IL-38 attenuates vascular calcification by upregulating GPX3-mediated antioxidant defense via the PPAR-γ/NRF2 axis.

ABSTRACT: Vascular calcification is a pathological process commonly associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and renal insufficiency, driven by inflammation, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. IL-38, a member of the IL-1 cytokine family, has shown anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrotic effects in cardiovascular contexts. However, its role in vascular calcification remains unknown. This study demonstrated significantly reduced IL-38 expression in human calcified coronary tissues, patient plasma, and experimental models. IL-38 knockout mice exhibited aggravated vascular calcification, while treatment with recombinant IL-38 protein markedly suppressed calcification. RNA sequencing revealed that IL-38 alleviates oxidative stress by upregulating glutathione peroxidas

SUBMITTER: Zhu L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12748425 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature