MicroRNA-26a targets MAPK6 to inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation and vein graft neointimal hyperplasia

Unraveling the miRNA Puzzle in Atherosclerosis: Revolutionizing Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Therapeutic Approaches

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To eradicate atherosclerotic diseases, novel biomarkers, and future therapy targets must reveal the burden of early atherosclerosis (AS), which occurs before life-threatening unstable plaques form. The chemical and biological features of microRNAs (miRNAs) make them interesting biomarkers for numerous diseases. We summarized the latest research on miRNA regulatory mechanisms in AS progression studies, which may help us use miRNAs as biomarkers and treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent research has demonstrated that miRNAs have a regulatory function in the observed changes in gene and protein expression during atherogenesis, the process that leads to atherosclerosis. Several miRNAs play a role in the development of atherosclerosis, and these miRNAs could potentially serve as non-invasive biomarkers for atherosclerosis in various regions of the body. These miRNAs have the potential to serve as biomarkers and targets for early treatment of atherosclerosis. The start and development of AS require different miRNAs. It reviews new research on miRNAs affecting endothelium, vascular smooth muscle, vascular inflammation, lipid retention, and cholesterol metabolism in AS. A miRNA gene expression profile circulates with AS everywhere. AS therapies include lipid metabolism, inflammation reduction, and oxidative stress inhibition. Clinical use of miRNAs requires tremendous progress. We think tiny miRNAs can enable personalized treatment.

ERK3 is involved in regulating cardiac fibroblast function

ERK3/MAPK6 activates MAP kinase-activated protein kinase (MK)-5 in selected cell types. Male MK5 haplodeficient mice show reduced hypertrophy and attenuated increase in Col1a1 mRNA in response to increased cardiac afterload. In addition, MK5 deficiency impairs cardiac fibroblast function. This study determined the effect of reduced ERK3 on cardiac hypertrophy following transverse aortic constriction (TAC) and fibroblast biology in male mice. Three weeks post-surgery, ERK3, but not ERK4 or p38α, co-immunoprecipitated with MK5 from both sham and TAC heart lysates. The increase in left ventricular mass and myocyte diameter was lower in TAC-ERK3+/- than TAC-ERK3+/+ hearts, whereas ERK3 haploinsufficiency did not alter systolic or diastolic function. Furthermore, the TAC-induced increase in Col1a1 mRNA abundance was diminished in ERK3+/- hearts. ERK3 immunoreactivity was detected in atrial and ventricular fibroblasts but not myocytes. In both quiescent fibroblasts and "activated" myofibroblasts isolated from adult mouse heart, siRNA-mediated knockdown of ERK3 reduced the TGF-β-induced increase in Col1a1 mRNA. In addition, intracellular type 1 collagen immunoreactivity was reduced following ERK3 depletion in quiescent fibroblasts but not myofibroblasts. Finally, knocking down ERK3 impaired motility in both atrial and ventricular myofibroblasts. These results suggest that ERK3 plays an important role in multiple aspects of cardiac fibroblast biology.

Non-coding RNAs to treat vascular smooth muscle cell dysfunction

Vascular smooth muscle cell (vSMC) dysfunction is a critical contributor to cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, restenosis and vein graft failure. Recent advances have unveiled a fascinating range of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that play a pivotal role in regulating vSMC function. This review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the mechanisms underlying vSMC dysfunction and the therapeutic potential of various ncRNAs in mitigating this dysfunction, either preventing or reversing it. We explore the intricate interplay of microRNAs, long-non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs, shedding light on their roles in regulating key signalling pathways associated with vSMC dysfunction. We also discuss the prospects and challenges associated with developing ncRNA-based therapies for this prevalent type of cardiovascular pathology.

Mapping cardiac remodeling in chronic kidney disease

Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) mostly die from sudden cardiac death and recurrent heart failure. The mechanisms of cardiac remodeling are largely unclear. To dissect molecular and cellular mechanisms of cardiac remodeling in CKD in an unbiased fashion, we performed left ventricular single-nuclear RNA sequencing in two mouse models of CKD. Our data showed a hypertrophic response trajectory of cardiomyocytes with stress signaling and metabolic changes driven by soluble uremia-related factors. We mapped fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation in this process and identified notable changes in the cardiac vasculature, suggesting inflammation and dysfunction. An integrated analysis of cardiac cellular responses to uremic toxins pointed toward endothelin-1 and methylglyoxal being involved in capillary dysfunction and TNFα driving cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in CKD, which was validated in vitro and in vivo. TNFα inhibition in vivo ameliorated the cardiac phenotype in CKD. Thus, interventional approaches directed against uremic toxins, such as TNFα, hold promise to ameliorate cardiac remodeling in CKD.

Identification of Crucial Hub Genes and Differential T Cell Infiltration in Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Using Bioinformatics Strategies

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is a life-threatening disease. Growing evidence indicated that IPAH is a chronic immune disease. This study explored the molecular mechanisms and T cell infiltration of IPAH using integrated bioinformatics methods.

Methods: Gene expression profiles of dataset GSE113439 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus and analyzed using R. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were established by NetworkAnalyst. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis was performed using ClueGO. Transcription factors of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were estimated using iRegulon. Transcription factors and selected hub genes were verified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in the lung tissues of rats with pulmonary artery hypertension. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were applied jointly to identify the crucial hub genes. Moreover, immune infiltration in IPAH was calculated using ImmuCellAI, and the correlation between key hub genes and immune cells was analyzed using R.

Results: A total of 512 DEGs were screened, and ten hub genes and three transcription factors were filtered by the DEG PPI network. The DEGs were mainly enriched in mitotic nuclear division, chromosome organization, and nucleocytoplasmic transport. The ten hub genes and three transcription factors were confirmed by qPCR. Moreover, MAPK6 was identified as the most potent biomarker with an AUC of 100%, and ImmuCellAI immune infiltration analysis showed that a higher proportion of CD4-naive T cells and central memory T cells (Tcm) was apparent in the IPAH group, whereas the proportions of cytotoxic T cells (Tc), exhausted T cells (Tex), type 17 T helper cells, effector memory T cells, natural killer T cells (NKT), natural killer cells, gamma-delta T cells, and CD8 T cells were lower. Finally, MAPK6 was positively correlated with Tex and Tcm, and negatively correlated with Tc and NKT.

Conclusion:MAPK6 was identified as a crucial hub gene to discriminate IPAH from the normal group. Dysregulated immune reactions were identified in the lung tissue of patients with IPAH.

MiR-3571 modulates the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells by targeting claudin 1

Background and aims: The miRNA-based post-transcription modification has been extensively studied in hypertension. It however remains elusive how miRNA expression is regulated in this pathological process. We hypothesize that hydroxymethylation in the promoter regions tightly controls the levels of key miRNAs, which in turn affects the development of hypertension. Methods: The levels of hydroxymethylation in the promoter regions from thoracic aortic tissues were compared between spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKYs), using hydroxymethylcytosine DNA immunoprecipitation (hMeDIP) sequencing. The altered hydroxymethylation level of miR-3571 was confirmed by glucosylation-coupled hydroxymethylation-sensitive qPCR. We further identified claudin 1(CLDN1) as a key target of miR-3571 via bioinformatic prediction (targetscan) and dual-luciferase activity assays. Finally, we analyzed the contribution of miR-3571/CLDN1 axis in the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Results: The hydroxymethylation level of miR-3571 promoter region in thoracic aortic tissue from spontaneously hypertensive rats was lower than that from normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats. Accordingly, the expression of miR-3571 was lower during hypertension, with up-regulated CLDN1 protein levels. More importantly, we found that miR3571 overexpression led to phenotypic changes of VSMCs, and inhibited the proliferation and migration of muscle cells via suppressing CLDN1 as well. Our findings further suggested that CLDN1 up-regulation increase the activity of ERK1/2 in VSMCs. Conclusions: Our study suggested that hydroxymethylation in the promoter regions controlled the level of miR-3571 and revealed the important roles of miR-3571 and CLDN1 in VSMCs during the development of hypertension. In addition, our results also indicated that miR-3571/CLDN1 axis regulated the functions of VSMCs via the ERK1/2 pathway. Taken together, our findings support miR-3571 as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis and prevention of hypertension.

MAPK6-AKT signaling promotes tumor growth and resistance to mTOR kinase blockade

Mitogen-activated protein kinase 6 (MAPK6) is an atypical MAPK. Its function in regulating cancer growth remains elusive. Here, we reported that MAPK6 directly activated AKT and induced oncogenic outcomes. MAPK6 interacted with AKT through its C34 region and the C-terminal tail and phosphorylated AKT at S473 independent of mTORC2, the major S473 kinase. mTOR kinase inhibitors have not made notable progress in the clinic. Our identified MAPK6-AKT axis may provide a major resistance pathway. Besides repressing growth, inhibiting MAPK6 sensitized cancer cells to mTOR kinase inhibitors. MAPK6 overexpression is associated with decreased overall survival and the survival of patients with lung adenocarcinoma, mesothelioma, uveal melanoma, and breast cancer. MAPK6 expression also correlated with AKT phosphorylation at S473 in human cancer tissues. We conclude that MAPK6 can promote cancer by activating AKT independent of mTORC2 and targeting MAPK6, either alone or in combination with mTOR blockade, may be effective in cancers.

Intracellular and exosomal microRNAome profiling of human vascular smooth muscle cells during replicative senescence

Vascular aging is highly associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although the senescence of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) has been well established as a major contributor to vascular aging, intracellular and exosomal microRNA (miRNA) signaling pathways in senescent VSMCs have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to identify the differential expression of intracellular and exosomal miRNA in human VSMCs (hVSMCs) during replicative senescence. To achieve this aim, intracellular and exosomal miRNAs were isolated from hVSMCs and subsequently subjected to whole genome small RNA next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics analyses, and qPCR validation. Three significant findings were obtained. First, senescent hVSMC-derived exosomes tended to cluster together during replicative senescence and the molecular weight of the exosomal protein tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG-101) increased relative to the intracellular TSG-101, suggesting potential posttranslational modifications of exosomal TSG-101. Second, there was a significant decrease in both intracellular and exosomal hsa-miR-155-5p expression [n = 3, false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05], potentially being a cell type-specific biomarker of hVSMCs during replicative senescence. Importantly, hsa-miR-155-5p was found to associate with cell-cycle arrest and elevated oxidative stress. Lastly, miRNAs from the intracellular pool, that is, hsa-miR-664a-3p, hsa-miR-664a-5p, hsa-miR-664b-3p, hsa-miR-4485-3p, hsa-miR-10527-5p, and hsa-miR-12136, and that from the exosomal pool, that is, hsa-miR-7704, were upregulated in hVSMCs during replicative senescence (n = 3, FDR < 0.05). Interestingly, these novel upregulated miRNAs were not functionally well annotated in hVSMCs to date. In conclusion, hVSMC-specific miRNA expression profiles during replicative senescence potentially provide valuable insights into the signaling pathways leading to vascular aging.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study on intracellular and exosomal miRNA profiling on human vascular smooth muscle cells during replicative senescence. Specific dysregulated sets of miRNAs were identified from human vascular smooth muscle cells. Hsa-miR-155-5p was significantly downregulated in both intracellular and exosomal hVSMCs, suggesting its crucial role in cellular senescence. Hsa-miR-155-5p might be the mediator in linking cellular senescence to vascular aging and atherosclerosis.

A microRNA‑17‑5p/homeobox B13 axis participates in the phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) serve a decisive role in intimal hyperplasia, a common pathophysiological process that leads to numerous vascular disorders. The present study aimed to investigate the unknown mechanisms underlying VSMC phenotypic modulation and identified a novel microRNA (miRNA/miR)‑17‑5p/homeobox B13 (HOXB13) axis involved in the phenotypic switching, proliferation and migration of VSMCs. VSMCs were isolated from the thoracic aorta of Sprague‑Dawley rats, cell proliferation was determined by Cell Counting Kit‑8 (CCK‑8) assay, cell migration was examined by Transwell migration assay and gene expression was detected using reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blot analyses. It was firstly found that incubation with platelet‑derived growth factor‑BB (PDGF‑BB) recombinant protein resulted in a significant increase in HOXB13 expression in VSMCs. Using multiple miRNA prediction tools, miR‑17‑5p was identified as a potential regulator for HOXB13, since it had a 7‑base perfect binding site and a 5‑base imperfect binding site with the 3'‑untranslated region of HOXB13 mRNA, and these sequences were highly conserved across species. The regulatory effect of miR‑17‑5p on HOXB13 was validated using luciferase reporter assays. The expression level of miR‑17‑5p was increased in VSMCs under PDGF‑BB stimulation, and was negatively correlated with HOXB13 mRNA and protein expression. Moreover, the miR‑17‑5p mimics significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of VSMCs, while antagomiR‑17‑5p showed the opposite effects, which could be abolished by HOXB13 knockdown. The miR‑17‑5p/HOXB13 axis also regulated the expression levels of the markers of differentiated VSMCs (α‑smooth muscle actin, transgelin and smoothelin), proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cell migration proteins, including MMP‑2 and ‑9. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that miR‑17‑5p inhibited the phenotypic modulation VSMCs stimulated by PDGF‑BB by downregulating HOXB13, indicating that these factors may be potential therapeutic targets for intimal hyperplasia.

MicroRNA‑524‑5p regulates the proliferation and invasion of HTR‑8/SVneo trophoblasts by targeting NUMB in the Notch signaling pathway

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy disorder that is primarily associated with maternal and neonatal or fetal morbidity and mortality. The discovery of dysregulated microRNAs (miRs) and their roles in preeclampsia has provided new insight into the mechanisms involved in pregnancy‑related disorders. In the present study, quantitative PCR demonstrated that the expression levels of miR‑524‑5p were lower in patients with preeclampsia than those in normal pregnant women. Cell Counting Kit‑8 and Transwell assays indicated that overexpression of miR‑524‑5p promoted the proliferation and invasion of HTR‑8/SVneo cells, whereas inhibition of miR‑524‑5p suppressed HTR‑8/SVneo cell proliferation and invasion. Furthermore, NUMB endocytic adaptor protein (NUMB), a negative regulator of the Notch signaling pathway and a target gene of miR‑524‑5p, limited the effects of miR‑524‑5p on HTR‑8/SVneo cell invasion and migration. The present study demonstrated that miR‑524‑5p regulated the proliferation and invasion of HTR‑8/SVneo cells at least partly by targeting NUMB to regulate the Notch signaling pathway.

MicroRNA regulation of vascular smooth muscle cells and its significance in cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is among the leading causes of death worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), regulatory molecules that repress protein expression, have attracted considerable attention in CVD research. The vasculature plays a big role in CVD development and progression and dysregulation of vascular cells underlies the root of many vascular diseases. This review provides a brief introduction of the biogenesis of miRNAs and exosomes, followed by overview of the regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) intracellular signaling during phenotypic switching, senescence, calcification, and neointimal hyperplasia. Evidence of extracellular signaling of VSMCs and other cells via exosomal and circulating miRNAs is also presented. Lastly, current drawbacks and limitations of miRNA studies in CVD research and potential ways to overcome these disadvantages are discussed in detail. In-depth understanding of VSMC regulation via miRNAs will add substantial knowledge and advance research in diagnosis, disease progression, and (or) miRNA-derived therapeutic approaches in CVD research.

LncRNA GAS6-AS2 promotes non-small-cell lung cancer cell proliferation via regulating miR-144-3p/ MAPK6 axis

The function of a new long non-coding RNA GAS6-AS2 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is not fully understood. In this study, GAS6-AS2 was identified, and its roles as well as mechanisms in regulating proliferation of NSCLCs cells were investigated. qRT-PCR was used to analyze GAS6-AS2, miR-144-3p, and MAPK6 expression. Protein expression was detected by Western blotting. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay was used to examine the cell proliferation ability. The interaction between GAS6-AS2 and miR-144-3p was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull down assay. A xenograft model was constructed to monitor the mice NSCLC tumor growth in vivo. GAS6-AS2 was up-regulated, while miR-144-3p was suppressed in NSCLC cells compared with normal lung cells. GAS6-AS2 suppression could inhibit the progression of NSCLC cells, and miR-144-3p could attenuate the effect. GAS6-AS2 could function as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) via direct sponging miR-144-3p-3p, which further regulating the expression of MAPK6. The knockdown of GAS6-AS2 could greatly suppress the tumor growth of NSCLC in vivo. GAS6-AS2 up-regulated MAPK6 by sponging miR-144-3p in NSCLC tissues and cells. Thus, GAS6-AS2 is an effective therapeutic target in NSCLC.

MiR-17 Knockdown Promotes Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Modulation Through Upregulated Interferon Regulator Factor 9 Expression

BACKGROUND

MiR-17 is a small noncoding RNA that plays an important role in the development of tumorgenesis, which recently has emerged to be involved in regulation of inflammatory responses and angiogenesis. However, the effect and underlying mechanism of miR-17 on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic modulation have not been investigated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In the current study, we observed that miR-17 expression tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was downregulated in VSMCs administrated with platelet-derived growth factor-BB stimulation and carotid arteries subjected to wire injury, which were accompanied with decreased VSMC differentiation markers. Loss-of-function strategy demonstrated that miR-17 knockdown promoted VSMC phenotypic modulation characterized as decreased VSMC differentiation marker genes, increased proliferated and migrated capability of VSMC examined by RT-PCR and western blot analysis. Mechanistically, the bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assay demonstrated that miR-17 directly targeted Interferon Regulator Factor 9 (IRF9) and the upregulated IRF9 expression was responsible for the promoted effect miR-17 knockdown on VSMC phenotypic modulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our results demonstrated that miR-17 knockdown accelerated VSMC phenotypic modulation partially through directly targeting to IRF9, which suggested that miR-17 may act as a novel therapeutic target for intimal hyperplasia management.

A Rat Carotid Artery Pressure-Controlled Segmental Balloon Injury with Periadventitial Therapeutic Application

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, in part due to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerotic plaque narrows the luminal surface area in arteries thereby reducing adequate blood flow to organs and distal tissues. Clinically, revascularization procedures such as balloon angioplasty with or without stent placement aim to restore blood flow. Although these procedures reestablish blood flow by reducing plaque burden, they damage the vessel wall, which initiates the arterial healing response. The prolonged healing response causes arterial restenosis, or re-narrowing, ultimately limiting the long-term success of these revascularization procedures. Therefore, preclinical animal models are integral for analyzing the pathophysiological mechanisms driving restenosis, and provide the opportunity to test novel therapeutic strategies. Murine models are cheaper and easier to operate on than large animal models. Balloon or wire injury are the two commonly accepted injury modalities used in murine models. Balloon injury models in particular mimic the clinical angioplasty procedure and cause adequate damage to the artery for the development of restenosis. Herein we describe the surgical details for performing and histologically analyzing the modified, pressure-controlled rat carotid artery balloon injury model. Additionally, this protocol highlights how local periadventitial application of therapeutics can be used to inhibit neointimal hyperplasia. Lastly, we present light sheet fluorescence microscopy as a novel approach for imaging and visualizing the arterial injury in three-dimensions.

An Aligned Patterned Biomimetic Elastic Membrane Has a Potential as Vascular Tissue Engineering Material

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, with an annual mortality incidence predicted to rise to 23.3 million worldwide by 2030. Synthetic vascular grafts as an alternative to autologous vessels have shown satisfactory long-term results for replacement of large- and medium-diameter arteries, but have poor patency rates when applied to small-diameter vessels. Nanoparticles with low toxicity, contrasting agent properties, tailorable characteristics, targeted/stimuli- response delivery potential, and precise control over behavior (via external stimuli such as magnetic fields) have made possible their use for improving engineered tissues. Poly (styrene-block-butadiene-block-styrene) (SBS) is a kind of widely used thermoplastic elastomer with good mechanical properties and biocompatibility. Here, we synthesized anthracene-grafted SBS (SBS-An) by the method for the fabrication of a biomimetic elastic membrane with a switchable Janus structure, and formed the patterns on the surface of SBS-An under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. By irradiating the SBS-An film at different times (0, 10, 20, 30, 60, and 120 s), we obtained six well-ordered surface-patterned biomimetic elastic film with SBS-An at different heights in the thickness direction and the same distances of intervals (named sample-0, 10, 20, 30, 60, and 120 s). The structural effects of the SBS-An films on the adhesion and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were studied, and the possible mechanism was explored. When the HUVECs were cultured on the SBS-An films at different heights in the thickness direction, the sample-30 s with approximately 4 μm height significantly promoted adhesion of the HUVECs at the early stage and proliferation during the culture period compared with the samples of the lower (0, 10, and 20 s) and higher (60 and 120 s) heights. Consistent with this, the sample 30 s showed a higher stimulatory effect on the proliferation- and angiogenesis-related genes. These results suggest that SBS-An with appropriate height could efficiently control bioactivities of the biomimetic elastic membrane and might have great potential in vascular tissue engineering application.

LncRNA SNHG1 regulates vascular endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis via miR-196a

Inflammatory cytokines are important protagonists in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, triggering effects throughout the atherosclerotic vessels due to the destruction in proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of endothelial cells. In this study, we found SNHG1 is upregulated in TNF-α-treated HUVECs. We silenced SNHG1 and found it inhibited vascular endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis. In the other hand, exogenetic overexpression of SNHG1 promotes proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. Then we demonstrated that SNHG1 may interact directly with miR-196a to act as a miR-196a sponge. Further, MAPK6 were predicted to be the target of miR-196a. So we blocked miR-196a, which increased expression level of MAPK6, enhanced cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. These data indicated that SNHG1/miR-196a/MAPK6 axis may take a part in autophagy regulation in TNF-α-treated HUVECs. The subsequent rescue experiments come to the results ascertained the specificity of SNHG1/miR-196a/MAPK6 axis in regulating MAPK6. Overall, our findings demonstrate a novel mechanism by which SNHG1 overexpression protects the function of HUVECs, which may delay the progression of AS. SNHG1/miR-196a/MAPK6 axis may be of therapeutic significance in AS.

Protein Nutritional Support: The Classical and Potential New Mechanisms in the Prevention and Therapy of Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia commonly occurs in the elderly and patients with wasting diseases. The main reason is an imbalance in protein metabolism (protein degradation exceeding protein synthesis). It causes a serious decline in muscle strength and motion ability, even leading to long-term bed rest. Recent studies indicate that nutritional support is beneficial for ameliorating sarcopenia and restoring muscle function. This review will summarize the classical mechanisms of protein nutritional support for alleviating sarcopenia, such as modulating the ubiquitin-proteasome system, oxidative response, and cell autophagy, as well as the potential new mechanisms, including altering miRNA profiles and gut microbiota. In addition, the clinical application and outcome of protein nutritional support in the elderly and patients with wasting diseases are also introduced. Protein nutritional support is expected to provide new approaches for the prevention and adjuvant therapy of sarcopenia.

Circulating microRNAs as biomarkers for severe coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the second leading cause of death after stroke in China. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) significantly improves the prognosis of CAD patients. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in patients with severe CAD requiring PCI. The plasma miRNA profiles were determined using miRNA microarray. The relative expression levels of differentially expressed miRNA were measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Nine miRNAs (ebv-miR-BART12, ebv-miR-BART16, let-7i-5p, miR-130a-3p, miR-26a-5p, miR-3149, miR-3152-3p, miR-32-3p, and miR-149-3p) were differentially expressed between severe CAD and control groups. Four miRNAs (let-7i-5p, miR-32-3p, miR-3149, and miR-26a-5p) validated by qRT-PCR showed good diagnostic accuracy, with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of 0.634 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.528-0.739), 0.745 (95%CI 0.649-0.84), 0.795 (95%CI 0.709-0.88), and 0.818 (95%CI 0.739-0.897), respectively. Furthermore, the combination of these 4 miRNAs exhibited better diagnostic performance compared with any individual miRNA, with an AUC of 0.837 (95%CI 0.763-0.911). These data indicate that plasma let-7i-5p, miR-32-3p, miR-3149, and miR-26a-5p have promising diagnostic value for severe CAD.

Long noncoding RNA-dependent regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration in hypertension

Hypertension is one of the main risks causing cardiovascular diseases. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical role in many physiological and pathological conditions. However, their role in hypertension is still unclear. In this study, 460 lncRNAs and 522 mRNA were identified to have different expressions in the thoracic aortas of spontaneously hypertensive rats compared with normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats through next-generation sequencing. Several randomly selected lncRNAs including NONRATT011842 were validated by qRT-PCR and their potential functions were predicted by co-expression analysis with the help of bioinformatics. Moreover, this study focused on the function of lncRNA NONRATT011842 in the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) during hypertension and confirmed that NONRATT011842 could interact with PABPC1 to regulate the functions of VSMCs. Therefore, the intervention or utilization of certain lncRNAs could be a new biomarker for the diagnosis and prevention of hypertension.

The role of microRNAs in the involvement of vascular smooth muscle cells in the development of atherosclerosis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of nonprotein-encoding RNAs of ~22 nucleotides in length that bind to or complement each other with a target gene messenger RNA (mRNA) to promote mRNA degradation or inhibit translation of the target mRNA. The protein required [such as Toll-like receptor (TLR) proteins] is controlled at an optimal level. By affecting protein translation, miRNAs have become powerful regulators of biological processes, including development, differentiation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. MiRNAs are involved in the regulation of proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), thereby affecting the formation of atherosclerosis (AS). In recent years, the role and mechanism of miRNAs involved in AS development in VSMCs have been studied extensively. In the current study, the results and progress in miRNA research are reviewed.

MiR-9 promotes the phenotypic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells by targeting KLF5

Background/aim

Diabetic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are characterized by increased proliferation and migration. Small noncoding microRNAs (miRNAs) have been considered critical modulators of the VSMC phenotypic switch after an environmental stimulus. However, microRNA in high glucose-induced proinflammation and its atherogenic effect is still ambiguous.

Materials and methods

The technique of qRT-PCR was used to examine the expression of miR-9 in VSMCs. The downstream signaling protein relative to miR-9 regulation, Krüppel-like factor 5, and some marker genes of contractile VSMCs were analyzed by western blotting and qRT-PCR. Luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the expression of KLF5, which is regulated by miR-9. To examine the function of a miR-9 inhibitor in VSMC proliferation and migration, VSMC proliferation and migration assays were performed.

Results

Reduced transcriptional levels of miR-9 and expression of specific genes of contractile VSMCs were observed in the SMC cell line C-12511 treated with high glucose and SMCs, which were isolated from db/db mice. Moreover, the activity of KLF5 3′-UTR was dramatically reduced by a miR-9 mimic and increased by a miR-9 inhibitor. The proliferation and migration of SMCs were reduced by the miR-9 mimic.

Conclusion

miR-9 inhibits the proliferation and migration of SMC by targeting KLF5 in db/db mice.

The atypical MAPK ERK3 potently suppresses melanoma cell growth and invasiveness

Mitogen-activated protein kinase 6 (MAPK6) represents an atypical MAPK also known as extracellular signal-regulated kinase 3 (ERK3), which has been shown to play roles in cell motility and metastasis. ERK3 promotes migration and invasion of lung cancer cells and head and neck cancer cells by regulating the expression and/or activity of proteins involved in cancer progression. For instance, ERK3 upregulates matrix metallopeptidases and thereby promotes cancer cell invasiveness, and it phosphorylates tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 2, thereby enhancing chemoresistance in lung cancer. Here we discovered that ERK3 plays a converse role in melanoma. We observed that BRAF, an oncogenic Ser/Thr kinase, upregulates ERK3 expression levels by increasing both ERK3 messenger RNA levels and protein stability. Interestingly, although BRAF's kinase activity was required for upregulating ERK3 gene transcription, BRAF stabilized ERK3 protein in a kinase-independent fashion. We further demonstrate that ERK3 inhibits the migration, proliferation and colony formation of melanoma cells. In line with this, high level of ERK3 predicted increased survival among patients with melanomas. Taken together, these results indicate that ERK3 acts as a potent suppressor of melanoma cell growth and invasiveness.

Elucidating the contributory role of microRNA to cardiovascular diseases (a review)

Cardiovascular diseases encompassing atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysms, restenosis, and pulmonary arterial hypertension, remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In response to a range of stimuli, the dynamic interplay between biochemical and biomechanical mechanisms affect the behaviour and function of multiple cell types, driving the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Accumulating evidence has highlighted microRNAs (miRs) as significant regulators and micro-managers of key cellular and molecular pathophysiological processes involved in predominant cardiovascular diseases, including cell mitosis, motility and viability, lipid metabolism, generation of inflammatory mediators, and dysregulated proteolysis. Human pathological and clinical studies have aimed to identify select microRNA which may serve as biomarkers of disease and their progression, which are discussed within this review. In addition, I provide comprehensive coverage of in vivo investigations elucidating the modulation of distinct microRNA on the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysms, restenosis, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Collectively, clinical and animal studies have begun to unravel the complex and often diverse effects microRNAs and their targets impart during the development of cardiovascular diseases and revealed promising therapeutic strategies through which modulation of microRNA function may be applied clinically.

Interfering histone deacetylase 4 inhibits the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells via regulating MEG3/miR-125a-5p/IRF1

In this study, we investigated the role ofhistone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) and MEG3/miR-125a-5p/interferonregulatoryfactor 1 (IRF1) on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMCs)proliferation. Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB was used toinduce the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. The expressionsof MEG3, miR-125a-5p, HDAC4 and IRF1in VSMCs were detectedby qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. ChIP assay was usedto determine the relationship between MEG3 and HDAC4. Doubleluciferase reporter assay was used to test the regulation betweenmiR-125-5p and IRF1. Results showed that PDGF-BB decreasedthe expression of MEG3 and IRF1, while increased the expressionof miR-125a-5p and HDAC4. In addition, HDAC4 knockdowninhibited the proliferation and migration of VSMCs via upregulatingMEG3 and downregulating miR-125a-5p. MiR-125a-5p inhibitorcould repress the proliferation and migration of VSMCs andalleviate intimal hyperplasia (IH) by directly upregulating IRF1expression. These results suggested that HDAC4 interferenceinhibited PDGF-BB-induced VSMCs proliferation via regulatingMEG3/miR-125a-5p/IRF1 axis, and then alleviated IH.

Effects of miR-26a-5p on neuropathic pain development by targeting MAPK6 in in CCI rat models

MicroRNA are emerging as significant regulators of neuropathic pain progression. In addition, neuroinflammation contributes a lot to neuropathic pain. miR-26a-5p has been identified as an inflammation-associated miRNA in multiple pathological processes. However, little is known about the biological role of miR-26a-5p in neuroinflammation and neuropathic pain development. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the function of miR-26a-5p in neuropathic pain by establishing a rat model using chronic sciatic nerve injury (CCI). A significant decrease of miR-26a-5p expression was observed in the spinal cord tissues form the CCI rats compared to the control group. Moreover, overexpression of miR-26a-5p significantly repressed neuropathic pain and neuroinflammation in CCI rats. MAPK6 was identified as a direct downstream target gene of miR-26a-5p and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assays. As displayed, overexpression of miR-26a-5p greatly reduced MAPK6 levels in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, MAPK6 expression and miR-26a-5p were oppositely correlated in CCI rats. Furthermore, up-regulation of MAPK6 obviously reversed the suppressive effect of miR-26a-5p on neuroinflammation and neuropathic pain progression. Taken these together, our results implied that miR-26a-5p could act as a negative regulator of neuropathic pain development through targeting MAPK6, which indicated that miR-26a-5p might serve as a potential therapeutic target for neuropathic pain.

miR-26a inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis in porcine immature Sertoli cells by targeting the PAK2 gene

Accumulating reports have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) participate in regulating the complex processes of animal testis development and spermatogenesis; yet, the mechanisms by which miRNAs regulate spermatogenesis are poorly understood. miR-26a was identified as a miRNA that is differentially expressed among different pig testicular tissue developmental stages in our previous study. In this study, p21 activated kinase 2 (PAK2) gene was determined as one target gene of miR-26a by luciferase reporter assay, and miR-26a repressed the PAK2 mRNA abundance in porcine Sertoli cells. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay and annexin V-FITC/PI staining assay results showed that miR-26a overexpression inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in porcine Sertoli cells. These phenomena were similar to the siRNA-mediated knockdown of the PAK2 gene. Taken together, our results demonstrate that miR-26a inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis in porcine Sertoli cells by targeting the PAK2 gene, which may be a regulator of porcine spermatogenesis.

Platelets activated by the anti-β2GPI/β2GPI complex release microRNAs to inhibit migration and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Background

Patients with anti-β2GPI antibodies display significantly higher platelet activation/aggregation and vascular endothelial cell damage. The mechanism underlying the correlation between platelet activation, vascular endothelial cell dysfunctions and anti-β2GPI antibodies remains unknown.

Methods

In this study, we derived miR-96 and -26a from platelets activated by the anti-β2GPI/β2GPI complex and explored their role in modulating human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) migration and tube formation.

Results

Anti-β2GPI/β2GPI complex induces the release of platelet-derived microparticles (p-MPs). The amounts of miR-96 and -26a in these p-MPs were also higher than for the control group. Co-incubation of HUVECs with p-MPs resulted in the transfer of miR-96 and -26a into HUVECs, where they inhibited migration and tube formation. The targeting role of these miRNAs was further validated by directly downregulating targeted selectin-P (SELP) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) via luciferase activity assay.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that miR-96 and -26a in p-MPs can inhibit HUVEC behavior by targeting SELP and PDGFRA.

miR-98 inhibits cell proliferation and induces cell apoptosis by targeting MAPK6 in HUVECs

The aim of current study was to explore the role of microRNA (miR)-98 in atherosclerosis. Human vascular endothelial cells (HVECs) were isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy volunteers and patients with atherosclerosis. Compared with endothelial cells from the healthy control group, the expression level of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK)6 was significantly upregulated and miR-98 was downregulated in the endothelial cells of patients with atherosclerosis. The human umbilical vein endothelial cell line (HUVEC) was adopted to perform in vitro studies. Overexpression of miR-98 reduced the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of HUVECs, which were revealed using an MTT assay, and flow cytometry assay, respectively. The aforementioned influences of miR-98 on HUVECs were mediated by targeting MAPK6, which was verified using luciferase assays. Additionally, the overexpression of miR-98 reduced the protein level of apoptosis regulator Bcl-2 and MAPK6; however, it induced the protein expression of caspase-3 and apoptosis regulator Bax. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that miR-98 is an important regulator of atherosclerosis, suggesting that miR-98 may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Scaffold-Based microRNA Therapies in Regenerative Medicine and Cancer

microRNA-based therapies are an advantageous strategy with applications in both regenerative medicine (RM) and cancer treatments. microRNAs (miRNAs) are an evolutionary conserved class of small RNA molecules that modulate up to one third of the human nonprotein coding genome. Thus, synthetic miRNA activators and inhibitors hold immense potential to finely balance gene expression and reestablish tissue health. Ongoing industry-sponsored clinical trials inspire a new miRNA therapeutics era, but progress largely relies on the development of safe and efficient delivery systems. The emerging application of biomaterial scaffolds for this purpose offers spatiotemporal control and circumvents biological and mechanical barriers that impede successful miRNA delivery. The nascent research in scaffold-mediated miRNA therapies translates know-how learnt from studies in antitumoral and genetic disorders as well as work on plasmid (p)DNA/siRNA delivery to expand the miRNA therapies arena. In this progress report, the state of the art methods of regulating miRNAs are reviewed. Relevant miRNA delivery vectors and scaffold systems applied to-date for RM and cancer treatment applications are discussed, as well as the challenges involved in their design. Overall, this progress report demonstrates the opportunity that exists for the application of miRNA-activated scaffolds in the future of RM and cancer treatments.

Comparing the Effects of Krebs Plus Verapamil Solution on Endothelial Function of Harvested Human Greater Saphenous Vein with Heparinized Blood, an Invitro Study

INTRODUCTION

Integrity of the great saphenous vein (GSV) endothelium is the most important key element for long-term patency rate of grafts in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Storage solutions play an important role in maintaining viability of vein endothelium. Diminished nitric oxide (NO) because of endothelial dysfunction may facilitate vascular inflammation and formation of atherosclerotic plaque.

AIM

So, we decided to find a reasonable alternative preservative solution instead of heparinized blood (HB) by measuring NO concentration with Griess assay.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

SVG samples were obtained from 54 patients undergoing elective CABG. 3 mm rings were stored in solutions: heparinized blood (HB), Krebs (K), Krebs + Propranolol (K+P) 6.66 g/l, Krebs + Adrenaline (K+A) 200 µl/l, and Krebs + Verapamil (K+V) 200 µl/l for 30, 45, 60 and 90 min. Nitrite concentration was measured by Griess assay at 540 nm. H&E staining was performed for histologic test. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (V16). Results were expressed as (Means ± SE) followed by One-Way ANOVA for finding best preservative solution. Repeated measurement test was used to investigate best time. In all analysis, (P<0.05) was considered significant.

RESULTS

Average concentration of NO in (K+V) compare with HB (1st control), K (2nd control), (K+A) and (K+P) showed higher rate in all times from 30 to 90 min (16.55±1.85:) and in (K+A, K+P) compare with (HB) and (K) there was no statistically significant difference in the same times. Comparing the average concentration of (NO) between (HB) and (K) showed no significant difference (K+V>HB=K=K+A=K+P). Also, our investigations showed that NO concentration in (K+V) has the highest rate in time 90 min (10.07±0.56, p=0.002):. More than 50 percent of endothelial cells stay normal in (K+V) compare with other solutions.

CONCLUSION

It seems that (K+V) is the best solution for the maintenance of normal physiology of SVGs endothelial cells. The most appropriate SVGs endothelial function is within 90 minutes after harvesting.