MicroRNA-375-3p is implicated in carotid artery stenosis by promoting the cell proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells

GHRH-stimulated pituitary small extracellular vesicles inhibit hepatocyte proliferation and IGF-1 expression by its cargo miR-375-3p

Small extracellular vesicles (sEV) have emerged as a novel mode of intercellular material transport and information transmission. It has been suggested hormones may regulate the production and function of sEV. However, the specific impact of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) on pituitary sEV production and the role of sEV in the regulation of the GHRH-GH-IGF axis has not been previously reported. The results of the present study demonstrated that GHRH increased the production of pituitary sEV by promoting the expression of Rab27a. More importantly, GHRH induced alterations in protein and miRNA levels within GH3-sEV components. Notably, GH3-sEV with GHRH treatment exhibited the enhanced ability to impede BRL 3A cell proliferation and the expression of IGF-1. Conclusively, for the first time, we corroborate the influence of GHRH on pituitary sEV, thereby presenting novel evidence for how sEV participates in the balance of the GHRH-GH-IGF axis. Importantly, this study provides new insight into a novel balance mechanism mediated by sEV within the endocrine system.

Differential miR-195-5p and its potential role during the development of carotid artery stenosis

OBJECTIVES

Carotid artery stenosis (CAS) is a leading cause of cerebral ischemic events (CIE). Timely detection and risk assessment can aid in managing CAS patients and improving their prognosis. The aim of the current study is to identify a new biomarker for CAS and to further investigate the impact of miR-195-5p on cellular processes in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).

METHODS

This study involved 112 CAS patients and 65 healthy individuals. Serum miR-195-5p levels were measured using RT-qPCR. The ROC curve was then plotted to evaluate the diagnostic potential of miR-195-5p for CAS. The Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression were employed to determine miR-195-5p's prognostic significance. In vitro, the effects of miR-195-5p mimic or inhibitor on VSMC proliferation and migration were assessed using CCK-8 and Transwell assays.

RESULTS

In CAS patients, serum miR-195-5p levels were elevated and correlated with the degree of CAS. The ROC curve had an AUC value of 0.897, with sensitivity of 71.4% and specificity of 95.4%. Higher levels of miR-195-5p indicated a higher risk of CIE occurrence and may serve as an independent predictor of CIE. The upregulation of miR-195-5p promoted VSMC proliferation and migration, while downregulation had the opposite effect.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-195-5p was demonstrated to have diagnostic and prognostic significance in CAS and may serve as a potential biomarker. It may contribute to the progression of CAS by promoting the proliferation and migration of VSMCs.

PCSK9i promoting the transformation of AS plaques into a stable plaque by targeting the miR-186-5p/Wipf2 and miR-375-3p/Pdk1/Yap1 in ApoE-/- mice

Background

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a multifaceted disease characterized by disruptions in lipid metabolism, vascular inflammation, and the involvement of diverse cellular constituents. Recent investigations have progressively underscored the role of microRNA (miR) dysregulation in cardiovascular diseases, notably AS. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) can effectively reduce circulating levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)], potentially fostering a more enduring phenotype for AS plaques. However, the underlying mechanisms by which PCSK9i enhances plaque stability remain unclear. In this study, we used microarray and bioinformatics techniques to analyze the regulatory impacts on gene expression pertinent to AS, thereby unveiling potential mechanisms underlying the plaque-stabilizing attributes of PCSK9i.

Methods

ApoE-/- mice were randomly allocated into control, AS, PCSK9i, and Atorvastatin groups. The AS model was induced through a high-fat diet (HFD), succeeded by interventions: the PCSK9i group was subjected to subcutaneous SBC-115076 injections (8 mg/kg, twice weekly), and the Atorvastatin group received daily oral Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) while on the HFD. Subsequent to the intervention phase, serum analysis, histological assessment using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Oil Red O staining, microarray-centered miRNA analysis utilizing predictions from TargetScan and miRTarBase, and analyses using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were executed to illuminate potential pathways. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was employed to quantify the expression levels of target genes.

Results

In comparison to the control group, the AS group displayed a significant elevation in blood lipid levels. Both PCSK9i and Atorvastatin effectively attenuated blood lipid levels, with PCSK9i exhibiting a more pronounced lipid-lowering impact, particularly concerning TG and LDL-C levels. Over the course of AS progression, the expression levels of mmu-miR-134, mmu-miR-141-5p, mmu-miR-17-3p, mmu-miR-195-3p, mmu-miR-210, mmu-miR-33-5p, mmu-miR-410, mmu-miR-411-5p, mmu-miR-499, mmu-miR-672-5p, mmu-miR-675-3p, and mmu-miR-301b underwent dynamic fluctuations. PCSK9i significantly down-regulated the expression of mmu-miR-186-5p, mmu-miR-222, mmu-miR-375-3p, and mmu-miR-494-3p. Further enrichment analysis disclosed that mmu-miR-186-5p, mmu-miR-222, mmu-miR-375-3p, and mmu-miR-494-3p were functionally enriched for cardiovascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, migration, and regulation. RT-qPCR results manifested that, in comparison to the AS group, PCSK9i significantly upregulated the expression of Wipf2, Pdk1, and Yap1 (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Aberrant miRNA expression may play a pivotal role in AS progression in murine models of AS. The subcutaneous administration of PCSK9i exerted anti-atherosclerotic effects by targeting the miR-186-5p/Wipf2 and miR-375-3p/Pdk1/Yap1 axes, thereby promoting the transition of AS plaques into a more stable form.

MicroRNA-361-5p acts as a biomarker for carotid artery stenosis and promotes vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration

BACKGROUND

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) dysfunction participates in carotid artery stenosis (CAS). The study aimed to examine the expression pattern of miR-361-5p in CAS patients, and explore its role in VSMCs proliferation and migration.

METHODS

qRT-PCR was performed for the detection of miR-361-5p in serum samples of 150 CAS cases and 150 healthy people. Multiple logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was accomplished to detect diagnostic value via SPSS 21.0 statistical software. Cell function of VSMCs was evaluated. Target association was predicted through bioinformatic analysis and confirmed via luciferase activity.

RESULTS

Serum miR-361-5p was enhanced in CAS cases and was positively correlated with CAS degree. Logistic regression analysis determined the independent influence of miR-361-5p in CAS, and ROC curve demonstrated its diagnostic value with AUC of 0.892. miR-361-5p promoted VSMCs proliferation and migration, but the influence was counteracted by TIMP4.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-361-5p is a promising biomarker for CAS, and can be used as a potential target for early diagnosis and treatment of CAS. MiR-361-5p can promote VSMCs proliferation and migration via targeting TIMP4.

The Expression Levels of MicroRNAs Differentially Expressed in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Patients' Serum Are Unchanged for up to 12 Months after Hearing Loss Onset

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an acquired idiopathic hearing loss. Serum levels of small, non-coding RNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs) miR-195-5p/-132-3p/-30a-3p/-128-3p/-140-3p/-186-5p/-375-3p/-590-5p are differentially expressed in SSNHL patients within 28 days of hearing loss onset. This study determines if these changes persist by comparing the serum miRNA expression profile of SSNHL patients within 1 month of hearing loss onset with that of patients 3-12 months after hearing loss onset. We collected serum from consenting adult SSNHL patients at presentation or during clinic follow-up. We matched patient samples drawn 3-12 months after hearing loss onset (delayed group, n = 9 patients) by age and sex to samples drawn from patients within 28 days of hearing loss onset (immediate group, n = 14 patients). We compared the real-time PCR-determined expression levels of the target miRNAs between the two groups. We calculated the air conduction pure-tone-averaged (PTA) audiometric thresholds in affected ears at the initial and final follow-up visits. We undertook inter-group comparisons of hearing outcome status and initial and final PTA audiometric thresholds. There was no significant inter-group difference in miRNA expression level, hearing recovery status and initial and final affected ear PTA audiometric thresholds.

Stenting for elderly patients with internal carotid artery stenosis: analysis of clinical efficacy

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of carotid artery stenting (CAS) in elderly patients with internal carotid artery stenosis (ICS).

METHODS

Ninety elderly ICS patients admitted between January 2019 - July 2021 were selected and divided into a control group and a research group according to different treatment method. The 42 cases in the control group were received carotid endarterectomy and the 48 cases in the research group were treated with CAS. The effects of the two intervention methods on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, complication rate, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines and cognitive function were observed and evaluated.

RESULTS

Compared to baseline (before treatment), the research group showed significantly reduced scores of NIHSS and activities of daily living, appreciably decreased levels of malonaldehyde, interleukin-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive-protein, but increased superoxide dismutase, Rapid Verbal Retrieve score and Digit Span Test score after treatment. Also, the same trends were found when comparing the above results with those of the control group after treatment. The two groups showed a comparable complication rate.

CONCLUSIONS

The above data indicate a definite clinical efficacy and a favorable safety profile of CAS for ICS in the elderly. CAS can effectively reduce the oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines of patients and enhance their cognitive function.

The Effect of TNF-α on CHD and the Relationship between TNF-α Antagonist and CHD in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) plays an important role in coronary heart disease (CHD), a chronic inflammatory process. Meanwhile, this pro-inflammatory factor is also involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients with RA correspond to a higher risk of CHD. TNF-α antagonist, one of the main treatments for RA, may reduce the risk of CHD in patients with RA. This review summarizes the pathogenesis of TNF-α in CHD and discusses the relationship between TNF-α antagonist and CHD in patients with RA.

Silencing METTL3 Stabilizes Atherosclerotic Plaques by Regulating the Phenotypic Transformation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells via the miR-375-3p/PDK1 Axis

PURPOSE

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a primary cause of cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the mechanism of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in AS plaques via modulating the phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).

METHODS

AS mouse models and MOVAS cell models were established through high-fat diet and the treatment of ox-LDL, respectively. METTL3 expression in AS models was detected via RT-qPCR and Western blot. The AS plaques, lipid deposition, and collagen fibers were examined via histological staining. The levels of Ly-6c, α-SMA, and OPN were examined via Western blot. The blood lipid indexes in mouse aortic tissues were determined using kits. The proliferation and migration of MOVAS cells were detected via CCK-8 and Transwell assays. The m⁶A modification level of mRNA was quantified. The binding relationship between pri-miR-375 and DGCR8, and the enrichment of m⁶A on pri-miR-375 were detected via RIP. The binding relationship between miR-375-3p and 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK1) was verified via dual-luciferase assay. Joint experiments were designed to investigate the role of miR-375-3P/PDK1 in the phenotypic transformation of VSMCs.

RESULTS

METTL3 was highly expressed in AS. Silencing METTL3 alleviated AS progression and stabilized AS plaques in mice, and limited the phenotypic transformation of VSMCs induced by ox-LDL. Silencing METTL3 inhibited m⁶A level and decreased the binding of DGCR8 to pri-miR-375 and further limited miR-375-3p expression. miR-375-3p targeted PDK1 transcription. miR-375-3p upregulation or PDK1 downregulation facilitated the phenotypic transformation of VSMCs.

CONCLUSION

METTL3-mediated m⁶A modification promoted VSMC phenotype transformation and made AS plaques more vulnerable via the miR-375-3p/PDK1 axis.