MiR-27a-3p suppresses cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by targeting FOXO1

MicroRNA-based interventions in aberrant cell cycle diseases: Therapeutic strategies for cancers, central nervous system disorders and comorbidities

Malignant tumors and central nervous system (CNS) disorders are intricately linked to a process known as "aberrant cell cycle re-entry," which plays a critical role in the progression of these diseases. Addressing the dysregulation in cell cycles offers a promising therapeutic approach for cancers and CNS disorders. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role as regulators of gene expression in cell cycle transitions, presenting a promising therapeutic avenue for treating these disorders and their comorbidities. This review consolidates the progress made in the last three years regarding miRNA-based treatments for diseases associated with aberrant cell cycle re-entry. It encompasses exploring fundamental mechanisms and signaling pathways influenced by miRNAs in cancers and CNS disorders, particularly focusing on the therapeutic effects of exosome-derived miRNAs. The review also identifies specific miRNAs implicated in comorbidity of cancers and CNS disorders, discusses the future potential of miRNA reagents in managing cell cycle-related diseases.

Identification of core genes shared by ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction using an integrated approach

BACKGROUND

Both ischemic stroke (IS) and myocardial infarction (MI) are caused by vascular occlusion that results in ischemia. While there may be similarities in their mechanisms, the potential relationship between these 2 diseases has not been comprehensively analyzed. Therefore, this study explored the commonalities in the pathogenesis of IS and MI.

METHODS

Datasets for IS (GSE58294, GSE16561) and MI (GSE60993, GSE61144) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Transcriptome data from each of the 4 datasets were analyzed using bioinformatics, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) shared between IS and MI were identified and subsequently visualized using a Venn diagram. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Interacting Gene Retrieval Tool database, and identification of key core genes was performed using CytoHubba. Gene Ontology (GO) term annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of the shared DEGs were conducted using prediction and network analysis methods, and the functions of the hub genes were determined using Metascape.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed 116 and 1321 DEGs in the IS and MI datasets, respectively. Of the 75 DEGs shared between IS and MI, 56 were upregulated and 19 were downregulated. Furthermore, 15 core genes - S100a12, Hp, Clec4d, Cd163, Mmp9, Ormdl3, Il2rb, Orm1, Irak3, Tlr5, Lrg1, Clec4e, Clec5a, Mcemp1, and Ly96 - were identified. GO enrichment analysis of the DEGs showed that they were mainly involved in the biological functions of neutrophil degranulation, neutrophil activation during immune response, and cytokine secretion. KEGG analysis showed enrichment in pathways pertaining to Salmonella infection, Legionellosis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Finally, the core gene-transcription factor, gene-microRNA, and small-molecule relationships were predicted.

CONCLUSION

These core genes may provide a novel theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of IS and MI.

Oxidative Stress and FOXO-1 Relationship in Stage III Periodontitis

OBJECTIVES

8-Hydroxideoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is a marker of oxidative stress, and Forkhead Box-O1 (FOXO1) is a transcription factor and signaling integrator in cell and tissue homeostasis. This study aims to determine FOXO1 and 8-OHdG levels in serum and saliva samples of periodontitis patients and to evaluate their relationship with clinical periodontal parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty healthy individuals, twenty generalized Stage III Grade B periodontitis patients, and nineteen generalized Stage III Grade C periodontitis patients were included in the study. Clinical periodontal parameters (plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and clinical attachment level (CAL)) were recorded. Salivary and serum 8-OHdG and FOX-O1 levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Clinical periodontal parameters showed a statistically significant increase in periodontitis groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). 8-OHdG salivary levels were significantly higher in both periodontitis groups compared to the control group. The salivary FOXO1 levels were significantly lower in both periodontitis groups compared to the control group. Salivary FOXO1 level had a low-grade negative correlation with BOP and salivary 8-OHdG level.

CONCLUSIONS

While reactive oxygen species increase in periodontal inflammation, low expression of FOXO1, an important transcription factor for antioxidant enzymes, supports that this molecule plays a vital role in tissue destruction, and FOXO1 can be seen as a potential immune modulator.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The role of FOXO1 in supporting antioxidant defense may suggest that FOXO1 is a candidate target for periodontitis treatment.

Tanshinone IIA Alleviates Traumatic Brain Injury by Reducing Ischemia‒Reperfusion via the miR-124-5p/FoxO1 Axis

Background

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury is a common complication of ischemic stroke that affects the prognosis of patients with ischemic stroke. The lipid-soluble diterpene Tanshinone IIA, which was isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza, has been indicated to reduce cerebral ischemic injury. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism of Tanshinone IIA in alleviating reperfusion-induced brain injury.

Methods

Middle cerebral artery occlusion animal models were established, and neurological scores, tetrazolium chloride staining, brain volume quantification, wet and dry brain water content measurement, Nissl staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, western blotting, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed. The viability of cells was measured by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assays, while cell damage was measured by lactate dehydrogenase release in the in vitro oxygen glucose deprivation model. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, western blotting, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Tanshinone IIA on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) induced brain injury, as well as its effects on the inflammatory response and neuronal apoptosis, in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, this study validated the targeting relationship between miR-124-5p and FoxO1 using a dual luciferase assay. Finally, we examined the role of Tanshinone IIA in brain injury from a molecular perspective by inhibiting miR-124-5p or increasing FoxO1 levels.

Results

After treatment with Tanshinone IIA in middle cerebral artery occlusion-reperfusion (MCAO/R) rats, the volume of cerebral infarction was reduced, the water content of the brain was decreased, the nerve function of the rats was significantly improved, and the cell damage was significantly reduced. In addition, Tanshinone IIA effectively inhibited the I/R-induced inflammatory response and neuronal apoptosis, that is, it inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, decreased the expression of apoptotic protein Bax and Cleaved-caspase-3, and promoted the expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. In vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) cell model, Tanshinone IIA also inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors in neuronal cells and inhibited the occurrence of neuronal apoptosis. In addition, Tanshinone IIA promoted the expression of miR-124-5p. Transfection of miR-124-5p mimic has the same therapeutic effect as Tanshinone IIA and positive therapeutic effect on OGD cells, while transfection of miR-124-5p inhibitor has the opposite effect. The targeting of miR-124-5p negatively regulates FoxO1 expression. Inhibition of miR-124-5p or overexpression of FoxO1 can weaken the inhibitory effect of Tanshinone IIA on brain injury induced by I/R, while inhibition of miR-124-5p and overexpression of FoxO1 can further weaken the effect of Tanshinone IIA.

Conclusion

Tanshinone IIA alleviates ischemic-reperfusion brain injury by inhibiting neuroinflammation through the miR-124-5p/FoxO1 axis. This finding provides a theoretical basis for mechanistic research on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

microRNA profilings identify plasma biomarkers and targets associated with pediatric epilepsy patients

BACKGROUND

Although previous studies show that microRNAs (miRNAs) can potentially be used as diagnostic markers for epilepsy, there are very few analyses of pediatric epilepsy patients.

METHODS

miRNA profiles using miRNA-seq was performed on plasma samples from 14 pediatric epileptic patients and 14 healthy children. miRNA miR-27a-3p that were significantly changed between two groups were further evaluated. The potential target genes of miR-27a-3p were screened through unbiased mRNA-seq and further validated using Western blot and immunohistochemistry in HEK-293T cells and in the brains of mice with epilepsy induced by lithium chloride-pilocarpine.

RESULTS

We found 82 upregulated and 76 downregulated miRNAs in the plasma from pediatric patients compared with controls (p < 0.01), of which miR-27a-3p exhibited a very low p value (p < 0.0001) and validated in additional plasma samples. Two genes, GOLM1 and LIMK1, whose mRNA levels were decreased (p < 0.001) with the increase of miR-27a-3p were further validated in both HEK-293T cells and in epileptic mice.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-27a-3p exhibits potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic marker for epilepsy. We postulate that additional studies on the downstream targets of miR-27a-3p will unravel its roles in epileptogenesis or disease progression.

IMPACT

A total of 158 differentially expressed miRNAs were detected in plasma between epileptic and control children. Plasma miR-27a-3p was one of the miRNAs with a low p value. GOLM1 and LIMK1 were validated as downstream target genes of miR-27a-3p. miR-27a-3p has potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic marker for epilepsy.

[m6A methylase WTAP participates in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating FOXO1 expression]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of WTAP, a m6A methylase, in a mouse model of renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and the effect of WTAP knockdown on biological behavior of renal tubular epithelial cells exposed to I/R injury.

METHODS

Sixteen C57BL/6 mice with renal I/R injury or sham operation (n=8) were examined for blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Scr) levels to assess renal function, and renal pathologies were observed with HE staining. The expressions of WTAP and FOXO1 proteins in the kidneys of the mice were detected using immunohistochemistry. Human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) were transfected with si-WTAP or si-NC followed by hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) exposure, Protein and mRNA expression were assessed by Western blot and qRT-PCR, and changes and changes in cell viability and apoptosis were assessed using CCK8 assay and TUNEL staining, respectively; LDH release level and caspase-3 activity of the cells were measured using commercial assay kits. FOXO1 m6A modification sites were predicted using SRAMP website (http://www.cuilab.cn/sramp/), and the interaction between WTAP and FOXO1 mRNA was analyzed with RIP experiment; the level of FOXO1 modified by m6A was detected by MeRIP-qPCR.

RESULTS

Compared with sham-operated mice, the mice with renal I/R injury showed significantly increased Scr and BUN levels (P < 0.001) and renal expressions of WTAP mRNA and protein (P < 0.001). In cultured HK-2 cells, H/R exposure significantly decreased the cell viability (P < 0.001) and increased cellular LDH release (P < 0.001) and expressions of WTAP mRNA and protein (P < 0.001). WTAP knockdown obviously reduced the cell damage induced by I/R injury and significantly decreased the mRNA and protein levels of FOXO1 in the cells (P < 0.001). RIP experiment confirmed WTAP binding to FOXO1 mRNA, and inhibition of WTAP expression significantly reduced FOXO1 m6A level in HK-2 cells (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

WTAP expression is up-regulated in the kidneys of mice with renal I/R injury and in HK-2 cells with H/R exposure. Inhibition of WTAP alleviates H/R-induced apoptotic damage in HK-2 cells possibly by inhibiting FOXO1 expression.

The Role of microRNAs in Epigenetic Regulation of Signaling Pathways in Neurological Pathologies

In recent times, there has been a significant increase in researchers' interest in the functions of microRNAs and the role of these molecules in the pathogenesis of many multifactorial diseases. This is related to the diagnostic and prognostic potential of microRNA expression levels as well as the prospects of using it in personalized targeted therapy. This review of the literature analyzes existing scientific data on the involvement of microRNAs in the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the development of pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease, cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury, and dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier.

Identification of immune-related biomarkers co-occurring in acute ischemic stroke and acute myocardial infarction

Background

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) share several features on multiple levels. These two events may occur in conjunction or in rapid succession, and the occurrence of one event may increase the risk of the other. Owing to their similar pathophysiologies, we aimed to identify immune-related biomarkers common to AIS and AMI as potential therapeutic targets.

Methods

We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the AIS and control groups, as well as AMI and control groups using microarray data (GSE16561 and GSE123342). A weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) approach was used to identify hub genes associated with AIS and/or AMI progression. The intersection of the four gene sets identified key genes, which were subjected to functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses. We confirmed the expression levels of hub genes using two sets of gene expression profiles (GSE58294 and GSE66360), and the ability of the genes to distinguish patients with AIS and/or AMI from control patients was assessed by calculating the receiver operating characteristic values. Finally, the investigation of transcription factor (TF)-, miRNA-, and drug-gene interactions led to the discovery of therapeutic candidates.

Results

We identified 477 and 440 DEGs between the AIS and control groups and between the AMI and control groups, respectively. Using WGCNA, 2,776 and 2,811 genes in the key modules were identified for AIS and AMI, respectively. Sixty key genes were obtained from the intersection of the four gene sets, which were used to identify the 10 hub genes with the highest connection scores through PPI network analysis. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the key genes were primarily involved in immunity-related processes. Finally, the upregulation of five hub genes was confirmed using two other datasets, and immune infiltration analysis revealed their correlation with certain immune cells. Regulatory network analyses indicated that GATA2 and hsa-mir-27a-3p might be important regulators of these genes.

Conclusion

Using comprehensive bioinformatics analyses, we identified five immune-related biomarkers that significantly contributed to the pathophysiological mechanisms of both AIS and AMI. These biomarkers can be used to monitor and prevent AIS after AMI, or vice versa.

