Upregulating microRNA-874-3p inhibits CXCL12 expression to promote angiogenesis and suppress inflammatory response in ischemic stroke

Non-coding RNAs and angiogenesis in cardiovascular diseases: a comprehensive review

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have key roles in the etiology of many illnesses, including heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, and in physiological processes like angiogenesis. In transcriptional regulatory circuits that control heart growth, signaling, and stress response, as well as remodeling in cardiac disease, ncRNAs have become important players. Studies on ncRNAs and cardiovascular disease have made great progress recently. Here, we go through the functions of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) like circular RNAs (circRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs) as well as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in modulating cardiovascular disorders.

Ischemia-reperfusion injury: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury paradoxically occurs during reperfusion following ischemia, exacerbating the initial tissue damage. The limited understanding of the intricate mechanisms underlying I/R injury hinders the development of effective therapeutic interventions. The Wnt signaling pathway exhibits extensive crosstalk with various other pathways, forming a network system of signaling pathways involved in I/R injury. This review article elucidates the underlying mechanisms involved in Wnt signaling, as well as the complex interplay between Wnt and other pathways, including Notch, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B, transforming growth factor-β, nuclear factor kappa, bone morphogenetic protein, N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor-Ca2+-Activin A, Hippo-Yes-associated protein, toll-like receptor 4/toll-interleukine-1 receptor domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β, and hepatocyte growth factor/mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor. In particular, we delve into their respective contributions to key pathological processes, including apoptosis, the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, cell hypertrophy, fibrosis, ferroptosis, neurogenesis, and blood-brain barrier damage during I/R injury. Our comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms involved in Wnt signaling during I/R reveals that activation of the canonical Wnt pathway promotes organ recovery, while activation of the non-canonical Wnt pathways exacerbates injury. Moreover, we explore novel therapeutic approaches based on these mechanistic findings, incorporating evidence from animal experiments, current standards, and clinical trials. The objective of this review is to provide deeper insights into the roles of Wnt and its crosstalk signaling pathways in I/R-mediated processes and organ dysfunction, to facilitate the development of innovative therapeutic agents for I/R injury.

Expansion of plasma MicroRNAs over the first month following human stroke

Few have characterized miRNA expression during the transition from injury to neural repair and secondary neurodegeneration following stroke in humans. We compared expression of 754 miRNAs from plasma samples collected 5, 15, and 30 days post-ischemic stroke from a discovery cohort (n = 55) and 15-days post-ischemic stroke from a validation cohort (n = 48) to healthy control samples (n = 55 and 48 respectively) matched for age, sex, race and cardiovascular comorbidities using qRT-PCR. Eight miRNAs remained significantly altered across all time points in both cohorts including many described in acute stroke. The number of significantly dysregulated miRNAs more than doubled from post-stroke day 5 (19 miRNAs) to days 15 (50 miRNAs) and 30 (57 miRNAs). Twelve brain-enriched miRNAs were significantly altered at one or more time points (decreased expression, stroke versus controls: miR-107; increased expression: miR-99-5p, miR-127-3p, miR-128-3p, miR-181a-3p, miR-181a-5p, miR-382-5p, miR-433-3p, miR-491-5p, miR-495-3p, miR-874-3p, and miR-941). Many brain-enriched miRNAs were associated with apoptosis over the first month post-stroke whereas other miRNAs suggested a transition to synapse regulation and neuronal protection by day 30. These findings suggest that a program of decreased cellular proliferation may last at least 30 days post-stroke, and points to specific miRNAs that could contribute to neural repair in humans.

The microRNAs (miRs) overexpressing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy in neurological disorders; hope or hype

Altered expression of multiple miRNAs was found to be extensively involved in the pathogenesis of different neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease. One of the biggest concerns within gene-based therapy is the delivery of the therapeutic microRNAs to the intended place, which is obligated to surpass the biological barriers without undergoing degradation in the bloodstream or renal excretion. Hence, the delivery of modified and unmodified miRNA molecules using excellent vehicles is required. In this light, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have attracted increasing attention. The MSCs can be genetically modified to express or overexpress a particular microRNA aimed with promote neurogenesis and neuroprotection. The current review has focused on the therapeutic capabilities of microRNAs-overexpressing MSCs to ameliorate functional deficits in neurological conditions.

