MiR-17-5p promotes the endothelialization of endothelial progenitor cells to facilitate the vascular repair of aneurysm by regulating PTEN-mediated PI3K/AKT/VEGFA pathway

Osteo-immunomodulatory effects of macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles treated with biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics on bone regeneration

Literature on osteoimmunology has demonstrated that macrophages have a great influence on biomaterial-induced bone formation. However, there are almost no reports clarifying the osteo-immunomodulatory capacity of macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs). This study comprehensively investigated the effects of EVs derived from macrophages treated with biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramics (BEVs) on vital events associated with BCP-induced bone formation such as immune response, angiogenesis, and osteogenesis. It was found that compared with EVs derived from macrophages alone (control, CEVs), BEVs preferentially promoted macrophage polarization towards a wound-healing M2 phenotype, enhanced migration, angiogenic differentiation, and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and induced osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Analysis of 15 differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs) related to immune, angiogenesis, and osteogenesis suggested that BEVs exhibited good immunomodulatory, pro-angiogenic, and pro-osteogenic abilities, which might be attributed to their specific miRNA cargos. These findings not only deepen our understanding of biomaterial-mediated osteoinduction, but also suggest that EVs derived from biomaterial-treated macrophages hold great promise as therapeutic agents with desired immunomodulatory capacity for bone regeneration.

Targeting microRNAs as a promising anti-cancer therapeutic strategy against traffic-related air pollution-mediated lung cancer

Air pollutants are increasingly emitted into the atmosphere because of the high dependency of humans on fossil-derived fuels. Wind speed and direction assisted high dispersibility and uncontrolled nature of air pollution across geo-/demographical borders, making it one of the major global concerns. Besides climate change, air pollution has been found to be associated with various diseases, such as cancer. Lung cancer, which is the world's most common type of cancer, has been found to be associated with traffic-related air pollution. Research and political efforts have been taken to explore green/renewable energy sources. However, these efforts at the current intensity cannot cope with the increasing need for fossil fuels. More specifically, political tensions such as the Russian-Ukraine war, economic tension (e.g., China-USA economic tensions), and other issues (e.g., pandemic, higher inflation rate, and poverty) significantly hindered phasing out fossil fuels. In this context, an increasing global population will be exposed to traffic-related air pollution, which justifies the current uptrend in the number of lung cancer patients. To combat this health burden, novel treatments with higher efficiency and specificity must be designed. One of the potential "life changer" options is microRNA (miRNA)-based therapy to target the expression of oncogenic genes. That said, this review discusses the association of traffic-related air pollution with lung cancer, the changes in indigenous miRNAs in the body during lung cancer, and the current status of miRNA therapeutics for lung cancer treatment. We believe that the article will significantly appeal to a broad readership of oncologists, environmentalists, and those who work in the field of (bio)energy. It may also gain the policymakers' attention to establish better health policies and regulations about air pollution, for example, by promoting (bio)fuel exploration, production, and consumption.

Astragaloside IV Protects against Shear Stress-Induced Glycocalyx Damage and Alleviates Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm by Regulating miR-17-3p/Syndecan-1

Background

The present study aimed to analyze the impact of astragaloside IV (AS-IV) on abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and the glycocalyx, elucidating the potential mechanism of AS-IV.

Methods

Rat models of AAA were established using porcine pancreatic elastase. The effects of intraperitoneal AS-IV injection on the morphology, diameter, and glycocalyx of the aorta and the expression of miR-17-3p and Syndecan-1 (SDC1) protein were examined. Differentially expressed miRNAs from peripheral blood samples of healthy individuals, untreated patients with AAA, and treated patients with AAA were identified through sequencing. The relationship between miR-17-3p and SDC1 was validated using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. In vitro, shear stress was induced in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) to simulate AAA. Overexpression of miR-17-3p was performed to assess the effects of AS-IV on miR-17-3p and SDC1 expressions, apoptosis, and glycocalyx in HAECs.

Results

AS-IV mitigated aortic damage in AAA rats, reducing the aortic diameter and alleviating glycocalyx damage. In addition, it suppressed the increase in miR-17-3p expression and promoted SDC1 expression in AAA rats. Peripheral blood miR-17-3p levels were significantly higher in patients with AAA than in healthy individuals. miR-17-3p inhibited the SDC1 protein expression in HAECs. In the in vitro AAA environment, miR-17-3p was upregulated and SDC1 was downregulated in HAECs. AS-IV inhibited miR-17-3p expression, promoted SDC1 expression, and mitigated shear stress-induced apoptosis and glycocalyx damage in HAECs. Overexpression of miR-17-3p blocked AS-IV-induced SDC1 expression promotion, glycocalyx protection, and apoptosis suppression in HAECs.