Oxidative Stress and Epigenetics: miRNA Involvement in Rare Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) such as Sjögren’s syndrome, Kawasaki disease, and systemic sclerosis are characterized by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and autoantibodies, which cause joint tissue damage, vascular injury, fibrosis, and debilitation. Epigenetics participate in immune cell proliferation and differentiation, which regulates the development and function of the immune system, and ultimately interacts with other tissues. Indeed, overlapping of certain clinical features between ADs indicate that numerous immunologic-related mechanisms may directly participate in the onset and progression of these diseases. Despite the increasing number of studies that have attempted to elucidate the relationship between miRNAs and oxidative stress, autoimmune disorders and oxidative stress, and inflammation and miRNAs, an overall picture of the complex regulation of these three actors in the pathogenesis of ADs has yet to be formed. This review aims to shed light from a critical perspective on the key AD-related mechanisms by explaining the intricate regulatory ROS/miRNA/inflammation axis and the phenotypic features of these rare autoimmune diseases. The inflamma-miRs miR-155 and miR-146, and the redox-sensitive miR miR-223 have relevant roles in the inflammatory response and antioxidant system regulation of these diseases. ADs are characterized by clinical heterogeneity, which impedes early diagnosis and effective personalized treatment. Redox-sensitive miRNAs and inflamma-miRs can help improve personalized medicine in these complex and heterogeneous diseases.

Circ_0000011 promotes cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury via miR-27a-3p-dependent regulation of NRIP1

BACKGROUND

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) can result in brain function impairments. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as vital regulators in cerebral I/R injury. However, the functions of mmu_circ_0000011 in cerebral I/R injury are still unclear. Thus, in this study, we aimed to explore the effect of mmu_circ_0000011 on cerebral I/R injury.

METHODS

Oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced HT-22 cells were used to mimic the condition of cerebral I/R injury in vitro. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, 5'-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay and flow cytometry analysis were utilized to assess cell viability, LDH release, proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. qRT-PCR and western blot were performed to determined the levels of circ_0000011, miR-27a-3p and NRIP1. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay were utilized to analyze the targeting relation of circ_0000011, miR-27a-3p and NRIP1.

RESULTS

OGD/R treatment inhibited HT-22 cell viability and promoted LDH release, cell apoptosis and inflammation. Circ_0000011 level was increased in OGD/R-induced HT-22 cells. Silencing of circ_0000011 promoted cell proliferation and inhibited LDH release, apoptosis and inflammation in OGD/R-treated HT-22 cells. For mechanism analysis, circ_0000011 was demonstrated to sponge miR-27a-3p, which directly targeted NRIP1. MiR-27a-3p inhibition or NRIP1 overexpression ameliorated the impacts of circ_0000011 silencing on cell proliferation, LDH release, apoptosis and inflammation in OGD/R-treated HT-22 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Circ_0000011 promotes OGD/R-induced HT-22 cell impairments by elevating NRIP1 through sponging miR-27a-3p.

Transcriptomic Profiling of circRNAs in rat Hippocampus after Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest

Neurologic abnormalities occurring after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) remain a significant concern. However, molecular mechanisms leading to DHCA-related cerebral injury are still ill-defined. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of covalently closed non-coding RNAs and can play important roles in different types of cerebral injury. This study aimed to investigate circRNAs expression profiles in rat hippocampus after DHCA and explore the potential functions of circRNAs in DHCA-related cerebral injury. Hence, the DHCA procedure in rats was established and a transcriptomic profiling of circRNAs in rat hippocampus was done. As a result, a total of 35192 circRNAs were identified. Among them, 339 circRNAs were dysregulated, including 194 down-regulated and 145 up-regulated between DHCA and sham group. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were performed based on the host genes of all dysregulated circRNAs. Also, 4 circRNAs were validated by RT-qPCR (rno_circ_0028462, rno_circ_0037165, rno_circ_0045161 and rno_circ_0019047). Then a circRNA-microRNA (miRNA) interaction network involving 4 candidate circRNAs was constructed. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis of the miRNA-targeting mRNAs of every candidate circRNA was conducted to gain insight into each of the 4 circRNAs. Our study provided a better understanding of circRNAs in the mechanisms of DHCA-related cerebral injury and some potential targets for neuroprotection.

miR-27a Targeting PIK3R3 Regulates the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Sheep Hair Follicle Stem Cells

Micro RNAs are regulatory factors in tissue development, organ formation, cell growth, apoptosis and other biological processes. In particular, several miRNAs are related to the development of hair follicles. Here, we investigated the effect of the targeting of PIK3R3 by miR-27a on the AKT/MTOR pathway and on the proliferation and apoptosis of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) in sheep. Knockdown of the expression of PIK3R3 was found to significantly inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of HFSCs. Similarly, a miR-27a mimic significantly inhibited the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of HFSCs. The miR-27a mimic was also shown to significantly inhibit the expression of PIK3R3, AKT, and MTOR and the phosphorylation of AKT and MTOR, while a miR-27a inhibitor increased the expression of these genes. The presence of an miR-27a binding site in the 3' UTR of PIK3R3 was identified by a bioinformatics analysis, and the interaction was verified with a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The expression of PIK3R3 mRNA and protein was negatively correlated with the presence of miR-27a, which suggests that this interaction may be involved in the biological impacts on proliferation and apoptosis. Thus, this study demonstrates that miR-27a plays a potential role in the proliferation and apoptosis of sheep hair follicle stem cells by targeting PIK3R3, which can be used to design new methods to improve sheep wool.

