MiR-145-5p inhibits proliferation and inflammatory responses of RMC through regulating AKT/GSK pathway by targeting CXCL16

P-MSC-derived extracellular vesicles facilitate diabetic wound healing via miR-145-5p/ CDKN1A-mediated functional improvements of high glucose-induced senescent fibroblasts

Background

Persistent hyperglycaemia in diabetes causes functional abnormalities of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), partially leading to delayed skin wound healing. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing multiple pro-healing microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to exert therapeutic effects on diabetic wound healing. The present study aimed to observe the effects of EVs derived from placental mesenchymal stem cells (P-MSC-EVs) on diabetic wound healing and high glucose (HG)-induced senescent fibroblasts and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

P-MSC-EVs were isolated by differential ultracentrifugation and locally injected into the full-thickness skin wounds of diabetic mice, to observe the beneficial effects on wound healing in vivo by measuring wound closure rates and histological analysis. Next, a series of assays were conducted to evaluate the effects of low (2.28 x 1010 particles/ml) and high (4.56 x 1010 particles/ml) concentrations of P-MSC-EVs on the senescence, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of HG-induced senescent HDFs in vitro. Then, miRNA microarrays and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were carried out to detect the differentially expressed miRNAs in HDFs after EVs treatment. Specific RNA inhibitors, miRNA mimics, and small interfering RNA (siRNA) were used to evaluate the role of a candidate miRNA and its target genes in P-MSC-EV-induced improvements in the function of HG-induced senescent HDFs.

Results

Local injection of P-MSC-EVs into diabetic wounds accelerated wound closure and reduced scar widths, with better-organized collagen deposition and decreased p16INK4a expression. In vitro, P-MSC-EVs enhanced the antisenescence, proliferation, migration, and antiapoptotic abilities of HG-induced senescent fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. MiR-145-5p was found to be highly enriched in P-MSC-EVs. MiR-145-5p inhibitors effectively attenuated the P-MSC-EV-induced functional improvements of senescent fibroblasts. MiR-145-5p mimics simulated the effects of P-MSC-EVs on functional improvements of fibroblasts by suppressing the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A and activating the extracellular signal regulated kinase (Erk)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. Furthermore, local application of miR-145-5p agomir mimicked the effects of P-MSC-EVs on wound healing.

Conclusions

These results suggest that P-MSC-EVs accelerate diabetic wound healing by improving the function of senescent fibroblasts through the transfer of miR-145-5p, which targets cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A to activate the Erk/Akt signaling pathway. P-MSC-EVs are promising therapeutic candidates for diabetic wound treatment.

High-throughput data on circular RNA reveal novel insights into chronic glomerulonephritis

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a unique novel type of RNA, have been widely reported to be involved in physiologic and pathologic processes in humans. However, the exact molecular pathogenesis of circRNAs in chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) is far from clear.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to evaluate the specific expression profile of circRNAs in renal cortex tissues from Adriamycin-induced CGN rats.

METHODS

CircRNAs were screened in renal cortex tissues from 3 CGN rats and 3 control rats by using high-throughput sequencing (HTS). Then, 4 circRNAs were selected randomly for verification by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). In addition, the differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs were analyzed by bioinformatics methods.

RESULTS

In total, 31 significantly DE circRNAs were identified, which revealed their potential roles in CGN; in particular, we found that 4 confirmed altered circRNAs (rno-circ-RNAs 689, 3217, 1327, and 5001) might play important roles in the development of CGN.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals a cluster of circRNAs that are DE in Adriamycin-induced CGN rats, which brings us closer to understanding the pathogenic mechanisms and may provide new potential targets for clinical treatment.

Ntrk1 promotes mesangial cell proliferation and inflammation in rat glomerulonephritis model by activating the STAT3 and p38/ERK MAPK signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MsPGN) accounts for a main cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), chronic renal failure and uremia. This paper aimed to examine the effect of Ntrk1 on MsPGN development, so as to identify a novel therapeutic target for MsPGN.

METHODS

The MsPGN rat model was constructed by single injection of Thy1.1 monoclonal antibody via the tail vein. Additionally, the Ntrk1 knockdown rat model was established by injection of Ntrk1-RNAi lentivirus via the tail vein. Periodic acid-schiff staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed on kidney tissues. Moreover, the rat urinary protein was detected. Mesangial cells were transfected and treated with p38 inhibitor (SB202190) and ERK inhibitor (PD98059). Meanwhile, the viability and proliferation of mesangial cells were analyzed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assays. Gene expression was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western-blot (WB) assays.

