MicroRNA-21 regulates vascular smooth muscle cell function via targeting tropomyosin 1 in arteriosclerosis obliterans of lower extremities

Differential responses to thrombospondin-1 and PDGF-BB in smooth muscle cells from atherosclerotic coronary arteries and internal thoracic arteries

Atherosclerosis is rare in internal thoracic arteries (ITA) even in patients with severe atherosclerotic coronary artery (ACA) disease. To explore cellular differences, ITA SMC from 3 distinct donors and ACA SMC from 3 distinct donors were grown to sub-confluence and growth arrested for 48 h. Proliferation and thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) production were determined using standard techniques. ITA SMC were larger, grew more slowly and survived more passages than ACA SMC. ACA SMC had a more pronounced proliferative response to 10% serum than ITA SMC. Both ACA SMC and ITA SMC proliferated in response to exogenous TSP1 (12.5 µg/ml and 25 µg/ml) and platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB; 20 ng/ml) but TSP1- and PDGF-BB-induced proliferation were partially inhibited by anti-TSP1 antibody A4.1, microRNA-21(miR-21)-3p inhibitors and miR-21-5p inhibitors in each of the 3 ACA SMC lines, but not in any of the ITA SMC lines. PDGF-BB stimulated TSP1 production in ACA SMC but not in ITA SMC but there was no increase in TSP1 levels in conditioned media in either SMC type. In summary, there are significant differences in morphology, proliferative capacity and in responses to TSP1 and PDGF-BB in SMC derived from ITA compared to SMC derived from ACA.

Downregulation of miR-4284 can Inhibit the Apoptosis of Human Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells (HASMCs) in Arteriosclerosis Obliterans (ASO)

INTRODUCTION

The disease arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) affects the lower extremities. ASO's mechanism involves the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The miR-4284 is involved in several biological processes of the cardiovascular system, including VSMC proliferation, migration, and death. However, it is unknown if the miR-4284 gene is involved in the control of ASO. Furthermore, the molecular processes behind the contribution of human arterial smooth muscle cells (HASMCs), one of the most significant components of the arterial wall, to arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) pathogenesis remain unknown. Previously, we explored the alterations of miRNAs in the blood of ASO patients, and now we wanted to test further whether these changes also take place in the HASMCs that are responsible for the pathogenesis of ASO.

METHODS

The expression levels of miR-29a in arterial walls were analyzed via a real-time polymerase chain reaction. An ASO cell model was established to investigate the expression of miR- 4284 on HASMCs. The Transwell system and CCK-8 detection were used to assess the migration and proliferation of HASMCs. The proportion of apoptotic cells as well as the concentrations of apoptotic signal protein production were assessed using flow cytometry. A Western blot technique was used to identify B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl2), Bcl2-associated X protein (BAX), as well as Xlinked inhibitors of apoptosis protein (XIAP).

RESULTS

The results showed that PCR confirmed that the qualified production or expression of miR-4284 was significantly reduced in HASMCs after they were cultured without FBS and in an atmosphere of 1% O2 + 5% CO2 + 94% N2 and that glucose had no effect on its expression. MiR- 4284 has no effect on migration and proliferation, but downregulation of miR-4284 can decrease the apoptotic rate of HASMCs, as revealed by flow cytometry. Furthermore, western blot experiments showed that the expression of BAX was low, while the expression of the other two proteins, viz., Bcl2 and XIAP, was over-expressed.

CONCLUSION

We found that miR-4284 downregulation enhanced Bcl2, as well as XIAP, and decreased Bax. This shows that downregulated miR-4284 regulates apoptosis-related protein expression in HASMCs. The mechanism is not clear, and we need further study to confirm it.

Tanshinone IIA: a Chinese herbal ingredient for the treatment of atherosclerosis

Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is a fat-soluble compound extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza, which has a protective effect against atherosclerosis (AS). Tan IIA can inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory damage of vascular endothelial cells (VECs) and improve endothelial cell dysfunction. Tan IIA also has a good protective effect on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). It can reduce vascular stenosis by inhibiting the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and improve the stability of the fibrous cap of atherosclerotic plaque by inhibiting apoptosis and inflammation of VSMCs. In addition, Tan IIA inhibits the inflammatory response of macrophages and the formation of foam cells in atherosclerotic plaques. In summary, Tan IIA improves AS through a complex pathway. We propose to further study the specific molecular targets of Tan IIA using systems biology methods, so as to fundamentally elucidate the mechanism of Tan IIA. It is worth mentioning that there is a lack of high-quality evidence-based medical data on Tan IIA treatment of AS. We recommend that a randomized controlled clinical trial be conducted to evaluate the exact efficacy of Tan IIA in improving AS. Finally, sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) can cause adverse drug reactions in some patients, which needs our attention.

lncRNA TUG1 as potential novel biomarker for prognosis of cardiovascular diseases

Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the leading causes of death. In light of the high prevalence and mortality of CVDs, it is imperative to understand the molecules involved in CVD pathogenesis and the signaling pathways that they initiate. This may facilitate the development of more precise and expedient diagnostic techniques, the identification of more effective prognostic molecules and the identification of potential therapeutic targets. Numerous studies have examined the role of lncRNAs, such as TUG1, in CVD pathogenesis in recent years. According to this review article, TUG1 can be considered a biomarker for predicting the prognosis of CVD.

Comparative Genomics Identifies the Evolutionarily Conserved Gene TPM3 as a Target of eca-miR-1 Involved in the Skeletal Muscle Development of Donkeys

Species within the genus Equus are valued for their draft ability. Skeletal muscle forms the foundation of the draft ability of Equus species; however, skeletal muscle development-related conserved genes and their target miRNAs are rarely reported for Equus. In this study, a comparative genomics analysis was performed among five species (horse, donkey, zebra, cattle, and goat), and the results showed that a total of 15,262 (47.43%) genes formed the core gene set of the five species. Only nine chromosomes (Chr01, Chr02, Chr03, Chr06, Chr10, Chr18, Chr22, Chr27, Chr29, and Chr30) exhibited a good collinearity relationship among Equus species. The micro-synteny analysis results showed that TPM3 was evolutionarily conserved in chromosome 1 in Equus. Furthermore, donkeys were used as the model species for Equus to investigate the genetic role of TPM3 in muscle development. Interestingly, the results of comparative transcriptomics showed that the TPM3 gene was differentially expressed in donkey skeletal muscle S1 (2 months old) and S2 (24 months old), as verified via RT-PCR. Dual-luciferase test analysis showed that the TPM3 gene was targeted by differentially expressed miRNA (eca-miR-1). Furthermore, a total of 17 TPM3 gene family members were identified in the whole genome of donkey, and a heatmap analysis showed that EaTPM3-5 was a key member of the TPM3 gene family, which is involved in skeletal muscle development. In conclusion, the TPM3 gene was conserved in Equus, and EaTPM3-5 was targeted by eca-miR-1, which is involved in skeletal muscle development in donkeys.

MicroRNA regulation of phenotypic transformations in vascular smooth muscle: relevance to vascular remodeling

Alterations in the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) phenotype play a critical role in the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and restenosis after angioplasty. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous noncoding RNAs (approximately 19-25 nucleotides in length) that function as regulators in various physiological and pathophysiological events. Recent studies have suggested that aberrant miRNAs' expression might underlie VSMC phenotypic transformation, appearing to regulate the phenotypic transformations of VSMCs by targeting specific genes that either participate in the maintenance of the contractile phenotype or contribute to the transformation to alternate phenotypes, and affecting atherosclerosis, hypertension, and coronary artery disease by altering VSMC proliferation, migration, differentiation, inflammation, calcification, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, suggesting an important regulatory role in vascular remodeling for maintaining vascular homeostasis. This review outlines recent progress in the discovery of miRNAs and elucidation of their mechanisms of action and functions in VSMC phenotypic regulation. Importantly, as the literature supports roles for miRNAs in modulating vascular remodeling and for maintaining vascular homeostasis, this area of research will likely provide new insights into clinical diagnosis and prognosis and ultimately facilitate the identification of novel therapeutic targets.

The exploration of shared genes and molecular mechanisms of systemic lupus erythematosus and atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVE

Despite widespread recognition, the mechanisms underlying the relationship between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and atherosclerosis (AS) are still unclear. Our study aimed to explore the shared genetic signature and molecular mechanisms of SLE and AS using a bioinformatics approach.

