RP5-833A20.1/miR-382-5p/NFIA-dependent signal transduction pathway contributes to the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis and inflammatory reaction

The LEPIS-HuR-TMOD4 axis regulates hepatic cholesterol homeostasis and accelerates atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the progression of atherosclerosis. In this study, we identified an uncharacterized lncRNA, Liver Expressions by PSRC1 Induced Specifically (LEPIS). This study aimed to clarify the mechanism though which LEPIS affects atherosclerosis (AS).

METHODS

The expression of LEPIS and its potential target, tropomodulin 4 (TMOD4), was increased in the livers of ApoE-/- mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). An ApoE-/- mouse model in which LEPIS or TMOD4 was overexpressed in the liver was established. The plaque load in the aorta was assessed, plasma was collected to measure blood lipid levels, and the liver was collected to study cholesterol metabolism.

RESULTS

We found that both LEPIS and TMOD4 increased the AS burden and reduced hepatic cholesterol levels. A further study revealed that LEPIS and TMOD4 affected the expression of genes related to hepatic cholesterol homeostasis, including proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), which are closely related to hypercholesterolemia. Mechanistically, human antigen R (HuR), an RNA-binding protein (RBP), was shown to be critical for the regulation of TMOD4 by LEPIS. Furthermore, we found that verexpression of LEPIS promoted the shuttling of HuR from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, enhanced the stability of TMOD4 mRNA, and in turn promoted the expression of TMOD4. In addition, TMOD4 was found to affect intracellular cholesterol levels through PCSK9.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the LEPIS-HuR-TMOD4 axis is a potential intervention target for dysregulated hepatic cholesterol homeostasis and AS and may provide the basis for further reductions in the circulating LDL-C concentration and arterial plaque burden.

CDKN2B-AS1 may act as miR-92a-3p sponge in coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

LncRNAs, miRNAs, and the sponge effect between them exert diverse biological influences on the pathogenesis and progression of coronary artery disease (CAD), thus necessitating an exploration of the lncRNA-miRNA-gene regulatory network in CAD.

METHODS

Expression profile GSE98583 was obtained from NCBI, containing the data of 12 CAD patients and 6 controls. Limma package was utilized to determine the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Functional enrichment analysis was performed by DAVID. The CAD-related miRNA-DEG associations were retrieved via HMDD and miRTarBase, and the CAD-related lncRNA-miRNA associations were retrieved via LncRNADisease and starBase. The CAD-related lncRNA-miRNA-DEG regulatory network was constructed by combining these associations. The dual luciferase test was carried out to validate the connections among lncRNA, miRNA, and gene.

RESULTS

Overall, 534 DEGs were identified between CAD samples and controls, including 243 up-regulated and 291 down-regulated, and were enriched in various gene ontology biological processes and KEGG pathways. The CAD-related miRNAs targeting DEGs included hsa-miR-206, has-miR-320b, has-miR-4513, has-miR-765, and has-miR-92a-3p, and hsa-miR-92a-3p regulated the most DEGs. In the lncRNA-miRNA associations, only CDKN2B-AS1 regulated the CAD-related miRNA, hsa-miR-92a-3p, which was validated using the dual luciferase test.

CONCLUSIONS

CDKN2B-AS1 may act as an hsa-miR-92a-3p sponge to regulate the downstream DEGs in CAD. CDKN2B-AS1/ hsa-miR-92a-3p/GATA2 might be a novel mechanism for CAD.

Beyond the silence: A comprehensive exploration of long non-coding RNAs as genetic whispers and their essential regulatory functions in cardiovascular disorders

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at several levels, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational. They have a length of more than 200 nucleotides and cannot code. Many human diseases have been linked to aberrant lncRNA expression, highlighting the need for a better knowledge of disease etiology to drive improvements in diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic methods. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. LncRNAs play an essential role in the complex process of heart formation, and their abnormalities have been associated with several CVDs. This Review article looks at the roles and relationships of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in a wide range of CVDs, such as heart failure, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, and cardiac hypertrophy. In addition, the review delves into the possible uses of lncRNAs in diagnostics, prognosis, and clinical treatments of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, it considers the field's future prospects while examining how lncRNAs might be altered and its clinical applications.

Astragaloside IV (ASIV) Mediates Endothelial Progenitor Cell (EPC) Exosomal LINC01963 to Inhibit Pyroptosis and Oxidative Stress in High Glucose-impaired Endothelial Cells

BACKGROUND

Hyperglycemia is widespread in the world's population, increasing the risk of many diseases. This study aimed to explore the regulatory effect and mechanism of astragaloside IV (ASIV)-mediated endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) exosomal LINC01963 in endothelial cells (HUVECs) impaired by high glucose.

METHODS

Morphologies of exosomes were observed by light microscope and electron microscope. Immunofluorescence was used to identify EPCs and detect the expressions of caspase-1. LINC01963 was detected by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-3 were detected by Western Blot. Nanoparticle tracking analysis was carried out to analyze the exosome diameter. High-throughput sequencing was applied to screen target lncRNAs. The proliferation of endothelial cells was measured by cell counting kit-8 assay. The apoptosis level of HUVECs was detected by flow cytometry and TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End labeling. The levels of IL- 1β, IL-18, ROS, SOD, MDA, and LDH were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

ASIV could promote the secretion of the EPC exosome. LINC01963 was obtained by high-throughput sequencing. It was observed that high glucose could inhibit the proliferation, reduce the level of SOD, the expression of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase- 1, increase the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, ROS, MDA, and LDH, and promote apoptosis of HUVECs. Whereas LINC01963 could inhibit the apoptosis of HUVECs, the increase the expression of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1, and decrease the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, ROS, MDA, and LDH.

CONCLUSION

EPCs exosomal LINC01963 play an inhibitory role in high glucoseinduced pyroptosis and oxidative stress of HUVECs. This study provides new ideas and directions for treating hyperglycemia and researching exosomal lncRNAs.

Probing the links: Long non-coding RNAs and NF-κB signalling in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that involves the accumulation of lipids and immune cells in the arterial wall. NF-kB signaling is a key regulator of inflammation and is known to play a critical role in atherosclerosis. Recent studies have shown that lncRNAs can regulate NF-kB and contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Preliminary findings reveal significant alterations in the expression of specific lncRNAs in atherosclerotic lesions compared to healthy arterial tissue. Experimental evidence suggests that these dysregulated lncRNAs can influence the NF-kB pathway. By unravelling the crosstalk between lncRNAs and NF-kB signaling, this review aims to enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis. Identifying novel therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers may lead to developing interventions and management strategies for this prevalent cardiovascular disease. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the role of lncRNAs in NF-kB signaling in atherosclerosis and highlights their potential as therapeutic targets for this disease.

Regulation of cholesterol homeostasis in osteoporosis mechanisms and therapeutics

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease that affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and is characterized by excessive loss of bone protein and mineral content. The incidence and mortality of osteoporosis increase with age, creating a significant medical and economic burden globally. The importance of cholesterol levels has been reported in the development of diseases including osteoporosis. It is important to note that key enzymes and molecules involved in cholesterol homeostasis are closely related to bone formation. Excessive cholesterol may cause osteoporosis, cholesterol and its metabolites affect bone homeostasis by regulating the proliferation and stimulation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Therefore, antagonism of elevated cholesterol levels may be a potential strategy to prevent osteoporosis. There is sufficient evidence to support the use of bisphosphonates and statin drugs for osteoporosis in the clinic. Therefore, in view of the aggravation of the aging problem, we summarize the intracellular mechanism of cholesterol homeostasis and its relationship with osteoporosis (including cholesterol and cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) in osteoporosis). Furthermore, the current clinical cholesterol-lowering drugs for osteoporosis were also summarized, as are new and promising therapies (cell-based therapies (e.g., stem cells) and biomaterial-delivered target drug therapies for osteoporosis as well).

