MiR-195 modulates oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial energy production in human trophoblasts via flavin adenine dinucleotide-dependent oxidoreductase domain-containing protein 1 and pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase regulatory subunit

Effects of (20 R)-Panaxadiol on NAFLD using non‑targeted metabolomics in stool

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a clinical syndrome characterized by hepatocyte steatosis and adipose accumulation with the main lesion in the hepatic lobule, but without a history of excessive alcohol consumption. NAFLD ranges from nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and may further accumulate fibrosis leading to cirrhosis. Many studies have found that ginseng can treat NAFLD. (20 R)-Panaxadiol (PD) is a panax ginseng diol type compound, has been proved that can treat the obesity. This study wants to investigate the effect of PD on non-alcoholic liver disease. We used 20 ob/ob mice and 10 C57BL/6 J mice. C57BL/6 J mice as CONTROL group, ob/ob mice were divided into model group and PD group. In PD group, ob/ob mice were treated with PD for eight weeks(10 mg/kg, the CON and OB group was given the same amount of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose), detected the weight, food intake and serum index, observed the HE staining of liver and intestine, performed the 16 S rRNA and untargeted metabolomics analysis used mice feces, and verify the results by detect the expression of TNF-α, MDA and SOD. In vivo results, PD can improve abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism and liver function. In 16 S rRNA result, we found beneficial bacteria Muribaculaceae and Lactobacillus increased; in untargeted metabolomics analysis, inflammatory metabolites prostaglandin (PG) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) decreased, antioxidant metabolites FAD and lipoic acid increased. Then, we proceeded the association analysis of gut microbiota and metabolites, the result showed gut microbiota have strongly associated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant metabolites. In addition, PD improves intestinal wall integrity. Meanwhile, the expression of TNF-α、MDA and SOD were detected, it was verified that PD has the effect of antioxidant and anti-inflammation. Our study showed that PD, as an active ingredient of ginseng, can play an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant role by improving intestinal metabolites, thereby preventing and treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to a certain extent.

Circulating Non-coding RNAs and Exosomes: Liquid Biopsies for Monitoring Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) remains a leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality, due to ineffective treatment and diagnostic strategies, compounded by the lack of clarity on the etiology of the disorder. The early prediction or accurate diagnosis of PE is a concern of researchers. Liquid biopsy can be analyzed for cell-free nucleic acids and exosomes. Because circulating non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and peripheral blood exosomes can be detected in the peripheral blood of women in early pregnancy, these vesicles and their contents have become the focus of research on early predictive and diagnostic biomarkers for preeclampsia. In this review, we focus on recent studies addressing the roles of circulating ncRNAs and exosomes in PE, with particular attention paid to the potential application value of placenta-derived exosomes and circulating ncRNAs as PE-specific biomarkers.

Role of microRNAs regulating trophoblast cell function in the pathogenesis of pre‑eclampsia (Review)

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a complicated pregnancy-specific disease and is considered the primary reason for maternal and foetal mortality and morbidity. PE has a multifactorial pathogenesis but the causes of PE remain unclear. The functions of trophoblasts, including differentiation, proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis, are essential for successful pregnancy. During the early stages of placental development, trophoblasts are strictly regulated by several molecular pathways; however, an imbalance of these molecular pathways can lead to severe placental lesions and pregnancy complications. Certain microRNAs (miRs) are abnormally expressed in PE, with several miRs involved in the regulation of pregnancy-associated genes. The present review discusses the miRs regulating trophoblast function, how they affect the pathogenesis of PE and evaluating the possibility of miRs in screening, diagnosis and treatment of PE.

Regulatory roles of non-coding RNAs and m6A modification in trophoblast functions and the occurrence of its related adverse pregnancy outcomes

Adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, fetal growth restriction, and recurrent miscarriage, occur frequently in pregnant women and might further induce morbidity and mortality for both mother and fetus. Increasing studies have shown that dysfunctions of human trophoblast are related to these adverse pregnancy outcomes. Recent studies also showed that environmental toxicants could induce trophoblast dysfunctions. Moreover, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been reported to play important regulatory roles in various cellular processes. However, the roles of ncRNAs in the regulation of trophoblast dysfunctions and the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes still need to be further investigated, especially with exposure to environmental toxicants. In this review, we analyzed the regulatory mechanisms of ncRNAs and m6A methylation modification in the dysfunctions of trophoblast cells and the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes and also summarized the harmful effects of environmental toxicants. In addition to DNA replication, mRNA transcription, and protein translation, ncRNAs and m6A modification might be considered as the fourth and fifth elements that regulate the genetic central dogma, respectively. Environmental toxicants might also affect these processes. In this review, we expect to provide a deeper scientific understanding of the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes and to discover potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of these outcomes.

