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Zhai S, Zhang L, Li X, Yu Q, Liu C. Clustering human dental pulp fibroblasts spontaneously activate NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasomes and induce IL-1β secretion. Regen Ther 2024; 27:12-20. [PMID: 38487102 PMCID: PMC10937208 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2024.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives The objective of the present study was to investigate whether NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) and absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasomes pathways were involved in an experimental model of fibroblast activation named nemosis, which was used to mimic circumstances without bacteria stimulation. Methods Nemosis of human dental pulp fibroblast (DPFs) was induced by three-dimensional culture in U-shaped 96-well plates and investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). DPFs monolayers were used as control. Annexin V-FITC/7-AAD apoptosis assay was performed on the DPFs spheroids by flowcytometry. Caspase-1 activity detection assay was conducted on the DPFs spheroids. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), cytokine measurements, Western blot and the effect of COX-2 inhibitor on spheroids was studied. Results SEM study observed human dental pulp fibroblast clusters and cell membranes damage on the surface of DPFs spheroids. The percentages of necrotic cells from DPFs spheroids gradually increased as the incubation time increased. A statistically significant increase in caspase-1 activity was observed after DPFs spheroids formation. DPFs spheroids displayed significant amounts of NLRP3, AIM2 mRNA and protein expression, caspase-1 mRNA expression and cleaved Caspase-1 protein expression and high IL-1β concentrations (P < 0.05) than DPFs monolayers. Specific COX-2 inhibitor (NS-398) decreased NLRP3 mRNA and protein expression, cleaved Caspase-1 protein expression, Caspase-1 activity and IL-1β mRNA expression and IL-1β concentrations (P < 0.05). However, Specific COX-2 inhibitor had no impact on AIM2 mRNA and protein expression, caspase-1 mRNA expression and pro-Caspase-1 protein expression. Conclusions In conclusion, clustering human DPFs spontaneously activated NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasomes and induced IL-1β secretion which could be partially attenuated by COX-2 inhibitor. Thus, nemosis could become a powerful model for studying mechanisms underlying aseptic pulpitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shafei Zhai
- Department of Stomatology, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710075, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Lihui Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710075, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Stomatology, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710075, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Qi Yu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Changkui Liu
- Department of Stomatology, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710075, Shaanxi Province, China
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Zhang X, Wu D, Zhang L, Zhang H, Yang L, Wei L, Mei H, Luo L, Jiang Z, Huang C. Predicting the potential mechanism of radix chimonanthi pracecocis in treating osteoarthritis by network pharmacology analysis combined with experimental validation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 331:118231. [PMID: 38718891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Radix Chimonanthi Pracecocis (RCP), also known as Tiekuaizi, widely used by the Miao community in Guizhou, exhibits diverse biological activities and holds promise for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). However, there is a lack of contemporary pharmacological research in this area. AIMS OF THE STUDY This study aims to explore the potential of targets and mechanisms of RCP in the treatment of OA. MATERIALS AND METHODS The chemical components of RCP were identified using UPLC-MS/MS, and active components were determined based on the Lipinski rule. RCP and OA-related targets were retrieved from public databases such as TCMSP and GeneCards. Network pharmacology approaches were employed to identify key genes. The limma package (version 3.40.2) in R 4.3.2 was used to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between OA and healthy individuals in GSE82107. DEGs were analyzed using an independent sample t-test and receiver operating characteristic analysis in GraphPad Prism 9.5.1. Additionally, molecular docking (SYBYL2.1.1) was used to analyze the binding interactions between the active components and target proteins. Finally, we established a papain-induced osteoarthritis (OA) rat model and treated it with RCP aqueous extract by gavage. We validated relevant indicators using real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS Seven active components and 53 targets were identified. The results of GO and KEGG enrichment analyses confirmed the significant role of RCP in the regulation of pyroptosis. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) was identified as a key gene involved in the main biological functions. Molecular docking analysis revealed that Praecoxin, Isofraxidin, Esculin, and Naringenin can bind to the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) (T-Score >5). Additionally, Praecoxin can bind to HIF-1α (T-Score >5). In vivo experiments demonstrated that RCP significantly affects the NLRP3 inflammasome, which is regulated by the HIF-1α pathway. RCP inhibited pyroptosis and reduced synovial inflammation. CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed the efficacy of RCP aqueous extract in the treatment of OA and identified seven active components (esculin, dihydrokaempferol, naringenin, praecoxin, carnosol, hydroxyvalerenic acid, isofraxidin) that may play an anti-pyroptosis role in the treatment of OA by downregulating the expression of HIF-1α and NLRP3 inflammasome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Zhang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Dongwen Wu
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Lukai Zhang
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan District Chinese Medicine Hospital, Hangzhou, 311200, China
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Liping Yang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Li Wei
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Huimin Mei
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Liying Luo
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Zong Jiang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Cong Huang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China; Anshun Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anshun, 561000, China.
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Xiao Y, Chen L, Xu Y, Yu R, Lu J, Ke Y, Guo R, Gu T, Yu H, Fang Y, Li Z, Yu J. Circ-ZNF236 mediates stem cells from apical papilla differentiation by regulating LGR4-induced autophagy. Int Endod J 2024; 57:431-450. [PMID: 38240345 DOI: 10.1111/iej.14021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
AIM Human stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) are an appealing stem cell source for tissue regeneration engineering. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are known to exert pivotal regulatory functions in various cell differentiation processes, including osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells. However, few studies have shown the potential mechanism of circRNAs in the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of SCAPs. Herein, we identified a novel circRNA, circ-ZNF236 (hsa_circ_0000857) and found that it was remarkably upregulated during the SCAPs committed differentiation. Thus, in this study, we showed the significance of circ-ZNF236 in the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of SCAPs and its underlying regulatory mechanisms. METHODOLOGY The circular structure of circ-ZNF236 was identified via Sanger sequencing, amplification of convergent and divergent primers. The proliferation of SCAPs was detected by CCK-8, flow cytometry analysis and EdU incorporation assay. Western blotting, qRT-PCR, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin red staining (ARS) were performed to explore the regulatory effect of circ-ZNF236/miR-218-5p/LGR4 axis in the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of SCAPs in vitro. Fluorescence in situ hybridization, as well as dual-luciferase reporting assays, revealed that circ-ZNF236 binds to miR-218-5p. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and mRFP-GFP-LC3 lentivirus were performed to detect the activation of autophagy. RESULTS Circ-ZNF236 was identified as a highly stable circRNA with a covalent closed loop structure. Circ-ZNF236 had no detectable influence on cell proliferation but positively regulated SCAPs odonto/osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, circ-ZNF236 was confirmed as a sponge of miR-218-5p in SCAPs, while miR-218-5p targets LGR4 mRNA at its 3'-UTR. Subsequent rescue experiments revealed that circ-ZNF236 regulates odonto/osteogenic differentiation by miR-218-5p/LGR4 in SCAPs. Importantly, circ-ZNF236 activated autophagy, and the activation of autophagy strengthened the committed differentiation capability of SCAPs. Subsequently, in vivo experiments showed that SCAPs overexpressing circ-ZNF236 promoted bone formation in a rat skull defect model. CONCLUSIONS Circ-ZNF236 could activate autophagy through increasing LGR4 expression, thus positively regulating SCAPs odonto/osteogenic differentiation. Our findings suggested that circ-ZNF236 might represent a novel therapeutic target to prompt the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of SCAPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province and Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Endodontic Department, School of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Luyao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province and Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Endodontic Department, School of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunlong Xu
- Endodontic Department, Changzhou Stomatological Hospital, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ruiyang Yu
- School of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiamin Lu
- Endodontic Department, Changzhou Stomatological Hospital, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Ke
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province and Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Endodontic Department, School of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province and Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Endodontic Department, School of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tingjie Gu
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province and Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Endodontic Department, School of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haowen Yu
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province and Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Endodontic Department, School of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuxin Fang
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province and Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Endodontic Department, School of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zehan Li
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province and Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Endodontic Department, School of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinhua Yu
- Endodontic Department, School of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Meng T, Liu X, Zhang J, Li S, He W, Li W. MicroRNA-181b attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in pulpitis via the PLAU/AKT/NF-κB axis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 127:111451. [PMID: 38154211 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the role and underlying mechanisms of microRNA (miRNA)-181b in the inflammatory response in pulpitis. METHODS Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and immunofluorescence techniques were used to determine the miRNA-181b and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (PLAU) expression levels in inflamed human dental pulp tissues (HDPTs) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human dental pulp cells (hDPCs). The targets of miRNA-181b were identified and confirmed using a bioinformatics analysis, RNA sequencing, and dual-luciferase gene reporter assays. The effect of miRNA-181b or PLAU on proinflammatory cytokine expression in hDPCs was examined using qRT-PCR and western blotting. RNA sequencing was conducted to examine the signaling pathways implicated in miRNA-181b-mediated pulpitis. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to determine the miRNA-181b /PLAU/AKT/NF-κB signaling axis in pulpitis. A rat pulpitis model was created to observe the histopathological changes in the dental pulp tissue after the topical application of miRNA-181b agomir. RESULTS A significant decrease in miRNA-181b and an increase in PLAU were observed in HDPTs compared to the healthy controls, and these two factors showed a negative correlation. MiRNA-181b directly targeted PLAU. The miRNA-181b inhibitor resulted in a significant upregulation of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, whereas the knockdown of PLAU reversed this proinflammatory effect. Conversely, PLAU overexpression prevented the anti-inflammatory effects of the miRNA-181b mimics. Mechanistically, miRNA-181b inhibited the AKT/NF-κB pathway by targeting PLAU. In vivo application of the miRNA-181b agomir to inflamed pulp tissue alleviated inflammation. CONCLUSION MiRNA-181b targets PLAU, negatively regulating pro-inflammatory cytokine expression via the AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Meng
- College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, 69# Mei Shan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Xinpai Liu
- College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, 69# Mei Shan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Jing Zhang
- College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, 69# Mei Shan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Song Li
- College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, 69# Mei Shan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Wei He
- College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, 69# Mei Shan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 81#Mei Shan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Wuli Li
- College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, 69# Mei Shan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
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Nasiri K, Jahri M, Kolahdouz S, Soleimani M, Makiya A, Saini RS, Merza MS, Yasamineh S, Banakar M, Yazdanpanah MH. MicroRNAs Function in Dental Stem Cells as a Promising Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Dental Diseases. Mol Diagn Ther 2023; 27:703-722. [PMID: 37773247 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-023-00675-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Undifferentiated, highly proliferative, clonogenic, and self-renewing dental stem cells have paved the way for novel approaches to mending cleft palates, rebuilding lost jawbone and periodontal tissue, and, most significantly, recreating lost teeth. New treatment techniques may be guided by a better understanding of these cells and their potential in terms of the specificity of the regenerative response. MicroRNAs have been recognized as an essential component in stem cell biology due to their role as epigenetic regulators of the processes that determine stem cell destiny. MicroRNAs have been proven to be crucial in a wide variety of molecular and biological processes, including apoptosis, cell proliferation, migration, and necrocytosis. MicroRNAs have been recognized to control protein translation, messenger RNA stability, and transcription and have been reported to play essential roles in dental stem cell biology, including the differentiation of dental stem cells, the immunological response, apoptosis, and the inflammation of the dental pulp. Because microRNAs increase dental stem cell differentiation, they may be used in regenerative medicine to either preserve the stem cell phenotype or to aid in the development of tooth tissue. The development of novel biomarkers and therapies for dental illnesses relies heavily on progress made in our knowledge of the roles played by microRNAs in regulating dental stem cells. In this article, we discuss how dental stem cells and their associated microRNAs may be used to cure dental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamyar Nasiri
- Department of Dentistry, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Jahri
- Dental Research Center, School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti, Research Institute of Dental Sciences, University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Ali Makiya
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ravinder S Saini
- COAMS, King Khalid University, Abha, 62529, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Muna S Merza
- Prosthetic Dental Techniques Department, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Babylon, 51001, Iraq
| | - Saman Yasamineh
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Morteza Banakar
- Dental Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran.
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