HIF-1α-regulated lncRNA-TUG1 promotes mitochondrial dysfunction and pyroptosis by directly binding to FUS in myocardial infarction

Mitigation of cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity by Isorhamnetin: Mechanistic insights into oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis modulation

The flavonoid compound Isorhamnetin (IRMN) is known for its considerable pharmacological properties, which include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as significant protective actions on heart health. However, the potential of IRMN to guard against heart damage caused by cisplatin (CP), a common chemotherapeutic agent, and the specific mechanisms involved, remain unexplored areas. This research was designed to investigate how IRMN counters CP-induced heart toxicity. In our study, mice were orally given IRMN at 50 or 150 mg/kg/day for a week, followed by CP injections (5 mg/kg/day) on the third and sixth days. The animals were euthanized under sodium pentobarbital anesthesia (50 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) on the eighth day to collect blood and heart tissues for further examination. Our findings reveal that IRMN administration significantly reduced the heart damage and the elevation of heart injury markers such as cardiac troponin I, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase induced by CP. IRMN also effectively lowered oxidative stress markers, including reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, while boosting ATP production and antioxidants like superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione. The compound's capability to diminish the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6, alongside modulating apoptosis-regulating proteins (enhancing Bcl-2 while suppressing Bax and Caspase-3 expression), further underscores its cardioprotective effect. Notably, IRMN modulated the p62-Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway, suggesting a mechanism through which it exerts its protective effects against CP-induced cardiac injury. These insights underscore the potential of IRMN as an effective adjunct in cancer therapy, offering a strategy to mitigate the cardiotoxic side effects of cisplatin.

Exploring the mechanism of Tingli Pill in the treatment of HFpEF based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

To explore the mechanism of action of Tingli Pill (TLP) in the treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) by using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. The active components and targets of TLP were screened using the TCMSP and UniProt databases. HFpEF-related targets were identified using the OMIM and GeneCards databases. Drug-disease intersection targets were obtained via Venny 2.1.0, as well as establishing the "component-target" network and screening out the core active components. Construct a protein-protein interaction network of intersecting targets using the STRING database as well as Cytoscape software and filter the core targets. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis of core targets were performed using the Metascape database. The core active components of TLP for HFpEF were quercetin, kaempferol, β-sitosterol, isorhamnetin and hederagenin. The core targets of TLP for HFpEF were JUN, MAPK1, TP53, AKT1, RELA, TNF, MAPK14, and IL16. Gene ontology enrichment analysis obtained 1528 biological processes, 85 cell components, and 140 molecular functions. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis yielded 1940 signaling pathways, mainly involved in lipid and atherosclerosis, regulation of apoptotic signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, oxidative stress, TNF signaling pathway, and IL-17 signaling pathway. TLP has the characteristics of multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway in the treatment of HFpEF. This study lays the foundation for revealing the pharmacodynamic substances and mechanism of TLP in the treatment of HFpEF.

Impacts of non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of varicocele

Two classes of non-coding RNAs, namely lncRNAs and miRNAs have been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of varicocele. MIR210HG, MLLT4-AS1, gadd7, and SLC7A11-AS1 are among lncRNAs whose expression has been changed in patients with varicocele in association with the sperm quality. Animal studies have also suggested contribution of NONRATG001060, NONRATG002949, NONRATG013271, NONRATG027523 and NONRATG023747 lncRNAs in this pathology. Meanwhile, expression of some miRNAs, such as miR-210-3p, miR-21, miR-34a, miR-122a, miR-181a, miR-34c and miR-192a has been altered in this condition. Some of these transcripts have the potential to predict the sperm quality. We summarize the impacts of lncRNAs and miRNAs in the pathogenesis of varicocele.

Differential expressions and potential clinical values of lncRNAs in the plasma exosomes of rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease with unclear pathogenesis. Progress in its clinical diagnosis and treatment mainly depends on the elucidation of its pathogenesis and the exploration of new biomarkers. Exosomes contain various biomolecules, including long non-coding ribonucleic acids (lncRNAs). lncRNAs may participate in the regulation of autoimmune and inflammatory processes during RA pathogenesis by transmitting these biomolecules via exosomes among different cells. Therefore, the investigation of lncRNAs in RA exosomes may be a feasible pathway to elucidate RA pathogenesis, identify new diagnostic biomarkers, and identify potential therapeutic targets.

