Effect of Tripterygium wilfordii Polycoride on the NOXs-ROS-NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling Pathway in Mice with Ulcerative Colitis

Triptolide attenuates LPS-induced chondrocyte inflammation by inhibiting inflammasome activation via the Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB signaling pathways

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common form of arthritis characterized by subchondral bone proliferation and articular cartilage degeneration. Recently, the Nod-like receptor pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has gained attention due to its association with synovial inflammation in OA. Triptolide (TP), known for its immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects, has been studied in various diseases. However, the specific impact of TP on OA and its underlying mechanism remains largely unexplored. In this study, chondrocytes were treated with a specific concentration of TP, and subsequent analysis through Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining revealed decreased expression levels of MMP-13, NLRP3, Caspase-1, ASC, β-catenin, p-p65, and IκB compared to the model group. ELISA results demonstrated significantly lower levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in the TP treatment group compared to the model group. In addition, triptolide ameliorates the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by enhancing the expression of collagen-II. In conclusion, our findings suggest that TP exhibits anti-inflammatory effects on chondrocytes in the presence of LPS-induced inflammation by inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome via the Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB pathway. These results contribute to a better understanding of TP's potential therapeutic benefits in managing OA.

Ferroptosis: a new mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine for treating ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease, manifests with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and mucopurulent, bloody stools. The pathogenesis of UC is not fully understood. At present, the incidence of UC has increased significantly around the world. Conventional therapeutic arsenals are relatively limited, with often poor efficacy and many adverse effects. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) holds promise due to their notable effectiveness, reduced recurrence rates, and minimal side effects. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the basic research on TCM for UC treatment. It has been found that the inhibition of ferroptosis through the intervention of TCM can significantly promote intestinal mucosal healing and reverse UC. The mechanism of action involves multiple targets and pathways.

Aim of the review

This review summarizes the experimental studies on the targeted regulation of ferroptosis by TCM and its impact on UC in recent years, aiming to provide theoretical basis for the prevention, treatment, and further drug development for UC.

Results

Ferroptosis disrupts antioxidant mechanisms in intestinal epithelial cells, damages the intestinal mucosa, and participates in the pathological process of UC. TCM acts on various pathways such as Nrf2/HO-1 and GSH/GPX4, blocking the pathological progression of ferroptosis in intestinal epithelial cells, inhibiting pathological damage to the intestinal mucosa, and thereby alleviating UC.

Conclusion

The diverse array of TCM single herbs, extracts and herbal formulas facilitates selective and innovative research and development of new TCM methods for targeting UC treatment. Although progress has been made in studying TCM compound formulas, single herbs, and extracts, there are still many issues in clinical and basic experimental designs, necessitating further in-depth scientific exploration and research.

Therapeutic interventions target the NLRP3 inflammasome in ulcerative colitis: Comprehensive study

One of the significant health issues in the world is the prevalence of ulcerative colitis (UC). UC is a chronic disorder that mainly affects the colon, beginning with the rectum, and can progress from asymptomatic mild inflammation to extensive inflammation of the entire colon. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of UC pathogenesis emphasizes the need for innovative therapeutic approaches based on identifying molecular targets. Interestingly, in response to cellular injury, the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a crucial part of the inflammation and immunological reaction by promoting caspase-1 activation and the release of interleukin-1β. This review discusses the mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome activation by various signals and its regulation and impact on UC.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products: Potential Approaches for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a rare, recurrent, and intractable inflammation obstruction of the stomach tract, usually accompanied by inflammation of cell proliferation and inflammation of the colon and carries a particular cause of inflammation. The clinical use of drugs in western countries affects IBD treatment, but various adverse effects and high prices limit their application. For these reasons, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is more advantageous in treating IBD. This paper reviews the mechanism and research status of TCM and natural products in IBD treatment by analyzing the relevant literature to provide a scientific and theoretical basis for IBD treatment.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Crohn's Disease

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a growing entity within inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). CAM includes mind-based therapies, body-based therapies, supplements, vitamins, and probiotics. Limitations currently exist for health care providers as it pertains to IBD and CAM that stem from knowledge gaps, conflicting reports, limited oversight, and a lack of well-organized clinical data. Even without well-described data, patients are turning to these forms of therapy at increasing rates. It is imperative that the ongoing review of CAM therapies is performed, and future trials are performed to better understand efficacy as well as adverse effects related to these therapies.