RESULTS

The proliferation of mesangial cells was enhanced in glomerulus and Ki67 expression was up-regulated in renal tubule of MsPGN rats. The urine protein level increased in MsPGN rats. Pro-inflammatory factors and Ntrk1 expression were up-regulated in glomerulus of MsPGN rats. Ntrk1 up-regulation promoted the viability, proliferation, expression of pro-inflammatory factors and activation of the STAT3, p38 and ERK signaling pathways in mesangial cells. Ntrk1 knockdown reduced mesangial cell proliferation, urine protein, pro-inflammatory factors, activation of STAT3, p38 and ERK signaling pathways in glomerulus, and decreased Ki67 expression in renal tubule of MsPGN rats. Treatment with SB202190 and PD98059 reversed the effect of Ntrk1 on promoting the viability, proliferation and inflammatory response of mesangial cells.

CONCLUSION

Ntrk1 promoted mesangial cell proliferation and inflammation in MsPGN rats by activating the STAT3 and p38/ERK MAPK signaling pathways.

MicroRNAs in kidney injury and disease

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by degrading or repressing the translation of their target messenger RNAs. As miRNAs are critical regulators of cellular homeostasis, their dysregulation is a crucial component of cell and organ injury. A substantial body of evidence indicates that miRNAs are involved in the pathophysiology of acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease and allograft damage. Different subsets of miRNAs are dysregulated during AKI, chronic kidney disease and allograft rejection, which could reflect differences in the physiopathology of these conditions. miRNAs that have been investigated in AKI include miR-21, which has an anti-apoptotic role, and miR-214 and miR-668, which regulate mitochondrial dynamics. Various miRNAs are downregulated in diabetic kidney disease, including the miR-30 family and miR-146a, which protect against inflammation and fibrosis. Other miRNAs such as miR-193 and miR-92a induce podocyte dedifferentiation in glomerulonephritis. In transplantation, miRNAs have been implicated in allograft rejection and injury. Further work is needed to identify and validate miRNAs as biomarkers of graft function and of kidney disease development and progression. Use of combinations of miRNAs together with other molecular markers could potentially improve diagnostic or predictive power and facilitate clinical translation. In addition, targeting specific miRNAs at different stages of disease could be a promising therapeutic strategy.

Association of serum MicroRNA-145-5p levels with microvascular complications of type 1 Diabetes: The EURODIAB prospective complications study

AIMS

To investigate whether serum miR-145-5p levels were associated with micro-macrovascular chronic complications in patients with type 1 diabetes (DM1).

METHODS

A nested case-control study from the EURODIAB Prospective Complications Study was performed. Cases (n = 289) had one or more complications of diabetes, whereas controls (n = 153) did not have any complication. We measured miR-145-5p levels by qPCR and investigated the association with diabetes complications.

RESULTS

Mean miR-145-5p levels were significantly lower in cases with microangiopathy [2.12 (0.86-4.94)] compared to controls [3.15 (1.21-7.36), P < 0.05] even after adjustment for age, gender, and diabetes duration. In logistic regression analysis, miR-145-5p levels in the lowest tertile were associated with an over three-fold increased odds ratio (OR) of albuminuria [3.22 (1.17-8.81)], independently of both demographic and diabetes-related factors. In addition, mir145-5p levels in the lowest tertile were independently and inversely associated with arterial hypertension [1.96 (1.08-3.56)] and hypertension was the mediator of the relationship between miR-145-5p and albuminuria.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large cohort of DM1 patients, we found an inverse association between miR-145-5p and albuminuria that was mediated by systemic hypertension.

Salvianolic acid B attenuates membranous nephropathy by activating renal autophagy via microRNA-145-5p/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT pathway

The abnormal proliferation and inflammatory response of the mesangial cells play a crucial role in the progression of membranous nephropathy (MN). Herein, this study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of Salvianolic acid B (SalB) on MN-induced mesangial abnormalities and its underlying mechanisms. MN models were established in cationic bovine serum albumin-induced Sprague-Dawley rats and lipopolysaccharide-induced human mesangial cells (HMCs). Following SalB and microRNA-145-5p antagomir treatment, kidney function was investigated by 24-hours urine protein, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen. Pathological changes of kidney were investigated by Periodic acid Schiff staining. CD68 and IgG were detected by immunofluorescence in glomerulus. Mesangial autophagosomes were observed by transmission electron microscope. MicroRNA-145-5p inhibitor, mimic, LY294002, and SalB were used to treat with HMCs. In kidney and HMCs, IL-1 β, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α and microRNA-145-5p was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated AKT, AKT, beclin1, and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) levels were detected by Western blot. HMCs proliferation and cycle were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometry. LC3 were detected by LC3-dual-fluorescent adenovirus in HMCs. Our results showed that SalB significantly ameliorated kidney function and pathological changes. Furthermore, it significantly alleviated proliferation, inflammation and activated autophagy in mesangial cells. Moreover, microRNA-145-5p antagomir accentuated MN while microRNA-145-5p inhibitor and LY294002 encouraged proliferation and inflammation through PI3K/AKT pathway in HMCs. Collectively, our study demonstrated that SalB activated renal autophagy to reduce cell proliferation and inflammation of MN, which was mediated by microRNA-145-5p to inhibit PI3K/AKT pathway, and ultimately attenuated MN.