MicroRNA-204-5p Ameliorates Neurological Injury via the EphA4/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway in Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke has extremely high mortality and disability rates worldwide. miR-204-5p has been reported to be associated with neurological diseases. However, the relationship linking miR-204-5p to ischemic stroke and its molecular mechanism remain unclear. Herein, we found that expression of miR-204-5p was significantly decreased while EphA4 increased in vivo and vitro, which reached the peak at 24 h after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Then, we altered miR-204-5p expression in rats by cerebroventricular injection. Our study showed that miR-204-5p overexpression obviously reduced the brain infarction area and neurological score. We successfully cultured neurons to investigate the downstream mechanism. Upregulation of miR-204-5p increased cell viability and suppressed the release of LDH. Moreover, the proportion of apoptotic cells tested by TUNEL and flow cytometry and protein expression of Cleaved Caspase3 and Bax were inhibited. The relative expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β was repressed. In contrary, knockdown of miR-204-5p showed the opposite results. Bioinformatics and a dual luciferase assay illustrated that EphA4 was a target gene. Further research studies demonstrated that the neuroprotective effects of miR-204-5p could be partially mitigated by upregulating EphA4. Next, we proved that the miR-204-5p/EphA4 axis furtherly activated the PI3K/AKT pathway. We thoroughly illustrated the role of neuroinflammation and apoptosis. However, whether there are other mechanisms associated with the EphA4/PI3K/AKT pathway needs further investigation. Altogether, the miR-204-5p axis ameliorates neurological injury via the EphA4/PI3K/AKT pathway, which is expected to serve as an effective treatment for ischemic stroke.

lncfos/miR-212-5p/CASP7 Axis-Regulated miR-212-5p Protects the Brain Against Ischemic Damage

miR-212-5p has been reported to be involved in many biological processes. However, the role of miR-212-5p in ischemic stroke remains unclear. This study explored the biological role and potential mechanism of miR-212-5p in ischemic stroke by investigating the lncfos/miR-212-5p/CASP7 axis. A total of 32 patients with ischemic stroke and 32 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in this study. In addition, 336 rats were used in this study. The rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and intracerebroventricular injection of a microRNA (miRNA) agomir, a miRNA antagomir, a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) lentiviral vector, or a negative control. The neurological deficit score was calculated; the infarct volume was measured; histopathological assays were performed; the neuronal apoptosis rate was determined; and the lncfos, miR-212-5p, and CASP7 expression levels in the peri-infarct area were assessed. In this study, we found that the expression level of miR-212-5p was significantly downregulated in the peri-infarct area and blood of the MCAO model rats and the blood of patients with ischemic stroke. A double-luciferase experiment showed that CASP7 was a direct target gene of miR-212-5p and that miR-212-5p was a target miRNA of lncfos. Lateral ventricular injection of the miR-212-5p agomir effectively inhibited the apoptosis induced by ischemic brain damage, reduced the infarct volume, attenuated the neurological deficit symptoms, and downregulated the expression of CASP7 in the peri-infarct area of the MCAO model rats. Suppressing lncfos with sh-fos led to the upregulated expression of miR-212-5p and played a neuroprotective role in the rat MCAO models. We concluded that miR-212-5p plays a neuroprotective role in ischemic stroke and that its function is regulated by the lncfos/miR-212-5p/CASP7 axis. Moreover, miR-212-5p may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.

Angiogenesis after ischemic stroke

Owing to its high disability and mortality rates, stroke has been the second leading cause of death worldwide. Since the pathological mechanisms of stroke are not fully understood, there are few clinical treatment strategies available with an exception of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), the only FDA-approved drug for the treatment of ischemic stroke. Angiogenesis is an important protective mechanism that promotes neural regeneration and functional recovery during the pathophysiological process of stroke. Thus, inducing angiogenesis in the peri-infarct area could effectively improve hemodynamics, and promote vascular remodeling and recovery of neurovascular function after ischemic stroke. In this review, we summarize the cellular and molecular mechanisms affecting angiogenesis after cerebral ischemia registered in PubMed, and provide pro-angiogenic strategies for exploring the treatment of ischemic stroke, including endothelial progenitor cells, mesenchymal stem cells, growth factors, cytokines, non-coding RNAs, etc.

microRNA as a therapeutic for ischemic stroke

microRNA (miRNA) are important regulators of gene expression. miRNA have the potential as a treatment to modulate genes, pathways and cells involved in ischemic stroke. In this review, we specifically present miRNA in stroke as a treatment to decrease thrombosis, reduce blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption and hemorrhagic transformation (HT), modulate inflammation, and modify angiogenesis. miRNA as a treatment for stroke is an emerging area with evidence from animal studies demonstrating its potential. While no miRNA is currently approved for human use, several have shown promise in clinical trials to treat medical conditions, such as miR-122 for hepatitis C. The role of miRNA as a treatment for specific applications in ischemic stroke is presented including a discussion of the benefits and barriers of miRNA as a treatment, and directions for future advancement.