METHODS

In the first phase of exosomal non-coding RNAs screening, exosomes were isolated from the peripheral blood of six patients with RA and healthy controls (HC). High-throughput RNA sequencing was performed to obtain lncRNA expression profiles, and 15 lncRNAs with the highest differential expression were selected as candidate lncRNAs. In the second phase of validation using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), differential expression of the 15 candidate lncRNAs was verified in 42 patients with RA and their matched HC. Their potential value as RA diagnostic biomarkers was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Their relationships with common clinical indices of RA were explored using Spearman's rank correlation and linear regression analyses.

RESULT

Compared to HC, patients with RA had 206 upregulated and 2,332 downregulated lncRNAs. Fifteen candidate lncRNAs were validated by qRT-PCR, of which 12 (SNHG6, RPS18P9, RPL21P28, EBLN3P, FAM153CP, RPL23P8, SNHG31, NORAD, H3P6, DLEU2, TUG1, and OIP5-AS1) were upregulated, and three (CXXC4-AS1, OLMALINC, and NPHP3-AS1) were downregulated. In the ROC analysis of the 15 candidate lncRNAs, the area under the curve (AUC) ranged from 0.847 (0.767, 0.927) for OLMALINC to 0.994 (0.984, 1.000) for CXXC4-AS1. Spearman rank correlation analysis revealed erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and disease activity score of 28 (DAS28) were correlated with seven, six, and five lncRNAs, respectively. Further linear regression analysis revealed a negative relationship between exosomal SNHG6 and ESR (B = -0.384, P = 0.006), and a positive relationship between SNHG31 and ESR (B = 0.381, P = 0.007). Exosomal SNHG6 also showed a negative relationship with CRP (B = -0.361, P = 0.019). Moreover, exosomal RPS18P9 and SNGH31 had a negative effect and a positive effect on DAS28, respectively (B = -0.463, P < 0.001; B = 0.586, P < 0.001), implying novel exosomal lncRNAs were the independent influencing factors of the main RA-related clinical indices.

CONCLUSIONS

lncRNAs in RA plasma exosomes have characteristic expression profiles, including some lncRNAs with potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for RA.

Downregulation of salusins alleviates hypertrophic cardiomyopathy via attenuating oxidative stress and autophagy

INTRODUCTION

Salusins, which are translated from the alternatively spliced mRNA of torsin family 2 member A (TOR2A), play a vital role in regulation of various cardiovascular diseases. However, it remains unclear precisely regarding their roles in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Therefore, this study was conducted to explore therapeutic effect and the underlying mechanisms of salusins on HCM.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In vivo experiments, Sprague-Dawley rats were used to induce HCM model by angiotensin (Ang) II infusion for 4 weeks. The rats were randomly divided into four groups, namely, Saline + Control shRNA (n = 7), Ang II + Control shRNA (n = 8), Saline + TOR2A shRNA (n = 7), and Ang II + TOR2A shRNA groups (n = 8). After HCM induction, doppler echocardiography is recommended to evaluate heart function. In vitro experiments, primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) and cardiac fibroblasts (NRCFs) were obtained from newborn rats, and were treated with Ang II (10-6 M) for 24 h.

RESULTS

After treatment with Ang II, levels of salusin-α and salusin-β were elevated in serum and cardiac tissues of rats and in the neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts. Downregulation of salusins alleviated the Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy by suppressing the increased atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and beta-myosin heavy chain (β-MHC) and cardiac fibrosis by blocking collagen I, collagen III and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and it also attenuated oxidative stress by suppressing the increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and reversing the decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and autophagy by inhibiting the increased microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B (LC3B), Beclin1, autophagy related gene (Atg) 3 and Atg5 in the cardiac tissues of Ang II-infused rats and in the Ang II-treated NRCMs.