miR-373-3p Regulates the Proliferative and Migratory Properties of Human HTR8 Cells via SLC38A1 Modulation

The genetic pathogenesis of selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) remains elusive, with evidence suggesting an important role of epigenetic factors such as microRNAs. In this study, we explored the relevance of miR-373-3p to the occurrence of sIUGR. Hypoxia enhanced the levels of miR-373-3p and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, while HIF-1α knockdown not only boosted the migration and proliferation of HTR8 cells but also suppressed the hypoxia-induced upregulation of miR-373-3p and SLC38A1. By contrast, HIF-1α overexpression induced miR-373-3p downregulation and SLC38A1 upregulation, reducing cell growth and migration, which could be reversed by a miR-373-3p inhibitor. Importantly, the miR-373-3p inhibitor and mimic reproduced phenomena similar to those induced by HIF-1α downregulation and overexpression, respectively (including altered SLC38A1 expression, mTOR activation, cell growth, and migration). Mechanistically, the miRNA regulated cell behaviors and related mTOR signaling by targeting SLC38A1 expression through an interaction with the 3′-untranslated region of SLC38A1. The placental tissues of smaller sIUGR fetuses exhibited miR-373-3p and HIF-1α upregulation, SLC38A1 downregulation, and activated mTOR. Overall, miR-373-3p appears to restrict the growth and migration of HTR8 trophoblast cells by targeting SLC38A1, as observed in the placental tissues associated with smaller sIUGR fetuses, and it could have utility in the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder.

MiR-195-5p facilitates the proliferation, migration, and invasion of human trophoblast cells by targeting FGF2

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia (PE), the most significant adverse exposure to cardiovascular risk during pregnancy, is one of the three major factors contributing to maternal and fetal mortality and the leading cause of preterm birth. Recently, various miRNAs have been reported to participate in PE occurrence and development. Nevertheless, the regulatory impact of miR-195-5p in PE is still indistinct.

METHODS

Quantitative realtime-PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay were performed to examine miR-195-5p and FGF2 expressions in PE serum samples or HTR-8/SVneo and TEV-1 cells. CCK8, flow cytometry, wound scratch, and transwell assays were conducted to determine cell viability, cycle, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Dual-luciferase reporter assay unveiled the relationship between miR-195-5p and FGF2. Migration-related and invasion-related protein expressions were measured by western blot assay.

RESULTS

miR-195-5p was prominently downregulated while FGF2 was increased in serum samples from PE patients and hypoxia-treated human trophoblast cells. FGF2 was predicted as a downstream target of miR-195-5p and targeted association was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Functional experiments elaborated that miR-195-5p could facilitate trophoblast cell proliferation and metastasis but hinder cell cycle and apoptosis. Inversely, overexpressing of FGF2 could reverse the effects of miR-195-5p on trophoblast cell growth.

DISCUSSION

miR-195-5p was decreased in PE serum samples and cell lines, serving as a potential biomarker in protecting PE exacerbation by targeting FGF2.

Preeclamptic Women Have Disrupted Placental microRNA Expression at the Time of Preeclampsia Diagnosis: Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-associated, multi-organ, life-threatening disease that appears after the 20th week of gestation. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether women with PE have disrupted miRNA expression compared to women who do not have PE. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that reported miRNAs expression levels in placenta or peripheral blood of pregnant women with vs. without PE. Studies published before October 29, 2021 were identified through PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. Two reviewers used predefined forms and protocols to evaluate independently the eligibility of studies based on titles and abstracts and to perform full-text screening, data abstraction and quality assessment. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was used as a measure of effect size. Results: 229 publications were included in the systematic review and 53 in the meta-analysis. The expression levels in placenta were significantly higher in women with PE compared to women without PE for miRNA-16 (SMD = 1.51,95%CI = 0.55-2.46), miRNA-20b (SMD = 0.89, 95%CI = 0.33-1.45), miRNA-23a (SMD = 2.02, 95%CI = 1.25-2.78), miRNA-29b (SMD = 1.37, 95%CI = 0.36-2.37), miRNA-155 (SMD = 2.99, 95%CI = 0.83-5.14) and miRNA-210 (SMD = 1.63, 95%CI = 0.69-2.58), and significantly lower for miRNA-376c (SMD = -4.86, 95%CI = -9.51 to -0.20). An increased level of miRNK-155 expression was found in peripheral blood of women with PE (SMD = 2.06, 95%CI = 0.35-3.76), while the expression level of miRNA-16 was significantly lower in peripheral blood of PE women (SMD = -0.47, 95%CI = -0.91 to -0.03). The functional roles of the presented miRNAs include control of trophoblast proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, differentiation, cellular metabolism and angiogenesis. Conclusion: miRNAs play an important role in the pathophysiology of PE. The identification of differentially expressed miRNAs in maternal blood creates an opportunity to define an easily accessible biomarker of PE.