METHODS

Gene expression profiles of GSE50772 (contains peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 61 SLE patients and 20 normal samples) and GSE100927 (contains 69 AS plaque tissue samples and 35 control samples) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Database (GEO) before the differentially expressed genes were obtained using the "limma" package in R. The differential genes were then subjected to gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis using the DAVID online platform to annotate their functions. The intersection targets of PPI and WGCNA were used as key shared genes for SLE and AS with their diagnostic value as shared genes being verified through ROC curves. Finally, Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was used to construct a miRNA-mRNA network map associated with the shared genes.

RESULTS

A total of 246 DEGs were identified, including 189 upregulated genes and 57 downregulated genes, which were mainly enriched in signaling pathways such as TNF signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, and NF-kB signaling pathway. The molecular basis for the relationship between SLE and AS may be the aforementioned signaling pathways. Following ROC curve validation, the intersection of PPI and WGCNA, as well as AQP9, CCR1, CD83, CXCL1, and FCGR2A, resulted in the identification of 15 shared genes.

CONCLUSION

The study provided a new perspective on the common molecular mechanisms between SLE and AS, and the key genes and pathways that were identified as being part of these pathways may offer fresh perspectives and suggestions for further experimental research.

Non-Coding RNAs in Regulating Plaque Progression and Remodeling of Extracellular Matrix in Atherosclerosis

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) regulate cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, inflammation, metabolism of clinically important biomolecules, and other cellular processes. They do not encode proteins but are involved in the regulatory network of various proteins that are directly related to the pathogenesis of diseases. Little is known about the ncRNA-associated mechanisms of atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular disorders. Remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and related disorders; however, its regulatory proteins are the potential subjects to explore with special emphasis on epigenetic regulatory components. The activity of regulatory proteins involved in ECM remodeling is regulated by various ncRNA molecules, as evident from recent research. Thus, it is important to critically evaluate the existing literature to enhance the understanding of nc-RNAs-regulated molecular mechanisms regulating ECM components, remodeling, and progression of atherosclerosis. This is crucial since deregulated ECM remodeling contributes to atherosclerosis. Thus, an in-depth understanding of ncRNA-associated ECM remodeling may identify novel targets for the treatment of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.

Palmitic acid inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell switch to synthetic phenotype via upregulation of miR-22 expression

Synthetic phenotype switch of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) has been shown to play key roles in vascular diseases. Mounting evidence has shown that fatty acid metabolism is highly associated with vascular diseases. However, how fatty acids regulate VSMC phenotype is poorly understood. Hence, the effects of palmitic acid (PA) on VSMC phenotype were determined in this study. The effect of the PA on VSMCs was measured by live/dead and EdU assays, as well as flow cytometry. Migration ability of VSMCs was evaluated using transwell assay. The underlying targets of miR-22 were predicted using bioinformatics online tools, and confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. The RNA and protein expression of certain gene was detected by qRT-PCR or western blot. PA inhibited VSMC switch to synthetic phenotype, as manifested by inhibiting VSMC proliferation, migration, and synthesis. PA upregulated miR-22 in VSMCs, and miR-22 mimics exerted similar effects as PA treatment, inhibiting VSMC switch to synthetic phenotype. Inhibition of miR-22 using miR-22 inhibitor blocked the impacts of PA on VSMC phenotype modulation, suggesting that PA modulated VSMC phenotype through upregulation of miR-22 expression. We found that ecotropic virus integration site 1 protein homolog (EVI1) was the target of miR-22 in regulation of VSMC phenotype. Overexpression of miR-22 or/and PA treatment attenuated the inhibition of EVI1 on switch of VSMCs. These findings suggested that PA inhibits VSMC switch to synthetic phenotype through upregulation of miR-22 thereby inhibiting EVI1, and correcting the dysregulation of miR-22/EVI1 or PA metabolism is a potential treatment to vascular diseases.

Differential expression pattern, bioinformatics analysis, and validation of circRNA and mRNA in patients with arteriosclerosis

Background

Lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) is the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in lower limb arteries, leading to vascular stenosis and occlusion, and is a major factor leading to lower limb amputation. The ASO seriously endangers the physical and mental health of patients. As living standards improve, the disease tends to occur in younger patients, and the incidence keeps increasing year by year. The circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been found to be tissue-specific, and they play an important role in a variety of diseases, but there are few studies on the pathogenic role and expression of circRNAs in ASOs.

Method

Three diseased arteries from patients with ASO and three healthy arteries from healthy donors were collected for second-generation sequencing, and the pathogenic pathways and possible pathogenic circRNAs related to ASO were screened through bioinformatics analysis. PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis were used to validate the sequencing results. The expression of circRNA-0008706 in human arterial smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) was knocked down using siRNA technology to explore its function.

Result

We identified 480 differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs and 2,997 DEmRNAs. Functional analysis revealed that epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), lipid transport, regulation of extracellular matrix disassembly, regulation of cardiac muscle cell proliferation, branched-chain amino acid biosynthetic process, and positive regulation of cell growth and migration were enriched. Based on our previous microRNA array results, we constructed an ASO disease-specific competing endogenous (ceRNA) network. After validation, circRNA-0008706 was selected for functional analysis. Knockdown of circRNA-0008706 significantly suppressed the proliferation and migration phenotype of HASMCs and decreased the BCAT1 expression, which may be due to the specific binding of circRNA-0008706 to microRNA-125b-5p.

Conclusion

This study is the first to compare the circRNA and mRNA expression profiles of ASOs and healthy arterial specimens and to construct a disease-specific ceRNA network for ASOs. This study may provide a new therapeutic target for ASO.

Integrated analysis of tRNA-derived small RNAs in proliferative human aortic smooth muscle cells

Background

Abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contributes to vascular remodeling diseases. Recently, it has been discovered that tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), a new type of noncoding RNAs, are related to the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. tsRNAs regulate target gene expression through miRNA-like functions. This study aims to explore the potential of tsRNAs in human aortic smooth muscle cell (HASMC) proliferation.

Methods

High-throughput sequencing was performed to analyze the tsRNA expression profile of proliferative and quiescent HASMCs. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to validate the sequence results and subcellular distribution of AS-tDR-001370, AS-tDR-000067, AS-tDR-009512, and AS-tDR-000076. Based on the microRNA-like functions of tsRNAs, we predicted target promoters and mRNAs and constructed tsRNA–promoter and tsRNA–mRNA interaction networks. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed to reveal the function of target genes. EdU incorporation assay, Western blot, and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay were utilized to detect the effects of tsRNAs on HASMC proliferation.

Results

Compared with quiescent HASMCs, there were 1838 differentially expressed tsRNAs in proliferative HASMCs, including 887 with increased expression (fold change > 2, p < 0.05) and 951 with decreased expression (fold change < ½, p < 0.05). AS-tDR-001370, AS-tDR-000067, AS-tDR-009512, and AS-tDR-000076 were increased in proliferative HASMCs and were mainly located in the nucleus. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that the four tsRNAs involved a variety of GO terms and pathways related to VSMC proliferation. AS-tDR-000067 promoted HASMC proliferation by suppressing p53 transcription in a promoter-targeted manner. AS-tDR-000076 accelerated HASMC proliferation by attenuating mitofusin 2 (MFN2) levels in a 3′-untranslated region (UTR)-targeted manner.

Conclusions

During HASMC proliferation, the expression levels of many tsRNAs are altered. AS-tDR-000067 and AS-tDR-000076 act as new factors promoting VSMC proliferation.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s11658-022-00346-4.

The prognostic value of TPM1-4 in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Despite advances in multiple disciplinary diagnoses and treatments, the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains poor. Some evidence has identified that the aberrant expression of tropomyosins (TPMs) is involved with some cancers development. However, prognostic values of TPMs in HCC have not been thoroughly investigated.

Methods

Original TPM1–4 mRNA expression of TCGA HCC data and GTEx was downloaded from UCSC XENA. Oncomine database and GSE46408 were used for verification. Clinical stages and survival analysis of TPM1–4 in HCC were performed by GEPIA2. cBioPortal was utilized to assess TPM1–4 gene alteration in HCC. TIMER2.0 was used for investigating the relevance of TPM1–4 to tumor‐infiltrating immune cells in HCC. Additionally, we constructed a TPM1–4 prognostic model to explore the value of TPM1–4 for prognostic evaluation in HCC. LinkedOmics was applied to elucidate TPM3 co‐expression networks in HCC.

Results

This present study showed that TPM1–4 was upregulated in all HCC tissues, and TPM3 overexpression was correlated with poor survival outcomes in patients with HCC. Besides, TPM3 amplification was the main altered type in TPM1–4 genetic alteration, which affected the prognosis of HCC patients. The risk model revealed that TPM1, TPM2, and TPM3 were applied to risk assessment of HCC prognosis, among which TPM3 expression was significantly higher in the high‐risk group than that in the low‐risk group. Univariate and multivariate cox regression analyses indicated that TPM3 may be an independent prognostic factor of HCC prognosis. In addition, TPM3 co‐expression genes mainly participated in the cell cycle by maintaining microtubule cytoskeleton in HCC progression. TPM1–4 was associated with some tumor‐infiltrating immune cells in HCC.

Conclusion

Our study detected that the expression level of TPM1–4 was all remarkably elevated in HCC, suggesting that TPM1–4 may serve an important role in HCC development. High TPM3 expression was found to be correlated with poor overall survival, and TPM3 may be an independent prognostic factor for HCC.

Detection of Atherosclerosis by Small RNA-Sequencing Analysis of Extracellular Vesicle Enriched Serum Samples

Atherosclerosis can occur throughout the arterial vascular system and lead to various diseases. Early diagnosis of atherosclerotic processes and of individual disease patterns would be more likely to be successful if targeted therapies were available. For this, it is important to find reliable biomarkers that are easily accessible and with little inconvenience for patients. There are many cell culture, animal model or tissue studies that found biomarkers at the microRNA (miRNA) and mRNA level describing atherosclerotic processes. However, little is known about their potential as circulating and liquid biopsy markers in patients. In this study, we examined serum-derived miRNA - profiles from 129 patients and 28 volunteers to identify potential biomarkers. The patients had four different atherosclerotic manifestations: abdominal aneurysm (n = 35), coronary heart disease (n = 34), carotid artery stenosis (n = 24) and peripheral arterial disease (n = 36). The samples were processed with an extracellular vesicle enrichment protocol, total-RNA extraction and small RNA-sequencing were performed. A differential expression analysis was performed bioinformatically to find potentially regulated miRNA biomarkers. Resulting miRNA candidates served as a starting point for an overrepresentation analysis in which relevant target mRNAs were identified. The Gene Ontology database revealed relevant biological functions in relation to atherosclerotic processes. In patients, expression of specific miRNAs changed significantly compared to healthy volunteers; 27 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified. We were able to detect a group-specific miRNA fingerprint: miR-122-5p, miR-2110 and miR-483-5p for abdominal aortic aneurysm, miR-370-3p and miR-409-3p for coronary heart disease, miR-335-3p, miR-381-3p, miR493-5p and miR654-3p for carotid artery stenosis, miR-199a-5p, miR-215-5p, miR-3168, miR-582-3p and miR-769-5p for peripheral arterial disease. The results of the study show that some of the identified miRNAs have already been associated with atherosclerosis in previous studies. Overrepresentation analysis on this data detected biological processes that are clearly relevant for atherosclerosis, its development and progression showing the potential of these miRNAs as biomarker candidates. In a next step, the relevance of these findings on the mRNA level is to be investigated and substantiated.

CRISPR-Based Activation of Endogenous Expression of TPM1 Inhibits Inflammatory Response of Primary Human Coronary Artery Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells Induced by Recombinant Human Tumor Necrosis Factor α

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) is one of the most important proinflammatory cytokines, which affects many processes associated with the growth and characteristics of endothelial, smooth muscle, and immune system cells. However, there is no correlation between most in vivo and in vitro studies on its role in endothelial cell proliferation and migration. In this study, we examined the effect of recombinant human (rh) TNFα produced in HEK293 cells on primary human coronary artery endothelial cells (pHCAECs) in the context of F-actin organization and such processes as migration and adhesion. Furthermore, we evaluated the possibility of the inhibition of the endothelial inflammatory response by the CRISPR-based regulation of TPM1 gene expression. We showed that TNFα-induced activation of pHCAECs was related to the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton into parallel-arranged stress fibers running along the longer axis of pHCAECs. It allowed for the directed and parallel motion of the cells during coordinated migration. This change in F-actin organization promoted strong but discontinuous cell–cell contacts involved in signalization between migrating cells. Moreover, this form of intercellular connections together with locally increased adhesion was related to the formation of migrasomes and further migracytosis. Stabilization of the actin cytoskeleton through the CRISPR-based activation of endogenous expression of TPM1 resulted in the inhibition of the inflammatory response of pHCAECs following treatment with rh TNFα and stabilization of cell–cell junctions through reduced cleavage of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) and maintenance of the stable levels of α- and β-catenins. We also showed that CRISPR-based activation of TPM1 reduced inflammatory activation, proliferation, and migration of primary human coronary artery smooth muscle cells. Therefore, products of the TPM1 gene may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of proinflammatory vascular disorders.

Roles of MicroRNAs in Peripheral Artery In-Stent Restenosis after Endovascular Treatment

Endovascular repair including percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and stent implantation has become the standard approach for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease; however, restenosis is still the main limited complication for the long-term success of the endovascular repair. Endothelial denudation and regeneration, inflammatory response, and neointimal hyperplasia are major pathological processes occurring during in-stent restenosis (ISR). MicroRNAs exhibit great potential in regulating several vascular biological events in different cell types and have been identified as novel therapeutic targets as well as biomarkers for ISR prevention. This review summarized recent experimental and clinical studies on the role of miRNAs in ISR modification, with the aim of unraveling the underlying mechanism and potential therapeutic strategy of ISR.

Potential value of MicroRNA-21 as a biomarker for predicting the prognosis of patients with breast cancer: A protocol for meta-analysis and bioinformatics analysis

BACKGROUND

The latest global cancer data from 2020 shows that breast cancer has replaced lung cancer as the number one cancer in the world. Searching for new biomarkers of breast cancer has important clinical significance for early diagnosis, prediction of prognosis, and targeted therapy. MicroRNA-21 (miRNA-21) can be used as a new molecular marker for early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of tumors. However, the expression of miRNA-21 in breast cancer and its prognosis are not clear. Therefore, this study conducted a meta-analysis to further clarify the relationship between the expression of miRNA-21 in breast cancer and prognosis. At the same time, we carried out bioinformatics analysis to further analyze the possible molecular mechanism of miRNA-21, so as to provide potential clinical indicators for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of patients.

METHODS

PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Wanfang, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and other databases were used to retrieve the published relevant literatures. Include the eligible research, extract the survival data hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals and other information. STATA16.0 software was used for meta-analysis. Download the miRNA data of breast cancer through the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The data extracted for independent sample t test and ROC curve was drawn. OncomiR plotted the survival curve of miRNA-21 on the prognosis of breast cancer. The target genes of miRNA-21 were predicted, and the Gene Ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway were analyzed. STRING database and Cytoscape construct protein-protein interaction (PPI) network to obtain Hub gene. The correlation between the expression level of Hub gene in breast cancer and the abundance of immune cell infiltration was analyzed by TIMER database and verified by Kaplan-Meien plotter database.

RESULTS

The results of this meta-analysis will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.

CONCLUSION

In this study, meta-analysis and bioinformatics analysis were used to further explore the prognosis, mechanism, and related pathways of miRNA-21 in breast cancer.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The private information from individuals will not be published. This systematic review also should not damage participants' rights. Ethical approval is not available. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated in relevant conferences.

OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/R32A9.

LncRNA-TCONS_00034812 is upregulated in atherosclerosis and upregulates miR-21 through methylation in vascular smooth muscle cells

Background

LncRNA-TCONS_00034812 is a critical player in the proliferation of aortic smooth muscle cells. It is known that artery injury plays an important role in atherosclerosis. However, the potential implication of LncRNA-TCONS_00034812 in atherosclerosis remains unclear. In this study, we collected artery specimens from patients with atherosclerosis and healthy controls to investigate the involvement of LncRNA-TCONS_00034812 in atherosclerosis.

Methods

Sixty patients with atherosclerosis and 60 controls, admitted at The First Hospital of Changsha (Changsha, China), between March 2017 and March 2019, were included. An artery biopsy was performed on all participants to obtain the artery specimens. Real-time quantitative PCR were performed to quantify the relative expression level of LncRNA-TCONS_00034812. Its role in atherosclerotic lesion was evaluated in (high fat diet) HFD-induced ApoE^−/− mice. Moreover, human aortic smooth muscle cells (HAOSMCs) was employed to study functional role of LncRNA-TCONS_00034812 overexpression and knockdown by methylation-specific PCR and cell proliferation assay.

Results

Overexpression of TCONS_00034812 resulted in miR-21 upregulation and a decrease of miR-21 gene methylation. In contrast, silencing of TCONS_00034812 caused miR-21 downregulation and an increase of miR-21 gene methylation. Cell proliferation analysis indicated that the overexpression of TCONS_00034812 and miR-21 promoted cell proliferation, while silencing of TCONS_00034812 played an opposite role. Moreover, miR-21 overexpression weakened the effects of silencing TCONS_00034812 on cell proliferation.

Conclusions

In summary, LncRNA-TCONS_00034812 is upregulated in atherosclerotic samples, and its overexpression upregulates miR-21 through methylation in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HAOSMCs). Our study indicates that LncRNA-TCONS_00034812 could serve as a potential biomarker for diagnosis of atherosclerosis.

Age-Related Alterations in the Testicular Proteome of a Non-Human Primate

Aging of human testis and associated cellular changes is difficult to assess. Therefore, we used a translational, non-human primate model to get insights into underlying cellular and biochemical processes. Using proteomics and immunohistochemistry, we analyzed testicular tissue of young (age 2 to 3) and old (age 10 to 12) common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Using a mass spectrometry-based proteomics approach, we identified 63,124 peptides, which could be assigned to 5924 proteins. Among them, we found proteins specific for germ cells and somatic cells, such as Leydig and Sertoli cells. Quantitative analysis showed 31 differentially abundant proteins, of which 29 proteins were more abundant in older animals. An increased abundance of anti-proliferative proteins, among them CDKN2A, indicate reduced cell proliferation in old testes. Additionally, an increased abundance of several small leucine rich repeat proteoglycans and other extracellular matrix proteins was observed, which may be related to impaired cell migration and fibrotic events. Furthermore, an increased abundance of proteins with inhibitory roles in smooth muscle cell contraction like CNN1 indicates functional alterations in testicular peritubular cells and may mirror a reduced capacity of these cells to contract in old testes.

Cell death pathways and viruses: Role of microRNAs

Viral infections lead to the death of more than a million people each year around the world, both directly and indirectly. Viruses interfere with many cell functions, particularly critical pathways for cell death, by affecting various intracellular mediators. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a major example of these mediators because they are involved in many (if not most) cellular mechanisms. Virus-regulated miRNAs have been implicated in three cell death pathways, namely, apoptosis, autophagy, and anoikis. Several molecules (e.g., BECN1 and B cell lymphoma 2 [BCL2] family members) are involved in both apoptosis and autophagy, while activation of anoikis leads to cell death similar to apoptosis. These mechanistic similarities suggest that common regulators, including some miRNAs (e.g., miR-21 and miR-192), are involved in different cell death pathways. Because the balance between cell proliferation and cell death is pivotal to the homeostasis of the human body, miRNAs that regulate cell death pathways have drawn much attention from researchers. miR-21 is regulated by several viruses and can affect both apoptosis and anoikis via modulating various targets, such as PDCD4, PTEN, interleukin (IL)-12, Maspin, and Fas-L. miR-34 can be downregulated by viral infection and has different effects on apoptosis, depending on the type of virus and/or host cell. The present review summarizes the existing knowledge on virus-regulated miRNAs involved in the modulation of cell death pathways. Understanding the mechanisms for virus-mediated regulation of cell death pathways could provide valuable information to improve the diagnosis and treatment of many viral diseases.

Different Cre systems induce differential microRNA landscapes and abnormalities in the female reproductive tracts of Dgcr8 conditional knockout mice

OBJECTIVES

The female reproductive tract comprises several different cell types. Using three representative Cre systems, we comparatively analysed the phenotypes of Dgcr8 conditional knockout (cKO) mice to understand the function of Dgcr8, involved in canonical microRNA biogenesis, in the female reproductive tract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dgcr8f/f mice were crossed with Ltficre/+ , Amhr2cre/+ or PRcre/+ mice to produce mice deficient in Dgcr8 in epithelial (Dgcr8ed/ed ), mesenchymal (Dgcr8md/md ) and all the compartments (Dgcr8td/td ) in the female reproductive tract. Reproductive phenotypes were evaluated in Dgcr8 cKO mice. Uteri and/or oviducts were used for small RNA-seq, mRNA-seq, real-time RT-PCR, and/or morphologic and histological analyses.

RESULT

Dgcr8ed/ed mice did not exhibit any distinct defects, whereas Dgcr8md/md mice showed sub-fertility and oviductal smooth muscle deformities. Dgcr8td/td mice were infertile due to anovulation and acute inflammation in the female reproductive tract and suffered from an atrophic uterus with myometrial defects. The microRNAs and mRNAs related to immune modulation and/or smooth muscle growth were systemically altered in the Dgcr8td/td uterus. Expression profiles of dysregulated microRNAs and mRNAs in the Dgcr8td/td uterus were different from those in other genotypes in a Cre-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

Dgcr8 deficiency with different Cre systems induces overlapping but distinct phenotypes as well as the profiles of microRNAs and their target mRNAs in the female reproductive tract, suggesting the importance of selecting the appropriate Cre driver to investigate the genes of interest.

MicroRNA-130a inhibits proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells by suppressing autophagy via ATG2B

Numerous microRNAs participate in regulating the pathological process of atherosclerosis. We have found miR-130a is one of the most significantly down-regulated microRNAs in arteriosclerosis obliterans. Our research explored the function of miR-130a in regulating proliferation by controlling autophagy in arteriosclerosis obliterans development. A Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of miR-130a target genes indicated a correlation between miR-130a and cell proliferation. Thus, cell cycle, CCK-8 assays and Western blot analysis were performed, and the results indicated that miR-130a overexpression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) significantly attenuated cell proliferation, which was validated by an in vivo assay in a rat model. Moreover, autophagy is thought to be involved in the regulation of proliferation. As our results indicated, miR-130a could inhibit autophagy, and ATG2B was predicted to be a target of miR-130a. The autophagy inhibition effect of miR-130a overexpression was consistent with the effect of ATG2B knockdown. The results that ATG2B plasmids and miR-130a mimics were cotransfected in VSMCs further confirmed our conclusion. In addition, by using immunohistochemistry, the positive results of LC3 II/I and ATG2B in the rat model and artery vascular tissues from the patient were in accordance with in vitro data. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that miR-130a inhibits VSMCs proliferation via ATG2B, which indicates that miR-130a could be a potential therapeutic target that regulates autophagy in atherosclerosis obliterans.

Profiling of microRNA from skeletal muscle of Bandur sheep using RNA sequencing

MicroRNA profiling is a powerful approach for identifying key regulators of molecular functions which control skeletal muscle development, regeneration and function. Information on gene expression and the regulatory factors involved in myogenesis is very limited for Indian sheep. This study reports the identification and characterization of miRNAs from the skeletal muscles of Bandur sheep breed for the first time. Bandur is a consumer favoured, mutton type sheep of India, mainly distributed in Mandya district of Karnataka. Skeletal muscles from four animals of Bandur sheep of similar age, sex and reared under same management conditions were used for RNA sequencing. The total number of reads (15–36 bp) for each library of Bandur sheep ranged from 19,350,000 to 30,000,000. Highly expressed transcripts with an RPKM value of ≥1000 were observed to be 34%, whereas 38% transcripts exhibited RPKM between 100–1000 and 28% had RPKM <100 in Bandur sheep. A total of 110 known mature miRNAs could be identified on comparison with known human and bovine sequences. All the identified miRNAs represented 32 miRNA families and 44 clusters. A total of 499 novel miRNAs were discovered in Bandur sheep. The miRNAs identified in our study were enriched for functions namely cell proliferation, cell differentiation, osteogenesis, lipid metabolism, muscle development, adipocyte differentiation and stress response. Potential gene targets for the identified miRNAs were predicted. Most relevant target genes predicted in our study included MYO5A, SIN3B and NR2F2 which are mainly involved in myogenesis. This study provides information of miRNAs in the skeletal muscle tissue of Bandur sheep.

The Cell Type-Specific Functions of miR-21 in Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the prime reasons for disability and death worldwide. Diseases and conditions, such as hypoxia, pressure overload, infection, and hyperglycemia, might initiate cardiac remodeling and dysfunction by inducing hypertrophy or apoptosis in cardiomyocytes and by promoting proliferation in cardiac fibroblasts. In the vascular system, injuries decrease the endothelial nitric oxide levels and affect the phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells. Understanding the underlying mechanisms will be helpful for the development of a precise therapeutic approach. Various microRNAs are involved in mediating multiple pathological and physiological processes in the heart. A cardiac enriched microRNA, miR-21, which is essential for cardiac homeostasis, has been demonstrated to act as a cell–cell messenger with diverse functions. This review describes the cell type–specific functions of miR-21 in different cardiovascular diseases and its prospects in clinical therapy.

