Downregulation of Long Non-Coding RNA Kcnq1ot1: An Important Mechanism of Arsenic Trioxide-Induced Long QT Syndrome

lncRNA CDKN2B-AS1 is downregulated in patients with ventricular fibrillation in acute myocardial infarction

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the main cause of deaths occurring in the acute phase of an ischemic event. Although it is known that genetics may play an important role in this pathology, the possible role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) has never been studied. Therefore, the aim of this work is to study the expression of 10 lncRNAs in patients with and without VF in AMI. For this purpose, the expression of CDKN2B-AS1, KCNQ1OT1, LIPCAR, MALAT1, MIAT, NEAT1, SLC16A1-AS1, lnc-TK2-4:2, TNFRSF14-AS1, and UCA1 were analyzed. After the analysis and Bonferroni correction, the lncRNA CDKN2B-AS showed a statistical significance lower expression (P values of 2.514 x 10-5). In silico analysis revealed that six proteins could be related to the possible effect of lncRNA CDKN2B-AS1: AGO3, PLD4, POU4F1, ZNF26, ZNF326 and ZNF431. These in silico proteins predicted to have a low cardiac expression, although there is no literature indicating a potential relationship with VF in AMI. Thus, the lncRNA CDKN2B-AS1 shows a significant lower expression in patients with VF in AMI vs patients without VF in AMI. Literature data suggest that the role of CDKN2B1-AS is related to the miR-181a/SIRT1 pathway.

Open a new epoch of arsenic trioxide investigation: ATOdb

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is a great discovery in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), which has been used in an increasing number of malignant diseases. Systematic integrative analysis will help to precisely understand the mechanism of ATO and find new combined drugs. Therefore, we developed a one-stop comprehensive database of ATO named ATOdb by manually compiling a wealth of experimentally supported ATO-related data from 3479 articles, and integrated analysis tools. The current version of ATOdb contains 8373 associations among 2300 ATO targets, 80 conditions and 262 combined drugs. Each entry in ATOdb contains detailed information on ATO targets, therapeutic/side effects, systems, cell names, cell types, regulations, detection methods, brief descriptions, references, etc. Furthermore, ATOdb also provides data visualization and analysis results such as the drug similarities, protein-protein interactions, and miRNA-mRNA relationships. An easy-to-use web interface was deployed in ATOdb for users to easily browse, search and download the data. In conclusion, ATOdb will serve as a valuable resource for in-depth study of the mechanism of ATO, discovery of new drug combination strategies, promotion of rational drug use and individualized treatments. ATOdb is freely available at http://bio-bigdata.hrbmu.edu.cn/ATOdb/index.jsp.

LncRNA KCNQ10T1 shuttled by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosome inhibits sepsis via regulation of miR-154-3p/RNF19A axis

This study aims to discuss the role of exosomes KCNQ10T1 derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) in sepsis and to further investigate its potential molecular mechanisms. Exosomes extracted from BMMSCs are identified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and western blot. Fluorescence labeling is applied to detect the internalization of exosomes in receptors. The proliferation ability, migration ability, and invasion ability of HUVECs are determined by CCK-8, EdU, wound healing, and Transwell. The levels of inflammatory cytokines in sepsis cells are quantitatively detected by ELISA. Kaplan-Meier survival curve is used to describe the overall survival. RT-qPCR is used to detect mRNA expression of related genes. Bioinformatics analysis is performed to search the downstream target of KCNQ1OT1 and miR-154-3p and the interaction is verified by luciferase reporter assay. Exosomes derived from BMMSCs alleviated the toxicity in sepsis cell models and animal models. In mice with septic cell models, exosomal KCNQ10T1 was down-regulated and associated with lower survival. Overexpression of KCNQ10T1 inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of LPS-induced HUVECs. Further research illustrated that miR-154-3p was the downstream target gene of KCNQ1OT1 and RNF19A was the downstream target gene of miR-154-3p. Importantly, functional research findings indicated that KCNQ1OT1 regulated sepsis progression by targeting miR-154-3p/RNF19A axis. Our study demonstrates that the exosomal KCNQ1OT1 suppresses sepsis via mediating miR-154-3p/RNF19A, which provides a latent target for sepsis treatment.

An overview of arsenic trioxide-involved combined treatment algorithms for leukemia: basic concepts and clinical implications

Arsenic trioxide is a first-line treatment drug for acute promyelocytic leukemia, which is also effective for other kinds of leukemia. Its side effects, however, limit its clinical application, especially for patients with complex leukemia symptoms. Combination therapy can effectively alleviate these problems. This review summarizes the research progress on the combination of arsenic trioxide with anticancer drugs, vitamin and vitamin analogs, plant products, and other kinds of drugs in the treatment of leukemia. Additionally, the new progress in arsenic trioxide-induced cardiotoxicity was summarized. This review aims to provide new insights for the rational clinical application of arsenic trioxide.

The role of lncRNA-mediated pyroptosis in cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Pyroptosis is a unique kind of programmed cell death that varies from apoptosis and necrosis morphologically, mechanistically, and pathophysiologically. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are thought to be promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of diseases, including cardiovascular disease. Recent research has demonstrated that lncRNA-mediated pyroptosis has significance in CVD and that pyroptosis-related lncRNAs may be potential targets for the prevention and treatment of specific CVDs such as diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), atherosclerosis (AS), and myocardial infarction (MI). In this paper, we collected previous research on lncRNA-mediated pyroptosis and investigated its pathophysiological significance in several cardiovascular illnesses. Interestingly, certain cardiovascular disease models and therapeutic medications are also under the control of lncRNa-mediated pyroptosis regulation, which may aid in the identification of new diagnostic and therapy targets. The discovery of pyroptosis-related lncRNAs is critical for understanding the etiology of CVD and may lead to novel targets and strategies for prevention and therapy.