Nontargeted metabolomics-based mapping urinary metabolic fingerprints after exposure to acrylamide

Acrylamide classified as a probable carcinogen to humans is a high production volume chemical in industrial applications released to aquatic and environmental ecosystems, and also widely found in the thermal processing of starch-rich foods. To gain insight into the urinary metabolomics that may induce physiological responses stimulated by acrylamide, rats were orally administered with a single dose of 13C3-acrylamide (10 mg/kg bw) in the treatment group and urine samples were continuously collected every 2 h during the first 18 h and every 3 h during the period from 18 h to 36 h. A reliable nontargeted screening method for the analysis of urinary metabolomics in rats was developed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry. All metabolites in urine of rats receiving isotope-labeled acrylamide were screened by validated orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analyses compared to the animals in the control group, while exposure biomarkers were further confirmed according to the characteristic fragmentation rules and time-dependent profiles. Here we identified 2 new specific exposure biomarkers, named N-acetyl-S-(2-carbamoyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-L-cysteine-sulfoxide and N-acetyl-S-(2-carboxyl)-L-cysteine, compared to 4 currently acknowledged mercapturic acid adducts of acrylamide. In addition, our findings on analysis of acrylamide metabolic pathway and identification of exposure biomarkers confirmed that acrylamide could significantly affect energy metabolism and amino acid metabolism by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis for key metabolites. Homocysteine thiolactone and hypoxanthine may be potential biomarkers for the cardiotoxicity, while methionine sulfoxide, hippuric acid and melatonin may be specifically related to the neurotoxicity. Thus, the current study provided new evidence on the identification of emerging exposure biomarkers and specific signature metabolites related to the toxicity of acrylamide, and shed light on how acrylamide affected energy and amino acid metabolism by further mapping urinary metabolic fingerprints.

Recent Advances of MicroRNAs, Long Non-coding RNAs, and Circular RNAs in Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a clinical syndrome characterized by multiple-organ dysfunction, such as maternal hypertension and proteinuria, after 20 weeks of gestation. It is a common cause of fetal growth restriction, fetal malformation, and maternal death. At present, termination of pregnancy is the only way to prevent the development of the disease. Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, are involved in important pathological and physiological functions in life cycle activities including ontogeny, reproduction, apoptosis, and cell reprogramming, and are closely associated with human diseases. Accumulating evidence suggests that non-coding RNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia through regulation of various physiological functions. In this review, we discuss the current evidence of the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, introduce the types and biological functions of non-coding RNA, and summarize the roles of non-coding RNA in the pathophysiological development of preeclampsia from the perspectives of oxidative stress, hypoxia, angiogenesis, decidualization, trophoblast invasion and proliferation, immune regulation, and inflammation. Finally, we briefly discuss the potential clinical application and future prospects of non-coding RNA as a biomarker for the diagnosis of preeclampsia.

Placenta-Derived MicroRNAs in the Pathophysiology of Human Pregnancy

In placental mammals, reproductive success, and maternal-fetal health substantially depend on a well-being placenta, the interface between the fetus and the mother. Disorders in placental cells are tightly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including preeclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction, etc. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent small non-coding RNAs that regulate post-transcriptional gene expression and are integral to a wide range of healthy or diseased cellular proceedings. Numerous miRNAs have been detected in human placenta and increasing evidence is revealing their important roles in regulating placental cell behaviors. Recent studies indicate that placenta-derived miRNAs can be released to the maternal circulation via encapsulating into the exosomes, and they potentially target various maternal cells to provide a hormone-like means of intercellular communication between the mother and the fetus. These placental exosome miRNAs are attracting more and more attention due to their differential expression in pregnant complications, which may provide novel biomarkers for prediction of the diseases. In this review, we briefly summarize the current knowledge and the perspectives of the placenta-derived miRNAs, especially the exosomal transfer of placental miRNAs and their pathophysiological relevance to PE. The possible exosomal-miRNA-targeted strategies for diagnosis, prognosis or therapy of PE are highlighted.

