MINK1 deficiency stimulates nucleus pulposus cell pyroptosis and exacerbates intervertebral disc degeneration.

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, induced by aging and irregular mechanical strain, is highly prevalent in the elderly population, serving as a leading cause of chronic low back pain and disability. Evolving evidence has revealed the involvement of nucleus pulposus (NP) pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration, while the precise regulatory mechanisms of NP pyroptosis remain obscure. Misshapen/Nck-interacting kinase (NIK)-related kinase 1 (MINK1), a serine-threonine protein kinase, has the potential to modulate the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, indicating its pivotal role in governing pyroptosis.

Arsenic inhibited cholesterol efflux of THP-1 macrophages via ROS-mediated ABCA1 hypermethylation.

Growing evidences indicate that epigenetic modification involves in the mechanisms of atherosclerosis, which intersects with oxidative stress pathway. Arsenic is an important environmental contaminant and has been linked to atherosclerosis. However, the exact mechanism is not well understood.