Role of pyroptosis in inflammation and cancer

Disruption of the caspase-1/IL-1β axis alleviates myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion injury via improvement of mitochondrial homeostasis and reduction of Pyroptosis

BACKGROUND

Pyroptosis is a novel kind of programmed cell death and Caspase-1 plays key roles in driving pyroptosis. The current study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanism affecting cardiomyocyte pyroptosis in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, both in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

A murine model of myocardial I/R injury was established and then treated with lentivirus-mediated shRNA targeting Caspase-1 to evaluate the effect of Caspase-1 on myocardial I/R injury. Further, Caspase-1 was silenced in the cardiomyocytes following hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) to detect the function of Caspase-1 in mitochondrial homeostasis and cardiomyocyte pyroptosis.

RESULTS

Knockdown of Caspase-1 inhibited the secretion of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), improved cardiac dysfunction and decreased pyroptosis in vivo. The cardio-protective effect was verified in the H/R-induced cardiomyocyte model. Recombinant IL-1β protein reversed the inhibitory effect of Caspase-1 knockdown on pyroptosis.

CONCLUSION

Overall, activating the Caspase-1/IL-1β axis by myocardial I/R injury causes mitochondrial homeostasis imbalance, pyroptosis, and the consequent cardiomyocyte injury.

Copper-instigated modulatory cell mortality mechanisms and progress in kidney diseases

Copper is a vital cofactor in various enzymes, plays a pivotal role in maintaining cell homeostasis. When copper metabolism is disordered and mitochondrial dysfunction is impaired, programmed cell death such as apoptosis, paraptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, cuproptosis, autophagy and necroptosis can be induced. In this review, we focus on the metabolic mechanisms of copper. In addition, we discuss the mechanism by which copper induces various programmed cell deaths. Finally, this review examines copper's involvement in prevalent kidney diseases such as acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. The findings indicate that the use of copper chelators or plant extracts can mitigate kidney damage by reducing copper accumulation, offering novel insights into the pathogenesis and treatment strategies for kidney diseases.

Natural products and ferroptosis: A novel approach for heart failure management

BACKGROUND

The discovery of ferroptosis has brought a revolutionary breakthrough in heart failure treatment, and natural products, as a significant source of drug discovery, are gradually demonstrating their extraordinary potential in regulating ferroptosis and alleviating heart failure symptoms. In addition to chemically synthesized small molecule compounds, natural products have attracted attention as an important source for discovering compounds that target ferroptosis in treating heart failure.

PURPOSE

Systematically summarize and analyze the research progress on improving heart failure through natural products' modulation of the ferroptosis pathway.

METHODS

By comprehensively searching authoritative databases like PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure with keywords such as "heart failure", "cardiovascular disease", "heart disease", "ferroptosis", "natural products", "active compounds", "traditional Chinese medicine formulas", "traditional Chinese medicine", and "acupuncture", we aim to systematically review the mechanism of ferroptosis and its link with heart failure. We also want to explore natural small-molecule compounds, traditional Chinese medicine formulas, and acupuncture therapies that can inhibit ferroptosis to improve heart failure.

RESULTS

In this review, we not only trace the evolution of the concept of ferroptosis and clearly distinguish it from other forms of cell death but also establish a comprehensive theoretical framework encompassing core mechanisms such as iron overload and system xc-/GSH/GPX4 imbalance, along with multiple auxiliary pathways. On this basis, we innovatively link ferroptosis with various types of heart failure, covering classic heart failure types and extending our research to pre-heart failure conditions such as arrhythmia and aortic aneurysm, providing new insights for early intervention in heart failure. Importantly, this article systematically integrates multiple strategies of natural products for interfering with ferroptosis, ranging from monomeric compounds and bioactive components to crude extracts and further to traditional Chinese medicine formulae. In addition, non-pharmacological means such as acupuncture are also included.

CONCLUSION

This study fills the gap in the systematic description of the relationship between ferroptosis and heart failure and the therapeutic strategies of natural products, aiming to provide patients with more diverse treatment options and promote the development of the heart failure treatment field.

The role of pyroptosis in environmental pollutants-induced multisystem toxicities

The global ecosystem is adversely affected by environmental pollutants, which have numerous deleterious consequences on both the environment and human health. A multitude of human organs and systems, including the neurological, digestive, cardiovascular, reproductive, and respiratory systems, can be adversely affected by these pollutants. Pyroptosis is a form of programmed cell death, primarily involving the Caspase-1/Gasdermin D (GSDMD) classical inflammasome pathway, Caspase-4/5/11/GSDMD non-classical inflammasome pathway, Caspase-3/8 pathway, and other signaling pathways, which induce cell death and regulate the occurrence of inflammatory responses. Pyroptosis plays an important role in a range of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular disease. Evidence has emerged in recent years indicating that environmental pollutants exert various toxic effects by modulating pyroptosis. In this review, we examine hepatotoxicity, cardiovascular toxicity, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, reproductive toxicity and the related mechanisms caused by environmental pollutants through the regulation of pyroptosis. We aim to provide theoretical references for future toxicity research on environmental pollutants.

Acevaltrate overcomes myeloma resistance to bortezomib via pyroptosis by promoting BAX translocalization to mitochondria

Bortezomib is a mainstay drug for the treatment of myeloma, a malignancy of plasma cells, but resistance frequently develops. Overcoming bortezomib resistance is urgently needed. In the present study, we found that acevaltrate, an active ingredient from a traditional Chinese medicine, exhibits potent activity in triggering pyroptosis in bortezomib-resistant myeloma cells. Mechanistically, acevaltrate induces myeloma cells pyroptosis in a Caspase-3 and GSDME-dependent manner. When Caspase-3 is inhibited by its specific inhibitor or GSDME is knocked out, myeloma cells fail to undergo pyroptosis triggered by acevaltrate. Moreover, acevaltrate promotes the production of reactive oxygen species and strikingly reduces mitochondrial membrane potential. Consistent with this finding, acevaltrate dissociates BAX from its inhibitor, Bcl-2, thereby promoting BAX translocalization to mitochondria. Furthermore, IFIT3, an IFN-inducible protein, is upregulated by acevaltrate. Interestingly, while IFIT3 fails to directly induce myeloma cells pyroptosis, it markedly enhances acevaltrate-induced pyroptosis. IFIT3 binds to Bcl-2 and prevents it from interacting with BAX. Lastly, acevaltrate effectively triggers pyroptosis in bortezomib-resistant myeloma cells. Pre-treatment with acevaltrate significantly restores the sensitivity of resistant myeloma cells to bortezomib. Therefore, acevaltrate strongly induces myeloma cell pyroptosis and overcomes bortezomib resistance. Given its potent activity against myeloma and its established safety profile, acevaltrate warrants further evaluation in clinical settings for its potential to overcome myeloma resistance to bortezomib.

Ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis in calcium oxalate crystal-induced kidney injury

Kidney stones represent a highly prevalent urological disorder worldwide, with high incidence and recurrence rates. Calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal-induced kidney injury serves as the foundational mechanism for the formation and progression of CaOx stones. Regulated cell death (RCD) such as ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis are essential in the pathophysiological process of kidney injury. Ferroptosis, a newly discovered RCD, is characterized by its reliance on iron-mediated lipid peroxidation. Necroptosis, a widely studied programmed necrosis, initiates with a necrotic phenotype that resembles apoptosis in appearance. Pyroptosis, a type of RCD that involves the gasdermin protein, is accompanied by inflammation and immune response. In recent years, increasing amounts of evidence has demonstrated that ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis are significant pathophysiological processes involved in CaOx crystal-induced kidney injury. Herein, we summed up the roles of ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis in CaOx crystal-induced kidney injury. Furthermore, we delved into the curative potential of ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis in CaOx crystal-induced kidney injury.

Fudosteine attenuates lung inflammation in mice with PM2.5-induced asthma exacerbation by inhibiting pyroptosis via the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway

This study aimed to explore the potential preventive effects of fudosteine (Fud) on PM2.5-induced asthma exacerbations in a murine model. BALB/c mice were randomly allocated into six groups: control, Fud, ovalbumin (OVA), OVA+Fud, OVA+PM2.5, and OVA+PM2.5 + Fud. An asthma model was established through OVA sensitization and challenge. Compared to the OVA group, PM2.5 exposure exacerbated allergic asthma, as evidenced by increased collagen fiber deposition, goblet cell metaplasia, mucus secretion, heightened airway inflammation, elevated total cell and eosinophil counts, and upregulated levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, and NLRP3 expression in lung tissues. Notably, fudosteine treatment mitigated these pathological changes. Western blot analysis revealed that fudosteine significantly reduced the expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD), cleaved-caspase-1, and cleaved-GSDMD in lung tissues. In conclusion, fudosteine alleviated lung inflammation, collagen deposition, and mucus secretion in PM2.5-induced asthma exacerbation, potentially by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis pathway.

Ferroptosis: A Targetable Vulnerability for Melanoma Treatment

Melanoma is a devastating form of skin cancer characterized by a high mutational burden, limited treatment success, and dismal prognosis. Although immunotherapy and targeted therapies have significantly revolutionized melanoma treatment, the majority of patients fail to achieve durable responses, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death driven by the overwhelming accumulation of lipid peroxides, has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach in preclinical melanoma models. A deeper understanding of the ferroptosis landscape in melanoma based on its biology characteristics, including phenotypic plasticity, metabolic state, genomic alterations, and epigenetic changes, as well as the complex role and mechanisms of ferroptosis in immune cells could provide a foundation for developing effective treatments. In this review, we outline the molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis, decipher the role of melanoma biology in ferroptosis regulation, reveal the therapeutic potential of ferroptosis in melanoma, and discuss the pressing questions that should guide future investigations into ferroptosis in melanoma.

Olmesartan attenuates doxorubicin-elicited testicular toxicity: The interaction between sirtuin-1, HMGB1/NLRP3 inflammasome/gasdermin D signaling, and AMPK/mTOR-driven autophagy

BACKGROUND

In the recent years, there has been an increased incidence of testicular toxicity associated with doxorubicin (DOX) use in cancer therapy. The mechanisms of this adverse effect may include induction of oxidative stress with augmentation of the inflammatory and the apoptotic signals in the testicular tissues. The ongoing research is directed towards the exploration of new agents that are capable of overcoming this health problem. This study was a trial to evaluate the efficacy of Olmesartan as a protective agent against DOX-induced testicular dysfunction in male rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control group, DOX-injected group, and three DOX-injected groups treated with olmesartan at 3 dose levels (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg/day). The effect of the different treatments was assessed at the biochemical and the morphological levels.

KEY FINDINGS

Olmesartan administered to DOX-treated rats induced dose-dependent restoration of the testicular weight and functions, normalization of the hormonal profile, augmentation of the antioxidant defenses, and potentiation of AMPK/mTOR-driven autophagy in comparison to rats treated with DOX alone. These effects were accompanied with a dose-dependent significant mitigation of the cellular events related to pyroptosis and inflammation and a significant amelioration of the testicular morphological changes induced by DOX.

SIGNIFICANCE

Olmesartan may represent a promising therapy for DOX-elicited testicular dysfunction, possibly via dose-dependent antioxidant, anti-pyroptotic, anti-inflammatory, and autophagy enhancing effects.

Spatial-Constraint Modulation of Intra/Extracellular Reactive Oxygen Species by Adaptive Hybrid Materials for Boosting Pyroptosis and Combined Immunotherapy of Breast Tumor

Pyroptosis-immunotherapy has potential for triple-negative breast cancer treatment, but its efficacy is limited by insufficient pyroptosis activation and the need for phased, balanced, and spatially controlled activation of active species during long-term treatment. To reconcile intracellular/extracellular demands in tumor ablation, a nanoparticle-hydrogel hybrid enabling spatiotemporal reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulation is engineered. An open-shell sonosensitizer with unpaired electrons in its molecular orbitals is prepared by chelating Cu2⁺ with TCPP. These sonosensitizers are undergoing bovine serum albumin mediated biomineralization to form calcium phosphate particles and are incorporated into an injectable hydrogel through Schiff base crosslinking between dopamine-functionalized oxidized hyaluronic acid and gallic acid-modified chitosan. After intratumoral injection, nanoparticles endocytosed into tumor cells undergo acidic degradation, releasing calcium ions and GSH-activatable sonosensitizers. Calcium overload synergizes with ultrasound-mediated oxidative stress to induce mitochondrial damage and pyroptosis, while adhesive hydrogels retained in the extracellular matrix control excessive secondary ROS levels to protect oxidation-sensitive entities. This dual-action mechanism enhances the overall therapeutic effect by combining immediate tumor killing with long-term immune activation. This study provides a new route to hybrid material design, addressing the conflicting demands of short-term tumor ablation and long-term immune activation, overcoming the limitations of current pyroptosis-based immunotherapies.

Cucurbitacin B induces oral squamous cell carcinomapyroptosis via GSDME and inhibits tumour growth

BACKGROUND

Pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death, has been shown to induce anti-tumour immunity and inhibit tumour growth. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a prevalent malignant tumour, could benefit from pyroptosis induction as a therapeutic strategy. Cucurbitacin B (CuB), a natural compound derived from various plants, exhibits broad anti-tumour activity. However, whether CuB can exert its anti-tumour effects in OSCC through pyroptosis remains unexplored.

RESULTS

CuB significantly inhibited the proliferation of OSCC cells, induced pyroptosis, and elevated the levels of inflammatory factors in the cell supernatant. Bioinformatics analysis predicted the potential role of pyroptosis in OSCC, which was subsequently validated in a 4NQO-induced OSCC mouse model. The results demonstrated that CuB not only exerted tumour-inhibitory effects but also increased the infiltration of CD8+ T cells in the peritumoural region. To elucidate the mechanism of CuB-induced pyroptosis, STAT3 was identified as a key target of CuB in OSCC, with its expression upregulated in tumour tissues. Further experiments revealed that CuB induced pyroptosis by suppressing STAT3 expression and promoting the cleavage of caspase-3 and Gasdermin-E (GSDME).

CONCLUSION

CuB triggers OSCC pyroptosis through the STAT3/caspase-3/GSDME pathway, enhancing peritumoural CD8+ T cell infiltration and offering a novel strategy to boost tumour immunotherapy efficacy.

GSDMD is a novel predictive biomarker for immunotherapy response: in the pan-cancer and single cell landscapes

Background

Gasdermin D (GSDMD), a key executor of pyroptosis, has been implicated in modulating the tumor immune microenvironment. However, its role as a predictive biomarker for immunotherapy response remains unclear.

Methods

We conducted a pan-cancer analysis of GSDMD expression across TCGA datasets and investigated its association with tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), and mismatch repair (MMR) status. Immunological relevance was further assessed by correlating GSDMD expression with immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint gene signatures. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing analysis to investigate the immune cell populations and immunological pathways associated with GSDMD expression. Finally, organoid-based functional assays confirmed that Poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) exert antitumor effects at least in part by enhancing GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis.

Results

GSDMD was found to be aberrantly expressed in multiple tumor types and positively correlated with TMB, MSI, and immune checkpoint expression. High GSDMD expression was associated with increased infiltration of pro-inflammatory immune cells. In organoid models, GSDMD expression influenced sensitivity to PARPi, suggesting a potential role in shaping the immune-responsive phenotype.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight GSDMD as a potential biomarker for predicting immunotherapy response and as a modulator of tumor-immune interactions. These results provide a foundation for future studies exploring GSDMD-targeted strategies to enhance immunotherapeutic efficacy.

