Ligustrazine alleviates the progression of coronary artery calcification by inhibiting caspase-3/GSDME mediated pyroptosis

The lncRNA SENCR knockdown alleviates vascular calcification via miR-4731-5p by suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress

BACKGROUND

Accumulation of calcium phosphate crystals is associated with vascular calcification (VC); however, the mechanism that promotes VC remains unclear. Accumulating evidence indicates that smooth muscle and endothelial cell-enriched migration/differentiation-associated lncRNA (SENCR) exerts a critical role in VC. This work focuses on the molecules involved in β-glycerophosphate-induced osteogenic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) through SENCR epigenetic modification of Runx2 in an endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-dependent manner.

METHODS

We cultured VSMCs to explore the relationship among β-glycerophosphate, SENCR, and VC and also investigate the function of SENCR in β-glycerophosphate-induced osteogenic differentiation and VC in vitro.

RESULTS

Our findings indicate that β-glycerophosphate enhanced SENCR, MSH homeobox 2, Runx2, ERS-related markers, alkaline phosphatase activity, and cellular calcium deposition and suppressed the expression of α-SMA, SM 22α, and miR-4731-5p. SENCR silencing increased miR-4731-5p expression, which subsequently inhibited β-glycerophosphate-associated endoplasmic reticulum stress at the post-transcriptional level. Critically, the facts that direct interplay between SENCR and miR-4731-5p, and the downregulation of miR-4731-5p efficiently reversed the suppression of ERS-induced by SENCR silencing were observed. Collectively, the present study clarifies a novel mechanism by which downregulation of SRNRC contributes to the ERS-dependent osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs and VC by sponging miR-4731-5p. This study demonstrates that SENCR/miR-4731-5p axis is involved in β-glycerophosphate-mediated VC in vitro.

Tetramethylpyrazine alleviates acute pancreatitis inflammation by inhibiting pyroptosis via the NRF2 pathway

Objective

Tetramethylpyrazine (TMPZ), an active alkaloid derived from traditional Chinese medicine, has shown anti-inflammatory and anti-pyroptotic properties. However, its role in acute pancreatitis (AP)-induced pyroptosis remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of TMPZ on AP-induced pyroptosis and its potential mechanisms.

Materials and methods

A cerulein-induced AP rat model was used to evaluate TMPZ's protective effects in vivo, and its mechanisms were explored using AR42J cells in vitro. Pancreatic injury was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, TUNEL assay, and serum biochemistry. Transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were conducted to examine pyroptosis and related signaling pathways. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis were measured by CCK-8, LDH assays, and Hoechst 33342/PI staining. The role of NRF2 in TMPZ's effects was further evaluated using NRF2 siRNA.

Results

TMPZ alleviated pancreatic histopathological damage, reduced apoptosis, and decreased serum amylase levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18). TMPZ also suppressed pyroptosis by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and downregulating pyroptosis-related proteins (NLRP3,caspase-1, ASC, GSDMD) while upregulating NRF2 and HO-1 expression. NRF2 siRNA attenuated TMPZ's anti-inflammatory and pyroptosis-inhibitory effects, confirming the involvement of the NRF2 pathway.

Conclusion

TMPZ mitigates AP-induced inflammation and injury by modulating pyroptosis via the NRF2 signaling pathway. These findings suggest TMPZ's therapeutic potential for AP.

Comprehensive Analysis Based on Genes Associated With Cuproptosis, Ferroptosis, and Pyroptosis for the Prediction of Diagnosis and Therapies in Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a complex condition influenced by genetic factors, lifestyle, and other risk factors that contribute to increased mortality. This study is aimed at evaluating the diagnostic potential of genes associated with cuproptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis (CFP) using network modularization and machine learning methods. CAD-related datasets GSE42148, GSE20680, and GSE20681 were sourced from the GEO database, and genes related to CFP genes were gathered from MsigDB and FerrDb datasets and literature. To identify diagnostic genes linked to these pathways, weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to isolate CAD-related modules. The diagnostic accuracy of key genes in these modules was then assessed using LASSO, SVM, and random forest models. Immunity and drug sensitivity correlation analyses were subsequently performed to investigate possible underlying mechanisms. The function of a potential gene, STK17B, was analyzed through western blot and transwell assays. Two CAD-related modules with strong correlations were identified and validated. The SVM model outperformed LASSO and random forest models, demonstrating superior discriminative power (AUC = 0.997 in the blue module and AUC = 1.000 in the turquoise module), with nine key genes identified: CTDSP2, DHRS7, NLRP1, MARCKS, PELI1, RILPL2, JUNB, STK17B, and SLC40A1. Knockdown of STK17B inhibited cell migration and invasion in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In summary, our findings suggest that CFP genes hold potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets, with STK17B playing a role in CAD progression.

Decoding interaction between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum in ischemic myocardial injury: targeting natural medicines

Ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) is a special type or end stage of coronary heart disease or other irreversible ischemic myocardial injury. Inflammatory damage to coronary vessels is a crucial factor in causing stenosis or occlusion of coronary arteries, resulting in myocardial ischemia and hypoxia, but it is also an aspect of cardioprotection that is often overlooked. This review discusses the mechanisms of vascular injury during ICM, in which inflammation and oxidative stress interact and trigger cell death as the cause of coronary microvascular injury. Imbalances in endoplasmic reticulum function and mitochondrial quality control are important potential drivers of inflammation and oxidative stress. In addition, many studies have confirmed the therapeutic effects of Chinese herbal medicines and their natural monomeric components on vascular injuries. Their mitochondrial quality control and endoplasmic reticulum protection mechanisms as well as their role in combating improvements in vascular endothelial function and attenuating vascular injury are also summarized, with a perspective to provide a reference for pathologic understanding, drug research, and clinical application of ICM-associated coronary microvascular injury.

From Cells to Plaques: The Molecular Pathways of Coronary Artery Calcification and Disease

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a hallmark of atherosclerosis and a critical factor in the development and progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). This review aims to address the complex pathophysiological mechanisms underlying CAC and its relationship with CAD. We examine the cellular and molecular processes that drive the formation of calcified plaques, highlighting the roles of inflammation, lipid accumulation, and smooth muscle cell proliferation. Additionally, we explore the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the heterogeneity in CAC and CAD presentation among individuals. Understanding these intricate mechanisms is essential for developing targeted therapeutic strategies and improving diagnostic accuracy. By integrating current research findings, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathways linking CAC to CAD, offering insights into potential interventions to mitigate the burden of these interrelated conditions.