NADPH oxidase family proteins: signaling dynamics to disease management

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are pervasive signaling molecules in biological systems. In humans, a lack of ROS causes chronic and extreme bacterial infections, while uncontrolled release of these factors causes pathologies due to excessive inflammation. Professional phagocytes such as neutrophils (PMNs), eosinophils, monocytes, and macrophages use superoxide-generating NADPH oxidase (NOX) as part of their arsenal of antimicrobial mechanisms to produce high levels of ROS. NOX is a multisubunit enzyme complex composed of five essential subunits, two of which are localized in the membrane, while three are localized in the cytosol. In resting phagocytes, the oxidase complex is unassembled and inactive; however, it becomes activated after cytosolic components translocate to the membrane and are assembled into a functional oxidase. The NOX isoforms play a variety of roles in cellular differentiation, development, proliferation, apoptosis, cytoskeletal control, migration, and contraction. Recent studies have identified NOX as a major contributor to disease pathologies, resulting in a shift in focus on inhibiting the formation of potentially harmful free radicals. Therefore, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms and the transduction pathways involved in NOX-mediated signaling is essential for the development of new therapeutic agents that minimize the hyperproduction of ROS. The current review provides a thorough overview of the various NOX enzymes and their roles in disease pathophysiology, highlights pharmacological strategies, and discusses the importance of computational modeling for future NOX-related studies.

[Swertiamarin alleviates diabetic peripheral neuropathy in rats by suppressing NOXS/ ROS/NLRP3 signal pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the therapeutic effect of swertiamarin on diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in rats and explore the molecular mechanism in light of the NOXS/ROS/NLRP3 signal pathway.

OBJECTIVE

Thirty-two SD rats were randomly divided into control group, DPN model group (treated with saline), swertiamarin (5 mg/kg) treatment group and NOXS inhibitor (10 mL/kg DPI) treatment group. Rat models of DPN were established in the latter 3 groups by intraperitoneal injections of STZ, and the treatments were administered on days 1, 7 and 14 after modeling. Tactile hypersensitivity of the rats was evaluated 30 min after the treatment. The expressions of NOXS, ROS, NLRP3 and inflammatory factors in the spinal cord tissue were detected using ELISA, and the protein expressions of NOXS, ROS, and NLRP3 were also detected with Western blotting.

OBJECTIVE

Compared with those in the control group, the rats in DPN group showed significant hyperalgesia (P < 0.001), increased expressions of TNF-α (P < 0.001) and IL-6 (P < 0.001), decreased expressions of TGF-β (P < 0.001), and increased expressions of NOXS/ROS/NLRP3 signal pathway (P < 0.001). Compared with those in DPN model group, the rats with swertiamarin treatment showed improved hyperalgesia (P < 0.001), decreased expressions of TNF-α (P=0.03) and IL-6 (P=0.002), increased expressions of TGF-β (P=0.04), and decreased expressions of NOXS (P < 0.001), ROS (P < 0.001) and NLRP3 (P=0.002). Treatment with swertiamarin and the NOXS inhibitor produced similar effects on the expressions of the inflammatory factors in the rat models (P>0.05).

OBJECTIVE

DPN effectively relieves hyperalgesia in rat models of DPN by restoring the balance in the expressions of the inflammatory factors by suppressing NOXs/ROS/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Tripterygium glycoside improves regulatory T cells and attenuates acute organ dysfunction in septic mice

Sepsis is a fatal infectious disease accompanied by multiple organ failure. Immune dysfunction and inflammatory response play an important role in the progression of the disease. Tripterygium glycoside (TG) has immune suppression and anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we investigated the effects of TG on cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis. Septic mice model was induced by cecal ligation and puncture(CLP), after administration of TG, specimens are collected at designated time points. Histopathology changes of lung tissues and Kidney tissues were observed under light microscope, magnetic microbeads were used to isolate splenic CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), and phenotypes were then analyzed by flow cytometry. ELISA method was employed to detect the concentrations of plasma TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10. Nuclear p-NF-κB and Cytoplasmic IkB-a was detected by western blot. TG administration significantly alleviated lung and kidney inflammatory injury and improved the survival of septic mice. Furthermore, the suppressive function of regulatory T cells was enhanced and plasma expression of IL-10 was increased following TG treatment. The NF-B signaling pathway and secretion of plasma TNF-α and IL-6 was notably inhibited in septic mice treated with TG. TG exerts protective effects through improving regulatory T cells and attenuating pro-inflammatory cytokines in septic mice.

