Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Initiates miRNA-mRNA Signaling Cascades in Obstruction-Induced Bladder Dysfunction

Tumour necrosis factor α regulates the miR-27a-3p-Sfrp1 axis in a mouse model of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease that involves gradual loss of bone density and mass, thus resulting in increased fragility and risk of fracture. Inflammatory cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), inhibit osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and several microRNAs are implicated in osteoporosis development. This study aimed to explore the correlation between TNF-α treatment and miR-27a-3p expression in BMSC osteogenesis and further understand their roles in osteoporosis. An osteoporosis animal model was established using ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Compared with Sham mice, the OVX mice had a significantly elevated level of serum TNF-α and decreased level of bone miR-27a-3p, and in vitro TNF-α treatment inhibited miR-27a-3p expression in BMSCs. In addition, miR-27a-3p promoted osteogenic differentiation of mouse BMSCs in vitro, as evidenced by alkaline phosphatase staining and Alizarin Red-S staining, as well as enhanced expression of the osteogenic markers Runx2 and Osterix. Subsequent bioinformatics analysis combined with experimental validation identified secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (Sfrp1) as a downstream target of miR-27a-3p. Sfrp1 overexpression significantly inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in vitro and additional TNF-α treatment augmented this inhibition. Moreover, Sfrp1 overexpression abrogated the promotive effect of miR-27a-3p on the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Furthermore, the miR-27a-3p-Sfrp1 axis was found to exert its regulatory function in BMSC osteogenic differentiation via regulating Wnt3a-β-catenin signalling. In summary, this study revealed that TNF-α regulated a novel miR-27a-3p-Sfrp1 axis in osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. The data provide new insights into the development of novel therapeutic strategies for osteoporosis.

The ability of microRNAs to regulate the immune response in ischemia/reperfusion inflammatory pathways

MicroRNAs play a crucial role in regulating the immune responses induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury. Through their ability to modulate gene expression, microRNAs adjust immune responses by targeting specific genes and signaling pathways. This review focuses on the impact of microRNAs on the inflammatory pathways triggered during ischemia/reperfusion injury and highlights their ability to modulate inflammation, playing a critical role in the pathophysiology of ischemia/reperfusion injury. Dysregulated expression of microRNAs contributes to the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion injury, therefore targeting specific microRNAs offers an opportunity to restore immune homeostasis and improve patient outcomes. Understanding the complex network of immunoregulatory microRNAs could provide novel therapeutic interventions aimed at attenuating excessive inflammation and preserving tissue integrity.

Epigenetic insights to pediatric uropathology: Celebrating the fundamental biology vision of Tony Khoury

INTRODUCTION

Many pediatric urology conditions affect putatively normal tissues or appear too commonly to be based solely on specific DNA mutations. Understanding epigenetic mechanisms in pediatric urology, therefore, has many implications that can impact cell and tissue responses to settings, such as environmental and hormonal influences on urethral development, uropathogenic infections, obstructive stimuli, all of which originate externally or extracellularly. Indeed, the cell's response to external stimuli is often mediated epigenetically. In this commentary, we highlight work on the critical role that epigenetic machinery, such as DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), Enhancer of Zeste Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 Subunit (EZH2), and others play in regulating gene expression and cellular functions in three urological contexts.

DESIGN

Animal and cellular constructs were used to model clinical pediatric uropathology. The hypertrophy, trabeculation, and fibrosis of the chronically obstructed bladder was explored using smooth muscle cell models employing disorganised vs. normal extracellular matrix (ECM), as well as a new animal model of chronic obstructive bladder disease (COBD) which retains its pathologic features even after bladder de-obstruction. Cell models from human and murine hypospadias or genital tubercles (GT) were used to illustrate developmental responses and epigenetic dependency of key developmental genes. Finally, using bladder urothelial and organoid culture systems, we examined activity of epigenetic machinery in response to non uropathogenic vs. uropathogenic E.coli (UPEC). DNMT and EZH2 expression and function were interrogated in these model systems.