The involvement and therapeutic potential of lncRNA Kcnq1ot1/miR-34a-5p/Sirt1 pathway in arsenic trioxide-induced cardiotoxicity

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is the first-line therapeutic drug for acute promyelocytic leukemia. However, the cardiotoxicity of ATO limits its clinical application. This study aims to explore the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) involved molecular mechanism in ATO-induced cardiotoxicity and to identify available prevention strategies.

METHODS

ATO was administered to mice or primary cultured mouse cardiomyocytes. Small interfering RNA targeting lncRNA Kcnq1ot1 (si-Kcnq1ot1) was used to knockdown lncRNA Kcnq1ot1. MiR-34a-5p mimic and antisense morpholino oligonucleotide targeting miR-34a-5p (AMO-34a-5p) were used to upregulate and downregulate the expression of miR-34a-5p, respectively. TUNEL staining was conducted to detect cell DNA damage. Flow cytometry assay was used to detect cell apoptosis. Western blot was conducted to detect Bcl-2, Bax and Sirt1 protein expression. Real-time PCR was used to detect lncRNA Kcnq1ot1, miR-34a-5p, and Sirt1 mRNA expression. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to validate the predicted binding site.

RESULTS

ATO induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes both in vivo and in vitro. Simultaneously, the expression of lncRNA Kcnq1ot1 and Sirt1 was downregulated, and miR-34a-5p was upregulated. MiR-34a-5p has binding sites with lncRNA Kcnq1ot1 and Sirt1. Knockdown of lncRNA Kcnq1ot1 induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, with increased miR-34a-5p and decreased Sirt1 expression. Inhibition of miR-34a-5p attenuated si-Kcnq1ot1-induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. Therefore, the lncRNA Kcnq1ot1/miR-34a-5p/Sirt1 signaling pathway is involved in ATO-induced cardiotoxicity. Propranolol alleviated ATO-induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes both in vivo and in vitro, which was related to the lncRNA Kcnq1ot1/miR-34a-5p/Sirt1 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

The lncRNA Kcnq1ot1/miR-34a-5p/Sirt1 pathway is involved in ATO-induced cardiotoxicity. Propranolol can attenuate ATO-induced cardiotoxicity at least partially through the lncRNA Kcnq1ot1/miR-34a-5p/Sirt1 pathway. Combined administration with propranolol may be a new strategy for alleviating the cardiotoxicity of ATO.

Melatonin ameliorates arsenic-induced cardiotoxicity through the regulation of the Sirt1/Nrf2 pathway in rats

Chronic arsenic (As) exposure, mainly as a result of drinking contaminated water, is associated with cardiovascular diseases. Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy have been suggested as the molecular etiology of As cardiotoxicity. Melatonin (Mel) is a powerful antioxidant. Mel improves diabetic cardiomyopathy, cardiac remodeling, and heart failure. Following pre-treatment with Mel (10, 20, or 30 mg/kg/day i.p.), rats were orally gavaged with As (15 mg/kg/day) for 28 days. Electrocardiographic findings showed that Mel decreased the As-mediated QT interval prolongation. The effects of As on cardiac levels of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were reversed by Mel pretreatment. Mel also modulated the Sirt1 and Nrf2 expressions promoted by As. Mel down-regulated autophagy markers such as Beclin-1 expression and the LC3-II/I ratio. Moreover, the cardiac expression of cleaved-caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was decreased by Mel pretreatment. Reduced expression of miR-34a and miR-144 by As were reversed by Mel. The histopathological changes of cardiac injury associated with As exposure was moderated by Mel. Mel may improve As-induced cardiac dysfunction through anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-autophagic mechanisms.

The whole transcriptome analysis and the circRNA-lncRNA network construction in arsenic trioxide-treated mice myocardium

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is an effective anti-cancer drug. Nonetheless, it possesses cardiotoxic effects which limit its clinical application. The present study aims to elucidate the molecular basis of ATO-induced cardiotoxicity through using whole transcriptome analysis.

METHODS

The whole transcriptome in ATO-treated mice myocardium was analyzed using RNA sequencing technique. These results were confirmed by real-time PCR. The lncRNA-mRNA and circRNA-mRNA co-expression networks were constructed. Finally, a circRNA-lncRNA co-regulated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed. GO and KEGG pathway analyses were performed. The expression levels of Txnip and Spp1 in ATO-treated neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes were validated by real-time PCR.

RESULTS

A total of 113 mRNAs, 159 lncRNAs, 35 miRNAs, and 94 circRNAs were differentially expressed in ATO-treated mice myocardium. A lncRNA-circRNA co-regulation network was constructed. Function annotation revealed that aberrantly expressed genes may be enriched in the 'Wnt signaling pathway', 'Hippo signaling pathway', 'Notch signaling pathway', etc. Finally, the expression levels of Txnip and Spp1 were validated in ATO-treated cardiomyocytes, which was in accordance with the RNA-sequencing results.

CONCLUSION

ATO altered coding and noncoding RNA profiles in myocardium of mice. The ATO-related lncRNA-circRNA co-regulation network was constructed. Genes in the co-regulation network are likely to play important roles in the cardiotoxicity of ATO. This study provides new insights into the prevention and treatment of ATO-induced cardiotoxicity.

The Genetics and Epigenetics of Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients Without Structural Heart Disease

Ventricular arrhythmia without structural heart disease is an arrhythmic disorder that occurs in structurally normal heart and no transient or reversible arrhythmia factors, such as electrolyte disorders and myocardial ischemia. Ventricular arrhythmias without structural heart disease can be induced by multiple factors, including genetics and environment, which involve different genetic and epigenetic regulation. Familial genetic analysis reveals that cardiac ion-channel disorder and dysfunctional calcium handling are two major causes of this type of heart disease. Genome-wide association studies have identified some genetic susceptibility loci associated with ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, yet relatively few loci associated with no structural heart disease. The effects of epigenetics on the ventricular arrhythmias susceptibility genes, involving non-coding RNAs, DNA methylation and other regulatory mechanisms, are gradually being revealed. This article aims to review the knowledge of ventricular arrhythmia without structural heart disease in genetics, and summarizes the current state of epigenetic regulation.

