lncRNA H19 Promotes Ox-LDL-Induced Dysfunction of Human Aortic Endothelial Cells through the miR-152/VEGFA Axis

Pivotal Role of miRNA-lncRNA Interactions in Human Diseases

New technologies have shown that most of the genome comprises transcripts that cannot code for proteins and are referred to as non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Some ncRNAs, like long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), are of substantial interest because of their critical function in controlling genes and numerous biological activities. The expression levels and function of miRNAs and lncRNAs are rigorously monitored throughout developmental processes and the maintenance of physiological homeostasis. Due to their critical roles, any dysregulation or changes in their expression can significantly influence the pathogenesis of various human diseases. The interactions between miRNAs and lncRNAs have been found to influence gene expression in various ways. These interactions significantly influence the understanding of disease etiology, cellular processes, and potential therapeutic targets. Different experimental and in silico methods can be used to investigate miRNA-lncRNA interactions. By aiding the elucidation of miRNA-lncRNA interactions and deepening the understanding of post-transcriptional gene regulation, researchers can open a new window for designing hypotheses, conducting experiments, and discovering methods for diagnosing and treating complex human diseases. This review briefly summarizes miRNA and lncRNA functions, discusses their interaction mechanisms, and examines the experimental and computational methods used to study these interactions. Additionally, we highlight significant studies on lncRNA and miRNA interactions in various diseases from 2000 to 2024, using the academic research databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Scopus.

Bezafibrate mitigates oxidized-low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced the attachment of monocytes to endothelial cells: An implication in atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Oxidized forms of low-density lipoproteins (ox-LDL)-associated endothelial dysfunction and subsequent monocyte adhesion play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis (AS). Bezafibrate (BEZ) is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (pan-PPAR) agonist licensed as a hypolipidemic drug. However, the effects of BEZ on endothelial dysfunction are less reported.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we aim to investigate the protective effects of BEZ on ox-LDL-challenged vascular endothelial cells to evaluate its potential value in treating AS.

METHODS

Human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) and THP-1 cells were used to establish an In Vitro AS model. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, Real-time PCR, Western blot analysis, and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to test the data.

RESULTS

As expected, treatment with BEZ suppressed the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), tissue factor (TF), Interleukin 12 (IL-12), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). BEZ was also found to inhibit ox-LDL-induced expression of the endothelial adhesion molecules vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in HAECs. Correspondingly, BEZ prevented attachment of THP-1 monocytes to ox-LDL-incubated HAECs. Mechanically, BEZ was found to prevent NF-κB activation by reducing the levels of nuclear NF-κB p65 and inhibiting luciferase activity of NF-κB.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed the pharmacological function of BEZ in protecting endothelial dysfunction against ox-LDL, which may provide valuable insight for the clinical application of BEZ.

MicroRNA-195-5p Attenuates Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress via OTX1/MAPK Signaling Pathway

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a hypertensive disorder during pregnancy and can induce perinatal death of human infants. MicroRNA (miR)-195-5p was validated to display low expression in severe preeclampsia placentas, but the role of miR-195-5p in pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) has not been investigated. The study emphasized on the functions and mechanism of miR-195-5p in PIH. A reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat model was established to mimic PIH in vivo. Adenovirus (Ad)-miR-195-5p agomir and/or Ad-OTX1 were further injected into some model rats. RT-qPCR was conducted to assess the expression of miR-195-5p and orthodenticle homeobox 1 (OTX1) in rat placental tissues, the isolated aortic endothelial cells (AECs), and in serum samples of PIH patients. Western blot analysis was implemented to measure the protein levels of OTX1, VEGFA, and key factors involved in the MAPK signaling pathway. The concentrations of oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and lipid hydroperoxide) in AECs and placental tissues of RUPP rats were measured by corresponding kits. The binding relation between miR-195-5p and OTX1 was verified using the dual-luciferase reporter assay. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was conducted to evaluate the pathological features of rat placental tissues. MiR-195-5p was downregulated, while OTX1 was upregulated in rat placental tissues and human serum samples of PIH patients. MiR-195-5p could target OTX1 and inversely regulate OTX1 expression in AECs and rat placental tissues. In addition, miR-195-5p can negatively regulate VEGFA level. Furthermore, miR-195-5p inactivates oxidative stress and the MAPK signaling by downregulating OTX1 in AECs. In vivo experiments revealed that OTX1 overexpression reversed the protective effect of miR-195-5p overexpression on placental damage and oxidative stress. MiR-195-5p alleviates PIH by inhibiting oxidative stress via targeting OTX1 and inactivating MAPK signaling.

Lipid-lowering effect and oral transport characteristics study of curculigoside

Introduction

The incidence of metabolic disorders during pregnancy is increasing year by year, with diseases including hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Statins are the primary drugs for treating hyperlipidemia or atherosclerosis, yet some patients remain unresponsive to them, and pregnant women are prohibited from taking statins. Curculigoside is the major biologically active natural product present in Curculigo orchioides.

Methods

In this study, A high-fat mice model was developed to study the lipid-lowering effect of curculigoside. Using intestinal Caco-2 cell monolayer, the curculigoside transport properties at two temperatures and possible transporters were systemically studied.

Results

Curculigoside at concentrations used during the experiments have no toxic effect to Caco-2 cells. The curculigoside transfer from the apical to the basolateral side was strongly influenced by temperature. P-glycoprotein, breast cancer resistance protein, and efflux transporters are crucial components of the human intestinal cell line Caco-2. The curculigoside can significantly affect the contents of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in mice.

Discussion

The transport properties and potential mechanism of curculigoside offer valuable insights for the design of development of hypolipidemic drugs like anti-atherosclerotic drugs and also be helpful to the further study of the pharmacological activity of curculigoside.

[Galangin inhibits oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced angiogenic activity in human aortic endothelial cells by downregulating lncRNA H19]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of galangin on angiogenic activity of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) and explore the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

HAECs incubated with 10, 20, 40, and 80 μmol/L galangin for 24 h were assessed for cell viability changes using MTT assay to determine the cytotoxicity of galangin. HAECs treated with 5 mg/mL ox-LDL and incubated with 20 and 40 μmol/L galangin for 24 h, and the cells overexpressing lncRNA H19 and incubated with 40 μmol/L galangin for 24 h were examined for lncRNA H19 level with qRT-PCR. The migration and tube formation capacity of the cells were observed using scratch assay and angiogenesis assay, and ROS levels in the cells were detected with flow cytometry. The protein expression levels of VEGFA, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the treated cells were detected with Western blotting.

RESULTS

Galangin at 10, 20, or 40 μmol/L produced no obvious toxicity (P>0.05), whereas 80 μmol/L galangin significantly inhibited the viability of HAECs (P<0.01). Treatment with ox-LDL significantly increased the expression of lncRNA H19 in HAECs. Galangin significantly lowered lncRNA H19 expression in ox-LDL-induced HAECs, suppressed cell migration, angiogenesis and ROS production level, and reduced the protein levels of VEGFA, MMP-2 and MMP-9 (P<0.01). The effects of galangin were blocked by overexpression of lncRNA H19 in the cardiomyocytes.

CONCLUSION

The therapeutic effect of galangin for atherosclerosis is mediated by inhibiting lncRNA H19 expression to reduce ox-LDL-induced migration, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis of HAECs.

The emerging roles of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 in gynecologic cancers

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 has gained significant recognition as a pivotal contributor to the initiation and advancement of gynecologic cancers, encompassing ovarian, endometrial, cervical, and breast cancers. H19 exhibits a complex array of mechanisms, demonstrating dualistic effects on tumorigenesis as it can function as both an oncogene and a tumor suppressor, contingent upon the specific context and type of cancer being investigated. In ovarian cancer, H19 promotes tumor growth, metastasis, and chemoresistance through modulation of key signaling pathways and interaction with microRNAs. Conversely, in endometrial cancer, H19 acts as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Additionally, H19 has been implicated in cervical and breast cancers, where it influences cell proliferation, invasion, and immune evasion. Moreover, H19 has potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for gynecologic cancers, with its expression levels correlating with clinical parameters and patient outcomes. Understanding the functional roles of H19 in gynecologic cancers is crucial for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies and personalized treatment approaches. Further investigation into the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying H19's involvement in gynecologic malignancies is warranted to fully unravel its therapeutic potential and clinical implications. This review aims to elucidate the functional roles of H19 in various gynecologic malignancies.

ANRIL, H19 and TUG1: a review about critical long non-coding RNAs in cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. They are non-transmissible diseases that affect the cardiovascular system and have different etiologies such as smoking, lipid disorders, diabetes, stress, sedentary lifestyle and genetic factors. To date, lncRNAs have been associated with increased susceptibility to the development of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, angina and heart failure. In this way, lncRNAs are becoming a very promising point for the prevention and diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, this review highlights the most important and recent discoveries about the mechanisms of action of the lncRNAs ANRIL, H19 and TUG1 and their clinical relevance in these pathologies. This may contribute to early detection of cardiovascular diseases in order to prevent the pathological phenotype from becoming established.

Noncoding RNAs as Key Regulators for Cardiac Development and Cardiovascular Diseases

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play fundamental roles in cardiac development and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. With advances in RNA sequencing technology, the focus of recent research has transitioned from studies of specific candidates to whole transcriptome analyses. Thanks to these types of studies, new ncRNAs have been identified for their implication in cardiac development and CVDs. In this review, we briefly describe the classification of ncRNAs into microRNAs, long ncRNAs, and circular RNAs. We then discuss their critical roles in cardiac development and CVDs by citing the most up-to-date research articles. More specifically, we summarize the roles of ncRNAs in the formation of the heart tube and cardiac morphogenesis, cardiac mesoderm specification, and embryonic cardiomyocytes and cardiac progenitor cells. We also highlight ncRNAs that have recently emerged as key regulators in CVDs by focusing on six of them. We believe that this review concisely addresses perhaps not all but certainly the major aspects of current progress in ncRNA research in cardiac development and CVDs. Thus, this review would be beneficial for readers to obtain a recent picture of key ncRNAs and their mechanisms of action in cardiac development and CVDs.