RESULTS

Disordered ECM exerted a principal mitogenic and epigenetic role for on bladder smooth muscle both in vitro and in CODB in vivo. Key genes, e.g., BDNF and KCNB2 were under epigenetic regulation in actively evolving obstruction and COBD, though each condition showed distinct epigenetic responses. In models of hypospadias, estrogen strongly dysregulated WNT and Hox expression, which was normalized by epigenetic inhibition. Finally, DNA methylation machinery in the urothelium showed specific activation when challenged by uropathogenic E.coli. Similarly, UPEC induces hypermethylation and downregulation of the growth suppressor p16INK4A. Moreover, host cells exposed to UPEC produced secreted factors inducing epigenetic responses transmissible from one affected cell to another without ongoing bacterial presence.

DISCUSSION

Microenvironmental influences altered epigenetic activity in the three described urologic contexts. Considering that many obstructed bladders continue to display abnormal architecture and dysfunction despite relief of obstruction similar to after resection of posterior valves or BPH, the epigenetic mechanisms described highlight novel approaches for understanding the underlying smooth muscle myopathy of this crucial clinical problem. Similarly, there is evidence for an epigenetic basis of xenoestrogen on development of hypospadias, and UTI-induced pan-urothelial alteration of epigenetic marks and propensity for subsequent (recurrent) UTI. The impact of mechanical, hormonal, infectious triggers on genitourinary epigenetic machinery activity invite novel avenues for targeting epigenetic modifications associated with these non-cancer diseases in urology. This includes the use of deactivated CRISPR-based technologies for precise epigenome targeting and editing. Overall, we underscore the importance of understanding epigenetic regulation in pediatric urology for the development of innovative therapeutic and management strategies.

The exo-microRNA (miRNA) signaling pathways in pathogenesis and treatment of stroke diseases: Emphasize on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)

A major factor in long-term impairment is stroke. Patients with persistent stroke and severe functional disabilities have few therapy choices. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) may contribute to the regulation of the pathophysiologic processes of ischemic stroke as shown by altered expression of lncRNAs and microRNA (miRNAs) in blood samples of acute ischemic stroke patients. On the other hand, multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) increase neurogenesis, and angiogenesis, dampen neuroinflammation, and boost brain plasticity to improve functional recovery in experimental stroke models. MSCs can be procured from various sources such as the bone marrow, adipose tissue, and peripheral blood. Under the proper circumstances, MSCs can differentiate into a variety of mature cells, including neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Accordingly, the capability of MSCs to exert neuroprotection and also neurogenesis has recently attracted more attention. Nowadays, lncRNAs and miRNAs derived from MSCs have opened new avenues to alleviate stroke symptoms. Accordingly, in this review article, we examined various studies concerning the lncRNAs and miRNAs' role in stroke pathogenesis and delivered an overview of the therapeutic role of MSC-derived miRNAs and lncRNAs in stroke conditions.

De-obstruction of bladder outlet in humans reverses organ remodelling by normalizing the expression of key transcription factors

BACKGROUND

Benign prostatic hyperplasia in elderly males often causes bladder outlet obstruction termed benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). BPO induces lower urinary tract symptoms and quantifiable urodynamic alterations in bladder function. When conservative medical treatments are exhausted, surgical interventions like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) are employed for bladder outlet de-obstruction. Elucidating the molecular changes in the human bladder resulting from BPO and their reversal post-de-obstruction is pivotal for defining the "point of no return", when the organ deterioration becomes irreversible. In this study we carried out a comprehensive molecular and urodynamic characterization of the bladders in men with BPO before TURP and 3 months after the relief of obstruction.

METHODS

We report integrated transcriptome and proteome analysis of bladder samples from male patients with BPO before and 3 months after de-obstruction surgery (TURP). mRNA and protein profiles were correlated with urodynamic findings, specifically voiding detrusor pressure (PdetQmax) before TURP. We delineated the molecular classifiers of each group, pointing at the different pre-TURP bladder status.

RESULTS

Age-matched patients with BPO without DO were divided into two groups based on the PdetQmax values recorded by UDI before de-obstruction: high and medium pressure (HP and MP) groups. Three months after de-obstruction surgery, the voiding parameters PdetQmax, Qmax and RV were significantly improved in both groups, without notable inter-group differences in the values after TURP. Patients with high PdetQmax showed less advanced remodeling and inflammatory changes than those with lower values. We detected significant dysregulation of gene expression, which was at least partially reversed by de-obstruction in both patients' groups. Transcription factor SOX21 and its target thrombospondin 4 (THBS4) demonstrated normalization post-TURP.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings reveal substantial yet incomplete reversal of cell signalling pathways three months after TURP, consistent with improved urodynamic parameters. We propose a set of biomarker genes, indicative of BPO, and possibly contributing to the bladder changes. This study unveils the stages of progressive obstruction-induced bladder decompensation and offers insights into selecting an optimal intervention point to mitigate loss of contractility.

TNFα-Induced Altered miRNA Expression Links to NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common gynecological inflammatory disorder characterized by immune system dysregulation, which is involved in lesion initiation and progression. Studies have demonstrated that several cytokines are associated with the evolution of endometriosis, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα). TNFα is a non-glycosylated cytokine protein with potent inflammatory, cytotoxic, and angiogenic potential. In the current study, we examined the ability of TNFα to induce dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) linked to NFkB signaling pathways, thus contributing to the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Using RT-qPCR, the expression of several miRNAs was quantified in primary cells derived from eutopic endometrium of endometriosis subjects (EESC) and normal endometrial stromal cells (NESC), and also TNFα-treated NESCs. The phosphorylation of the pro-inflammatory molecule NF-κB and the candidates of the survival pathways PI3K, AKT, and ERK was measured by western blot analysis. The elevated secretion of TNFα in EESCs downregulates the expression level of several miRNAs significantly in EESCs compared to NESCs. Also, treatment of NESCs with exogenous TNFα significantly reduced the expression of miRNAs in a dose-dependent manner to levels similar to EESCs. In addition, TNFα significantly increased the phosphorylation of the PI3K, AKT, ERK, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Notably, treatment with curcumin (CUR, diferuloylmethane), an anti-inflammatory polyphenol, significantly increased the expression of dysregulated miRNAs in EESC in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings demonstrate that TNFα is upregulated in EESCs, which subsequently dysregulates the expression of miRNAs, contributing to the pathophysiology of endometriotic cells. CUR effectively inhibits the expression of TNFα, subsequently altering miRNA levels and suppressing the phosphorylation of AKT, ERK, and NF-κB.

The influence of selected microRNAs on the expression profile of genes and proteins related to the tumor necrosis factor-alpha signaling pathways in endometrioid endometrial cancer

PURPOSE

Tumor necrosis factor exerts many adverse biological effects, from cell proliferation to cell death. Accurate diagnosis and treatment are therefore difficult due to many factors influencing tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) signaling, including microRNAs (miRNAs), especially in tumors. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of miRNAs on the expression profile of genes and proteins related to TNF-α signaling in endometrial cancer.

METHODS

The material consisted of 45 endometrioid endometrial cancer and 45 normal endometrium tissue samples. Gene expression was determined with microarrays and then validated for TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) and 2 (TNFR2), caveolin 1 (CAV1), nuclear factor kappa B subunit 1 (NFKB1), and TGF-beta activated kinase 1 (MAP3K7)-binding protein 2 (TAB2) using real-time quantitative reverse transcription reaction (RT-qPCR). The protein concentration was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, differentiating miRNAs were identified using miRNA microarrays and their relationships with TNF-α signaling genes were evaluated using the mirDIP tool.

RESULTS

TNF-α, TNFR1, TNFR2, CAV1, NFKB1, and TAB2 were upregulated both on the mRNA and protein levels. The decrease in the activity of miR-1207-5p, miR-1910-3p, and miR-940 may be related to CAV1 overexpression. Similarly for miR-572 and NFKB1 as well as miR-939-5p and TNF-α. In turn, miR-3178 may partially inhibit TNFR1 activity up to grade 2 cancer.

CONCLUSION

TNF-α signaling, especially the TNF-α/NF-κB axis, is disrupted in endometrial cancer and worsens with disease progression. The observed changes may be the result of miRNAs' activity in the initial stage of endometrial cancer and its gradual loss in later grades.