Conclusion

miR-17-3p may damage the glycocalyx of aortic endothelial cells by targeting SDC1. AS-IV may promote SDC1 expression by inhibiting miR-17-3p, thereby protecting the glycocalyx and alleviating AAA.

Melodic maestros: Unraveling the role of miRNAs in the diagnosis, progression, and drug resistance of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly lethal form of pleural cancer characterized by a scarcity of effective therapeutic interventions, resulting in unfavorable prognoses for afflicted individuals. Besides, many patients experience substantial consequences from being diagnosed in advanced stages. The available diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic options for MPM are restricted in scope. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a subset of small, noncoding RNA molecules that exert significant regulatory influence over several cellular processes within cell biology. A wide range of miRNAs have atypical expression patterns in cancer, serving specific functions as either tumor suppressors or oncomiRs. This review aims to collate, epitomize, and analyze the latest scholarly investigations on miRNAs that are believed to be implicated in the dysregulation leading to MPM. miRNAs are also discussed concerning their potential clinical usefulness as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for MPM. The future holds promising prospects for enhancing diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic modalities for MPM, with miRNAs emerging as a potential trigger for such advancements.

Unraveling Therapeutic Opportunities and the Diagnostic Potential of microRNAs for Human Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a major public health problem and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite advances in treatment options, the five-year survival rate for lung cancer patients remains low, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for lung cancer due to their crucial roles in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. For example, miR-34a and miR-150, once delivered to lung cancer via liposomes or nanoparticles, can inhibit tumor growth by downregulating critical cancer promoting genes. Conversely, miR-21 and miR-155, frequently overexpressed in lung cancer, are associated with increased cell proliferation, invasion, and chemotherapy resistance. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the roles of miRNAs in lung carcinogenesis, especially those induced by exposure to environmental pollutants, namely, arsenic and benzopyrene, which account for up to 1/10 of lung cancer cases. We then discuss the recent advances in miRNA-based cancer therapeutics and diagnostics. Such information will provide new insights into lung cancer pathogenesis and innovative diagnostic and therapeutic modalities based on miRNAs.

Enrichment of miR-17-5p enhances the protective effects of EPC-EXs on vascular and skeletal muscle injury in a diabetic hind limb ischemia model

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is highly susceptible to diabetic hind limb ischemia (DHI). MicroRNA (MiR)-17-5p is downregulated in DM and plays a key role in vascular protection. Endothelial progenitor cell (EPC)-released exosomes (EPC-EXs) contribute to vascular protection and ischemic tissue repair by transferring their contained miRs to target cells. Here, we investigated whether miR-17-5p-enriched EPC-EXs (EPC-EXs^miR-17-5p) had conspicuous effects on protecting vascular and skeletal muscle in DHI in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

EPCs transfected with scrambled control or miR-17-5p mimics were used to generate EPC-EXs and EPC-EXs^miR-17-5p. Db/db mice were subjected to hind limb ischemia. After the surgery, EPC-EXs and EPC-EXs^miR-17-5p were injected into the gastrocnemius muscle of the hind limb once every 7 days for 3 weeks. Blood flow, microvessel density, capillary angiogenesis, gastrocnemius muscle weight, structure integrity, and apoptosis in the hind limb were assessed. Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and myoblast cells (C2C12 cells) were subjected to hypoxia plus high glucose (HG) and cocultured with EPC-EXs and EPC-EXs^miR-17-5p. A bioinformatics assay was used to analyze the potential target gene of miR-17-5p, the levels of SPRED1, PI3K, phosphorylated Akt, cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3 were measured, and a PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) was used for pathway analysis.

RESULTS

In the DHI mouse model, miR-17-5p was markedly decreased in hind limb vessels and muscle tissues, and infusion of EPC-EXs^miR-17-5p was more effective than EPC-EXs in increasing miR-17-5p levels, blood flow, microvessel density, and capillary angiogenesis, as well as in promoting muscle weight, force production and structural integrity while reducing apoptosis in gastrocnemius muscle. In Hypoxia plus HG-injured ECs and C2C12 cells, we found that EPC-EXs^miR-17-5p could deliver their carried miR-17-5p into target ECs and C2C12 cells and subsequently downregulate the target protein SPRED1 while increasing the levels of PI3K and phosphorylated Akt. EPC-EXs^miR-17-5p were more effective than EPC-EXs in decreasing apoptosis and necrosis while increasing viability, migration, and tube formation in Hypoxia plus HG-injured ECs and in decreasing apoptosis while increasing viability and myotube formation in C2C12 cells. These effects of EPC-EXs^miR-17-5p could be abolished by a PI3K inhibitor (LY294002).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that miR-17-5p promotes the beneficial effects of EPC-EXs on DHI by protecting vascular ECs and muscle cell functions.