Rhein Inhibits NF-κB Signaling Pathway to Alleviate Inflammatory Response and Oxidative Stress of Rats with Chronic Glomerulonephritis

Objective

To explore the effect and mechanism of rhein on chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN).

Method

Twenty-four eight-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into following 4 groups (6 rats in each group): control group, CGN group, rhein group, and benazepril (Ben) group. And 5 mg/mL of cationization-bovine serum albumin (C-BSA) was mixed with an equal volume of Freund's incomplete adjuvant for the preparation of 2.5 mg/mL of C-BSA solution. The rat model of CGN was established by injection of C-BSA for six weeks. Calculation of the renal index in rats was conducted. Biochemical detection was performed to measure the level of 24 h urinary protein, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), and serum albumin (ALB) of the rats, as well as the level of malondiadehyde (MDA), superoxide (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the kidney tissue. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was utilized to measure histological changes in the kidney of the rats. The level of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and ICAM-1 in rat kidney tissues was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was applied to check the expression of NF-κB in the nucleus and cytoplasm as well as the expression of IκBα and p-IκBα in rat kidney tissues.

Results

Rhein could decline urinary protein, restore blood biochemical parameters, and protect renal tissue in rats with CGN. Besides, rhein could inhibit the activity of the NF-κB signaling pathway in rats with CGN and could alleviate the inflammatory response and oxidative stress level at the same time.

Conclusion

Rhein alleviates inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in rats with CGN. It also provides a theoretical basis and data support for the therapeutic drugs for CGN.

Urinary miRNA profiles in chronic kidney injury - Benefits of extracellular vesicle enrichment and miRNAs as potential biomarkers for renal fibrosis, glomerular injury and endothelial dysfunction

Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are regulators of gene expression and play an important role in physiological homeostasis and disease. In biofluids miRNAs can be found in protein complexes or in extracellular vesicles (EVs). Altered urinary miRNAs are reported as potential biomarkers for chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this context we compared established urinary protein biomarkers for kidney injury with urinary miRNA profiles in obese ZSF1 and hypertensive renin transgenic rats. Additionally, the benefit of urinary EV enrichment was investigated in vivo and the potential association of urinary miRNAs with renal fibrosis in vitro. Kidney damage in both rat models was confirmed by histopathology, proteinuria, and increased levels of urinary protein biomarkers. In total 290 miRNAs were elevated in obese ZSF1 rats compared to lean controls, while 38 miRNAs were altered in obese ZSF1 rats during 14 to 26 weeks of age. These 38 miRNAs correlated better with disease progression than established urinary protein biomarkers. MiRNAs increased in obese ZSF1 rats were associated with renal inflammation, fibrosis, and glomerular injury. Eight miRNAs were also changed in urinary EVs of renin transgenic rats, including one which might play a role in endothelial dysfunction. EV enrichment increased the number and detection level of several miRNAs implicated in renal fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. Our results show the benefit of EV enrichment for miRNA detection and the potential of total urine and urinary EV-associated miRNAs as biomarkers of altered kidney physiology, renal fibrosis and glomerular injury, and disease progression in hypertension and obesity induced CKD.

Hypermethylation of miR-145 promoter-mediated SOX9-CLDN8 pathway regulates intestinal mucosal barrier in Crohn's disease

Background

Intestinal barrier impairment plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD), and claudins (CLDNs) dysfunction contributes to intestinal mucosa injury. SOX9, an important transcription factor, is upregulated in the disease-affected colon of patients with CD; however, its precise role in CD remains largely unknown. Our aim was to explore the interaction between SOX9 and CLDNs, and further elucidate the underlying mechanisms in CD.

Methods

SOX9 expression in patients with CD was evaluated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry. The regulatory relationship between SOX9 and CLDNs was analyzed via a dual-luciferase reporter assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation, overexpression, and RNA interference methods. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the SOX9-CLDN pathway were predicted with bioinformatics analysis, and the upstream molecular mechanism was interpreted using MassARRAY methylation detection.

Findings

Upregulated expression of SOX9 in the disease-affected intestine mucosa was identified in both patients with CD and mice challenged with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). SOX9 negatively regulated the expression of CLDN8, accompanying reduced intestinal permeability. MiR-145-5p downregulation was found in patients with CD and TNBS-induced colitis mice owing to an aberrant miR-145 promoter hypermethylation, which subsequently interfered the SOX9-CLDN8 pathway. MiR-145-5p agomir treatment alleviated TNBS-induced colitis in wild-type mice by inhibiting Sox9 expression and restoring Cldn8 expression, whereas similar findings were not apparent in the Cldn8^−/− mice.

Interpretation

SOX9 mediates the crosstalk between upstream miR-145-5p and downstream CLDN8, and further impairs intestinal mucosal barrier homeostasis in CD. Targeting the miR-145-5p/SOX9/CLDN8 pathway represents a promising therapeutic strategy for CD.

Funding

The National Natural Science Foundation of China (#81870374, #81670498, #81630018, #82070538, #8210031148), the Guangdong Science and Technology (#2017A030306021, #2020A1515111087), the Guangzhou Science and Technology Department (#202002030041), and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (#19ykzd11).

LncRNA nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F member 1 antisense RNA 1 (NR2F1-AS1) aggravates nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis and extracellular matrix degradation

Emerging reports uncover that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) help regulate intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Here, we probe the function of lncRNA nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F member 1 antisense RNA 1 (NR2F1-AS1) in IVDD. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was applied to verify the expression of NR2F1-AS1 and miR-145-5p in nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues from IVDD patients or NP cells dealt with IL-1β or TNF-α. Flow cytometry or the TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was performed to validate the apoptosis of NP cells with selective regulation of NR2F1-AS1 and miR-145-5p. ECM-related genes, FOXO1, Bax, and Bcl2 were evaluated by qRT-PCR or Western blot (WB). The targeted relationships between NR2F1-AS1 and miR-145-5p, miR-145-5p and FOXO1 were testified by the dual-luciferase reporter assay and the RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Our outcomes substantiated that NR2F1-AS1 was up-regulated, while miR-145-5p was down-regulated in intervertebral disc tissues of IVDD patients or NP cells treated with IL-1β or TNF-α. Besides, overexpressing NR2F1-AS1 intensified ECM degradation and NP cell apoptosis induced by IL-1β, while knocking down NR2F1-AS1 or up-regulating miR-145-5p reversed IL-1β-mediated effects in NP cells. Meanwhile, NR2F1-AS1 choked miR-145-5p and abated its effects in NP cells. This study confirms that NR2F1-AS1 modulates IVDD progression by up-regulating the FOXO1 pathway through the sponge of miR-145-5p as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA).

Expression of the microRNA-30 family in pulmonary arterial hypertension and the role of microRNA-30d-5p in the regulation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell toxicity and apoptosis

The biological processes of pulmonary artery vascular smooth muscle cells (PA-SMCs) and pulmonary artery endothelial cells in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are generally abnormal, with increased levels of proliferation and reduced levels of apoptosis. Although microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) participate in a number of biological processes in a variety of diseases, such as tumors and infections, studies on the association between miRNAs and PAH are limited. In the present study, blood samples were collected from 6 patients with patent ductus arteriosus. The experimental group included 3 patients with severe PAH, while the control group included 3 patients without PAH. Microarray technology was used to detect the presence of any associated miRNAs. Moreover, a rat PAH model was established via left lung resection followed by monocrotaline injection, involving a total of 8 rats in the PAH group and 8 untreated rat in the control group. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was performed to verify the expression levels of the miR-30 family in the animal model. miR-30d-5p mimics and anti-miR-30d-5p were transfected into primary cultured PA-SMCs. Levels of cytotoxicity and cell apoptosis were examined, and Notch-3 expression levels were studied using western blotting. The results of the present study demonstrated that miR-30d-5p expression was downregulated in both patient blood and animal models of the PAH group compared with control groups. In primary cultured PA-SMCs, overexpression of miR-30d-5p attenuated the platelet-derived growth factor-induced toxicity of PA-SMCs, while knockdown of miR-30d-5p resulted in the increased toxicity of PA-SMCs compared with control group. The apoptosis rate of PA-SMCs increased with the overexpression of miR-30d-5p compared with control group. Moreover, the expression levels of Notch-3 in the miR-30d-5p group were significantly reduced compared with the anti-miR-30d-5p and miR-NC groups. In total, 10 circulating miRNAs that may be associated with PAH were discovered in the present study. Moreover, the expression of the miR-30 family was verified in animal models in vivo, and seven miRNAs in this family were discovered that may be associated with PAH. Additionally, miR-30d-5p was downregulated in both patients with PAH and animal models compared with control groups. Thus, the results of the present study demonstrated that the regulatory mechanism underlying PA-SMCs may be via the Notch-3 signaling pathway.

Dioscin ameliorates methotrexate-induced liver and kidney damages via adjusting miRNA-145-5p-mediated oxidative stress

Dioscin, one natural product, has various pharmacological actions. However, its effects on methotrexate (MTX)-induced hepatorenal damages still remain unknown. In the present study, the data manifested that dioscin restored the viabilities of L-02 and NRK-52E cells, reduced ALT, AST, Cr, BUN levels, and ameliorated histopathological changes of liver and kidney. Besides, dioscin decreased ROS levels in cells, and adjusted SOD, MDA, GSH and GSH-Px levels in rats. Dioscin reduced the expression levels of miR-145-5p which directly targeted Sirt5, and then regulated the expression levels of SOD1, Nrf2, Gst, Keap1, HO-1, GCLC and NQO1. MiR-145-5p mimic in cells deteriorated ROS levels and decreased Sirt5 expression to accentuate oxidative stress by regulating the expression levels of SOD1, Nrf2, Keap1, which were all reversed by dioscin. Moreover, MTX-induced hepatorenal damage were worsened in mice by Sirt5 siRNA or miR-145-5p agomir, which were also alleviated by dioscin. Dioscin relieved MTX-induced hepatorenal damages through regulating miR-145-5p-medicated oxidative stress, which should be considered as one effective drug to treat the disorder in future.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes containing miR-145-5p reduce inflammation in spinal cord injury by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway

EXs (Exosomes) secreted by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential to treat spinal cord injury (SCI), this study aimed to further explore the therapeutic effect of EXs on SCI. Firstly, EXs were extracted from MSCs and analyzed with a transmission electron microscope. Next, MSCs with or without the miR-145-5p plasmid were injected into the SCI rat model, and then rat damage was evaluated by BBB score, HE staining and Nissl staining. And then Luciferase experiment verified the targeting relationship between miR-145-5p and TLR4. Furthermore, LPS-induced PC12 cells were established and incubated with Dil-labeled MSC-EXs to explore their effects on cell viability, apoptosis and inflammation through MTT, flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively. In addition, expressions of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway related factors were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The results showed that after MSCs were successfully isolated, the existence of EXs in MSCs was confirmed. Moreover, MSC-EXs containing miR-145-5p improved functional recovery and reduced histopathological injury and inflammation in SCI rats. And MSC-EXs promoted miR-145-5p expression in spinal cord tissue and inhibited TLR4/NF-κB pathway activation in SCI rats. MSC-EXs inhibited LPS-induced inflammatory response and activation of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in PC12 cells. In addition, we also found that miR-145-5p specifically targeted TLR4. TLR4 overexpression significantly reversed the effect of EX-miR-145-5p on maintaining PC12 cell viability, inhibiting apoptosis and inflammatory response, and activating TLR4/NF- κB pathway. In conclusion, mesenchymal stem cell-derived EXs containing miR-145-5p reduce inflammation in spinal cord injury by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Emodin-induced autophagic cell death hinders epithelial-mesenchymal transition via regulation of BMP-7/TGF-β1 in renal fibrosis

We aim to explore the effects of emodin and its mechanisms on renal fibrosis (RF). We firstly modeled adriamycin-induced rat RF with unilateral nephrectomy. In vivo and in vitro pharmacological experiments were performed in this study. The presence of collagen deposition was detected by Masson staining. To verify whether emodin attenuates RF by monitoring autophagy, the immunohistochemistry staining for autophagy protein LC3B was performed. We conducted western blot to detect the expression of the autophagy-related proteins in EMT in vitro model after treating with emotin and BMP-7. In vivo, we demonstrated that emodin could improve renal dysfunction and decrease pathological damage of the kidney by activation of autophagy and inhibition of EMT. Upregulation of BMP-7 was recorded in the RF rats subjected to emodin treatment. In vitro studies, emodin has the capacity of reversing EMT and activating autophagy, and emodin could regulate the expression of BMP-7. The results revealed that the attenuation of EMT by emodin could be blocked after the inhibition of BMP-7 and suppression of autophagy. Our findings demonstrated that emodin alleviates EMT during RF by actuating autophagy through BMP-7, suggesting a role of BMP-7 in RF treatment and prevention.

Zhen-Wu-Tang Protects IgA Nephropathy in Rats by Regulating Exosomes to Inhibit NF-κB/NLRP3 Pathway

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is one of the most frequent kinds of primary glomerulonephritis characterized by IgA immune complexes deposition and glomerular proliferation. Zhen-wu-tang (ZWT), a well-known traditional Chinese formula has been reported to ameliorate various kidney diseases. However, its pharmacological mechanism remains unclear. Exosomes have been described in diverse renal diseases by mediating cellular communication but rarely in the IgAN. The purpose of the present study is to explore whether the underlying mechanisms of the effect of ZWT on IgAN is correlated to exosomes. Our results demonstrated that in human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide, exosomes are obviously released after ZWT-containing serum treatment especially with 10% ZWT. In addition, once released, HK-2-derived exosomes were uptaked by human mesangial cells (HMC), which impeded the activation of NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway to exert anti-inflammatory effects in a lipopolysaccharide induced proliferation model. Moreover, IgAN rat model was established by bovine serum albumin, CCL₄ mixed solution and LPS. We found that 10% ZWT could significantly promote the release of exosomes from HK-2 and inhibit HMC proliferation to improve inflammation. Thus HK-2-derived exosomes treated with 10% ZWT (ZWT-EXO) were administered to the rats by tail vein injection. Our results showed that ZWT-EXO decreased the levels of 24 h proteinuria, urinary erythrocyte, IgA deposition in glomerulus and renal pathological injury which ameliorated the kidney damage. In addition, ZWT was able to dramatically promote secretion of exosomes in renal tissues while blocked NF-κB nuclear translocation as well as activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to the inhibition of IL-1β and caspase-1. In conclusion, our study reveal that ZWT has protective effects on IgAN by regulating exosomes secretion to inhibit the activation of NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway, thereby attenuating the renal dysfunction. These findings may provide a new therapeutic target for the treatment of IgAN.

