Sinensetin, a polymethoxyflavone from citrus fruits, ameliorates LPS-induced acute lung injury by suppressing Txnip/NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling-mediated inflammatory responses and pyroptosis

Abstract

Sinensetin (SIN), a polymethoxylated flavonoid, exists widely in citrus fruits with abundant biological activities, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, delaying the progression of lung fibers and ameliorating inflammatory lung injury. Herein, an in vivo model of LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice and an in vitro model of LPS + IFN-γ-induced M1 polarization in RAW264.7 cells were established to assess the effects and molecular mechanisms of SIN in ameliorating ALI. In the present study, the results showed that SIN significantly reduced BALF IL1β, IL6, and TNF-α levels and neutrophil infiltration, inhibited lung tissue COX2 and iNOS expression, reduced serum and lung tissue inflammatory factor levels, and attenuated lung tissue inflammatory infiltration and ROS levels in animal experiments. RNA sequencing analysis showed that SIN markedly inhibited the expression of inflammation-related pathway genes such as NOD-like receptor signaling. Further mechanistic studies confirmed that SIN significantly inhibited the dissociation of Txnip and Trx-1 and decreased the expression of NLRP3, ASC, pro-Caspase-1, cleavage Caspase-1 p10, NEK7, Caspase-8, IL1β, IL18, and GSDMD. Meanwhile, SIN docked to NLRP3 with strong affinity and bound stably in the hydrophobic docking pocket. Similarly, the same results were observed in in vitro macrophage M1 polarization experiments. In conclusion, the results revealed that SIN ameliorated the onset and progression of ALI by inhibiting Txnip/NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling-mediated inflammatory responses and pyroptosis. These findings emphasize the significant role of SIN in ameliorating ALI and provide insights into the strategy for exploring the functional effects of foods.