Sonodynamic Therapy Induces Pyroptosis and Recruits CAR-NK Cells to Enhance the Treatment of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: Immunotherapy strategies have demonstrated promising efficacy in treating various cancers. However, cancer cells often evade immune surveillance by reducing their immunogenicity, which limits immune cell infiltration into the tumor microenvironment. Pyroptosis, a proinflammatory form of programmed cell death, is characterized by the formation of plasma membrane pores that lead to the release of intracellular contents and stimulate a robust immune response. Results: To exploit this mechanism, we developed hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME)-loaded nanoliposomes capable of efficiently accumulating at the tumor site. Upon ultrasound irradiation, these nanomedicines generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that activate Caspase-3, which cleaves Gasdermin E (GSDME) and induces tumor cell pyroptosis. Notably, this sonodynamic therapy (SDT) based on nanosonosensitizers enhanced the targeted enrichment of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered natural killer (NK) cells at the ultrasound-irradiated tumor site, significantly improved the tumor immune response, and effectively inhibited the growth and proliferation of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells both in vivo and in vitro. Conclusions: Given that NK cell immunotherapy has an excellent safety profile with minimal risks of cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity, this approach holds promise as an adjunct to various NK cell-based immunotherapies through SDT-induced pyroptosis.

mTOR blockade mitigates chemotherapy drug-induced intestinal toxicity via inhibition of pyroptosis

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling constitutes a crucial intracellular signaling pathway indispensable for regulating a variety of pathophysiological processes, including cancers. Intriguingly, the inhibition of mTOR can reverse the adverse effects induced by chemotherapy drugs; however, the fundamental mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that mTOR signaling blockade can mitigate etoposide- or cisplatin-induced intestinal injury in mice. The mTOR inhibitor AZD8055 can inhibit chemotherapy drug-induced normal cell pyroptosis, as manifested by a decreased proportion of PI-positive cells, attenuated intestinal cell swelling, and reduced release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and high mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1). We further determined that mTOR inhibition suppressed the cleavage of caspase-3 and gasdermin E (GSDME), suggesting the inhibition of the caspase3/GSDME signaling pathway. We also discovered that AZD8055 can impede chemotherapy drug-induced alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species generation, and DNA damage in intestinal cells, which are the key upstream events for activating caspase-3. Correspondingly, data from in vivo mouse models also demonstrated that AZD8055 effectively curtailed intestinal DNA damage and inflammation induced by chemotherapy drugs. Importantly, although AZD8055 counteracts the side effects of chemotherapy drugs, it does not substantially affect their anti-tumor activity. Our study proposes the potential application of mTOR inhibitors as chemoprotective agents, presenting a means to prolong the duration of chemotherapy drug use and optimize the chemotherapeutic regimen.

Impaired Mitophagy Contributes to Pyroptosis in Sarcopenic Obesity Zebrafish Skeletal Muscle

Background: Growing evidence suggests that the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity (SOB) is on the rise across the globe. However, the key molecular mechanisms behind this disease have not been clarified. Methods: In this experiment, we fed zebrafish a high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks to induce sarcopenic obesity. Results: After a dietary trial, HFD zebrafish exhibited an obese phenotype with skeletal muscle atrophy and decreased swimming capacity. We demonstrated that mitochondrial content and function were abnormal in SOB zebrafish skeletal muscle. These results may be associated with the impairment of mitophagy regulated by the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin (PRKN) pathway. In addition, we also found that NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling was activated with the upregulation of NLRP3, GSDMD-NT, and mature-IL1β, which indicated that pyroptosis was induced in SOB zebrafish skeletal muscle. Conclusions: Our study identified that impaired mitophagy and pyroptosis were associated with the pathogenesis of SOB. These results could potentially offer novel therapeutic objectives for the treatment of sarcopenic obesity.

Specific signaling pathways mediated programmed cell death in tumor microenvironment and target therapies

Increasing evidence has shown that programmed cell death (PCD) plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. The components of PCD are complex and include various mechanisms such as apoptosis, necroptosis, alkaliptosis, oxeiptosis, and anoikis, all of which are interrelated in their functions and regulatory pathways. Given the significance of these processes, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive study on PCD to elucidate its multifaceted nature. Key signaling pathways, particularly the caspase signaling pathway, the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL pathway, and the mTOR signaling pathway, are pivotal in regulating PCD and influencing tumor progression. In this review, we briefly describe the generation mechanisms of different PCD components and focus on the regulatory mechanisms of these three major signaling pathways within the context of global PCD. Furthermore, we discuss various tumor therapeutic compounds that target different signaling axes of these pathways, which may provide novel strategies for effective tumor therapy and help improve patient outcomes in cancer treatment.

Light-activatable manganese carbonate nanocubes elicit robust immunotherapy by amplifying endoplasmic reticulum stress-meditated pyroptotic cell death

Although tumor immunotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment modality, it faces significant challenges stemming from the immunosuppressive characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME), the low immunogenicity of tumors, and the poor specificity of immunoactivation. These factors can hinder the efficacy of immunotherapeutic approaches and lead to immune-related adverse events. This study reports a multifunctional nanocube (Mn-ER-Cy) that integrates Mn carbonate (MnCO3) and a photosensitizer (ER-Cy) by targeting tumor-cell endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The results demonstrate that Mn-ER-Cy preferentially accumulates in tumor tissues and is retained within ER organelles, facilitating photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) upon exposure to 808 nm light irradiation. Triggered by acidic TME and light irradiation, MnCO3 is rapidly degraded to Mn2+, which in turn promotes the generation of reactive oxygen species through the Mn2+-mimic Fenton reaction, enabling chemical dynamics therapy (CDT). Triple-modal synergistic therapy simultaneously happens in ER to induce excessive ER stress, which subsequently amplify highly immunogenic pyroptotic cell death through activating NLRP3 inflammasome, caspase-1, and gasdermin D (GSDMD) pathway. Meanwhile, the decomposition of MnCO3 consumes H+ and contributes to an increased intracellular pH by regulating lactic acid levels, thereby counteracting the immunosuppressive acidic TME. Furthermore, Mn-ER-Cy serves as an inherent dual-modality imaging contrast agent for near-infrared fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging, facilitating imaging-guided precision therapy. These findings underscore the potential of Mn-ER-Cy to substantially enhance the efficacy and specificity of tumor immunotherapy, portraying a bright prospect to improve the clinical outcomes of patients with cancer.

Pyroptosis and its role in intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury: a potential therapeutic target

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury (II/RI) is a critical acute condition characterized by complex pathological mechanisms, including various modes of cell death. Among these, pyroptosis has garnered significant attention in recent years. This review explores the characteristics, molecular mechanisms, and implications of pyroptosis in II/RI, with a focus on therapeutic strategies targeting the pyroptosis pathway. Key processes such as NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation, caspase-1 activation, and gasdermin D (GSDMD)-mediated membrane pore formation are identified as central to pyroptosis. Compounds like MCC950, CY-09, metformin, and curcumin have shown promise in attenuating II/RI in preclinical studies by modulating these pathways. However, challenges remain in understanding non-canonical pyroptosis pathways, unraveling the exact mechanisms of GSDMD-induced pore formation, and translating these findings into clinical applications. Addressing these gaps will be crucial for developing innovative and effective treatments for II/RI.

Identification and validation of pyroptosis-related genes in Alzheimer's disease based on multi-transcriptome and machine learning

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression is characterized by persistent neuroinflammation, where pyroptosis-an inflammatory programmed cell death mechanism-has emerged as a key pathological contributor. However, the molecular mechanisms through which pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) drive AD pathogenesis remain incompletely elucidated.

Methods

We integrated multiple transcriptomes of AD patients from the GEO database and analyzed the expression of PRGs in combined datasets. Machine learning algorithms and comprehensive bioinformatics analysis (including immune infiltration and receiver operating characteristic (ROC)) were applied to identify the hub genes. Additionally, we validated the expression patterns of these key genes using the expression data from AD mice and constructed potential regulatory networks through time series and correlation analysis.

Results

We identified 91 PRGs in AD using the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differentially expressed genes analysis. By application of the protein-protein interaction and machine learning algorithms, seven pyroptosis feature genes (CHMP2A, EGFR, FOXP3, HSP90B1, MDH1, METTL3, and PKN2) were identified. Crucially, MDH1 and PKN2 demonstrated superior performance in terms of immune cell infiltration, ROC curves, and experimental validation. Furthermore, we constructed the long non-coding RNA and mRNA (lncRNA-mRNA) regulatory network of these characteristic genes using the gene expression profiles from AD mice at varying ages, revealing the potential regulatory mechanism in AD.

Conclusion

This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of pyroptosis-related molecular signatures in AD. Seven hub genes were identified, with particular emphasis on MDH1 and PKN2. Their superior performances were validated through comprehensive bioinformatic analysis in both patient and mouse transcriptomes, as well as the experimental data. Our findings establish foundational insights into pyroptosis mechanisms in AD that may inform novel treatment strategies targeting neuroinflammatory pathways.

Integrated transcriptomic and immune profiling reveals crucial molecular pathways and hub genes associated with postoperative delirium in elderly patients

Background

Postoperative delirium (POD) manifests as severe mental disorientation, often experienced by elderly patients undergoing surgery, significantly hindering recovery and deteriorating the quality of life. Despite numerous clinical studies, the molecular mechanisms behind POD in elderly patients are still not well understood, requiring further investigation to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Methods

This study amalgamates Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA), Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), differential expression analysis, and immune infiltration assessments to identify molecular pathways and hub genes linked to the initiation of POD in the elderly. Gene expression data were sourced from the GSE163943 dataset in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. A total of 18,894 protein-coding genes were extracted for analysis.

Results

We constructed a gene co-expression network using WGCNA and performed GSVA to investigate the link between POD and different types of cell death. The results indicated that POD is positively associated with pyroptosis and parthanatos, while negatively correlated with oxidative stress and disulfidptosis. Differential expression analysis revealed 145 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 83 downregulated and 62 upregulated genes. Analysis of functional enrichment revealed that DEGs were enriched in activities like neuron projection development, axonogenesis, and synapse organization, with KEGG pathway analysis identifying neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and neurodegeneration pathways. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) further revealed the upregulation of the apoptosis pathway and the downregulation of neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis identified 10 hub genes, including COL18A1, CD63, and LTF. Immune infiltration analysis indicated that the occurrence of POD is strongly associated with immune cell activation, particularly in T cells and macrophages.

Conclusion

Overall, this research primarily examines the intricate interplay between cell death processes and alterations in the immune microenvironment throughout the development of geriatric POD, pinpointing essential genes that provide vital theoretical support for further studies on geriatric POD. However, this discovery is only an initial one derived from analyzing the datasets. Upcoming research ought to evaluate and scrutinize additional datasets and conduct essential experiments to guarantee the precision and widespread relevance of the analytical findings.

Macrophage at maternal-fetal Interface: Perspective on pregnancy and related disorders

Immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface (MFI) undergo dynamic changes to facilitate fetal growth and development during pregnancy. In contrast to the adaptive immune system, where effector T cells, Tregs, and suppressor T cells play key roles in maintaining immune tolerance toward the semi-allogeneic fetus, the innate immune system-comprising decidual nature killer (dNK) cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs)-makes up a significant portion of the decidual leukocyte population. These innate immune cells are crucial in modulating trophoblast invasion, spiral artery remodeling, and apoptotic cell phagocytosis. Dysregulation of the innate immune system has been linked to impaired uterine vessel remodeling and defective trophoblast invasion, which can lead to complications such as spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia (PE), and preterm. This review focuses on recent advancements in understanding the innate immune defenses at the maternal-fetal interface and their connections to pregnancy-related diseases, with particular emphasis on the role of macrophages.

Identification and verification of a combined ferroptosis- and pyroptosis-related signature for a prognostic classifier and immunosuppressive targets in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Ferroptosis and pyroptosis, two forms of cell death, are increasingly reported for their pivotal roles in cancer biology. However, the understanding of the combined ferroptosis-pyroptosis (FPtosis)-related gene signature in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains limited.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive investigation of the FPtosis-related signature in CRC. Data integration from both the training and validation cohorts was performed. The FPtosis-related signature was established. We evaluated the prognostic significance of the signature through Kaplan-Meier analysis, as well as univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. Functional analyses were conducted to explore the underlying biological mechanisms. Additionally, we analyzed the correlations between the FPtosis-related signature, immune infiltration, and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) immunotherapy.

RESULTS

The FPtosis-related signature demonstrated significant prognostic potential and can serve as an independent biomarker for predicting outcomes. The signature showed correlations with advanced tumor stage, invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis. Subgroup analyses revealed the valuable predictive role of the FPtosis-related signature in predicting survival across different clinical subgroups, including age, gender, tumor stage, invasion depth, lymph node metastasis status, and distant metastasis status. Moreover, the signature exhibited positive associations with inflammation and the infiltration of diverse immune cells, such as neutrophils, M0 and M2 macrophages, and regulatory T cells (Tregs). In microsatellite instable (MSI) CRC, the expression of most ICB genes was higher in the high-FPtosis group compared to the low-FPtosis group.

CONCLUSION

The FPtosis signature can effectively predict the prognosis of CRC and had the potential to improve the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.

Irisin suppressed the progression of TBI via modulating AMPK/MerTK/autophagy and SYK/ROS/inflammatory signaling

Irisin is a hormone-like peptide secreted by muscle tissues and generated by hydrolysis of type III fibronectin domain-containing protein 5 by proteolytic hydrolases. Whether Irisin has a potential protective role in traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this study, we will investigate the relevant research progress of Irisin's protective role in traumatic brain injury (TBI) in recent years in terms of attenuating oxidative stress, inhibiting pyroptosis, suppressing inflammatory response, and improving autophagy, with the aim of providing valuable references for the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Utilize bioinformatics analysis to study the interactions between genes in TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). Construct a TBI mouse model to observe the effects of Irisin on TBI. The Morris water maze test is used to assess the learning and spatial memory abilities of mice, TUNEL fluorescence is used to detect cell apoptosis, Nissl staining is employed to observe the survival of hippocampal neurons in mice, and HE staining is used to observe the extent of brain injury in mice. Western blot is used to detect protein expression in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Q-PCR is employed to detect the levels of proteins related to autophagy/pyroptosis/inflammation. Irisin promotes MerTK overexpression by enhancing AMPK activation. Irisin can increase the expression of LC3I and Beclin-1 proteins, indicating the promotion of autophagic response. Additionally, Irisin reduces ROS levels and decreases SYK expression, thereby inhibiting the inflammatory response. Irisin improves the learning and spatial memory abilities of TBI mice and reduces cell apoptosis, as well as decreases hippocampal neuron death. HE staining shows that the brain injury in mice treated with Irisin is significantly alleviated. Irisin can enhance the expression of phosphorylated AMPK and phosphorylated MerTK proteins, promote autophagic response, and inhibit pyroptosis/inflammatory response. Correction experiments confirmed that after stimulation with an AMPK agonist, the expression of phosphorylated MerTK protein is significantly increased, autophagic response is enhanced, and pyroptosis/inflammatory response is weakened. When treated with a MerTK inhibitor during AMPK agonist stimulation, the autophagic response is weakened while pyroptosis/inflammatory response is enhanced. Irisin can inhibit the progression of traumatic brain injury by regulating AMPK/MerTK/autophagy and SYK/ROS/inflammatory signaling.

Macelignan Improves Functional Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury by Augmenting Autophagy via the AKT-mTOR-TFEB Signaling Pathway

Spinal cord injury (SCI) presents considerable therapeutic challenges due to its complex pathophysiology, and effective treatments are currently lacking. Macelignan (Mace) has shown therapeutic effects in some neurological disorders, but its potential to enhance functional recovery in SCI and the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. This research endeavors to explore the therapeutic value of Mace in SCI and its underlying mechanism of action. A mouse model of SCI was established, and the mice were randomly divided into 13 groups: Sham, Sham + Mace, SCI, SCI + 25 mg/kg Mace, SCI + Mace, SCI + 75 mg/kg Mace, SCI + 100 mg/kg Mace, SCI + 3MA, SCI + Mace/3MA, SCI + Mace/Scramble shRNA, SCI + Mace/TFEB shRNA, SCI + SC79, and SCI + Mace/SC79. Histological examinations were conducted using hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Masson's trichrome, and Nissl staining techniques. Functional recovery post-injury was evaluated through footprint analysis and the Basso Mouse Scale (BMS). The levels of proteins associated with pyroptosis and autophagy were quantified using qPCR, protein immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence (IF). Network pharmacology techniques were applied to elucidate the signaling pathways modulated by Mace. Mace facilitated functional recovery following SCI by augmenting autophagy and diminishing pyroptosis, with these effects being partially counteracted by 3-Methyladenine (3MA). It was noted that Mace induced autophagy via inhibition of the AKT-mTOR signaling pathway, leading to an increase in TFEB expression. As an autophagy activator, Mace induces TFEB-mediated autophagy and inhibits pyroptosis, which supports functional recovery post-SCI, indicating its potential clinical relevance.

LXR agonists induces GSDME-mediated pyroptosis in tumors through alters the integrity of the MOM to activates Caspase-4/APAF-1 pyroptosome

Liver X receptors (LXRs) play a key role in cholesterol transport, glucose metabolism and the tumorigenesis. LXR ligands can inhibit tumor growth through several mechanisms, such as suppressing tumor cell proliferation and migration, and inducing tumor cell death. Among them, induction of tumor cell death is one of the main mechanisms by which LXR ligands inhibit tumor growth; but how exactly LXR ligands cause cell death is still unclear. In this study, we found that LXR agonists can induce nonclassical pyroptosis in various cancer cells. Further study we found that Caspase-3-mediated GSDME cleavage is involved in LXR agonist-induced pyroptosis. Mechanically, LXR agonists firstly induce ER stress in tumor cells, then the ER stress induced by LXR agonists alters the integrity of the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) through the NOXA and BAX/BAK. Subsequently, mitochondrial permeability transition activates Caspase-4/APAF-1 pyroptosome to activate GSDME-dependent pyroptosis. Finally, we also found that LXR agonists induced GSDME-dependent pyroptosis in mouse cells. Our results demonstrated that LXR agonists can induce nonclassical GSDME-dependent pyroptosis in cancer cells by inducing ER stress, which alters the integrity of MOM to activate Caspase-4/APAF-1 pyroptosome.

Potential Impact of Climate Change-Induced Alterations on Pyroptotic Cell Death in Animal Cells: A Review

Climate change-induced alterations in temperature variation, ozone exposure, water salinity and acidification, and hypoxia might influence immunity and thus survival in diverse groups of animals from fish to mammals. Pyroptosis is a type of lytic pro-inflammatory programmed cell death, which participates in the innate immune response, and is involved in multiple diseases characterized by inflammation and cell death, mostly studied in human cells. Diverse extrinsic factors can induce pyroptosis, leading to the extracellular release of pro-inflammatory molecules such as IL-18. Climate change-related factors, either directly or indirectly, can also promote animal cell death via different regulated mechanisms, impacting organismal fitness. However, pyroptosis has been relatively less studied in this context compared to another cell death process, apoptosis. This review covers previous research pointing to the potential impact of climate change, through various abiotic stressors, on pyroptotic cell death in different animal cells in various contexts. It was proposed that temperature, ozone exposure, water salinity, water acidification and hypoxia have the potential to induce pyroptotic cell death in animal cells and promote inflammation, and that these pyroptotic events should be better understood to be able to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on animal physiology and health. This is of high importance considering the increasing frequency, intensity and duration of climate-based changes in these environmental parameters, and the critical function of pyroptosis in immune responses of animals and in their predisposition to multiple diseases including cancer. Furthermore, the need for further mechanistic studies showing the more direct impact of climate change-induced environmental alterations on pyroptotic cell death in animals at the organismal level was highlighted. A complete picture of the association between climate change and pyroptosis in animals will be also highly valuable in terms of ecological and clinical applications, and it requires an interdisciplinary approach. SIGNIFICANCE: Climate change-induced alterations might influence animal physiology. Pyroptosis is a form of cell death with pro-inflammatory characteristics. Previous research suggests that temperature variation, ozone exposure, water salinity and acidification, and hypoxia might have the potential to contribute to pyroptotic cell death in certain cell types and contexts. Climate change-induced pyroptotic cell death should be better understood to be able to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on animal health.

Molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-Colon Cancer effects of Caulerpa lentillifera polysaccharides (CLP)

Colon cancer (CC) ranks is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Despite chemotherapy being a primary treatment its effectiveness significantly declines in advanced in stage. Emerging evidence suggests that dietary components particularly polysaccharides, play a role in CC progression. This study employed multi-omics and network pharmacology to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the apoptotic effects of Caulerpa lentillifera polysaccharide (CLP) in CC, validated through in vitro and in vivo experiments. Transcriptomics and network pharmacology analysis identified the p53/Bax/Caspase-3 pathway as a key regulatory axis. Further targeted analysis of amino acid metabolism revealed that CLP significantly decreased intracellular aspartate (Asp) levels. Additionally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation was detected in cells. CLP treatment reduced Asp content, leading to ROS accumulation, which activated the p53/Bax/Caspase-3 pathway, triggering apoptosis. In vivo, CLP effectively inhibited tumor growth in BALB/c mice bearing CT26 colon cancer cells. These findings suggest that CLP exerts anti-colon cancer effects by modulating amino acid metabolism and inducing apoptosis via the p53/Bax/Caspase-3 axis, providing a promising therapeutic strategy for CC.

Copper in cancer: friend or foe? Metabolism, dysregulation, and therapeutic opportunities

Copper, one of the essential nutrients for the human body, acts as an electron relay in multiple pathways due to its redox properties. Both deficiencies and excesses of copper lead to cellular fragility. Therefore, it can manifest pro- and anti-cancer properties in tumors. Therefore, it is crucial to clarify the copper activity within the cell. We have thoughtfully summarized the metabolic activities of copper from a macro and micro perspective. Cuproptosis, as well as other forms of cell death, is directly or indirectly interfered with by Cu2+, causing cancer cell death. Meanwhile, we did pan-cancer analysis of cuproptosis-related genes to further clarify the roles of these genes. In addition, copper has been found to be involved in multiple pathways within the metastasis of cancer cells. Given the complexity of copper's role, we are compelled to ask: is copper a friend or a foe? Up to now, copper has been used in various clinical applications, including protocols for measurement of copper concentration and bioimaging of radioactive 64Cu. But therapeutically it is still a continuation of the old medicine, and new possibilities need to be explored, such as the use of nanomaterials. Some studies have also shown that copper has considerable interventional power in metabolic cancers, which provides the great applications potential of copper therapy in specific cancer types. This paper reviews the dual roles played by cuproptosis in cancer from the new perspectives of oxidative stress, cell death, and tumor metastasis, and points out the value of its application in specific cancer types, summarizes the value of its testing and imaging from the perspective of clinical application as well as the current feasible options for the new use of the old drugs, and emphasizes the prospects for the application of nano-copper.

Mannose inhibits PKM2 lactylation to induce pyroptosis in bladder cancer and activate antitumor immune responses

Bladder cancer therapy remains challenging due to poor efficacy and frequent recurrence. Mannose, a naturally occurring monosaccharide, has demonstrated antitumor effects in various cancers, yet its mechanism of action in bladder cancer is unclear. This study explored the inhibitory effects of mannose on bladder cancer. We found mannose significantly inhibited the growth of bladder cancer cells, xenografts, and organoids. Mannose directly binds to PKM2, inhibiting its enzymatic activity and reducing lactate production. This reduction in lactate led to decreased PKM2 lactylation and increased acetylation, causing PKM2 to translocate to the nucleus. Nuclear PKM2 activated the NF-κB pathway, inducing NLRP1/Caspase-1/GSDMD/IL-1β-dependent pyroptosis. Additionally, mannose promoted antitumor immune responses by inducing pyroptosis and enhancing the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. These findings highlight the use of mannose as a potent antitumor agent and a promising therapeutic strategy for bladder cancer.

Role of ubiquitin-specific proteases in programmed cell death of breast cancer cells

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignant tumor and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Great progress has been recently achieved in controlling breast cancer; however, mortality from breast cancer remains a substantial challenge, and new treatment mechanisms are being actively sought. Programmed cell death (PCD) is associated with the progression and treatment of many types of human cancers. PCD can be divided into multiple pathways including autophagy, apoptosis, mitotic catastrophe, necroptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and anoikis. Ubiquitination is a post-translational modification process in which ubiquitin, a 76-amino acid protein, is coupled to the lysine residues of other proteins. Ubiquitination is involved in many physiological events and promotes cancer development and progression. This review elaborates the role of ubiquitin-specific protease (USP) in programmed cell death, which is common in breast cancer cells, and lays the foundation for tumor diagnosis and targeted therapy.

Molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and feasible diagnosis and treatment strategies

Pyroptosis is a distinct form of cell death that plays a critical role in intensifying inflammatory responses. It primarily occurs via the classical pathway, non-classical pathway, caspase-3/6/7/8/9-mediated pathways, and granzyme-mediated pathways. Key effector proteins involved in the pyroptosis process include gasdermin family proteins and pannexin-1 protein. Pyroptosis is intricately linked to the onset and progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). During the development of NASH, factors such as pyroptosis, innate immunity, lipotoxicity, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and gut microbiota imbalance interact and interweave, collectively driving disease progression. This review analyzes the molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis and its role in the pathogenesis of NASH. Furthermore, it explores potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies targeting pyroptosis, offering new avenues for improving the diagnosis and treatment of NASH.

Hyaluronic acid-modified doxorubicin-covalent organic framework nanoparticles triggered pyroptosis in combinations with immune checkpoint blockade for the treatment of breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive malignancy, and the current treatment strategies have poor efficacy. Pyroptosis, a type of immunogenic cell death, significantly enhances antitumor immunity by triggering the release of numerous intracellular components. Here, we prepared a covalent-organic framework (COF) loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) and coated it with hyaluronic acid (HA) as a therapeutic delivery system (HA@DOX-COF) for the treatment of TNBC. Mechanistically, upon cellular uptake, HA@DOX-COF activated pyroptosis through the caspase-3/GSDME pathway. Moreover, HA@DOX-COF induced a pyroptosis-induced antitumor immune response and further augmented the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Our results demonstrated that the combination of HA@DOX-COF and an anti-PD-1 antibody markedly inhibited tumor progression in a TNBC murine model. Overall, our work offers a potential approach for pyroptosis-induced immunotherapy for TNBC, which may increase the efficacy of ICB-based immunotherapy.

Therapeutic connections between pyroptosis and paclitaxel in anti-tumor effects: an updated review

As a form of inflammation-associated cell death, pyroptosis has gained widespread attention in recent years. Accumulating evidence indicates that pyroptosis regulates tumor growth and is associated with autoimmune disorders and inflammatory response. Paclitaxel, a traditional Chinese medicine, usually induces death of cancer cells as a chemotherapeutic agent. Previous studies have revealed that paclitaxel can exert an anti-tumor effect through a variety of cell death mechanisms, of which pyroptosis plays a pivotal role in inhibiting tumor growth and enhancing anti-tumor immunity. In this review, we summarize the current advances in therapeutic connections between pyroptosis and paclitaxel in anti-tumor effects.

The Regulatory Role of NcRNAs in Pyroptosis and Disease Pathogenesis

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), as critical regulators of gene expression, play a pivotal role in the modulation of pyroptosis and exhibit a close association with a wide range of diseases. Pyroptosis is a form of programmed cell death mediated by inflammasomes, characterized by cell membrane perforation, release of inflammatory cytokines, and a robust immune response. Recent studies have revealed that ncRNAs influence the initiation and execution of pyroptosis by regulating the expression of pyroptosis-related genes or modulating associated signaling pathways. This review systematically summarizes the molecular mechanisms and applications of ncRNAs in diseases such as cancer, infectious diseases, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. It further explores the potential of ncRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets, elucidates the intricate interactions among ncRNAs, pyroptosis, and diseases, and provides novel strategies and directions for the precision treatment of related diseases.

In vivo anti-ulceration effect of Pancratium maritimum extract against ethanol-induced rats via NLRP3 inflammasome and HMGB1/TLR4/MYD88/NF-κβ signaling pathways and its extract metabolite profile

BACKGROUND

Gastric ulcer is a multifaceted ailment of multiple causes and is chronic warranting the discovery of remedies to alleviate its symptoms and severity. Pancratium maritimum L. is recognized for its several health benefits, although its potential against gastric ulcers has yet to be reported.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

This study reports on the effects of P. maritimum L. whole plant (PM-EtOH) ethanol extract at a dose of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight orally for managing ethanol-induced peptic ulcer in rats. The anti-ulceration capacity of PM-EtOH was determined against ethanol (EtOH)-induced rats via biochemical, histological, immunohistochemical, and western blotting assays. The profiling of the bioactive metabolites in P. maritimum extract was based on Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS) analysis. Following PM-EtOH treated group, the gastric glutathione (GSH) level dropped in the ulcer group receiving ethanol was restored to normal levels. Additionally, following PM-EtOH, elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the stomach tissues diminished. PM-EtOH treated group displayed recovery and comparable morphology compared with normal group, concurrent with lower levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α), MyD88, and NLRP3, along with low expression of Nuclear Factor kappa β (NF-кβ) and high-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) proteins. Immune-histochemicals of caspase-3 and toll-like receptors-4 (TLR-4) showed their normalization. These findings imply that PM-EtOH exerts a protective effect on rat stomach damage that has yet to be further tested in clinical trials for treatment of stomach ulcers. Phytochemical profiling of PM-EtOH via UHPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS led to the identification of 84 metabolites belonging to amino acids, organic acids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and fatty acids to likely mediate for the observed effects.

CONCLUSIONS

These outcomes provided evidence for the potential of PM-EtOH in gastric ulcers management.

Astragaloside IV-PESV facilitates pyroptosis by enhancing palmitoylation of GSDMD protein mediated by ZDHHC1

Prostate cancer (PCa) is an epithelial malignancy affecting the prostate gland. Astragaloside IV combined with polypeptide extract from scorpion venom (PESV) has been reported to inhibit the growth of PCa. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which this combination mitigates the progression of PCa. Bioinformatic analysis was utilized to investigate the correlation between zinc finger DHHC-type containing 1 (ZDHHC1) expression and PCa progression. The extent of pyroptosis in PCa cells was assessed by measuring cell viability, IL-1β and IL-18 secretion, LDH release, and HMGB1 content. PCa mouse models were constructed by subcutaneous injection of DU145 or PC-3 cells into nude mice, with subsequent monitoring of tumor weight and volume. ZDHHC1 expression was significantly lower in PCa patient tissues, which correlated with a poor prognosis. ZDHHC1 overexpression inhibited PC-3 and DU145 cell viability and increased IL-1β, IL-18, LDH, and HMGB1 levels in cell supernatants. Notably, the pyroptosis inhibitor LDC7559 partially reversed these effects. Co-IP assay demonstrated an interaction between ZDHHC1 and GSDMD. ZDHHC1 overexpression significantly enhanced GSDMD palmitoylation-mediated membrane translocation and pyroptosis; however, this effect was partially reversed by the palmitoylation inhibitor 2-BP. The combination of Astragaloside IV and PESV promoted GSDMD membrane translocation and pyroptosis in PCa cells, with ZDHHC1 knockdown partially reversing the effects of Astragaloside IV-PESV. Furthermore, treatment with Astragaloside IV-PESV significantly inhibited tumor tissue growth in tumor-bearing nude mouse models. Astragaloside IV-PESV enhances palmitoylation-mediated membrane translocation of GSDMD-N by upregulating ZDHHC1 expression, thereby facilitating pyroptosis in PCa cells and attenuating PCa progression.

Nano drug delivery systems for advanced immune checkpoint blockade therapy

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been widely utilized in the first-line therapy of various types of cancer. However, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and resistance to ICIs remain intractable challenges for immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy during clinic treatment. Nano drug delivery systems (NDDSs) have shown promising potential to improve anticancer efficacy and reduce side effects of small molecular drugs. The combination of nanotechnology and ICB provides new opportunities to overcome the challenges of immunotherapy. Nanoplatforms have been employed for direct delivery of ICIs, and they are preferred vehicles for combination therapy of ICIs and other therapeutic agents. In this review, the strategies of using NDDSs for advancing ICB therapy in recent years are surveyed, emphasizing the employment of NDDSs for combination treatment by ICIs and other agents to manipulate antitumor immunity. Analysis of current strategies for applying NDDSs for ICB leads to future research directions and development trends.

2D Indium-Vacancy-Rich ZnIn2S4 Nanocatalysts for Sonocatalytic Cancer Suppression by Boosting Cancer-Cell Pyroptosis

Sonocatalytic therapy is gaining interest for its non-invasive nature, precise control, and excellent tissue penetration, making it a promising approach for treating malignant tumors. While defect engineering enhances electron and hole separation to boost reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, challenges in constructing effective hole traps compared to electron traps severely limit ROS production. In this study, 2D ZnIn2S4-VIn nanosheets enriched are rationally designed with In vacancies for the efficient capture of electrons and holes, which has achieved substantial sonocatalytic performance in suppressing tumor growth. Compared to pristine ZnIn2S4 nanosheets, which possess a periodic electrostatic potential inherent in their structure, In vacancies effectively disrupt this potential field, promote the simultaneous separation and migration of charge carriers, and inhibit their recombination, thereby boosting ROS production and inducing tumor cell pyroptosis via the ROS-NLRP3-caspase-1-GSDMD pathway under ultrasound (US) irradiation. Furthermore, both pristine ZnIn2S4 and ZnIn2S4-VIn nanosheets exhibited remarkable biocompatibility. In vitro and in vivo antineoplastic experiments demonstrate that this sonocatalytic approach effectively promotes tumor elimination, underscoring the critical importance of defect-engineered optimization in sonocatalytic tumor therapy.

Identification of a PANoptosis-related long noncoding rna risk signature for prognosis and immunology in colon adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

PANoptosis, a complex programmed cell death (PCD) pathway that includes apoptosis, pyroptosis and necroptosis, is significantly involved in the progression of cancers. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in PCD. However, the predictive value of PANoptosis-related lncRNAs (PRlncRNAs) for colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) has not been established.

METHODS

Gene expression data and clinical characteristics of patients with COAD were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Differential expression analysis and Pearson correlation analysis were used to identify PRlncRNAs. In addition to least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were employed to obtain PRlncRNAs for constructing a risk signature. Patients with COAD in the training set, testing set and entire set were stratified into high- and low-risk groups for further comparison of survival prognosis, using the median risk score as the cut-off point. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves, a nomogram and multivariate Cox regression analysis were conducted to validate the risk signature in the testing set and the entire set. In addition, critical pathways, immune infiltration cells, immune checkpoint-related genes, Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) scores and antitumour drugs were compared between the two risk groups in the entire set. Correlations between ferroptosis, cuproptosis, disulfidptosis and the PRlncRNA risk score were evaluated. Finally, a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was established, and enrichment analysis of the predicted mRNAs was performed using Gene Ontology (GO) analysis. The Kaplan-Meier plotter database was used as an external database to confirm the accuracy of the risk signature in predicting patient prognosis. Additionally, small interfering RNA (siRNA), a cell counting kit- 8 assay, a cell colony formation assay, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and an apoptosis assay were further employed to investigate the roles of AP003555.1 in colon cancer.

RESULTS

A risk signature comprising four PRlncRNAs (LINC01133, FOXD3-AS1, AP001066.1, and AP003555.1) was developed to predict the prognosis of patients with COAD. Kaplan‒Meier curves demonstrated significant differences in prognosis between the high- and low-risk groups across the three sets. Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed that the risk signature was an independent prognostic factor across the three sets. A nomogram, receiver operating characteristic curves and calibration curves indicated strong confidence in the risk signature. Using the CIBERSORT algorithm and gene set enrichment analysis, variations in infiltrating immune cells and immune processes were observed between the two risk groups. Furthermore, TIDE algorithm suggested that the high-risk group exhibited a lower risk of immunotherapy escape and better immunotherapy outcomes than the low-risk group. Distinct responses to various antitumour drugs were observed between the two risk groups. Additionally, we constructed a ceRNA network based on PRlncRNAs, and GO enrichment analysis of the predicted mRNAs revealed different functions. In addition, the results of the Kaplan‒Meier plotter database revealed that patients who exhibited high levels of LINC01133 and FOXD3-AS1 experienced significantly shorter overall survival than those with low levels of these lncRNAs. Specifically, in terms of functionality, AP003555.1 was found to be highly expressed in colon cancer tissue and promoted viability and proliferation while suppressing the apoptosis of colon cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

We identified a novel risk signature consisting of four PRlncRNAs, which is an independent prognostic indicator for patients with COAD. This PRlncRNA risk signature is potentially relevant for immunotherapy and could serve as a therapeutic target for COAD.

Selective USP7 Inhibition Synergizes with MEK1/2 Inhibitor to Enhance Immune Responses and Potentiate Anti-PD-1 Therapy in NRAS-Mutant Melanoma

Targeted therapy for NRAS-mutant melanoma remains an unmet clinical need. We found that inhibiting USP7 with the selective ubiquitin-specific protease 7 inhibitor (USP7i) FT671 inhibited cell proliferation in NRAS-mutant melanoma cell lines. In addition, we identified and validated that knockout of TP53BP1, TP53, or CDKN1A conferred resistance to FT671, suggesting that the activation of a functional p53 signaling pathway is essential for the efficacy of USP7i. In Nras-mutant melanoma isograft models, FT671 treatment delayed tumor growth. Moreover, the combinatorial treatment with FT671 and MAPK/(extracellular signal-regulated kinase) kinase 1/2 inhibitor was synergistic and induced pyroptosis in vitro. In immunocompetent mice, the combined treatment profoundly suppressed tumor growth, prolonged survival, and enhanced intratumoral immune cell infiltration, particularly increasing the ratios of CD8+ T cells and mature dendritic cells, indicative of activated antitumor immunity. Notably, the triple combination of USP7i, MAPK/(extracellular signal-regulated kinase) kinase 1/2 inhibitor, and anti-PD-1 antibody resulted in durable tumor regression, with effects persisting beyond 80 days after treatment cessation. These findings establish USP7i + MAPK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) kinase 1/2 inhibitor as a promising strategy for targeting NRAS, an 'undruggable' mutation in melanoma, and provide a strong rationale for the clinical development of USP7i plus MAPK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) kinase 1/2 inhibitor as an adjuvant therapy to enhance anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in patients with NRAS-mutant melanoma.

Controlling pyroptosis through post-translational modifications of gasdermin D

Pyroptosis, a lytic and programmed cell death pathway, is mediated by gasdermins (GSDMs), with GSDMD playing an important role in innate immunity and pathology. Upon activation, GSDMD is cleaved to release the active N-terminal fragment that oligomerizes into membrane pores, which promote pyroptosis and cytokine secretion, leading to inflammation. Emerging evidence indicates that post-translational modification (PTM) is an important regulatory mechanism of GSDMD activity. This review explores how PTMs, aside from proteolytic cleavage, control GSDMD activity and link biological contexts to pyroptosis in innate immunity and inflammation, which could inform future studies and therapeutic solutions for treating inflammatory conditions.

Microenvironment-adaptive nanomedicine MXene promotes flap survival by inhibiting ROS cascade and endothelial pyroptosis

In the field of large-area trauma flap transplantation, preventing avascular necrosis remains a critical challenge. Key mechanisms for improving flap viability include angiogenesis promotion, oxidative stress inhibition, and cell death prevention. Recently, two-dimensional ultrathin Ti3C2TX (MXene) nanosheets have gained attention for their potential contributions to these processes, though MXene's physiological impact on flap survival had not been previously investigated. This study is the first to confirm MXene's biological effects on the ischaemic microenvironment post-skin flap transplantation. Findings indicated that MXene significantly decreased the necrotic area in ischaemic flaps (37.96% ± 2.00%), with reductions of 30.40% ± 1.86% at 1 mg/mL and 20.19% ± 2.11% at 2 mg/mL in a concentration-dependent manner. Mechanistically, MXene facilitated in situ angiogenesis, mitigated oxidative stress, suppressed pro-inflammatory pyroptosis, and activated the PI3K-Akt pathway, particularly influencing vascular endothelial cells. Comparative transcriptome analysis of skin tissues with and without MXene treatment provided additional evidence, highlighting mechanisms such as pro-inflammatory pyroptosis, ROS metabolic processes, endothelial cell proliferation regulation, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway activation. Overall, MXene demonstrated biological activity, effectively promoting ischaemic flaps survival and presenting a novel strategy for addressing ischaemic necrosis in skin flaps.

Machine learning-based characterization of PANoptosis-related biomarkers and immune infiltration in ulcerative colitis: A comprehensive bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a heterogeneous autoimmune condition. PANoptosis, a new form of programmed cell death, plays a role in inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed PANoptosis-related genes (PRGs) involved in immune dysregulation in UC. Three key PRGs-BIRC3, MAGED1, and PSME2 were found using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and machine learning. Immune infiltration analysis revealed that these key PRGs were associated with neutrophils, CD8+ T cells, activated CD4 T cells, and NK cells. Moreover, these key PRGs were significantly enriched in pathways related to inflammatory bowel disease, the IL-17 signaling pathway, and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. The expression levels of the key PRGs were validated in various datasets, animal models, and UC intestinal tissue samples. Our findings confirmed the involvement of PANoptosis in UC and predict hub genes and immune characteristics, providing new insights for further investigations into UC pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.

Mechanical Force Triggers Macrophage Pyroptosis and Sterile Inflammation by Disrupting Cellular Energy Metabolism

Mechanical force regulates tissue remodeling during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) by inducing macrophage-mediated sterile inflammatory responses. Pyroptosis, as an inflammatory form of programmed cell death, triggers a robust inflammatory cascade by activating the inflammasome. Although recent reports have demonstrated that pyroptosis can be activated by mechanical force, it remains unclear whether and how orthodontic force induces macrophage pyroptosis and sterile inflammation. In this study, by establishing a rat OTM model and a force-loaded macrophage model, we found that force induces Caspase1-dependent pyroptosis in macrophages and activates sterile inflammation both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, we uncovered that mechanical force disrupts macrophage energy metabolism, characterized by an imbalance between lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), as well as mitochondrial dysfunction. Notably, inhibiting pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) effectively restored this metabolic balance, thereby alleviating pyroptosis and sterile inflammation in force-stimulated macrophages. Overall, this study elucidates that force induces macrophage pyroptosis and sterile inflammation, and further identifies imbalances in the LDHA/PDH ratio and mitochondrial dysfunction as pivotal mechanistic features. These insights offer novel perspectives and potential therapeutic targets for the precise and effective modulation of OTM.

Pyroptosis; igniting neuropsychiatric disorders from mild depression to aging-related neurodegeneration

Neuropsychiatric disorders significantly impact global health and socioeconomic well-being, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatments. Chronic inflammation, often driven by the innate immune system, is a key feature of many neuropsychiatric conditions. NOD-like receptors (NLRs), which are intracellular sensors, detect danger signals and trigger inflammation. Among these, NLR protein (NLRP) inflammasomes play a crucial role by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and inducing a particular cell death process known as pyroptosis. Pyroptosis is defined as a proinflammatory form of programmed cell death executed by cysteine-aspartic proteases, also known as caspases. Currently, the role of pyroptotic flux has emerged as a critical factor in innate immunity and the pathogenesis of multiple diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that the induction of pyroptosis, primarily due to NLRP inflammasome activation, is involved in the pathophysiology of various neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, stress-related issues, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Within this framework, the current review explores the complex relationship between pyroptosis and neuropsychiatric diseases, aiming to identify potential therapeutic targets for these challenging conditions.

Unveiling the nexus: pyroptosis and its crucial implications in liver diseases

Pyroptosis, a distinctive form of programmed cell death orchestrated by gasdermin proteins, manifests as cellular rupture, accompanied by the release of inflammatory factors. While pyroptosis is integral to anti-infection immunity, its aberrant activation has been implicated in tumorigenesis. The liver, as the body's largest metabolic organ, is rich in various enzymes and governs metabolism. It is also the primary site for protein synthesis. Recent years have witnessed the emergence of pyroptosis as a significant player in the pathogenesis of specific liver diseases, exerting a pivotal role in both physiological and pathological processes. A comprehensive exploration of pyroptosis can unveil its contributions to the development and regression of conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, offering innovative perspectives for clinical prevention and treatment. This review consolidates current knowledge on key molecules involved in cellular pyroptosis and delineates their roles in liver diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of leveraging pyroptosis as a novel or existing anti-cancer strategy.

MiR-153 is Involved in Testicular Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Directly Targeting FOXO3 and Regulating Spermatogonia Pyroptosis

IRI often occurs after detorsion of testicular torsion, which can contribute to permanent damage to sperm production function due to spermatogonia pyroptosis. Mounting data manifest that miRNAs possess a function in the IRI progression. However, the miR-153 function in testicular IRI remains unclear. We aim to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of miR-153 in regulating spermatogonia pyroptosis in testicular IRI. We developed the mouse testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) model and the oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) model to examine the miR-153 function in testicular IRI. The extent of testicular ischemic damage was evaluated through HE staining the testicular tissue. Various experimental methods, including Western blotting, QRT-PCR, MDA, SOD assays, and immunohistochemistry (IHC), were deployed to examine the miR-153 levels and the generation of ROS in the testicular tissues. Furthermore, we determined the FoxO3 levels and pyroptosis-related proteins in GC-1 cells. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay. Finally, the connection between miR-153 and FoxO3 was verified by employing dual luciferase reporter gene assays and Ago2-RIP. In the testicular IRI, we noted a significant elevation in the pyroptosis-correlated proteins NLRP3, caspase-1 (CASP1), IL-1β, and IL-18 levels. Furthermore, we noted a significant upregulation of miR-153 in the IRI testicular tissues and GC-1 cells treated with OGD/R, and the miR-153 upregulation increased cell pyroptosis. Conversely, the miR-153 downregulation and FoxO3 overexpression reduced cell pyroptosis. Subsequently, we validated that FoxO3 is a miR-153 target gene. During the OGD/R process, miR-153 increased cell pyroptosis in GC-1 cells by suppressing the FoxO3 expression. We identified that the regulation of testicular IRI-induced cell pyroptosis is mediated by miR-153 via its targeting of FoxO3.

Overexpressed CD73 attenuates GSDMD-mediated astrocyte pyroptosis induced by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury through the A2B/NF-κB pathway

Ischemic stroke, resulting from the blockage or narrowing of cerebral vessels, causes brain tissue damage due to ischemia and hypoxia. Although reperfusion therapy is essential to restore blood flow, it may also result in reperfusion injury, causing secondary damage through mechanisms like oxidative stress, inflammation, and excitotoxicity. These effects significantly impact astrocytes, neurons, and endothelial cells, aggravating brain injury and disrupting the blood-brain barrier. CD73, an ectoenzyme that regulates adenosine production through ATP hydrolysis, plays a critical role in purinergic signaling and neuroprotection. During ischemic stroke, CD73 expression is dynamically regulated in response to ischemia and inflammation. It catalyzes the conversion of AMP to adenosine, which activates adenosine receptors to exert neuroprotective effects. Targeting the CD73-adenosine pathway presents a potential therapeutic strategy for mitigating ischemic stroke damage. Pyroptosis, a highly inflammatory form of programmed cell death mediated by inflammasomes like NLRP3 and caspases, plays a significant role in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Astrocytes, the most abundant CNS cells, contribute to both neuroprotection and injury, with pyroptosis exacerbating inflammation and brain damage. Regulating astrocyte pyroptosis is a promising therapeutic target. Our study investigates CD73's role in regulating astrocyte pyroptosis during ischemia-reperfusion injury. Using CD73 knockout mice and overexpression models, along with in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion experiments, we found that CD73 overexpression reduces GSDMD-mediated astrocyte pyroptosis via the A2B/NF-κB pathway. These findings offer a novel approach to reducing neuroinflammation, protecting astrocytes, and improving outcomes in ischemic stroke.