TNFAIP3-upregulated RIP3 exacerbates acute pancreatitis via activating NLRP3 inflammasome

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas. Accumulating studies have revealed the involvement of tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3) in the progression of AP. Here, the current study was conducted to elucidate the role of TNFAIP3 and the underlying molecular mechanisms on the progression of AP. The in vivo animal model and in vitro cell model of AP were generated by retrograde injection of sodium taurocholate and stimulation of cerulein into AR42J cells, respectively. Relationships among TNFAIP3, receptor interacting protein 3 (RIP3) and nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) were predicted on bioinformatics websites and verified by co-immunoprecipitation. AR42J cells were transfected with overexpressing plasmid or shRNA to study the effects of TNFAIP3/RIP3/NLRP3 axis on cell proliferation and apoptosis, secretion of inflammatory cytokines and production of ROS. The effect of TNFAIP3/RIP3/NLRP3 axis in AP was further confirmed in vivo. High expression of TNFAIP3 was observed in AP pancreatic tissues and AP cell model. TNFAIP3 increased RIP phosphorylation through deubiquitination. RIP activated the NLRP3 inflammasome. Silencing of TNFAIP3 or RIP3T led to elevated proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in AR42J cells, accompanied by decreased inflammatory cytokine levels and ROS production. The protective role of inhibited TNFAIP3 in AP was confirmed evidenced by reduced levels of AMY, LIPA, and ROS in vivo. Collectively, overexpressed TNFAIP3 could contribute to the progression of AP by activating RIP3/NLRP3 axis, providing a potential therapeutic target for AP treatment.