Long non-coding RNA MALAT1 and microRNA-499a expression profiles in diabetic ESRD patients undergoing dialysis: a preliminary cross-sectional analysis

Significance of LncRNAs in AKI-to-CKD transition: A therapeutic and diagnostic viewpoint

Acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease (AKI-to-CKD) transition is a complex intermingling of characteristics of both AKI and CKD. Pathophysiologically, the transition lasts seven days after the AKI episode and thereafter silently progresses towards CKD. Growing reports confirm that the AKI-to-CKD transition is heavily regulated by epigenetic modifiers. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) share a diverse role in gene regulation at transcriptional and translational levels and have been reported to be involved in the regulation and progression of AKI-to-CKD transition. Several lncRNAs have been considered potential biomarkers for diagnosing kidney disease, including AKI and CKD. Targeting lncRNAs gives a promising therapeutic strategy against kidney diseases. The primitive role of lncRNA in the progression of the AKI-to-CKD transition is yet to be fully understood. As known, the lncRNAs could be used as a biomarker and a therapeutic target to halt the CKD development and progression after AKI. This review aims to deepen our understanding of the current knowledge regarding the involvement of lncRNAs in the AKI-to-CKD transition. This review primarily discusses the role of lncRNAs and the change in their mechanisms during different stages of kidney disease, such as in AKI, AKI-to-CKD transition, and CKD. Further, we have discussed the potential diagnostic and pharmacological outcomes of targeting lncRNAs to prevent or slow the progression of AKI-to-CKD transition.

LncRNA as a regulator in the development of diabetic complications

Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, which induces the production of AGEs, ROS, inflammatory cytokines, and growth factors, leading to the formation of vascular dysfunction and target organ damage, promoting the development of diabetic complications. Diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiomyopathy are common complications of diabetes, which are major contributors to disability and death in people with diabetes. Long non-coding RNAs affect gene transcription, mRNA stability, and translation efficiency to influence gene expression for a variety of biological functions. Over the past decade, it has been demonstrated that dysregulated long non-coding RNAs are extensively engaged in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including diabetic complications. Thus, this review discusses the regulations of long non-coding RNAs on the primary pathogenesis of diabetic complications (oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and microvascular dysfunction), and some of these long non-coding RNAs may function as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for diabetic complications.

Biomarkers of the End-Stage Renal Disease Progression: Beyond the GFR

Chronic kidney disease can progress to the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) characterized by a high risk of morbidity and mortality. ESRD requires immediate therapy or even dialysis or kidney transplantation, therefore, its timely diagnostics is critical for many patients. ESRD is associated with pathological changes, such as inflammation, fibrosis, endocrine disorders, and epigenetic changes in various cells, which could serve as ESRD markers. The review summarizes information on conventional and new ESRD biomarkers that can be assessed in kidney tissue, blood, and urine. Some biomarkers are specific to a particular pathology, while others are more universal. Here, we suggest several universal inflammatory, fibrotic, hormonal, and epigenetic markers indicative of severe deterioration of renal function and ESRD progression for improvement of ESRD diagnostics.

The lncRNA MALAT1 is upregulated in urine of type 1 diabetes mellitus patients with diabetic kidney disease

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNAs with >200 nucleotides that are unable to encode proteins and are involved in gene expression regulation. LncRNAs have a key role in many physiological and pathological processes and, consequently, they have been associated with several human diseases, including diabetes chronic complications, such as diabetes kidney disease (DKD). In this context, some studies have identified the dysregulation of the lncRNAs MALAT1 and TUG1 in patients with DKD; nevertheless, available data are still contradictory. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare MALAT1 and TUG1 expressions in urine of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) categorized according to DKD presence. This study comprised 18 T1DM patients with DKD (cases) and 9 long-duration T1DM patients without DKD (controls). MALAT1 and TUG1 were analyzed using qPCR. Bioinformatics analyses were done to identify both lncRNA target genes and the signaling pathways under their regulation. The lncRNA MALAT1 was upregulated in urine of T1DM patients with DKD vs. T1DM controls (P = 0.007). The expression of lncRNA TUG1 did not differ between groups (P = 0.815). Bioinformatics analysis showed these two lncRNAs take part in metabolism-related pathways. The present study shows that the lncRNA MALAT1 is upregulated in T1DM patients presenting DKD.

Long non-coding RNA lnc-CHAF1B-3 promotes renal interstitial fibrosis by regulating EMT-related genes in renal proximal tubular cells

Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is a common pathological manifestation of chronic kidney diseases. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tubular epithelial cells is considered a major cause of RIF. Although long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are reportedly involved in various pathophysiological processes, the roles and underlying molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs in the progression of RIF are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the function of lncRNAs in RIF. Microarray assays showed that expression of the lncRNA lnc-CHAF1B-3 (also called claudin 14 antisense RNA 1) was significantly upregulated in human renal proximal tubular cells by both transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and hypoxic stimulation, accompanied with increased expression of EMT-related genes. Knockdown of lnc-CHAF1B-3 significantly suppressed TGF-β1-induced upregulated expression of collagen type I alpha 1, cadherin-2, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, snail family transcriptional repressor I (SNAI1) and SNAI2. Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR analyses of paraffin-embedded kidney biopsy samples from IgA nephropathy patients revealed lnc-CHAF1B-3 expression was correlated positively with urinary protein levels and correlated negatively with estimated glomerular filtration rate. In situ hybridization demonstrated that lnc-CHAF1B-3 is expressed only in proximal tubules. These findings suggest lnc-CHAF1B-3 affects the progression of RIF by regulating EMT-related signaling. Thus, lnc-CHAF1B-3 is a potential target in the treatment of RIF.

Pharmacological evaluation of Thuja occidentalis for the attenuation of neuropathy via AGEs and TNF-α inhibition in diabetic neuropathic rats

When diabetes neuropathy occurs, the oxidative stress caused by chronic hyperglycemia may result in chronic neuronal damage. To mitigate the effects of hyperglycemia-induced neuronal damage, it may be beneficial to address oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. The current study evaluated the neuroprotective efficacy of Thuja occidentalis in streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide (NAD)-induced diabetic neuropathy in male Wistar rats. A single dose of STZ (65 mg/kg, i.p.) was used to induce diabetic neuropathy in Wistar rats. Serum insulin, glucose, hyperalgesia, oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, and histopathology of the sciatic nerve were evaluated for neuropathy. Wistar rats were treated with varying doses of hydroalcoholic extracts of Thuja occidentalis (HAETO) and gabapentin for 30 days. Thuja occidentalis considerably corrected the levels of inflammatory markers and oxidative stress caused by hyperglycemia; also, it led to the restoration of neuronal functions, indicating that it is effective in treating diabetic neuropathy. Furthermore, the molecular docking of thujone at the active pockets of various inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, TGF-β1, and TNF-α) has shown good interactions with critical amino acid residues. These findings indicate that the hydroalcoholic extract of Thuja occidentalis effectively inhibits the development of diabetic neuropathy. The hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-hyperalgesia, and anti-inflammatory properties of Thuja occidentalis are thought to be responsible for the neuroprotective benefit.

The Impact of lncRNA on Diabetic Kidney Disease: Systematic Review and In Silico Analyses

Background

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is involved in the occurrence and development of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). It is necessary to identify the expression of lncRNA from DKD patients through systematic reviews, and then carry out silico analyses to recognize the dysregulated lncRNA and their associated pathways.

Methods

The study searched Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, WanFang, VIP, CNKI, and CBM to find lncRNA studies on DKD published before March 1, 2021. Systematic review of the literature on this topic was conducted to determine the expression of lncRNA in DKD and non-DKD controls. For the dysregulated lncRNA in DKD patients, silico analysis was performed, and lncRNA2Target v2.0 and starBase were used to search for potential target genes of lncRNA. The Encyclopedia of Genomics (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was performed to better identify dysregulated lncRNAs in DKD and determine the associated signal pathways.

Results

According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 28 publications meeting the eligibility criteria were included in the systematic evaluation. A total of 3,394 patients were enrolled in this study, including 1,238 patients in DKD group, and 1,223 diabetic patients, and 933 healthy adults in control group. Compared with the control, there were eight lncRNA disorders in DKD patients (MALAT1, GAS5, MIAT, CASC2, NEAT1, NR_033515, ARAP1-AS2, and ARAP1-AS1). In addition, five lncRNAs (MALAT1, GAS5, MIAT, CASC2, and NEAT1) participated in disease-related signal pathways, indicating their role in DKD. Discussion. This study showed that there were eight lncRNAs in DKD that were persistently dysregulated, especially five lncRNAs which were closely related to the disease. Although systematic review included 28 studies that analyzed the expression of lncRNA in DKD-related tissues, the potential of these dysregulated lncRNAs as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for DKD remains to be further explored. Trial registration. PROSPERO (CRD42021248634).

Antioxidation of a proteoglycan from Ganoderma lucidum protects pancreatic β-cells against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo

Oxidative stress is one of the major factors in induction of pancreatic β-cell apoptosis and diabetes. Here, we investigated systematically the roles of a proteoglycan (namely, FYGL) from Ganoderma lucidum in protection and repair of pancreatic β-cells against oxidative stress-induced injury and apoptosis on molecular, cellular and animal basis. FYGL in vitro had antioxidant activity in terms of scavenging of free radicals and reduction power. FYGL improved cells viability, insulin secretion, redox indicator expressions, and mitochondrial membrane potential in H₂O₂-induced INS-1 cell via regulating the activations of apoptosis-related mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathways as well as the insulin secretion-related pathway. Thrillingly in vivo, FYGL repaired the injured pancreas, reduced the pancreatic β-cells apoptosis, and improved insulin secretion because of regulating the balance of oxidation-reduction, therefore well managed blood glucose in db/db diabetic mice. These results demonstrated that FYGL is promising to be used as a novel natural remedy for protection of pancreatic β-cells against oxidative stress in diabetes treatment.

Role and mechanism(s) of incretin-dependent therapies for treating diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a worldwide ailment which leads to chronic complications like cardiac disorders, renal perturbations, limb amputation and blindness. Type one diabetes (T1DM), Type two diabetes (T2DM), Another types of diabetes, such as genetic errors in function of β-cell and action of insulin, cystic fibrosis, chemical-instigated diabetes or following tissue transplantation), and pregnancy DM (GDM). In response to nutritional ingestion, the gut may release a pancreatic stimulant that affects carbohydrate metabolism. The duodenum produces a 'chemical excitant' that stimulates pancreatic output, and researchers have sought to cure diabetes using gut extract injections, coining the word 'incretin' to describe the phenomena. Incretins include GIP and GLP-1. The 'enteroinsular axis' is the link between pancreas and intestine. Nutrient, neuronal and hormonal impulses from intestine to cells secreting insulin were thought to be part of this axis. In addition, the hormonal component, incretin, must meet two requirements: (1) it secreted by foods, mainly carbohydrates, and (2) it must induce an insulinotropic effect which is glucose-dependent. In this review, we clarify the ability of using incretin-dependent treatments for treating DM.

Quercetin improves the adipose inflammatory response and insulin signaling to reduce "real-world" particulate matter-induced insulin resistance

Numerous epidemiological data and experimental studies support a strong link between fine particulate matter (less than 2.5 mm in aerodynamic diameter, PM_2.5) exposure and the development of insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Quercetin (Que), a flavonoid compound with anti-inflammatory effects, has been confirmed to improve glucose metabolic disorders in rodents and humans. In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanisms of particulate matter (PM)-induced glucose metabolic disorder and subsequently examined the protective effect and mechanism of quercetin supplementation. Male C57BL/6 mice in the control group and PM group were exposed to ambient filtered air (FA) or PM (6 h/day, 7 days/week) for 18 weeks. Mice in the Que group were exposed to PM for 18 weeks and administered Que (50 or 100 mg/kg bw). Glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and systemic and visceral white adipose tissue (vWAT) inflammatory responses were measured. The expression of proteins involved in insulin signal transduction in vWAT was assessed. Chronic PM exposure caused systemic and vWAT inflammation characterized by an increase in serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels and increased vWAT macrophage filtration, triggering NLRP3 inflammasome activation, impairing the classic glucose metabolism signal in vWAT, and inducing whole-body insulin resistance. Moreover, Que administration significantly alleviated systemic and vWAT inflammation, abolished NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and improved signaling abnormalities characteristic of insulin resistance in vWAT and adipocytes. Based on these findings, chronic PM exposure activated the NLRP3 inflammasome and subsequently caused systemic and WAT inflammation and impaired insulin signaling in vWAT and adipocytes. Most importantly, Que administration inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated inflammation and insulin signaling in vWAT to improve these adverse effects.

MicroRNA‑499a (rs3746444A/G) gene variant and susceptibility to type 2 diabetes‑associated end‑stage renal disease

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major risk factor for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) and their variants may be implicated in health and disease, including DN. The present study aimed to investigate the association of the miRNA-499a gene (MIR499A) A/G seed region variant (rs3746444) with DN-associated ESRD susceptibility in patients with diabetes mellitus, and to determine whether there was an association between the different genotypes and the patients' laboratory and clinical data. A case-control pilot study was conducted on 180 adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 90 patients with ESRD on regular hemodialysis were considered as the cases, and 90 age-, sex- and ethnicity-matched diabetic patients with normo-albuminuria were considered as the controls. MIR499A genotyping was performed using a TaqMan Real-Time allele discrimination assay. Results demonstrated that the MIR499A rs3746444*G variant conferred susceptibility to the development of ESRD under co-dominant [(odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 2.49 (1.41-3.89) and 2.41 (1.61-6.68) for heterozygous and homozygous comparison, respectively], dominant [2.30 (1.18-3.90)] and allelic [1.82 (1.17-2.83)] models. Different genotypes of the specified variant did not exhibit significant associations with the clinic-laboratory data of the studied patients or the circulating miR-499a plasma levels. In conclusion, results of the present study suggested that MIR499A rs3746444 may be a susceptibility variant for DN-associated ESRD in the study population. However, larger sample size studies with different ethnicities are warranted to verify these findings.

Long Non-Coding RNAs Gene Variants as Molecular Markers for Diabetic Retinopathy Risk and Response to Anti-VEGF Therapy

Background

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play essential roles in molecular diagnosis and therapeutic response in several diseases.

Purpose

For the first time, we aimed to evaluate the association of four lncRNAs TUG1 (rs7284767G/A), MIAT (rs1061540T/C), MALAT1 (rs3200401C/T), and SENCR (rs12420823C/T) variants with susceptibility to diabetic retinopathy (DR), disease severity, and early therapeutic response to intravitreous anti-vascular endothelial growth factor aflibercept therapy.

Patients and Methods

This case-control study enrolled 126 adult patients with type 2 diabetes. TaqMan assays using Real-Time PCR were run for genotyping. Multivariable regression analyses were applied to assess the role of each polymorphism after the adjustment of covariates.

Results

Carriers of TUG1 A/G and MIAT T/C and C/C genotypes were more likely to develop DR [OR=3.15 (95% CI=1.15–8.64), and OR=4.31 (95% CI=1.78–10.47)], while MALAT1 T/C conferred protection (OR=0.40, 95% CI=0.16–0.99). For TUG1, MALAT1, MIAT, and SENCR genotype combinations, GTCT and GCCC had a higher disease risk (P=0.012). For disease severity, MIAT T/T homozygosity was associated with higher DR grade [33.3% (T/T) vs 10% (C/C) and 4.2% (C/T) carriers, P=0.012]. Otherwise, patients with the SENCR T variant exhibited better pre-treatment best-corrected visual acuity level (p=0.021). Following aflibercept administration, carrying the TUG1 A or MIAT T/C was associated with a poor therapeutic response (OR=5.02, 95% CI=1.60–15.76, and OR=10.23, 95% CI=1.51–69.15, respectively).

Conclusion

The lncRNAs TUG1 (rs7284767G/A) and MIAT (rs1061540T/C) were associated with increased DR susceptibility and poor response to aflibercept treatment, while MALAT1 (rs3200401C/T) conferred protection to DR. These genetic determinants could be useful in DR risk stratification and pharmacogenetics after validation in large-scale studies.

Hyperoside ameliorates diabetic nephropathy induced by STZ via targeting the miR-499-5p/APC axis

Diabetic nephropathy is a serious complication of diabetes. Hyperoside has been widely reported to ameliorate diabetes-associated disease. The current study is designed to explore the mechanism of hyperoside in diabetic nephropathy. In the present study, high glucose was used to treat podocytes. Diabetic nephropathy mice models were established by high-fat feeding followed by multiple low dose injections of streptozocin. Western blot analysis was conducted for detection of extracellular matrix accumulation, inflammatory response and cell apoptosis. We found out that hyperoside improved high glucose-induced cell injury. Additionally, hyperoside prevented mice with diabetic nephropathy from diabetic symptoms and renal dysfunction. Mechanistically, hyperoside inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of APC. MiR-499-5p was found to be an upstream negative mediator of APC, and hyperoside induced the upregulation of miR-499-5p. MiR-499-5p bound with the 3' untranslated region of APC to inhibit its expression. Finally, rescue assays revealed that the suppressive effects of miR-499-5p overexpression on renal dysfunction were rescued by upregulation of APC in mice with diabetic nephropathy. In conclusion, these findings indicated that hyperoside ameliorates diabetic nephropathy via targeting the miR-499-5p/APC axis, suggesting that hyperoside may offer a potential tactic for diabetic nephropathy treatment.

Hyperoside Protects HK-2 Cells Against High Glucose-Induced Apoptosis and Inflammation via the miR-499a-5p/NRIP1 Pathway

Hyperoside, a flavonol glycoside, is derived from plants of the genera Hypericum and Crataegus. Recent studies have indicated the anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory roles of hyperoside. The present study was designed to measure the effects of hyperoside on high glucose (HG)-treated HK-2 cells. HK-2 is a human papillomavirus 16 transformed cell line and can be used as a model for normal tubular cell. Cell apoptosis was examined by TUNEL assays and flow cytometry analysis. Inflammatory response was detected by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kits. Western blotting was applied to detect protein levels of apoptosis-related genes and inflammatory cytokines. Mechanistical assays including luciferase reporter and RNA pull down assays were applied to detect the binding relationship between molecules. We identified that hyperoside protected HK-2 cells against HG-induced apoptosis and inflammation. Moreover, miR-499a-5p was upregulated by hyperoside in a dose dependent manner. MiR-499a-5p inhibition rescued the suppressive effects of hyperoside on apoptosis and inflammation of HG-treated HK-2 cells. Furthermore, miR-499a-5p targeted NRIP1 to inhibit its mRNA expression, and further suppressed its translation. NRIP1 was downregulated by hyperoside in a dose dependent manner. Finally, rescue assays indicated that miR-499a-5p inhibition rescued the protective effects of hyperoside on apoptosis and inflammatory response of HK-2 cells by NRIP1. In conclusion, our findings revealed that hyperoside alleviates HG-induced apoptosis and inflammatory response of HK-2 cells by the miR-499a-5p/NRIP1 axis.

Recent Highlights of Research on miRNAs as Early Potential Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Complications of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its complications pose a serious threat to the life and health of patients around the world. The most dangerous complications of this disease are vascular complications. Microvascular complications of T2DM include retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. In turn, macrovascular complications include coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and cerebrovascular disease. The currently used diagnostic methods do not ensure detection of the disease at an early stage, and they also do not predict the risk of developing specific complications. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, endogenous, noncoding molecules that are involved in key processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Recent research has assigned them an important role as potential biomarkers for detecting complications related to diabetes. We suggest that utilizing miRNAs can be a routine approach for early diagnosis and prognosis of diseases and may enable the development of better therapeutic approaches. In this paper, we conduct a review of the latest reports demonstrating the usefulness of miRNAs as biomarkers in the vascular complications of T2DM.

Identification of candidate lncRNA biomarkers for renal fibrosis: A systematic review

AIMS

To combine the results of dysregulated lncRNAs in individual renal fibrosis lncRNA expression profiling studies and to identify potential lncRNA biomarkers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We systematically searched three databases to identify lncRNA expression studies of renal fibrosis in animal models and humans. The lncRNA expression data were extracted from 24 included studies, and a lncRNA vote-counting strategy was applied to identify significant lncRNA biomarkers. The lncLocator algorithm was utilized to predict the potential subcellular localization of these lncRNAs. The predicted targets of the identified lncRNA biomarkers were obtained by searching LncBase v.2 and catRAPID. Finally, GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analyses were performed.