Lycopene Ameliorate Atrazine-Induced Oxidative Damage in the B Cell Zone via Targeting the miR-27a-3p/Foxo1 Axis

Lycopene, a natural bioactive component, has potential to reduce the risk of environmental factors inducing chronic diseases. It is important to explore lycopene's health benefits and its mechanism. The uncontrolled use of atrazine in agriculture causes critical environmental pollution issues worldwide. Exposure to atrazine through water and food chains is a risk to humans. In this study, mice were orally treated with lycopene and/or different concentrations of atrazine for 21 days to explore the influence of atrazine on the spleen and the role of lycopene's protection in atrazine exposure. The work found that atrazine exerted its toxic role in the B cell zone of the spleen by inducing Foxo1 deficiency. Atrazine caused ROS generation and Pink1/Parkin dysfunction via inducing Foxo1 deficiency, which led to apoptosis in the B cell zone. Additionally, the work revealed that lycopene ameliorates atrazine-induced apoptosis in the B cell zone of the spleen via regulating the miR-27a-3p/Foxo1 pathway. The finding also underscored a novel target of lycopene in maintaining homeostasis during B cell maturation.

The protective effect of MiR-27a on the neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy by targeting FOXO1 in rats

BACKGROUND

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a kind of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage caused by perinatal asphyxia, is the most crucial cause of neonatal death and long-term neurological dysfunction in children. We aimed to investigate the protective effects of micro (mi)R-27a on HIE in neonatal rats.

METHODS

A rat model of neonatal HIE was constructed by modification of the Rice-Vannucci model. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to test the expressions of miR-27a, FOXO1 messenger RNA (mRNA), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) mRNA, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNA, and western blot was applied to test the expression of FOXO1. In order to overexpress miR-27a, an intracerebroventricular injection (i.c.v) of miR-27a mimic was administered. We adopted 2,3,5-triphenytetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and brain water content measurement to test the effects of miR-27a on the infarcted volume and edema in brain after HIE. Flow cytometry (FCM) analysis was applied to test the effects of miR-27a on the infiltrated peripheral immune cells in the rat brains after HIE.

RESULTS

We successfully established a rat model of neonatal HIE. It was revealed that the expressions of miR-27a decreased gradually after HIE, however, the expressions of FOXO1 mRNA increased. After injection of the miR-27a mimic, the expression of miR-27a in the rat HIE model brains was significantly upregulated, however, the expression of FOXO1 was robustly downregulated. Both TTC staining and brain water content showed that the infarcted volume and brain edema was markedly increased after HIE. Interestingly, the overexpression of miR-27a reduced the infarcted volume and edema induced by HIE. Additionally, RT-qPCR and FCM analysis showed that HIE lead to increases of IL-1β, TNF-α, and infiltrated immune cells. Overexpression of miR-27a could reduce the expressions of IL-1β mRNA and TNF-α mRNA, and the cell numbers of infiltrated peripheral macrophages and neutrophils in the brain.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-27a plays protective roles by reducing infarct volume and brain edema, and inhibiting inflammatory factors and infiltrated peripheral immune cells by targeting FOXO1 in neonatal HIE rats.

miRNA Involvement in Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury is a debilitating medical condition, currently with only a limited amount of therapies aimed at protecting the cerebral parenchyma. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that via the RNA-induced silencing complex either degrade or prevent target messenger RNAs from being translated and thus, can modulate the synthesis of target proteins. In the neurological field, miRNAs have been evaluated as potential regulators in brain development processes and pathological events. Following ischemic hypoxic stress, the cellular and molecular events initiated dysregulate different miRNAs, responsible for long-terming progression and extension of neuronal damage. Because of their ability to regulate the synthesis of target proteins, miRNAs emerge as a possible therapeutic strategy in limiting the neuronal damage following a cerebral ischemic event. This review aims to summarize the recent literature evidence of the miRNAs involved in signaling and modulating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injuries, thus pointing their potential in limiting neuronal damage and repair mechanisms. An in-depth overview of the molecular pathways involved in ischemia reperfusion injury and the involvement of specific miRNAs, could provide future perspectives in the development of neuroprotective agents targeting these specific miRNAs.

MicroRNA-193b-3p reduces oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via the seven in absentia homolog 1/Jun N-terminal kinase pathway

Ischemic stroke is one of the major causes of death and disability among adults. This study sought to explore the mechanism of microRNA (miR)-193b-3p in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. The cerebral I/R injury models of rats were established using the suture-occluded method. The pathological changes were observed, and oxidative stress (OS) and mitochondrial function indexes in rat brain tissue were examined. The levels of miR-193b-3p and seven in absentia homolog 1 (SIAH1) were detected. miR-193b-3p agomir or antagomir was injected into the lateral ventricle of I/R rats to overexpress or inhibit miR-193b-3p expression. The targeting relationship between miR-193b-3p and SIAH1 was verified. The effect of SIAH1 overexpression on brain injury in I/R rats was investigated by injecting the lentivirus vector into the lateral ventricle. The phosphorylation level of Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) was identified. miR-193b-3p was lowly expressed in I/R rats. Overexpression of miR-193b-3p alleviated the pathological damage of I/R rats and limited the OS and mitochondrial damage. miR-193b-3p targeted SIAH1. Overexpression of SIAH1 partially reversed the protection of miR-193b-3p overexpression against cerebral I/R injury. p-JNK was up-regulated in I/R rats and overexpression of miR-193b-3p inhibited p-JNK. Overall, overexpression of miR-193b-3p targeted SIAH1 to inhibit the activation of the JNK pathway and protect rats against cerebral I/R injury.

Total Flavonoids of Chuju Decrease Oxidative Stress and Cell Apoptosis in Ischemic Stroke Rats: Network and Experimental Analyses

Background: Pharmacological research results showed that total flavonoids of Chuju (TFCJ) could be used to treat acute myocardial ischemia and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. In this study, we explored the protective effect of TFCJ on ischemic stroke (IS) in the IS rat model. We hypothesized that TFCJ might exert its neuroprotective effects by suppressing apoptosis and oxidative stress that are closely related to PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Method: TFCJ (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) was administered for 7 days. Rats (260 ± 20 g) were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 h and reperfusion for 24 h. The neuroprotective effect of TFCJ was substantiated in terms of neurological deficits, oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and malondialdehyde), pathomorphological changes (HE staining and TUNEL staining), and neurobehavioral functions in the rats. Then, we employed network pharmacology to reveal the potential mechanism of TFCJ against IS. Western blot was used to determine the levels of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway proteins. The expression of BCL-2, BAX, and cleaved-Caspase-3 was also measured by Western blots and RT-PCR. Results: The histopathological assessment showed that TFCJ reduced MCAO-induced brain damage. Besides, TFCJ exerted a protective role in MCAO rats by alleviating cell apoptosis and oxidative stress. Network pharmacology showed that TFCJ might be used against IS through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. TFCJ reduced cell apoptosis and oxidative stress by increasing the level of p-AKT and p-mTOR in MCAO rats, while the effect of TFCJ was significantly reversed when applying LY294002 (PI3k inhibitor). Conclusion: These results indicated that TFCJ might decrease oxidative stress and apoptosis that are closely related to PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in IS. TFCJ is a promising authentic traditional Chinese medicine for the management of IS.

Sevoflurane protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury via microrna-30c-5p modulating homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 1

Sevoflurane (SEV) has been reported to be an effective neuroprotective agent for cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI). However, the precise molecular mechanisms of Sev preconditioning in CIRI remain largely unknown. Therefore, CIRI model was established via middle cerebral artery occlusion method. SEV was applied before modeling. after successful modeling, lentivirus was injected into the lateral ventricle of the brain. Neurological impairment score was performed in each group, and histopathologic condition, infarct volume, apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, microRNA (miR)-30 c-5p and homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 1 (HIPK1) were detected. Mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line HT22 cells were pretreated with SEV, and the in vitro model was stimulated via oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation. The corresponding plasmids were transfected, and the cell growth was detected, including inflammation and oxidative stress, etc. The targeting of miR-30 c-5p with HIPK1 was examined. The results clarified that reduced miR-30 c-5p and elevated HIPK1 were manifested in CIRI. SEV could improve CIRI and modulate the miR-30 c-5p-HIPK1 axis in vitro and in vivo, and miR-30 c-5p could target HIPK1. Depressed miR-30 c-5p could eliminate the protection of SEV in vitro and in vivo. