MiR-702-5p ameliorates diabetic encephalopathy in db/db mice by regulating 12/15-LOX

miRNA-seq analysis of high glucose induced osteoblasts provides insight into the mechanism underlying diabetic osteoporosis

The present study aims to explore the etiology of Diabetic osteoporosis (DOP), a chronic complication associated with diabetes mellitus. Specifically, the research seeks to identify potential miRNA biomarkers of DOP and investigated role in regulating osteoblasts. To achieve this, an animal model of DOP was established through the administration of a high-sugar and high-fat diet, and then injection of streptozotocin. Bone microarchitecture and histopathology analysis were analyzed. Rat calvarial osteoblasts (ROBs) were stimulated with high glucose (HG). MiRNA profiles of the stimulated osteoblasts were compared to control osteoblasts using sequencing. Proliferation and mineralization abilities were assessed using MTT assay, alkaline phosphatase, and alizarin red staining. Expression levels of OGN, Runx2, and ALP were determined through qRT-PCR and Western blot. MiRNA-sequencing results revealed increased miRNA-702-5p levels. Luciferase reporter gene was utilized to study the correlation between miR-702-5p and OGN. High glucose impaired cell proliferation and mineralization in vitro by inhibiting OGN, Runx2, and ALP expressions. Interference with miR-702-5p decreased OGN, Runx2, and ALP levels, which were restored by OGN overexpression. Additionally, downregulation of OGN and Runx2 in DOP rat femurs was confirmed. Therefore, the miRNA-702-5p/OGN/Runx2 signaling axis may play a role in DOP, and could be diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for not only DOP but also other forms of osteoporosis.

Metabolic memory: mechanisms and diseases

Metabolic diseases and their complications impose health and economic burdens worldwide. Evidence from past experimental studies and clinical trials suggests our body may have the ability to remember the past metabolic environment, such as hyperglycemia or hyperlipidemia, thus leading to chronic inflammatory disorders and other diseases even after the elimination of these metabolic environments. The long-term effects of that aberrant metabolism on the body have been summarized as metabolic memory and are found to assume a crucial role in states of health and disease. Multiple molecular mechanisms collectively participate in metabolic memory management, resulting in different cellular alterations as well as tissue and organ dysfunctions, culminating in disease progression and even affecting offspring. The elucidation and expansion of the concept of metabolic memory provides more comprehensive insight into pathogenic mechanisms underlying metabolic diseases and complications and promises to be a new target in disease detection and management. Here, we retrace the history of relevant research on metabolic memory and summarize its salient characteristics. We provide a detailed discussion of the mechanisms by which metabolic memory may be involved in disease development at molecular, cellular, and organ levels, with emphasis on the impact of epigenetic modulations. Finally, we present some of the pivotal findings arguing in favor of targeting metabolic memory to develop therapeutic strategies for metabolic diseases and provide the latest reflections on the consequences of metabolic memory as well as their implications for human health and diseases.

Phosphatidate phosphatase Lipin1 involves in diabetic encephalopathy pathogenesis via regulating synaptic mitochondrial dynamics

Diabetic encephalopathy (DE) is a common central nervous system complication of diabetes mellitus without effective therapy currently. Recent studies have highlighted synaptic mitochondrial damages as a possible pathological basis for DE, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Our previous work has revealed that phosphatidate phosphatase Lipin1, a critical enzyme involved with phospholipid synthesis, is closely related to the pathogenesis of DE. Here, we demonstrate that Lipin1 is significantly down-regulated in rat hippocampus of DE. Knock-down of Lipin1 within hippocampus of normal rats induces dysregulation of homeostasis in synaptic mitochondrial dynamics with an increase of mitochondrial fission and a decrease of fusion, then causes synaptic mitochondrial dysfunction, synaptic plasticity deficits as well as cognitive impairments, similar to that observed in response to chronic hyperglycemia exposure. In contrast, an up-regulation of Lipin1 within hippocampus in the DE model ameliorates this cascade of dysfunction. We also find that the effect of Lipin1 that regulating mitochondrial dynamics results from maintaining appropriate phospholipid components in the mitochondrial membrane. In conclusion, alterations in hippocampal Lipin1 contribute to hippocampal synaptic mitochondrial dysfunction and cognitive deficits observed in DE. Targeting Lipin1 might be a potential therapeutic strategy for the clinical treatment of DE.

Effects of central administration of the human Tau protein on the Bdnf, Trkb, p75, Mapt, Bax and Bcl-2 genes expression in the mouse brain

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting millions of people worldwide. Despite intensive work by many researchers, the mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease development have not yet been elucidated. Recently, more studies have been directed to the investigation of the processes leading to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles consisting of hyperphosphorylated microtubule-associated Tau proteins. Pathological aggregation of this protein leads to the development of neurodegeneration associated with impaired neurogenesis and apoptosis. In the present study, the effects of central administration of aggregating human Tau protein on the expression of the Bdnf, Ntrk2, Ngfr, Mapt, Bax and Bcl-2 genes in the brain of C57Bl/6J mice were explored. It was found that five days after administration of the protein into the fourth lateral ventricle, significant changes occurred in the expression of the genes involved in apoptosis and neurogenesis regulation, e. g., a notable decrease in the mRNA level of the gene encoding the most important neurotrophic factor BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) was observed in the frontal cortex which could play an important role in neurodegeneration caused by pathological Tau protein aggregation. Central administration of the Tau protein did not affect the expression of the Ntrk2, Ngfr, Mapt, Bax and Bcl-2 genes in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. Concurrently, a significant decrease in the expression of the Mapt gene encoding endogenous mouse Tau protein was found in the cerebellum. However, no changes in the level or phosphorylation of the endogenous Tau protein were observed. Thus, central administration of aggregating human Tau protein decreases the expression of the Bdnf gene in the frontal cortex and the Mapt gene encoding endogenous mouse Tau protein in the cerebellum of C57Bl/6J mice.

Understanding the Roles and Regulation of Mitochondrial microRNAs (MitomiRs) in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Current Status and Advances

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are a class of small non-coding RNA, roughly 21 - 22 nucleotides in length, which are master gene regulators. These miRNAs bind to the mRNA's 3' - untranslated region and regulate post-transcriptional gene regulation, thereby influencing various physiological and cellular processes. Another class of miRNAs known as mitochondrial miRNA (MitomiRs) has been found to either originate from the mitochondrial genome or be translocated directly into the mitochondria. Although the role of nuclear DNA encoded miRNA in the progression of various neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, etc. is well known, accumulating evidence suggests the possible role of deregulated mitomiRs in the progression of various neurodegenerative diseases with unknown mechanism. We have attempted to outline the current state of mitomiRs role in controlling mitochondrial gene expression and function through this review, paying particular attention to their contribution to neurological processes, their etiology, and their potential therapeutic use.