MicroRNAs As Master Regulators of Atherosclerosis: From Pathogenesis to Novel Therapeutic Options

Significance: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Accumulating evidence indicates that atherosclerosis and its sequelae, coronary artery disease, contribute to the majority of cardiovascular deaths. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arteries in which atherosclerotic plaques form within the vessel wall. Epidemiological studies have identified various risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking, genetic predisposition, and sedentary lifestyle. Recent Advances: Through the advancement of genetic manipulation techniques and their use in cardiovascular biology, it was shown that small RNAs, especially microRNAs (miRNAs), are dynamic regulators of disease pathogenesis. They are considered to be central during the regulation of gene expression through numerous mechanisms and provide a means to develop biomarkers and therapeutic tools for the diagnosis and therapy of atherosclerosis. Circulating miRNAs encapsulated within membrane-surrounded vesicles, which originate from diverse subcellular compartments, are now emerging as novel regulators of intercellular communication. The miRNAs, in both freely circulating and vesicle-bound forms, represent a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring CVD, recently termed as "liquid biopsy." Critical Issues: However, despite the recent advancements in miRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics, understanding how miRNAs can regulate atherosclerosis is still crucial to achieving an effective intervention and reducing the disease burden. Future Directions: We provide a landscape of the current developmental progression of RNA therapeutics as a holistic approach for treating CVD in different animal models and clinical trials. Future interrogations are warranted for the development of miRNA-based therapeutics to overcome challenges for the treatment of the disease.

Cell-free microRNA-21: biomarker for intracranial aneurysm rupture

Background

Deregulation of miRNA-21 expression has been reported to be associated with vascular smooth muscle behavior and cytoskeletal stability. This study is aimed to investigate the density of serum miRNA-21 in patients with different phases of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) and explore its warning function for IA rupture.

Methods

A total of 16 in 200 IA patients were selected and categorized into 4 groups based on the phase of IA. Microarray study was carried out using serum miRNA and differentially expressed miRNAs were identified. Another 24 samples from a cohort of 360 patients were added and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed on expanded sample size (n = 40) for miRNA-21 validation. Potential gene targets of miRNA-21 were screened out from Gene Ontology (GO) database and literatures.

Results

Microarray study identified 77 miRNAs with significantly different expression levels between experimental groups and the control group. RT-PCR assays validated significant downregulation of miRNA-21 in experimental groups, among which miRNA-21 expression level of daughter aneurysm group decreased the most. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that several target genes related with miRNA-21 may be involved in IA formation and rupture.

Conclusions

This study suggested that miRNA-21 had a protective effect for intracranial vascular wall against remodeling and warning function for intracranial aneurysm rupture. Significant suppression of serum miRNA-21 in IA patients may provide diagnostic clues for aneurysm rupture and guide clinical intervention.

Downregulation of miRNA‑328 promotes the angiogenesis of HUVECs by regulating the PIM1 and AKT/mTOR signaling pathway under high glucose and low serum condition

Vascular complications are the primary reason for disability and mortality associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), and numerous microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are involved in the process, such as miR‑122, miR‑24 and miR‑423. It has been reported that miR‑328 regulates DM and cardiovascular disease; however, the role and mechanism of action underlying miR‑328 in HUVECs is not completely understood. The present study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of action underlying the effects of miR‑328 on the functions of HUVECs. To simulate hyperglycemia combined with ischemia‑induced tissue starvation, HUVECs were cultured in endothelial cell medium with 25 mmol/l D‑glucose and 2% FBS for 24 h [high glucose (HG) + 2% FBS group]. HUVEC miR‑328 expression levels were detected by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR. Cell migration, cytotoxicity and tube‑like structure formation were analyzed using wound healing, Cell Counting Kit‑8 and tube formation assays, respectively. Following transfection with miR‑328 inhibitor, miR‑328 expression was downregulated in HUVECs. Protein expression levels were determined by western blotting. Compared with the control group, the migration and tube‑like structure formation of HUVECs were decreased, and cell cytotoxicity was increased in the HG + 2% FBS group. The protein expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor were also decreased, and the expression levels of miRNA‑328 in the HG + 2% FBS group were increased compared with the control group. However, miRNA‑328 downregulation reversed the aforementioned effects. Further experiments indicated that the AKT signaling pathway was inhibited in the HG + 2% FBS group; however, miR‑328 downregulation activated the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which was blocked by the AKT signaling pathway inhibitor, perifosine. Gene prediction and western blotting demonstrated that miR‑328 displayed a regulatory role via Pim‑1 proto‑oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (PIM1). In conclusion, miR‑328 expression was upregulated and angiogenesis was inhibited when HUVECs were subjected to high glucose and low serum conditions. miR‑328 downregulation enhanced angiogenesis by increasing PIM1 expression and activating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in HUVECs under high glucose and low serum conditions.

Ursodeoxycholic acid inhibits intimal hyperplasia, vascular smooth muscle cell excessive proliferation, migration via blocking miR-21/PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

Excessive migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are critical cellular events that lead to intimal hyperplasia in atherosclerosis and restenosis. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on intimal hyperplasia and VSMC proliferation and migration, and the underlying mechanisms by which these events occur. A rat unilateral carotid artery was ligated to induce vascular injury and the microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles were determined using miRNA microarray analysis. We observed that UDCA significantly reduced the degree of intimal hyperplasia and induced miR-21 dysregulation. Restoration of miR-21 by agomir-miR-21 reversed the protective effects of UDCA on intimal hyperplasia and proliferation in vivo. In vitro, UDCA suppressed PDGF-BB-induced VSMC proliferation, invasion and migration in a dose-dependent manner, whereas the suppressive effect of UDCA was abrogated by overexpression of miR-21 in PDGF-BB-incubated VSMCs. Furthermore, we identified that miR-21 in VSMCs targeted the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), a tumor suppressor gene, negatively modulated the AKT/mTOR pathway. More importantly, we observed that that UDCA suppressed AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the carotid artery injury model, whereas this pathway was reactivated by overexpression of miR-21. Taken together, our findings indicated that UDCA inhibited intimal hyperplasia and VSMCs excessive migration and proliferation via blocking miR-21/PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which suggests that UDCA may be a promising candidate for the therapy of atherosclerosis.

Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome Promotes Foam Cell Formation in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Atherogenesis Via HMGB1

Background

This study aimed at investigating whether NLRP3 (the Nod like receptor family, pyrin domain‐containing 3 protein) inflammasome activation induced HMGB1 (high mobility group box‐1 protein) secretion and foam cell formation in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and atherosclerosis in ApoE^−/− mice.

Methods and Results

VSMCs or ApoE^−/− mice were treated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and/or ATP or LPS and high‐fat diet to induce NLRP3 inflammasome activation. HMGB1 distribution and foam cell formation in VSMCs were characterized. Liver X receptor α and ATP‐binding cassette transporter expression were determined. The impact of NLRP3 or receptor for advanced glycation end product silencing, ZYVAD‐FMK (caspase‐1 inhibitor), glycyrrhizin (HMGB1 inhibitor) or receptor for advanced glycation end product antagonist peptide on HMGB1 secretion, foam cell formation, liver X receptor α and ATP‐binding cassette transporter expression was examined. Expression level of HMGB1 in human atherosclerosis obliterans arterial tissues was characterized. Our results found that NLRP3 inflammasome activation promoted foam cell formation and HMGB1 secretion in VSMCs. Extracellular HMGB1 was a key signal molecule in inflammasome activation‐mediated foam cell formation. Furthermore, inflammasome activation‐induced HMGB1 activity and foam cell formation were achieved by receptor for advanced glycation end product/liver X receptor α /ATP‐binding cassette transporter glycyrrhizin. Experiments in vivo found glycyrrhizin significantly attenuated the LPS/high‐fat diet‐induced atherosclerosis and serum HMGB1 levels in mice. Finally, levels of HMGB1 and NLRP3 were increased in tunica media adjacent to intima of atherosclerosis obliteran arteries.