MiR-17-5p Mediates the Effects of ACE2-Enriched Endothelial Progenitor Cell-Derived Exosomes on Ameliorating Cerebral Ischemic Injury in Aged Mice

Aging is one of the key mechanisms of vascular dysfunction and contributes to the initiation and progression of ischemic stroke (IS). Our previous study demonstrated that ACE2 priming enhanced the protective effects of exosomes derived from endothelial progenitor cells (EPC-EXs) on hypoxia-induced injury in aging endothelial cells (ECs). Here, we aimed to investigate whether ACE2-enriched EPC-EXs (ACE2-EPC-EXs) could attenuate brain ischemic injury by inhibiting cerebral EC damage through their carried miR-17-5p and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The enriched miRs in ACE2-EPC-EXs were screened using the miR sequencing method. EPC-EXs, ACE2-EPC-EXs, and ACE2-EPC-EXs with miR-17-5p deficiency (ACE2-EPC-EXs^{antagomiR-17-5p}) were administered to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO)-operated aged mice or coincubated with hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-treated aging ECs. The results showed that (1) the level of brain EPC-EXs and their carried ACE2 were significantly decreased in aged mice compared to in young mice, and (2) after tMCAO, aged mice displayed increases in brain cell senescence, infarct volume, and neurological deficit score (NDS) and a decrease in cerebral blood flow (CBF). (3) Compared with EPC-EXs, ACE2-EPC-EXs were enriched with miR-17-5p and more effective in increasing ACE2 and miR-17-5p expression in cerebral microvessels, accompanied by obvious increases in cerebral microvascular density (cMVD) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) and decreases in brain cell senescence, infarct volume, neurological deficit score (NDS), cerebral EC ROS production, and apoptosis in tMCAO-operated aged mice. Moreover, silencing of miR-17-5p partially abolished the beneficial effects of ACE2-EPC-EXs. (4) In H/R-treated aging ECs, ACE2-EPC-EXs were more effective than EPC-EXs in decreasing cell senescence, ROS production, and apoptosis and increasing cell viability and tube formation. In a mechanistic study, ACE2-EPC-EXs more effectively inhibited PTEN protein expression and increased the phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt, which were partially abolished by miR-17-5p knockdown. Altogether, our data suggest that ACE-EPC-EXs have better protective effects on ameliorating aged IS mouse brain neurovascular injury by inhibiting cell senescence, EC oxidative stress, apoptosis, and dysfunction by activating the miR-17-5p/PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Circ VRK1/microRNA-17/PTEN axis modulates the angiogenesis of human brain microvascular endothelial cells to affect injury induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) can act as microRNA (miRNA) sponges, thus regulating gene expression. The role of circRNAs in the process of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) is unclear. Here, we explored the mechanism underlying Circ VRK1 in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMVECs) injury induced by OGD/R.

METHODS

The OGD/R cell model was established in HBMVECs. The microarray was applied to detect differentially expressed circRNAs, followed by subcellular fractionation assay. Colony formation assay, flow cytometry, ELISA, tube formation, Transwell and western blot assays were performed for loss-of-function assay. HE staining, TTC staining, immunohistochemistry and western blot were performed in an established mouse model. The relationships between Circ VRK1 and miR-17, and between miR-17 and PTEN were detected by bioinformatics and dual-luciferase assays. Rescue experiments were conducted in vitro and in vivo, and PI3K/AKT activity was detected by Western Blot.

RESULTS

Circ VRK1, predominantly present in the cytoplasm of cells, was upregulated in the HBMVECs exposed to OGD/R. Circ VRK1 downregulation decreased proliferation, migration, tube formation, inflammatory factors and oxidative stress, while increased apoptosis in HBMVECs. Moreover, Circ VRK1 silencing reduced neurological damage, cerebral infarct size, CD34-positive cell counts and VEGF expression in mice. Circ VRK1 mediated PTEN expression and the PI3K/AKT pathway by targeting miR-17. Deletion of miR-17 inhibited the effects of Circ VRK1 siRNA, and silencing of PTEN suppressed the effects of miR-17 inhibitor.

