The role of mitochondria-associated membranes mediated ROS on NLRP3 inflammasome in cardiovascular diseases

Elucidating emerging signaling pathways driving endothelial dysfunction in cardiovascular aging

The risk for developing cardiovascular diseases dramatically increases in older individuals, and aging vasculature plays a crucial role in determining their morbidity and mortality. Aging disrupts endothelial balance between vasodilators and vasoconstrictors, impairing function and promoting pathological vascular remodeling. In this Review, we discuss the impact of key and emerging molecular pathways that transduce aberrant inflammatory signals (i.e., chronic low-grade inflammation-inflammaging), oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in aging vascular compartment. We focus on the interplay between these events, which contribute to generating a vicious cycle driving the progressive alterations in vascular structure and function during cardiovascular aging. We also discuss the primary role of senescent endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, and the potential link between vascular and myeloid cells, in impairing plaque stability and promoting the progression of atherosclerosis. The aim of this summary is to provide potential novel insights into targeting these processes for therapeutic benefit.

Anemoside B4 targets NEK7 to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation and alleviate MSU-induced acute gouty arthritis by modulating the NF-κB signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Acute gouty arthritis is a metabolic disorder caused by monosodium urate (MSU) accumulation, leading to NLRP3 inflammasome activation and joint inflammation. Anemoside B4 (B4), a pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin, exerts significant anti-inflammatory effects. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic action, particularly its targeting of key components in NLRP3 inflammasome activation, remain unclear.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms and target of B4 in treating MSU-induced macrophage pyroptosis and acute gouty arthritis, focusing specifically, on its interaction with NEK7, a critical regulator of NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

METHODS

Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo methods were employed to examine the effects and mechanisms of B4. In vitro analyses included Western blot, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), and immunofluorescence assays to assess NLRP3 inflammasome components and NEK7-NLRP3 interactions. The binding of B4 to NEK7 was evaluated using molecular docking, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS), NEK7 gene silencing, and site-specific amino acid mutation experiments. In vivo, MSU-induced acute gouty arthritis mouse models and NEK7 knockdown mouse models were used to demonstrate the therapeutic effects and specificity of B4.

RESULTS

This study provides the first evidence that B4 significantly inhibits MSU-induced inflammation and pyroptosis in macrophages by directly targeting NEK7 and disrupting the NEK7-NLRP3 complex, thereby reducing NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Additionally, B4 effectively suppressed MSU-induced ROS production, mitochondrial damage, and NF-κB activation. In vivo, B4 alleviated symptoms of acute gouty arthritis, reduced NLRP3 expression, and demonstrated specificity for NEK7 in NEK7 knockdown mouse models.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights B4 as an effective inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome activation by directly targeting NEK7, thereby mitigating inflammation and pyroptosis in acute gouty arthritis. These findings position B4 as a prospective therapeutic candidate for the management of acute gouty arthritis, providing insights into its molecular targets and mechanisms.

Macrophage pyroptosis in atherosclerosis: therapeutic potential

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of lipid-rich plaques in arterial walls, leading to cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Macrophage pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death driven by the NLRP3 inflammasome and caspase-1 activation, plays a critical role in the progression and destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques. This review explores the molecular mechanisms underlying macrophage pyroptosis and their significant contributions to AS pathogenesis. Recent advancements have highlighted the therapeutic potential of targeting key components of the pyroptotic pathway, including the use of nanotechnology to increase drug delivery specificity. These strategies are promising for reducing inflammation, stabilizing plaques, and mitigating the clinical impact of AS. Future studies should focus on translating these findings into clinical applications to develop effective treatments that can halt or reverse AS progression by modulating macrophage pyroptosis.