Conclusions

Our results revealed that HMGB1 is a key downstream signal molecule of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and plays an important role in VSMCs foam cell formation and atherogenesis by downregulating liver X receptor α and ATP‐binding cassette transporter expression through receptor for advanced glycation end product.

miR-29a Regulates the Proliferation and Migration of Human Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells in Arteriosclerosis Obliterans of the Lower Extremities

BACKGROUND

The molecular mechanisms underlying the contribution of human arterial smooth muscle cells (HASMCs), one of the most important components of the arterial wall, to the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) remain elusive.

METHODS

The expression levels of miR-29a in arterial walls were analyzed via real-time-polymerase chain reaction. An ASO cell model was established to investigate the expression of miR-29a on HASMCs. The interaction between miR-29a and platelet-derived growth factor receptor B (PDGFRB) was detected by luciferase reporter assay, and the alteration of the expression of PDGFRB was determined in platelet-derived growth factor‑BB (PDGF-BB)-stimulated HASMCs transfected with miR-NC, miR-29a mimics, and miR-29a inhibitors. Further, HASMCs cell proliferation was investigated by cell counting kit-8 and EdU assays, and cell migrations were evaluated by Transwell and wound closure assays.

RESULTS

The expression of miR-29a was remarkably downregulated in the arterial walls of ASO patients compared with normal arterial walls. Furthermore, expression of miR-29a in HASMCs under PDGF-BB stimulation was lower than vehicle control. PDGFRB was identified as a target of miR-29a in HASMCs, and miR-29a inhibited the proliferation and migration in PDGF-BB-induced HASMCs, via regulating the expression of PDGFRB.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that miR-29a is downregulated in the arterial wall of ASO patients, as well as in the PDGF-BB-stimulated HASMCs. This alteration of miR-29a could upregulate target genes PDGFRB and inhibits the proliferation and migration of HASMCs. These findings discovered new mechanisms of ASO pathogenesis, and the miR-29a/PDGFRB axis could serve as potential therapy target of ASO.

MicroRNA-21 deficiency attenuated atherogenesis and decreased macrophage infiltration by targeting Dusp-8

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder mediated by macrophage activation. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) is a key regulator in the macrophage inflammatory response. However, the functional role of miR-21 in atherogenesis is far from clear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Here, we report that miR-21 is significantly upregulated in mouse atherosclerotic plaques and peripheral monocytes from patients with coronary artery disease. Compared with miR-21^+/+apoE^-/- mice (apoE^-/- mice), miR-21^-/-apoE^-/- (double knockout, DKO) mice showed less atherosclerotic lesions, reduced presence of macrophages, decreased smooth muscle cells(SMC) and collagen content in the aorta. We further explored the role of miR-21 in macrophage activation in vitro. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) from DKO mice not only exhibit impaired function of migration induced by chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) but also a weakened macrophage-endothelium interaction activated by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). However, atherogenic inflammatory cytokine secretion was not affected by miR-21 in vitro or in vivo. Additionally, miR-21 knockdown in BMDMs directly derepressed the expression of dual specificity protein phosphatase 8 (Dusp-8), a previously validated miR-21 target in cardiac fibroblasts, which negatively regulates mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, particularly the p38-and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-related signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate that inhibition of miR-21 may restrict the formation of atherosclerotic plaques partly by regulating macrophage migration and adhesion, while, reduced SMCs and collagen content in plaques may lead to a less stable phenotype with the progression of atherosclerosis. Thus, the absence of miR-21 reduces atherosclerotic lesions but may not represent all benefit in atherosclerosis development.

The Role of Thyroid Diseases and their Medications in Cardiovascular Disorders: A Review of the Literature

The association between thyroid disease and cardiovascular manifestations is significant and undeniable. Previous studies have explained several aspects of the effects of thyroid hormone on the heart and cardiovascular system. Accordingly, both hyper and hypothyroidism can cause important alterations in cardiac rhythm, output and contractility as well as vascular resistance and blood pressure. Since treating the thyroid abnormality, especially in its initial stages, could lead to a significant improvement in most of its resultant cardiovascular disturbances, early suspicion and recognition of thyroid dysfunction, is necessary in patients with cardiovascular manifestations. In this in-depth review, we discuss the physiological roles as well as the effects of abnormal levels of thyroid hormones on the cardiovascular system. We also review the effects of the medications used for the treatment of hyper and hypothyroidism on cardiac function. In the end, we discuss the association between thyroid function and amiodarone, an effective and frequently-used antiarrhythmic drug, because of its well-known effects on the thyroid.

miR-21 regulates vascular smooth muscle cell function in arteriosclerosis obliterans of lower extremities through AKT and ERK1/2 pathways

INTRODUCTION

Arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) is a disease that affects the lower extremities. The mechanism of ASO is associated with the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). miR-21 plays a key role in various biological processes of the cardiovascular system, associated with the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of VSMCs. It is unclear, however, if miR-21 is involved in the regulation of ASO.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) were transfected with miR-21 mimics and co-treated with protein kinase B (AKT) or a mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK) inhibitor. Expression levels of p-AKT or p-ERK were measured by western blot. Cell apoptosis was assessed using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and visualized under a fluorescence microscope. Cell proliferation was monitored by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling; cell migration and invasion were determined by the Transwell assay.

RESULTS

miR-21 was upregulated in arteries of ASO, the pathogenesis of which involved the activation of p-AKT and p-ERK1/2. Inhibition of the AKT or ERK activity was consistent with the attenuation of the miR-21-induced HASMC migration and proliferation. HASMCs co-treated with miR-21 mimics and AKT or ERK inhibitor showed attenuation of the miR-21-induced high elongation ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that the expression of miR-21 in HASMCs could find potential application in cardiac therapy. Inhibition of the activity of AKT or ERK could attenuate miR-21-induced cell proliferation and migration as well as altering morphology of HASMCs. The present study aimed to indicate the potential roles of miR-21 in ASO processes, and the results provided a novel therapeutic approach for treating ASO and new targets for preventing ASO in earlier stages.

MicroRNA-125a-3p affects smooth muscle cell function in vascular stenosis

AIMS

Many studies have indicated that microRNAs are closely related to the process of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Previously, we found that microRNA-125a-3p (miR-125a-3p) in restenotic arteries after interventional therapy of lower extremity vessels was notably decreased compared with that of normal control arteries. However, its role in the development of vascular stenosis is not yet clearly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression, regulatory mechanism and function of miR-125a-3p in the process of vascular stenosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction assays indicated that miR-125a-3p in restenotic arteries after interventional therapy was significantly lower than that in normal control arteries. Immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization co-staining assays in arterial sections demonstrated that miR-125a-3p was mainly expressed in the medial smooth muscle layer. Transfection of miR-125a-3p mimics into cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) effectively inhibited cell proliferation and migration. Then, western blot and luciferase activity assays showed that recombinant human mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) was a functional target of miR-125a-3p and was involved in miR-125a-3p-mediated cell effects. Finally, the lentiviral infection of miR-125a-3p in balloon-injured rat carotid vascular walls showed that miR-125a-3p overexpression significantly reduced the probability of neointimal membrane production.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-125a-3p can effectively inhibit the function of VSMCs and the occurrence of vascular stenosis by targeting MAPK1. This study introduces a new molecular mechanism of PAD. We show that regulation of the miR-125a-3p level has the potential to provide a new treatment for PAD and other proliferative vascular diseases.

miR-21 induces endothelial progenitor cells proliferation and angiogenesis via targeting FASLG and is a potential prognostic marker in deep venous thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of lower extremities is a common thrombotic disease, occurring either in isolation or as a complication of other diseases or procedures. MiR-21 is one of important microRNAs which play critical role in various cellular function. This study aim to determine the effect of miR-21 on endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and its role in predicting prognosis of DVT.

METHODS

EPCs was isolated from DVT models and control subjects. miR-21 expression was confirmed by RT-PCR. Potential target mRNA was predicted by bioinformatics analysis. EPCs biological functions were examined by CCK-8 and tube formation assay. Besides, miR-21 expression was determined in DVT patients to investigate the correlation between miR-21 expression and prognosis of DVT. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were also performed to reveal the risk factors associated with prognosis.

RESULTS

Here, we found miR-21 was downregulated in EPCs of DVT model rats. Increased miR-21 expression promoted proliferation and angiogenesis of EPCs. Moreover, we demonstrated that FASLG was a target of miR-21 and revealed that FASLG knockdown inhibited function of EPCs. Upregulation of miR-21 led to thrombus resolution in a rat model of venous thrombosis. In addition, lower expression level of miR-21 in DVT patients was associated with an increase of recurrent DVT and post thrombotic syndrome (PTS). Furthermore, Cox proportional hazard regression analyses demonstrated miR-21 expression level as an independent predictor of recurrence of DVT.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data revealed a role of miR-21 in regulating biological function of EPCs and could be a predictor for recurrent DVT or PTS.

iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics reveals the neuroprotection of rhubarb in experimental intracerebral hemorrhage

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rhubarb is a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), that possesses neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidative, purgative and anticancer properties, and has been used to treat intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and many other diseases.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the changes of brain protein in ICH rats treated with rhubarb and to explore the multi-target mechanism of rhubarb in the treatment of ICH via bioinformatics analysis of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were subjected to collagenase-induced ICH and then treated orally with 3 or 12 g/kg rhubarb daily for 2 days following ICH. After sacrifice, total protein of brain tissue was extracted, and isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ)-based liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis was employed to quantitatively identify of the DEPs in two treatment groups compared with the vehicle group. The DEPs were analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and STRING databases. Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechanism of TCM (BATMAN-TCM) was used to predict the target of rhubarb and western blotting was used for verification.

RESULTS

In total, 1356 proteins were identified with a 1% false discovery rate (FDR). Among them, 55 DEPs were significantly altered in the sham, vehicle, low dose rhubarb group (LDR, 3 g/kg), and high dose rhubarb group (HDR, 12 g/kg). Enrichment analysis of GO annotations indicated that rhubarb mainly regulated expression of some neuron projection proteins involved in the response to drug and nervous system development. The dopaminergic synapse pathway was found to be the most significant DEP in the combined analysis of the KEGG and BATMAN-TCM databases. Based on the results of the STRING analysis, oxidative stress (OS), calcium binding protein regulation, vascularization, and energy metabolism were important in the rhubarb therapeutic process.

CONCLUSION

Rhubarb achieves its effects mainly through the dopaminergic synapse pathway in ICH treatment. The ICH-treating mechanisms of rhubarb may also involve anti-OS, calcium binding protein regulation, angiogenic regulation, and energy metabolism improvement. This study adds new evidence to clinical applications of rhubarb for ICH.

A glucagon-like peptide-1 analog, liraglutide, ameliorates endothelial dysfunction through miRNAs to inhibit apoptosis in rats

Background and Aims

Many studies have revealed that glucagon-like peptide-1 has vasoprotective effects. In this study, we investigated whether liraglutide suppressed endothelial dysfunction and explored the mechanism involved.

Methods

Experimental diabetes was induced through combined high-fat diet administration and intraperitoneal streptozotocin injections. Rats were randomly divided into the following four groups: control, diabetes, diabetes + a low liraglutide dose (0.2 mg/kg/d), and diabetes + a high liraglutide dose (0.4 mg/kg/d). Endothelial function and metabolic parameters were measured after 8 weeks of treatment. miRNA arrays were analyzed to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs.

Results

We found that liraglutide significantly improved aortic endothelial function in diabetic rats. Liraglutide inhibited miR-93-5p, miR-181a-5p and miR-34a-5p expression, and activated miR-26a-5p expression. miRNA mimic transfection experiments indicated negative relationships between miR-93-5p, miR-181a-5p, miR-34a-5p, and miR-26a-5p and Sirt1, Creb, Bcl-2, and Pten expression, respectively. Moreover, liraglutide increased Sirt1, Creb, and Bcl-2 expression levels and reduced Pten expression level.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate the role of key miRNAs in the liraglutide-mediated regulation of endothelial cell function in diabetic rats.

MicroRNA-320 targeting neuropilin 1 inhibits proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells and neointimal formation

This study shows that microRNA-320 (miR-320) is associated with many important cell functions, including cell differentiation, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. However, the role of miR-320 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and proliferative vascular diseases is still completely unclear. In our study, we found that the expression of miR-320 in human VSMCs after PDGF stimulation was significantly down-regulated in time- and dose-dependent manner. Function analyses identified that miR-320 could inhibit the proliferation and migration of VSMCs in both basal and PDGF-stimulated conditions. Furthermore, Neuropilin 1 (NRP1) was demonstrated as a direct target of miR-320 in Luciferase reporter assays and miR-320 overexpression inhibited the expression of NRP1 with or without PDGF treatment. Finally, miR-320 was markedly decreased in mice carotid arteries after ligated injury, while the restoration of miR-320 via Ad-miR-320 attenuated neointimal hyperplasia by declining the NRP1 expression. The results confirmed that miR-320 regulated proliferation and migration of VSMCs and neointimal formation by targeting NRP1. These novel findings implied that the regulation of NRP1 expression by miR-320 has important significance in the early diagnosis and treatment of proliferation vascular diseases.

Deciphering Non-coding RNAs in Cardiovascular Health and Disease

After being long considered as “junk” in the human genome, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) currently represent one of the newest frontiers in cardiovascular disease (CVD) since they have emerged in recent years as potential therapeutic targets. Different types of ncRNAs exist, including small ncRNAs that have fewer than 200 nucleotides, which are mostly known as microRNAs (miRNAs), and long ncRNAs that have more than 200 nucleotides. Recent discoveries on the role of ncRNAs in epigenetic and transcriptional regulation, atherosclerosis, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and infarction (MI), adverse cardiac remodeling and hypertrophy, insulin resistance, and diabetic cardiomyopathy prompted vast interest in exploring candidate ncRNAs for utilization as potential therapeutic targets and/or diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers in CVDs. This review will discuss our current knowledge concerning the roles of different types of ncRNAs in cardiovascular health and disease and provide some insight on the cardioprotective signaling pathways elicited by the non-coding genome. We will highlight important basic and clinical breakthroughs that support employing ncRNAs for treatment or early diagnosis of a variety of CVDs, and also depict the most relevant limitations that challenge this novel therapeutic approach.

A comprehensive study of calcific aortic stenosis: from rabbit to human samples

The global incidence of calcific aortic stenosis (CAS) is increasing owing, in part, to a growing elderly population. The condition poses a great challenge to public health, because of the multiple comorbidities of these older patients. Using a rabbit model of CAS, we sought to characterize protein alterations associated with calcified valve tissue that can be ultimately measured in plasma as non-invasive biomarkers of CAS. Aortic valves from healthy and mild stenotic rabbits were analyzed by two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis, and selected reaction monitoring was used to directly measure the differentially expressed proteins in plasma from the same rabbits to corroborate their potential as diagnostic indicators. Similar analyses were performed in plasma from human subjects, to examine the suitability of these diagnostic indicators for transfer to the clinical setting. Eight proteins were found to be differentially expressed in CAS tissue, but only three were also altered in plasma samples from rabbits and humans: transitional endoplasmic reticulum ATPase, tropomyosin α-1 chain and L-lactate dehydrogenase B chain. Results of receiver operating characteristic curves showed the discriminative power of the scores, which increased when the three proteins were analyzed as a panel. Our study shows that a molecular panel comprising three proteins related to osteoblastic differentiation could have utility as a serum CAS indicator and/or therapeutic target.

Summary: Using a rabbit model of calcific aortic stenosis, we have defined a molecular panel of three proteins related to osteoblastic differentiation. Additionally, this panel has been confirmed in human samples.

MiR-140-3p is Involved in In-Stent Restenosis by Targeting C-Myb and BCL-2 in Peripheral Artery Disease

Aim: In-Stent Restenosis (ISR) is the major reason for recurrent ischemia and amputation after endovascular treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Our previous study demonstrated that miR-140-3p is significantly down-regulated in PAD arteries. However, expression and function of miR-140-3p in ISR of human PAD are currently unclear.

The aim of this study is to determine the miR-140-3p expression and its regulative role in ISR of PAD.

Methods: The RNA level was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and in situ hybridization. Primary cultured ASMCs were isolated from human femoral arterial of the healthy donors or ISR patients. Cell proliferation was determined by Edu incorporation and CCK-8 assay. Apoptosis was determined by Annexin-V/PI Double-Staining assay and TUNEL assay. A rat carotid artery balloon angioplasty model was used to investigate the effect of miR-140-3p on restenosis.

