Transcriptional profiling and circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network analysis identify the biomarkers in Sheng-ji Hua-yu formula treated diabetic wound healing

Sirtuin-6 knockout causes exacerbated stalled healing of diabetic ulcers in mice

BACKGROUND

Diabetic ulcers (DUs) are characterized by chronic inflammation and delayed re-epithelialization, with a high incidence and weighty economic burden. The primary therapeutic strategies for refractory wounds include surgery, non-invasive wound therapy, and drugs, while the optimum regimen remains controversial. Sirtuin-6 (SIRT6) is a histone deacetylase and a key epigenetic factor that exerts anti-inflammatory and pro-proliferatory effects in wound healing. However, the exact function of SIRT6 in DUs remains unclear.

METHODS

We generated tamoxifen-inducible SIRT6 knockout mice by crossing SIRT6flox/flox homozygous mice with UBC-creERT2+ transgenic mice. Systemic SIRT6 null mice, under either normal or diabetic conditions, were utilized to assess the effects of SIRT6 in DUs treatment. Gene and protein expressions of SIRT6 and inflammatory cytokines were measured by Western blotting and RT-qPCR. Histopathological examination confirmed the altered re-epithelialization (PCNA), inflammation (NF-κB p50 and F4/80), and angiogenesis (CD31) markers during DUs restoration.

RESULTS

Knockout of SIRT6 inhibited the healing ability of DUs, presenting attenuated re-epithelialization (PCNA), exacerbated inflammation responses (NF-κB p50, F4/80, Il-1β, Tnf-α, Il-6, Il-10, and Il-4), and hyperplasia vascular (CD31) compared with control mice.

CONCLUSIONS

SIRT6 could boost impaired wound healing through improving epidermal proliferation, inflammation, and angiogenesis. Our study highlighted the therapeutic potential of the SIRT6 agonist for DUs treatment.

circ-Erbb2ip from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes promotes wound healing in diabetic mice by inducing the miR-670-5p/Nrf1 axis

BACKGROUND

To investigate the mechanism of exosomes (Exo) secretion by hypoxic pretreated adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) promoting skin wound healing in diabetic (DM) mice.

METHODS

High-throughput sequencing was used to investigate abnormal expression of circRNA in hypoxic pretreatment ADSCs exosome (HExo) and ADSCs exosome (Exo). Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporting analysis were used to clarify the interacted relationship among circRNA, miRNA and mRNA. EPCs cells were employ to analysis the ROS, inflammatory cytokines expression, angiogenic differentiation function under hypoxic condition by using immunofluorescence, ELISA detection and tube forming experiment. DM ulceration mice model were constructed and the therapeutic effect of Exo were detected using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

The result show that HExo have more treatment effect than Exo in promotes cutaneous wound healing of DM mice. High-throughput sequencing found that circ-Erbb2ip play a role in HExo mediated tissues repair. Downregulation circ-Erbb2ip decreased the therapeutic effect of HExo to wound healing in diabetic mice. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporting analysis confirmed that both miR-670-5p and Nrf1 were downstream targets of circ-Erbb2ip. Downregulation of Nrf1 or overexpression of miR-670-5p reversed the protective effect of circ-Erbb2ip to EPCs after exposure to high glucose microenvironment. Upregulation circ-Erbb2ip increased the therapeutic effect of Exo to wound healing in diabetic mice by increased angiogenesis and decreased ROS, inflammatory cytokines expression.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, ADSC-Exos containing circ-Erbb2ip promotes wound healing by targeting miR-670-5p/Nrf1 pathway, and their effects in promoting soft tissue wound healing warrant further study.

Shengjihuayu formula ameliorates the oxidative injury in human keratinocytes via blocking JNK/c-Jun/MMPs signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The reactive oxygen species (ROS) surge in the chronic wound tissue of diabetic ulcers (DUs) aggravates the inflammatory response. The oxidative stress state during inflammation will exacerbate inflammation and cause tissue damage, resulting in prolonged wound healing. Shengjihuayu Formula (SJHYF) is a renowned Chinese medicine prescription for treating chronic wounds in diabetic ulcers. Growing clinical evidence has demonstrated that SJHYF exhibits superior therapeutic efficacy and has a favorable safety profile. However, the underlying mechanisms by which SJHYF ameliorates oxidative damage under pathological conditions of DUs remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the cytoprotective properties of SJHYF on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cell damage in human HaCaT keratinocytes and to explore its potential targets and molecular pathways in treating DUs using RNA-seq.

METHODS

HaCaT cells were incubated with H2O2 for 24 h to construct an oxidative stress cell model. Cell viability and proliferation were measured using the MTT and EdU assays, respectively. Cell migration was assessed using the scratch assay, and the fluorescence intensity of ROS was measured using the DCFH-DA probe. The chemical components of SJHYF were analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, while the therapeutic effects of SJHYF on H2O2-induced HaCaT cells were analyzed using RNA-Seq. The potential target genes were validated using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). At the same time, the pathway phenotype expression of SJHYF on the protection of H2O2-induced HaCaT cells was explored using Western Blot.

RESULTS

The application of SJHY at a concentration of 0.25 mg/mL promoted cell proliferation, cell migration, and reduced ROS production. In addition, SJHYF was detected to have a total of 93 active compounds, including key components such as Galloyl-beta-D-glucose, Danshensu, Procyanidin B2, Catechin, and Alkannin. The RNA-seq analysis identified several core targets namely KRT17, TGM1, JUNB, PRDX5, TXNIP, PRDX1, HSP90AA1, HSP90AB1, HSPA8, and TNF-α. Western blot revealed the presence of the JNK/c-Jun/MMPs pathway and its related transcription factors.

CONCLUSION

SJHYF displays significant protective effects on H2O2-induced oxidative cell damage in HaCaT cells via blocking the JNK/c-Jun/MMPs pathway.

An extracellular matrix-inspired self-healing composite hydrogel for enhanced platelet-rich plasma-mediated chronic diabetic wound treatment

Diabetes is generally accompanied by difficult-to-heal wounds, which often lead to permanent disability and even death of patients. Because of the abundance of a variety of growth factors, platelet rich plasma (PRP) has been proven to have great clinical potential for diabetic wound treatment. However, how to suppress the explosive release of its active components while realizing adaptability to different wounds remains important for PRP therapy. Here, an injectable, self-healing, and non-specific tissue-adhesive hydrogel formed by oxidized chondroitin sulfate and carboxymethyl chitosan was designed as an encapsulation and delivery platform for PRP. With a dynamic cross-linking structural design, the hydrogel can meet the clinical demands of irregular wounds with controllable gelation and viscoelasticity. Inhibition of PRP enzymolysis as well as sustained release of its growth factors is realized with the hydrogel, enhancing cell proliferation and migration in vitro. Notably, greatly accelerated healing of full thickness wounds of diabetic skins is enabled by promoting the formation of granulation tissues, collagen deposition and angiogenesis as well as reducing inflammation in vivo. This self-healing and extracellular matrix-mimicking hydrogel provides powerful assistance to PRP therapy, enabling its promising applications for the repair and regeneration of diabetic wounds.

From Xiaoke to diabetes mellitus: a review of the research progress in traditional Chinese medicine for diabetes mellitus treatment

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from insulin secretion defects or insulin resistance. The global incidence of DM has been gradually increasing due to improvements in living standards and changes in dietary habits, making it a major non-communicable disease that poses a significant threat to human health and life. The pathogenesis of DM remains incompletely understood till now, and current pharmacotherapeutic interventions are largely inadequate, resulting in relapses and severe adverse reactions. Although DM is not explicitly mentioned in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory and clinical practice, it is often classified as "Xiaoke" due to similarities in etiology, pathogenesis, and symptoms. With its overall regulation, multiple targets, and personalized medication approach, TCM treatment can effectively alleviate the clinical manifestations of DM and prevent or treat its complications. Furthermore, TCM exhibits desirable therapeutic effects with minimal side effects and a favorable safety profile. This paper provides a comprehensive comparison and contrast of Xiaoke and DM by examining the involvement of TCM in their etiology, pathogenesis, treatment guidelines, and other relevant aspects based on classical literature and research reports. The current TCM experimental research on the treatment of DM by lowering blood glucose levels also be generalized. This innovative focus not only illuminates the role of TCM in DM treatment, but also underscores the potential of TCM in DM management.

