OBJECTIVE:Pathological characteristics and MMR status can be determined from microscopic indicators and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of surgical specimens, and these approaches are more cost-effective and convenient than genome profiling tests. We aimed to evaluate the impact of MMR deficiency on survival outcomes and build a new prognostic model for early-stage endometrial carcinoma (EC) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Patients with stage I to II EC who underwent hysterectomy followed by adjuvant radiotherapy from Oct. 2017 to Dec. 2020 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Tumor MMR status was routinely tested by IHC. According to MMR status, they were classified into intact MMR (MMRp) group and defective MMR (MMRd) group. RESULTS:Patients were classified into MMRp group (n = 207) and MMRd group (n = 69). Compared with those in the MMRp group, patients in the MMRd group were more likely to have high-grade disease, LVSI, and high-intermediate risk (HIR)-to-high risk (HR) classifications. The 3-year CSS, DFS, and DMFS rates were significantly lower in the MMRd group. When patients were stratified by risk group, DFS and DMFS were significantly worse among MMRd patients in the HIR-to-HR group. Regarding failure patterns, MMRd patients were more likely to experience distant failure. Among 276 patients, multivariate Cox analysis revealed that ER or PR status, myometrial invasion (MI), MMR status, and LVSI were independent prognostic factors for DFS, whereas ER or PR status, MMR status, and MI were significant predictors of DMFS. A prediction model combining the MMR status and the significant prognostic predictors mentioned above in the multivariate analysis was built through nomogram models. CONCLUSION:Among early-stage EC patients, MMRd group had poorer survivals. Combination of MMR status and other clinicopathological factors could establish a new prognostic model. Prospective studies with full molecular sequencing to determine the prognostic significance of MMR status are needed.

The flowers of Hosta plantaginea (Lam.), a traditional Chinese medicine, is utilized for the treatment of sore throat, aphonia, and cough alleviation. The polysaccharides HPFP-1 and HPFP-2 were separated from these plants through water-soluble alcohol precipitation and column chromatography. After structural analysis (monosaccharide composition, methylation and NMR), The →1)-β-D-Fruf-(2→ and →1,6)-β-D-Fruf-(2→, →6)-α-D-Glcp were interconnected to form the main chain of HPFP-1. The →3,6)-β-D-Galp-(1→, →5)-α-L-Araf-(1→, and →3)-β-D-Galp-6-OMe(1→, →6)-β-D-Galp-(1→, →4)-α-D-Galp-(1→ were interconnected to form the main chain of HPFP-2. In acute pharyngitis rats, HPFP effectively increased the level of NO, decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, and reduced macrophage and neutrophil infiltration. In the LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cell model, HPFP-1 and HPFP-2 decreased the levels of NO, TNF-α, IL-6, p-p65, and p-IκB, which demonstrated the anti-inflammatory mechanism of these two polysaccharides through the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, they have the potential to be highly effective drugs for combating acute pharyngitis.