Application trends of hydrogen-generating nanomaterials for the treatment of ROS-related diseases

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play essential roles in both physiological and pathological processes. Under physiological conditions, appropriate amounts of ROS play an important role in signaling and regulation in cells. However, too much ROS can lead to many health problems, including inflammation, cancer, delayed wound healing, neurodegenerative diseases (such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease), and autoimmune diseases, and oxidative stress from excess ROS is also one of the most critical factors in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases such as atherosclerosis. Hydrogen gas effectively removes ROS from the body due to its good antioxidant properties, and hydrogen therapy has become a promising gas therapy strategy due to its inherent safety and stability. The combination of nanomaterials can achieve targeted delivery and effective accumulation of hydrogen, and has some ameliorating effects on diseases. Herein, we summarize the use of hydrogen-producing nanomaterials for the treatment of ROS-related diseases and talk about the prospects for the treatment of other ROS-induced disease models, such as acute kidney injury.

Qian Yang Yu Yin Granule prevents hypertensive cardiac remodeling by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation via Nrf2

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Qian Yang Yu Yin Granule (QYYYG), a traditional Chinese poly-herbal formulation, has been validated in clinical trials to mitigate cardiac remodeling (CR), and cardiac damage in patients with hypertension. However, the specific mechanism remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study explored the potential effects and potential mechanisms of QYYYG on hypertensive CR by combining various experimental approaches.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were used as a model of hypertensive CR, followed by QYYYG interventions. Blood pressure, cardiac function and structure, histopathological changes, and myocardial inflammation and oxidative stress were tested to assess the efficacy of QYYYG in SHRs. For in vitro experiments, a cell model of myocardial hypertrophy and injury was constructed with isoprenaline. Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, oxidative stress, and death were examined after treatment with different concentrations of QYYYG, and transcriptomics analyses were performed to explore the underlying mechanism. Nrf2 and the ROS/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway were detected. Thereafter, ML385 and siRNAs were used to inhibit Nrf2 in cardiomyocytes, so as to verify whether QYYYG negatively regulates the NLRP3 inflammasome by targeting Nrf2, thereby ameliorating the associated phenotypes. Finally, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was conducted to analyze the active ingredients in QYYYG, and molecular docking was utilized to preliminarily screen the compounds with modulatory effects on Nrf2 activities.

RESULTS

QYYYG improved blood pressure, cardiac function, and structural remodeling and attenuated myocardial inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death in SHRs. The transcriptomics results showed that the inflammatory response might be crucial in pathological CR and that Nrf2, which potentially negatively regulates the process, was upregulated by QYYYG treatment. Furthermore, QYYYG indeed facilitated Nrf2 activation and negatively regulated the ROS/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, therefore ameliorating the associated phenotypes. In vitro inhibition or knockdown of Nrf2 weakened or even reversed the repressive effect of QYYYG on ISO-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, pyroptosis, and the NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Based on the results of HPLC and molecular docking, 30 compounds, including cafestol, genistein, hesperetin, and formononetin, have binding sites to Keap1-Nrf2 protein and might affect the activity or stability of Nrf2.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the alleviatory effect of QYYYG on hypertensive CR is related to its regulation of Nrf2 activation. Specifically, QYYYG blocks the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by boosting Nrf2 signaling and depressing myocardial inflammation, oxidative stress, and pyroptosis, thereby effectively ameliorating hypertensive CR.

Targeting Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Cerebral Ischemia: Advances in Pharmacological Interventions

The study of mitochondrial dysfunction has become increasingly pivotal in elucidating the pathophysiology of various cerebral pathologies, particularly neurodegenerative disorders. Mitochondria are essential for cellular energy metabolism, regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), calcium homeostasis, and the execution of apoptotic processes. Disruptions in mitochondrial function, driven by factors such as oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and altered ion balance, lead to neuronal death and contribute to cognitive impairments in several brain diseases. Mitochondrial dysfunction can arise from genetic mutations, ischemic events, hypoxia, and other environmental factors. This article highlights the critical role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and discusses the need for targeted therapeutic strategies to attenuate cellular damage, restore mitochondrial function, and enhance neuroprotection.