Exosome-Based Cell Homing and Angiogenic Differentiation for Dental Pulp Regeneration

Exosomes have attracted attention due to their ability to promote intercellular communication leading to enhanced cell recruitment, lineage-specific differentiation, and tissue regeneration. The object of this study was to determine the effect of exosomes on cell homing and angiogenic differentiation for pulp regeneration. Exosomes (DPSC-Exos) were isolated from rabbit dental pulp stem cells cultured under a growth (Exo-G) or angiogenic differentiation (Exo-A) condition. The characterization of exosomes was confirmed by nanoparticle tracking analysis and an antibody array. DPSC-Exos significantly promoted cell proliferation and migration when treated with 5 × 10⁸/mL exosomes. In gene expression analysis, DPSC-Exos enhanced the expression of angiogenic markers including vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), Fms-related tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT1), and platelet and endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM1). Moreover, we identified key exosomal microRNAs in Exo-A for cell homing and angiogenesis. In conclusion, the exosome-based cell homing and angiogenic differentiation strategy has significant therapeutic potential for pulp regeneration.

Long non‑coding RNA NEAT1 promotes mouse granulosa cell proliferation and estradiol synthesis by sponging miR‑874‑3p

It has been reported that long non-coding RNA nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) is involved in follicular growth and multiple ovarian diseases, but not the physiological function of NEAT1 in mouse granulosa cells (mGCs). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the biological roles and regulatory mechanisms of NEAT1 in mGCs. The biological effects of NEAT1 on mGCs proliferation, apoptosis, production of 17β-Estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) were investigated using MTS, flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. The association between NEAT1 and microRNA (miR)-874-3p was verified using luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation analysis. The results demonstrated that the knockdown of NEAT1 in mGC cells significantly promoted mGCs cell proliferation, inhibited apoptosis and increased the production of E2 and P4 in mGCs. The interference-mediated effect of NEAT1 on mGCs could be partially reversed by the downregulation of miR-874-3p. Overall, these results indicated that NEAT1 served as a competing endogenous RNA by competitively binding with miR-874-3p, thereby modulating mGCs proliferation and the production of E2 and P4 in mGCs.

Buyang Huanwu Decoction: A Traditional Chinese Medicine, Promotes Lactate-Induced Angiogenesis in Experimental Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Identifying the underlying mechanisms and exploring effective therapies for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are urgently needed. Here, we aim to elucidate the potential roles and underlying mechanisms of Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD) in ICH. In the first set of experiments, rats were randomly divided into five groups: Sham, ICH, ICH + sodium oxamate (OXA), ICH + BYHWD, and ICH + BYHWD + OXA. The lactate level around the hematoma was evaluated. PCNA+/vWF+ nuclei were observed. Additionally, an online bioinformatics analysis tool was used to predict the BYHWD druggable targets related to angiogenesis. Then, we validated these predictions. In the second set, exogenous sodium L-lactate (Lac) was infused into the intact brains of rats. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: Sham, Lac, and Lac + YC-1. The numbers of PCNA+/vWF+ nuclei and the expression of HIF-1α and VEGF were evaluated. In the first set of experiments, compared with the ICH group, the BYHWD group exhibited significantly increased numbers of PCNA+/vWF+ nuclei, and neurological dysfunction was markedly improved. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the improvements caused by BYHWD indicated a role for the HIF-1α pathway. The HIF-1α and VEGF protein levels were upregulated after BYHWD administration. Moreover, we verified that lactate was involved in the predicted mechanisms. In the second set, lactate facilitated angiogenesis and HIF-1α and VEGF expression. Co-infusion with a HIF-1α inhibitor, YC-1, significantly inhibited these effects. Our data suggest that the pharmacological effects of BYHWD involve lactate-induced angiogenesis, these data may provide new evidence for its use in ICH.

A systematic review of the research progress of non-coding RNA in neuroinflammation and immune regulation in cerebral infarction/ischemia-reperfusion injury