Radix Fici Hirtae (RFH), a traditional Chinese medication, is said to be useful in controlling immunity. However, it remained unclear whether its polysaccharides components are associated with these immunomodulatory properties. Herein, two polysaccharides, designated RFHP-1 and RFHP-2, were isolated from RFH using water-soluble alcohol precipitation and column chromatography. Structural characterization by monosaccharide content analysis, methylation, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) revealed that the main chain of RFHP-1 was formed by the interconnection of →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →3,6)-β-D-Glcp-(1→, →3)-β-D-Glcp-(1→, and →4,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, and the main chain of RFHP-2 was formed by the interconnection of →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →3,6)-β-D-Galp-(1→, →3)-β-D-Galp-(1→, →4,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ and →6)-β-D-Galp-(1→. Both RFHP-1 and RFHP-2 raised the CD4/CD8 ratio and improved the expression of immune factors in immunocompromised mice. By activating the NF-κB pathway (promote phosphorylation of p65 and IκB), RFHP-1 and RFHP-2 both promoted release cytokines (NO, TNF-a, IL-6, and IFN-γ) at RAW 264.7 macrophages. The results of molecular docking (-8.4 kcal/mol vs. -6.0 kcal/mol) and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) (-7.75 kcal/mol vs. -7.46 kcal/mol) demonstrated that RFHP-1 exhibited stronger binding affinity with MD2, suggesting greater immunoactivating potential. These findings indicate that RFHP polysaccharides, particularly RFHP-1, may serve as promising candidates for development as dietary supplements for individuals with compromised immune systems.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz. (Dictamni Cortex, DC), a Chinese herbal medicine, is commonly used for treating chronic dermatosis and rheumatism, but can also cause herb-induced liver injury (HILI). Our study has demonstrated that DC can induce idiosyncratic HILI, but the mechanism remains unknown. The NLRP3 inflammasome has become a major target for addressing many diseases. The activation of NLRP3 inflammasome is responsible for many liver-related inflammatory diseases, including idiosyncratic HILI. Aim of the study: The objective of our study was to demonstrate the mechanism underlying the idiosyncratic HILI induced by DC and clarify the susceptible component in DC. Materials and methods: Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and THP1 cells were selected to assess the effect of isomaculosidine (IMD) on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in vitro. Western blot, ELISA and CaspaseGlo (R) 1 Inflammasome Assay, flow cytometry and Immunofluorescence were employed to detect the mechanism of IMD on NLRP3 inflammasome activation. To assess the efficacy of IMD in vivo, mice were intravenously administrated with LPS and then IMD were injected intraperitoneally for 6 h. Results: The results of our in vitro studies demonstrate that IMD, the major constituent of DC, specifically promoted ATP- and nigericin-induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, but not NLRC4 and AIM2 inflammasomes. Additionally, IMD promoted nigericin-induced ASC oligomerization. Notably, synergistic induction of mtROS played a key role on the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. IMD increased the mtROS production in the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome induced by nigericin. In addition, the results of our in vivo study showed that the combination of nonhepatotoxic doses of LPS and IMD can increase the levels of ALT, AST, and DBIL, leading to liver injury. Conclusions: IMD specifically facilitated the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome induced by nigericin and ATP, which is responsible for DC-induced idiosyncratic HILI.

With the advancing comprehension of immunology, an increasing number of immunotherapies are being explored and implemented in the field of cancer treatment. The cGAS-STING pathway, a crucial element of the innate immune response, has been identified as pivotal in cancer immunotherapy. We evaluated the antitumor effects of Schisandra chinensis lignan component Schisandrin C (SC) in 4T1 and MC38 tumor-bearing mice, and studied the enhancing effects of SC on the cGAS-STING pathway and antitumor immunity through RNA sequencing, qRT-PCR, and flow cytometry. Our findings revealed that SC significantly inhibited tumor growth in models of both breast and colon cancer. This suppression of tumor growth was attributed to the activation of type I IFN response and the augmented presence of T cells and NK cells within the tumor. Additionally, SC markedly promoted the cGAS-STING pathway activation induced by cisplatin. In comparison to cisplatin monotherapy, the combined treatment of SC and cisplatin exhibited a greater inhibitory effect on tumor growth. The amplified chemotherapeutic efficacy was associated with an enhanced type I IFN response and strengthened antitumor immunity. SC was shown to reduce tumor growth and increase chemotherapy sensitivity by enhancing the type I IFN response activation and boosting antitumor immunity, which enriched the research into the antitumor immunity of S. chinensis and laid a theoretical basis for its application in combating breast and colon cancer.

OBJECTIVES:Breast cancer is a common malignancy in women. More than 90% of breast cancer deaths are caused by metastasis. Epimedii Folium (EF) is a commonly used herb with anti-tumor benefits, but its underlying mechanisms and active components for breast cancer prevention are little understood. This study assessed the therapeutic role of Icariside I (ICS I) in Epimedium flavonoids (EF) on lung metastasis of breast cancer, including the underlying mechanism.METHODS:Western blot, RT-qPCR, wound healing assay, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry were used to investigate the inhibition of breast cancer cells growth and migration by EF and ICS I through disrupting the IL-6/STAT3 pathway. Combined with 4T1 breast cancer model in mice, Western blot, RT-qPCR, Hematoxylin and Eosin staining, immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the therapeutic role of ICS I in proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis of breast cancer.KEY FINDINGS:EF can inhibit STAT3 phosphorylation and reduce the colony formation and migration of breast cancer cells. Detecting the active ingredients in EF, we found ICS I can reduce the activation of STAT3 in 4T1 breast cancer cells, impair colony formation and migration. Moreover, ICS I induced cells G1 phase arrest and modulated Cyclin D1, CDK4, bcl-2, and bax to inhibit proliferation and survival of breast cancer cells. Similarly, the in vivo studies demonstrated that ICS I significantly suppressed tumor development and lung metastasis in the 4T1 mouse model. Tumor cells in vehicle group were arranged in a spoke-like pattern with obvious heterogeneity, and multinucleated tumor giant cells were seen. But, the tumor cells in the ICS I group were disorganized and necrotic lysis was seen in some areas. In ICS I-treated group, tumors' STAT3 phosphorylation level, IL-6, Cyclin D1, CDK4, bcl-2, and vimentin expression were downregulated, bax and cleaved caspase 3 expression were upregulated. In the lung tissue, we could find less metastasis of breast cancer cells and less lung injury in the ICS I group. Besides, the expression of metastasis-related genes MMP9 and vimentin was decreased in the lung tissue of ICS I group.CONCLUSIONS:These findings suggest that ICS I can inhibit breast cancer proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis probably via targeting IL-6/STAT3 pathway. Therefore, ICS I has the potential to become an innovative therapeutic candidate to breast cancer prevention and treatment.

Abstract Background Squama Manis is a valuable traditional Chinese medicine with a long history of medicinal use in the treatment of breast-related diseases. However, owing to the excessive exploitation and utilization of the resources, Squama Manis has been included in the list of rare and endangered wild animals. The conservation of the resources of Squama Manis and continuing its clinical application has become an urgent problem, and the search for small-molecule substitutes for Squama Manis is an effective way to achieve this goal. Previous studies have identified PA3264 as a possible active ingredient in Squama Manis. In this study, we systematically investigated the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of PA3264 in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a representative breast-related disease. Methods Cell viability and colony formation assays were performed after treatment with the target dipeptide PA3264 in vitro. Next, 4T1 orthotopic tumors and humanized PBMC-CDX mouse models were generated to examine the antitumor effect of PA3264 in vivo. Transcriptome sequencing and molecular docking experiments were performed to predict pathways to function. Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR were used to validate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of PA3264. Results PA3264 significantly inhibited cell viability and migration of breast cancer cells in vitro. Furthermore, PA3264 suppressed the tumor size and reduced the tumor weight in vivo. Finally, it was verified that PA3264 prevented the progression of breast cancer by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway, causing cell cycle arrest, and promoting apoptosis. Conclusions This study elucidated that PA3264 derived from rare and endangered Squama Manis was a novel bioactive peptide for treating triple-negative breast cancer from a scientific research perspective.

Background: The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon (IFN) genes (STING) pathway is critical in the innate immune system and can be mobilized by cytosolic DNA. The various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases progression is highly correlated with aberrant cGAS-STING pathway activation. While some cGAS-STING pathway inhibitor were identified, there are no drugs that can be applied to the clinic. Compound Danshen Dripping Pill (CDDP) has been successfully used in clinic around the world, but the most common application is limited to cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the purpose of the present investigation was to examine whether CDDP inhibits the cGAS-STING pathway and could be used as a therapeutic agent for multiple cGAS-STING-triggered diseases. Methods: BMDMs, THP1 cells or Trex1-/- BMDMs were stimulated with various cGAS-STING-agonists after pretreatment with CDDP to detect the function of CDDP on IFN-beta and ISGs productionn. Next, we detect the influence on IRF3 and P65 nuclear translocation, STING oligomerization and STING-TBK1-IRF3 complex formation of CDDP. Additionally, the DMXAA-mediated activation mice model of cGAS-STING pathway was used to study the effects of CDDP. Trex1-/- mice model and HFD-mediated obesity model were established to clarify the efficacy of CDDP on inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Results: CDDP efficacy suppressed the IRF3 phosphorylation or the generation of IFN-beta, ISGs, IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Mechanistically, CDDP did not influence the STING oligomerization and IRF3-TBK1 and STING-IRF3 interaction, but remarkably eliminated the STING-TBK1 interaction, ultimately blocking the downstream responses. In addition, we also clarified that CDDP could suppress cGAS-STING pathway activation triggered by DMXAA, in vivo. Consistently, CDDP could alleviate multi-organ inflammatory responses in Trex1-/- mice model and attenuate the inflammatory disorders, incleding obesity-induced insulin resistance. Conclusion: CDDP is a specifically cGAS-STING pathway inhibitor. Furthermore, we provide novel mechanism for CDDP and discovered a clinical agent for the therapy of cGAS-STING-triggered inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:Liuweiwuling Tablet (LWWL) is a patented Chinese medicine approved by the Chinese National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). Clinically, it is used to treat a range of liver diseases that precede hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), including hepatitis, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. LWWL is hypothesized to inhibit the inflammatory transformation of HCC, which may have a positive impact on the prevention and treatment of HCC. However, its exact mechanism of action remains unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY:To investigate how LWWL is effective in the treatment of HCC and to validate the pathways involved in this process. MATERIALS AND METHODS:An in vivo model of HCC induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) was established to study the effect of LWWL on the development of HCC. The rat serum was analyzed for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT). The rat liver tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome for pathological analysis. Rat liver tissue was subjected to transcriptome sequencing. Expression of inflammatory and liver fibrosis-related factors in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and LX-2 cells was detected by QRT-PCR, ELISA and Western blot (WB). The expression of apoptosis and stemness genes in HepG2 and Huh7 cells was assessed through flow cytometry and QRT-PCR. Transcriptomics, network pharmacology, WB, and QRT-PCR were employed to validate the mechanisms associated with the amelioration of HCC development by LWWL. RESULTS:LWWL significantly reduced the severity of hepatitis and liver fibrosis, the expression of tumor stemness genes, and the incidence of HCC. In addition, LWWL inhibited the release of inflammatory substances and nuclear accumulation of P65 protein in BMDMs as well as the conversion of LX-2 cells to fibroblasts. LWWL inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 and Huh7 cells, including the initiation of apoptosis and the reduction of stemness gene expression. Importantly, LWWL regulates the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway, which affects hepatic inflammation and cancer progression. CONCLUSION:LWWL inhibited the occurrence and development of HCC by modulating the severity of hepatitis and liver fibrosis, indicating the potential clinical relevance of LWWL in preventing and treating HCC.