CONCLUSION

Circ VRK1 was upregulated during OGD/R. Circ VRK1 downregulation regulates PTEN expression by targeting miR-17, thereby promoting PI3K/AKT pathway activity to alleviate OGD/R injury.

Exosomal miR-17-5p from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells inhibits abdominal aortic aneurysm by suppressing TXNIP-NLRP3 inflammasome

Background

Preclinical studies have suggested that adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) transplantation can suppress abdominal aortic inflammation and aneurysm expansion through paracrine factors. Yet, the mechanism of action is not fully understood. In the present study, we further examined the function and mechanism of ADSC-derived exosomes (ADSC-exos) and their microRNA-17-5p (miR-17-5p) on the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) progression.

Methods

ADSC-exos were isolated and identified. DiR and PKH67 staining were used to trace ADSC-exo in vivo and in vitro. Raw264.7 cells were applied to perform in vitro experiments, while a murine AAA model induced using angiotensin II (Ang II) was used for in vivo testing. The expression level of miR-17-5p in macrophages and Ang II-treated macrophages after ADSC-exos treatment was determined using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The target relation between miR-17-5p and thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) was identified by a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Artificial activation and block of experiments of miR-17-5p and TXNIP were conducted to clarify their functions in inflammation during AAA progression. The severity of AAA between groups was assessed by maximal aorta diameter, AAA incidence, survival rate, and histological stainings. Besides, inflammasome-related proteins and macrophage pyroptosis were further evaluated using western blot, RT-qPCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

The ADSC-exos were isolated and identified. In vivo testing showed that ADSC-exos were mainly distributed in the liver. Meanwhile, in vitro experiments suggested that ADSC-derived exosomes were taken up by macrophages, while inside, ADSC-exos miR-17-5p decreased a TXNIP induced by Ang II by directly binding to its 3′-untranslated region (3’UTR). Furthermore, overexpression of miR-17-5p enhanced the therapeutic function of ADSC-exos on inflammation during AAA expansion in vivo, while its inhibition reversed this process. Finally, overexpressed TXNIP triggered macrophage pyroptosis and was alleviated by ADSC-derived exosomes in vitro.

Conclusion

ADSC-exos miR-17-5p regulated AAA progression and inflammation via the TXNIP-NLRP3 signaling pathway, thus providing a novel insight in AAA treatment.

The role of phosphoinositide 3-kinases in immune-inflammatory responses: potential therapeutic targets for abdominal aortic aneurysm

The pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) includes inflammatory responses, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degradation, VSMC apoptosis, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis, among which the inflammatory response plays a key role. At present, surgery is the only curing treatment, and no effective drug can delay AAA progression in clinical practice. Therefore, searching for a signaling pathway related to the immune-inflammatory response is an essential direction for developing drugs targeting AAA. Recent studies have confirmed that the PI3K family plays an important role in many inflammatory diseases and is involved in regulating various cellular functions, especially in the immune-inflammatory response. This review focuses on the role of each isoform of PI3K in each stage of AAA immune-inflammatory response, making available explorations for a deeper understanding of the mechanism of inflammation and immune response during the formation and development of AAA.

Regulation of VEGFA, KRAS, and NFE2L2 Oncogenes by MicroRNAs in Head and Neck Cancer

Mutations and alterations in the expression of VEGFA, KRAS, and NFE2L2 oncogenes play a key role in cancer initiation and progression. These genes are enrolled not only in cell proliferation control, but also in angiogenesis, drug resistance, metastasis, and survival of tumor cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding regulatory RNA molecules that can regulate post-transcriptional expression of multiple target genes. We aimed to investigate if miRNAs hsa-miR-17-5p, hsa-miR-140-5p, and hsa-miR-874-3p could interfere in VEGFA, KRAS, and NFE2L2 expression in cell lines derived from head and neck cancer (HNC). FADU (pharyngeal cancer) and HN13 (oral cavity cancer) cell lines were transfected with miR-17-5p, miR-140-5p, and miR-874-3p microRNA mimics. RNA and protein expression analyses revealed that miR-17-5p, miR-140-5p and miR-874-3p overexpression led to a downregulation of VEGFA, KRAS, and NFE2L2 gene expression in both cell lines analyzed. Taken together, our results provide evidence for the establishment of new biomarkers in the diagnosis and treatment of HNC.