A Chinese case series of Schnitzler syndrome and complete remission in one tocilizumab-treated patient

Schnitzler syndrome (SchS) is a rare acquired systemic autoinflammatory disease. The major clinical features of SchS are urticarial rash and monoclonal gammopathy, accompanied by fever, joint pain, and lymphadenopathy. There were few reports about SchS in Chinese population. Herein, we describe two patients with SchS in China and conducted a systematic literature review about SchS. Two Chinese Han patients were diagnosed as SchS in our department from 2017 to 2019. Their phenotype and genotype were carefully documented and studied. We also conducted a systematic literature review about SchS. There was one man (66 years old) and one woman (49 years old). Recurrent fever and urticarial rash occurred in both of them during the febrile attacks and normalized in asymptomatic intervals. Other manifestations included arthralgia, lymphadenopathy, and hearing loss. Hepatic cirrhosis and epilepsy were seen in the male patient. None of them had bone pain or family histories. Serum monoclonal IgM gammopathy was found in both patients. MyD88 gene mutation L258P was identified in the female patient. They were treated with tocilizumab and tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF) respectively, and both showed good response. The rarity and diversity of SchS make it difficult to be recognized. Anti-IL-6 agents may be alternative therapies when anti-IL-1 therapy is unresponsive or unavailable. Due to the case report, the effect of TwHF in the treatment of SchS should be further studied.

Using Network Pharmacology for Systematic Understanding of Geniposide in Ameliorating Inflammatory Responses in Colitis Through Suppression of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Macrophage by AMPK/Sirt1 Dependent Signaling

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory bowel disease mediated by immune response. Geniposide is the main active ingredient extracted from Gardenia jasminoides, which has been suggested to exert excellent efficacy on inflammatory disease. Herein, in this study, we aimed to uncover the systematic understanding of the mechanism and effects of geniposide in ameliorating inflammatory responses in colitis. In brief, the TCMSP server and GEO DataSets were used to analyze the systematic understanding of the mechanism and effects of geniposide in ameliorating inflammatory responses in colitis. Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis of mice were administered with 25–100[Formula: see text]mg/kg of geniposide for 7 days by gavage. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Bone Marrow Derived Macrophage (BMDM) cell or RAW264.7 cell models were treated with 20, 50 and 100[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M of geniposide for 4[Formula: see text]h. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and Interleukin-1[Formula: see text] (IL-1[Formula: see text] levels were measured using MPO activity kits and IL-1[Formula: see text] levels enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits, respectively. Additionally, Western blot was used to determine the relevant protein expression. As a result, Geniposide could ameliorate inflammatory responses and prevent colitis in DSS-induced acute colitis of mice by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/Transcription 1 (Sirt1) dependent signaling via the suppression of nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Geniposide attenuated macrophage differentiation in DSS-induced acute colitis of mice. Geniposide suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome and induced AMPK/Sirt1 signaling in LPS-induced BMDM cell or RAW264.7 cell models. In mechanism studies, the inhibition of AMPK/Sirt1 attenuated the anti-inflammatory effects of geniposide in colitis. The activation of NLRP3 attenuated the anti-inflammatory effects of geniposide in colitis. Taken together, our results demonstrated that geniposide ameliorated inflammatory responses in colitis vai the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages by AMPK/Sirt1-dependent signaling.

Laquinimod inhibits MMP+ induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human neuronal cells

Objective: Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays anessentialrole in neuroinflammation in the Parkinson's disease (PD) progression. Laquinimodis an immunomodulator that is clinically used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. This study aims to investigate whether laquinimod possessesa protective effect against MPP+-induced NLRP3 activation.Materials and methods: In a variety of tests on human SH-SY5Y neuronal cells, 1-methyl-4-phenyl Pyridine (MPP+) was used to mimic the microenvironment of PD. Activation of NLRP3 inflammasome was measured by western blot analysis and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: Laquinimod had a significant protective impact against MPP+-induced neurotoxicity. Our results demonstrate that laquinimod prevented MPP+-induced reduction of cell proliferation, the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and apoptosis. Importantly, treatment with laquinimod significantly inhibited the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by reducing the levels of its components, including NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), and cleaved caspase 1 (P10). Consistently, laquinimod prevented MPP+-induced secretions of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18). Additionally, laquinimod also reduced the expression of other related factors, such as intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX-4), thioredoxin-interacting protein (TxNIP). Furthermore, laquinimod prevented the reduction of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) from MPP+ stimulation. Inhibition of SIRT1 abolished the protective effects of laquinimod against the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, suggesting the involvement of SIRT1 in this process.Conclusion: These findings suggest that laquinimod treatment might be a possible therapeutic strategy for neuroinflammation in PD.