Diagnostic value of miR-145 and its regulatory role in macrophage immune response in tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a serious global health burden. This study sought to investigate the expression and diagnostic value of serum miR-145 in TB patients and explore the biological function of miR-145 using macrophages. Serum expression levels of miR-145 were estimated by quantitative real-time PCR. A receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of miR-145. This study further focused on the effects of miR-145 on cell viability and inflammation in macrophages upon Mtb infection, and explored the potential target gene of miR-145. Serum expression levels of miR-145 were decreased in TB patients, and the upregulated inflammatory cytokines in TB patients were negatively correlated with the serum expression levels of miR-145. miR-145 had considerable diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing of TB patients from healthy individuals and differentiating between active TB cases and latent TB cases. Mtb infection induced an increase in cell viability and inflammatory responses in macrophages, but these promoting effects were rescued by the overexpression of miR-145. CXCL16 was determined as a target gene of miR-145 in macrophages. Overall, this study demonstrated that the decreased serum miR-145 expression serves a candidate diagnostic biomarker in TB patients. The overexpression of miR-145 in macrophages upon Mtb infection can suppress cell viability and infection-induced inflammation via regulating CXCL16, indicating the potential of miR-145 as a therapeutic target of TB.

Salvianolic acid B attenuates epithelial-mesenchymal transition in renal fibrosis rats through activating Sirt1-mediated autophagy

Renal fibrosis is a kind of progressive kidney disease leading to end-stage renal damage. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the crucial features of renal fibrosis. Salvianolic acid B (SalB), isolated from traditional Chinese medicine Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae, has been proved to be suitable for renal protection. The aims of this study are to investigate the pharmacological effects of SalB on renal fibrosis and explore the underlying mechanisms. In vivo, our study showed that SalB could improve kidney dysfunction and reduce the expression of EMT-related proteins, including fibronectin (FN), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). In addition, SalB activated autophagy and up-regulated the expression of Sirt1. In vitro, our study showed that SalB reversed EMT in TGF-β1-induced human kidney proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2 cells). Further mechanism studies showed that the inhibition of Sirt1 and autophagy could reverse the protective effect of SalB on the EMT process in TGF-β1-induced HK-2 cells. Taken together, this study demonstrated that SalB attenuates EMT in the process of renal fibrosis through activating Sirt1-mediated autophagy, and Sirt1 could be a key target for treatment of renal fibrosis.

An integrated analysis of the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network reveals novel insights into potential mechanisms of cell proliferation during liver regeneration

Cell proliferation constitutes the fundamental process and driving force behind regrowth during liver regeneration (LR). However, it remains unclear how competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks affect hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration. Therefore, this study was designed to explore an LR-specific ceRNA network, which regulates cell proliferation. Based on the microarray data of mRNAs, and high-throughput sequencing data of miRNAs and circRNAs from regenerating livers, this study initially applied known 1484 LR associated mRNAs to perform GO analysis, and then selected 169 LR associated mRNAs involved in cell proliferation and the cell cycle. Subsequently, 188 interactive miRNA-mRNA pairs and 5206 circRNA-miRNA pairs, respectively, were predicted using bioinformatics methods. Next, in view of the differential expressions of these ceRNAs during LR, 26 miRNA-mRNA pairs and 71 circRNA-miRNA pairs were applied to generate a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network, and only 14 triple interactive groups were obtained based on the predicted inverse interactions among ceRNAs. Finally, circ_19698/miR-423-5p axis was demonstrated to promote cell proliferation by modulating the expression of MYC, CCNA2, and CCND1 in rat BRL-3A cells. This study suggests a potential regulatory mechanism of cell proliferation in regenerating livers, as well as a novel pathway for modulating ceRNA networks to promote liver regeneration.

An explorative study identifies miRNA signatures for the diagnosis of non-celiac wheat sensitivity

Non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS), also referred to as non-celiac gluten sensitivity, is a recently described disorder triggered by wheat/gluten ingestion. NCWS elicits a wide range of symptoms including diarrhoea, intestinal discomfort, and fatigue in analogy with other wheat/gluten-related disorders and celiac disease in particular. From the pathological standpoint, NCWS patients only have a slight increase of intraepithelial lymphocytes, while antibodies to tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and villous atrophy, otherwise diagnostic features of celiac disease, are absent. To date, the diagnosis of NCWS relies on symptoms and exclusion of confounding diseases, since biomarkers are not yet available. Here, the expression levels of selected miRNAs were examined in duodenal biopsies and peripheral blood leukocytes collected from newly diagnosed patients with NCWS and, as controls, from patients with celiac disease and gluten-independent gastrointestinal problems. We identified a few miRNAs whose expression is higher in the intestinal mucosa of patients affected by NCWS in comparison to control patients affect by gluten-independent dyspeptic symptoms (Helicobacter pylori-negative) and celiac disease. The present study provided the first evidence that NCWS patients have a characteristic miRNA expression patterns, such peculiarity could be exploited as a biomarker to the diagnosis of this disease.