Long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs as crucial regulators in cardio-oncology

Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Significant improvements in the modern era of anticancer therapeutic strategies have increased the survival rate of cancer patients. Unfortunately, cancer survivors have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, which is believed to result from anticancer therapies. The emergence of cardiovascular diseases among cancer survivors has served as the basis for establishing a novel field termed cardio-oncology. Cardio-oncology primarily focuses on investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms by which anticancer treatments lead to cardiovascular dysfunction and the development of novel cardioprotective strategies to counteract cardiotoxic effects of cancer therapies. Advances in genome biology have revealed that most of the genome is transcribed into non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which are recognized as being instrumental in cancer, cardiovascular health, and disease. Emerging studies have demonstrated that alterations of these ncRNAs have pathophysiological roles in multiple diseases in humans. As it relates to cardio-oncology, though, there is limited knowledge of the role of ncRNAs. In the present review, we summarize the up-to-date knowledge regarding the roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancer therapy-induced cardiotoxicities. Moreover, we also discuss prospective therapeutic strategies and the translational relevance of these ncRNAs.

HIV Tat Protein Induces Myocardial Fibrosis Through TGF-β1-CTGF Signaling Cascade: A Potential Mechanism of HIV Infection-Related Cardiac Manifestations

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a risk factor of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). HIV-infected patients exhibit cardiac dysfunction coupled with cardiac fibrosis. However, the reason why HIV could induce cardiac fibrosis remains largely unexplored. HIV-1 trans-activator of transcription (Tat) protein is a regulatory protein, which plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of various HIV-related complications. In the present study, recombinant Tat was administered to mouse myocardium or neonatal mouse cardiac fibroblasts in different doses. Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining were performed to observe the histological changes of mice myocardial tissues. EdU staining and MTS assay were used to evaluate the proliferation and viability of neonatal mouse cardiac fibroblasts, respectively. Real-time PCR and western blot analysis were used to detect CTGF, TGF-β1, and collagen I mRNA and protein expression levels, respectively. The results showed that Tat promoted the occurrence of myocardial fibrosis in mice. Also, we found that Tat increased the proliferative ability and the viability of neonatal mouse cardiac fibroblasts. The protein and mRNA expression levels of TGF-β1 and CTGF were significantly upregulated both in Tat-treated mouse myocardium and neonatal mouse cardiac fibroblasts. However, co-administration of TGF-β inhibitor abrogated the enhanced expression of collagen I induced by Tat in neonatal mouse cardiac fibroblasts. In conclusion, Tat contributes to HIV-related cardiac fibrosis through enhanced TGF-β1-CTGF signaling cascade.

lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 may function as a competitive endogenous RNA in atrial fibrillation by sponging miR‑223‑3p

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common forms of cardiac arrhythmia. Novel evidence has indicated that a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism may occur in AF. The present study aimed to identify differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) in AF and predict their targeting long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) to identify a potential ceRNA network involved in AF using bioinformatics analysis. The GSE68475 microarray dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and differentially expressed miRNAs in AF were obtained. In addition, right atrial appendage (RAA) tissues from patients with AF were collected to determine the expression levels of the miRNAs identified following bioinformatics analysis using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (n=8 per group). Subsequently, Gene Ontology (GO) functional term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathway enrichment analyses of the target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs of interest were performed. The potential upstream lncRNAs targeting the identified miRNAs were predicted using bioinformatics analysis. A dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the existence of a targeted relationship between the differentially expressed miRNA and lncRNA of interest. The results identified 43 differentially expressed miRNAs, including 23 upregulated miRNAs. The trends in the expression levels of miR-223-3p were inconsistent between the microarray data and those recorded in the RAA tissues from patients with persistent AF. Therefore, miR-223-3p was selected as the miRNA of interest for further investigations. The target gene of miR-233-3p was found to be enriched in 57 GO terms and 21 KEGG signaling pathways. According to the bioinformatics prediction, 69 lncRNAs targeting miR-223-3p were identified, including the lncRNA growth arrest-specific transcript 5, lncRNA KCNQ1 opposite strand/antisense transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) and lncRNA MYC-induced long non-coding RNA. The results from dual luciferase assay confirmed that miR-223-3p was a direct target of KCNQ1OT1. A ceRNA regulatory relationship may exist between KCNQ1OT1 and miR-223-3p in AF, providing therefore a novel potential research target for further studies.

LncRNA Miat knockdown alleviates endothelial cell injury through regulation of miR-214-3p/Caspase-1 signalling during atherogenesis

Atherosclerosis is a common problem in healthy people around the world. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in atherosclerosis. Myocardial infarction-associated transcript (Miat) is a cardiovascular disease-associated lncRNA. Its role and mechanism in atherosclerosis is still not fully clarified. Our study aims to explore the role and mechanism of lncRNA Miat in atherosclerosis. The atherosclerosis models were established both in vitro and in vivo. Real-time PCR was used to measure the expression of lncRNA Miat, miR-214, Caspase-1 and IL-1β. Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression of Caspase-1. CCK-8 assay, Tunel staining, and flow cytometry analysis were conducted to detect proliferation and apoptosis of human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs), respectively. Oil red O staining and HE staining were used to evaluated the histological changes of the aorta. The results found that lncRNA Miat was upregulated in ox-LDL-induced atherosclerosis model in vitro. The inhibition of lncRNA Miat protects against ox-LDL-induced HAEC injury, presented as increased cell viability and decreased apoptosis. LncRNA Miat and miR-214 has binding site, and CASP1, which encodes Caspase-1, is a target of miR-214. The downregulation of lncRNA Miat increased the expression of miR-214-3p and decreased the expression of Caspase-1, as well as its downstream molecule IL-1β in HAECs. However, the inhibition of miR-214-3p attenuated the effect of lncRNA Miat downregulation on HAECs. Furthermore, the downregulation of lncRNA Miat alleviated atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient mice. Correspondingly, the expression of miR-214-3p was upregulated and Caspase-1 was downregulated after knockdown of lncRNA Miat. In conclusion, downregulation of lncRNA Miat exerts a protective effect against atherosclerosis through the regulation miR-214-3p/Caspase-1 signalling pathway. Therefore, the inhibition of lncRNA Miat expression may be an effective strategy in the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Long non-coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 increases the expression of PDCD4 by targeting miR-181a-5p, contributing to cardiomyocyte apoptosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy

AIMS

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a specific myocardial alteration in patients with diabetics. LncRNA KCNQ1OT1 has been previously demonstrated to be involved in various diabetic complications. Our aims are to further investigate the underlying regulatory mechanisms/pathways of KCNQ1OT1 in DCM.

METHODS

In vitro and in vivo models of DCM were established in high glucose (HG)-treated human cardiomyocytes and in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice, respectively. Gene and protein expressions were examined by qPCR, western blotting and ELISA. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were determined by CCK8 assay, flow cytometry and TUNEL staining. The association between KCNQ1OT1 and miR-181a-5p, miR-181a-5p and PDCD4 was predicted using bioinformatics methods and subsequently confirmed by dual luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. Mouse cardiac tissues were collected and analysed using HE staining, Masson's staining and immunohistochemical analysis.

RESULTS

KCNQ1OT1 and PDCD4 were upregulated in HG-treated human cardiomyocytes, while miR-181a-5p was downregulated. In addition, KCNQ1OT1 could negatively regulate miR-181a-5p expression; meanwhile, miR-181a-5p also negatively regulated PDCD4 expression. KCNQ1OT1 silencing suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines and cell apoptosis in vitro, whereas inhibition of miR-181a-5p abrogated those effects of KCNQ1OT1 knockdown. Moreover, overexpressed PDCD4 abolished the inhibition on inflammation and apoptosis caused by miR-181a-5p overexpression. Finally, KCNQ1OT1 knockdown reduced the expression of PDCD4 via regulating miR-181a-5p and inhibited myocardial inflammation and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in the in vivo DCM model.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that KCNQ1OT1 and its target gene miR-181a-5p regulate myocardial inflammation and cardiomyocyte apoptosis by modulating PDCD4 in DCM.

Precision Medicine and cardiac channelopathies: when dreams meet reality

Precision Medicine (PM) is an innovative approach that, by relying on large populations’ datasets, patients’ genetics and characteristics, and advanced technologies, aims at improving risk stratification and at identifying patient-specific management through targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Cardiac channelopathies are being progressively involved in the evolution brought by PM and some of them are benefiting from these novel approaches, especially the long QT syndrome. Here, we have explored the main layers that should be considered when developing a PM approach for cardiac channelopathies, with a focus on modern in vitro strategies based on patient-specific human-induced pluripotent stem cells and on in silico models. PM is where scientists and clinicians must meet and integrate their expertise to improve medical care in an innovative way but without losing common sense. We have indeed tried to provide the cardiologist’s point of view by comparing state-of-the-art techniques and approaches, including revolutionary discoveries, to current practice. This point matters because the new approaches may, or may not, exceed the efficacy and safety of established therapies. Thus, our own eagerness to implement the most recent translational strategies for cardiac channelopathies must be tempered by an objective assessment to verify whether the PM approaches are indeed making a difference for the patients. We believe that PM may shape the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac channelopathies for years to come. Nonetheless, its potential superiority over standard therapies should be constantly monitored and assessed before translating intellectually rewarding new discoveries into clinical practice.

Establishment and analysis of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network based on competitive endogenous RNA identifies functional genes in heart failure

Heart failure (HF), a common disease in adults, accounts for significantly global morbidity and mortality. Due to population aging, therapeutic progression in acute cardiovascular events, the prevalence of HF is increasing, in spite of the efficacy of multiple therapies for HF patients with decreased ejection fraction. Despite great progress in the underlying molecular mechanisms, it remains incompletely clear of the function of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network in HF pathogenesis. Herein, we established an HF-related ceRNA network on the basis of differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs) as well as mRNAs from GSE136547 and GSE124401 datasets. In brief, the ceRNA network composed of 58 mRNA nodes, 5 miRNA nodes, 82 lncRNA nodes as well as 252 edges. In addition, three lncRNAs (KCNQ1OT1, XIST and AC010336) with higher node degrees than other lncRNAs were chosen as hub nodes. At the same time, we have established five subnetwork of miR-17-5p, miR-20b-5p, miR-107, miR-125a-5p and miR-140-5p centered ceRNA. Pathway analysis revealed the enrichment of ceRNA network in cell cycle pathways. Collectively, our research sheds new lights on the essential functions of ceRNA network in HF development, which also suggests possible application of these hub nodes as diagnostic biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets.

Inhibiting proliferation and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells by downregulation of long non-coding RNA colon cancer-associated transcript 2 targeting microRNA-143

Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor, which has a high incidence in children and adolescents. However, the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma remains unclear. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is a new potential therapeutic target and diagnostic biomarker for osteosarcoma. Hence, the present study aimed to explore the effect of lncRNA colon cancer-associated transcript (CCAT2) on osteosarcoma and its potential underlying mechanisms. For this purpose, the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells was measured using the CCK-8 assay. The scratch-wound and cell invasion assays were used to determine the migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells, respectively. LncRNA CCAT2 and microRNA (miR)-143 binding sites were identified by the dual-luciferase reporter assay. RNA and protein expression levels were detected by reverse-transcription quantitative PCR and western blotting, respectively. Downregulation of lncRNA CCAT2 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. The findings also revealed that miR-143 bound directly to lncRNA CCAT2. The expression of miR-143 was upregulated by the knockdown of lncRNA CCAT2. Downregulation of the FOS-like antigen 2 was also observed after knockdown of lncRNA CCAT2. The function of lncRNA CCAT2 in osteosarcoma cells was attenuated by co-transfection with anti-miR-143 oligodeoxyribonucleotide. In conclusion, downregulation of lncRNA CCAT2 inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells by targeting miR-143. lncRNA CCAT2 was identified as a potential target for osteosarcoma treatment.