Hsa_circ_0008500 inhibits apoptosis of adipose-derived stem cells under high glucose through hsa-miR-1273h-5p/ELK1 axis

Preliminary researches have confirmed that the number of apoptosis of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in patients with diabetes is significantly increased, leading to a difficult healing wound. Increasing researches revealed that circular RNAs (circRNAs) can control apoptosis. However, it is still unclear whether and how circRNAs are critical for regulating ADSCs apoptosis. In this study, we utilized in vitro model in which ADSCs were cultivated with normal glucose (NG) (5.5 mM) or high glucose (HG) (25 mM) medium, respectively, and found that more apoptotic ADSCs were observed in HG medium comparing to ADSCs in NG medium. Furthermore, we found that hsa_circ_0008500 attenuated HG-mediated ADSCs apoptosis. In addition, Hsa_circ_0008500 could directly interact with hsa-miR-1273h-5p, acting as a miRNA sponge, which subsequently suppressed Ets-like protein-1(ELK1) expression, the downstream target of hsa-miR-1273h-5p. Thus, these results indicated that targeting the hsa_circ_0008500/hsa-miR-1273h-5p/ELK1 signaling pathway in ADSCs may be a potential target for repairing diabetic wounds.

Research on the wound healing effect of Shengji Huayu Formula ethanol extract-derived fractions in streptozotocin-induced diabetic ulcer rats

BACKGROUND

Diabetic ulcer is a common complication of diabetes. It is characterized by a long-term disease course and high recurrence rate. Shengji Huayu Formula (SHF) is an effective formula for treating diabetic ulcers. However, the specific effective parts of SHF remain unclear. Clarifying the active polar site of SHF would be helpful to refine research on the components in SHF that promote wound healing. This research aims to focus on evaluating the activity of polar fractions.

METHODS

A diabetic rat model was established by intraperitoneally injecting streptozotocin (STZ) and was adopted to confirm the therapeutic effect of SHF. Four different polarity parts were extracted from SHF and prepared into a cream to evaluate the activity. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to detect chemical constituents in chloroform extracts.

RESULTS

It was discovered that dracorhodin, aloe-emodin, rhein, imperatorin, emodin, isoimperatorin, chrysophanol, physcion, and tanshinone IIA were the main components of the chloroform extract from SHF. The results revealed that chloroform extract could effectively accelerate diabetic wound healing by promoting collagen regeneration and epidermal repair. Chloroform extract of SHF could stimulate the generation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The results are also indicated that the effective active fraction was the chloroform part, and the method of detecting the main chemical constituents in the active part was successfully established.

CONCLUSION

SHF could improve diabetic ulcers by promoting granulation tissue synthesis. In this study, four polar parts (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethylacetate, n-butanol) were extracted from a 95% ethanol extract. In contrast, chloroform polar parts showed a higher wound closure rate, stimulated more collagen regeneration and promoted more production of vascular endothelial cells. In conclusion, the chloroform extract of SHF was the effective polar part in ameliorating diabetic wound healing.

Circ-CREBBP inhibits sperm apoptosis via the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway by sponging miR-10384 and miR-143-3p

Male reproductive diseases are becoming increasingly prominent, and sperm quality is an important indicator to reflect these diseases. Seminal plasma extracellular vesicles (SPEVs) are involved in sperm motility. However, their effects on sperm remain unclear. Here, we identified 222 differentially expressed circRNAs in SPEVs between boars with high or low sperm motility. We found that circ-CREBBP promoted sperm motility and inhibited sperm apoptosis by sponging miR-10384 and miR-143-3p. In addition, miR-10384 and miR-143-3p can regulate the expression of MCL1, CREB1 and CREBBP. Furthermore, we demonstrated that MCL1 interacted directly with BAX and that CREBBP interacted with CREB1 in sperm. We showed that inhibition of circ-CREBBP can reduce the expression of MCL1, CREB1 and CREBBP and increase the expression of BAX and CASP3, thus promoting sperm apoptosis. Our results suggest that circ-CREBBP may be a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for male reproductive diseases.

Integrated bioinformatics analysis for novel miRNAs markers and ceRNA network in diabetic retinopathy

In order to seek a more outstanding diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy (DR), we predicted the miRNA biomarkers of DR and explored the pathological mechanism of DR through bioinformatics analysis.

Method: Based on public omics data and databases, we investigated ncRNA (non-coding RNA) functions based on the ceRNA hypothesis.

Result: Among differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs), hsa-miR-1179, -4797-3p and -665 may be diagnosis biomarkers of DR. Functional enrichment analysis revealed differentially expressed mRNAs (DE-mRNAs) enriched in mitochondrial transport, cellular respiration and energy derivation. 18 tissue/organ-specific expressed genes, 10 hub genes and gene cluster modules were identified. The ceRNA networks lncRNA FBXL19-AS1/miR-378f/MRPL39 and lncRNA UBL7-AS1/miR-378f/MRPL39 might be potential RNA regulatory pathways in DR.