Background Abnormal activation of NLRP3 inflammasome is related to a series of inflammatory diseases, including type 2 diabetes, gouty arthritis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, targeting NLRP3 inflammasome is regarded as a potential therapeutic strategy for many inflammatory diseases. A growing number of studies have identified tanshinone I (Tan I) as a potential anti-inflammatory agent because of its good anti-inflammatory activity. However, its specific anti-inflammatory mechanism and direct target are unclear and need further study. Methods IL-1β and caspase-1 were detected by immunoblotting and ELISA, and mtROS levels were measured by flow cytometry. Immunoprecipitation was used to explore the interaction between NLRP3, NEK7 and ASC. In a mouse model of LPS-induced septic shock, IL-1β levels in peritoneal lavage fluid and serum were measured by ELISA. Liver inflammation and fibrosis in the NASH model were analyzed by HE staining and immunohistochemistry. Results Tan I inhibited the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages, but had no effect on the activation of AIM2 or NLRC4 inflammasome. Mechanistically, Tan I inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and activation by targeting NLRP3-ASC interaction. Furthermore, Tan I exhibited protective effects in mouse models of NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated diseases, including septic shock and NASH. Conclusions Tan I specifically suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation by disrupting the association of NLRP3 and ASC, and exhibits protective effects in mouse models of LPS-induced septic shock and NASH. These findings suggest that Tan I is a specific NLRP3 inhibitor and may be a promising candidate for treating NLRP3 inflammasome-related diseases. Graphical Abstract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:Schisandra Chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. is a long-term used traditional Chinese medicine with the functions of tonifying the kidney and calming the heart, tonifying qi and engendering fluid. It can be used to treat insomnia and dreaminess, spermatorrhea, coughs, as well as liver and kidney deficiency of Yin or Yang Syndrome. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Schisandra Chinensis regulates host immunity and exhibits anti-cancer, antiviral and liver-protecting effects. However, the specific mechanism by which Schisandra Chinensis modulates antiviral immunity is unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY:We sought to explore the therapeutic effect of the active components of Schisandra Chinensis on anti-viral immunity and further investigate the underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Immunoblotting, quantitative real-time PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation were used to investigate the effect of schisandrin C (SC), one of the most abundant and biologically active components of Schisandra Chinensis, on the activation of cGAS-STING signaling pathway and the underlying mechanism. In addition, CMA-mediated STING activation and hydrodynamic injection-mediated HBV-replicating mouse model were used to investigate the effect of SC on the activation of STING signaling pathway and its antiviral effect in vivo. RESULTS:SC promoted cGAS-STING pathway activation, accompanied by increased production of interferon β (IFN β) and downstream gene expression. Moreover, SC also exerted anti-HBV effects, reducing HBeAg, HBcAg, HBsAg, and HBV DNA levels in hydrodynamic injection-mediated HBV-replicating mouse model and elevating the production of IFN β and expression of interferon-stimulated genes (IFIT1, ISG15, and CXCL10). Mechanistically, SC could facilitate the interaction between TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and STING, which is important for IRF3 phosphorylation and production of IFN β. CONCLUSIONS:Our study confirmed that SC enhances cGAS-STING pathway activation and inhibits HBV replication, as well as provides clues for chronic hepatitis B and other infectious diseases treated by SC.

目的 研究五味子油联合莪术油防治肝纤维化的作用及机制.方法 采用蛋氨酸和胆碱缺乏及铁添加氨基酸饲料喂养小鼠构建非酒精脂肪肝炎伴肝纤维化模型,将112只C57BL/6小鼠分为对照组、模型组、扶正化瘀胶囊(585 mg/kg)组、五味子油单独给药组、莪术油单独给药组以及五味子油联合莪术油给药组;造模成功后,对照组和模型组ig 0.5％羧甲基纤维素钠溶液,各给药组ig相应药物,连续6周;采用酶标仪测定小鼠血清中丙氨酸转氨酶(alanine aminotransferase,ALT)和天冬氨酸转氨酶(aspartate aminotransferase,AST)活性;采用苏木素-伊红(HE)染色法观察各组小鼠肝组织病理变化;采用ELISA法检测小鼠血清中转化生长因子-β1(transforming growth factor-β1,TGF-β1)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)和肝组织中羟脯氨酸(hydroxyproline,Hyp)含量;采用qRT-PCR法检测小鼠肝组织中Ⅰ型胶原(CollagenⅠ)、TGF-βl和Smad3的mRNA表达情况.人肝星形LX-2细胞给予药物预处理,再加入TGF-β1因子,采用Western blotting法检测细胞Collagen Ⅰ和α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-smooth muscle actin,α-SMA)蛋白表达情况.结果 体内实验结果显示,与模型组相比,各给药组血清中ALT和AST活性均显著降低(P＜0.05、0.01、0.001),其中五味子油与莪术油联合给药高剂量组抑制小鼠ALT活性更为显著;肝脏颜色、光泽和质地都有明显改善,肝组织中脂肪空泡化改善、炎性细胞浸润减少;肝组织Hyp和血清TGF-β1、TNF-α含量均显著降低(P＜0.05、0.01、0.001),其中联合给药高剂量组改善小鼠肝组织Hyp含量更为显著;肝组织Collagen Ⅰ、TGF-β1和Smad3 mRNA表达水平显著降低(P＜0.05、0.01、0.001).体外实验结果显示,五味子油与莪术油联合给药组能下调TGF-β1诱导的LX-2细胞Collagen Ⅰ和α-SMA蛋白表达.结论 五味子油和莪术油均具有抗肝纤维化作用,且五味子油与莪术油联用的抗肝纤维化效应明显强于各药物的单独使用.