Results: MiR-140-3p was significantly down-regulated in PAD and ISR arteries than normal arteries. Primary cultured ISR ASMCs exhibited elevated proliferation and down-regulated miR-140-3p than normal ASMCs. Transfection of miR-140-3p mimic attenuated PDGF-BB-induced proliferation in cultured ASMCs and induced apoptosis. Luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR-140-3p transfection significantly down-regulated C-Myb and BCL-2 in ISR ASMCs by targeting to their 3′-UTRs. MiR-140-3p transfection induced anti-proliferation and apoptosis in ASMCs, which were ameliorated by over-expression of C-Myb or BCL-2. Moreover, the animal study showed that miR-140-3p can reduce restenosis following angioplasty via targeting C-Myb and BCL-2.

Conclusions: The result suggests that miR-140-3p regulates ASMC function via targeting C-Myb and BCL-2 in the process of ISR in PAD. The novel findings may offer a hopeful therapeutic target for human PAD.

Peripheral artery disease: a micro-RNA-related condition?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a vascular problem of diffuse atherosclerosis and is a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Many studies have tried to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms involved in PAD. Lately, highly stable circulating small noncoding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), seem to have disease-specific expression. Thus, miRNAs are emerging as new measurable diagnostic biomarkers and a start point for individualized treatment. To date, the association of miRNA regulation in angiogenesis and maintenance of vascular integrity in PAD has attracted little interest. In this review, we will provide an overview of studies regarding the roles of specific miRNAs in PAD and their potential to act as a minimally invasive tool for diagnosis and risk stratification.

SLC35E3 identified as a target of novel‑m1061‑5p via microRNA profiling of patients with cardiovascular disease

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are considered to be potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). To understand the underlying mechanism of miRNAs and target genes associated with CVD, deep sequencing of blood samples from three patients with CVD and three controls was performed using the Illumina HiSeq 2000 system. The results of the present study revealed that 65 abnormal hsa‑miRNAs targeted 2,784 putative genes in patients with CVD; 59 upregulated miRNAs targeted 2,401 genes and six downregulated miRNAs targeted 383 genes. In addition, a total of 49 Gene Ontology (GO) biological processes and were enriched, and the target genes of downregulated miRNAs were enriched in 12 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Most of these pathways are responsible for lipid and glycan metabolism. In particular, three downregulated miRNAs, hsa‑miR‑1268b, hsa‑miR‑1273d, hsa‑miR‑3187‑5p, were involved in a‑linolenic acid metabolism. The target genes of upregulated miRNAs were enriched in 15 KEGG pathways, mainly in the 'neurodegenerative diseases and cancers' class. In the present study five novel upregulated miRNAs, including m0499‑5p, m0970‑5p, m1042‑5p, m1061‑5p and m1953‑5p, and a downregulated miRNA, novel‑m1627‑5p, were identified in patients with CVD. Novel‑m1627‑5p was demonstrated to target 146 human genes. Additionally, Novel‑m1061‑5p targeted four genes, including fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase domain containing 2A, potassium voltage‑gated channel, Shaw‑related subfamily, member 4, coiled‑coil domain containing 85C and solute carrier family 35 member E3 (SLC35E3). The GO term, 'carbohydrate derivative transport involving in biological process', was associated with SLC35E3. Novel‑m1061‑5p in patients with CVD may repress the expression levels of SLC35E3, a member of the nucleoside sugar transporter subfamily E, which is known to cause defective glycol‑conjugation in the Golgi complex and/or the endoplasmic reticulum. Further investigation is required to understand the underlying mechanisms of the novel miRNAs. Novel‑m1061‑5p may serve as a marker for prognosis or a potential target for the treatment of CVD.

Role of microRNA in Development of Instability of Atherosclerotic Plaques

MicroRNAs are small noncoding single-stranded RNAs that regulate gene expression. Today, we see an increasing number of studies highlighting the important role of microRNAs in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases caused by atherosclerotic lesions of arteries. We review the available scientific data on association of the expression of these biomolecules with instability of atherosclerotic plaques in animal models and humans. We made special emphasis on miR-21, -100, -127, -133, -143/145, -221/222, and -494 because they were analyzed in more than one study. We discuss the possibility of microRNAs using in the diagnosis and therapy of atherosclerosis and its complications.

miR-22 Is a Novel Mediator of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Modulation and Neointima Formation

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

MicroRNA-22 (miR-22) has recently been reported to play a regulatory role during vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) differentiation from stem cells, but little is known about its target genes and related pathways in mature VSMC phenotypic modulation or its clinical implication in neointima formation following vascular injury.

Methods:

We applied a wire-injury mouse model, and local delivery of AgomiR-22 or miR-22 inhibitor, as well, to explore the therapeutic potential of miR-22 in vascular diseases. Furthermore, normal and diseased human femoral arteries were harvested, and various in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro models of VSMC phenotype switching were conducted to examine miR-22 expression during VSMC phenotype switching.

Results:

Expression of miR-22 was closely regulated during VSMC phenotypic modulation. miR-22 overexpression significantly increased expression of VSMC marker genes and inhibited VSMC proliferation and migration, whereas the opposite effect was observed when endogenous miR-22 was knocked down. As expected, 2 previously reported miR-22 target genes, MECP2 (methyl-CpG binding protein 2) and histone deacetylase 4, exhibited a regulatory role in VSMC phenotypic modulation. A transcriptional regulator and oncoprotein, EVI1 (ecotropic virus integration site 1 protein homolog), has been identified as a novel miR-22 target gene in VSMC phenotypic modulation. It is noteworthy that overexpression of miR-22 in the injured vessels significantly reduced the expression of its target genes, decreased VSMC proliferation, and inhibited neointima formation in wire-injured femoral arteries, whereas the opposite effect was observed with local application of a miR-22 inhibitor to injured arteries. We next examined the clinical relevance of miR-22 expression and its target genes in human femoral arteries. We found that miR-22 expression was significantly reduced, whereas MECP2 and EVI1 expression levels were dramatically increased, in diseased in comparison with healthy femoral human arteries. This inverse relationship between miR-22 and MECP2 and EVI1 was evident in both healthy and diseased human femoral arteries.

Conclusions:

Our data demonstrate that miR-22 and EVI1 are novel regulators of VSMC function, specifically during neointima hyperplasia, offering a novel therapeutic opportunity for treating vascular diseases.

The Role of MicroRNAs in Arterial Stiffness and Arterial Calcification. An Update and Review of the Literature

Arterial stiffness is an independent risk factor for fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events, such as systolic hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke, and heart failure. Moreover it reflects arterial aging which in many cases does not coincide with chronological aging, a fact that is in large attributed to genetic factors. In addition to genetic factors, microRNAs (miRNAs) seem to largely affect arterial aging either by advancing or by regressing arterial stiffness. MiRNAs are small RNA molecules, ~22 nucleotides long that can negatively control their target gene expression posttranscriptionally. Pathways that affect main components of stiffness such as fibrosis and calcification seem to be influenced by up or downregulation of specific miRNAs. Identification of this aberrant production of miRNAs can help identify epigenetic changes that can be therapeutic targets for prevention and treatment of vascular diseases. The present review summarizes the specific role of the so far discovered miRNAs that are involved in pathways of arterial stiffness.

Mitoxantrone suppresses vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and balloon injury-induced neointima formation: An in vitro and in vivo study

Neointima formation, which occurs after vascular injury due to vascular disease or interventions such as angioplasty and stent placement, is a complex process that involves multiple molecular and cellular mechanisms. The inhibition of neointima formation is vital to prevent restenosis of blood vessels. In the present study, we investigated whether the systemic administration of mitoxantrone can inhibit neointima formation, and evaluated the underlying mechanisms under in vitro and in vivo experimental conditions. In vitro, rat and human vascular smooth muscle cells (RVSMCs and HVSMCs) were stimulated with platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and treated with mitoxantrone or DMSO as a control. In vivo, 54 male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to carotid artery balloon injury and then intravenously administered with mitoxantrone. Cell proliferation was determined using the CCK-8 assay. Cell cycle analysis was performed using flow cytometry, and protein expression was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. We used monoclonal mouse anti-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) antibody for the detection of BrdU and anti-Topoisomerase II antibody for staining Type II topoisomerase (Topo II), one week after the ballon injury. In both RVSMCs and HVSMCs, mitoxantrone treatment induced Topo II degradation, as well as suppressed DNA replication, cell cycle progression, and VSMC proliferation. A reduction in intimal hyperplasia, intimal-to-medial area ratio, and Topo II level was observed in mitoxantrone-treated rats, as compared to the control (saline) group. Overall, our results indicate that systemic administration of mitoxantrone can reduce neointimal hyperplasia and, thus, represents a suitable option for restenosis treatment.