oxidative loops at multiple nodes. Our work not only elucidates a previously unrecognized mechanism for copper chelators in ALF management but also positions ATTM as a promising therapeutic candidate warranting clinical translation.

Trifluoperazine effect on human sperm: The accumulation of reactive oxygen species and the decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential

A strong link between antipsychotic drug use and reduced human sperm quality has been reported. Trifluoperazine (TFP), a commonly used antipsychotic, is now being explored for anticancer applications. Although there are hints that TFP might affect the male reproductive system, its impact on human sperm quality remains uncertain. Using a human sperm and TFP in vitro coculture system, we examined the effect of TFP (12.5, 25, 50 and 100 μM) on human sperm function and physiological parameters. The results showed that 50 μM and 100 μM TFP induced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of human sperm, leading to decreased sperm viability, while 25 μM TFP inhibited only the penetration ability, total sperm motility, and progressive motility. Although 12.5 μM and 25 μM TFP increased [Ca2+]i in human sperm, they did not affect capacitation or the acrosome reaction. These results may be explained by the observation that 12.5 μM and 25 μM TFP did not increase tyrosine phosphorylation in human sperm, although TFP increased [Ca2+]i in a time-course traces similar to that of progesterone. Our results indicated that TFP could cause male reproductive toxicity by inducing the accumulation of ROS and a decrease in the MMP in human sperm.

Unraveling the complex interplay between Mitochondria-Associated Membranes (MAMs) and cardiovascular Inflammation: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a significant public health concern because of their associations with inflammation, oxidative stress, and abnormal remodeling of the heart and blood vessels. In this review, we discuss the intricate interplay between mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs) and cardiovascular inflammation, highlighting their role in key cellular processes such as calcium homeostasis, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress management, and ERS. We explored how these functions impact the pathogenesis and progression of various CVDs, including myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, atherosclerosis, diabetic cardiomyopathy, cardiovascular aging, heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension. Additionally, we examined current therapeutic strategies targeting MAM-related pathways and proteins, emphasizing the potential of MAMs as therapeutic targets. Our review aims to provide new insights into the mechanisms of cardiovascular inflammation and propose novel therapeutic approaches to improve cardiovascular health outcomes.

Feasibility exploration of GSH in the treatment of acute hepatic encephalopathy from the aspects of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and mechanism

Our previous study highlighted the therapeutic potential of glutathione (GSH), an intracellular thiol tripeptide ubiquitous in mammalian tissues, in mitigating hepatic and cerebral damage. Building on this premise, we posited the hypothesis that GSH could be a promising candidate for treating acute hepatic encephalopathy (AHE). To verify this conjecture, we systematically investigated the feasibility of GSH as a therapeutic agent for AHE through comprehensive pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and mechanistic studies using a thioacetamide-induced AHE rat model. Our pharmacodynamic data demonstrated that oral GSH could significantly improve behavioral scores and reduce hepatic damage of AHE rats by regulating intrahepatic ALT, AST, inflammatory factors, and homeostasis of amino acids. Additionally, oral GSH demonstrated neuroprotective effects by alleviating the accumulation of intracerebral glutamine, down-regulating glutamine synthetase, and reducing taurine exposure. Pharmacokinetic studies suggested that AHE modeling led to significant decrease in hepatic and cerebral exposure of GSH and cysteine. However, oral GSH greatly enhanced the intrahepatic and intracortical GSH and CYS in AHE rats. Given the pivotal roles of CYS and GSH in maintaining redox homeostasis, we investigated the interplay between oxidative stress and pathogenesis/treatment of AHE. Our data revealed that GSH administration significantly relieved oxidative stress levels caused by AHE modeling via down-regulating the expression of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) and NF-κB P65. Importantly, our findings further suggested that GSH administration significantly regulated the excessive endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress caused by AHE modeling through the iNOS/ATF4/Ddit3 pathway. In summary, our study uncovered that exogenous GSH could stabilize intracerebral GSH and CYS levels to act on brain oxidative and ER stress, which have great significance for revealing the therapeutic effect of GSH on AHE and promoting its further development and clinical application.