Oxidative Stress and the NLRP3 Inflammasome: Focus on Female Fertility and Reproductive Health

Chronic inflammation is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in female reproductive health; influencing natural conception and the outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). An essential component of innate immunity, the NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is one of the major mediators of inflammatory responses, and its activation is closely linked to oxidative stress. This interaction contributes to a decline in oocyte quality, reduced fertilization potential, and impaired embryo development. In the ovarian milieu, oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation interact intricately, and their combined effects on oocyte competence and reproductive outcomes are significant. The aims of this review are to examine these molecular mechanisms and to explore therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activity, with the goal of enhancing female fertility and improving clinical outcomes in reproductive health.

Integrated gold nanorods-based dual-signal platform for accurate total antioxidant capacity assessment in food samples

Accurate assessment of Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) in food is crucial for evaluating nutritional quality and potential health benefits. This study aims to enhance the sensitivity and reliability of TAC detection through a dual-signal method, combining colorimetric and photothermal signals. Gold nanorods (AuNRs) were utilized to establish a dual-signal method duo to the colorimetric and photothermal properties. Fenton reaction can etch the AuNRs from the tips, as a result, a blue shift in the longitudinal LSPR absorption peak was obtained, leading to significant changes in color and photothermal effects, facilitating discrimination through both visual observation and thermometer measurements. In the presence of antioxidants, the Fenton reaction was suppressed or inhibited, protecting the AuNRs from etching. The colorimetric and photothermal signals were therefore positively correlated with TAC levels, enabling dual-signal detection of TAC. The linear range of AA was 4-100 μM in both colorimetry and photothermal modes, with detection limits of 1.60 μM and 1.38 μM, respectively. This dual-signal approach achieves low detection limits, enhancing precision and sensitivity. The method thus has the potential to act as a promising candidate for TAC detection in food samples, contributing to improved food quality and safety assessment.

Relationship between oxidative balance score and post-stroke depression: insights from the NHANES 2005-2018 cross-sectional study

Introduction

The Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) represents an integrated measure of oxidative-reductive homeostasis. Despite the established role of oxidative stress in the development of post-stroke depression (PSD), the association between OBS and PSD in the general population remains unclear. This study aims to explore this relationship using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2005-2018.

Methods

The OBS was calculated using validated methods that incorporate dietary and lifestyle factors, whereas PSD status was determined using self-reported data and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to evaluate the associations of total OBS, dietary OBS, and lifestyle OBS with PSD prevalence, adjusting for potential confounders. Dose-response relationships were further assessed using restricted cubic splines (RCS).

Results

Among the 26,668 participants included in the analysis, 201 were diagnosed with PSD. After adjusting for confounding variables, higher total OBS, dietary OBS, and lifestyle OBS were each significantly associated with reduced odds of PSD. The adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the highest versus lowest quartiles were 0.31 (95% CI: 0.15-0.67) for total OBS, 0.45 (0.27-0.73) for dietary OBS, and 0.28 (0.13-0.60) for lifestyle OBS. RCS analyses indicated a linear dose-response relationship for all three OBS categories with PSD risk. In sex-stratified analyses, significant inverse associations were observed between all OBS categories and PSD in females, whereas only lifestyle OBS was significantly associated with PSD in males.

Conclusion

Higher OBS was associated with reduced odds of PSD, with a particularly pronounced effect in females. These findings suggest that adherence to an antioxidant-rich diet and lifestyle may mitigate PSD risk.

Lysosomal iron accumulation and subsequent lysosomes-mitochondria iron transmission mediate PFOS-induced hepatocyte ferroptosis