Cerebral infarction/ischemia-reperfusion injury is currently the disease with the highest mortality and disability rate of cardiovascular disease. Current studies have shown that nerve cells die of ischemia several hours after ischemic stroke, which activates the innate immune response in the brain, promotes the production of neurotoxic substances such as inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, reactive oxygen species and − nitrogen oxide, and mediates the destruction of blood-brain barrier and the occurrence of a series of inflammatory cascade reactions. Meanwhile, the expression of adhesion molecules in cerebral vascular endothelial cells increased, and immune inflammatory cells such as polymorphonuclear neutrophils, lymphocytes and mononuclear macrophages passed through vascular endothelial cells and entered the brain tissue. These cells recognize antigens exposed by the central nervous system in the brain, activate adaptive immune responses, and further mediate secondary neuronal damage, aggravating neurological deficits. In order to reduce the above-mentioned damage, the body induces peripheral immunosuppressive responses through negative feedback, which increases the incidence of post-stroke infection. This process is accompanied by changes in the immune status of the ischemic brain tissue in local and systemic systems. A growing number of studies implicate noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) as novel epigenetic regulatory elements in the dysfunction of various cell subsets in the neurovascular unit after cerebral infarction/ischemia-reperfusion injury. In particular, recent studies have revealed advances in ncRNA biology that greatly expand the understanding of epigenetic regulation of immune responses and inflammation after cerebral infarction/ischemia-reperfusion injury. Identification of aberrant expression patterns and associated biological effects of ncRNAs in patients revealed their potential as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cerebral infarction/ischemia-reperfusion injury. Therefore, this review systematically presents recent studies on the involvement of ncRNAs in cerebral infarction/ischemia-reperfusion injury and neuroimmune inflammatory cascades, and elucidates the functions and mechanisms of cerebral infarction/ischemia-reperfusion-related ncRNAs, providing new opportunities for the discovery of disease biomarkers and targeted therapy. Furthermore, this review introduces clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Display as a possible transformative tool for studying lncRNAs. In the future, ncRNA is expected to be used as a target for diagnosing cerebral infarction/ischemia-reperfusion injury, judging its prognosis and treatment, thereby significantly improving the prognosis of patients.

Hypoxic/Ischemic Inflammation, MicroRNAs and δ-Opioid Receptors: Hypoxia/Ischemia-Sensitive Versus-Insensitive Organs

Hypoxia and ischemia cause inflammatory injury and critically participate in the pathogenesis of various diseases in various organs. However, the protective strategies against hypoxic and ischemic insults are very limited in clinical settings up to date. It is of utmost importance to improve our understanding of hypoxic/ischemic (H/I) inflammation and find novel therapies for better prevention/treatment of H/I injury. Recent studies provide strong evidence that the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs), which regulate gene expression and affect H/I inflammation through post-transcriptional mechanisms, are differentially altered in response to H/I stress, while δ-opioid receptors (DOR) play a protective role against H/I insults in different organs, including both H/I-sensitive organs (e.g., brain, kidney, and heart) and H/I-insensitive organs (e.g., liver and muscle). Indeed, many studies have demonstrated the crucial role of the DOR-mediated cyto-protection against H/I injury by several molecular pathways, including NLRP3 inflammasome modulated by miRNAs. In this review, we summarize our recent studies along with those of others worldwide, and compare the effects of DOR on H/I expression of miRNAs in H/I-sensitive and -insensitive organs. The alternation in miRNA expression profiles upon DOR activation and the potential impact on inflammatory injury in different organs under normoxic and hypoxic conditions are discussed at molecular and cellular levels. More in-depth investigations into this field may provide novel clues for new protective strategies against H/I inflammation in different types of organs.

miR-874: An Important Regulator in Human Diseases

miR-874 is located at 5q31.2, which is frequently deleted in cancer. miR-874 is downregulated in 22 types of cancers and aberrantly expressed in 18 types of non-cancer diseases. The dysfunction of miR-874 is not only closely related to the diagnosis and prognosis of tumor patients but also plays an important role in the efficacy of tumor chemotherapy drugs. miR-874 participates in the ceRNA network of long non-coding RNAs or circular RNAs, which is closely related to the occurrence and development of cancer and other non-cancer diseases. In addition, miR-874 is also involved in the regulation of multiple signaling pathways, including the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, Hippo signaling pathway, PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, JAK/STAT signaling pathway, and Hedgehog signaling pathway. This review summarizes the molecular functions of miR-874 in the biological processes of tumor cell survival, apoptosis, differentiation, and tumorigenesis, and reveal the value of miR-874 as a cancer biomarker in tumor diagnosis and prognosis. Future work is necessary to explore the potential clinical application of miR-874 in chemotherapy resistance.

Circular RNA circSmoc1-2 regulates vascular calcification by acting as a miR-874-3p sponge in vascular smooth muscle cells

Vascular calcification (VC), or calcium deposition inside the blood vessels, is common in patients with atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. Although several treatments are available to reduce calcification, the incidence of VC continues to rise. Recently, there have been several reports describing the regulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in various diseases. However, the role of circRNAs in VC has not yet been fully explored. Here, we investigated the function of circSmoc1-2, one of the circRNAs generated from the Smoc1 gene, which is downregulated in response to VC. CircSmoc1-2 is localized primarily to the cytoplasm and is resistant to exonuclease digestion. Inhibition of circSmoc1-2 worsens VC, while overexpression of circSmoc1-2 reduces VC, suggesting that circSmoc1-2 can prevent calcification. We went on to investigate the mechanism of circSmoc1-2 as a microRNA sponge and noted that miR-874-3p, the predicted target of circSmoc1-2, promotes VC, while overexpression of circSmoc1-2 reduces VC by suppressing miR-874-3p. Additionally, we identified the potential mRNA target of miR-874-3p as Adam19. In conclusion, we revealed that the circSmoc1-2/miR-874-3p/Adam19 axis regulates VC, suggesting that circSmoc1-2 may be a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of VC.

Knockdown of circHECTD1 inhibits oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion induced endothelial-mesenchymal transition

Ischemic stroke (IS) has become a cerebrovascular disease which seriously threatens the elderly people. It has been reported that circRNAs participate in multiple diseases, including IS. However, the role of circHECTD1 in IS remains largely unknown. To mimic IS in vitro, human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs) were treated with oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R). Meanwhile, MCAO mouse model was established to detect the expression of circHECTD1 in IS. qRT-PCR and western blot were used to test gene and protein expressions, respectively. CCK-8 assay was used to investigate the cell viability. Moreover, cell migration and tube formation were assessed by transwell and tube formation assays. In addition, RIP and luciferase assay were performed to explore the association among circHECTD1, miR-335 and NOTCH2. CircHECTD1 was significantly upregulated in IS. OGD/R significantly induced EndoMT in HCMECs, while knockdown of circHECTD1 notably reversed this phenomenon. In addition, silencing of circHECTD1 remarkably reversed OGD/R-induced promotion of HCMEC tube formation and migration. Meanwhile, circHECTD1 upregulated the level of NOTCH2 through binding with miR-335. Furthermore, miR-335 inhibited the process of EndoMT in IS via targeting NOTCH2. In summary, circHECTD1 knockdown significantly alleviated EndoMT process in HCMECs via mediation of miR-335/NOTCH2 axis. Thus, circHECTD1 might act as a potential target against IS.

MiR-1224 downregulation inhibits OGD/R-induced hippocampal neuron apoptosis through targeting Ku protein

Ischemic cerebrovascular disease is the main cause of disability due to stroke. This study aimed to investigate the function of miR-1224 in OGD/R-induced hippocampal neuron apoptosis, as well as the regulatory mechanism of miR-1224 in ischemic cerebrovascular disease. The oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) model of primary mouse hippocampal neurons was established. RT-qPCR detected miR-1224, Ku70 and Ku86 levels. Western blotting was applied to measure the expression of Ku70/86 and apoptosis related proteins. Flow cytometry was used to assess apoptosis. JC-1 fluorescence was performed to test the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in neurons. The double luciferase reporter assay was performed to investigate the relationship between miR-1224 and Ku70/86. OGD/R induced the apoptosis and mitochondrial injury in neuronal cells, while miR-1224 downregulation or Ku70/86 upregulation reversed this phenomenon. Meanwhile, miR-1224 negatively regulated the expression of Ku70/86 in neuronal cells through directly targeting Ku70/86. Furthermore, knockdown of Ku70/86 significantly reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-1224 silencing on apoptosis and mitochondrial injury in OGD/R-treated neuronal cells. Our findings indicated that miR-1224 downregulation suppressed OGD/R-induced hippocampal neuron apoptosis by targeting Ku protein, suggesting that miR-1224 could serve as a new target for ischemic cerebrovascular disease treatment.

Chemical composition and protective effect of cerebrospinal fluid of Dan-Deng-Tong-Nao capsules on brain microvascular endothelial cells injured by OGD/R

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dan-Deng-Tong-Nao Capsules (DDTNC) is a Chinese patent medicine and has been used in treating cerebral ischemic stroke (IS) for a long time in China, protection of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) is the main treatment strategy. But the holistic chemical information and potential bioactive components of DDTNC on protecting BMECs and its underlying mechanism is still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To identify the active ingredients of DDTNC and to explore the protective effects of DDTNC on BMECs associated with Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The components of DDTNC and cerebrospinal fluid containing composition of DDTNC (DDTNC-CSF) were detected by High performance liquid chromatography combined with Diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), respectively. The experiment rat model was established with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), the therapeutic effects of DDTNC were assessed by Longa assay and TTC staining. The cerebral micro vessel density was determined by immunofluorescence staining. The injured BMECs caused by oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R) was used to evaluate the protective effect of cerebrospinal fluid containing composition of DDTNC (DDTNC-CSF). The cell survival rate was detected by the method of CCK-8, the intracellular Ca²⁺ and reactive oxygen species (ROS) was estimated by Fluo-3. Moreover, the proteins of Bax, Bcl-2, Wnt, β-catenin, GSK-3β was determined by Western blotting.

RESULTS

The RSD values of all methodological studies were less than 3.0%. A total of 20 compounds were detected under the optimized HPLC-DAD chromatographic condition. In the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS negative mode, peak 1 and peak 2 were detecteted in DDTNC-CSF and was identified as Danshensu and Puerarin, respectively. In the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS positive mode, peak 1 and peak 3 were detecteted in DDTNC-CSF and was identified as Danshensu and Scutellarin, respectively. DDTNC significantly decreased the Longa values and infarct volume and significantly increased the cerebral microvessel density of the MCAO rats. The accumulation of intracellular Ca²⁺ and ROS in BMECs injured by OGD/R decreased significantly in DDTNC-CSF group. The expression of Bcl-2, β-catenin, wnt-1 was upregulated by DDTNC-CSF and the level of Bax and GSK3β could be downregulated by DDTNC-CSF.

CONCLUSION

The present study provided a scientific basis for revealing the mechanism of DDTNC in the treatment of IS and DDTNC is expected to be an effective drug for the treatment of IS.

Silencing of circCDC14A prevents cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via miR-23a-3p/CXCL12 axis

Ischemic stroke is one of the main causes of death and disability. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have received extensive attention in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. Here, we evaluated the role of circCDC14A in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CI/R) injury in vivo and in vitro. The expression of circCDC14A was significantly upregulated in the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model and oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-treated HT22 cells. Knockdown of circCDC14A suppressed the cell viability reduction caused by OGD/R, as well as cell damage and apoptosis. Mechanistically, circCDC14A acted as a sponge for miR-23a-3p and promoted the expression of chemokine stromal-derived factor-1 (CXCL12) by negatively regulating miR-23a-3p. Rescue experiments further confirmed that miR-23a-3p inhibitor or circCDC14A-overexpression vectors blocked the beneficial effects of circCDC14A knockdown in OGD/R-induced HT22 cells. Moreover, knockdown of circCDC14A suppressed MCAO-induced cerebral infarction and neurological damage, as well as the brain tissue damage and neuronal apoptosis in vivo. Consistently, miR-23a-3p antagomir treatment abolished the cerebral protective effects of circCDC14A knockdown on MCAO mice. In conclusion, circCDC14A promoted CI/R injury by regulating the miR-23a-3p/CXCL12 axis, which suggested that circCDC14A may become a potential therapeutic target for CI/R injury.

Global miRNA expression of bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells derived from Fanconi anemia patients

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by genomic instability, developmental defects, and bone marrow (BM) failure. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in BM interact with the mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs); and this partly sustains the tissue homeostasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can play a critical role during these interactions possibly via paracrine mechanisms. This is the first study addressing the miRNA profile of FA BM-MSCs obtained before and after BM transplantation (preBMT and postBMT, respectively). Non-coding RNA expression profiling and quality control analyses were performed in Donors (n = 13), FA preBMT (n = 11), and FA postBMT (n = 6) BM-MSCs using GeneChip miRNA 2.0 Array. Six Donor-FA preBMT pairs were used to identify a differentially expressed miRNA expression signature containing 50 miRNAs, which exhibited a strong correlation with the signature obtained from unpaired samples. Five miRNAs (hsa-miR-146a-5p, hsa-miR-148b-3p, hsa-miR-187-3p, hsa-miR-196b-5p, and hsa-miR-25-3p) significantly downregulated in both the paired and unpaired analyses were used to generate the BM-MSCs' miRNA-BM mononuclear mRNA networks upon integration of a public dataset (GSE16334; studying Donor versus FA samples). Functionally enriched KEGG pathways included cellular senescence, miRNAs, and pathways in cancer. Here, we showed that hsa-miR-146a-5p and hsa-miR-874-3p were rescued upon BMT (n = 3 triplets). The decrease in miR-146a-5p was also validated using RT-qPCR and emerged as a strong candidate as a modulator of BM mRNAs in FA patients.

MicroRNA-532-5p upregulation protects neurological deficits after ischemic stroke through inhibition of BTB and CNC homology 1

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNA (miR)-532-5p has been reported to protect against ischemic stroke (IS), while the underlying mechanism of miR-532-5p targeting BTB and CNC homology 1 (BACH1) in IS remains unknown. Thus, we aim to detect the role of miR-532-5p in IS via targeting BACH1.