Conclusion: Differentially expressed hsa-miR-1179, -4797-3p and -665 can be used as powerful markers for DR diagnosis, and the ceRNA network: lncRNA FBXL19-AS1/UBL7-AS1-miR-378f-MRPL39 may represent an important regulatory role in DR progression.

Patient-driven discovery of CCN1 to rescue cutaneous wound healing in diabetes via the intracellular EIF3A/CCN1/ATG7 signaling by nanoparticle-enabled delivery

Diabetic ulcers (DUs), a devastating complication of diabetes, are intractable for limited effective interventions in clinic. Based on the clinical samples and bioinformatic analysis, we found lower level of CCN1 in DU individuals. Considering the accelerated proliferation effect in keratinocytes, we propose the therapeutic role of CCN1 supplementation in DU microenvironment. To address the challenge of rapid degradation of CCN1 in protease-rich diabetic healing condition, we fabricated a nanoformulation of CCN1 (CCN1-NP), which protected CCN1 from degradation and significantly raised CCN1 intracellular delivery efficiency to 6.2-fold. The results showed that the intracellular CCN1 exhibited a greater anti-inflammatory and proliferative/migratory activities once the extracellular signal of CCN1 was blocked in vitro. The nanoformulation unveils a new mechanism that CCN1 delivered into cells interacted with Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit A (EIF3A) to downregulate autophagy-related 7 (ATG7). Furthermore, topical application of CCN1-NP had profound curative effects on delayed wound healing in diabetes both in vitro and in vivo. Our results illustrate a novel mechanism of intracellular EIF3A/CCN1/ATG7 axis triggered by nanoformulation and the therapeutic potential of CCN1-NP for DU management.

Landscape of the epigenetic regulation in wound healing

Wound healing after skin injury is a dynamic and highly coordinated process involving a well-orchestrated series of phases, including hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodeling. Epigenetic regulation refers to genome-wide molecular events, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA regulation, represented by microRNA (miRNA), long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), and circular RNA (circRNA). Epigenetic regulation is pervasively occurred in the genome and emerges as a new role in gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Currently, it is well-recognized that epigenetic factors are determinants in regulating gene expression patterns, and may provide evolutionary mechanisms that influence the wound microenvironments and the entire healing course. Therefore, this review aims to comprehensively summarize the emerging roles and mechanisms of epigenetic remodeling in wound healing. Moreover, we also pose the challenges and future perspectives related to epigenetic modifications in wound healing, which would bring novel insights to accelerated wound healing.

Botanical Drugs in Traditional Chinese Medicine With Wound Healing Properties

Chronic and unhealed wound is a serious public problem, which brings severe economic burdens and psychological pressure to patients. Various botanical drugs in traditional Chinese medicine have been used for the treatment of wounds since ancient time. Nowadays, multiple wound healing therapeutics derived from botanical drugs are commercially available worldwide. An increasing number of investigations have been conducted to elucidate the wound healing activities and the potential mechanisms of botanical drugs in recent years. The aim of this review is to summarize the botanical drugs in traditional Chinese medicine with wound healing properties and the underlying mechanisms of them, which can contribute to the research of wound healing and drug development. Taken together, five botanical drugs that have been developed into commercially available products, and 24 botanical drugs with excellent wound healing activities and several multiherbal preparations are reviewed in this article.

Gene set enrichment analysis and ingenuity pathway analysis to identify biomarkers in Sheng-ji Hua-yu formula treated diabetic ulcers

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sheng-ji Hua-yu (SJHY) formula is a Chinese herbal prescription for diabetic ulcers (DUs) treatment, which can accelerate wound reconstruction and shorten the healing time. However, its mechanism role maintains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of SJHY application on DUs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To begin with, transcriptome sequencing was adopted to identified differentially expression mRNAs among normal ulcers, DUs, and DUs + SJHY treatment in vivo. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was applied for the quality control of SJHY formula. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were used to identify the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of SJHY formula, and then gene set enrichment analysis and ingenuity pathway analysis were conducted for functional analysis. Further, qPCR detection was performed in vivo for validation.

RESULTS

SJHY administration could regulate the glucose metabolic process, AMPK and HIF-1 pathway to accelerate healing processes of DUs. Besides, CRHR1, SHH, and GAL were identified as the critical targets, and SLC6A3, GRP, FGF23, and CYP27B1 were considered as the upstream genes of SJHY treatment. Combined with animal experiments, the prediction results were validated in DUs mice model.

CONCLUSIONS

This study used modular pharmacology analysis to identify the biomarkers of SJHY formula and provide the potential therapeutic targets for DUs treatment as well.

Beyond the Code: Noncoding RNAs in Skin Wound Healing

An increasing number of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been found to regulate gene expression and protein functions, playing important roles in diverse biological processes and diseases. Their crucial functions have been reported in almost every cell type and all stages of skin wound healing. Evidence of their pathogenetic roles in common wound complications, such as chronic nonhealing wounds and excessive scarring, is also accumulating. Given their unique expression and functional properties, ncRNAs are promising therapeutic and diagnostic entities. In this review, we discuss current knowledge about the functional roles of noncoding elements, such as microRNAs, long ncRNAs, and circular RNAs, in skin wound healing, focusing on in vivo evidence from studies of human wound samples and animal wound models. Finally, we provide a perspective on the outlook of ncRNA-based therapeutics in wound care.

The progress and challenges of circRNA for diabetic foot ulcers: A mini-review

Since the Human Genome Project was successfully completed, humanity has entered a post-genome era, and the second-generation sequencing technology has gradually progressed and become more accurate. Meanwhile, circRNAs plays a crucial role in the regulation of diseases and potential clinical applications has gradually attracted the attention of physicians. However, the mechanisms of circRNAs regulation at the cellular and molecular level of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is still not well-understood. With the deepening of research, there have been many recent studies conducted to explore the effect of circRNAs on DFU. In this mini-review, we discuss the potential role of circRNAs as therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers for DFU in order to gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the development of DFU and to establish a theoretical basis for accurate treatment and effective prevention.

Identification of the circ_PRKDC/miR-20a-3p/RASA1 axis in regulating HaCaT keratinocyte migration

Migration of keratinocytes plays a crucial role in the re-epithelialization phase during wound healing. Circular RNA (circRNA) protein kinase, DNA-activated, catalytic subunit (circ_PRKDC, hsa_circ_0084443) has been identified as a regulator of keratinocyte migration. However, the molecular basis governing it remains unclear. The levels of circ_PRKDC, microRNA (miR)-20a-3p, and RAS p21 protein activator 1 (RASA1) were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) or western blot. Subcellular localization, Actinomycin D, and Ribonuclease (RNase) R assays were performed to characterise circ_PRKDC. Cell migration was gauged by transwell and wound-healing assays. A direct relationship between miR-20a-3p and circ_PRKDC or RASA1 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. Circ_PRKDC expression was reduced in wound skin during wound healing. Circ_PRKDC modulated migration of HaCaT keratinocytes. Mechanistically, circ_PRKDC directly targeted miR-20a-3p. The regulation of circ_PRKDC on HaCaT keratinocyte migration was mediated by miR-20a-3p. RASA1 was identified as a direct and functional target of miR-20a-3p, and miR-20a-3p-mediated inhibition of RASA1 impacted HaCaT keratinocyte migration. Circ_PRKDC acted as a post-transcriptional modulator of RASA1 expression through miR-20a-3p. Moreover, circ_PRKDC modulated migration of HaCaT keratinocytes by RASA1. Our findings demonstrated a novel molecular basis, the miR-20a-3p/RASA1 axis, for the regulation of circ_PRKDC on HaCaT keratinocyte migration.

Novel therapeutic targets for diabetes-related wounds or ulcers: an update on preclinical and clinical research

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes-related wounds, particularly diabetes-related foot ulcers, are mainly caused by lack of foot sensation and high plantar tissue stress secondary to peripheral neuropathy, ischemia secondary to peripheral artery disease, and dysfunctional wound healing. Current management of diabetes-related wounds involves the offloading of high foot pressures and the treatment of ischemia through revascularization. Despite these treatments, the global burden of diabetes-related wounds is growing, and thus, novel therapies are needed. The normal wound healing process is a coordinated remodeling process orchestrated by fibroblasts, endothelial cells, phagocytes, and platelets, controlled by an array of growth factors. In diabetes-related wounds, these coordinated processes are dysfunctional. The past animal model and human research suggest that prolonged wound inflammation, failure to adequately correct ischemia, and impaired wound maturation are key therapeutic targets to improve diabetes-related wound healing.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes recent preclinical and clinical research on novel diabetes-related wound treatments. Animal models of diabetes-related wounds and recent studies testing novel therapeutic agents in these models are described. Findings from clinical trials are also discussed. Finally, challenges to identifying and implementing novel therapies are described.

EXPERT OPINION

Given the growing volume of promising drug therapies currently under investigation, it is expected within the next decade, that diabetes-related wound treatment will be transformed.

The Identification of the Biomarkers of Sheng-Ji Hua-Yu Formula Treated Diabetic Wound Healing Using Modular Pharmacology

Sheng-Ji Hua-Yu (SJHY) formula has been proved to reduce the severity of diabetic wound healing without significant adverse events in our previous clinical trials. However, based on multi-target characteristics, the regulatory network among herbs, ingredients, and hub genes remains to be elucidated. The current study aims to identify the biomarkers of the SJHY formula for the treatment of diabetic wound healing. First, a network of components and targets for the SJHY formula was constructed using network pharmacology. Second, the ClusterONE algorithm was used to build a modular network and identify hub genes along with kernel pathways. Third, we verified the kernel targets by molecular docking to select hub genes. In addition, the biomarkers of the SJHY formula were validated by animal experiments in a diabetic wound healing mice model. The results revealed that the SJHY formula downregulated the mRNA expression of Cxcr4, Oprd1, and Htr2a, while upregulated Adrb2, Drd, Drd4, and Hrh1. Besides, the SJHY formula upregulated the kernel pathways, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, and cAMP signaling pathway in the skin tissue homogenate of the diabetic wound healing mice model. In summary, this study identified the potential targets and kernel pathways, providing additional evidence for the clinical application of the SJHY formula for the treatment of diabetic wound healing.

Circ-Klhl8 overexpression increased the therapeutic effect of EPCs in diabetic wound healing via the miR-212-3p/SIRT5 axis

Previous studies found that hypoxic pretreatment of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) prior to transplantation had a greater therapeutic effect than untreated EPCs in promoting diabetic wound healing. However, the exact mechanism is uncertain. Here, circRNA expression in EPCs after hypoxic treatment was investigated. High-throughput sequencing was used to assess abnormal expression by EPCs of circular RNAs (circRNAs) following hypoxic pretreatment. Additionally, an in vivo full-thickness skin defect mouse model was used to assess the effects of transplanted EPCs on diabetic wound closure. Subsequently, the regulatory mechanism and targets were studied. The results showed that circ-Klhl8 overexpression suppressed hyper glucose-induced endothelial cell damage by activating autophagy. MiR-212-3p and SIRT5 were identified as the downstream targets of circ-Klhl8. Circ-Klhl8 overexpression promoted skin wound healing by regulating SIRT5-mediated autophagy. In conclusion, the study found that circ-Klhl8 overexpression increased the EPC therapeutic effect in promoting diabetic wound healing by targeting the miR-212-3p/SIRT5 axis.

Long non-coding RNAs in diabetic wound healing: Current research and clinical relevance

Diabetic wounds are a protracted complication of diabetes mainly characterised by chronic inflammation, obstruction of epithelialization, damaged blood vessels and collagen production (maturation), as well as neuropathy. As a non‐coding RNA (ncRNA) that lack coding potential, long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently been reported to play a salient role in diabetic wound healing. Here, this review summarises the roles of lncRNAs in the pathology and treatments of diabetic wounds, providing references for its potential clinical diagnostic criteria or therapeutic targets in the future.

PDL1 triggered by binding eIF3I contributes to the amelioration of diabetes-associated wound healing defects by regulating IRS4

Persistent chronic inflammation and delayed epithelialization lead to stalled healing in diabetic ulcers (DUs). PDL1 shows anti-inflammatory and proliferative activities in healing defects, while its function in DU pathogenesis remains unknown. Lower levels of PDL1 were found in DU tissues, and exogenous PDL1 has therapeutic effects in healing process by accelerating re-epithelialization and attenuating prolonged inflammation, which contributed to the delayed wound closure. We detected the downstream effectors of PDL1 using transcriptional profiles, and screened the interacting proteins by IP-MS and Co-IP assays. The biological functions of eIF3I-PDL1-IRS4 axis were tested both in vivo and in vitro. Finally, we validated the expression levels of eIF3I, PDL1, and IRS4 in DU tissues from human clinical samples by immunohistochemistry staining. Mechanistically, PDL1 binds to eIF3I and promotes cutaneous diabetic wound healing by downregulating IRS4. These findings identify the eIF3I-PDL1-IRS4 axis contributes to wound healing defects, which can serve as a potential therapeutic target in DUs.