CONCLUSIONS

All these findings suggest that the levels of salusins were elevated in the HCM, and targeting of salusins contributes to alleviation of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis probably via attenuating oxidative stress and autophagy. Accordingly, targeting of salusins may be a strategy for HCM therapy.

Non-coding RNAs modulate pyroptosis in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury: A comprehensive review

Reperfusion therapy is the most effective treatment for acute myocardial infarction. However, reperfusion itself can also cause cardiomyocytes damage. Pyroptosis has been shown to be an important mode of myocardial cell death during ischemia-reperfusion. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play critical roles in regulating pyroptosis. The regulation of pyroptosis by microRNAs, long ncRNAs, and circular RNAs may represent a new mechanism of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. This review summarizes the currently known regulatory roles of ncRNAs in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and interactions between ncRNAs. Potential therapeutic strategies using ncRNA modulation are also discussed.

Non-coding RNAs in the pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is the largest unmet clinical need in cardiovascular medicine. Despite decades of research, the treatment option for HFpEF is still limited, indicating our ongoing incomplete understanding on the underlying molecular mechanisms. Non-coding RNAs, comprising of microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are non-protein coding RNA transcripts, which are implicated in various cardiovascular diseases. However, their role in the pathogenesis of HFpEF is unknown. Here, we discuss the role of miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs that are involved in the pathophysiology of HFpEF, namely microvascular dysfunction, inflammation, diastolic dysfunction and cardiac fibrosis. We interrogated clinical evidence and dissected the molecular mechanisms of the ncRNAs by looking at the relevant in vivo and in vitro models that mimic the co-morbidities in patients with HFpEF. Finally, we discuss the potential of ncRNAs as biomarkers and potential novel therapeutic targets for future HFpEF treatment.

Acetyl-11-Keto-β-Boswellic Acid Accelerates the Repair of Spinal Cord Injury in Rats by Resisting Neuronal Pyroptosis with Nrf2

The primary aim of this study is to delve into the potential of Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) in ameliorating neuronal damage induced by acute spinal cord injury, as well as to unravel the intricate underlying mechanisms. A cohort of 40 Sprague-Dawley rats was meticulously categorized into four groups. Following a seven-day oral administration of AKBA, damaged spinal cord samples were meticulously procured for Nissl staining and electron microscopy to assess neuronal demise. Employing ELISA, immunofluorescence, Western blot (WB), and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), the modulatory effects of AKBA within the context of spinal cord injury were comprehensively evaluated. Furthermore, employing an ex vivo extraction of spinal cord neurons, an ATP + LPS-induced pyroptotic injury model was established. The model was subsequently subjected to Nrf2 inhibition, followed by a battery of assessments involving ELISA, DCFH-DA staining, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and WB to decipher the effects of AKBA on the spinal cord neuron pyroptosis model. By engaging the Nrf2-ROS-NLRP3 pathway, AKBA exerted a repressive influence on the expression of the pyroptotic initiator protein Caspase-1, thereby mitigating the release of GSDMD and alleviating pyroptosis. Additionally, AKBA demonstrated the ability to attenuate the release of IL-18 and IL-1β, curbing neuronal loss and expediting the restorative processes within the context of spinal cord injury. Our study elucidates that AKBA can reduce spinal cord neuronal apoptosis, providing a basis for the development of AKBA as a clinical treatment for spinal cord injury.

lncRNA TUG1 as potential novel biomarker for prognosis of cardiovascular diseases

Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the leading causes of death. In light of the high prevalence and mortality of CVDs, it is imperative to understand the molecules involved in CVD pathogenesis and the signaling pathways that they initiate. This may facilitate the development of more precise and expedient diagnostic techniques, the identification of more effective prognostic molecules and the identification of potential therapeutic targets. Numerous studies have examined the role of lncRNAs, such as TUG1, in CVD pathogenesis in recent years. According to this review article, TUG1 can be considered a biomarker for predicting the prognosis of CVD.