TNFα-induced altered miRNA expression links to NF-κB signaling pathway in endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common gynecological inflammatory disorder characterized by immune system dysregulation, which is involved in lesion initiation and progression. Studies have demonstrated that several cytokines are associated with the evolution of endometriosis, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα). TNFα is a non-glycosylated cytokine protein with potent inflammatory, cytotoxic, and angiogenic potential. In the current study, we examined the ability of TNFα to induce dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) linked to NFkB-signaling pathways, thus contributing to the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Using RT-QPCR, the expression of several miRNAs were quantified in primary cells derived from eutopic endometrium of endometriosis subjects (EESC) and normal endometrial stromal cells (NESC) and also TNFα treated NESCs. The phosphorylation of the pro-inflammatory molecule NF-κB and the candidates of the survival pathways PI3K, AKT and ERK was measured by westernblot analysis. The elevated secretion of TNFα in EESCs downregulates the expression level of several miRNAs significantly (p < 0.05) in EESCs compared to NESC. Also treatment of NESCs with exogenous TNFα significantly reduced the expression of miRNAs in a dose-dependent manner to levels similar to EESCs. In addition, TNFα significantly increased the phosphorylation of the PI3K, AKT, ERK, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Notably, treatment with curcumin (CUR, diferuloylmethane), an anti-inflammatory polyphenol, significantly increased the expression of dysregulated miRNAs in EESC in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings demonstrate that TNFα is upregulated in EESCs, which subsequently dysregulates the expression of miRNAs, contributing to the pathophysiology of endometriotic cells. CUR effectively inhibits the expression of TNFα, subsequently altering miRNA levels and suppresses the phosphorylation of AKT, ERK, and NF-κB.

HucMSC exosomes attenuate partial bladder outlet obstruction-induced renal injury and cell proliferation via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) can cause serious complications including kidney damage; nevertheless, there are currently no animal models for studying BOO-induced kidney damage. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely used in therapeutic studies of renal fibrosis. However, MSC-derived exosomes show improved safety profile and more controllable characteristics compared with those of MSCs. Herein, we established a kidney injury mouse model of partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO) and evaluated the effects of human umbilical cord MSC-derived exosomes (hucMSC-Exos) on PBOO-induced reflux kidney injury in this model. Exosomes were isolated from a hucMSC-conditioned medium, purified by ultracentrifugation, and examined. Living image was performed to indicate the distribution of hucMSC-Exos. The PBOO-treated mice interacted with PBS (phosphate-buffered saline) or hucMSC-Exos. Morphologic changes and expression of interstitial-fibrosis-related, cell proliferation and Wnt/β-catenin signaling-pathway indices were evaluated. At 7 days after induction of PBOO, structural destruction of renal tubules was observed. Expression of the interstitial markers and the cellular-proliferation index increased significantly in the PBOO group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The isolated exosomes were 30-150 nm in diameter, showing a round shape and bilayer membrane structure with CD63, TSG101, Alix expressed, enriched in the kidney of the PBOO group. Administering hucMSC-Exos to post-PBOO mice reversed renal injury and suppressed expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins. hucMSC-Exos inhibited PBOO-induced kidney injury and cellular proliferation and suppressed the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Our findings will spur the development of novel hucMSC-Exo-mediated therapies for treating patients with renal fibrosis.

Changes of proapoptotic and antiapoptotic genes affect sensitivity to apoptotic stimuli in impaired contractility due to long term bladder outlet obstruction

INTRODUCTION

The normal biological process that necessitates cell removal greatly depends on apoptosis. Long term bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) causes damaged smooth muscle cells to undergo apoptosis. However, smooth muscle cell apoptosis that BOO causes is not well known in impaired bladder contractility. Therefore, we designed this study to investigate whether long-term BOO could induce apoptosis activities and to obtain an expression profile of apoptosis related genes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used 10 Sprague-Dawley six-week-old female rats. We separated them equally into two groups: a sham intervention group (group 1) and an eight-week BOO group (group 2). We conducted cystometric evaluation eight weeks following BOO onset, with processing of bladder tissue for PCR array. Every array comprised 84 genes, which were established to contribute to an apoptosis response, cell differentiation and metabolism, and 12 sequences were established for the regulation of loading and the quality of cDNA. We performed real-time PCR. Changes in gene expression presented as a fold increase/decrease. Alterations of more than two-fold constituted the cut-off determining expression.

RESULTS

Group 2 had a greater bladder weight and Impaired bladder contractility. Immunofluorescent staining with CAS3, TUNEL showed increased in the BOO group. In comparison to group 1, group 2 exhibited an at least two-fold upregulation in five genes, the Bcl-2 (15.1), Birc5 (5.8), Cd40lg (7.5), Il10 (16.2), and Naip2 (13.2). They also demonstrated at least a two-fold downregulation in the PRLR (-18.1) gene. Genes Bcl2ald, Circ5, Cd40lg, Il10, Naip2, and PRLR were among the genes with activity against apoptosis. TNF, STAT3 and TP53 mediated the effect that genes had on one another.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that the relative ratios of pro- and antiapoptotic genes determine bladder cell sensitivity cells to apoptotic stimuli in impaired contractility caused by long term BOO. Although we cannot confirm whether this finding is the result of the decompensated phase of the bladder or the process, the gene expression profiles could explain molecular mechanisms of apoptosis in impaired bladder contractility caused by long-term BOO with further studies.

CircRNA/miRNA/mRNA axis participates in the progression of partial bladder outlet obstruction

BACKGROUND

More and more evidence showed that circRNA/miRNA/mRNA axis played a vital role in the pathogenesis of some diseases. However, the role of circRNA/miRNA/mRNA axis in partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) remains unknown. Our study aimed to explore the complex regulatory mechanism of circRNA/miRNA/mRNA axis in pBOO.

METHODS

The pBOO rat model was established, and the bladder tissues were collected for mRNA sequencing. The differentially expressed mRNAs were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing, and the GO and KEGG analysis of the differentially expressed mRNAs were performed. Competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) analysis identified the potential regulation function of circRNA/miRNA/mRNA axis in pBOO. qRT-PCR detected the expression of circRNA/miRNA/mRNA. miRanda software was performed to predict the relationship between circRNA and miRNA, miRNA and mRNA.

RESULTS

Compared with the sham group, a total of 571 mRNAs were differentially expressed in the pBOO group, of which 286 were up-regulated and 285 were down-regulated. GO analysis showed that the mRNAs were mainly involved in cellular process, single-organism process, and cell, etc. KEGG analysis showed that the enriched signaling pathways were metabolic pathways, cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), and HTLV-I infection, etc. Based on the previous transcriptome data and differentially expressed circRNAs, we drew the ceRNA network regulation diagram. qRT-PCR results confirmed that chr3:113195876|113197193/rno-miR-30c-1-3p/Gata4, chr1:126188351|126195625/rno-miR-153-5p/Diaph3, and chr9:81258380|81275269/rno-miR-135b-5p/Pigr axis may have ceRNA function. miRanda confirmed there have the binding sites of circRNA/miRNA/mRNA axis.

CONCLUSIONS

CircRNA/miRNA/mRNA axis was involved in the progression of pBOO. Our research on the circRNA/miRNA/mRNA axis revealed new pathogenesis and treatment strategies for pBOO.

Association of MicroRNAs With Risk of Stroke: A Meta-Analysis

Objectives

Altered expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) may contribute to disease vulnerability. Studies have reported the involvement of miRNA in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke.

Methods

We performed a meta-analysis of data from 6 studies that used a panel of miRNAs with altered expressions to diagnose ischemic stroke with the Bayesian framework. The I² test and Cochran's Q-statistic were used to assess heterogeneity. Funnel plots were generated and publication bias was assessed using Begg and Egger tests.

Results

On summary receiver operating characteristics (SROC) curve analysis, the pooled sensitivity and specificity of altered miRNA expressions for diagnosis of ischemic stroke was 0.92 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80–0.97) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.71–0.90), respectively; the diagnostic odds ratio was 54.35 (95% CI 20.39–144.92), and the area under the SROC curve was 0.93 (95% CI 0.90–0.95).

Conclusions

Our results showed a link between dysregulation of miRNAs and the occurrence of ischemic stroke. Abnormal miRNA expression may be a potential biomarker for ischemic stroke.

Adaptation to partial urethral obstruction in healthy aging LOU rats and the role of nerve growth factor signaling pathway in the bladder

AIM

Aging is associated with poor ability to adapt to stress and abnormal nerve growth factor (NGF) profile. Lower urinary tract symptoms frequently disturb the quality of life of the aging population with no optimal treatment for both genders. The aim of the study was to compare the bladder response to bladder outflow obstruction in young and old LOU rats, a model of healthy aging that does not develop insulin resistance, and its relation to proNGF/NGF imbalance.

METHODS

6- and 36-month-old female LOU rats were subjected to partial bladder urethral obstruction (PUO) for 2 weeks. Morphometric parameters (body and bladder weight) and glycemia were evaluated. Cystometry was carried out to measure functional parameters followed by ex vivo assessment of muscle strip contractile characteristics. Tissue proteins were examined by immunoblotting and morphology was examined by microscopy.

RESULTS

Body weight and glycaemia were not affected by surgery. PUO increases significantly bladder weight with increased thickness and fibrosis of the bladder wall as revealed by histological examination in both age groups. Cystometry showed that old PUO rats had a significant reduction in the intercontraction interval and the bladder capacity, a pattern opposite to young rats with PUO. Contractile properties of bladder strip were not affected by age or PUO. On the molecular level, the old rats had lower abundance of the mature NGF relative to proNGF, with signs of p75^NTR activation suggested by the higher expression of TNF-α and JNK phosphorylation in the bladder tissue.

CONCLUSION

Bladder adaptation to PUO occurs only in young LOU rats to maintain efficient bladder contractility. Old LOU rats display proNGF/NGF imbalance and the associated p75^NTR activation. This can further induce tissue damage and degeneration through activation of JNK pathway and release of TNF-α which in turn interferes with the necessary bladder adaptation.

LncRNA HOXA-AS3 promotes the malignancy of glioblastoma through regulating miR-455-5p/USP3 axis

Our objective was to determine the molecular mechanisms by which lncRNA HOXA‐AS3 regulates the biological behaviour of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). We used an lncRNA microarray assay to identify GBM‐related lncRNA expression profiles. Qrt‐PCR was used to survey the levels of expression of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) HOXA‐AS3 and the target gene. Dual‐luciferase reporter assays were used to investigate the interaction of lncRNA HOXA‐AS3, the target gene and miRNA. Western blot analysis was used to examine the expression of USP3 and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) genes. The MTT assay, transwell assay and wound healing assay were used to analyse the effects of lncRNA HOXA‐AS3 on GBM cell viability, mobility and invasiveness, respectively. Our results showed that lncRNA HOXA‐AS3 was significantly up‐regulated in GBM cells and could promote GBM cell proliferation, invasion and migration in vitro and in vivo. HOXA‐AS was found to be associated with poor survival prognosis in glioma patients. The dual‐luciferase reporter assay also revealed that lncRNA HOXA‐AS3 acts as a mir‐455‐5p sponge by up‐regulating USP3 expression to promote GBM progression. Western blot analysis showed that lncRNA HOXA‐AS3 could up‐regulate EMT‐related gene expression in GBM. Experiments showed mir‐455‐5p could rescue the effect of lncRNA HOXA‐AS3 on cell proliferation and invasion. The newly identified HOXA‐AS3/mir‐455‐5p/USP3 pathway offers important clues to understanding the key mechanisms underlying the action of lncRNA HOXA‐AS3 in glioblastoma.

Emerging Roles for Neuropilin-2 in Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide, is predominantly associated with atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterised by the narrowing of large to medium-sized arteries due to a build-up of plaque. Atherosclerotic plaque is comprised of lipids, extracellular matrix, and several cell types, including endothelial, immune, and vascular smooth muscle cells. Such narrowing of the blood vessels can itself restrict blood flow to vital organs but most severe clinical complications, including heart attacks and strokes, occur when lesions rupture, triggering the blood to clot and obstructing blood flow further down the vascular tree. To circumvent such obstructions, percutaneous coronary intervention or bypass grafts are often required; however, re-occlusion of the treated artery frequently occurs. Neuropilins (NRPs), a multifunctional family of cell surface co-receptors, are expressed by endothelial, immune, and vascular smooth muscle cells and are regulators of numerous signalling pathways within the vasculature. Here, we review recent studies implicating NRP2 in the development of occlusive vascular diseases and discuss how NRP2 could be targeted for therapeutic intervention.

Systems analysis of benign bladder disorders: insights from omics analysis

The signaling pathways and effectors that drive the response of the bladder to nonmalignant insults or injury are incompletely defined. Interrogation of biological systems has been revolutionized by the ability to generate high-content data sets that capture information on a variety of biomolecules in cells and tissues, from DNA to RNA to proteins. In oncology, such an approach has led to the identification of cancer subtypes, improved prognostic capability, and has provided a basis for precision treatment of patients. In contrast, systematic molecular characterization of benign bladder disorders has lagged behind, such that our ability to uncover novel therapeutic interventions or increase our mechanistic understanding of such conditions is limited. Here, we discuss existing literature on the application of omics approaches, including transcriptomics and proteomics, to urinary tract conditions characterized by pathological tissue remodeling. We discuss molecular pathways implicated in remodeling, challenges in the field, and aspirations for omics-based research in the future.

Comparing complications of urethral stricture across various ages: a retrospective analysis of findings from retrograde urethrogram and voiding cysto-urethrogram over 10 years

Objective

To determine the rate and the distribution of the structural defects in the urinary bladder complicating urethral stricture in men, and to compare the complications observed in the younger patients to those observed in the older patients.

Methods

Retrospectively, case files of patients diagnosed of urethral stricture using retrograde urethrogram (RUG) and voiding cysto-urethrogram (VCUG) from February 2009 to August 2018 were analyzed. Stricture characteristics were outlined. In addition, complicating structural defects in the lower urinary tract proximal to the stricture site were documented. The complicating defects identified in the patients were segregated according to age for any observable associations. Logistic regression analysis was used to define the nature of the association of patient age, stricture site, number and length, with distribution of complicating structural defects. Analyses were done using SPSS® version 20.

Results

Within the 10-year review period, 257 of 421 suspected cases of urethral stricture were confirmed. Patients are between 1 and 104 years of age (mean: 50.1 ± 19.1 years; median: 51.0 years IQR 35.0–65.0). Bulbar (34.2%); short segment (62.6%); partial (73.9%) strictures are prevalent. Forty-seven (18.3%) of 257 patients presented with 1 or more complications. Bladder diverticulum (8.6%) and urethra-cutaneous fistula (6.6%) are prevalent complications. The distribution of complications does not vary with age, or with stricture characteristics.

Conclusion

Presentation with complications is not uncommon. The distribution of these complications does not vary with age or with stricture characteristics.

MicroRNA-140-5p targeting tumor necrosis factor-α prevents pulmonary arterial hypertension

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by the apoptosis resistance and hyperproliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Its pathogenesis has not been revealed. Here, we carried out experiments to investigate the functions of miR-140-5p and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α).

METHODS

We selected GSE703 from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) Database to conduct microarray analysis using R software and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Combing bioinformatics results, the upregulation of miR-140-5p inhibited PAH progression through targeting TNF-α. RNA expression was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and protein level was measured by western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). We conducted monocrotaline (MCT) injection to rats to form PAH animal models. The lung tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Sirius red-picric acid staining. Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and the ratio of right ventricle (RV)-to-left ventricle (LV) plus septum (S) weight (RV/[LV + S]) were measured in MCT-induced animal models. Overexpression of miR-140-5p and TNF-α were utilized to research the proliferation, migration, and phenotypic variation of hypoxia-mediated PASMCs. The binding between miR-140-5p and TNF-α 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) was confirmed via luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

Downregulation of miR-140-5p and upregulation of TNF-α were observed in PAH rat model and hypoxia-mediated PASMCs. And we proved that overexpression of miR-140-5p could suppress the proliferation, migration, and phenotypic variation of PASMCs, therefore inhibiting PAH pathogenesis. Luciferase assay verified that miR-140-5p targeted TNF-α directly. A converse correlation was also shown between miR-140-5p and TNF-α in PASMCs.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-140-5p and TNF-α are important regulators in PAH pathology and may serve as a therapeutic target for PAH.