Nanotherapeutics for Alleviating Anesthesia-Associated Complications

Current management of anesthesia-associated complications falls short in terms of both efficacy and safety. Nanomaterials with versatile properties and unique nano-bio interactions hold substantial promise as therapeutics for addressing these complications. This review conducts a thorough examination of the existing nanotherapeutics and highlights the strategies for developing prospective nanomedicines to mitigate anesthetics-related toxicity. Initially, general, regional, and local anesthesia along with the commonly used anesthetics and related prevalent side effects are introduced. Furthermore, employing nanotechnology to prevent and alleviate the complications of anesthetics is systematically demonstrated from three aspects, that is, developing 1) safe nano-formulization for anesthetics; 2) nano-antidotes to sequester overdosed anesthetics and alter their pharmacokinetics; 3) nanomedicines with pharmacodynamic activities to treat anesthetics toxicity. Finally, the prospects and challenges facing the clinical translation of nanotherapeutics for anesthesia-related complications are discussed. This work provides a comprehensive roadmap for developing effective nanotherapeutics to prevent and mitigate anesthesia-associated toxicity, which can potentially revolutionize the management of anesthesia complications.

Clinical Indicators of Hepatotoxicity in Newly Diagnosed Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Patients Undergoing Arsenic Trioxide Treatment

Arsenic trioxide (ATO)-induced hepatotoxicity is often observed in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients and decreases therapeutic effect of ATO. Thus, concerns over hepatotoxicity have been raised. The aim of this study was to explore some noninvasive clinical indicators that can be used to guide the individualized application of ATO in the future. APL patients treated with ATO were identified retrospectively via electronic health records at our hospital from August 2014 through August 2019. APL patients without hepatotoxicity were selected as controls. The association between putative risk factors and ATO-induced hepatotoxicity was estimated with ORs and 95% CIs, which were calculated using the chi-square test. The subsequent multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression analysis. In total, 58.04% of patients experienced ATO-induced hepatotoxicity during the first week. Elevated hemoglobin (OR 8.653, 95% CI, 1.339-55.921), administration of nonprophylactic hepatoprotective agents (OR 36.455, 95% CI, 7.409-179.364), non-single-agent ATO to combat leukocytosis (OR 20.108, 95% CI, 1.357-297.893) and decreased fibrinogen (OR 3.496, 95% CI, 1.127-10.846) were found to be statistically significant risk factors for ATO-induced hepatotoxicity. The area under the ROC curve values were 0.846 for "overall ATO-induced hepatotoxicity" and 0.819 for "early ATO-induced hepatotoxicity." The results revealed that hemoglobin ≥ 80 g/L, nonprophylactic hepatoprotective agents, and non-single-agent ATO and fibrinogen < 1 g/L are risk factors for ATO-induced hepatotoxicity in newly diagnosed APL patients. These findings can enhance the clinical diagnosis of hepatotoxicity. Prospective studies should be performed in the future to validate these findings.

Comparative effects of a calcium chelator (BAPTA-AM) and melatonin on cryopreservation-induced oxidative stress and damage in ovarian tissue

Oncology treatments cause infertility, and ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation (OTCT) is the only option for fertility preservation in prepubertal girls with cancer. However, OTCT is associated with massive follicle loss. Here, we aimed to determine the effect of supplementation of slow freezing and vitrification media with BAPTA-AM and melatonin alone and in combination on ovarian tissue viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and follicular morphology and viability. Our results indicated that BAPTA-AM and melatonin can significantly improve ovarian tissue viability and the TAC/ROS ratio and reduce ROS generation in frozen-thawed ovarian tissues in slow freezing and vitrification procedures. BAPTA-AM was also found to be less effective on TAC compared to melatonin in vitrified ovarian tissue. While supplementation of slow freezing and vitrification media with BAPTA-AM and/or melatonin could increase the percentage of morphologically intact follicles in cryopreserved ovarian tissues, the differences were not significant. In conclusion, supplementation of cryopreservation media with BAPTA-AM or melatonin improved the outcome of ovarian tissue cryopreservation in both vitrification and slow freezing methods. Our data provide some insight into the importance of modulating redox balance and intracellular Ca2+ levels during ovarian tissue cryopreservation to optimize the current cryopreservation methods.

Selenium deficiency caused hepatitis in chickens via the miR-138-5p/SelM/ROS/Ca2+ overload pathway induced by hepatocyte necroptosis