PBMC MicroRNAs: Promising Biomarkers for the Differential Diagnosis of COVID-19 Patients with Abnormal Coagulation Indices

MicroRNAs, or miRNAs, may involve in coagulation and inflammation pathways caused by severe Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Accordingly, this attempt was made to explore the behavior of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) miRNAs as effective biomarkers to diagnose COVID-19 patients with normal and abnormal coagulation indices. We selected the targeted miRNAs (miR-19a-3p, miR-223-3p, miR-143-5p, miR-494-3p and miR-301a-5p) according to previous reports, whose PBMC levels were then determined by real-time PCR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was obtained to clarify the diagnostic potency of studied miRNAs. The differentially expressed miRNA profiles and corresponding biological activities were predicted in accordance with bioinformatics data. Targeted miRNAs' expression profiles displayed a significant difference between COVID-19 subjects with normal and abnormal coagulation indices. Moreover, the average miR-223-3p level expressed in COVID-19 cases with normal coagulation indices was significantly lower than that in healthy controls. Based on data from ROC analysis, miR-223-3p and miR-494-3p are promising biomarkers to distinguish the COVID-19 cases with normal or abnormal coagulation indices. Bioinformatics data highlighted the prominent role of selected miRNAs in the inflammation and TGF-beta signaling pathway. The differences existed in the expression profiles of selected miRNAs between the groups introduced miR-494-3p and miR-223-3p as potent biomarkers to prognosis the incidence of COVID-19.

Current advancements and future perspectives of long noncoding RNAs in lipid metabolism and signaling

BACKGROUND

The investigation of lncRNAs has provided a novel perspective for elucidating mechanisms underlying diverse physiological and pathological processes. Compelling evidence has revealed an intrinsic link between lncRNAs and lipid metabolism, demonstrating that lncRNAs-induced disruption of lipid metabolism and signaling contribute to the development of multiple cancers and some other diseases, including obesity, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease.

AIMOF REVIEW

The current review summarizes the recent advances in basic research about lipid metabolism and lipid signaling-related lncRNAs. Meanwhile, the potential and challenges of targeting lncRNA for the therapy of cancers and other lipid metabolism-related diseases are also discussed.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPT OF REVIEW

Compared with the substantial number of lncRNA loci, we still know little about the role of lncRNAs in metabolism. A more comprehensive understanding of the function and mechanism of lncRNAs may provide a new standpoint for the study of lipid metabolism and signaling. Developing lncRNA-based therapeutic approaches is an effective strategy for lipid metabolism-related diseases.

Macrophages in immunoregulation and therapeutics

Macrophages exist in various tissues, several body cavities, and around mucosal surfaces and are a vital part of the innate immune system for host defense against many pathogens and cancers. Macrophages possess binary M1/M2 macrophage polarization settings, which perform a central role in an array of immune tasks via intrinsic signal cascades and, therefore, must be precisely regulated. Many crucial questions about macrophage signaling and immune modulation are yet to be uncovered. In addition, the clinical importance of tumor-associated macrophages is becoming more widely recognized as significant progress has been made in understanding their biology. Moreover, they are an integral part of the tumor microenvironment, playing a part in the regulation of a wide variety of processes including angiogenesis, extracellular matrix transformation, cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, immunosuppression, and resistance to chemotherapeutic and checkpoint blockade immunotherapies. Herein, we discuss immune regulation in macrophage polarization and signaling, mechanical stresses and modulation, metabolic signaling pathways, mitochondrial and transcriptional, and epigenetic regulation. Furthermore, we have broadly extended the understanding of macrophages in extracellular traps and the essential roles of autophagy and aging in regulating macrophage functions. Moreover, we discussed recent advances in macrophages-mediated immune regulation of autoimmune diseases and tumorigenesis. Lastly, we discussed targeted macrophage therapy to portray prospective targets for therapeutic strategies in health and diseases.

Human Macrophage Long Intergenic Noncoding RNA, SIMALR, Suppresses Inflammatory Macrophage Apoptosis via NTN1 (Netrin-1)

BACKGROUND

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as novel regulators of macrophage biology and inflammatory cardiovascular diseases. However, studies focused on lncRNAs in human macrophage subtypes, particularly human lncRNAs that are not conserved in rodents, are limited.

METHODS

Through RNA-sequencing of human monocyte-derived macrophages, we identified suppressor of inflammatory macrophage apoptosis lncRNA (SIMALR). Lipopolysaccharide/IFNγ (interferon γ) stimulated human macrophages were treated with SIMALR antisense oligonucleotides and subjected to RNA-sequencing to investigate the function of SIMALR. Western blots, luciferase assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation were performed to validate function and potential mechanism of SIMALR. RNAscope was performed to identify SIMALR expression in human carotid atherosclerotic plaques.

RESULTS

RNA-sequencing of human monocyte-derived macrophages identified SIMALR, a human macrophage-specific long intergenic noncoding RNA that is highly induced in lipopolysaccharide/IFNγ-stimulated macrophages. SIMALR knockdown in lipopolysaccharide/IFNγ stimulated THP1 human macrophages induced apoptosis of inflammatory macrophages, as shown by increased protein expression of cleaved PARP (poly[ADP-ribose] polymerase), caspase 9, caspase 3, and Annexin V+. RNA-sequencing of control versus SIMALR knockdown in lipopolysaccharide/IFNγ-stimulated macrophages showed Netrin-1 (NTN1) to be significantly decreased upon SIMALR knockdown. We confirmed that NTN1 knockdown in lipopolysaccharide/IFNγ-stimulated macrophages induced apoptosis. The SIMALR knockdown-induced apoptotic phenotype was rescued by adding recombinant NTN1. NTN1 promoter-luciferase reporter activity was increased in HEK293T (human embryonic kidney 293) cells treated with lentiviral overexpression of SIMALR. NTN1 promoter activity is known to require HIF1α (hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha), and our studies suggest that SIMALR may interact with HIF1α to regulate NTN1 transcription, thereby regulating macrophages apoptosis. SIMALR was found to be expressed in macrophages in human carotid atherosclerotic plaques of symptomatic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

SIMALR is a nonconserved, human macrophage lncRNA expressed in atherosclerosis that suppresses macrophage apoptosis. SIMALR partners with HIF1α (hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha) to regulate NTN1, which is a known macrophage survival factor. This work illustrates the importance of interrogating the functions of human lncRNAs and exploring their translational and therapeutic potential in human atherosclerosis.

Inhibition of lncRNA NFIA-AS1 Alleviates Abnormal Proliferation and Inflammation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Atherosclerosis by Regulating miR-125a-3p/AKT1 Axis

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are critical elements of the vascular wall and play a crucial role in the genesis and development of atherosclerosis (AS). Increasingly, studies have indicated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate VSMC proliferation, apoptosis, and other biological processes. Nevertheless, the role of lncRNA NFIA-AS1 (hereinafter referred to as NFIA-AS1) in VSMCs and AS remains unclear. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to analyze the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of NFIA-AS1 and miR-125a-3p. CCK-8 and EdU staining were performed to detect VSMC proliferation. VSMC apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. The expression of various proteins was detected using western blotting. The levels of inflammatory cytokines secreted by VSMCs were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The binding sites of NFIA-AS1 and miR-125a-3p, as well as miR-125a-3p and AKT1, were analyzed using bioinformatics methods and validated using a luciferase reporter assay. The function of NFIA-AS1/miR-125a-3p/AKT1 in VSMCs was clarified through loss- and gain-of-functional experiments. We confirmed that NFIA-AS1 was highly expressed in AS tissues and VSMCs induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL). Knockdown of NFIA-AS1 restrained the exceptional growth of Ox-LDL-induced VSMCs, promoted their apoptosis, and decreased the secretion of inflammatory factors and expression of adhesion factors. In addition, NFIA-AS1 regulated the proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammatory response of VSMCs through the miR-125a-3p/AKT1 axis, suggesting that NFIA-AS1 may be a potential therapeutic target for AS.

An overview of long noncoding RNAs: Biology, functions, therapeutics, analysis methods, and bioinformatics tools

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a diverse class of RNAs whose functions are widespread in all branches of life and have been the focus of attention in the last decade. While a huge number of lncRNAs have been identified, there is still much work to be done and plenty to be learned. In the current review, we begin with the biogenesis and function of lncRNAs as they are involved in the different cellular processes from regulating the architecture of chromosomes to controlling translation and post-translation modifications. Questions on how overexpression, mutations, or deficiency of lncRNAs can affect the cellular status and result in the pathogenesis of various human diseases are responded to. Besides, we allocate an overview of several studies, concerning the application of lncRNAs either as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers or novel therapeutics. We also introduce the currently available techniques to explore details of lncRNAs such as their function, cellular localization, and structure. In the last section, as exponentially growing data in this area need to be gathered and organized in comprehensive databases, we have a particular focus on presenting general and specialized databases. Taken together, with this review, we aim to provide the latest information on different aspects of lncRNAs to highlight their importance in physiopathologic states and take a step towards helping future studies.

Combined Transcriptomic and Proteomic of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis Infection in the Spleen of Dairy Goats

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (C. pseudotuberculosis) is a zoonotic chronic infectious disease. It mainly occurs in dairy goats reared in herds, and once it invades the dairy goats, it is difficult to completely remove it, causing great harm to the development of the sheep industry. This study mainly was based on TMT-based quantitative proteomics and RNA-seq methods to measure the spleen samples of infected dairy goats at different time periods. Nine four-month-old dairy goats were divided into three groups, with three goats in each group. The dairy goats in the first group (NC group) were inoculated with 1.0 mL of sterilized normal saline subcutaneously, and the second (72 h group) and third groups (144 h group) were inoculated with 1.0 mL of 1 × 10⁷ cfu/mL bacterial solution subcutaneously in the neck. Significant changes in the protein and mRNA expression were observed in different infection and control groups. In the 72 h group, 85 genes with differential genes and proteins were up-regulated and 91 genes were down-regulated in this study. In the 144 h group, 38 genes with differential genes and proteins were up-regulated and 51 genes were down-regulated. It was found that 21 differentially expressed genes and proteins were co-up-regulated in the two groups. There were 20 differentially expressed genes and proteins which were co-down-regulated in both groups. The 72 h group were mainly enriched in protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, lysosome, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism and the estrogen signaling pathway. In the 144 h group, they were protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum pathway which was enriched by mRNA-proteins pairs co-upregulated by the five pairs. The combined transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were performed to provide insights into the effects of C. pseudotuberculosis through several regulatory features and pathways. We found that in the early stage of infection (72 h), the co-upregulated gene-protein pairs were enriched in multiple pathways, which jointly defended against a bacterial invasion. However, in the later stages of infection (144 h), when the disease stabilizes, a few co-upregulated gene-protein pairs played a role in protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum pathway. In addition, the mRNA and protein expressions of dairy goats infected with the bacteria at different periods of time indicated the adaptability of dairy goats to the bacteria. At the same time, it guides us to carry out a corresponding treatment and feeding management for dairy goats according to different periods of time.

Hydrogen Peroxide Enhances Fatty Acid 2-Hydroxylase Expression to Impede the Lipopolysaccharides-Triggered Apoptosis of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

As a type of stem cells that mainly exist in the connective tissue or interstitium, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit great potential in self-renewal and multi-directional differentiation. They have been clinically utilized for the treatment of various diseases including cancer. This study aims to provide solid evidence for the further development and application of MSCs in human diseases. MSCs were assigned into 5 groups: control group, LPS group, low-, medium- and high-dose hydrogen peroxide groups. After one-hour treatment with LPS, MSCs were exposed to H2O2 for 12 hours followed by analysis of cell apoptosis, viability via EdU staining, TUNEL assay and flow cytometry, FA2H expression by qPCR and Western blotting. The hydrogen peroxide treatment reduced proportion of apoptotic cells induced by LPS, along with enhanced viability and milder DNA damage. In addition, hydrogen peroxide impeded the LPS-triggered apoptosis of human MSCs. The results above proved that hydrogen peroxide significantly impeded the LPS-triggered apoptosis of MSCs, and further increased cell viability. This protective effect of hydrogen peroxide was mainly achieved by upregulation of FA2H expression. In conclusion, hydrogen peroxide can enhance FA2H expression to impede the LPS-triggered apoptosis of human MSCs. This finding helps to improve the further development and application of MSCs in treating human diseases.

Vitamin D boosts immune response of macrophages through a regulatory network of microRNAs and mRNAs

Vitamin D is associated with the stimulation of innate immunity, inflammation, and host defense against pathogens. Macrophages express receptors of Vitamin D, regulating transcription of genes related to immune processes. However, the transcriptional and post-transcriptional strategies controlling gene expression in differentiated macrophages, and how they are influenced by Vitamin D are not well understood. We studied whether Vitamin D enhances immune response by regulating the expression of microRNAs and mRNAs. Analysis of the transcriptome showed differences in expression of 199 genes, of which 68% were up-regulated, revealing the cell state of monocyte-derived macrophages differentiated with Vitamin D (D3-MDMs) as compared to monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). The differentially expressed genes appear to be associated with pathophysiological processes, including inflammatory responses, and cellular stress. Transcriptional motifs in promoter regions of up- or down-regulated genes showed enrichment of VDR motifs, suggesting possible roles of transcriptional activator or repressor in gene expression. Further, microRNA-Seq analysis indicated that there were 17 differentially expressed miRNAs, of which, 7 were up-regulated and 10 down-regulated, suggesting that Vitamin D plays a critical role in the regulation of miRNA expression during macrophages differentiation. The miR-6501-3p, miR-1273h-5p, miR-665, miR-1972, miR-1183, miR-619-5p were down-regulated in D3-MDMs compared to MDMs. The integrative analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles predict that miR-1972, miR-1273h-5p, and miR-665 regulate genes PDCD1LG2, IL-1B, and CD274, which are related to the inflammatory response. Results suggest an essential role of Vitamin D in macrophage differentiation that modulates host response against pathogens, inflammation, and cellular stress.

Epigenetic regulation in cardiovascular disease: mechanisms and advances in clinical trials

Epigenetics is closely related to cardiovascular diseases. Genome-wide linkage and association analyses and candidate gene approaches illustrate the multigenic complexity of cardiovascular disease. Several epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and noncoding RNA, which are of importance for cardiovascular disease development and regression. Targeting epigenetic key enzymes, especially the DNA methyltransferases, histone methyltransferases, histone acetylases, histone deacetylases and their regulated target genes, could represent an attractive new route for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Herein, we summarize the knowledge on epigenetic history and essential regulatory mechanisms in cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the preclinical studies and drugs that are targeted these epigenetic key enzymes for cardiovascular diseases therapy. Finally, we conclude the clinical trials that are going to target some of these processes.

Regulatory Non-Coding RNAs in Familial Hypercholesterolemia, Theranostic Applications

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common monogenic disease which is associated with high serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and leads to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Early diagnosis and effective treatment strategy can significantly improve prognosis. Recently, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as novel biomarkers for the diagnosis and innovative targets for therapeutics. Non-coding RNAs have essential roles in the regulation of LDL-C homeostasis, suggesting that manipulation and regulating ncRNAs could be a promising theranostic approach to ameliorate clinical complications of FH, particularly cardiovascular disease. In this review, we briefly discussed the mechanisms and pathophysiology of FH and novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of FH. Moreover, the theranostic effects of different non-coding RNAs for the treatment and diagnosis of FH were highlighted. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of ncRNA-based therapies vs. conventional therapies were discussed.

Long Noncoding RNA RP11-732M18.3 Promotes Glioma Angiogenesis by Upregulating VEGFA

Gliomas are the most aggressive and common type of malignant brain tumor, with limited treatment options and a dismal prognosis. Angiogenesis, a hallmarks of cancer, is one of two critical events in the progression of gliomas. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that in glioma dysregulated molecules like long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), are closely linked to tumorigenesis and prognosis. However, the effects of and mechanisms of action of lncRNAs during tumor angiogenesis are poorly understood. The effect of lncRNA RP11-732M18.3 on angiogenesis was elucidated through an intracranial orthotopic glioma model, immunohistochemistry, and an in vitro angiogenesis assay. Co-culture experiments and cell migration assays were performed to investigate the function of lncRNA RP11-732M18.3 in vitro. lncRNA RP11-732M18.3 increased CD31⁺ microvessel density, and overexpression of lncRNA RP11-732M18.3 resulted in poor mouse survival. lncRNA RP11-732M18.3 promoted endothelial cell migration and tube formation. Nomogram and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses indicated that higher VEGFA is correlated with a poor prognosis. Mechanistically, lncRNA RP11-732M18.3 promotes angiogenesis by increasing the nuclear level of EP300 and facilitating the transcription and secretion of VEGFA. Our study contributes to the latest understanding of glioma angiogenesis and prognosis. lncRNA RP11-732M18.3 may be a potential treatment target in glioma.

LncRNA LINC00707 serves as a sponge of miR-382-5p to alleviate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced WI-38 cell injury through upregulating NKAP in infantile pneumonia

Infantile pneumonia (IP) is an acute lower respiratory infection that imposes a heavy burden on children's health. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) LINC00707 participates in the regulation of the pneumonia process. Cell proliferative ability and apoptosis were measured using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), and flow cytometry assays. Bcl-2 related X protein (Bax), NF-kB activating protein (NKAP), p-P65, P65, p-IκBα, and IκBα protein levels were detected using western blot assay. The binding between miR-382-5p and LINC00707 or NKAP was predicted by starBase v2.0 and then verified by a dual-luciferase reporter and RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. LINC00707 and NKAP levels were increased, and miR-382-5p was decreased in LPS-stimulated WI-38 cells. Furthermore, the silencing of LINC00707 could abrogate LPS-engendered WI-38 cell proliferation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. LINC00707 deficiency could relieve LPS-triggered WI-38 cell damage by regulating the miR-382-5p/NKAP axis, providing a new therapeutic strategy for IP treatment.

Foam Cells in Atherosclerosis: Novel Insights Into Its Origins, Consequences, and Molecular Mechanisms

Foam cells play a vital role in the initiation and development of atherosclerosis. This review aims to summarize the novel insights into the origins, consequences, and molecular mechanisms of foam cells in atherosclerotic plaques. Foam cells are originated from monocytes as well as from vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), stem/progenitor cells, and endothelium cells. Novel technologies including lineage tracing and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) have revolutionized our understanding of subtypes of monocyte- and VSMC-derived foam cells. By using scRNA-seq, three main clusters including resident-like, inflammatory, and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2 (Trem2 ^hi ) are identified as the major subtypes of monocyte-derived foam cells in atherosclerotic plaques. Foam cells undergo diverse pathways of programmed cell death including apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, and pyroptosis, contributing to the necrotic cores of atherosclerotic plaques. The formation of foam cells is affected by cholesterol uptake, efflux, and esterification. Novel mechanisms including nuclear receptors, non-coding RNAs, and gut microbiota have been discovered and investigated. Although the heterogeneity of monocytes and the complexity of non-coding RNAs make obstacles for targeting foam cells, further in-depth research and therapeutic exploration are needed for the better management of atherosclerosis.

Upregulation of the Long Non-coding RNA LINC01480 Is Associated With Immune Infiltration in Coronary Artery Disease Based on an Immune-Related lncRNA-mRNA Co-expression Network

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is considered one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Although dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been reported to be associated with the initiation and progression of CAD, the knowledge regarding their specific functions as well their physiological/pathological significance in CAD is very limited. In this study, we aimed to systematically analyze immune-related lncRNAs in CAD and explore the relationship between key immune-related lncRNAs and the immune cell infiltration process. Based on differential expression analysis of mRNAs and lncRNAs, an immune-related lncRNA-mRNA weighted gene co-expression network containing 377 lncRNAs and 119 mRNAs was constructed. LINC01480 and AL359237.1 were identified as the hub immune-related lncRNAs in CAD using the random forest-recursive feature elimination and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression. Furthermore, 93 CAD samples were divided into two subgroups according to the expression values of LINC01480 and AL359237.1 by consensus clustering analysis. By performing gene set enrichment analysis, we found that cluster 2 enriched more cardiovascular risk pathways than cluster 1. The immune cell infiltration analysis of ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM; an advanced stage of CAD) samples revealed that the proportion of macrophage M2 was upregulated in the LINC01480 highly expressed samples, thus suggesting that LINC01480 plays a protective role in the progression of ICM. Based on the findings of this study, lncRNA LINC01480 may be used as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for CAD.

Profile and Functional Prediction of Plasma Exosome-Derived CircRNAs From Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Stroke is one of the major causes of death and long-term disability, of which acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is the most common type. Although circular RNA (circRNA) expression profiles of AIS patients have been reported to be significantly altered in blood and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, the role of exosome-containing circRNAs after AIS is still unknown. Plasma exosomes from 10 AIS patients and 10 controls were isolated, and through microarray and bioinformatics analysis, the profile and putative function of circRNAs in the plasma exosomes were studied. A total of 198 circRNAs were differentially quantified (|log2 fold change| ≥ 1.00, p < 0.05) between AIS patients and controls. The levels of 12 candidate circRNAs were verified by qRT-PCR, and the quantities of 10 of these circRNAs were consistent with the data of microarray. The functions of host genes of differentially quantified circRNAs, including RNA and protein process, focal adhesion, and leukocyte transendothelial migration, were associated with the development of AIS. As a miRNA sponge, differentially quantified circRNAs had the potential to regulate pathways related to AIS, like PI3K-Akt, AMPK, and chemokine pathways. Of 198 differentially quantified circRNAs, 96 circRNAs possessing a strong translational ability could affect cellular structure and activity, like focal adhesion, tight junction, and endocytosis. Most differentially quantified circRNAs were predicted to bind to EIF4A3 and AGO2—two RNA-binding proteins (RBPs)—and to play a role in AIS. Moreover, four of ten circRNAs with verified levels by qRT-PCR (hsa_circ_0112036, hsa_circ_0066867, hsa_circ_0093708, and hsa_circ_0041685) were predicted to participate in processes of AIS, including PI3K-Akt, AMPK, and chemokine pathways as well as endocytosis, and to be potentially useful as diagnostic biomarkers for AIS. In conclusion, plasma exosome-derived circRNAs were significantly differentially quantified between AIS patients and controls and participated in the occurrence and progression of AIS by sponging miRNA/RBPs or translating into proteins, indicating that circRNAs from plasma exosomes could be crucial molecules in the pathogenesis of AIS and promising candidates as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the condition.

LncRNAs and Cardiovascular Disease

A novel class of RNA molecule emerged from human transcriptome sequencing studies termed long non-coding RNAs. These RNA molecules differ from other classes of non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs in their sizes, sequence motifs and structures. Studies have demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs play a prominent role in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. They provide the cell with tiered levels of gene regulation interacting with DNA, other RNA molecules or proteins acting in various capacities to control a variety of cellular mechanisms. Cell specificity is a hallmark of lncRNA studies and they have been identified in macrophages, smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells and hepatocytes. Recent lncRNA studies have uncovered functional micropeptides encoded within lncRNA genes that can have a different function to the lncRNA. Disease associated mutations in the genome tend to occur in non-coding regions signifying the importance of non-coding genes in disease associations. There is a great deal of work to be done in the non-coding RNA field and tremendous therapeutic potential due to their cell type specificity. A better understanding of the functions and interactions of lncRNAs will inevitably have clinical implications.

Perivascular adipose-derived exosomes reduce macrophage foam cell formation through miR-382-5p and the BMP4-PPARγ-ABCA1/ABCG1 pathways

Background Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) releases exosomes (EXOs) to regulate vascular homeostasis. PVAT-derived EXOs reduce macrophage foam cell formation, but the underlying molecular mechanism has yet to be fully elucidated. We hypothesize that PVAT release miRNA through EXOs and regulate the expression of cholesterol transporter of macrophages, thereby reducing foam cell formation. Methods and results Through RT-qPCR, we identified that miR-382-5p, which was expressed at lower levels in PVAT-EXOs from coronary atherosclerotic heart disease patients than healthy individuals, was expressed at higher levels in wild-type C57BL/6 J mouse aortic PVAT-EXOs than in subcutaneous adipose tissue-derived EXOs. We explored macrophage lipid accumulation through oil red O staining, assessed cholesterol uptake and efflux, and verified cholesterol transporter expression. We found that transfection with a miR-382-5p inhibitor offset PVAT-EXO-related reductions in macrophage foam cell formation and increases in cholesterol efflux mediated by ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 (ABGA1). In addition, bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) pretreatment and si-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) transfection showed that BMP4-PPARγ participated in PVAT-EXO-mediated upregulation of the cholesterol efflux transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1. Conclusions PVAT-EXOs reduce macrophage foam cell formation through miR-382-5p- and BMP4-PPARγ-mediated upregulation of the cholesterol efflux transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1. This finding suggests a promising strategy for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.

Exploring microRNAs as predictive biomarkers for type 2 diabetes mellitus remission after sleeve gastrectomy: A pilot study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate microRNAs (miRNAs) as predictive biomarkers for type 2 diabetes (T2D) remission 12 months after sleeve gastrectomy (SG).

METHODS

A total of 179 serum miRNAs were profiled, and 26 clinical variables were collected from 46 patients. Two patients were later excluded because of hemolysis, and six patients with unclear remission status were set aside to evaluate the prediction models. The remaining 38 patients were included for model building. Variable selection was done using different approaches, including Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO). Prediction models were then developed using LASSO and assessed in the validation set.

RESULTS

A total of 26 out of 38 patients achieved T2D remission 12 months after SG. The prediction model with only clinical variables misclassified two patients, which were correctly classified using miRNAs. Two miRNA-only models achieved an accuracy of one but performed poorly for the validation set. The best miRNA model was a mixed model (accuracy: 0.974) containing four miRNAs (hsa-miR-32-5p, hsa-miR-382-5p, hsa-miR-1-3p, and hsa-miR-21-5p) and four clinical variables (T2D medication, sex, age, and fasting blood glucose). These miRNAs are involved in pathways related to obesity and insulin resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that four serum miRNAs might be predictive biomarkers for T2D remission 12 months after SG, but further validation studies are needed.

Susceptibility Modules and Genes in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy by WGCNA and ceRNA Network Analysis

Background: We attempted to identify a regulatory competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and a hub gene of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). Methods: Microarray datasets of HCM tissue were obtained from NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The R package "limma" was used to identify differentially expressed genes. Online search databases were utilized to match the relation among differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify the correlations between key modules and HCM. STRING database was applied to construct PPI networks. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to perform functional annotations and verified the hub genes. Results: A total of 269 DE-lncRNAs, 63 DE-miRNAs and 879 DE-mRNAs were identified in myocardial tissues from microarray datasets GSE130036, GSE36946 and GSE36961, respectively. According to online databases, we found 1 upregulated miRNA hsa-miR-184 that was targeted by 2 downregulated lncRNAs (SNHG9, AC010980.2), potentially targeted 2 downregulated mRNAs (LRRC8A, SLC7A5). 3 downregulated miRNAs (hsa-miR-17-5p, hsa-miR-876-3p, hsa-miR-139-5p) that were targeted by 9 upregulated lncRNAs, potentially targeted 21 upregulated mRNAs. Black and blue modules significantly related to HCM were identified by WGCNA. Hub gene IGFBP5 regulated by hsa-miR-17-5p, AC007389.5, AC104667.1, and AC002511.2 was identified. GSEA indicated that IGFBP5 might involve in the synthesis of myosin complex, participate in kinesin binding, motor activity and function via the regulation of actin cytoskeleton. Conclusion: The results provide a potential molecular regulatory mechanism for the diagnosis and treatment of HCM. IGFBP5 might play an important role in the progression of HCM.

The Combined Regulation of Long Non-coding RNA and RNA-Binding Proteins in Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a complex disease closely related to the function of endothelial cells (ECs), monocytes/macrophages, and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Despite a good understanding of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still only poorly understood. Therefore, atherosclerosis continues to be an important clinical issue worthy of further research. Recent evidence has shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) can serve as important regulators of cellular function in atherosclerosis. Besides, several studies have shown that lncRNAs are partly dependent on the specific interaction with RBPs to exert their function. This review summarizes the important contributions of lncRNAs and RBPs in atherosclerosis and provides novel and comprehensible interaction models of lncRNAs and RBPs.

Mechanism of microRNA regulating the progress of atherosclerosis in apoE-deficient mice

MicroRNAs play important roles in atherosclerogenesis and are important novel pharmaceutic targets in atherosclerosis management. The whole spectrum of miRNAs dysregulation is still under intense investigation. This study intends to identify more novel dysregulated microRNAs in atherosclerotic mice. Half of eight-week-old male ApoE-/- mice were fed with high-fat-diet for 12 weeks as a model mice, and the remaining half of ApoE-/- mice were fed with a normal-diet as a control. A serum lipid profile was performed with ELISA kits, and atherosclerotic lesions were assessed. Aortic tissues were dissected for gene expression profiling using a Multispecies miRNA 4.0 Array, and significant differentially expressed miRNAs were identified with fold change ≥ 2 and p < 0.05. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to validate microarray gene expression data on selected genes. Predicted target genes were extracted and subjected to bioinformatic analysis for molecular function and pathway enrichment analysis. Model mice showed a 15.32% atherosclerotic lesion compared to 1.52% in the control group. A total of 25 significant differentially expressed microRNAs were identified, with most of them (24/25) downregulated. Real-time quantitative PCR confirmed the GeneChip data. Bioinformatic analysis of predicted target genes identified high involvement of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Microarray profiling of miRNAs in high-fat-fed Model mice identified 25 differentially expressed miRNAs, including some novel miRNAs, and the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway is highly enriched in the predicted target genes. The novel identified dysregulated miRNAs suggest a broader spectrum of miRNA dysregulation in the progression of atherosclerosis and provide more research and therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis.

FAM87A as a Competing Endogenous RNA of miR-424-5p Suppresses Glioma Progression by Regulating PPM1H

Far less has been unveiled about the functions of lncRNAs on cancers yet. Here, we reported that lncRNA FAM87A, as a ceRNA of miR-424-5p, played a vital role in glioma development. qRT-PCR result indicated that FAM87A was abnormally downregulated in glioma tissue and cells. Survival analysis suggested that the FAM87A expression was negatively correlated with the survival rate. Effects of FAM87A on human glioma cell lines were also analyzed by MTT, Edu, and transwell assays. FAM87A hastened proliferation and migration of glioma cells. MiR-424-5p, predicted target of FAM87A, was fostered in glioma, which was examined by qRT-PCR. A negative correlation was indicated between FAM87A and miR-424-5p. Results of bioinformatics, dual luciferase, and RIP assays unveiled that FAM87A and miR-424-5p act upon each other. In addition, miR-424-5p targeted 3'-UTR of PPM1H. Also, effects of miR-424-5p/FAM87A on glioma cells were identified via the cell function experiments. FAM87A suppressed PPM1H by binding to miR-424-5p competitively, thereby restraining cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Collectively, these findings illuminated a new mechanism for glioma progression. Therefore, FAM87A may act as a feasible target for glioma treatment.

Role of Lipid Accumulation and Inflammation in Atherosclerosis: Focus on Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms

Atherosclerosis is a chronic lipid-driven and maladaptive inflammatory disease of arterial intima. It is characterized by the dysfunction of lipid homeostasis and signaling pathways that control the inflammation. This article reviews the role of inflammation and lipid accumulation, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL), in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, with more emphasis on cellular mechanisms. Furthermore, this review will briefly highlight the role of medicinal plants, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and microRNAs in the pathophysiology, treatment, and prevention of atherosclerosis. Lipid homeostasis at various levels, including receptor-mediated uptake, synthesis, storage, metabolism, efflux, and its impairments are important for the development of atherosclerosis. The major source of cholesterol and lipid accumulation in the arterial wall is proatherogenic modified low-density lipoprotein (mLDL). Modified lipoproteins, such as oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and LDL binding with proteoglycans of the extracellular matrix in the intima of blood vessels, cause aggregation of lipoprotein particles, endothelial damage, leukocyte recruitment, foam cell formation, and inflammation. Inflammation is the key contributor to atherosclerosis and participates in all phases of atherosclerosis. Also, several studies have shown that microRNAs and lncRNAs have appeared as key regulators of several physiological and pathophysiological processes in atherosclerosis, including regulation of HDL biogenesis, cholesterol efflux, lipid metabolism, regulating of smooth muscle proliferation, and controlling of inflammation. Thus, both lipid homeostasis and the inflammatory immune response are closely linked, and their cellular and molecular pathways interact with each other.

Induction of microRNA hsa-let-7d-5p, and repression of HMGA2, contribute protection against lipid accumulation in macrophage 'foam' cells

Accumulation of excess cholesterol and cholesteryl ester in macrophage 'foam' cells within the arterial intima characterises early 'fatty streak' atherosclerotic lesions, and is accompanied by epigenetic changes, including altered expression of microRNA sequences which determine of gene and protein expression. This study established that exposure to lipoproteins, including acetylated LDL, induced macrophage expression of microRNA hsa-let-7d-5p, a sequence previously linked with tumour suppression, and repressed expression of one of its target genes, high mobility group AT hook 2 (HMGA2). A let-7d-5p mimic repressed expression of HMGA2 (18%; p < 0.05) while a marked increase (2.9-fold; p < 0.05) in expression of HMGA2 was noted in the presence of let-7d-5p inhibitor. Under these conditions, let-7d-5p mimic significantly (p < 0.05) decreased total (10%), free (8%) and cholesteryl ester (21%) mass, while the inhibitor significantly (p < 0.05) increased total (29%) and free cholesterol (29%) mass, compared with the relevant controls. Let-7d-5p inhibition significantly (p < 0.05) increased endogenous biosynthesis of cholesterol (38%) and cholesteryl ester (39%) pools in macrophage 'foam' cells, without altering the cholesterol efflux pathway, or esterification of exogenous radiolabelled oleate. Let-7d-5p inhibition in sterol-loaded cells increased the level of HMGA2 protein (32%; p < 0.05), while SiRNA knockdown of this protein (29%; p < 0.05) resulted in a (21%, p < 0.05) reduction in free cholesterol mass. Thus, induction of let-7d-5p, and repression of its target HMGA2, in macrophages is a protective response to the challenge of increased cholesterol influx into these cells; dysregulation of this response may contribute to atherosclerosis and other disorders such as cancer.

Identification of Long Noncoding RNAs lnc-DC in Plasma as a New Biomarker for Primary Sjögren's Syndrome

Objective

To evaluate the plasma levels of lnc-DC in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) patients and investigate the potential associations between lnc-DC and disease activity.

Methods

In this study, we recruited 358 enrollments, including 127 pSS patients without immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), 22 pSS patients with ITP, 50 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, and 50 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 109 healthy individuals, from Xuzhou Central Hospital. The expression of anti-SSA and anti-SSB was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Spearman rank correlation test was used to analyze the relationship between lnc-DC and pSS activity. pSS activity was measured by anti-SSA, anti-SSB antibody, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and β₂-microglobulin levels. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the diagnostic performance of plasma lnc-DC for pSS.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, SLE and RA patients, the lnc-DC expression levels were significantly elevated in pSS patients (P < 0.001), especially in pSS patients with ITP (P < 0.001). As expected, we also found that the lnc-DC expression positively correlated with anti-SSA (R² = 0.290, P < 0.001), anti-SSB (R² = 0.172, P < 0.001), ESR level (R² = 0.076, P = 0.002), and β₂-microglobulin level (R² = 0.070, P = 0.003) in pSS patients. ROC curves showed that plasma lnc-DC in pSS patients had an AUC 0.80 with a sensitivity of 0.75 and specificity of 0.85 at the optimum cutoff 1.06 in discriminating SLE and RA patients. In addition, the combination of lnc-DC and anti-SSA/SSB (AUC: 0.84, sensitivity: 0.79, specificity: 0.90) improved significantly the diagnostic ability of pSS patients from SLE and RA patients. In the efficacy monitoring study, levels of plasma lnc-DC were dramatically decreased after treatment (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

These findings highlight that plasma lnc-DC as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of pSS and can be used to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of pSS underwent interventional therapy.

Role of long non-coding RNAs in adipogenesis: State of the art and implications in obesity and obesity-associated diseases

Obesity is an evolutionary, chronic, and relapsing disease that consists of a pathological accumulation of adipose tissue able to increase morbidity for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea in adults, children, and adolescents. Despite intense research over the last 20 years, obesity remains today a disease with a complex and multifactorial etiology. Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as interesting new regulators as different lncRNAs have been found to play a role in early and late phases of adipogenesis and to be implicated in obesity-associated complications onset. In this review, we discuss the most recent advances on the role of lncRNAs in adipocyte biology and in obesity-associated complications. Indeed, more and more researchers are focusing on investigating the underlying roles that these molecular modulators could play. Even if a significant number of evidence is correlation-based, with lncRNAs being differentially expressed in a specific disease, recent works are now focused on deeply analyzing how lncRNAs can effectively modulate the disease pathogenesis onset and progression. LncRNAs possibly represent new molecular markers useful in the future for both the early diagnosis and a prompt clinical management of patients with obesity.

Correlation of Long Non-coding RNA LncRNA-FA2H-2 With Inflammatory Markers in the Peripheral Blood of Patients With Coronary Heart Disease

Objective: To characterize the expression of long non-coding RNA LncRNA-FA2H-2 in coronary heart disease (CHD) and its correlation with inflammatory markers.

Methods: From December 2018 to December 2020, 316 patients at Henan Provincial People's Hospital who complained of chest tightness or chest pain and had coronary angiography to clarify their coronary artery conditions for definitive diagnoses were selected as the study subjects. Plasma was collected to detect white blood cells (WBCs), total cholesterol (TG), triglyceride cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were also measured using ELISA. The expression levels of lncRNA-FA2H-2 were measured using quantitative real-time PCR. The data obtained were analyzed by independent sample t-tests, rank sum tests, regression analyses, Pearson's or Spearman's correlation analyses, and receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results: (1) Compared with the control group, the differences in age, sex, diabetes, smoking, drinking, body mass index (BMI), WBC, TC, and LDL-C in CHD were not statistically significant, while the differences in hypertension, TG, HDL-C, ApoA1, and CRP were statistically significant. (2) In the grouping of coronary lesion branches, patients with age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, drinking, BMI, WBC, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, and ApoA1 differences were not statistically significant, but TG and CRP differences were statistically significant. (3) The relative expressions of TNF-α, MCP-1, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and IL-6 were significantly upregulated in the CHD group (P < 0.001). (4) The results showed that the relative levels of TNF-α, MCP-1, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and IL-6 between the two comparative analyses (high risk, moderate risk, and low risk groups) were statistically significant. In addition, positive correlations were found between the Gensini score and TNF-α, MCP-1, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and IL-6 in CHD patients. (5) LncRNA-FA2H-2 relative expression in the CHD group was significantly downregulated (P < 0.001). (6) The differences in the expression levels of LncRNA-FA2H-2 were statistically significant between the two comparative analyses (P < 0.01), except between the 2-branch lesion and 3-branch lesion groups. (7) LncRNA-FA2H-2 was not associated with age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, drinking, BMI, WBC, TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, and ApoA1 (P > 0.05). (8) A correlation was found between LncRNA-FA2H-2 and MCP-1, and VCAM-1, ICAM-1, IL-6, and Gensini. (9) The results indicated that the relative levels of LncRNA-FA2H-2 between the two comparative analyses (high risk, moderate risk, and low risk groups) were statistically significant. A negative correlation was found between the Gensini score and LncRNA-FA2H-2. (10) ROC curve analyses of TNF-α, MCP-1, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and IL-6 in CHD showed the area under the curve (AUC) = 0.832 (0.77, 0.893) with a cut-off value of 290.5, a sensitivity of 73%, and a specificity of 64%; AUC = 0.731 (0.653, 0.809) with a cut-off value of 396 and with a sensitivity of 59% and specificity of 79%; AUC = 0.822 (0.757, 0.887) with a cut-off value of 264 and with a sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 83%; AUC = 0.794 (0.715, 0.874) with a cut-off value of 201.5 and with a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 65%; AUC = 0.760 (0.685, 0.834) with a cut-off value of 328 and with a sensitivity of 55% and specificity of 90%. (11) ROC curve analysis of LncRNA-FA2H-2 in CHD patients showed AUC = 0.834 (0.688, 0.85) with a cut-off value of 3.155 and with a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 82%. (12) Logistic analyses showed that TNF-α, MCP-1, VCAM-1, IL-6, and LncRNA-FA2H-2 were independent risk factors for CHD.

Conclusions: The expression of LncRNA-FA2H-2 was reduced and inversely correlated with inflammation-related factors in CHD patients. LncRNA-FA2H-2 may have potential as an inflammatory marker for risk assessment of CHD development.

Potential Therapeutic Targeting of lncRNAs in Cholesterol Homeostasis

Maintaining cholesterol homeostasis is essential for normal cellular and systemic functions. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent a mechanism to fine-tune numerous biological processes by controlling gene expression. LncRNAs have emerged as important regulators in cholesterol homeostasis. Dysregulation of lncRNAs expression is associated with lipid-related diseases, suggesting that manipulating the lncRNAs expression could be a promising therapeutic approach to ameliorate liver disease progression and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, given the high-abundant lncRNAs and the poor genetic conservation between species, much work is required to elucidate the specific role of lncRNAs in regulating cholesterol homeostasis. In this review, we highlighted the latest advances in the pivotal role and mechanism of lncRNAs in regulating cholesterol homeostasis. These findings provide novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of lncRNAs in lipid-related diseases and may offer potential therapeutic targets for treating lipid-related diseases.

Non-coding RNAs in cardiac inflammation: key drivers in the pathophysiology of heart failure

Heart failure is among the most progressive diseases and a leading cause of morbidity. Despite several advances in cardiovascular therapies, pharmacological treatments are limited to relieve symptoms without curing cardiac injury. Multiple observations point to the involvement of immune cells as key drivers in the pathophysiology of heart failure. In particular, there is a growing recognition that heart failure is related to a prolonged and insufficiently repressed inflammatory response leading to molecular, cellular, and functional cardiac alterations. Over the last decades, non-coding RNAs are recognized as prominent mediators of the cardiac inflammation, affecting the function of several immune cells. In the current review, we explore the contribution of the diverse immune cells in the progression of heart failure, revealing mechanistic functions for non-coding RNAs in cardiac immune cells as a new and exciting field of investigation.

LncRNA AC105942.1 Downregulates hnRNPA2/B1 to Attenuate Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Proliferation

The abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is crucial in the atherosclerosis. Although long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in a variety of diseases, their roles in activation of VSMCs proliferation and vascular disorder diseases are not well understood. In addition, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 (hnRNPA2/B1) was reported to participate in lncRNAs-mediated function. Herein, we propose to investigate the role of lncRNA AC105942.1 and hnRNPA2/B1 in pathological VSMCs proliferation and the possible mechanisms in vitro. We have identified that lncRNA AC105942.1 was downregulated and hnRNPA2/B1 was upregulated in atherosclerotic plaques compared with normal artery tissues. Enhanced lncRNA AC105942.1 could noticeably inhibit Ang II-induced VSMCs proliferation. Further investigation suggested that lncRNA AC105942.1 could downregulate the expression of hnRNPA2/B1 and then regulate the level of CDK4 and p27. Taken together, our study indicated that lncRNA AC105942.1 downregulated hnRNPA2B1 to protect against the atherosclerosis by suppressing VSMCs proliferation. LncRNA AC105942.1 and hnRNPA2/B1 could represent potential therapeutic and diagnostic targets to atherosclerosis-related diseases.

Exosomal circEhmt1 Released from Hypoxia-Pretreated Pericytes Regulates High Glucose-Induced Microvascular Dysfunction via the NFIA/NLRP3 Pathway

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a frequently occurring microvascular complication induced by long-term hyperglycemia. Pericyte-endothelial cell crosstalk is critical for maintaining vascular homeostasis and remodeling; however, the molecular mechanism underlying that crosstalk remains unknown. In this study, we explored the crosstalk that occurs between endothelial cells and pericytes in response to diabetic retinopathy. Pericytes were stimulated with cobalt chloride (CoCl₂) to activate the HIF pathway. Hypoxia-stimulated pericytes were cocultured with high glucose- (HG-) induced endotheliocytes. Cell viability was determined using the CCK-8 assay. Western blot studies were performed to detect the expression of proteins associated with apoptosis, hypoxia, and inflammation. ELISA assays were conducted to analyze the release of IL-1β and IL-18. We performed a circRNA microarray analysis of exosomal RNAs expressed under normoxic or hypoxic conditions. A FISH assay was performed to identify the location of circEhmt1 in pericytes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) was used to identify the specific DNA-binding site on the NFIA-NLRP3 complex. We found that pericyte survival was negatively correlated with the angiogenesis activity of endotheliocytes. We also found that hypoxia upregulated circEhmt1 expression in pericytes, and circEhmt1 could be transferred from pericytes to endotheliocytes via exosomes. Moreover, circEhmt1 overexpression protected endotheliocytes against HG-induced injury in vitro. Mechanistically, circEhmt1 was highly expressed in the nucleus of pericytes and could upregulate the levels of NFIA (a transcription factor) to suppress NLRP3-mediated inflammasome formation. Our study revealed a critical role for circEhmt1-mediated NFIA/NLRP3 signaling in retinal microvascular dysfunction and suggests that signaling pathway as a target for treating DR.

Recent advances in the regulation of ABCA1 and ABCG1 by lncRNAs

Coronary heart disease (CHD) with atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death worldwide. ABCA1 and ABCG1 promote cholesterol efflux to suppress foam cell generation and reduce atherosclerosis development. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as a unique group of RNA transcripts that longer than 200 nucleotides and have no protein-coding potential. Many studies have found that lncRNAs regulate cholesterol efflux to influence atherosclerosis development. ABCA1 is regulated by different lncRNAs, including MeXis, GAS5, TUG1, MEG3, MALAT1, Lnc-HC, RP5-833A20.1, LOXL1-AS1, CHROME, DAPK1-IT1, SIRT1 AS lncRNA, DYNLRB2-2, DANCR, LeXis, LOC286367, and LncOR13C9. ABCG1 is also regulated by different lncRNAs, including TUG1, GAS5, RP5-833A20.1, DYNLRB2-2, ENST00000602558.1, and AC096664.3. Thus, various lncRNAs are associated with the roles of ABCA1 and ABCG1 on cholesterol efflux in atherosclerosis regulation. However, some lncRNAs play dual roles in ABCA1 expression and atherosclerosis, and the functions of some lncRNAs in atherosclerosis have not been investigated in vivo. In this article, we review the roles of lncRNAs in atherosclerosis and focus on new insights into lncRNAs associated with the roles of ABCA1 and ABCG1 on cholesterol efflux and the potential of these lncRNAs as novel therapeutic targets in atherosclerosis.

Long Non-Coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in Cardiovascular Disease Complication of Type 2 Diabetes

The discovery of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) has opened a new paradigm to use ncRNAs as biomarkers to detect disease progression. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) have garnered the most attention due to their specific cell-origin and their existence in biological fluids. Type 2 diabetes patients will develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) complications, and CVD remains the top risk factor for mortality. Understanding the lncRNA roles in T2D and CVD conditions will allow the future use of lncRNAs to detect CVD complications before the symptoms appear. This review aimed to discuss the roles of lncRNAs in T2D and CVD conditions and their diagnostic potential as molecular biomarkers for CVD complications in T2D.

Dysregulated microRNA expression in IL-4 transgenic mice, an animal model of atopic dermatitis

IL-4 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). Previously we showed that the expression of genes in chemotaxis, angiogenesis, inflammation and barrier functions is dysregulated in IL-4 transgenic (Tg) mice, a well-characterized AD mouse model. In this study, we aim to study differential expression of microRNAs in IL-4 Tg mice. As compared with wild-type mice, we found that 10 and 79 microRNAs are dysregulated in the skin of IL-4 mice before and after the onset of skin lesions, respectively. Bioinformatic analysis and previous reports show that these dysregulated microRNAs may be involved in the NF-κB, TLRs, IL-4/IL-13, MAPK and other pathways. We also found that miR-139-5p and miR-196b-3p are significantly up-regulated in the peripheral blood of IL-4 Tg mice. Taken together, our data have identified many dysregulated microRNAs in IL-4 Tg mice, which may play important roles in AD pathogenesis and pathophysiology.

Epigenetic mechanisms underlying the benefits of flavonoids in cardiovascular health and diseases: are long non-coding RNAs rising stars?

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) rank as the first leading cause of death globally. High dietary polyphenol (especially flavonoids) intake has strongly been associated with low incidence of the primary outcome, overall mortality, blood pressure, inflammatory biomarkers, onset of new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and obesity. Phytogenic flavonoids affect the physiological and pathological processes of CVDs by modulating various biochemical signaling pathways. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have attracted increasing attention as fundamental regulator of gene expression involved in CVDs. Among the different ncRNA subgroups, long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) have recently emerged as regulatory eukaryotic transcripts and therapeutic targets with important and diverse functions in health and diseases. lncRNAs may be associated with the initiation, development and progression of CVDs by modulating acute and chronic inflammation, adipogenesis and lipid metabolism, and cellular physiology. This review summarizes this research on the modulatory effects of lncRNAs and their roles in mediating cellular processes. The mechanisms of action of flavonoids underlying their therapeutic effects on CVDs are also discussed. Based on our review, flavonoids might facilitate a significant epigenetic modification as part (if not full) of their tissue-/cell-related biological effects. This finding may be attributed to their interaction with cellular signaling pathways involved in chronic diseases. Certain lncRNAs might be the target of specific flavonoids, and some critical signaling processes involved in the intervention of CVDs might mediate the therapeutic roles of flavonoids.

The role of long noncoding RNA in lipid, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism and treatment of obesity syndrome

Obesity syndromes, characterized by abnormal lipid, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism, are detrimental to human health and cause many diseases, including obesity and type II diabetes. Increasing evidence has shown that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that are not translated into proteins, play an important role in regulating abnormal metabolism in obesity syndromes. For the first time, we systematically summarize how lncRNA is involved in complex obesity metabolic syndromes, including the regulation of lipid, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism. Moreover, we discuss lncRNA involvement in food intake that mediates obesity syndromes. Furthermore, this review might shed new light on a lncRNA-based strategy for the prevention and treatment of obesity syndromes. Recent investigations support that lncRNA is a novel molecular target of obesity syndromes and should be emphasized. Namely, lncRNA plays a crucial role in the development of obesity syndrome process. Various lncRNAs are involved in the process of lipid, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism by regulating gene transcription, signaling pathway, and epigenetic modification of metabolism-related genes, proteins, and enzymes. Food intake could also induce abnormal expression of lncRNA associated with obesity syndrome, especially high-fat diet. Notably, some nanomolecules and natural extracts may target lncRNAs, associated with obesity syndrome, as a potential treatment for obesity syndromes.

Functioning of Long Noncoding RNAs Expressed in Macrophage in the Development of Atherosclerosis

Chronic inflammation is part of the pathological process during atherosclerosis (AS). Due to the abundance of monocytes/macrophages within the arterial plaque, monocytes/macrophages have become a critical cellular target in AS studies. In recent decades, a number of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to exert regulatory roles on the macrophage metabolism and macrophage plasticity, consequently promoting or suppressing atherosclerotic inflammation. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of lncRNAs in macrophage biology, highlighting the potential role of lncRNAs in AS based on recent findings, with the aim to identify disease biomarkers and future therapeutic interventions for AS.

The role of non-coding RNA network in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the primary culprit of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Also, atherogenesis and the development of atherosclerosis involve endothelial cells, monocytes/macrophages, smooth myocytes, and others. Increasingly, studies have found that non-coding RNA (ncRNA) which can regulate apoptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, proliferation, and monocyte migration participates in atherogenesis and progress of atherosclerosis by the above. The ncRNA networks may be essential in regulating the complicated process of atherosclerosis. Accordingly, this review delves into the regulatory roles of ncRNA, which were introduced previously. The answer above is particularly crucial to explain further the regulatory mechanism of ncRNA in cardiovascular disorders. Furthermore, we discuss the possibility and related research of ncRNAs as a biomarker and therapeutic target for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of atherosclerosis.

Atorvastatin Increases the Expression of Long Non-Coding RNAs ARSR and CHROME in Hypercholesterolemic Patients: A Pilot Study

Atorvastatin is extensively used to treat hypercholesterolemia. However, the wide interindividual variability observed in response to this drug still needs further elucidation. Nowadays, the biology of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is better understood, and some of these molecules have been related to cholesterol metabolism. Therefore, they could provide additional information on variability in response to statins. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of atorvastatin on three lncRNAs (lncRNA ARSR: Activated in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with sunitinib resistance, ENST00000424980; lncRNA LASER: lipid associated single nucleotide polymorphism locus, ENSG00000237937; and lncRNA CHROME: cholesterol homeostasis regulator of miRNA expression, ENSG00000223960) associated with genes involved in cholesterol metabolism as predictors of lipid-lowering therapy performance. Twenty hypercholesterolemic patients were treated for four weeks with atorvastatin (20 mg/day). The lipid profile was determined before and after drug administration using conventional assays. The expression of lncRNAs was assessed in peripheral blood samples by RT-qPCR. As expected, atorvastatin improved the lipid profile, decreasing total cholesterol, LDL-C, and the TC/HDL-C ratio (p < 0.0001) while increasing the expression of lncRNAs ARSR and CHROME (p < 0.0001) upon completion of treatment. LASER did not show significant differences among the groups (p = 0.50). Our results indicate that atorvastatin modulates the expression of cholesterol-related lncRNAs differentially, suggesting that these molecules play a role in the variability of response to this drug; however, additional studies are needed to disclose the implication of this differential regulation on statin response.

Long Non-Coding RNA Associated with Cholesterol Homeostasis and Its Involvement in Metabolic Diseases

Cholesterol is an essential cell component that functions to create and maintain all kinds of cell membranes and lipoprotein particles. It is crucial to maintain the proper amount of cholesterol at both the cellular and systemic level. Recently, the importance of cholesterol has been reported not only in various cell development processes but also in the development of diseases. Furthermore, the involvement of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are regarded as important epigenetic regulators in gene expression, has also been reported in cholesterol homeostasis. It is thus necessary to summarize the research on lncRNAs related to cholesterol with increased interest. This review organized the role of lncRNAs according to the major issues in cholesterol homeostasis: efflux, metabolism and synthesis, and disease process.

Non-coding RNAs: The key detectors and regulators in cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an important cause of disease-related death worldwide. One of its main pathological bases is imbalances in gene expression. Non-coding RNAs are a class of transcripts that do not encode proteins. They include microRNA (miRNA), long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and circular RNA (circRNA). They have important biological functions such as regulating transcription and translation, as well as interacting with DNA, RNA, and proteins. They are also closely associated with pathological processes in CVD. This review will focus on the expression and function of miRNA, lncRNA, circRNA, as well as on their roles and molecular mechanisms in CVDs such as cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, rheumatic heart disease, myocardial fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension. This review will outline concepts provide bases for early diagnosis and targeted treatment of CVDs.

Regulatory Roles of Related Long Non-coding RNAs in the Process of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main cause of coronary heart disease, cerebral infarction, and peripheral vascular disease, which comprise serious hazards to human health. Atherosclerosis is characterized by the deposition of lipids on the interior walls of blood vessels, causing an inflammatory response of immune cells, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells, and a proliferation cascade reaction. Despite years of research, the underlying pathogenesis of AS is not fully defined. Recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which non-coding RNA influences the initiation and progression of AS have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate important stages in the atherosclerotic process. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of lncRNAs, which influence the development of AS. We review the regulatory processes of lncRNAs on core stages of atherosclerotic progression, including lipid metabolism, inflammation, vascular cell proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion and migration, and angiogenesis. A growing body of evidence suggests that lncRNAs have great potential as new therapeutic targets for the treatment of vascular diseases.

The biological function and potential mechanism of long non-coding RNAs in cardiovascular disease

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), as part of the family of non-protein-coding transcripts, are implicated in the occurrence and progression of several cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). With recent advances in lncRNA research, these molecules are purported to regulate gene expression at multiple levels, thereby producing beneficial or detrimental biological effects during CVD pathogenesis. At the transcriptional level, lncRNAs affect gene expression by interacting with DNA and proteins, for example, components of chromatin-modifying complexes, or transcription factors affecting chromatin status. These potential mechanisms suggest that lncRNAs guide proteins to specific gene loci (eg promoter regions), or forestall proteins to specific genomic sites via DNA binding. Additionally, some lncRNAs are required for correct chromatin conformation, which occurs via chromatin looping in enhancer-like models. At the post-transcriptional level, lncRNAs interact with RNA molecules, mainly microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs, potentially regulating CVD pathophysiological processes. Moreover, lncRNAs appear to post-transcriptionally modulate gene expression by participating in mRNA splicing, stability, degradation and translation. Thus, the purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of lncRNAs implicated in CVD biological processes, with an emphasis on potential mechanisms of action.