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11 pages, 1928 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Absence of NLRP3-inflammasome Modulates Hepatic Fibrosis Progression, Lipid Metabolism, and Inflammation in KO NLRP3 Mice during Aging

by Paloma Gallego, Beatriz Castejón-Vega, José A. del Campo and Mario D. Cordero

Cells 2020, 9(10), 2148; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9102148 - 23 Sep 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3376

Abstract

Aging is associated with metabolic changes and low-grade inflammation in several organs, which may be due to NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Methods: Here, we asked whether age-related liver changes such as lipid metabolism and fibrosis are reduced in aged mice lacking the NLRP3 inflammasome. [...] Read more.

Aging is associated with metabolic changes and low-grade inflammation in several organs, which may be due to NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Methods: Here, we asked whether age-related liver changes such as lipid metabolism and fibrosis are reduced in aged mice lacking the NLRP3 inflammasome. We report reduced protein levels of lipid markers (MTP, FASN, DGAT1), SOD activity, oxidative stress marker PTPRG, and the fibrotic markers TPM2β, COL1-α1 associated with increased GATA4, in NLRP3 deficient mice. Fibrotic, lipid, and oxidative reduction in liver tissues of mice was more pronounced in those old KO NLRP3 mice than in the younger ones, despite their greater liver damage. These results suggest that absence of the NLRP3 inflammasome attenuates age-related liver fibrotic pathology in mice, suggesting that pharmacological targeting may be beneficial. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Roles of Inflammasomes in Aging and Age-Related Diseases)

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35 pages, 6873 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tumor Necrosis Factor-Like Weak Inducer of Apoptosis (TWEAK) Enhances Activation of STAT3/NLRC4 Inflammasome Signaling Axis through PKCδ in Astrocytes: Implications for Parkinson’s Disease

by Manikandan Samidurai, Prashant Tarale, Chelva Janarthanam, Crystal Gomez Estrada, Richard Gordon, Gary Zenitsky, Huajun Jin, Vellareddy Anantharam, Anumantha G. Kanthasamy and Arthi Kanthasamy

Cells 2020, 9(8), 1831; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9081831 - 04 Aug 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3673

Abstract

Astrocytic dysfunction has been implicated in Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathogenesis. While the Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK)/Fn14 signaling axis is known to play a role in PD-like neuropathology, the molecular mechanisms that govern this process remain poorly understood. Herein, we [...] Read more.

Astrocytic dysfunction has been implicated in Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathogenesis. While the Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK)/Fn14 signaling axis is known to play a role in PD-like neuropathology, the molecular mechanisms that govern this process remain poorly understood. Herein, we show that TWEAK levels are elevated in PD serum compared to controls. Moreover, using both U373 human astrocyte cells and primary mouse astrocytes, we demonstrate that TWEAK induces mitochondrial oxidative stress as well as protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation, accompanied by NLRC4 inflammasome activation and upregulation and release of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-18. Mechanistically, TWEAK-induced PKCδ activation enhances the STAT3/NLRC4 signaling pathway and other proinflammatory mediators through a mitochondrial oxidative stress-dependent mechanism. We further show that PKCδ knockdown and mito-apocynin, a mitochondrial antioxidant, suppress TWEAK-induced proinflammatory NLRC4/STAT3 signaling and cellular oxidative stress response. Notably, we validated our in vitro findings in an MPTP mouse model of PD and in mice receiving intrastriatal administration of TWEAK. These results indicate that TWEAK is a key regulator of astroglial reactivity and illustrate a novel mechanism by which mitochondrial oxidative stress may influence dopaminergic neuronal survival in PD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Roles of Inflammasomes in Aging and Age-Related Diseases)

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Review

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23 pages, 2201 KiB

Open AccessReview

Role of Inflammasomes in HIV-1 and Drug Abuse Mediated Neuroinflammaging

by Susmita Sil, Fang Niu, Ernest T. Chivero, Seema Singh, Palsamy Periyasamy and Shilpa Buch

Cells 2020, 9(8), 1857; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9081857 - 08 Aug 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4548

Abstract

Despite the effectiveness of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) in suppressing virus replication, chronic inflammation remains one of the cardinal features intersecting HIV-1, cART, drug abuse, and likely contributes to the accelerated neurocognitive decline and aging in people living with HIV-1 (PLWH) that abuse [...] Read more.

Despite the effectiveness of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) in suppressing virus replication, chronic inflammation remains one of the cardinal features intersecting HIV-1, cART, drug abuse, and likely contributes to the accelerated neurocognitive decline and aging in people living with HIV-1 (PLWH) that abuse drugs. It is also estimated that ~30–60% of PLWH on cART develop cognitive deficits associated with HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), with symptomatology ranging from asymptomatic to mild, neurocognitive impairments. Adding further complexity to HAND is the comorbidity of drug abuse in PLWH involving activated immune responses and the release of neurotoxins, which, in turn, mediate neuroinflammation. Premature or accelerated aging is another feature of drug abusing PLWH on cART regimes. Emerging studies implicate the role of HIV-1/HIV-1 proteins, cART, and abused drugs in altering the inflammasome signaling in the central nervous system (CNS) cells. It is thus likely that exposure of these cells to HIV-1/HIV-1 proteins, cART, and/or abused drugs could have synergistic/additive effects on the activation of inflammasomes, in turn, leading to exacerbated neuroinflammation, ultimately resulting in premature aging referred to as “inflammaging” In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of inflammasome activation, neuroinflammation, and aging in central nervous system (CNS) cells such as microglia, astrocytes, and neurons in the context of HIV-1 and drug abuse. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Roles of Inflammasomes in Aging and Age-Related Diseases)

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27 pages, 4403 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Inflammasome in Chronic Complications of Diabetes and Related Metabolic Disorders

by Stefano Menini, Carla Iacobini, Martina Vitale and Giuseppe Pugliese

Cells 2020, 9(8), 1812; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9081812 - 30 Jul 2020

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 5105

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) ranks seventh as a cause of death worldwide. Chronic complications, including cardiovascular, renal, and eye disease, as well as DM-associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) account for most of the morbidity and premature mortality in DM. Despite continuous improvements in [...] Read more.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) ranks seventh as a cause of death worldwide. Chronic complications, including cardiovascular, renal, and eye disease, as well as DM-associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) account for most of the morbidity and premature mortality in DM. Despite continuous improvements in the management of late complications of DM, significant gaps remain. Therefore, searching for additional strategies to prevent these serious DM-related conditions is of the utmost importance. DM is characterized by a state of low-grade chronic inflammation, which is critical in the progression of complications. Recent clinical trials indicate that targeting the prototypic pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1 β) improves the outcomes of cardiovascular disease, which is the first cause of death in DM patients. Together with IL-18, IL-1β is processed and secreted by the inflammasomes, a class of multiprotein complexes that coordinate inflammatory responses. Several DM-related metabolic factors, including reactive oxygen species, glyco/lipoxidation end products, and cholesterol crystals, have been involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease, and diabetic retinopathy, and in the promoting effect of DM on the onset and progression of atherosclerosis and NAFLD. These metabolic factors are also well-established danger signals capable of regulating inflammasome activity. In addition to presenting the current state of knowledge, this review discusses how the mechanistic understanding of inflammasome regulation by metabolic danger signals may hopefully lead to novel therapeutic strategies targeting inflammation for a more effective treatment of diabetic complications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Roles of Inflammasomes in Aging and Age-Related Diseases)

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22 pages, 1481 KiB

Open AccessReview

The NLRP3 Inflammasome: Metabolic Regulation and Contribution to Inflammaging

by Allison K. Meyers and Xuewei Zhu

Cells 2020, 9(8), 1808; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9081808 - 30 Jul 2020

Cited by 101 | Viewed by 8379

Abstract

In response to inflammatory stimuli, immune cells reconfigure their metabolism and bioenergetics to generate energy and substrates for cell survival and to launch immune effector functions. As a critical component of the innate immune system, the nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat, and [...] Read more.

In response to inflammatory stimuli, immune cells reconfigure their metabolism and bioenergetics to generate energy and substrates for cell survival and to launch immune effector functions. As a critical component of the innate immune system, the nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome can be activated by various endogenous and exogenous danger signals. Activation of this cytosolic multiprotein complex triggers the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 and initiates pyroptosis, an inflammatory form of programmed cell death. The NLRP3 inflammasome fuels both chronic and acute inflammatory conditions and is critical in the emergence of inflammaging. Recent advances have highlighted that various metabolic pathways converge as potent regulators of the NLRP3 inflammasome. This review focuses on our current understanding of the metabolic regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and the contribution of the NLRP3 inflammasome to inflammaging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Roles of Inflammasomes in Aging and Age-Related Diseases)

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23 pages, 1005 KiB

Open AccessReview

Neurovascular Inflammaging in Health and Disease

by Ádám Mészáros, Kinga Molnár, Bernát Nógrádi, Zsófia Hernádi, Ádám Nyúl-Tóth, Imola Wilhelm and István A. Krizbai

Cells 2020, 9(7), 1614; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9071614 - 04 Jul 2020

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 5454

Abstract

Aging is characterized by a chronic low-grade sterile inflammation dubbed as inflammaging, which in part originates from accumulating cellular debris. These, acting as danger signals with many intrinsic factors such as cytokines, are sensed by a network of pattern recognition receptors and other [...] Read more.

Aging is characterized by a chronic low-grade sterile inflammation dubbed as inflammaging, which in part originates from accumulating cellular debris. These, acting as danger signals with many intrinsic factors such as cytokines, are sensed by a network of pattern recognition receptors and other cognate receptors, leading to the activation of inflammasomes. Due to the inflammasome activity-dependent increase in the levels of pro-inflammatory interleukins (IL-1β, IL-18), inflammation is initiated, resulting in tissue injury in various organs, the brain and the spinal cord included. Similarly, in age-related diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), inflammasome activation is a prominent moment, in which cells of the neurovascular unit occupy a significant position. In this review, we discuss the inflammatory changes in normal aging and summarize the current knowledge on the role of inflammasomes and contributing mechanisms in common CNS diseases, namely Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and stroke, all of which occur more frequently with aging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Roles of Inflammasomes in Aging and Age-Related Diseases)

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28 pages, 1004 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Inflammaging in Heart Failure: Novel Roles of CYP-Derived Epoxylipids

by Hedieh Keshavarz-Bahaghighat, Ahmed M. Darwesh, Deanna K. Sosnowski and John M. Seubert

Cells 2020, 9(7), 1565; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9071565 - 27 Jun 2020

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 3985

Abstract

Age-associated changes leading to a decline in cardiac structure and function contribute to the increased susceptibility and incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in elderly individuals. Indeed, age is considered a risk factor for heart failure and serves as an important predictor for poor [...] Read more.

Age-associated changes leading to a decline in cardiac structure and function contribute to the increased susceptibility and incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in elderly individuals. Indeed, age is considered a risk factor for heart failure and serves as an important predictor for poor prognosis in elderly individuals. Effects stemming from chronic, low-grade inflammation, inflammaging, are considered important determinants in cardiac health; however, our understanding of the mechanisms involved remains unresolved. A steady decline in mitochondrial function is recognized as an important biological consequence found in the aging heart which contributes to the development of heart failure. Dysfunctional mitochondria contribute to increased cellular stress and an innate immune response by activating the NLRP-3 inflammasomes, which have a role in inflammaging and age-related CVD pathogenesis. Emerging evidence suggests a protective role for CYP450 epoxygenase metabolites of N-3 and N-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), epoxylipids, which modulate various aspects of the immune system and protect mitochondria. In this article, we provide insight into the potential roles N-3 and N-6 PUFA have modulating mitochondria, inflammaging and heart failure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Roles of Inflammasomes in Aging and Age-Related Diseases)

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28 pages, 2264 KiB

Open AccessReview

The NLRP3 Inflammasome as a Critical Actor in the Inflammaging Process

by Maria Sebastian-Valverde and Giulio M. Pasinetti

Cells 2020, 9(6), 1552; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9061552 - 26 Jun 2020

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 6296

Abstract

As a consequence of the considerable increase in the human lifespan over the last century, we are experiencing the appearance and impact of new age-related diseases. The causal relationships between aging and an enhanced susceptibility of suffering from a broad spectrum of diseases [...] Read more.

As a consequence of the considerable increase in the human lifespan over the last century, we are experiencing the appearance and impact of new age-related diseases. The causal relationships between aging and an enhanced susceptibility of suffering from a broad spectrum of diseases need to be better understood. However, one specific shared feature seems to be of capital relevance for most of these conditions: the low-grade chronic inflammatory state inherently associated with aging, i.e., inflammaging. Here, we review the molecular and cellular mechanisms that link aging and inflammaging, focusing on the role of the innate immunity and more concretely on the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, as well as how the chronic activation of this inflammasome has a detrimental effect on different age-related disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Roles of Inflammasomes in Aging and Age-Related Diseases)

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