Selenoprotein M (SelM), a key thioredoxin like enzyme in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), is closely related to hepatocyte degeneration. However, the role of miR-138-5p/SelM and necroptosis in chicken SelM-deficient hepatitis and the specific biological mechanism of liver inflammation caused by SelM deficiency have not been elucidated. We established an in vivo chicken liver Se deficiency model by feeding a low-Se diet. The miR-138-5p knockdown and overexpression models and SelM knockdown models were established in LMH cells for an in vitro study. Transmission electron microscopy, H&E staining, Fluo4-AM/ER staining, and flow cytometry were used to detect the morphological changes in chicken liver tissue and the expression changes of necroptosis and inflammation in chicken liver cells. We observed that Se deficiency resulted in liver inflammation, up-regulation of miR-138-5p expression and down-regulation of SelM expression in chickens. Oxidative stress, Ca2+ overload, energy metabolism disorder and necroptosis occurred in chicken liver tissue. Importantly, ROS and the Ca2+ inhibitor could effectively alleviate the energy metabolism disorder, necroptosis and inflammatory cytokine secretion caused by miR-138-5p overexpression and SelM knockdown in LMH cells. In conclusion, selenium deficiency causes hepatitis by upregulating miR-138-5p targeting SelM. Our research findings enrich our knowledge about the biological functions of SelM and provide a theoretical basis for the lack of SelM leading to liver inflammation in chickens.

Delivering drugs to tubular cells and organelles: the application of nanodrugs in acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical syndrome with limited treatment options and high mortality rates. Proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) play a key role in AKI progression. Subcellular dysfunctions, including mitochondrial, nuclear, endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomal dysfunctions, are extensively studied in PTECs. These studies have led to the development of potential therapeutic drugs. However, clinical development of those drugs faces challenges such as low solubility, short circulation time and severe systemic side effects. Nanotechnology provides a promising solution by improving drug properties through nanocrystallization and enabling targeted delivery to specific sites. This review summarizes advancements and limitations of nanoparticle-based drug-delivery systems in targeting PTECs and subcellular organelles, particularly mitochondria, for AKI treatment.

Phosphoinositides and intracellular calcium signaling: novel insights into phosphoinositides and calcium coupling as negative regulators of cellular signaling

Intracellular calcium (Ca2+) and phosphoinositides (PIPs) are crucial for regulating cellular activities such as metabolism and cell survival. Cells maintain precise intracellular Ca2+ and PIP levels via the actions of a complex system of Ca2+ channels, transporters, Ca2+ ATPases, and signaling effectors, including specific lipid kinases, phosphatases, and phospholipases. Recent research has shed light on the complex interplay between Ca2+ and PIP signaling, suggesting that elevated intracellular Ca2+ levels negatively regulate PIP signaling by inhibiting the membrane localization of PIP-binding proteins carrying specific domains, such as the pleckstrin homology (PH) and Ca2+-independent C2 domains. This dysregulation is often associated with cancer and metabolic diseases. PIPs recruit various proteins with PH domains to the plasma membrane in response to growth hormones, which activate signaling pathways regulating metabolism, cell survival, and growth. However, abnormal PIP signaling in cancer cells triggers consistent membrane localization and activation of PIP-binding proteins. In the context of obesity, an excessive intracellular Ca2+ level prevents the membrane localization of the PIP-binding proteins AKT, IRS1, and PLCδ via Ca2+-PIPs, contributing to insulin resistance and other metabolic diseases. Furthermore, an excessive intracellular Ca2+ level can cause functional defects in subcellular organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), lysosomes, and mitochondria, causing metabolic diseases. This review explores how intracellular Ca2+ overload negatively regulates the membrane localization of PIP-binding proteins.

Rapidly Inhibiting the Inflammatory Cytokine Storms and Restoring Cellular Homeostasis to Alleviate Sepsis by Blocking Pyroptosis and Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathways

Pyroptosis, systemic inflammation, and mitochondrial apoptosis are the three primary contributors to sepsis's multiple organ failure, the ultimate cause of high clinical mortality. Currently, the drugs under development only target a single pathogenesis, which is obviously insufficient. In this study, an acid-responsive hollow mesoporous polydopamine (HMPDA) nanocarrier that is highly capable of carrying both the hydrophilic drug NAD+ and the hydrophobic drug BAPTA-AM, with its outer layer being sealed by the inflammatory targeting peptide PEG-LSA, is developed. Once targeted to the region of inflammation, HMPDA begins depolymerization, releasing the drugs NAD+ and BAPTA-AM. Depletion of polydopamine on excessive reactive oxygen species production, promotion of ATP production and anti-inflammation by NAD+ replenishment, and chelation of BAPTA (generated by BA-AM hydrolysis) on overloaded Ca2+ can comprehensively block the three stages of sepsis, i.e., precisely inhibit the activation of pyroptosis pathway (NF-κB-NLRP3-ASC-Casp-1), inflammation pathway (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), and mitochondrial apoptosis pathway (Bcl-2/Bax-Cyt-C-Casp-9-Casp-3), thereby restoring intracellular homeostasis, saving the cells in a state of "critical survival," further reducing LPS-induced systemic inflammation, finally restoring the organ functions. In conclusion, the synthesis of this agent provides a simple and effective synergistic drug delivery nanosystem, which demonstrates significant therapeutic potential in a model of LPS-induced sepsis.

Rapidly Blocking the Calcium Overload/ROS Production Feedback Loop to Alleviate Acute Kidney Injury via Microenvironment-Responsive BAPTA-AM/BAC Co-Delivery Nanosystem

Calcium overload and ROS overproduction, two major triggers of acute kidney injury (AKI), are self-amplifying and mutually reinforcing, forming a complicated cascading feedback loop that induces kidney cell "suicide" and ultimately renal failure. There are currently no clinically effective drugs for the treatment of AKI, excluding adjuvant therapy. In this study, a porous silicon-based nanocarrier rich in disulfide bond skeleton (<50 nm) is developed that enables efficient co-loading of the hydrophilic drug borane amino complex and the hydrophobic drug BAPTA-AM, with its outer layer sealed by the renal tubule-targeting peptide PEG-LTH. Once targeted to the kidney injured site, the nanocarrier structure collapses in the high glutathione environment of the early stage of AKI, releasing the drugs. Under the action of the slightly acidic inflammatory environment and intracellular esterase, the released drugs produce hydrogen and BAPTA, which can rapidly eliminate the excess ROS and overloaded Ca²⁺ , blocking endoplasmic reticulum/mitochondrial apoptosis pathway (ATF4-CHOP-Bax axis, Casp-12-Casp-3 axis, Cyt-C-Casp-3 axis) and inflammatory pathway (TNF-α-NF-κB axis) from the source, thus rescuing the renal cells in the "critical survival" state and further restoring the kidney function. Overall, this nanoparticle shows substantial clinical promise as a potential therapeutic strategy for I/R injury-related diseases.

1,2-Bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic Acid Acetoxymethyl Ester Loaded Reactive Oxygen Species Responsive Hyaluronic Acid-Bilirubin Nanoparticles for Acute Kidney Injury Therapy via Alleviating Calcium Overload Mediated Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

Calcium overload is one of the early determinants of the core cellular events that contribute to the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury (AKI), which include oxidative stress, ATP depletion, calcium overload, and inflammatory response with self-amplifying and interactive feedback loops that ultimately lead to cellular injury and renal failure. Excluding adjuvant therapy, there are currently no approved pharmacotherapies for the treatment of AKI. Using an adipic dihydride linker, we modified the hyaluronic acid polymer chain with a potent antioxidant, bilirubin, to produce an amphiphilic conjugate. Subsequently, we developed a kidney-targeted and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive drug delivery system based on the flash nanocomplexation method to deliver a well-known intracellular calcium chelator, 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid acetoxymethyl ester (BAPTA-AM, BA), with the goal of rescuing renal cell damage via rapidly scavenging of intracellularly overloaded Ca²⁺. In the ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) induced AKI rat model, a single dose of as-prepared formulation (BA 100 μg·kg^-1) 6 h post-reperfusion significantly reduced renal function indicators by more than 60% within 12 h, significantly alleviated tissular pathological changes, ameliorated tissular oxidative damage, significantly inhibited apoptosis of renal tubular cells and the expression of renal tubular marker kidney injury molecule 1, etc., thus greatly reducing the risk of kidney failure. Mechanistically, the treatment with BA-loaded NPs significantly inhibited the activation of the ER stress cascade response (IRE1-TRAF2-JNK, ATF4-CHOP, and ATF6 axis) and regulated the downstream apoptosis-related pathway while also reducing the inflammatory response. The BA-loaded NPs hold great promise as a potential therapy for I/R injury-related diseases.

Identification of key genes and infiltrating immune cells among acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure and HBV-associated acute liver failure

BACKGROUND

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a life-threatening complication that is relatively uncommon. ALF causes severe hepatocyte damage and necrosis, which can lead to liver dysfunction and even multi-organ failure. A growing body of evidence suggests that immune cell infiltration and some abnormally expressed genes are associated with ALF development. However, in ALF, they have yet to be thoroughly investigated.

METHODS

The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to obtain microarray datasets such as GSE74000, GSE120652, GSE38941, and GSE14668, which were then examined via GEO2R to determine differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with ALF. Metascape was employed to annotate the underlined genes using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. The mechanism of IGF1 in 2 different kinds of ALF including acetaminophen-induced ALF and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-induced ALF was studied using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Next, immune cell infiltration was investigated and differentiated in ALF using CIBERSORT.

RESULTS

Six genes (HAO2, IGF1, PLA2G7, SC5D, GNE, SLC1A1) were found to be abnormally expressed in the 2 distinct types of ALF i.e., acetaminophen-induced ALF and HBV-induced ALF. IGF1 was identified as a hub gene in ALF and was found to be associated with several developmental cascades including immune responses, inflammatory responses, and intracellular calcium homeostasis. Additionally, the number of CD4 naive T cells, CD8 T cells, and follicular helper T cells was increased in acetaminophen-induced ALF, whereas the number of activated NK cells, resting NK cells, and plasma cells was increased in HBV-induced ALF.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study determined a potential molecular target, namely IGF1, in acetaminophen-induced ALF and HBV-induced ALF, which may provide novel insights into the pathophysiology and management of ALF. Concurrently, the putative immunological pathways have been found.

Agonist-induced Piezo1 activation promote mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells

OBJECTIVE

Mechanical damage plays an essential role in the progression of atherosclerosis. Piezo1 is a new mechanically sensitive ion channel. The present study investigated the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) apoptosis induced by Piezo1 activation and explored its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

We evaluated cell viability and apoptosis rate with cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Annexin V-FITC/PI flow cytometry assay, respectively. And then Western blot was performed to measure the relative protein. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular Ca²⁺ were assessed via fluorescence microscope, and the mitochondrial transmembrane potential was monitored by JC-10 staining.

RESULTS

Our in vitro study revealed that mice in the ApoE-/- group compared with control mice showed higher Piezo1 expression(P < 0.05). Besides, Yoda1, a Piezo1 agonist, triggered Ca²⁺ overload, mitochondrial damage, accumulation of ROS, and VSMCs apoptosis in a dose-depend manner. Furthermore, BAPT-AM (an intracellular Ca²⁺ chelator) and NAC (an antioxidant) suppressed the mitochondrial damage and attenuated the VSMCs apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggested that Piezo1 induced VSMCs apoptosis because of Ca²⁺ overload, excessive ROS generation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which indicated that Piezo1 has potential value in treating vascular diseases.

Reproductive toxicity of folpet through deregulation of calcium homeostasis in porcine trophectoderm and luminal epithelial cells during early pregnancy

Folpet, a fungicide, is utilized even in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The LD50 of folpet in mammals, birds, and fish is relatively high. Recently, several negative effects of folpet on the respiratory system and cornea have been reported. However, there is no study on the negative effects of folpet on maternal-fetus interactions. In the present study, we used porcine trophectoderm (pTr) cells and porcine luminal epithelial (pLE) cells to investigate the toxic effects of folpet during implantation. Folpet treatment decreased cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis with cell cycle arrest. In addition, the ERK, JNK, and AKT signal pathways were activated by folpet treatment. Folpet treatment induced calcium overload in pTr and pLE cells mediating antimigratory and antiadhesive effects in both cell lines. Co-treatment with calcium chelates decreased the anti-implantation effect of folpet. Overall, our results demonstrated potential reproductive toxicity of folpet in pig.

Inhibition of IP3R/Ca2+ Dysregulation Protects Mice From Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury via Endoplasmic Reticulum and Mitochondrial Pathways

Rationale

Disruption of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis is implicated in inflammatory responses. Here we investigated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ efflux through the Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) as a potential mechanism of inflammatory pathophysiology in a ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) mouse model.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were exposed to mechanical ventilation using high tidal volume (HTV). Mice were pretreated with the IP3R agonist carbachol, IP3R inhibitor 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) or the Ca2+ chelator BAPTA-AM. Lung tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected to measure Ca2+ concentrations, inflammatory responses and mRNA/protein expression associated with ER stress, NLRP3 inflammasome activation and inflammation. Analyses were conducted in concert with cultured murine lung cell lines.

Results

Lungs from mice subjected to HTV displayed upregulated IP3R expression in ER and mitochondrial-associated-membranes (MAMs), with enhanced formation of MAMs. Moreover, HTV disrupted Ca2+ homeostasis, with increased flux from the ER to the cytoplasm and mitochondria. Administration of carbachol aggravated HTV-induced lung injury and inflammation while pretreatment with 2-APB or BAPTA-AM largely prevented these effects. HTV activated the IRE1α and PERK arms of the ER stress signaling response and induced mitochondrial dysfunction-NLRP3 inflammasome activation in an IP3R-dependent manner. Similarly, disruption of IP3R/Ca2+ in MLE12 and RAW264.7 cells using carbachol lead to inflammatory responses, and stimulated ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Conclusion

Increase in IP3R-mediated Ca2+ release is involved in the inflammatory pathophysiology of VILI via ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Antagonizing IP3R/Ca2+ and/or maintaining Ca2+ homeostasis in lung tissue represents a prospective treatment approach for VILI.