Paeoniflorin Inhibits Mesangial Cell Proliferation and Inflammatory Response in Rats With Mesangial Proliferative Glomerulonephritis Through PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β Pathway

Mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is the most common type of chronic kidney disease in China, characterized by mesangial cell proliferation and inflammatory response. Paeoniflorin, an effective composition extracted from Radix Paeoniae Alba, has been used for various kinds of kidney diseases. However, there are no studies reporting the effects of paeoniflorin on MPGN. The present study aims to investigate whether paeoniflorin plays a role in MPGN and confirm the underlying molecular mechanisms. Our results manifested that paeoniflorin strongly restrained 24 h urinary protein and promoted renal function and dyslipidemia in a MPGN rat model. Moreover, paeoniflorin attenuated mesangial cell proliferation and inflammation both in MPGN rats and human mesangial cells (HMCs) treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In detail, paeoniflorin decreased the number of mesangial cells and expressions of proliferation marker Ki67 in MPGN rats. Paeoniflorin also inhibited HMC proliferation and blocked cell cycle progression. In addition, the contents of inflammatory factors and the expressions of macrophage marker iNOS were decreased after paeoniflorin treatment. Furthermore, we found that the protective effect of paeoniflorin was accompanied by a strong inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β pathway. Paeoniflorin enhanced the inhibitory effect of PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and suppressed the activated effect of PI3K agonist insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) on PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that paeoniflorin ameliorates MPGN by inhibiting mesangial cell proliferation and inflammatory response through the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway.

The lncRNA TUG1/miR-145-5p/FGF10 regulates proliferation and migration in VSMCs of hypertension

Vascular remodeling is a characteristic pathological feature of hypertension, it can cause of increasing vascular resistance and decrease of compliance. Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMCs) dysfunction is the important foundation of vascular remodeling. Increasing evidences have revealed that lncRNA is an important regulatory factor of VSMC function. In this paper, we explored the function of lncRNA TUG1 in vascular remodeling of hypertension. Here, we found that lncRNA TUG1 was highly expressed in aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) rats and promoted the proliferation and migration of VSMCs (SHR-VSMCs). Bioinformatics analyze showed that lncRNA TUG1 sequence had miR-145-5p binding sites. Luciferase reporter test, RNA pulldown and qRT-PCR showed that lncRNA TUG1 could bind miR-145-5p. Similarly, bioinformatics analyze found that FGF10 3 'UTR contained miR-145-5p binding sites. Luciferase reporter test, qRT-PCR and Western blot were shown that miR-145-5p inhibited FGF10 expression by binding to its 3 'UTR. MTT showed that miR-145-5p inhibited and FGF10 promoted SHR-VMSCs proliferation and migration. Overexpression of miR-145-5p or knocking down of FGF10 after overexpresion of lncRNA TUG1 could rescue the proliferation and migration promoted by lncRNA TUG1. LncRNA TUG1 and FGF10 promoted and miR-145-5p suppressed the expression of β-catenin, TCF and LEF in SHR-VSMCs. Therefore, lncRNA TUG1/miR-145-5p/FGF10 promotes the proliferation and migration of VSMCs in hypertensive state by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

CXCL16 protects against oxygen and glucose deprivation-induced injury in human microvascular endothelial cells-1: Potential role in ischemic stroke

AIM

To explore the protective effect of chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL16) against cell damage induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) in human microvascular endothelial cells-1 (HMEC-1) and its possible mechanism.

METHODS

Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry were performed to determine cell viability and apoptosis of HMEC-1, respectively. qRT-PCR analysis was applied to display the expression of CXCL16 and miR-424. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, CXCL16, cAMP/PKA/CREB, and PI3K-AKT-GSK3β pathway-related proteins.

RESULTS

OGD significantly inhibited cell viability and promoted apoptosis. CXCL16 overexpression decreased the proliferation inhibition and apoptosis of HMEC-1 induced by OGD. Furthermore, we found that CXCL16 was a target of miR-424 and was downregulated by miR-424. The further study showed that overexpression of miR-424 significantly increased proliferation inhibition and apoptosis of HMEC-1 induced by OGD. In addition, we also found that miR-424 was downregulated by PMS2L2. In the subsequence experiment, overexpression of PMS2L2 significantly decreased the proliferation inhibition and apoptosis of HMEC-1 induced by OGD, which suggested that PMS2L2 decreased cell damage of HMEC-1 induced by OGD. Simultaneously, CXCL16 treatment markedly increased the phosphorylation of PKA/CREB and PI3K-AKT-GSK3β and these signal pathways were blocked by signal inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

Our study first demonstrates that oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced human microvascular endothelial cells-1 (HMEC-1) cell injury was alleviated by CXCL16 targeted by miR-424 which further targeted by PMS2L2. This process might also be regulated by activating PKA/CREB and PI3K-AKT-GSK3β pathways.

