Therapeutic knockdown of miR-320 improves deteriorated cardiac function in a pre-clinical model of non-ischemic diabetic heart disease

Non-coding RNA as a key regulator and novel target of apoptosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy: Current status and future prospects

The occurrence of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) can be independent of several risk factors such as hypertension and myocardial ischemia, which can lead to heart failure, thus seriously threatening human health and life. Sustained hyperglycemic stimulation can induce cardiomyocyte apoptosis, which is recognized as the pathological basis of DCM. It has been demonstrated that dysregulation induced by apoptosis is closely associated to progression of DCM, but mechanisms behind it requires further clarification. Currently, increasing evidence has shown that non-coding RNA (ncRNA), especially microRNA, long-chain non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and circular RNA (circRNA), play a regulative role in apoptosis, thus affecting the progression of DCM. Notably, some ncRNAs have also exhibit potential significance as biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets for patients with DCM. In this review, recent findings regarding the potential mechanisms of ncRNA in regulating apoptosis and their role in the progression of DCM were systematically summarized in this research. The conclusion reveals that ncRNA abnormalities exert a crucial role in pathological changes of DCM, which offers potential therapeutic targets for the prevention of DCM.

Adeno-Associated Viruses as Gene Delivery Tools for Diabetic Heart Disease and Failure: Key Considerations for Clinicians and Preclinical Researchers

Diabetes is becoming more common worldwide, and people with diabetes are twice as likely to experience heart problems compared to those without diabetes. These cardiovascular complications are the foremost cause of mortality among people with diabetes. A specific form of heart failure known as "diabetic cardiomyopathy" can develop in individuals with diabetes. There are no treatments specifically approved for diabetic cardiomyopathy. Ongoing research is exploring innovative treatments, including the development of gene therapy techniques (e.g., adeno-associated viral vectors) designed to target specific molecular pathways affected in the disease. Here, we discuss the progress, challenges, and experimental considerations of gene therapy for the diabetic heart.

Potential Player of Platelet in the Pathogenesis of Cardiotoxicity: Molecular Insight and Future Perspective

Cancer patients may encounter the onset of cardiovascular disease due to tumor advancement or chemotherapy, commonly known as "cardiotoxicity." In this respect, the conventional chemotherapy treatment protocol involves a mixture of different medications. These medications can be detrimental to cardiac tissue, consequently exposing the patient to the possibility of irreversible cardiac injury. The enhancement of oxidative stress and inflammation is an important mechanism of chemotherapeutic agents for developing cardiotoxicity. Regarding their dual pro- and anti-inflammatory functions, platelets can significantly influence the progression or suppression of cardiotoxicity. Therefore, the expression of platelet activatory markers can serve as valuable prognostic indicators for cardiotoxicity. The primary objective of this study is to examine the significance of platelets in cardiotoxicity and explore potential strategies that could effectively target malignant cells while minimizing their cytotoxic impact, such as cardiotoxicity and thrombosis.

The interregulatory circuit between non-coding RNA and apoptotic signaling in diabetic cardiomyopathy

Diabetes mellitus has surged in prevalence, emerging as a prominent epidemic and assuming a foremost position among prevalent medical disorders. Diabetes constitutes a pivotal risk element for cardiovascular maladies, with diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) standing out as a substantial complication encountered by individuals with diabetes. Apoptosis represents a physiological phenomenon observed throughout the aging and developmental stages, giving rise to the programmed cell death, which is implicated in DCM. Non-coding RNAs assume significant functions in modulation of gene expression. Their deviant expression of ncRNAs is implicated in overseeing diverse cellular attributes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and has been postulated to play a role in the progression of DCM. Notably, ncRNAs and the process of apoptosis can mutually influence and cooperate in shaping the destiny of human cardiac tissues. Therefore, the exploration of the interplay between apoptosis and non-coding RNAs holds paramount importance in the formulation of efficacious therapeutic and preventive approaches for managing DCM. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the apoptotic signaling pathways relevant to DCM and subsequently delve into the reciprocal regulation between apoptosis and ncRNAs in DCM. These insights contribute to an enhanced comprehension of DCM and the development of therapeutic strategies.

Identification of immune feature genes and intercellular profiles in diabetic cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a multifaceted cardiovascular disorder in which immune dysregulation plays a pivotal role. The immunological molecular mechanisms underlying DCM are poorly understood.

AIM

To examine the immunological molecular mechanisms of DCM and construct diagnostic and prognostic models of DCM based on immune feature genes (IFGs).

METHODS

Weighted gene co-expression network analysis along with machine learning methods were employed to pinpoint IFGs within bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) datasets. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) facilitated the analysis of immune cell infiltration. Diagnostic and prognostic models for these IFGs were developed and assessed in a validation cohort. Gene expression in the DCM cell model was confirmed through real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting techniques. Additionally, single-cell RNA-seq data provided deeper insights into cellular profiles and interactions.

RESULTS

The overlap between 69 differentially expressed genes in the DCM-associated module and 2483 immune genes yielded 7 differentially expressed immune-related genes. Four IFGs showed good diagnostic and prognostic values in the validation cohort: Proenkephalin (Penk) and retinol binding protein 7 (Rbp7), which were highly expressed, and glucagon receptor and inhibin subunit alpha, which were expressed at low levels in DCM patients (all area under the curves > 0.9). SsGSEA revealed that IFG-related immune cell infiltration primarily involved type 2 T helper cells. High expression of Penk (P < 0.0001) and Rbp7 (P = 0.001) was detected in cardiomyocytes and interstitial cells and further confirmed in a DCM cell model in vitro. Intercellular events and communication analysis revealed abnormal cellular phenotype transformation and signaling communication in DCM, especially between mesenchymal cells and macrophages.

CONCLUSION

The present study identified Penk and Rbp7 as potential DCM biomarkers, and aberrant mesenchymal-immune cell phenotype communication may be an important aspect of DCM pathogenesis.

Roles of non-coding RNA in diabetic cardiomyopathy

In recent years, the incidence of diabetes has been increasing rapidly, posing a serious threat to human health. Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, apoptosis, ventricular remodeling, and cardiac dysfunction in individuals with diabetes, ultimately leading to heart failure and mortality. However, the underlying mechanisms contributing to DCM remain incompletely understood. With advancements in molecular biology technology, accumulating evidence has shown that numerous non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) crucial roles in the development and progression of DCM. This review aims to summarize recent studies on the involvement of three types of ncRNAs (micro RNA, long ncRNA and circular RNA) in the pathophysiology of DCM, with the goal of providing innovative strategies for the prevention and treatment of DCM.

Nanocarrier-Mediated Delivery of MicroRNAs for Fibrotic Diseases

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous noncoding RNAs that mediate the fibrotic process by regulating multiple targets. MicroRNA-based therapy can restore or inhibit miRNA expression and is expected to become an effective approach to prevent and alleviate fibrotic diseases. However, the safe, targeted, and effective delivery of miRNAs is a major challenge in translating miRNA therapy from bench to bedside. In this review, we briefly describe the pathophysiological process of fibrosis and the mechanism by which miRNAs regulate the progression of fibrosis. Additionally, we summarize the miRNA nanodelivery tools for fibrotic diseases, including chemical modifications and polymer-based, lipid-based, and exosome-based delivery systems. Further clarification of the role of miRNAs in fibrosis and the development of a novel nanodelivery system may facilitate the prevention and alleviation of fibrotic diseases in the future.

Current Insights and Future Directions in the Treatment of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Heart failure is a clinical syndrome associated with poor quality of life, substantial healthcare resource utilization, and premature mortality, in large part related to high rates of hospitalizations. The clinical manifestations of heart failure are similar regardless of the ejection fraction. Unlike heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, there are few therapeutic options for treating heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Molecular therapies that have shown reduced mortality and morbidity in heart failure with reduced ejection have not been proven to be effective for patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction. The study of pathophysiological processes involved in the production of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is the basis for identifying new therapeutic means. In this narrative review, we intend to synthesize the existing therapeutic means, but also those under research (metabolic and microRNA therapy) for the treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Increased small extracellular vesicle levels and decreased miR-126 levels associated with atrial fibrillation and coexisting diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the risk factors for the development of stroke and thromboembolism in patients with AF. Early identification may reduce the incidence of complications and mortality in AF patients.

HYPOTHESIS

AF patients with DM have different pattern of small extracellular vesicle (sEV) levels and sEV-derived microRNA (miRNA) expression compared with those without DM.

METHODS

We compared sEV levels and sEV-miRNA expression in plasma from AF patients with and without DM using nanoparticle tracking analysis and droplet digital polymerase chain reaction, respectively.

RESULTS

We observed a significant increase in total sEV levels (p = .004) and a significant decrease in sEV-miR-126 level (p = .004) in AF patients with DM. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a positive association between total sEV levels and AF with DM (p = .019), and a negative association between sEV-miR-126 level and AF with DM (p = .031). The combination of clinical data, total sEVs, and sEV-miR-126 level had an area under the curve of 0.968 (p < .0001) for discriminating AF with DM, which was shown to be significantly better than clinical data analysis alone (p = .0368).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that an increased level of total sEV and a decreased sEV-miR-126 level may play a potential role in the pathophysiology and complications of AF with DM, especially endothelial dysfunction, and can be considered as an applied biomarker for distinguishing between AF with and without DM.

Lipoxin and glycation in SREBP signaling: Insight into diabetic cardiomyopathy and associated lipotoxicity

Diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Diabetes increases cardiovascular risk through hyperglycemia and atherosclerosis. Chronic hyperglycemia accelerates glycation reaction, which forms advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Additionally, hyperglycemia with enhanced levels of cholesterol, native and oxidized low-density lipoproteins, free fatty acids, and oxidative stress induces lipotoxicity. Accelerated glycation and disturbed lipid metabolism are characteristic features of diabetic heart failure. SREBP signaling plays a significant role in lipid and glucose homeostasis. AGEs increase lipotoxicity in diabetic cardiomyopathy by inhibiting SREBP signaling. While anti-inflammatory lipid mediators, lipoxins resolve inflammation caused by lipotoxicity by upregulating the PPARγ expression and regulating CD36. PPARγ connects the bridge between glycation and lipoxin in SREBP signaling. A summary of treatment modalities against diabetic cardiomyopathy is given in brief. This review indicates the novel therapeutic approach in the crosstalk between glycation and lipoxin in SREBP signaling.