lncRNA BZRAP1-AS1 alleviates rheumatoid arthritis by regulating miR-1286/COL5A2 axis

The double-edged sword of lncRNAs in rheumatoid arthritis: from controlling the disease to its progress

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammatory responses in the joints, synovial hyperplasia, persistent abnormal proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs), and cartilage erosion, leading to joint swelling and destruction. The underlying mechanisms of this disease entail a complex interplay of factors, with long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) serving as the main contributors. These lncRNAs, which are over 200 bp in length, are involved in regulating inflammatory responses, joint damage, and FLS growth. Studies have shown that lncRNAs have a dual function in the progression of RA, as they can both promote the disease and control inflammatory responses to reduce symptoms. Nevertheless, our current understanding of the dual function of lncRNAs in the development of RA is incomplete, and the exact molecular mechanisms involved in this process remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which lncRNAs exert their inhibitory and stimulatory effects, as well as explore the potential of lncRNAs in diagnosing, predicting the prognosis, and targeting therapy for RA.

Biological functions and affected signaling pathways by Long Non-Coding RNAs in the immune system

Recently, the various regulative functions of long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been well determined. Recently, the vital role of LncRNAs as gene regulators has been identified in the immune system, especially in the inflammatory response. All cells of the immune system are governed by a complex and ever-changing gene expression program that is regulated through both transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes. LncRNAs regulate gene expression within the cell nucleus by influencing transcription or through post-transcriptional processes that affect the splicing, stability, or translation of messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Recent studies in immunology have revealed substantial alterations in the expression of lncRNAs during the activation of the innate immune system as well as the development, differentiation, and activation of T cells. These lncRNAs regulate key aspects of immune function, including the manufacturing of inflammatory molecules, cellular distinction, and cell movement. They do this by modulating protein-protein interactions or through base pairing with RNA and DNA. Here we review the current understanding of the mechanism of action of lncRNAs as novel immune-related regulators and their impact on physiological and pathological processes related to the immune system, including autoimmune diseases. We also highlight the emerging pattern of gene expression control in important research areas at the intersection between immunology and lncRNA biology.

miR-1286, a Tumor Suppressor of Gastric Cancer, Serves as a Promising Biomarker for Screening Gastric Cancer from Gastritis

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the crucial causes of cancer-associated death worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the biological function of miR-1286 in GC progression in vitro, evaluate the clinical value of serum miR-1286 to screen GC patients and explore its relationship with helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and peritoneal metastasis in GC patients. Expression of miR-1286 was measured by RT-qPCR. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was utilized for measuring GC cell proliferation ability. The migration and invasion abilities of GC cells were measured using Transwell assays. Serum samples were obtained from 108 GC patients, 62 gastritis cases and 62 healthy volunteers. The diagnostic performance of miR-1286 was assessed using ROC analysis, and the predictive value of miR-1286 for peritoneal metastasis onset was analyzed using logistic regression analysis. miR-1286 played as a tumor suppressor in GC progression by inhibiting GC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. In GC patients, significantly decreased miR-1286 was observed compared to gastritis and healthy controls, and had considerable diagnostic accuracy to distinguish GC from the controls. A significant association was found between miR-1286 expression and HP infection, peritoneal metastasis and TNM stage. Moreover, miR-1286 was lowly expressed in GC patients with peritoneal metastasis, and independently predicted the occurrence of peritoneal metastasis in GC. miR-1286 acts as a tumor suppressor and a biomarker in GC, and is closely associated with HP infection and peritoneal metastasis onset. The methods to regulate miR-1286 may be novel strategies to improve the treatment of GC.

Molecular mechanism of lncRNAs in pathogenesis and diagnosis of auto-immune diseases, with a special focus on lncRNA-based therapeutic approaches

Autoimmune diseases are a diverse set of conditions defined by organ damage due to abnormal innate and acquired immune system responses. The pathophysiology of autoimmune disorders is exceedingly intricate and has yet to be fully understood. The study of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), non-protein-coding RNAs with at least 200 nucleotides in length, has gained significant attention due to the completion of the human genome project and the advancement of high-throughput genomic approaches. Recent research has demonstrated how lncRNA alters disease development to different degrees. Although lncRNA research has made significant progress in cancer and generative disorders, autoimmune illnesses are a relatively new research area. Moreover, lncRNAs play crucial functions in differentiating various immune cells, and their potential relationships with autoimmune diseases have received growing attention. Because of the importance of Th17/Treg axis in auto-immune disease development, in this review, we discuss various molecular mechanisms by which lncRNAs regulate the differentiation of Th17/Treg cells. Also, we reviewed recent findings regarding the several approaches in the application of lncRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of human autoimmune diseases, as well as current challenges in lncRNA-based therapeutic approaches to auto-immune diseases.

Long noncoding RNA/circular RNA regulates competitive endogenous RNA networks in rheumatoid arthritis: molecular mechanisms and traditional Chinese medicine therapeutic significances

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic and autoimmune disease that is mainly featured abnormal fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) proliferation and inflammatory cell infiltration. Abnormal expression or function of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are closely related to human diseases, including RA. There has been increasing evidence showing that in the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks, both lncRNA and circRNA are vital in the biological functions of cells. Nevertheless, the exact mechanism of ceRNA in RA remains to be investigated. Herein, we summarized the molecular potencies of lncRNA/circRNA-mediated ceRNA networks in RA, with emphasis on the phenotypic regulation of ceRNA in the progression of RA, including regulation of proliferation, invasion, inflammation and apoptosis, as well as the role of ceRNA in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of RA. In addition, we also discussed the future direction and potential clinical value of ceRNA in the treatment of RA, which may provide potential reference value for clinical trials of TCM therapy for the treatment of RA.Key messagesLong noncoding RNA/circular RNA can work as the competitive endogenous RNA sponge and participate in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.Traditional Chinese medicine and its agents have shown potential roles in the prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis via competitive endogenous RNA.

Long non-coding RNAs and rheumatoid arthritis: Pathogenesis and clinical implications

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs with a length larger than 200 nucleotides that participate in various diseases and biological processes as they can control gene expression by different mechanisms. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder characterized by symmetrical destructive destruction of distal joints as well as extra-articular involvement. Different studies have documented and proven the abnormal expression of lncRNAs in RA patients. Various lncRNAs have proven potential as biomarkers and targets for diagnosing, prognosis and treating RA. This review will focus on RA pathogenesis, clinical implications, and related lncRNA expressions that help to identify new biomarkers and treatment targets.

Management of progressive pulmonary fibrosis associated with connective tissue disease

INTRODUCTION

: Fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a frequent and severe complication of connective tissue disease (CTD).

AREAS COVERED

: In this narrative review, we update the most relevant differential characteristics of fibrotic ILD associated with CTD (CTD-ILD) and propose a diagnostic and therapeutic approach based on a review of the articles published between 2002 and 2022 through PubMed.

EXPERT OPINION

: The subset of ILD, mainly the radiological/histological pattern and the degree of fibrotic component, usually determines the prognosis and therapeutic strategy for these patients. Some patients with CTD-ILD can develop progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) with severe deterioration of lung function, rapid progression to chronic respiratory failure, and high mortality. PPF has been described in many CTDs, mainly in systemic sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, and requires a multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic approach to improve patient outcomes.