The functions of LncRNA in the heart

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Recently, increasing evidence has demonstrated that various lncRNAs play critical roles in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury. LncRNAs are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides. They are considered a class of dynamic noncoding RNAs known to be involved in physiological and pathological conditions with regulatory and structural roles in numerous biological processes, including genomic imprinting, epigenetic regulation, cell proliferation, development, aging and apoptosis. They are emerging as potential key regulators of a variety of cardiovascular diseases. However, the roles of lncRNAs in the heart function remain largely unknown. The purpose of this review was to summarize the functions of lncRNAs in the heart and discuss the challenges and possible strategies of lncRNA research for cardiovascular disease.

Role of non-coding-RNAs in response to environmental stressors and consequences on human health

Environmental risk factors, including physicochemical agents, noise and mental stress, have a considerable impact on human health. This environmental exposure may lead to epigenetic reprogramming, including changes in non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) signatures, which can contribute to the pathophysiology state. Oxidative stress is one of the results of this environmental disturbance by modifying cellular processes such as apoptosis, signal transduction cascades, and DNA repair mechanisms. In this review, we delineate environmental risk factors and their influence on (ncRNAs) in connection to disease. We focus on well-studied miRNAs and analyze the novel roles of long-non-coding-RNAs (lncRNAs). We discuss commonly regulated lncRNAs after exposure to different stressors, such as UV, heavy metals and pesticides among others, and the potential role of these lncRNA as exposure biomarkers, epigenetic regulators and potential therapeutic targets to diminish the deleterious secondary response to environmental agents.

•

Environmental stressors induce epigenetic changes that lead to long-lasting gene expression changes and pathology development.

•

NcRNAs, miRNAs and lncRNAs, are epigenetic modifiers susceptible to changes in expression after environmental insults .

•

LncRNAs influence cell function partnering with other biomolecules such as proteins, DNA, RNA or other ncRNAs.

•

LncRNA dysregulation affects cell development, carcinogenesis, vascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders.

•

ncRNA signatures can be potentially used as biomarkers to identify exposure to specific environmental stressors.

Metformin Shortens Prolonged QT Interval in Diabetic Mice by Inhibiting L-Type Calcium Current: A Possible Therapeutic Approach

The incidence and mortality of cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients are 2-3 times higher than those in non-diabetic patients. Abnormal function of the L-type calcium channel in myocardial tissue might result in multiple cardiac disorders such as a prolonged QT interval. Therefore, QT prolongation is an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes mellitus. Metformin, a hypoglycemic agent, is widely known to effectively reduce the occurrence of macrovascular diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of metformin on prolonged QT interval and to explore potential ionic mechanisms induced by diabetes. Diabetic mouse models were established with streptozotocin and an electrocardiogram was used to monitor the QT interval after 4 weeks of metformin treatment in each group. Action potential duration (APD) and L-type calcium current (I_Ca-L) were detected by patch-clamp in isolated mice ventricular cardiomyocytes and neonatal cardiomyocytes of mice. The expression levels of CACNA1C mRNA and Cav1.2 were measured by real-time PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence. A shortened QT interval was observed after 4 weeks of metformin treatment in diabetic mice. Patch-clamp results revealed that both APD and I_Ca-L were shortened in mouse cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, the expression levels of CACNA1C mRNA and Cav1.2 were decreased in the metformin group. The same results were also obtained in cultured neonatal mice cardiomyocytes. Overall, these results verify that metformin could shorten a prolonged QT interval by inhibiting the calcium current, suggesting that metformin may play a role in the electrophysiology underlying diabetic cardiopathy.

Comprehensive circRNA expression profile and construction of circRNA-related ceRNA network in cardiac fibrosis

Cardiac fibrosis is a common pathological condition that contributes to the progression of many cardiac diseases. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as new regulators of cardiac fibrosis. However, the expression and function of circRNAs in cardiac fibrosis remain largely unknown. The present study aims to investigate the circRNA expression profile and identify the roles of circRNAs in cardiac fibrosis. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was used to establish an in vitro model of cardiac fibrosis in cardiac fibroblasts. CircRNA sequencing revealed that a total of 283 circRNAs were aberrantly expressed in fibrotic cardiac fibroblasts, with 79 upregulated and 204 downregulated. The expression changes of randomly selected circRNAs were validated by real-time PCR. A circRNA-based competing endogenous RNA network 1755 nodes and 30394 edges was established, and module analysis was conducted using the plug-in MCODE. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed for mRNAs involved in the top three enriched modules. The results showed that these mRNAs were enriched in cardiac fibrosis-related signalling pathways, including the 'TGF-beta signaling pathway', 'MAPK signaling pathway', 'AMPK signaling pathway', and 'PI3K-Akt signaling pathway'. The predicted ceRNAs and bioinformatics analysis revealed the potential role of circRNAs in cardiac fibrosis, which would provide useful information for understanding the mechanism and finding effective prevention and treatment targets for cardiac fibrosis.

lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 Suppresses the Inflammation and Proliferation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells through IκBa in Intimal Hyperplasia

Inflammation and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the key events in intimal hyperplasia. This study aimed to explore the mechanism by which long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) KCNQ1OT1 affects VSMC inflammation and proliferation in this context. A vein graft (VG) model was established in mice to introduce intimal hyperplasia. Isolated normal VSMCs were induced with platelet-derived growth factor type BB (PDGF-BB), and the cell proliferation, migration, and secretion of inflammatory factors were determined. The results showed that KCNQ1OT1 was downregulated in the VSMCs from mice with intimal hyperplasia and in the PDGF-BB-treated VSMCs, and such downregulation of KCNQ1OT1 resulted from the increased methylation level in the KCNQ1OT1 promoter. Overexpressing KCNQ1OT1 suppressed PDFG-BB-induced VSMC proliferation, migration, and secretion of inflammatory factors. In VSMCs, KCNQ1OT1 bound to the nuclear transcription factor kappa Ba (IκBa) protein and increased the cellular IκBa level by reducing phosphorylation and promoting ubiquitination of the IκBa protein. Meanwhile, KCNQ1OT1 promoted the expression of IκBa by sponging miR-221. The effects of KCNQ1OT1 knockdown on promoting VSMC proliferation, migration, and secretion of inflammatory factors were abolished by IκBa overexpression. The roles of KCNQ1OT1 in reducing the intimal area and inhibiting IκBa expression were proved in the VG mouse model after KCNQ1OT1 overexpression. In conclusion, KCNQ1OT1 attenuated intimal hyperplasia by suppressing the inflammation and proliferation of VSMCs, in which the mechanism upregulated IκBa expression by binding to the IκBa protein and sponging miR-221.

System level characterization of small molecule drugs and their affected long noncoding RNAs

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have multiple regulatory roles and are involved in many human diseases. A potential therapeutic strategy based on targeting lncRNAs was recently developed. To gain insight into the global relationship between small molecule drugs and their affected lncRNAs, we constructed a small molecule lncRNA network consisting of 1206 nodes (1033 drugs and 173 lncRNAs) and 4770 drug-lncRNA associations using LNCmap, which reannotated the microarray data from the Connectivity Map (CMap) database. Based on network biology, we found that the connected drug pairs tended to share the same targets, indications, and side effects. In addition, the connected drug pairs tended to have a similar structure. By inferring the functions of lncRNAs through their co-expressing mRNAs, we found that lncRNA functions related to the modular interface were associated with the mode of action or side effects of the corresponding connected drugs, suggesting that lncRNAs may directly/indirectly participate in specific biological processes after drug administration. Finally, we investigated the tissue-specificity of drug-affected lncRNAs and found that some kinds of drugs tended to have a broader influence (e.g. antineoplastic and immunomodulating drugs), whereas some tissue-specific lncRNAs (nervous system) tended to be affected by multiple types of drugs.

Sirt1 Antisense Long Noncoding RNA Promotes Cardiomyocyte Proliferation by Enhancing the Stability of Sirt1

Background

Antisense long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are single‐stranded RNAs that overlapped gene‐coding regions on the opposite DNA strand and play as critical regulators in cardiovascular diseases. The high conservation and stability may be good advantages for antisense lncRNAs. However, the roles of antisense lncRNAs in cardiomyocyte proliferation and cardiac regeneration are still unknown.

Methods and Results

In this study, we found that Silent information regulator factor 2 related enzyme 1 (Sirt1) antisense lncRNA expression was significantly increased during heart development. By gain and loss function of Sirt1 antisense lncRNA using adenovirus and locked nucleic acid, respectively, we demonstrated that Sirt1 antisense lncRNA promoted cardiomyocyte proliferation in vitro and in vivo, and the suppression of Sirt1 antisense lncRNA inhibited cardiomyocyte proliferation. Moreover, overexpression of Sirt1 antisense lncRNA enhanced cardiomyocyte proliferation, attenuated cardiomyocyte apoptosis, improved cardiac function, and decreased mortality rate after myocardial infarction. Furthermore, Sirt1 antisense lncRNA can bind the Sirt1 3′‐untranslated region, enhancing the stability of Sirt1 and increasing Sirt1 abundance at both the mRNA and protein levels. Finally, we found that Sirt1 was involved in Sirt1 antisense lncRNA‐induced cardiomyocyte proliferation.

Conclusions

The present study identified Sirt1 antisense lncRNA as a novel regulator of cardiomyocyte proliferation and cardiac regeneration by interacting and stabilizing Sirt1 mRNA, which may serve as an effective gene target for preventing myocardial infarction.

Silencing of long noncoding RNA XIST attenuated Alzheimer's disease-related BACE1 alteration through miR-124

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder. However, its pathogenetic mechanism is still poorly understood. An increasing number of studies have evidenced the important role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in AD. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of the lncRNA X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) in AD. Bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (2VO) was used to induce an AD model in mice. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ ) was used to induce an AD model in N2a cells. The lncRNA XIST, miR-124, and BACE1 messenger RNA expression levels were detected by a real-time polymerase chain reaction. The BACE1 protein expression level was detected by western blot and immunofluorescence assay. The Aβ_1-42 expression level was detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The expression level of lncRNA XIST was significantly upregulated in AD models, both in vivo and in vitro. Silencing of lncRNA XIST negatively regulated miR-124 and positively regulated BACE1 expression in N2a cells, which is attenuated by cotransfection of anti-miR-124 oligodeoxyribonucleotide (AMO-124). Silencing of lncRNA XIST reversed the effect of H₂ O₂ on miR-124, BACE1, and Aβ_1-42 expression in N2a cells, which was reversed by cotransfection of AMO-124. Silencing of lncRNA XIST attenuated AD-related BACE1 alteration through miR-124. LncRNA XIST may be a new potential target for the treatment of AD.

PEP06 polypeptide 30 is a novel cluster-dissociating agent inhibiting v integrin/FAK/Src signaling in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

Collectively migrating tumor cells have been recently implicated in enhanced metastasis of epithelial malignancies. In oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), αv integrin is a crucial mediator of multicellular clustering and collective movement in vitro; however, its contribution to metastatic spread remains to be addressed. According to the emerging therapeutic concept, dissociation of tumor clusters into single cells could significantly suppress metastasis-seeding ability of carcinomas. This study aimed to investigate the anti-OSCC potential of novel endostatin-derived polypeptide PEP06 as a cluster-dissociating therapeutic agent in vitro. Firstly, we found marked enrichment of αv integrin in collectively invading multicellular clusters in human OSCCs. Our study revealed that metastatic progression of OSCC was associated with augmented immunostaining of αv integrin in cancerous lesions. Following PEP06 treatment, cell clustering on fibronectin, migration, multicellular aggregation, anchorage-independent survival and colony formation of OSCC were significantly inhibited. Moreover, PEP06 suppressed αv integrin/FAK/Src signaling in OSCC cells. PEP06-induced loss of active Src and E-cadherin from cell–cell contacts contributed to diminished collective migration of OSCC in vitro. Overall, these results suggest that PEP06 polypeptide 30 inhibiting αv integrin/FAK/Src signaling and disrupting E-cadherin-based intercellular junctions possesses anti-metastatic potential in OSCC by acting as a cluster-dissociating therapeutic agent.