The role of mitochondrial/metabolic axis in development of tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer

Only a few investigations, to our knowledge, have examined the bioenergetics of Tamoxifen (TMX) resistant individuals and reported altered mitochondrial activity and metabolic profile. The primary cause of TMX resistance is firmly suggested to be metabolic changes. Metabolic variations and hypoxia have also been linked in a bidirectional manner. Increased hypoxic levels correlate with early recurrence and proliferation and have a negative therapeutic impact on breast cancer (BC) patients. Hypoxia, carcinogenesis, and patient death are all correlated, resulting in more aggressive traits, a higher chance of metastasis, and TMX resistance. Consequently, we sought to investigate the possible role of the metabolic/hypoxial axis Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) Taurine up-regulated 1 (TUG-1), Micro-RNA 186-5p (miR-186), Sirtuin-3 (SIRT3), Peroxisome Proliferator Activator Receptor alpha (PPAR-α), and Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 (HIF-1) in the development of TMX resistance in BC patients and to correlate this axis with tumor progression. Interestingly, this will be the first time to explore epigenetic regulation of this axis in BC.

Mechanically induced pyroptosis enhances cardiosphere oxidative stress resistance and metabolism for myocardial infarction therapy

Current approaches in myocardial infarction treatment are limited by low cellular oxidative stress resistance, reducing the long-term survival of therapeutic cells. Here we develop a liquid-crystal substrate with unique surface properties and mechanical responsiveness to produce size-controllable cardiospheres that undergo pyroptosis to improve cellular bioactivities and resistance to oxidative stress. We perform RNA sequencing and study cell metabolism to reveal increased metabolic levels and improved mitochondrial function in the preconditioned cardiospheres. We test therapeutic outcomes in a rat model of myocardial infarction to show that cardiospheres improve long-term cardiac function, promote angiogenesis and reduce cardiac remodeling during the 3-month observation. Overall, this study presents a promising and effective system for preparing a large quantity of functional cardiospheres, showcasing potential for clinical application.

ADPGK-AS1 long noncoding RNA switches macrophage metabolic and phenotypic state to promote lung cancer growth

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) influence the transcription of gene networks in many cell types, but their role in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is still largely unknown. We found that the lncRNA ADPGK-AS1 was substantially upregulated in artificially induced M2-like human macrophages, macrophages exposed to lung cancer cells in vitro, and TAMs from human lung cancer tissue. ADPGK-AS1 is partly located within mitochondria and binds to the mitochondrial ribosomal protein MRPL35. Overexpression of ADPGK-AS1 in macrophages upregulates the tricarboxylic acid cycle and promotes mitochondrial fission, suggesting a phenotypic switch toward an M2-like, tumor-promoting cytokine release profile. Macrophage-specific knockdown of ADPGK-AS1 induces a metabolic and phenotypic switch (as judged by cytokine profile and production of reactive oxygen species) to a pro-inflammatory tumor-suppressive M1-like state, inhibiting lung tumor growth in vitro in tumor cell-macrophage cocultures, ex vivo in human tumor precision-cut lung slices, and in vivo in mice. Silencing ADPGK-AS1 in TAMs may thus offer a novel therapeutic strategy for lung cancer.

The lncRNA HOTAIR attenuates pyroptosis of diabetic cardiomyocytes by recruiting FUS to regulate SIRT3 expression

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious cardiovascular complication of diabetes that severely affects the quality of life of diabetic patients. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the pathogenesis of DCM. However, the role of the lncRNA homeobox transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) in the progression of DCM remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the role of HOTAIR in high glucose (HG)-induced pyroptosis in cardiomyocytes. The expression of the lncRNA HOTAIR, FUS, and SIRT3 in H9C2 cardiomyocytes was detected by RT-qPCR. Western blotting was used to evaluate the expression of FUS and SIRT3 as well as that of pyroptosis- and inflammation-related proteins. RT-qPCR and ELISA were used to determine the expression and secretion of IL-1β and IL-18. RNA pulldown and RIP experiments were used to validate the binding relationship among HOTAIR, FUS, and SIRT3. Flow cytometry was performed to detect pyroptosis. HG induced pyroptosis and elevated the expression of proteins associated with pyroptosis and inflammation (NLRP3, GSDMD-N, cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18) in cardiomyocytes. HOTAIR and SIRT3 levels were decreased in HG-exposed H9C2 cells. Additionally, overexpression of HOTAIR inhibited the HG-induced pyroptosis and inflammatory response in cardiomyocytes. HOTAIR upregulated SIRT3 expression in H9C2 cells by targeting FUS. Moreover, SIRT3 upregulation suppressed HG-mediated pyroptosis of cardiomyocytes. Notably, SIRT3 depletion reversed the inhibitory effect of HOTAIR on HG-triggered pyroptosis in cardiomyocytes. Our research indicates that HOTAIR alleviates pyroptosis in diabetic cardiomyocytes through the FUS/SIRT3 axis, providing a potential marker for the diagnosis and treatment of DCM.

Anti-angiogenic effect of exo-LncRNA TUG1 in myocardial infarction and modulation by remote ischemic conditioning

The successful use of exosomes in therapy after myocardial infarction depends on an improved understanding of their role in cardiac signaling and regulation. Here, we report that exosomes circulating after myocardial infarction (MI) carry LncRNA TUG1 which downregulates angiogenesis by disablement of the HIF-1α/VEGF-α axis and that this effect can be counterbalanced by remote ischemic conditioning (RIC). Rats with MI induced through left coronary artery ligation without (MI model) and with reperfusion (ischemia/reperfusion I/R model) were randomized to RIC, or MI (I/R) or sham-operated (SO) control. Data from one cohort study and one randomized-controlled trial of humans with MI were also utilized, the former involving patients who had not received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and the latter patients with PCI. Exosome concentrations did not differ between intervention groups (RIC vs. control) in rats (MI and I/R model) as well as humans (with and without PCI). However, MI and I/R exosomes attenuated HIF-1α, VEGF-α, and endothelial function. LncRNA TUG1 was increased in MI and I/R exosomes, but decreased in SO and RIC exosomes. HIF-1α expression was downregulated with MI and I/R exosomes but increased with RIC exosomes. Exosome inhibition suppressed HIF-1α upregulation through RIC exosomes. VEGF-α was identified as HIF-1α-regulated target gene. Knockdown of HIF-1α decreased VEGF-α, endothelial cell capability, and tube formation. Overexpression of HIF-1α exerted opposite effects. Transfection and co-transfection of 293 T cells with exosome-inhibitor GW4869 and HIF-1α inhibitor si-HIF-1α confirmed the exosomal-LncRNA TUG1/HIF-1α/VEGF-α pathway. LncRNA TUG1 is a potential therapeutic target after MI with or without reperfusion through PCI.

Neuroprotection of Kaji-Ichigoside F1 via the BDNF/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathways against NMDA-Induced Neurotoxicity

Kaji-ichigoside F1 (KF1), a natural oleanane-type triterpenoid saponin, is the main active constituent from Rosa roxburghii. In the southwest regions of China, particularly in Guizhou Province, this plant was used as a Miao ethnic medicine to prevent and treat dyspepsia, dysentery, hypoimmunity, and neurasthenia. In the present study, the neuroprotective effect of KF1 was evaluated against N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced neurotoxicity in vivo and in vitro. An NMDA-induced PC12 cell neurotoxicity assay showed that KF1 effectively improved cellular viability, inhibited the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and reduced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, KF1-treated NMDA-induced excitotoxicity mice displayed a remarkable capacity for improving spatial learning memory in the Y-maze and Morris water maze tests. In addition, KF1 increased the levels of the neurotransmitters 5-hydroxytryptamine, dopamine, and monoamine oxidase and reduced the calcium ion concentration in the hippocampus of mice. Hematoxylin and eosin and Nissl staining indicated that KF1 effectively reduced the impairment of neurons. Furthermore, Western blot assays showed that KF1 decreased NMDAR1 expression. In contrast, the NMDAR2B (NR2B), glutamate receptor (AMPA), TrkB, protein kinase B (AKT), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), PSD95, and synapsin 1 were upregulated in NMDA-induced PC12 cells and an animal model. These results suggest that KF1 has a remarkable protective effect against NMDA-induced neurotoxicity, which is directly related to the regulation of the NMDA receptor and the activation of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid receptor (AMPAR) and BDNF/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways.