LncRNA OIP5-AS1 facilitates ox-LDL-induced endothelial cell injury through the miR-98-5p/HMGB1 axis

The prognostic potential of long noncoding RNA XIST in cardiovascular diseases: a review

There is a significant mortality rate associated with cardiovascular disease despite advances in treatment. long Non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical role in many biological processes and their dysregulation is associated with a wide range of diseases in which their downstream pathways are disrupted. A lncRNA X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) is well known as a factor that regulates the physiological process of chromosome dosage compensation for females. According to recent studies, lncRNA XIST is involved in a variety of cellular processes, including apoptosis, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, oxidative stress and inflammation, through molecular networks with microRNAs and their downstream targets in neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases. Because these cellular processes play a role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, we aim to investigate the role that lncRNA XIST plays in this process. Additionally, we wish to determine whether it is a prognostic factor or a potential therapeutic target in these diseases.

LncRNA/CircRNA-miRNA-mRNA Axis in Atherosclerotic Inflammation: Research Progress

Atherosclerosis is characterized by chronic inflammation of the arterial wall. However, the exact mechanism underlying atherosclerosis-related inflammation has not been fully elucidated. To gain insight into the mechanisms underlying the inflammatory process that leads to atherosclerosis, there is need to identify novel molecular markers. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-protein-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) have gained prominence in recent years. LncRNAs/circRNAs act as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) that bind to miRNAs via microRNA response elements (MREs), thereby inhibiting the silencing of miRNA target mRNAs. Inflammatory mediators and inflammatory signaling pathways are closely regulated by ceRNA regulatory networks in atherosclerosis. In this review, we discuss the role of LncRNA/CircRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis in atherosclerotic inflammation and how it can be targeted for early clinical detection and treatment.

MicroRNA-98 inhibition accelerates the development of atherosclerosis via regulation of dysfunction of endothelial cell

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis has been recognized as a chronic inflammation initiated by dysfunction of endothelial cell that contributes to the increased morbidity and mortality of severe cardiovascular events. The reported important role of microRNA-98 (miR-98) in regulation of endothelial cell behaviors prompt us to hypothesize that miR-98 could be involved in the process of atherosclerosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The current research showed the miR-98 expression was gradually down-regulated in atherosclerotic mouse arteries isolated from ApoE ablation mice subjected to high fat diet. Additionally, a dramatically reduced miR-98 expression in endothelial cells administrated to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) but a slight down-regulated level was found in macrophages. Functionally, attenuated miR-98 expression promoted secretion of chemokines and adhesion molecules in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by Ox-LDL, which subsequently increased infiltration and pro-inflammatory genes expression of macrophages, as well as the foam cell formation. Mechanistically, in vitro experiments indicated that the endothelial cell dysfunction regulated by miR-98 knockdown was partially contributed by upregulated expression of HMGB1. Furthermore, the animal experiment with ApoE-/- mice administrated with miR-98 inhibitor demonstrated that miR-98 silencing enhanced the atherosclerotic lesions in aorta and aortic sinus that were accompanied with increased adhesion molecules, chemokines, and pro-inflammatory markers expression.

CONCLUSION

MicroRNA-98 knockdown promoted endothelial cell dysfunction to affect the inflammatory state of macrophage and the development of atherosclerosis, at least partially, through direct targeting HMGB1. Collected, these data suggested that miR-98 could be a novel drug target for atherogenesis management.

Down-regulation of OIP5-AS1 inhibits obesity-induced myocardial pyroptosis and miR-22/NLRP3 inflammasome axis

BACKGROUND

Obesity can induce myocardial pyroptosis, but the exact mechanism is still unknown. A recent study reported the association of opa-interacting protein 5-antisense transcript 1 (OIP5-AS1), an evolutionarily conserved long noncoding RNA, with pyroptosis. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of OIP5-AS1 in obesity-induced myocardial pyroptosis.

METHODS

OIP5-AS1 was downregulated in H9c2 cells, followed by treatment with 400 μM palmitic acid (PA). Propidium iodide (PI) staining, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, caspase-1 activity assay, IL-1β, and IL-18 activity assay were performed to detect pyroptotic phenotype. The interaction between OIP5-AS1 and microRNAs (miRNAs) was analyzed using RNA pull-down and luciferase assay. The effect of OIP5-AS1 knockdown in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity rat on cardiac function, myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, and remodeling was evaluated.

RESULTS

Fat deposition was observed in cardiomyocytes 24 h after PA treatment; moreover, PA-treated cardiomyocytes showed significant increase in the rate of pyroptotic cells, release of LDH, protein expressions of NLRP3 and cleaved caspase-1, and the activity of caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 as well as OIP5-AS1 expression. These findings suggested that PA activated pyroptosis and induced OIP5-AS1 expression in cardiomyocytes. Moreover, OIP5-AS1 knockdown inhibited PA-induced pyroptosis. Mechanistically, OIP5-AS1 was found to specifically bind to miR-22 and to regulate NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis via miR-22. Furthermore, OIP5-AS1 knockdown ameliorated HFD-induced cardiac dysfunction, myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, remodeling, and pyroptosis.

CONCLUSION

Our results revealed that downregulation of OIP5-AS1 can inhibit obesity-induced myocardial pyroptosis via miR-22/NLRP3 inflammasome axis. This finding lays a foundation of gene therapy for heart disease targeting OIP5-AS1.

Integrative Analysis and Experimental Validation of Competing Endogenous RNAs in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent yet underdiagnosed. This study aimed to develop a predictive signature, as well as investigate competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) and their potential functions in OSA. Methods: The GSE135917, GSE38792, and GSE75097 datasets were collected from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and differential expression analysis were used to identify OSA-specific mRNAs. Machine learning methods were applied to establish a prediction signature for OSA. Furthermore, several online tools were used to establish the lncRNA-mediated ceRNAs in OSA. The hub ceRNAs were screened using the cytoHubba and validated by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Correlations between ceRNAs and the immune microenvironment of OSA were also investigated. Results: Two gene co-expression modules closely related to OSA and 30 OSA-specific mRNAs were obtained. They were significantly enriched in the antigen presentation and lipoprotein metabolic process categories. A signature that consisted of five mRNAs was established, which showed a good diagnostic performance in both independent datasets. A total of twelve lncRNA-mediated ceRNA regulatory pathways in OSA were proposed and validated, including three mRNAs, five miRNAs, and three lncRNAs. Of note, we found that upregulation of lncRNAs in ceRNAs could lead to activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. In addition, mRNAs in the ceRNAs were closely correlated to the increased infiltration level of effector memory of CD4 T cells and CD56bright natural killer cells in OSA. Conclusions: In conclusion, our research opens new possibilities for diagnosis of OSA. The newly discovered lncRNA-mediated ceRNA networks and their links to inflammation and immunity may provide potential research spots for future studies.

Extracellular vesicle-mediated transfer of lncRNA CLDN10-AS1 aggravates low-density lipoprotein-induced vascular endothelial injury

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) stimulation impairs the oxidation-reduction equilibrium in vascular endothelial cells (VECs) and contributes to atherosclerosis (AS). This study probed the mechanisms of extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated transfer of lncRNA CLDN10 antisense RNA 1 (CLDN10-AS1) in ox-LDL-induced VEC injury. Initially, VEC injury models were established by treating human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with ox-LDL. EVs were isolated from HUVECs (HUVECs-EVs) and identified. CLDN10-AS1, microRNA (miR)-186, and Yin Yang 1 (YY1) expressions in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs and EVs derived from these cells (ox-EVs) were measured. HUVECs were incubated with EVs, after which the cell viability, apoptosis, and concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers were measured. We discovered that CLDN10-AS1 and YY1 were upregulated in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs, whereas miR-186 was downregulated. ox-EVs treatment elevated CLDN10-AS1 expression in HUVECs and ox-EVs overexpressing CLDN10-AS1 promoted VEC injury. Besides, CLDN10-AS1 is competitively bound to miR-186 and promoted YY1 expression. Rescue experiments revealed that miR-186 overexpression or YY1 suppression partially reversed the roles of ox-EVs overexpressing CLDN10-AS1 in ox-LDL-induced VEC injury. Lastly, clinical serum samples were collected for verification. Overall, CLDN10-AS1 carried by HUVECs-EVs into HUVECs competitively bound to miR-186 to elevate YY1 expression, thereby aggravating ox-LDL-induced VEC injury.

Functions and therapeutic interventions of non-coding RNAs associated with TLR signaling pathway in atherosclerosis

Nowadays, emerging data demonstrate that the toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway plays an important role in the progression of inflammatory atherosclerosis. Indeed, dysregulated TLR signaling pathway could be a cornerstone of inflammation and atherosclerosis, which contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases. It is interesting to note that this pathway is heavily controlled by several mechanisms, such as epigenetic factors in which the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), particularly microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs as well as circular RNAs in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis has been well studied. Recent years have seen a significant surge in the amount of research exploring the interplay between ncRNAs and TLR signaling pathway downstream targets in the development of atherosclerosis; however, there is still considerable room for improvement in this field. The current study was designed to review underlying mechanisms of TLR signaling pathway and ncRNA interactions to shed light on therapeutic implications in patients with atherosclerosis.

Role of Long Noncoding RNAs in the Regulation of Cellular Immune Response and Inflammatory Diseases

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are recently discovered genetic regulatory molecules that regulate immune responses and are closely associated with the occurrence and development of various diseases, including inflammation, in humans and animals. Under specific physiological conditions, lncRNA expression varies at the cell or tissue level, and lncRNAs can bind to specific miRNAs, target mRNAs, and target proteins to participate in certain processes, such as cell differentiation and inflammatory responses, via the corresponding signaling pathways. This review article summarizes the regulatory role of lncRNAs in macrophage polarization, dendritic cell differentiation, T cell differentiation, and endothelial and epithelial inflammation. In addition, it describes the molecular mechanism of lncRNAs in acute kidney injury, hepatitis, inflammatory injury of the lung, osteoarthritis, mastitis, and neuroinflammation to provide a reference for the molecular regulatory network as well as the genetic diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory diseases in humans and animals.

A systematic review of the research progress of non-coding RNA in neuroinflammation and immune regulation in cerebral infarction/ischemia-reperfusion injury

Cerebral infarction/ischemia-reperfusion injury is currently the disease with the highest mortality and disability rate of cardiovascular disease. Current studies have shown that nerve cells die of ischemia several hours after ischemic stroke, which activates the innate immune response in the brain, promotes the production of neurotoxic substances such as inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, reactive oxygen species and − nitrogen oxide, and mediates the destruction of blood-brain barrier and the occurrence of a series of inflammatory cascade reactions. Meanwhile, the expression of adhesion molecules in cerebral vascular endothelial cells increased, and immune inflammatory cells such as polymorphonuclear neutrophils, lymphocytes and mononuclear macrophages passed through vascular endothelial cells and entered the brain tissue. These cells recognize antigens exposed by the central nervous system in the brain, activate adaptive immune responses, and further mediate secondary neuronal damage, aggravating neurological deficits. In order to reduce the above-mentioned damage, the body induces peripheral immunosuppressive responses through negative feedback, which increases the incidence of post-stroke infection. This process is accompanied by changes in the immune status of the ischemic brain tissue in local and systemic systems. A growing number of studies implicate noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) as novel epigenetic regulatory elements in the dysfunction of various cell subsets in the neurovascular unit after cerebral infarction/ischemia-reperfusion injury. In particular, recent studies have revealed advances in ncRNA biology that greatly expand the understanding of epigenetic regulation of immune responses and inflammation after cerebral infarction/ischemia-reperfusion injury. Identification of aberrant expression patterns and associated biological effects of ncRNAs in patients revealed their potential as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cerebral infarction/ischemia-reperfusion injury. Therefore, this review systematically presents recent studies on the involvement of ncRNAs in cerebral infarction/ischemia-reperfusion injury and neuroimmune inflammatory cascades, and elucidates the functions and mechanisms of cerebral infarction/ischemia-reperfusion-related ncRNAs, providing new opportunities for the discovery of disease biomarkers and targeted therapy. Furthermore, this review introduces clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Display as a possible transformative tool for studying lncRNAs. In the future, ncRNA is expected to be used as a target for diagnosing cerebral infarction/ischemia-reperfusion injury, judging its prognosis and treatment, thereby significantly improving the prognosis of patients.

CircRNA-miRNA interactions in atherogenesis

Atherosclerosis is the major cause of coronary artery disease (CAD) which includes unstable angina, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. The onset of atherogenesis, a process of atherosclerotic lesion formation in the intima of arteries, is driven by lipid accumulation, a vicious cycle of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions leading to endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) activation, and foam cell formation which further fuel plaque formation and destabilization. In recent years, there is a surge in the number of publications reporting the involvement of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and metabolic syndromes. These studies have advanced our understanding on the biological functions of circRNAs. One of the most common mechanism of action of circRNAs reported is the sponging of microRNAs (miRNAs) by binding to the miRNAs response element (MRE), thereby indirectly increases the transcription of their target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Individual networks of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA associated with atherogenesis have been extensively reported, however, there is a need to connect these findings for a complete overview. This review aims to provide an update on atherogenesis-related circRNAs and analyze the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions in atherogenesis. The atherogenic mechanisms and clinical relevance of each atherogenesis-related circRNA were systematically discussed for better understanding of the knowledge gap in this area.

Non-coding RNAs Regulate the Pathogenesis of Aortic Dissection

Aortic dissection (AD) is a fatal cardiovascular disease. It is caused by a rupture of the aortic intima or bleeding of the aortic wall that leads to the separation of different aortic wall layers. Patients with untreated AD have a mortality rate of 1–2% per hour after symptom onset. Therefore, effective biomarkers and therapeutic targets are needed to reduce AD-associated mortality. With the development of molecular technology, researchers have begun to explore the pathogenesis of AD at gene and protein levels, and have made some progress, but the pathogenesis of AD remains unclear. Non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, have been identified as basic regulators of gene expression and are found to play a key role in the pathogenesis of AD. Thus, providing a theoretical basis for developing these non-coding RNAs as clinical biomarkers and new therapeutic targets for AD in the future. Previous studies on the pathogenesis of AD focused on miRNAs, but recently, there have been an increasing number of studies that explore the role of lncRNAs, and circRNAs in AD. This review summarizes the existing knowledge on the roles of various non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of AD, discusses their potential role as clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets, states the limitations of existing evidence, and recommends future avenues of research on the pathogenesis of AD.

Galangin reduces vascular endothelial cell dysfunction via Heme oxygenase-1 signaling

OBJECTIVE

As one of the independent risk factors for atherosclerosis (AS), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) can trigger damage to the vascular intima and induce the expression of various adhesion molecules. This study aimed to explore the effects of galangin, an extract of galangal, on ox-LDL-induced vascular endothelial cells.

METHODS

The effects of different concentrations of galangin or ox-LDL on the metabolic activity of vascular endothelial cells were determined using the CCK8 assay. Afterward, the role of galangin in the expression levels of inflammatory factors was assessed using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. In addition, the influences of galangin on apoptosis and endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) were also evaluated. Through molecular docking, the Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway was proposed, and then the effects of the HO-1 signaling pathway on the regulatory roles of galangin were evaluated.

RESULTS

In this study, galangin was found to effectively increase the metabolic activity of ox-LDL-induced cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, galangin was found to reduce ox-LDL-induced cell inflammation, apoptosis, and EndMT. Moreover, galangin could combine with HO-1 and regulate the HO-1 signaling pathway. The effects of galangin on cells were shown to be through the HO-1 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

To sum up, galangin reduced ox-LDL-induced inflammation, apoptosis, and EndMT of vascular endothelial cells via regulating the HO-1 signaling pathway.

The role of lncRNA OIP5-AS1 in cancer development and progression

OIP5-AS1, a conserved lncRNA, has been reported to be involved in several biological and pathological processes, including oncogenesis. OIP5-AS1 exerts its oncogenic or antitumor functions via regulation of different miRNAs in various cancer types. In this review, we describe the dysregulation of OIP5-AS1 expression in a variety of human cancers. Moreover, we discuss the multiple functions of OIP5-AS1 in cancer, including in proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, cell cycle, migration, metastasis, invasion, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, cancer stem cells and drug resistance. Furthermore, we provide a future perspective for OIP5-AS1 research. We conclude that targeting OIP5-AS1 might be a promising cancer therapy approach.

Long non-coding RNA OIP5-AS1 (Cyrano): A context-specific regulator of normal and disease processes

Long non-coding (lnc) RNAs have been implicated in a plethora of normal biological functions, and have also emerged as key molecules in various disease processes. OIP5-AS1, also commonly known by the alias Cyrano, is a lncRNA that displays broad expression across multiple tissues, with significant enrichment in particular contexts including within the nervous system and skeletal muscle. Thus far, this multifaceted lncRNA has been found to have regulatory functions in normal cellular processes including cell proliferation and survival, as well as in the development and progression of a myriad disease states. These widespread effects on normal and disease states have been found to be mediated through context-specific intermolecular interactions with dozens of miRNAs and proteins identified to date. This review explores recent studies to highlight OIP5-AS1's contextual yet pleiotropic roles in normal homeostatic functions as well as disease oetiology and progression, which may influence its utility in the generation of future theranostics.

The Integrative Analysis of Competitive Endogenous RNA Regulatory Networks in Coronary Artery Disease

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of cardiovascular death. The competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) hypothesis is a new theory that explains the relationship between lncRNAs and miRNAs. The mechanism of ceRNAs in the pathological process of CAD has not been fully elucidated. The objective of this study was to explore the ceRNA mechanism in CAD using the integrative bioinformatics analysis and provide new research ideas for the occurrence and development of CAD.

Methods: The GSE113079 dataset was downloaded, and differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) and genes (DEGs) were identified using the limma package in the R language. Weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was performed on DElncRNAs and DEGs to explore lncRNAs and genes associated with CAD. Functional enrichment analysis was performed on hub genes in the significant module identified via WGCNA. Four online databases, including TargetScan, miRDB, miRTarBase, and Starbase, combined with an online tool, miRWalk, were used to construct ceRNA regulatory networks.

Results: DEGs were clustered into ten co-expression modules with different colors using WGCNA. The brown module was identified as the key module with the highest correlation coefficient. 188 hub genes were identified in the brown module for functional enrichment analysis. DElncRNAs were clustered into sixteen modules, including seven modules related to CAD with the correlation coefficient more than 0.5. Three ceRNA networks were identified, including OIP5-AS1-miR-204-5p/miR-211-5p-SMOC1, OIP5-AS1-miR-92b-3p-DKK3, and OIP5-AS1-miR-25-3p-TMEM184B.

Conclusion: Three ceRNA regulatory networks identified in this study may play crucial roles in the occurrence and development of CAD, which provide novel insights into the ceRNA mechanism in CAD.

Knockdown of lnc-KCNC3-3:1 Alleviates the Development of Atherosclerosis via Downregulation of JAK1/STAT3 Signaling Pathway

Background: Atherosclerosis is a major cause of coronary artery disease (CAD), and CAD is one of the main causes leading to death in most countries. It has been reported that lncRNAs play important roles in the development of atherosclerosis; thus, we aimed to explore lncRNAs that are closely related to the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis.

Methods: The data GSE113079 from the GEO database was used to explore the dysregulated lncRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) between 93 patients with CAD and 48 healthy controls. Next, RT-qPCR was performed to detect the level of lncRNAs in HUVEC cells and CCK-8 was performed to detect cell viability. Then, flow cytometry assays were used to determine the apoptosis of HUVEC. In addition, ELISA assay was used to measure the concentrations of triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterin (LDL-C), and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Moreover, western blot assay was used to detect the expression of proteins.

Results: lnc-KCNC3-3:1 was significantly upregulated in PBMCs of patients with CAD. In addition, oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) notably inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of HUVEC, while this phenomenon was notably reversed by lnc-KCNC3-3:1 knockdown. Moreover, oxLDL significantly promoted the migration of HUVECs, which was significantly restored by knockdown of lnc-KCNC3-3:1. Moreover, lnc-KCNC3-3:1 siRNA1 could reverse oxLDL-induced HUVEC growth inhibition, and lnc-KCNC3-3:1 silencing could inhibit the expressions of p-JAK1 and p-STAT3 in oxLDL-treated HUVECs. Animal study revealed that knockdown of lnc-KCNC3-3:1 alleviated the symptom of atherosclerosis, and it could inhibit the expressions of p-JAK1, p-STAT3 and p-Akt in tissues of atherosclerosis mice.

Conclusion: Knockdown of lnc-KCNC3-3:1 alleviates the development of atherosclerosis via downregulation of JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway. These data indicated that lnc-KCNC3-3:1 might serve as a potential target for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Oxidized LDL-regulated microRNAs for evaluating vascular endothelial function: molecular mechanisms and potential biomarker roles in atherosclerosis

As a simple monolayer, vascular endothelial cells can respond to physicochemical stimuli. In addition to promoting the formation of foam cells, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) contributes to the atherosclerotic process through different mechanisms, including endothelial cell dysfunction. As conserved noncoding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) naturally lie in different genomic positions and post-transcriptionally regulate the expression of many genes. They participate in integrated networks formed under stress to maintain cellular homeostasis, vascular inflammation, and metabolism. These small RNAs constitute therapeutic targets in different diseases, including atherosclerosis, and their role as biomarkers is crucial given their detectability even years before the emergence of diseases. This review was performed to investigate the role of ox-LDL-regulated miRNAs in atherosclerosis, their molecular mechanisms, and their application as biomarkers of vascular endothelial cell dysfunction.

Long non-coding RNA RP11-490M8.1 inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced pyroptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells via the TLR4/NF-κB pathway

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Pyroptosis is a relatively newly discovered form of programmed cell death that plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. Many studies have reported that lncRNAs participated in the regulation of atherosclerosis development. However, the regulatory mechanism of lncRNAs in pyroptosis must be studied further.

METHODS

In a previous study, microarray analysis was used to detect the lncRNA expression profile in three human advanced atherosclerotic plaques and three normal arterial intimae. In the present research, in vitro assays were performed to investigate the role of lncRNA RP11-490M8.1 on pyroptosis. The relative gene mRNA and lncRNA expression levels were tested by quantitative real-time PCR, and protein levels were evaluated by western blot analysis. The RNA hybrid structure was analyzed using the DINAMelt server.

RESULTS

The lncRNA RP11-490M8.1 was significantly downregulated in atherosclerotic plaques and serum. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) markedly reduced the expression of lncRNA RP11-490M8.1 and induced pyroptosis by increasingthe mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, ASC, IL-1β, and IL-18 in HUVECs. The promotion effects ofLPS on pyroptosis were markedly suppressed by overexpression of lncRNA RP11-490M8.1. In addition, LPS increased the mRNA and protein levels ofTLR4 and NF-κB, which was also markedly offsetby overexpression of lncRNA RP11-490M8.1.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicated that lncRNA RP11-490M8.1 inhibited LPS-induced pyroptosis via the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Thus, lncRNA RP11-490M8.1 may provide a therapeutic target to ameliorate atherosclerosis.

LncRNA OIP5-AS1 knockdown or miR-223 overexpression can alleviate LPS-induced ALI/ARDS by interfering with miR-223/NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis

BACKGROUND

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are life-threatening diseases and endothelial barrier injury is an important contributor to the pathogenesis of ALI/ARDS. LncRNA has been proved to participate in the progression of ALI/ARDS. Our study aimed to investigate the function of lncRNA OIP5-AS1 in LPS-induced ALI/ARDS.

METHODS

OIP5-AS1 and miR-223 levels were detected by PCR in the serum of ALI/ARDS patients or healthy donors. MTT assay were performed to detect the proliferation of HPMECs. Flow cytometry were performed to detect the apoptosis of HPMECs. The protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, GSDMD-N, caspase-1 were measured by western blot to detect the pyroptosis of HPMECs. IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18 and IL-10 was detected by ELISA to measure the inflammatory response of HPMECs. And production of ROS, SOD and MDA was measured to determine the oxidative stress of HPMECs. Targets of OIP5-AS1 and miR-223 were predicted by StarBase and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

We found that OIP5-AS1 was upregulated, while miR-223 was downregulated in the serum of ALI/ARDS patients and LPS-treated HPMECs. Functionally, knockdown of OIP5-AS1 induced proliferation and inhibited apoptosis, pyroptosis, inflammatory response and oxidative stress of LPS-treated HPMECs. Interestingly, miR-223 was a target of OIP5-AS1 and miR-223 inhibition abolished the effects of si-OIP5-AS1 on LPS-induced HPMECs. More importantly, miR-223 directly targeted NLRP3, miR-223 overexpression also promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis, pyroptosis, inflammatory response and oxidative stress of LPS-treated HPMECs and which was abolished by NLRP3 overexpression. Finally, we found that OIP5-AS1 knockdown and miR-223 overexpression could both alleviate LPS-induced ALI/ARDS in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Together, we find that LncRNA OIP5-AS1 aggravates LPS-induced ALI/ARDS via miR-223/NLRP3 axis and provides new targets for ALI/ARDS therapy.