miRNA Expression Profile and Effect of Wenxin Granule in Rats with Ligation-Induced Myocardial Infarction

MicroRNA-322-5p targeting Smurf2 regulates the TGF-β/Smad pathway to protect cardiac function and inhibit myocardial infarction

Acute coronary artery blockage leads to acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Cardiomyocytes are terminally differentiated cells that rarely divide. Treatments preventing cardiomyocyte loss during AMI have a high therapeutic benefit. Accumulating evidence shows that microRNAs (miRNAs) may play an essential role in cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to explore the biological function and underlying regulatory molecular mechanism of miR-322-5p on myocardial infarction (MI). This study's miR-322-5p is downregulated in MI-injured hearts according to integrative bioinformatics and experimental analyses. In the MI rat model, miR-322-5p overexpression partially eliminated MI-induced changes in myocardial enzymes and oxidative stress markers, improved MI-caused impairment on cardiac functions, inhibited myocardial apoptosis, attenuated MI-caused alterations in TGF-β, p-Smad2, p-Smad4, and Smad7 protein levels. In oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-injured H9c2 cells, miR-322-5p overexpression partially rescued OGD-inhibited cell viability and attenuated OGD-caused alterations in the TGF-β/Smad signaling. miR-322-5p directly targeted Smurf2 and inhibited Smurf2 expression. In OGD-injured H9c2 cells, Smurf2 knockdown exerted similar effects to miR-322-5p overexpression upon cell viability and TGF-β/Smad signaling; moreover, Smurf2 knockdown partially attenuated miR-322-5p inhibition effects on OGD-injured H9c2 cells. In conclusion, miR-322-5p is downregulated in MI rat heart and OGD-stimulated rat cardiomyocytes; the miR-322-5p/Smurf2 axis improves OGD-inhibited cardiomyocyte cell viability and MI-induced cardiac injuries and dysfunction through the TGF-β/Smad signaling.

Bioinformatics prediction and experimental verification of a novel microRNA for myocardial fibrosis after myocardial infarction in rats

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous noncoding single-stranded small RNAs. Numerous studies have shown that miRNAs have pivotal roles in the occurrence and development of myocardial fibrosis (MF). However, miRNA expression profile in rats with MF after myocardial infarction (MI) is not well understood. The present study aimed to find the potential miRNA for MF post MI.

Methods

SPF male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat models of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were established by ligating the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery, while sham-operated rats were only threaded without ligation as a control group. Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson trichrome staining were used to detect myocardial histopathological changes for model evaluation. The differentially expressed miRNAs were detected by using the Agilent Rat miRNA gene chip in the myocardial tissue of the infarct marginal zone. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed by DAVID. The expression of miR-199a-5p was verified by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Transfected miR-199a-5p mimics into cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) to construct cell models of miR-199a-5p overexpression. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was employed to validate the target gene of miR-199a-5p. The protein expression of the target gene in CFs transfected with miR-199a-5p mimics were detected by Western blot.

Results

Myocardial fibrosis was exacerbated in the model group compared with the control group. Thirteen differentially expressed miRNAs between the two groups were screened and their expression levels in the model group were all higher than those in the control group. The expression of miR-199a-5p was significantly increased in the model group in qRT-PCR, which was consistent with the results of the gene chip. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the target genes of miR-199a-5p were enriched in the insulin signaling pathway. Furthermore, dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR-199a-5p could negatively regulate the expression of GSK-3β. After transfection, the expression of miR-199a-5p was increased in the miR-199a-5p mimics group. The protein expression of GSK-3β was decreased in CFs transfected with miR-199a-5p mimics.

Conclusion

Our study identified miR-199a-5p could promote the progression of myocardial fibrosis after myocardial infarction by targeting GSK-3β, which provides novel targets for diagnosis and treatment of MF.