miR-18a Contributes to Preeclampsia by Downregulating Smad2 (Full Length) and Reducing TGF-β Signaling

The study investigated the regulation of Smad2 by miR-18a and its role in preeclampsia (PE). Bioinformatics analysis showed that both Smad2 and Smad3 were the predicted targets for miR-18a. Mass spectrum analysis showed that two mature Smad2 isoforms existed in human placenta: full length, Smad2(FL), and that lacking exon3, Smad2(Δexon3). The protein level of Smad2(FL), but not Smad2(Δexon3) or Smad3, was significantly increased in severe PE (sPE) placenta, which was inversely correlated with the level of miR-18a. Elevated Smad2(FL) phosphorylation level appeared in sPE placenta, and Smad2 was colocalized with miR-18a in various subtypes of trophoblasts in human placenta. Smad2(FL) was validated as the direct target of miR-18a in HTR8/SVneo cells. miR-18a enhanced trophoblast cell invasion, which was blocked by the overexpression of Smad2(FL). Furthermore, overexpression of miR-18a repressed Smad2 activation and the inhibition of trophoblast cell invasion by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). In conclusion, our results suggest that miR-18a inhibits the expression of Smad2(FL), but not Smad2(Δexon3) or Smad3, which can reduce TGF-β signaling, leading to the enhancement of trophoblast cell invasion. A lack of miR-18a, which results in the upregulation of Smad2(FL), contributes to the development of PE.

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in early-onset and late-onset preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific syndrome with multisystem involvement which leads to foetal, neonatal, and maternal morbidity and mortality. This syndrome is characterized by the onset of clinical signs and symptoms and delivery before (early-onset preeclampsia, eoPE), or after (late-onset preeclampsia, loPE), the 34 weeks of gestation. Preeclampsia is a mitochondrial disorder where its differential involvement in eoPE and loPE is unclear. Mitochondria regulate cell metabolism and are a significant source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The syncytiotrophoblast in eoPE and loPE show altered mitochondrial structure and function resulting in ROS overproduction, oxidative stress, and cell damage and death. Mitochondrial dysfunction in eoPE may result from altered expression of several molecules, including dynamin-related protein 1 and mitofusins, compared with loPE where these factors are either reduced or unaltered. Equally, mitochondrial fusion/fission dynamics seem differentially modulated in eoPE and loPE. It is unclear whether the electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation are differentially altered in these two subgroups of preeclampsia. However, the activity of complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase) and the expression of essential proteins involved in the electron transport chain are reduced, leading to lower oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial respiration in the preeclamptic placenta. Interventional studies in patients with preeclampsia using the coenzyme Q₁₀, a key molecule in the electron transport chain, suggest that agents that increase the antioxidative capacity of the placenta may be protective against preeclampsia development. In this review, the mitochondrial dysfunction in both eoPE and loPE is summarized. Therapeutic approaches are discussed in the context of contributing to the understanding of mitochondrial dysfunction in eoPE and loPE.

A secret that underlies Parkinson's disease: The damaging cycle

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a movement disorder, and its common characteristics include the loss of dopaminergic neurons and the accumulation of a special type of cytoplasmic inclusions called Lewy bodies in the substantia nigra pars compacta, which are more prevalent in the elderly. However, the pathophysiology of PD is still elusive. In this review, we summarized five common factors involved in PD, namely, (i) oxidative stress, (ii) mitochondrial dysfunction, (iii) inflammation, (iv) abnormal α-synuclein, and (v) endogenous neurotoxins, and proposed a hypothesis involving a damaging cycle. Oxidative stress-triggered aldehydes react with biogenic amines to produce endogenous neurotoxins. They cause mitochondrial dysfunction and the formation of inflammasomes, which induce the activation of neuroglial cells and the infiltration of T lymphocytes. The synergistic effect of these processes fosters chronic inflammation and α-synuclein aggregation and further exacerbates the impact of oxidative stress to establish a damaging cycle that eventually results in the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. This damaging cycle provides an explanation of progressive neuronal death during the pathogenesis of PD and provides new potential targets beneficial for developing new drugs and approaches for clinical neuroprotection.