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is known as a persistent organic pollutant. A significant correlation between PFOS and liver ferroptosis has been unveiled, but the precise mechanism needs to be elucidated. In prior research, we found that PFOS treatment provoked mitochondrial iron overload. In this study, we observed a gradual increase in lysosomal iron in L-O2 cells after exposure to PFOS for 0.5-24 h. In PFOS-exposed L-O2 cells, suppressing autophagy relieved the lysosomal iron overload. Inhibiting transient receptor potential mucolipin 1 (TRPML1), a calcium efflux channel on the lysosomal membrane, led to a further rise in lysosomal iron levels and decreased mitochondrial iron overload during PFOS treatment. Suppressing VDAC1, a subtype of voltage-dependent anion-selective channels (VDACs) on the outer mitochondrial membrane, had no impact on PFOS-triggered mitochondrial iron overload, whereas restraining VDAC2/3 relieved this condition. Although silencing VDAC2 relieved PFOS-induced mitochondrial iron overload, it had no effect on PFOS-triggered lysosomal iron overload. Silencing VDAC3 alleviated PFOS-mediated mitochondrial iron overload and led to an additional increase in lysosomal iron. Therefore, we regarded VDAC3 as the specific VDACs subtype that mediated the lysosomes-mitochondria iron transfer. Additionally, in the presence of PFOS, an enhanced association between TRPML1 and VDAC3 was found in mice liver tissue and L-O2 cells. Our research unveils a novel regulatory mechanism of autophagy on the iron homeostasis and the effect of TRPML1-VDAC3 interaction on lysosomes-mitochondria iron transfer, giving an explanation of PFOS-induced ferroptosis and shedding some light on the role of classic calcium channels in iron transmission.

New compatible pair of TCM: Paeoniae Radix Alba effectively alleviate Psoraleae Fructus-induced liver injury by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Objective

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI), a type of acute inflammation, has sparked significant concern owing to its unpredictability and severity. Psoraleae Fructus (PF), an edible Chinese herb widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), causes liver injury. Therefore, the elucidation of the mechanism underlying PF-induced liver injury and the search for more effective means of detoxification using herbal compatibility has become an urgent issue. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of Paeoniae Radix Alba (PRA), a hepatoprotective Chinese medicine, on PF-induced liver injury and explored the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

A rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced immune stress was established to evaluate the hepatotoxicity of PF and the detoxifying effect of PRA. Subsequently, inflammatory pathways were identified using network pharmacology. Finally, the molecular mechanism by which PRA alleviates PF-induced liver injury was validated using an inflammasome activation model in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs).

Results

In vivo, hepatocytes in rats treated with LPS + PF exhibited massive inflammatory infiltration and apoptosis, and the expression of liver injury indicators and inflammatory factors was significantly upregulated, which was reversed by PRA pretreatment. Network pharmacology showed that PRA alleviated PF-induced liver injury and was associated with the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. Moreover, PF directly induced inflammasome activation in LPS-primed BMDMs which in turn induced caspase-1 activation and the secretion of downstream effector cytokines such as IL-1β. PRA pretreatment inhibited PF-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by mitigating the accumulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS).

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates that PRA alleviated PF induced-liver injury by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The results of this study are expected to inform the prevention and control of PF-induced hepatotoxicity in clinical practice.

Deciphering the mitochondria-inflammation axis: Insights and therapeutic strategies for heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome resulting from left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction, leading to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite improvements in medical treatment, the prognosis of HF patients remains unsatisfactory, with high rehospitalization rates and substantial economic burdens. The heart, a high-energy-consuming organ, relies heavily on ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria. Mitochondrial dysfunction, characterized by impaired energy production, oxidative stress, and disrupted calcium homeostasis, plays a crucial role in HF pathogenesis. Additionally, inflammation contributes significantly to HF progression, with elevated levels of circulating inflammatory cytokines observed in patients. The interplay between mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation involves shared risk factors, signaling pathways, and potential therapeutic targets. This review comprehensively explores the mechanisms linking mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation in HF, including the roles of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), calcium dysregulation, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) release in triggering inflammatory responses. Understanding these complex interactions offers insights into novel therapeutic approaches for improving mitochondrial function and relieving oxidative stress and inflammation. Targeted interventions that address the mitochondria-inflammation axis hold promise for enhancing cardiac function and outcomes in HF patients.

The role of pyroptosis in heart failure and related traditional chinese medicine treatments

Pyroptosis is a type of programmed cell death that is mediated by both typical and atypical pathways and ultimately leads to the lysis and rupture of cell membranes and the release of proinflammatory factors, triggering an intense inflammatory response. Heart failure (HF) is a serious and terminal stage of various heart diseases. Myocardial hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, ventricular remodeling, oxidative stress, the inflammatory response and cardiomyocyte ionic disorders caused by various cardiac diseases are all risk factors for and aggravate HF. Numerous studies have shown that pyroptosis can induce and exacerbate these reactions, causing progression to HF. Therefore, targeting pyroptosis is a promising strategy to treat HF. This paper summarizes the role of pyroptosis in the development of HF and the underlying mechanism involved. Recent research progress on the ability of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) extracts and formulas to inhibit pyroptosis and treat HF was summarized, and some traditional Chinese medicine extracts and formulas can alleviate different types of HF, including heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and heart failure with midrange ejection fraction (HFmrEF), by targeting pyroptosis. These findings may provide new ideas and evidence for the treatment or adjuvant treatment of HF by targeting pyroptosis.

14-3-3-η interacts with BCL-2 to protect human endothelial progenitor cells from ox-LDL-triggered damage

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) causes dysfunction of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and we recently reported that 14-3-3-η can attenuate the damage triggered by ox-LDL in EPCs. However, the molecular mechanisms by which 14-3-3-η protects EPCs from the damage caused by ox-LDL are not fully understood. In this study, we observed that the expression of 14-3-3-η and BCL-2 were downregulated in ox-LDL-treated EPCs. Overexpression of 14-3-3-η in ox-LDL-treated EPC significantly increased BCL-2 level, while knockdown of BCL-2 reduced 14-3-3-η expression and mitigated the protective effect of 14-3-3-η on EPCs. In addition, we discovered that 14-3-3-η colocalizes and interacts with BCL-2 in EPCs. Taken together, these data suggest that 14-3-3-η protects EPCs from ox-LDL-induced damage by its interaction with BCL-2.

Inflammatory Pathogenesis of Post-stroke Depression

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a complex mood disorder that emerges in individuals following a stroke, characterized by the development of depressive symptoms. The pathogensis of PSD is diverse, with inflammation playing a vital role in its onset and progression. Emerging evidence suggests that microglial activation, astrocyte responses, nuclear factor κB(NF-κB) signaling, dysregulation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, neurotransmitter imbalances, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and its receptors and oxidative stress are intricately linked to the pathogenesis of PSD. The involvement of inflammatory cytokines in these processes highlights the significance of the inflammatory pathway. Integrating these hypotheses, the inflammatory mechanism offers a novel perspective to expand therapeutic strategies for PSD.

A link between mitochondrial damage and the immune microenvironment of delayed onset muscle soreness

BACKGROUND

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a self-healing muscle pain disorder. Inflammatory pain is the main feature of DOMS. More and more researchers have realized that changes in mitochondrial morphology are related to pain. However, the role of mitochondria in the pathogenesis of DOMS and the abnormal immune microenvironment is still unknown.

METHODS

Mitochondria-related genes and gene expression data were obtained from MitoCarta3.0 and NCBI GEO databases. The network of mitochondrial function and the immune microenvironment of DOMS was constructed by computer algorithm. Subsequently, the skeletal muscle of DOMS rats was subjected to qPCR to verify the bioinformatics results. DOMS and non-DOMS histological samples were further studied by staining and transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Bioinformatics results showed that expression of mitochondria-related genes was changed in DOMS. The results of qPCR showed that four hub genes (AMPK, PGC1-α, SLC25A25, and ARMCX1) were differentially expressed in DOMS. These hub genes are related to the degree of skeletal muscle immune cell infiltration, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex, DAMPs, the TCA cycle, and mitochondrial metabolism. Bayesian network inference showed that IL-6 and PGC1-α may be the main regulatory genes of mitochondrial damage in DOMS. Transmission electron microscopy revealed swelling of skeletal muscle mitochondria and disorganization of myofilaments.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study found that skeletal muscle mitochondrial damage is one of the causes of inflammatory factor accumulation in DOMS. According to the screened-out hub genes, this study provides a reference for follow-up clinical application.

Reframing the link between metabolism and NLRP3 inflammasome: therapeutic opportunities

Inflammasomes are multiprotein signaling platforms in the cytosol that senses exogenous and endogenous danger signals and respond with the maturation and secretion of IL-1β and IL-18 and pyroptosis to induce inflammation and protect the host. The inflammasome best studied is the Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat-containing family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. It is activated in a two-step process: the priming and the activation, leading to sensor NLRP3 oligomerization and recruitment of both adaptor ASC and executioner pro-caspase 1, which is activated by cleavage. Moreover, NLRP3 inflammasome activation is regulated by posttranslational modifications, including ubiquitination/deubiquitination, phosphorylation/dephosphorylation, acetylation/deacetylation, SUMOylation and nitrosylation, and interaction with NLPR3 protein binding partners. Moreover, the connection between it and metabolism is receiving increasing attention in this field. In this review, we present the structure, functions, activation, and regulation of NLRP3, with special emphasis on regulation by mitochondrial dysfunction-mtROS production and metabolic signals, i.e., metabolites as well as enzymes. By understanding the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, specific inhibitors can be rationally designed for the treatment and prevention of various immune- or metabolic-based diseases. Lastly, we review current NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors and their mechanism of action.

Inhibitors of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Ischemic Heart Disease: Focus on Functional and Redox Aspects

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is caused by several mechanisms, including the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), altered cellular osmolarity, and inflammatory response. Calcium overload, altered oxygen levels, and mitochondrial ROS are also involved in these MIRI processes, resulting in the irreversible opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). These mechanisms and processes are associated with NLRP3 inflammasome priming and activation, which can also induce cell death by pyroptosis through the up-regulation of the caspase-1 pathway and IL-18 release. In addition, endothelial dysfunction, both in the presence and absence of MIRI, is also accompanied by altered oxygen levels, decreased nitric oxide production, and ROS overproduction, resulting in the expression of adhesion molecules and leukocyte infiltration in which the NLRP3 inflammasome plays a central role, thus contributing, through endothelial dysfunction, to the alteration of coronary flow, typical of ischemic heart disease. Given the intricate interrelationship between ROS and NLRP3, ROS inhibitors can reduce NLRP3 inflammasome activation, while NLRP3 inhibitors can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. NLRP3 inhibitors have been intensively studied as anti-inflammatory agents in basic cardiovascular sciences. In this review, we analyze the interrelation between ROS and NLRP3 in ischemic heart disease and the effects of some NLRP3 inhibitors as possible therapeutic agents in this disease condition. All compounds considered in this review need larger studies to confirm their appropriate use in clinical scenarios as anti-ischemic drugs.

RAGE contributes to allergen driven severe neutrophilic airway inflammation via NLRP3 inflammasome activation in mice

Background

Asthma is a major public healthcare burden, affecting over 300 million people worldwide. While there has been great progress in the treatment of asthma, subsets of patients who present with airway neutrophilia, often have more severe disease, and tend to be resistant to conventional corticosteroid treatments. The receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) plays a central role in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic asthma, however, it's role in neutrophilic asthma remains largely uninvestigated.

Methods

A mouse model of severe steroid resistant neutrophilic airway disease (SSRNAD) using the common fungal allergen Alternaria alternata (AA) was employed to evaluate the effects of genetic ablation of RAGE and pharmacological inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome on neutrophilic airway inflammation.

Results

AA exposure induced robust neutrophil-dominant airway inflammation and increased BALF levels of Th1/Th17 cytokines in wild-type mice, which was significantly reduced in RAGE-/- mice. Serum levels of IgE and IgG1 were increased similarly in both wild-type and RAGE-/- mice. Pharmacological inhibition of NLRP3 blocked the effects of AA exposure and NLRP3 inflammasome activation was RAGE-dependent. Neutrophil extracellular traps were elevated in the BALF of wild-type but not RAGE-/- mice and an atypical population of SiglecF+ neutrophils were identified in the BALF. Lastly, time-course studies found that RAGE expression promoted sustained neutrophil accumulation in the BALF of mice in response to AA.