Peripheral Serum Exosomes Isolated from Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Promote Endothelial Cell Angiogenesis via the miR-126-3p/TSC1/mTORC1/HIF-1α Pathway

Purpose

Angiogenesis is required for improving myocardial function and is a key factor in long-term prognosis after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Although exosomes are known to play a crucial role in angiogenesis, the role of peripheral exosomes in angiogenic signal transduction in patients with AMI remains unclear. Here, we explored the effect of exosomes extracted from the peripheral serum of AMI patients on angiogenesis and elucidated the downstream pathways.

Patients and Methods

Serum exosomes were obtained from patients with AMI (AMI-Exo) and healthy individuals (Con-Exo). The exosomes were cocultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro, with aortic rings ex vivo, and were used to treat mouse hind-limb ischemia and mouse AMI model in vivo.

Results

AMI-Exo raised HUVEC proliferation, tube formation, and migration, and enhanced microvessel sprouting from aortic rings compared to Con-Exo, both in vitro and ex vivo. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed that the abundance of miR-126-3p, a crucial regulator of angiogenesis, was increased in AMI-Exo. The inhibition of miR-126-3p decreased the benefits of AMI-Exo treatment, and miR-126-3p upregulation enhanced the benefits of Con-Exo treatment in HUVECs, aortic rings, the mouse hind-limb ischemia model, and the mouse AMI model. Knockdown and overexpression analyses revealed that miR-126-3p regulated angiogenesis in HUVECs by directly targeting tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (TSC1). Moreover, we found that miR-126-3p could inhibit TSC1 expression, which further activated mTORC1 signaling and increased HIF-1α and VEGFA expression, ultimately promoting angiogenesis.

Conclusion

Collectively, our results provide a novel understanding of the function of exosomes in angiogenesis post AMI. We demonstrated that exosomes from the peripheral serum of AMI patients promote angiogenesis via the miR-126-3p/TSC1/mTORC1/HIF-1α signaling pathway.

Yiqi-Huoxue granule promotes angiogenesis of ischemic myocardium through miR-126/PI3K/Akt axis in endothelial cells

BACKGROUND

Yiqi-Huoxue granule (YQHX), consisting of four kinds of traditional Chinese medicine, is an empirical prescription for the treatment of coronary heart disease. It is known to promote angiogenesis, but the mechanism is unknown.

PURPOSE

This article investigates the possible mechanism of YQHX inducing angiogenesis in the ischemic myocardium.

METHODS

EAhy.926 cells were treated with YQHX hypoxic cardiomyocyte-conditioned medium (YHMCM) and the levels of VEGF, CD34, and phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt were detected by western blotting. Also, the effects on endothelial tube formation and migration were observed. The level of miR-126 was detected by qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

YQHX promoted tube formation and migration of EAhy.926 cells and upregulated VEGF, CD34, and the phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT via regulating miR-126 levels. However, these effects were inhibited by a miR-126 inhibitor.

CONCLUSION

In summary, YQHX improves angiogenesis by regulating the miR-126/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which indicates that YQHX could be a promising therapeutic strategy for ischemic myocardium.

Extracellular Vesicles from Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Facilitate Diabetic Wound Healing Through MiR-17-5p-mediated Enhancement of Angiogenesis

Endothelial dysfunction caused by persistent hyperglycemia in diabetes is responsible for impaired angiogenesis in diabetic wounds. Extracellular vehicles (EVs) are considered potential therapeutic tools to promote diabetic wound healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of EVs secreted by human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSC-EVs) on angiogenesis under high glucose (HG) conditions in vivo and in vitro and to explore the underlying mechanisms. In vivo, local application of hucMSC-EVs enhanced wound healing and angiogenesis. In vitro, hucMSC-EVs promoted proliferation, migration, and tube formation by inhibiting phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression and activating the AKT/HIF-1α/VEGF pathways. MiR-17-5p was found to be highly enriched in hucMSC-EVs. In vitro, MiR-17-5p agomirs downregulated the expression of PTEN and activated the AKT/HIF-1α/VEGF pathway to promote proliferation, migration, and tube formation in HG-treated HUVECs. In vivo, miR-17-5p agomirs mimicked the effects of hucMSC-EVs on wound healing and angiogenesis, whereas miR-17-5p inhibitors reversed their effects. Our findings suggest that hucMSC-EVs have regenerative and protective effects on HG-induced endothelial cells via transfer of miR-17-5p targeting PTEN/ AKT/HIF-1α/VEGF pathway, thereby accelerating diabetic wound healing. Thus, hucMSC-EVs may be promising therapeutic candidates for improving diabetic wound angiogenesis.