KEY FINDINGS

We recognized a significant lncRNA signature of 95 differentially expressed lncRNAs in 731 samples from rodent models of renal fibrosis and CKD patients, among which TCONS_01181049 and TCONS_01496394 were commonly upregulated in both urine and renal tissues, while lncRNA-Cancer Susceptibility Candidate 2 was downregulated in both blood and renal tissues. About 73.33% dysregulated lncRNAs in renal fibrosis animal models and 81.82% dysregulated lncRNAs in CKD patients were predicted to be localized to the cytoplasm. The most relevant biological processes and molecular functions associated with these lncRNAs were mRNA processing and RNA binding.

SIGNIFICANCE

The present systematic review identified 95 significantly dysregulated lncRNAs from 24 studies and future investigations should focus on exploring their potential effects on renal fibrosis and their clinical utility as biomarkers or therapeutic targets.

Analysis of microRNA processing machinery gene (DROSHA, DICER1, RAN, and XPO5) variants association with end-stage renal disease

Background

MicroRNA (miRNA) processing machinery gene variant was associated with several diseases. We aimed to explore for the first time the association of machinery gene (DROSHA rs10719A/G; DICER1 rs3742330A/G; RAN rs14035C/T; and XPO5 rs11077T/G) variants with the susceptibility and phenotype of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD).

Method

A total of 281 participants (98 ESRD patients and 183 healthy volunteers) were enrolled. Real‐Time TaqMan allelic discrimination assay was applied for the genotyping of the specified variants. Multiple logistic regression models, univariate, multivariate, and principal component analyses were carried out.

Results

Carrying one DICER1 rs3742330*G allele conferred protection against developing ESRD [heterozygote comparison: OR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.15‐0.62, dominant model: OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.17‐0.70]. Similarly, for XPO5 rs11077T/G, homozygote and heterozygote carriers of G variant were less likely to develop ESRD [homozygote comparison: adjusted OR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.11‐0.50, and heterozygote comparison: OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.22‐0.92, and allelic model: OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.34‐0.70]. RAN rs14035*TT subjects were 5 times more likely to develop ESRD while being heterozygote (CT) have twice the risk [homozygote comparison: 5.18, 95% CI = 2.28‐11.8, heterozygote comparison: OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.10‐409]. Subgroup analysis also detected DICER1 rs3742330*A, XPO5 rs11077*T, and RAN rs14035*T as genetic risk determinants for ESRD development in both sex and age categories. Two genotype combinations of DROSHA/DICER1/XPO5/RAN were associated with increased susceptibility to ESRD [A‐A‐T‐T: OR = 9.49, 95%CI = 2.48‐36.31 (P = .001) and G‐A‐T‐T: OR = 5.92, 95%CI = 1.77‐19.83 (P = .004), respectively].

Conclusion

Variants and combined genotypes of DICER1 rs3742330, XPO5 rs11077, and RAN rs14035 might be associated with ESRD development in the study population. Integrating molecular analysis in ESRD risk stratification is warranted.

The potential role of lncRNAs in diabetes and diabetic microvascular complications

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of noncoding RNAs that are longer than 200 nucleotides without protein-coding potential. Becasuse of which these RNAs have no significant protein-coding potential, they were initially considered as "junk-products" of transcription without biological meaning. Nevertheless, recent research advancements have shown that lncRNAs are involved in many physiological processes such as cell cycle regulation, cell apoptosis and survival, cancer migration and metabolism. This review described the function of lncRNAs and the potential underlying mechanism involved in diabetes and diabetic microvascular complications. The roles of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus have only recently been recognized, involving hepatic glucose production and insulin resistance. We further investigated the mechanisms of lncRNAs in diabetic nephropathy (DN), including the roles of lncRNAs in mesangial cells (MCs) proliferation and fibrosis, inflammatory processes, extracellular matrix accumulation in the glomeruli and tubular injury. We also discussed the potential mechanism of lncRNAs in diabetic retinopathy (DR), including aberrant neovascularization and neuronal dysfunction. This review summarized the current knowledge of the functions and underlying mechanisms of lncRNAs in type 2 diabetes mellitus and related renal and retinal complications. Accumulating evidence suggests the potential of lncRNAs as therapeutic targets for clinical applications in the management of diabetes.

Non-Coding RNAs as Potential Novel Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis of Hepatic Insulin Resistance

In the recent years, the prevalence of metabolic conditions such as type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) raises. The impairment of liver metabolism resulting in hepatic insulin resistance is a common symptom and a critical step in the development of T2D and MetS. The liver plays a crucial role in maintaining glucose homeostasis. Hepatic insulin resistance can often be identified before other symptoms arrive; therefore, establishing methods for its early diagnosis would allow for the implementation of proper treatment in patients before the disease develops. Non-coding RNAs such as miRNAs (micro-RNA) and lncRNAs (long-non-coding RNA) are being recognized as promising novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets—especially due to their regulatory function. The dysregulation of miRNA and lncRNA activity has been reported in the livers of insulin-resistant patients. Many of those transcripts are involved in the regulation of the hepatic insulin signaling cascade. Furthermore, for several miRNAs (miR-802, miR-499-5p, and miR-122) and lncRNAs (H19 imprinted maternally expressed transcript (H19), maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3), and metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1)), circulating levels were altered in patients with prediabetes, T2D, and MetS. In the course of this review, the role of the aforementioned ncRNAs in hepatic insulin signaling cascade, as well as their potential application in diagnostics, is discussed. Overall, circulating ncRNAs are precise indicators of hepatic insulin resistance in the development of metabolic diseases and could be applied as early diagnostic and/or therapeutic tools in conditions associated with insulin resistance.

Interactions Among Non-Coding RNAs in Diabetic Nephropathy

Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) is the most common cause of End-stage renal disease (ESRD). Although various treatments and diagnosis applications are available, DN remains a clinical and economic burden. Recent findings showed that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play an important role in DN progression, potentially can be used as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. NcRNAs refers to the RNA species that do not encode for any protein, and the most known ncRNAs are the microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs). Dysregulation of these ncRNAs was reported before in DN patients and animal models of DN. Importantly, there are some interactions between these ncRNAs to regulate the crucial steps in DN progression. Here, we aimed to discuss the reported ncRNAs in DN and their interactions with critical genes in DN progression. Elucidating these ncRNAs regulatory network will allow for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms in DN and how they can act as new biomarkers for DN and also as the potential targets for treatment.

Oxalomalate regulates the apoptosis and insulin secretory capacity in streptozotocin-induced pancreatic β-cells

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a kind of metabolic disorder characterized by long-term hyperglycemia. Oxidative stress is involved in inducing the apoptosis of pancreatic β-cells and promoting the development of DM. Oxalomalate (OMA) is a competitive inhibitor of two classes of NADP+-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase isoenzymes that are the main nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) producers to scavenge cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the role of OMA in DM remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of OMA on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced β-cell damage and its underlying mechanisms. The viability of rat insulinoma cell line (INS-1) and the contents of ROS, nitric oxide and NAPDH were examined after cells being treated with STZ. After treatment with OMA in STZ-stimulated INS-1, the cell viability, apoptosis, and apoptosis-related proteins were measured. Meanwhile, the levels of oxidative stress-related factors and the changes of insulin secretion were determined. The results revealed that OMA significantly increased the cell viability (p < .05), reduced the apoptotic rate (p < .001), and altered the expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax, cleaved caspase3, and cleaved-caspase9 (p < .05 or p < .01) in STZ-induced INS-1 cells. Moreover, OMA enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase (p < .01), whereas reduced the levels of ROS, malondialdehyde and lactic dehydrogenase (p < .001). Furthermore, OMA improved the ability of insulin secretion. These results indicated that OMA might have antioxidative stress and anti-apoptosis effects to protect INS-1 cells from STZ-induced cell damage.

Long non-coding small nucleolar RNA host genes in digestive cancers

Although long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) do not have protein coding capacities, they are involved in the pathogenesis of many types of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma, cervical cancer, and gastric cancer. Notably, the roles of lncRNAs are vital in nearly every aspect of tumor biology. Long non‐coding small nucleolar RNA host genes (lnc‐SNHGs) are abnormally expressed in multiple cancers, including urologic neoplasms, respiratory tumors, and digestive cancers, and play vital roles in these cancers. These host genes could participate in tumorigenesis by regulating proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of tumor cells. This review focuses on the overview of the roles that lnc‐SNHGs play in the formation and progression of digestive cancers.