Cardiomyocyte-specific Peli1 contributes to the pressure overload-induced cardiac fibrosis through miR-494-3p-dependent exosomal communication

Cardiac fibrosis is an essential pathological process in pressure overload (PO)-induced heart failure. Recently, myocyte-fibroblast communication is proven to be critical in heart failure, in which, pathological growth of cardiomyocytes (CMs) may promote fibrosis via miRNAs-containing exosomes (Exos). Peli1 regulates the activation of NF-κB and AP-1, which has been demonstrated to engage in miRNA transcription in cardiomyocytes. Therefore, we hypothesized that Peli1 in CMs regulates the activation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) through an exosomal miRNA-mediated paracrine mechanism, thereby promoting cardiac fibrosis. We found that CM-conditional deletion of Peli1 improved PO-induced cardiac fibrosis. Moreover, Exos from mechanical stretch (MS)-induced WT CMs (WT MS-Exos) promote activation of CFs, Peli1^-/- MS-Exos reversed it. Furthermore, miRNA microarray and qPCR analysis showed that miR-494-3p was increased in WT MS-Exos while being down regulated in Peli1^-/- MS-Exos. Mechanistically, Peli1 promoted miR-494-3p expression via NF-κB/AP-1 in CMs, and then miR-494-3p induced CFs activation by inhibiting PTEN and amplifying the phosphorylation of AKT, SMAD2/3, and ERK. Collectively, our study suggests that CMs Peli1 contributes to myocardial fibrosis via CMs-derived miR-494-3p-enriched exosomes under PO, and provides a potential exosomal miRNA-based therapy for cardiac fibrosis.

Molecular mechanism of CAIF inhibiting myocardial infarction by sponging miR‑488 and regulating AVEN expression

In recent years, the global incidence and mortality of myocardial infarction (MI) has increased and become one of the important diseases threatening public health. Long non-coding (lnc)RNAs are a type of ncRNA that serve critical roles in the progression of various types of disease. The present study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of lncRNA cardiac autophagy inhibitory factor (CAIF) on cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. CAIF was downregulated in the myocardium of I/R rats and cardiomyocytes treated with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Further experiments demonstrated that CAIF overexpression inhibited I/R-induced cardiac infarction and apoptosis in vivo. CAIF decreased H₂O₂-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress of cardiomyocytes. Mechanistically, CAIF sponged microRNA (miR)-488-5p; this interaction was confirmed by rescue experiments. Moreover, miR-488-5p targeted apoptosis and caspase activation inhibitor (AVEN) and inhibited its expression. In summary, the present data identified a novel CAIF/miR-488-5p/AVEN signaling axis as a key regulator of myocyte apoptosis, which may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of MI.

Advances of Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulating Connexin43 in the Prevention and Treatment of Myocardial Infarction

Gap junctions are the main form of interaction between cardiomyocytes, through which the electrochemical activities between cardiomyocytes can be synchronized to maintain the normal function of the heart. Connexins are the basis of gap junctions. Changes in the expression, structural changes (e.g., phosphorylation and dephosphorylation), and distribution of connexins can affect the normal electrophysiological activities of the heart. Myocardial infarction (MI) and concurrent arrhythmia, shock, or heart failure can endanger life. The structural and functional damage of connexin (Cx) 43 in cardiomyocytes is a central part of the pathological progression of MI and is one of the main pathological mechanisms of arrhythmia after MI. Therefore, increasing Cx43 expression has become one of the main measures to prevent MI. Also, intervention in Cx43 expression can improve the structural and electrical remodeling of the myocardium to improve MI prognosis. Here, research progress of Cx43 in MI and its prevention and treatment using Traditional Chinese Medicine formulations is reviewed.

Wenxin Granules Regulate Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Unfolded Protein Response and Improve Ventricular Remodeling on Rats with Myocardial Infarction

Background. Arrhythmia after myocardial infarction is the leading cause of death in clinical heart disease. Increasing studies have shown that the response to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (ERS) caused by myocardial infarction is related to prognosis and the development of arrhythmias. The unfolded protein response (UPR) could serve as an important regulatory signaling pathway following myocardial infarction. The traditional Chinese medicine Wenxin Granules improve arrhythmias following myocardial infarction, which may be related to ERS intervention and the activation of the UPR and apoptosis. We aimed to investigate the involvement of Wenxin Granules in the activation of the UPR and apoptosis following myocardial infarction. Left coronary artery ligation was established as a rat model of myocardial infarction. The rats were randomly divided into the model group, low-dose Wenxin Granule group, high-dose Wenxin Granule group, and metoprolol group. Rats with only wire insertion and no ligature were used as the sham group. Small animal ultrasound systems were used to detect changes in heart structure and function, and the electrical stimulation threshold for ventricular fibrillation was detected. The expression of glucose-regulated protein (GRP)78, activating transcription factor (ATF)6, X-box binding protein (XBP)1, protein kinase-like ER kinase (PERK), phosphorylated (p)-PERK, Bax, Bcl2, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), caspase 12, caspase 8, and caspase 3 were detected by western blot, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP Nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to determine the cardiomyocyte apoptosis index. Compared with the sham group, rats in the model group displayed immediate ST-segment elevation and pathological Q waves after 24 hours. After 2 weeks, the left ventricular (LV) anterior wall thickness (LVAW) became thinner, and the inner diameter (LVID) increased. The end-diastolic LVAW (LVAWd), end-systolic LVAW (LVAWs), ejection fraction (EF), and fractional shortening (FS) were significantly reduced (P < 0.01), whereas the LVIDd, LVIDs, diastolic LV volume (LV Vold), and systolic LV volume (LV Vols) significantly increased (P < 0.01). The ventricular fibrillation threshold decreased significantly (P < 0.01). ERS proteins GRP78, p-PERK, PERK, ATF6, and XBP1 and apoptotic proteins CHOP, Bax, caspase 12, caspase 8, and caspase 3 significantly increased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), whereas Bcl-2 expression and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio decreased (P < 0.01). Compared with the sham group, LVAWd, LVAWs, FS, and Bcl-2 protein expression were significantly increased in the low-dose Wenxin Granule group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), and p-PERK and ATF6 decreased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Compared with the sham group, LVAWd, LVAWs, EF, FS, and the ventricular fibrillation threshold significantly increased in the high-dose Wenxin Granule and metoprolol groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), whereas LVIDs, LV Vols, and ERS proteins were significantly decreased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). CHOP, Bax, caspase 12, caspase 8, and caspase 3 protein expression decreased in the Wenxin Granule group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), whereas Bcl-2 and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio increased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). LVIDd and Bax decreased in the metoprolol group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio increased (P < 0.05). The cardiomyocyte apoptosis index values for the low- and high-dose Wenxin Granule and metoprolol groups were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). This study suggested that the UPR is an essential mechanism underlying pathological injury after myocardial infarction. Wenxin Granule treatment can improve ventricular remodeling and cardiac function and inhibit arrhythmia by preventing excessive ERS from activating the UPR and apoptosis.

Secretory products from epicardial adipose tissue induce adverse myocardial remodeling after myocardial infarction by promoting reactive oxygen species accumulation

Adverse myocardial remodeling, manifesting pathologically as myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis, often follows myocardial infarction (MI) and results in cardiac dysfunction. In this study, an obvious epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) was observed in the rat model of MI and the EAT weights were positively correlated with cardiomyocyte size and myocardial fibrosis areas in the MI 2- and 4-week groups. Then, rat cardiomyocyte cell line H9C2 and primary rat cardiac fibroblasts were cultured in conditioned media generated from EAT of rats in the MI 4-week group (EAT-CM). Functionally, EAT-CM enlarged the cell surface area of H9C2 cells and reinforced cardiac fibroblast activation into myofibroblasts by elevating intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Mechanistically, miR-134-5p was upregulated by EAT-CM in both H9C2 cells and primary rat cardiac fibroblasts. miR-134-5p knockdown promoted histone H3K14 acetylation of manganese superoxide dismutase and catalase by upregulating lysine acetyltransferase 7 expression, thereby decreasing ROS level. An in vivo study showed that miR-134-5p knockdown limited adverse myocardial remodeling in the rat model of MI, manifesting as alleviation of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and fibrosis. In general, our study clarified a new pathological mechanism involving an EAT/miRNA axis that explains the adverse myocardial remodeling occurring after MI.

MicroRNA‑494 suppresses hypoxia/reoxygenation‑induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and autophagy via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by targeting SIRT1

Acute myocardial infarction can be caused by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury; however, the mechanism underlying I/R is not completely understood. The present study investigated the functions and mechanisms underlying microRNA (miR)-494 in I/R-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and autophagy. Hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-treated H9c2 rat myocardial cells were used as an in vitro I/R injury model. Apoptosis and autophagy were analyzed by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, Lactic dehydrogenase and superoxide dismutase assay, flow cytometry, TUNEL staining and western blotting. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR demonstrated that, H9c2 cells treated with 12 h hypoxia and 3 h reoxygenation displayed significantly downregulated miR-494 expression levels compared with control cells. Compared with the corresponding negative control (NC) groups, miR-494 mimic reduced H/R-induced cell apoptosis and autophagy, whereas miR-494 inhibitor displayed the opposite effects. Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) was identified as a target gene of miR-494. Furthermore, miR-494 inhibitor-mediated effects on H/R-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and autophagy were partially reversed by SIRT1 knockdown. Moreover, compared with si-NC, SIRT1 knockdown significantly increased the phosphorylation levels of PI3K, AKT and mTOR in H/R-treated and miR-494 inhibitor-transfected H9c2 cells. Collectively, the results indicated that miR-494 served a protective role against H/R-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and autophagy by directly targeting SIRT1, suggesting that miR-494 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for myocardial I/R injury.

MicroRNA-494 Inhibits the LRG1 Expression to Induce Proliferation and Migration of VECs in Rats following Myocardial Infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a life-threatening cardiac event that results in extreme damage to the heart muscle. The Wnt signaling pathway has been implicated in the development of heart diseases. Hence, the current study aimed to investigate the role of microRNA (miRNA) in association with the Wnt signaling pathway to identify potential candidates for MI therapy. Differentially expressed miRNAs associated with MI occurrence were screened, and miR-494 was selected for subsequent experiments. Sprague-Dawley rats were included to establish a MI model via intraperitoneal injection of 0.1 mg/kg atropine sulfate and 40 mg/kg pentobarbital sodium. Then, the interaction between miR-494 and LRG1 was identified. The effect of miR-494 on expression of the Wnt signaling pathway-related genes, proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells (VECs) was subsequently evaluated through a series of gain- and loss-of-function experiments. The results revealed that miR-494 was poorly expressed and LRG1 was highly expressed in MI rats. miR-494 targets and downregulates LRG1, which resulted in the inactivation of the Wnt signaling pathway and promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of fibroblasts and VECs. In conclusion, this study provided evidence suggesting that overexpressed miR-494 could potentially promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of fibroblasts and VECs in MI through the inactivation of the Wnt signaling pathway by binding to LRG1.

Comprehensive analysis of key genes and microRNAs in radioresistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Background

Radioresistance is one of the main obstacle limiting the therapeutic efficacy and prognosis of patients, the molecular mechanisms of radioresistance is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify the key genes and miRNAs and to explore their potential molecular mechanisms in radioresistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Methods

In this study, we analysis the differentially expressed genes and microRNA based on the database of GSE48501 and GSE48502, and then employed bioinformatics to analyze the pathways and GO terms in which DEGs and DEMS target genes are involved. Moreover, Construction of protein-protein interaction network and identification of hub genes. Finally, analyzed the biological networks for validated target gene of hub miRNAs.

Results

A total of 373 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 14 differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs) were screened out. The up-regulated gene JUN was overlap both in DEGs and publicly available studies, which was potentially targeted by three miRNAs, including hsa-miR-203, hsa-miR-24 and hsa-miR-31. Moreover, Pathway analysis showed that both up-regulated gene and DEMs target genes were enriched in TGF-beta signaling pathway, Hepatitis B, Pathways in cancer and p53 signaling pathway. Finally, we further constructed protein-protein interaction network (PPI) of DEGs and analyzed the biological networks for above mentioned common miRNAs, the result indicated that JUN was a core hub gene in PPI network, hsa-miR-24 and its target gene were significantly enriched in P53 signaling pathway.

Conclusions

These results might provide new clues to improve the radiosensitivity of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12920-019-0507-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Qiliqiangxin Capsule Improves Cardiac Function and Attenuates Cardiac Remodeling by Upregulating miR-133a after Myocardial Infarction in Rats

Qiliqiangxin capsule (QLC), a natural herb recipe with therapeutic effect from China, has been widely used in clinical practice for attenuating cardiac remodeling induced by myocardial infarction (MI). However, the pharmacological mechanism of QLC on cardiac remodeling after MI is not entirely clear. The present study aims to investigate the effectiveness and mechanisms of QLC on cardiac remodeling induced by MI in rats. The animal model was established by permanently ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery in rats. Subsequently, rats with successful ligation were randomly divided into model group, captopril group, and QLC group. And the control group was operated upon in parallel except ligation, namely, the sham group. All rats were treated through the intragastric administration once a day for 4 weeks. Cardiac hemodynamics was measured after treatment. Then, the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was examined. The pathological changes were observed by HE staining. The collagen volume fraction (CVF) was detected by Masson trichrome staining. The apoptosis index was obtained by TUNEL fluorescent staining. The miR-133a and mRNA of TGF-β1, CTGF, Caspase9, and Caspase3 were examined by real-time PCR. The protein expressions of TGF-β1, CTGF, Caspase9, Caspase3, and cleaved-Caspase3 were tested by Western blot. Compared with the model group, QLC partially improved cardiac hemodynamics and decreased LVMI. miR-133a was significantly increased in QLC group. In addition, QLC declined CVF by downregulating TGF-β1 rather than CTGF. Meanwhile, QLC decreased the apoptosis index by attenuating Caspase9, Caspase3, and cleaved-Caspase3. This study suggested that QLC could improve cardiac function and partially attenuate cardiac remodeling by attenuating fibrosis and decreasing apoptosis, which might be partially related to miR-133a, TGF-β1, Caspase9, and Caspase3.

