MicroRNA-203-mediated inhibition of doublecortin underpins cardioprotection conferred by sevoflurane in rats after myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury

MiR-203 improves cardiac dysfunction by targeting PARP1-NAD+ axis in aging murine

Heart aging is a prevalent cause of cardiovascular diseases among the elderly. NAD+ depletion is a hallmark feature of aging heart, however, the molecular mechanisms that affect NAD+ depletion remain unclear. In this study, we identified microRNA-203 (miR-203) as a senescence-associated microRNA that regulates NAD+ homeostasis. We found that the blood miR-203 level negatively correlated with human age and its expression significantly decreased in the hearts of aged mice and senescent cardiomyocytes. Transgenic mice with overexpressed miR-203 (TgN (miR-203)) showed resistance to aging-induced cardiac diastolic dysfunction, cardiac remodeling, and myocardial senescence. At the cellular level, overexpression of miR-203 significantly prevented D-gal-induced cardiomyocyte senescence and mitochondrial damage, while miR-203 knockdown aggravated these effects. Mechanistically, miR-203 inhibited PARP1 expression by targeting its 3'UTR, which helped to reduce NAD+ depletion and improve mitochondrial function and cell senescence. Overall, our study first identified miR-203 as a genetic tool for anti-heart aging by restoring NAD+ function in cardiomyocytes.

Sevoflurane attenuates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by up-regulating microRNA-99a and down-regulating BRD4

PURPOSE

It has been explored that sevoflurane (Sevo) is cardioprotective in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI) and mediates microRNA (miRNA) expression that control various physiological systems. Enlightened by that, the work was programmed to decode the mechanism of Sevo and miR-99a with the participation of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4).

METHODS

MI/RImodel was established on mice. MI/RI modeled mice were exposed to Sevo or injected with miR-99a or BRD4-related vectors to identify their functions in cardiac function, pathological injury, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in MI/RI mice. MiR-99a and BRD4 expression in myocardial tissues were tested, and their relation was further validated.

RESULTS

MiR-99a was down-regulated, and BRD4 was up-regulated in MI/RI mice. Sevo up-regulated miR-99a to inhibit BRD4 expression in myocardial tissues of MI/RI mice. Sevo improved cardiac function, relieved myocardial injury, repressed cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and alleviated inflammation and oxidative stress in mice with MI/RI. MiR-99a restoration further enhanced the positive effects of Sevo on mice with MI/RI. Overexpression of BRD4 reversed up-regulation of miR-99a-induced attenuation of MI/RI in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The work delineated that Sevo up-regulates miR-99a to attenuate MI/RI by inhibiting BRD4.

lncRNA PINK1-AS Aggravates Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Oxidative Stress Injury through Regulating ATF2 by Sponging miR-203

Ischemic stroke is a common disease that led to high mortality and high disability. NADPH oxidase 2- (NOX2-) mediated oxidative stress and long noncoding RNA have important roles in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (CI/R) injury, whereas whether there is interplay between them remains to be clarified. This study was performed to observe the role of lncRNA PINK1-antisense RNA (PINK1-AS) in NOX2 expression regulation. An in vivo rat model (MCAO) and an in vitro cell model (H/R: hypoxia/reoxygenation) were utilized for CI/R oxidative stress injury investigation. The expression levels of lncRNA PINK1-AS, activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2), NOX2, and caspase-3 and the production level of ROS and cell apoptosis were significantly increased in CI/R injury model rats or in H/R-induced SH-SY5Y cells, but miR-203 was significantly downregulated. There was positive correlation between PINK1-AS expression level and ROS production level. PINK1-AS and ATF2 were found to be putative targets of miR-203. Knockdown of lncRNA PINK1-AS or ATF2 or the overexpression of miR-203 significantly reduced oxidative stress injury via inhibition of NOX2. Overexpression of lncRNA PINK1 significantly led to oxidative stress injury in SH-SY5Y cells through downregulating miR-203 and upregulating ATF2 and NOX2. lncRNA PINK1-AS and ATF2 were the targets of miR-203, and the lncRNA PINK1-AS/miR-203/ATF2/NOX2 axis plays pivotal roles in CI/R injury. Therefore, lncRNA PINK1-AS is a possible target for CR/I injury therapy by sponging miR-203.

LncRNA UCA1 epigenetically suppresses APAF1 expression to mediate the protective effect of sevoflurane against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MI/RI) is a leading cause of death globally. Whereas some long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to participate in the progression of MI/RI, the role of urothelial carcinoma associated 1 (UCA1) in conjunction with sevoflurane treatment remains largely unknown. H9C2 cardiomyocytes were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) to establish an in vitro MI/RI model, and sevoflurane was then added. Cell viability, apoptosis, SOD activity, and MDA levels were measured. Levels of inflammatory cytokines and methylation of apoptosis protease-activating factor 1 (APAF1) were determined. Interactions among lncRNA UCA1, enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2), DNA methyltransferase-1 (DNMT1), and APAF1 were analyzed. After H/R treatment, the viability of H9C2 cardiomyocytes decreased and apoptosis rate, oxidative stress factor levels, inflammatory cytokine levels, and apoptosis-related protein levels all increased. Sevoflurane treatment reversed these changes. LncRNA UCA1 knockdown attenuated the therapeutic effect of sevoflurane on H/R-treated cardiomyocytes, and silencing of APAF1 reversed this role of UCA1 knockdown. Moreover, lncRNA UCA1 recruited DNMT1 through EZH2, thus promoting methylation of the APAF1 promoter region. LncRNA UCA1 recruits DNMT1 to promote methylation of the APAF1 promoter through EZH2, thus strengthening the protective effect of sevoflurane on H/R-induced cardiomyocyte injury.

Molecular Mechanism of Sevoflurane Preconditioning Based on Whole-transcriptome Sequencing of Lipopolysaccharide-induced Cardiac Dysfunction in Mice

ABSTRACT

Sevoflurane, a widely used inhalation anesthetic, has been shown to be cardioprotective in individuals with sepsis and myocardial dysfunction. However, the exact mechanism has not been completely explained. In this study, we performed whole-transcriptome profile analysis in the myocardium of lipopolysaccharide-induced septic mice after sevoflurane pretreatment. RNA transcriptome sequencing showed that 97 protein coding RNAs (mRNAs), 64 long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and 27 microRNAs (miRNAs) were differentially expressed between the lipopolysaccharide and S_L groups. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that target genes for the differentially expressed mRNAs between the 2 groups participated in protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, antigen processing and presentation, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. The bioinformatics study of differentially expressed mRNAs revealed that 13 key genes including Hsph1, Otud1, Manf, Gbp2b, Stip1, Gbp3, Hspa1b, Aff3, Med12, Kdm4a, Gatad1, Cdkn1a, and Ppp1r16b are related to the heart or inflammation. Furthermore, the competing endogenous RNA network revealed that 3 of the 13 key genes established the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network (ENSMUST00000192774 --- mmu-miR-7a-5p --- Hspa1b, TCONS_00188587 --- mmu-miR-204-3p --- Aff3 and ENSMUST00000138273 --- mmu-miR-1954 --- Ppp1r16b) may be associated with cardioprotection in septic mice. In general, the findings identified 11 potential essential genes (Hsph1, Otud1, Manf, Gbp2b, Stip1, Gbp3, Hspa1b, Aff3, Med12, Kdm4a, Gatad1, Cdkn1a, and Ppp1r16b) and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway involved in sevoflurane-induced cardioprotection in septic mice. In particular, sevoflurane may prevent myocardial injury by regulating the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network, including (ENSMUST00000192774-mmu-miR-7a-5p-Hspa1b, TCONS_00188587-mmu-miR-204-3p-Aff3, and ENSMUST00000138273-mmu-miR-1954-Ppp1r16b networks), which may be a novel mechanism of sevoflurane-induced cardioprotection.

Plasma-derived extracellular vesicles transfer microRNA-130a-3p to alleviate myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by targeting ATG16L1

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are implicated in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury as modulators by shuttling diverse cargoes, including microRNAs (miRNAs). The current study was initiated to unravel the potential involvement of plasma-derived EVs carrying miR-130a-3p on myocardial I/R injury. Rats were induced with moderate endoplasmic reticulum stress, followed by isolation of plasma-derived EVs. Then, an I/R rat model and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) cardiomyoblast model were established to simulate a myocardial I/R injury environment where miR-130a-3p was found to be abundantly expressed. miR-130a-3p was confirmed to target and negatively regulate autophagy-related 16-like 1 (ATG16L1) in cardiomyoblasts. Based on a co-culture system, miR-130a-3p delivered by EVs derived from plasma protected H/R-exposed cardiomyoblasts against H/R-induced excessive cardiomyoblast autophagy, inflammation, and damage, improving cardiac dysfunction as well as myocardial I/R-induced cardiac dysfunction and tissue injury. The mechanism underlying the functional role of EVs-loaded miR-130a-3p was found to be dependent on its targeting relation with ATG16L1. The protective action of EV-carried miR-130a-3p was further re-produced in a rat model serving as in vivo validation as evidenced by improved cardiac function, tissue injury, myocardial fibrosis, and myocardial infarction. Collectively, miR-130a-3p shuttled by plasma-derived EVs was demonstrated to alleviate excessive cardiomyoblast autophagy and improve myocardial I/R injury.

The Protective Effect of Sevoflurane Conditionings Against Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Preclinical Trials in in-vivo Models

Objective

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common and serious complication in clinical practice. Sevoflurane conditionings have been identified to provide a protection against myocardial IRI in animal experiments, but their true clinical benefits remain controversial. Here, we aimed to analyze the preclinical evidences obtained in animal models of myocardial IRI and explore the possible reasons for controversial clinical benefits.

Methods

Our primary outcome was the difference in mean infarct size between the sevoflurane and control groups in animal models of myocardial IRI. After searching the databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, a systematic review retrieved 37 eligible studies, from which 28 studies controlled comparisons of sevoflurane preconditioning (SPreC) and 40 studies controlled comparisons of sevoflurane postconditioning (SPostC) that were made in a pooled random-effects meta-analysis. In total, this analysis included data from 313 control animals and 536 animals subject to sevoflurane conditionings.

Results

Pooled estimates for primary outcome demonstrated that sevoflurane could significantly reduce the infarct size after myocardial IRI whether preconditioning [weighted mean difference (WMD): −18.56, 95% CI: −23.27 to −13.85, P < 0.01; I² = 94.1%, P < 0.01] or postconditioning (WMD: −18.35, 95% CI: −20.88 to −15.83, P < 0.01; I² = 90.5%, P < 0.01) was performed. Interestingly, there was significant heterogeneity in effect size that could not be explained by any of the prespecified variables by meta-regression and stratified analysis. However, sensitivity analysis still identified the cardioprotective benefits of sevoflurane conditionings with robust results.

Conclusion

Sevoflurane conditionings can significantly reduce infarct size in in-vivo models of myocardial IRI. Given the fact that there is a lack of consistency in the quality and design of included studies, more well-performed in-vivo studies with the detailed characterization of sevoflurane protocols, especially studies in larger animals regarding cardioprotection effects of sevoflurane, are still required.

Sevoflurane protects mice from cerebral ischemic injury by regulating microRNA-203-3p/HDAC4/Bcl-2 axis

Sevoflurane (Sevo) is neuroprotective in ischemic injury, but its specific mechanism in the disease from microRNA-203-3p/histone deacetylases 4/B-cell lymphoma 2 (miR-203-3p/HDAC4/Bcl-2) axis asks for a comprehensive explanation. A middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model was established by nylon suture method. miR-203-3p and HDAC4 expression was measured in mouse brain tissues. The MCAO mice were exposed to Sevo or injected with miR-203-3p- or HDAC4-related plasmids. In response to Sevo treatment or plasmid interference, neurological function, brain pathology, neuronal apoptosis and inflammation were determined. The interactions of miR-203-3p and HDAC4, and HDAC4 and Bcl-2 were verified. MCAO mice presented down-regulated miR-203-3p and up-regulated HDAC4. Sevo improved neurological function, brain pathological damage and reduced neuronal apoptosis and inflammation in MCAO mice, while overexpressing miR-203-3p further enhanced those effects. HDAC4 overexpression antagonized the impacts of miR-203-3p up-regulation on MCAO mice. The targeting relation existed between miR-203-3p and HDAC4, as well as between HDAC4 and Bcl-2. It is clearly elucidated that miR-203-3p enhances the protective effects of Sevo on MCAO mice through elevating Bcl-2 and down-regulating HDAC4, potentially and clinically offering an effective treatment method with Sevo for cerebral ischemic injury.

Upregulated microRNA-210-3p improves sevoflurane-induced protective effect on ventricular remodeling in rats with myocardial infarction by inhibiting ADCY9

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a significant cause of death and disability, and sevoflurane (sevo) can protect myocardium in clinic. We aim to assess the effects of miR-210-3p on MI rats undergoing sevo treatment with the involvement of adenylyl cyclase type 9 (ADCY9). Rat MI models were constructed by ligation of the left anterior descending, and the modeled rats were respectively treated with sevo, miR-210-3p agomir, antagomir, or overexpressed ADCY9. Then, miR-210-3p and ADCY9 expression, cardiac function, myocardial injury and fibrosis, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in rats were evaluated. Target relation between miR-210-3p and ADCY9 was detected. miR-210-3p was downregulated while ADCY9 was upregulated in MI rats. Sevo was able to promote cardiac function and attenuate myocardial injury and fibrosis, as well as cardiomyocyte apoptosis in MI rats. These effects of sevo were strengthened by miR-210-3p elevation but abolished by miR-210-3p inhibition in MI rats. The role of elevated miR-210-3p in MI rats was reversed by overexpression of ADCY9. Upregulated miR-210-3p improves sevo-induced protective effect on ventricular remodeling in rats with MI through inhibiting ADCY9.

MicroRNA-203-mediated inhibition of doublecortin underpins cardioprotection conferred by sevoflurane in rats after myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury

Myocardial ischaemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury is a serious illness with high morbidity and mortality. Mounting evidence indicates the utility of sevoflurane (SEV) in the treatment of myocardial I/R injury. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective action of SEV against myocardial I/R injury. A rat model of myocardial I/R injury was established, and I/R rats were treated with different concentrations of SEV. MicroRNA‐203 (miR‐203) and doublecortin (DCX) expression levels were determined using reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Putative target relationship between miR‐203 and DCX was explored using dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA‐binding protein immunoprecipitation assay. Ischaemia‐reperfusion rats were treated with SEV, miR‐203 antagomir or sh‐DCX, followed by determination of oxidative stress‐ and inflammation‐related factor levels using nitrite and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, and that of apoptosis‐related factors using Western blot analysis. The apoptotic rate of myocardial tissues was determined using TdT‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and the infract area was evaluated using triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. The results showed miR‐203 was poorly expressed and DCX was highly expressed in myocardial tissues of I/R rats. Sevoflurane was found to elevate miR‐203, and miR‐203, in turn, could target and reduce DCX expression. Sevoflurane, miR‐203 overexpression or DCX silencing resulted in declined oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and infarct area, ultimately alleviating myocardial I/R injury. Collectively, these findings showed that SEV‐activated miR‐203 exhibited suppressive effects on myocardial I/R injury in rats and highlighted the SEV/miR‐203/DCX axis as a promising therapeutic target for myocardial I/R injury management.