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Inhibition of Caspase-11-Mediated Pyroptosis Alleviates Acute Kidney Injury Associated with Severe Acute Pancreatitis
Yang Shao1,2, Chang Li2, Yingjian Jiang2
1Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.
Abstract:
Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Caspase-11-mediated pyroptosis is essential for the progression of multiple diseases, but its role in SAP-induced AKI remains unknown.Aims: This research investigated whether caspase-11-mediated pyroptosis is involved in SAP-induced AKI and whether inhibiting caspase-11-mediated pyroptosis improves SAP-induced AKI.Methods: A rat model of SAP with AKI was established by slowly injecting 5% sodium taurocholate into the biliopancreatic duct, then wedelolactone (25 or 50 mg/kg), an inhibitor of caspase-11, was injected through the intra-peritoneum 1 and 6 h after SAP induction. Serum biochemical indexes, including serum amylase, lipase, interleukin (IL)-6, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and creatinine (Cr) in rats, were evaluated using biochemical test kits. Caspase-11 and gasdermin D (GSDMD) expression in the kidney tissues was evaluated by western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. IL-1β and IL-18 levels in kidney tissues were detected by ELISA kits. Furthermore, histopathological alterations of pancreas and kidney were assessed by H&E staining.Results: The serum biochemical indexes and pyroptosis-related proteins in kidney tissues were significantly increased after SAP induction. Furthermore, wedelolactone decreased the expression of pyroptosis-linked proteins in kidney tissues, reduced serum lipase, amylase, IL-6, TNF-α, BUN, and Cr, and ameliorated the renal and pancreatic histological damage in SAP rats.Conclusion: Caspase-11-mediated pyroptosis contributes to SAP-induced AKI, and targeting caspase-11-mediated pyroptosis might be a novel treatment strategy for SAP-induced AKI.
Insights
Caspase-11-mediated pyroptosis contributes to acute kidney injury (AKI) in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Inhibiting this process with wedelolactone improved kidney function and reduced inflammation in a rat model, suggesting a new treatment strategy.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Acute kidney injury (AKI) frequently complicates severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).
- The role of caspase-11-mediated pyroptosis in SAP-induced AKI is not well understood.
- Pyroptosis is a key inflammatory cell death pathway implicated in various diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of caspase-11-mediated pyroptosis in SAP-induced AKI.
- To determine if inhibiting caspase-11-mediated pyroptosis can ameliorate SAP-induced AKI.
- To explore potential therapeutic targets for SAP-induced AKI.
Main Methods:
- A rat model of SAP-induced AKI was established using sodium taurocholate.
- Wedelolactone, a caspase-11 inhibitor, was administered at 1 and 6 hours post-SAP induction.
- Serum markers (amylase, lipase, IL-6, BUN, TNF-α, Cr), pyroptosis proteins (caspase-11, GSDMD), and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18) were measured.
- Histopathological analysis of pancreas and kidney tissues was performed.
Main Results:
- SAP induction significantly elevated serum biochemical markers and pyroptosis-related proteins in kidney tissues.
- Wedelolactone treatment reduced pyroptosis markers, inflammatory cytokines, and serum levels of lipase, amylase, IL-6, TNF-α, BUN, and Cr.
- Histopathological examination revealed amelioration of renal and pancreatic damage in wedelolactone-treated rats.
Conclusions:
- Caspase-11-mediated pyroptosis plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of SAP-induced AKI.
- Inhibition of caspase-11-mediated pyroptosis demonstrates therapeutic potential for SAP-induced AKI.
- Targeting caspase-11 offers a promising novel treatment strategy for this condition.
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