Context Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (Magnoliaceae) essential oil (SCEO) composition is rich in lignans that are believed to perform protective effects in the liver.Objective This study investigates the effects of SCEO in the treatment of acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury in mice.Materials and methods C57BL/6 mice (n = 56) were randomly divided into seven groups: normal; APAP (300 mg/kg); APAP plus bicyclol (200 mg/kg); APAP plus SCEO (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 g/kg). Serum biochemical parameters for liver function, inflammatory factors, and antioxidant activities were determined. The protein expression levels of Nrf2, GCLC, GCLM, HO-1, p62, and LC3 were assessed by western blotting. Nrf2, GCLC, HO-1, p62, and LC3 mRNA were detected by real-time PCR.Results Compared to APAP overdose, SCEO (2 g/kg) pre-treatment reduced the serum levels of AST (79.4%), ALT (84.6%), TNF-α (57.3%), and IL-6 (53.0%). In addition, SCEO (2 g/kg) markedly suppressed cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) (15.4%) and attenuated the exhaustion of GSH (43.6%) and SOD (16.8%), and the accumulation of MDA (22.6%) in the liver, to inhibit the occurrence of oxidative stress. Moreover, hepatic tissues from our experiment revealed that SCEO pre-treatment mitigated liver injury caused by oxidative stress by increasing Nrf2, HO-1, and GCL. Additionally, SCEO activated autophagy, which upregulated hepatic LC3-II and decreased p62 in APAP overdose mice (p < 0.05).Discussion and conclusions Our evidence demonstrated that SCEO protects hepatocytes from APAP-induced liver injury in vivo and the findings will provide a reliable theoretical basis for developing novel therapeutics.

NLRP3 inflammasome activation is implicated in the pathogenesis of a wide range of inflammatory diseases, but medications targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome are not available for clinical use. Here, we demonstrate that cryptotanshinone (CTS), a major component derived from the traditional medicinal herb Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, is a specific inhibitor for the NLRP3 inflammasome. Cryptotanshinone inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages, but has no effects on AIM2 or NLRC4 inflammasome activation. Mechanistically, cryptotanshinone blocks Ca2+ signaling and the induction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), which are important upstream signals of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In vivo, cryptotanshinone attenuates caspase-1 activation and IL-1β secretion in mouse models of NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated diseases such as endotoxemia syndrome and methionine- and choline-deficient-diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Our findings suggest that cryptotanshinone may be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated diseases.

The abnormal activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is closely related to the occurrence and development of many inflammatory diseases. Targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome has been considered an efficient therapy to treat infections. We found that dihydrotanshinone I (DHT) specifically blocked the canonical and non-canonical activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Nevertheless, DHT had no relation with the activation of AIM2 or the NLRC4 inflammasome. Further study demonstrated that DHT had no influences on potassium efflux, calcium flux, or the production of mitochondrial ROS. We also discovered that DHT suppressed ASC oligomerization induced by NLRP3 agonists, suggesting that DHT inhibited the assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Importantly, DHT possessed a significant therapeutic effect on NLRP3 inflammasome–mediated sepsis in mice. Therefore, our results aimed to clarify DHT as a specific small-molecule inhibitor for the NLRP3 inflammasome and suggested that DHT can be used as a potential drug against NLRP3-mediated diseases.