Therapeutic Effects of Wenxin Keli in Cardiovascular Diseases: An Experimental and Mechanism Overview

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the major public health problem and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality on a global basis. Wenxin Keli (WXKL), a formally classical Chinese patent medicine with obvious efficacy and favorable safety, plays a great role in the management of patients with CVDs. Accumulating evidence from various animal and cell studies has showed that WXKL could protect myocardium and anti-arrhythmia against CVDs. WXKL exhibited its cardioprotective roles by inhibiting inflammatory reaction, decreasing oxidative stress, regulating vasomotor disorders, lowering cell apoptosis, and protection against endothelial injure, myocardial ischemia, cardiac fibrosis, and cardiac hypertrophy. Besides, WXKL could effectively shorten the QRS and Q-T intervals, decrease the incidence of atrial/ventricular fibrillation and the number of ventricular tachycardia episodes, improve the severity of arrhythmias by regulating various ion channels with different potencies, mainly comprising peak sodium current (INa), late sodium current (INaL), transient outward potassium current (Ito), L-type calcium current (ICaL), and pacemaker current (If).

Clinical Safety and Efficacy of Wenxin Keli-Amiodarone Combination on Heart Failure Complicated by Ventricular Arrhythmia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objectives: To evaluate possible adverse effects and efficacy of Wenxin keli (WXKL)-amiodarone combination on heart failure complicated by ventricular arrhythmia. Methods: Nine electronic literature databases (the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, IPA, AMED, CBM, CNKI, VIP, and WanFang) were searched up to February 2018. Two authors extracted data and assessed risk of bias of the included studies independently. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs about WXKL-amiodarone combination and amiodarone alone were eligible for comparison. Results: Thirteen trials involving 1,126 patients were included. Risk of bias was assessed as high in three studies and unclear in the remaining 10 studies. Six trials reported adverse events (AE). There was no obvious difference between WXKL-amiodarone combination group and amiodarone group in reported AEs (OR 0.64; 95%CI 0.39-1.07). The total effective rate of WXKL-amiodarone combination group was greater than that of amiodarone group (RR 1.22; 95%CI 1.16-1.29). The pooled results showed that the combination group was more effective in reducing heart rate (MD -2.25; 95%CI -2.61 to -1.88, P = 0.46, I2 = 0%), the frequency of ventricular premature complexes (MD -2.03; 95%CI -2.41 to -1.65) and QT dispersion (MD 5.59; 95%CI 3.60-7.58). Conclusion: The WXKL-amiodarone combination is safe and shows more protective effects on heart failure combined with ventricular arrhythmia compared with amiodarone alone. Further research is warranted, ideally involving large, prospective, rigorous trials, in order to confirm these findings.

Chaihulonggumulitang Shows Psycho-cardiology Therapeutic Effects on Acute Myocardial Infarction by Enhancing Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Mobilization

Ischemic myocardium initiates the mobilization and homing of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) to promote myocardial regeneration after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Inflammation caused by necrotic cardiomyocytes induce major pathological changes (cardiac remodeling and myocardial apoptosis) as well as anxiety disorder. This process may be inhibited by the differentiation and paracrine effects of BM-MSCs. However, the spontaneous mobilization of BMSCs is insufficient to prevent this effect. Given the anti-inflammatory effects of BM-MSCs, ventricular remodeling and anxiety following AMI, methods focused on enhancing BMSCs mobilization are promising. BFG is a classical traditional Chinese prescription medicine and has been proved effective in treating AMI and reducing anxiety, but the potential mechanism of its function remains unknown. In the present study, we explored the effects of Chaihulonggumulitang (BFG) on AMI and anxiety in vivo and in vitro. We also tested its effects in promoting BMSCs mobilization and alleviating inflammation. Our data showed that the classical Chinese prescription BFG promoted BM-MSCs mobilization, inhibited inflammatory response, and improved heart damage and anxiety developed from AMI. Thus, we provided an underlying mechanism of BFG function in psycho-cardiology conditions such as AMI.