METHODS

Blood samples were collected from IS patients and healthy controls. Rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) models were established and intracerebrally injected with altered miR-532-5p or BACH1 plasmid vectors to reveal their roles in neurological function, brain tissue pathology and inflammation in MCAO. Expression of miR-532-5p and BACH1 in patients' blood samples and rat brain tissues was assessed, and the targeting relationship between miR-532-5p and BACH1 was confirmed.

RESULTS

MiR-532-5p was downregulated and BACH1 was upregulated in IS. BACH1 was targeted by miR-532-5p. Restored miR-532-5p or inhibited BACH1 improved neurological function and inhibited inflammation and apoptosis in MCAO rats. On the contrary, miR-532-5p reduction or BACH1 overexpression had totally opposite effects on MCAO rats. The protective role of miR-532-5p for MCAO rats was reversed by upregulated BACH1.

CONCLUSION

MiR-532-5p upregulation protects against neurological deficits after IS through inhibition of BACH1.

miR-152-3p aggravates vascular endothelial cell dysfunction by targeting DEAD-box helicase 6 (DDX6) under hypoxia

Stroke is a main cause of disability and death worldwide, and ischemic stroke accounts for most stroke cases. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been verified to play critical roles in the development of stroke. Herein, we explored effects of miR-152-3p on vascular endothelial cell functions under hypoxia. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with hypoxia to mimic cell injury in vitro. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed that miR-152-3p exhibited high expression in HUVECs treated with hypoxia. The inhibition of miR-152-3p reversed hypoxia-induced decrease in cell viability and the increase in angiogenesis, according to the results of cell counting kit-8 assays and tube formation assays. miR-152-3p inhibition reversed the increase in endothelial cell permeability mediated by hypoxia, as shown by endothelial cell permeability in vitro assays. In addition, the increase in protein levels of angiogenetic markers and the decrease in levels of tight junction proteins induced by hypoxia were reversed by miR-152-3p inhibition. Mechanistically, miR-152-3p directly targets 3ʹ-untranslated region of DEAD-box helicase 6 (DDX6), which was confirmed by luciferase reporter assays. DDX6 is lowly expressed in HUVECs under hypoxic condition, and mRNA expression and protein level of DDX6 were upregulated in HUVECs due to miR-152-3p inhibition. Rescue assays showed that DDX6 knockdown reversed effects of miR-152-3p on cell viability, angiogenesis and endothelial permeability. The results demonstrated that miR-152-3p aggravates vascular endothelial cell dysfunction by targeting DDX6 under hypoxia.

Long non-coding RNA MIAT impairs neurological function in ischemic stroke via up-regulating microRNA-874-3p-targeted IL1B

OBJECTIVE

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have diagnostic and therapeutic values in the setting of ischemic stroke (IS). Here, we evaluated the value of myocardial infarction-associated transcript (MIAT) in IS with the involvement of microRNA (miR)-874-3p/interleukin (IL) 1B.

METHODS

MIAT, miR-874-3p and IL1B levels in serum of patients with IS were measured. A middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established in mice. MCAO mice were injected with Agomir of miR-874-3p, shRNA or overexpression vector of MIAT or siRNA of IL1B. Subsequently, behavioral activities and neurological function of mice were assessed. The number of Nissl bodies, brain damage, neuronal apoptosis and inflammatory factors in brain tissues of mice were measured. The targeting relationship between MIAT and miR-874-3p, as well as that between miR-874-3p and IL1B was explored.

RESULTS

In patients with IS, MIAT and IL1B were up-regulated and miR-874-3p was down-regulated. MIAT absorbed miR-874-3p while miR-874-3p targeted IL1B. Silencing of MIAT or IL1B, or promotion of miR-874-3p improved behavioral activities and neurological function of mice, reduced the number of Nissl bodies, as well as improved brain damage, neuronal apoptosis and inflammation. Overexpression of miR-874-3p abrogated up-regulated MIAT-mediated influence on MCAO mice.

CONCLUSION

Shortly, this study figures out that MIAT impairs neurological function in IS via up-regulating miR-874-3p-targeted IL1B.