Long Non-coding RNAs in Myeloid Malignancies

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represents 80% of adult leukemias and 15-20% of childhood leukemias. AML are characterized by the presence of 20% blasts or more in the bone marrow, or defining cytogenetic abnormalities. Laboratory diagnoses of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) depend on morphological changes based on dysplasia in peripheral blood and bone marrow, including peripheral blood smears, bone marrow aspirate smears, and bone marrow biopsies. As leukemic cells are not functional, the patient develops anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia, leading to fatigue, recurrent infections, and hemorrhage. The genetic background and associated mutations in AML blasts determine the clinical course of the disease. Over the last decade, non-coding RNAs transcripts that do not codify for proteins but play a role in regulation of functions have been shown to have multiple applications in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic approach of various types of cancers, including myeloid malignancies. After a comprehensive review of current literature, we found reports of multiple long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that can differentiate between AML types and how their exogenous modulation can dramatically change the behavior of AML cells. These lncRNAs include: H19, LINC00877, RP11-84C10, CRINDE, RP11848P1.3, ZNF667-AS1, AC111000.4-202, SFMBT2, LINC02082-201, MEG3, AC009495.2, PVT1, HOTTIP, SNHG5, and CCAT1. In addition, by performing an analysis on available AML data in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we found 10 lncRNAs with significantly differential expression between patients in favorable, intermediate/normal, or poor cytogenetic risk categories. These are: DANCR, PRDM16-DT, SNHG6, OIP5-AS1, SNHG16, JPX, FTX, KCNQ1OT1, TP73-AS1, and GAS5. The identification of a molecular signature based on lncRNAs has the potential for have deep clinical significance, as it could potentially help better define the evolution from low-grade MDS to high-grade MDS to AML, changing the course of therapy. This would allow clinicians to provide a more personalized, patient-tailored therapeutic approach, moving from transfusion-based therapy, as is the case for low-grade MDS, to the introduction of azacytidine-based chemotherapy or allogeneic stem cell transplantation, which is the current treatment for high-grade MDS.

Ameliorative effects of Annona muricata Linn. (Annonaceae) against potassium dichromate-induced hypertension in vivo: involvement of Kim-1/p38 MAPK/Nrf2 signaling

Background Recently, the incidences of hypertension and environmental pollution have increased significantly. This study investigates the antihypertensive effect of Annona muricata extract against K2Cr2O7-induced hypertension. Methods Fifty rats were used for this study, which were divided into five groups of 10 rats each. Rats in Group A received normal saline, and those in Groups B, C, D, and E were treated with A. muricata extract alone at 250 mg/kg, K2Cr2O7 at 30 mg/kg, pretreated with the extract at 250 mg/kg, and pretreated with gallic acid at 60 mg/kg for 14 days, respectively, and thereafter administered with a single intraperitoneal injection of K2Cr2O7 at 30 mg/kg. Results Administration of K2Cr2O7 significantly increased systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure and caused prolonged QT and QTc intervals. Further, pretreatment with the extract at 250 mg/kg and gallic acid at 60 mg/kg significantly reduced high blood pressure to near-normal values. K2Cr2O7 intoxication led to significant increases in serum advanced oxidative protein products, myeloperoxidase, and xanthine oxidase, while serum nitric oxide (NO) also reduced significantly. Immunohistochemistry of the renal kidney injury molecule (Kim-1) and p38 MAPK showed increased expressions following the administration of K2Cr2O7 together with the downregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Pretreatment with the extract at 250 mg/kg and gallic acid at 60 mg/kg also increased the expressions of Nrf2 and downregulated Kim-1 and p38. Conclusion Together, we found that pretreatment with the extract at 250 mg/kg and gallic acid at 60 mg/kg normalized the blood pressure, reduced the markers of oxidative stress, and improved the antioxidant defense system and serum NO bioavailability.

Long noncoding RNAs: a missing link in osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease that results in loss of bone density and increased fracture risk, particularly in the vertebrae and the hip. This condition and associated morbidity and mortality increase with population ageing. Long noncoding (lnc) RNAs are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that are not translated into proteins, but play important regulatory roles in transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation. Their contribution to disease onset and development is increasingly recognized. Herein, we present an integrative revision on the studies that implicate lncRNAs in osteoporosis and that support their potential use as therapeutic tools. Firstly, current evidence on lncRNAs involvement in cellular and molecular mechanisms linked to osteoporosis and its major complication, fragility fractures, is reviewed. We analyze evidence of their roles in osteogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, and bone fracture healing events from human and animal model studies. Secondly, the potential of lncRNAs alterations at genetic and transcriptomic level are discussed as osteoporosis risk factors and as new circulating biomarkers for diagnosis. Finally, we conclude debating the possibilities, persisting difficulties, and future prospects of using lncRNAs in the treatment of osteoporosis.

KCNQ1OT1 facilitates progression of non-small-cell lung carcinoma via modulating miRNA-27b-3p/HSP90AA1 axis

Long noncoding RNA KCNQ1OT1 participates in the regulation of imprinted genes within the kcnq1 domain. But its roles in carcinogenesis and metastasis remain largely elusive. Herein, we evaluated its potential in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression. We demonstrated that the KCNQ1OT1 level was upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. High KCNQ1OT1 level correlated with poor overall and progression-free survival in NSCLC patients. KCNQ1OT1 facilitated proliferation, migration, and invasion in H460 cells. Furthermore, knockdown of KCNQ1OT1 reduced the expression of HSP90AA1. KCNQ1OT1 presented a positive correlation with HSP90AA1 which predicted the tumor progression in NSCLC from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Intriguingly, KCNQ1OT1 modulated HSP90AA1 expression by sponging miR-27b-3p. MiR-27b-3p counteracted the effect of KCNQ1OT1 on HSP90AA1 expression, H460 cell migration, and invasion. These data revealed a role for KCNQ1OT1 as an oncogene through miR-27b-3p/HSP90AA1 axis during NSCLC progression.

A Competing Endogenous RNA Network Reveals Novel Potential lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA Biomarkers in the Prognosis of Human Colon Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Accumulating evidence indicated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have a wide range of biological functions and may play significant roles in tumorigenesis and progression. However, the understanding of its functions and related competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) networks is much less than that of protein-coding genes, particularly in colon adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

We comprehensively analyzed the sequencing data of protein-coding and noncoding RNAs in colon adenocarcinoma patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Next, we constructed colon adenocarcinoma-specific ceRNA network and evaluated the effect of these RNAs on overall survival (OS) for colon adenocarcinoma patients.

RESULTS

Totally, 1138 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), 245 microRNAs (DEmiRNAs), and 2081 mRNAs (DEmRNAs) were identified using a threshold of |log₂FoldChange| >2.0 and adjusted P-value < 0.01. Subsequently, a colon adenocarcinoma-specific ceRNA network was successfully established with133 DElncRNAs, 29 DEmiRNAs, and 55 DEmRNAs. Among ceRNA network, seven DElncRNAs (AL590483.1, AP004609.1, ARHGEF26-AS1, HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR), ITCH-IT1, KCNQ1OT1, and LINC00491), four DEmiRNAs (hsa-mir-143, hsa-mir-183, hsa-mir-216a, and hsa-mir-424), and six DEmRNAs (FJX1, TPM2, ULBP2, PDCD4, PLAU, and SERPINE1) significantly correlated with OS (all P-value < 0.05). Notably, several interactions were highlighted in the ceRNA network, such as "KCNQ1OT1-hsa-mir-183-PDCD4", "KCNQ1OT1-hsa-mir-424-TPM2", "HOTAIR-hsa-mir-143-SERPINE1", and "ARHGEF26-AS1-hsa-mir-143-SERPINE1".

CONCLUSIONS

These findings reveal several molecules might be novel important prognostic factors and potential treatment targets for colon adenocarcinoma. In addition, these observations contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of lncRNA-related ceRNA network and provide novel strategies for subsequent functional studies of lncRNAs in colon adenocarcinoma.

Silencing long non-coding RNA Kcnq1ot1 alleviates pyroptosis and fibrosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy

Diabetes cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a critical complication of long-term chronic diabetes mellitus and is characterized by myocardial fibrosis and myocardial hypertrophy. It has been suggested that DCM is related to pyroptosis, a programmed cell death associated with inflammation. The long non-coding RNA Kcnq1ot1 is involved in different pathophysiological mechanisms of multiple diseases, including acute myocardial damage and arrhythmia. Our previous study found that Kcnq1ot1 was elevated in left ventricular tissue of diabetic mice. However, whether Kcnq1ot1 is capable of regulating pyroptosis and fibrosis in high glucose-treated cardiac fibroblasts remains unknown. The aim of the study was to investigate the mechanisms of Kcnq1ot1 in DCM. Our study revealed that silencing Kcnq1ot1 by a lentivirus-shRNA improved cardiac function and fibrosis, ameliorated pyroptosis, and inhibited TGF-β1/smads pathway in C57BL/6 mice. In vitro, experiments revealed that Kcnq1ot1 and pyroptosis were activated in cardiac fibroblasts treated with 30 mmol/l glucose. Furthermore, Kcnq1ot1 knockdown by a small interfering RNA decreased caspase-1 expression. Bioinformatic prediction and luciferase assays showed that Kcnq1ot1 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA to regulate the expression of caspase-1 by sponging miR-214-3p. In addition, silencing Kcnq1ot1 promoted gasdermin D cleavage and the secretion of IL-1β, thus repressing the TGF-β1/smads pathway in high glucose-treated cardiac fibroblasts through miR-214-3p and caspase-1. Therefore, Kcnq1ot1/miR-214-3p/caspase-1/TGF-β1 signal pathway presents a new mechanism of DCM progression and could potentially be a novel therapeutic target.

3D microfluidic in vitro model and bioinformatics integration to study the effects of Spatholobi Caulis tannin in cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is considered the fourth most common malignant disease in women. Recently, tannin from Spatholobi Caulis (TTS) has been shown to have potent anticancer and antiproliferative characteristics in a few preliminary studies. This experiment used 3D microfluidic, flow cytometry, and gene chip technology to study the efficacy and mechanism of action of TTS, as well as molecular docking technology to study the effect of drugs on related proteins. The cell survival rates of the five groups measured by the 3D microfluidic chip were 94%, 85%, 64%, 55%, and 42%, respectively. With the increase in drug concentration, the cell survival rate gradually decreased. Apoptosis rates detected in the five groups were 2.12%, 15.87%, 33.40%, 41.13%, and 55.10%, respectively. These data suggest that TTS can promote cell apoptosis. The percentages of cells in the G0/G1 phase were 43.39%, 55.07%, 59.57%, 64.56%, and 67.39% in the five groups, respectively. TTS was demonstrated to inhibit the conversion of cells from G0/G1 to S phase and G2/M phase and inhibit gene and protein synthesis to block cell proliferation. TTS can effectively modulate pathogenic proteins. The results confirmed the efficacy of TTS against HeLa cells and that TTS can be used as an adjunct in cervical cancer prevention and treatment.