Brevilin A (BA), is a natural biologically active ingredient derived from Centipeda minima with several reports of anti-cancer, while its anti-inflammatory activity is rarely reported. Current studies have found the dysregulated activation of NLRP3 inflammasome cause a variety of inflammatory diseases. Targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to the treatment of NLRP3-induced diseases. Here, we found that BA significantly attenuates the activation of caspase-1 and the subsequent secretion of the interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in mouse macrophages and human THP-1 cells, showing the inhibitory effect of BA on the NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Moreover, BA specifically inhibits NLRs inflammasomes activation triggered by multi-stimuli, but it has no effect on the AIM2 inflammasome activation, indicating that BA is a specific inhibitor of the NLRs inflammasomes. Research on the mechanism found BA inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation by blocking the upstream of ASC oligomerization. Importantly, in vivo experiments showed that BA markedly reduces the secretion of IL-1β to suppress NLRP3 inflammasome in the LPS-induced inflammation and MSU-challenged peritonitis model. In conclusion, our experiments show that BA is an effective NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor and can be regarded as a drug candidate for NLRP3 inflammasome-driven diseases.

Psoraleae Fructus (PF) is a well-known traditional herbal medicine in China, and it is widely used for osteoporosis, vitiligo, and other diseases in clinical settings. However, liver injury caused by PF and its preparations has been frequently reported in recent years. Our previous studies have demonstrated that PF could cause idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (IDILI), but the mechanism underlying its hepatotoxicity remains unclear. This paper reports that bavachin isolated from PF enhances the specific stimuli-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and leads to hepatotoxicity. Bavachin boosts the secretion of IL-1β and caspase-1 caused by ATP or nigericin but not those induced by poly(I:C), monosodium urate crystal, or intracellular lipopolysaccharide. Bavachin does not affect AIM2 or NLRC4 inflammasome activation. Mechanistically, bavachin specifically increases the production of nigericin-induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species among the most important upstream events in the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Bavachin increases the levels of aspartate transaminase and alanine aminotransferase in serum and hepatocyte injury accompanied by the secretion of IL-1β via a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide-mediated susceptibility to IDILI. These results suggest that bavachin specifically enhances the ATP- or nigericin-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Bavachin also potentially contributes to PF-induced idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity. Moreover, bavachin and PF should be evaded among patients with diseases linked to the ATP- or nigericin-mediated activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which may be a dangerous factor for liver injury.

The activation of the nucleotide oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) family, pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is related to the pathogenesis of a wide range of inflammatory diseases, but drugs targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome are still scarce. In the present study, we demonstrated that Licochalcone B (LicoB), a main component of the traditional medicinal herb licorice, is a specific inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome. LicoB inhibits the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages but has no effect on the activation of AIM2 or NLRC4 inflammasome. Mechanistically, LicoB directly binds to NEK7 and inhibits the interaction between NLRP3 and NEK7, thus suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Furthermore, LicoB exhibits protective effects in mouse models of NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated diseases, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic shock, MSU-induced peritonitis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Our findings indicate that LicoB is a specific NLRP3 inhibitor and a promising candidate for treating NLRP3 inflammasome-related diseases.

Aberrant activation of inflammasomes, a group of protein complexes, is pathogenic in a variety of metabolic and inflammation-related diseases. Here, we report that carnosol inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation by directly targeting heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90), which is essential for NLRP3 inflammasome activity, thereby treating inflammasome-mediated diseases. Our data demonstrate that carnosol inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation in primary mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), THP-1 cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs). Mechanistically, carnosol inhibits inflammasome activation by binding to HSP90 and then inhibiting its ATPase activity. In vivo, our results show that carnosol has remarkable therapeutic effects in mouse models of NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated diseases, including endotoxemia and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Our data also suggest that intraperitoneal administration of carnosol (120 mg/kg) once daily for two weeks is well tolerated in mice. Thus, our study reveals the inhibitory effect of carnosol on inflammasome activation and demonstrates that carnosol is a safe and effective candidate for the treatment of inflammasome-mediated diseases.