Circ_0040039 May Aggravate Intervertebral Disk Degeneration by Regulating the MiR-874-3p-ESR1 Pathway

The functional alteration of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) exerts a crucial role in the occurrence and progression of intervertebral disk degeneration (IDD). Circular RNAs and microRNAs (miRs) are critical regulators of NPC metabolic processes such as growth and apoptosis. In this study, bioinformatics tools, encompassing Gene Ontology pathway and Venn diagrams analysis, and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network construction were used to identify functional molecules related to IDD. PPI network unveiled that ESR1 was one of the most critical genes in IDD. Then, a key IDD-related circ_0040039-miR-874-3p-ESR1 interaction network was predicted and constructed. Circ_0040039 promoted miR-874-3p and repressed ESR1 expression, and miR-874-3p repressed ESR1 expression in NPCs, suggesting ESR1 might be a direct target of miR-874-3p. Functionally, circ_0040039 could enhance NPC apoptosis and inhibit NPC growth, revealing that circ_0040039 might aggravate IDD by stabilizing miR-874-3p and further upregulating the miR-874-3p-ESR1 pathway. This signaling pathway might provide a novel therapeutic strategy and targets for the diagnosis and therapy of IDD-related diseases.

Construction of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA Network for Exploring Underlying Mechanisms of Lubrication Disorder

Lubrication disorder is a common health issue that manifests as insufficient sexual arousal at the beginning of sex. It often causes physical and psychological distress. However, there are few studies on lubrication disorder, and the complexity of circular RNA (circRNA) and the related competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network in lubrication disorder is still poorly known. Therefore, this study aims to build a regulatory circRNA-micro (mi)RNA-mRNA network and explore potential molecular markers of lubrication disorder. In the study, 12 subjects were recruited, including 6 in the lubrication disorder group and 6 in the normal control group. RNA sequencing was exploited to identify the expression profiles of circRNA, miRNA and mRNA between two groups, and then to construct the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks. The enrichment analyses of the differentially expressed (DE)-mRNAs were examined via Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Furthermore, the expression level and interactions among circRNA, miRNA, and mRNA were validated using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and dual-luciferase reporter assays. In the results, 73 circRNAs, 287 miRNAs, and 354 target mRNAs were differentially expressed between two groups when taking | Log2 (fold change)| > 1 and P-value < 0.05 as criteria, and then the results of GSEA revealed that DE-mRNAs were linked with "vascular smooth muscle contraction," "aldosterone regulated sodium reabsorption," "calcium signaling pathway," etc. 19 target relationships among 5 circRNAs, 4 miRNAs, and 7 mRNAs were found and constructed the ceRNA network. Among them, hsa-miR-212-5p and hsa-miR-874-3p were demonstrated to be related to the occurrence of lubrication disorder. Eventually, consistent with sequencing, RT-qPCR showed that hsa_circ_0026782 and ASB2 were upregulated while hsa-miR-874-3p was downregulated, and dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed the interactions among them. In summary, the findings indicate that the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network is presented in lubrication disorder, and ulteriorly provide a deeper understanding of the specific regulatory mechanism of lubrication disorder from the perspective of the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network.

Role of the Wnt pathway in the formation, development, and degeneration of intervertebral discs

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is an age-related degenerative disease that is the main cause of low back pain. It seriously affects the quality of life of patients and places a heavy economic burden on families and society. The Wnt pathway plays an important role in the growth, development, and degeneration of intervertebral discs (IVDs). In the embryonic stage, the Wnt pathway participates in the growth and development of IVD by promoting the transformation of progenitor cells into notochord cells and the extension of the notochord. However, the activation of the Wnt pathway after birth promotes IVD cell senescence, apoptosis, and degradation of the extracellular matrix and induces the production of inflammatory factors, thereby accelerating the IVDD process. This article reviews the relationship between the Wnt pathway and IVD, emphasizing its influence on IVD growth, development, and degeneration. Targeting this pathway may become an effective strategy for the treatment of IVDD.

Identification of aberrantly expressed circular RNAs in hyperlipidemia-induced retinal vascular dysfunction in mice

Hyperlipidemia-induced retinal vascular dysfunction is a complex pathological process. circRNAs are important regulators of biological processes and disease progression. However, the expression pattern of circRNAs in hyperlipidemia-induced retinal vascular dysfunction remains unclear. Herein, we used a murine model of hyperlipidemia and identified 317 differentially expressed circRNAs between hyperlipidemic retinas and normolipidemic retinas by circRNA microarrays. GO analysis indicated that the host genes of dysregulated circRNAs were targeted to cell differentiation (ontology: biological process), cytoplasm (ontology: cellular component), and protein binding (ontology: molecular function). Pathway analysis revealed that circRNAs-mediated network was mostly enriched in focal adhesion signaling. Notably, circLDB1 was significantly up-regulated in the serum of coronary artery disease patients and aqueous humor of age-related macular degeneration patients. circLDB1 regulated endothelial cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis in vitro. Thus, circRNAs are the promising targets for the prediction and diagnosis of hyperlipidemia-induced vascular diseases.