Circulating plasma microRNAs dysregulation and metabolic endotoxemia induced by a high-fat high-saturated diet

High-fat diet increase two to three times the plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels and induce subclinical inflammation. Diet can modify gene expression due to epigenetic processes related to MicroRNAs (miRNAs). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important role in the post-transcriptional mechanisms involved in regulation of expression of genes related to the inflammatory response. Also, diet can indirectly induce post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by miRNAs, which may affect the risk for the development of chronic diseases.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the effect of high-fat high-saturated meal ingestion on plasma miRNA expression and LPS levels during the postprandial period in healthy women.

METHODS

An interventional study was carried out in which a high-fat breakfast (1067.45 kcal), composed mainly of saturated fatty acids (56 g), and 500 mL of water, was offered. Blood samples were collected at baseline and 1, 3 and 5 h after meal intake. The studied population consisted of healthy women (n = 11), aged between 20 and 40 years, and body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 25 kg/m². Plasma levels of lipid profile, cytokines, adhesion molecules, and LPS were measured at the 3 time points. A profile of 752 human plasma miRNA expression was analyzed by real-time PCR assay. These analyzes were performed for all blood collection time-points.

RESULTS

Expression profile analysis revealed 33 differentially expressed plasma circulating miRNAs compared to that of the control group. MiR-145-5p and miR-200 were differentially modulated in all time-points post meal consumption. In addition, there was a significant increase in plasma LPS, triglycerides, myristic and palmitic saturated fatty acids levels at the 3 time-points in comparison with the control basal levels. We also observed increased levels of the plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) cytokine and the vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) levels after 5 h post meal ingestion.

CONCLUSION

Ingestion of high-fat high-saturated meal was able to induce metabolic endotoxemia and increase the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules such as TNF-alpha and VCAM-1, as well as modulating circulating miRNAs possibly controlling inflammatory and lipid metabolism proteins at the postprandial period.

Downregulation of miR-145-5p contributes to hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and skin inflammation in psoriasis

BACKGROUND

The extensive involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of psoriasis is well documented. However, little is known about the contribution of specific miRNAs to the prevalence of this disease.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the role of miR-145-5p in psoriasis.

METHODS

miRNA microarray analysis was performed in four patients with psoriasis and four controls. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to identify the dysregulated miRNAs. Luciferase assays were performed to determine whether miR-145-5p targets mixed-lineage kinase (MLK)3. CCK-8 assay and Magnetic Luminex Assay were performed to measure cell proliferation and chemokine secretion. Western blot analysis was used to investigate the protein levels of MLK3 and its downstream effectors. Mouse models of psoriasis were established for in vivo experiments.

RESULTS

miR-145-5p was downregulated in psoriatic lesional skin. Luciferase assays showed that MLK3 is a direct target of miR-145-5p. Overexpression of miR-145-5p in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) suppressed cell proliferation and secretion of chemokines. In contrast, silencing miR-145-5p promoted NHEK proliferation and increased chemokine secretion. Silencing MLK3 abrogated miR-145-5p inhibitor-induced promotion of cell proliferation and chemokine expression. miR-145-5p regulates nuclear factor-κB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 by targeting MLK3. Delivery of agomiR-145-5p into the skin decreased epidermal hyperplasia and ameliorated psoriasis-like dermatitis. Delivery of antagomiR-145-5p led to the opposite effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that miR-145-5p negatively regulates proliferation and chemokine secretion of NHEKs by targeting MLK3, and downregulation of miR-145-5p contributes to skin inflammation in psoriasis lesions.

miR-145 eliminates lipopolysaccharides-induced inflammatory injury in human fibroblast-like synoviocyte MH7A cells

Recently, it has been accepted that miR-based therapy may be beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to evaluate the potential involvement of miR-145 in RA in vitro. The expression of miR-145 in the human fibroblast-like synoviocyte line MH7A was overexpressed by miR-mimic transfection, after which cells were subjected to lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Cell viability, apoptosis, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured. The result showed that the apoptosis and the release of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were significantly induced by LPS. Meanwhile, LPS treatment led to downregulation of miR-145. miR-145 overexpression in LPS-untreated MH7A cells had no impacts on cell apoptosis and inflammation. But, restoring miR-145 expression in LPS-stimulated cells by supplementation of a miR-145 mimic protected MH7A cells against LPS-induced apoptosis and inflammation. Furthermore, miR-145 overexpression in LPS-untreated MH7A cells slightly blocked the PI3K/ATK and mTOR pathways, whereas miR-145 overexpression in LPS-stimulated cells notably repressed the LPS-induced activation of PI3K/ATK and MAPK/mTOR pathways. Our study suggested that miR-145 protected MH7A cells against LPS-induced apoptosis and inflammation by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT and MAPK/mTOR pathways.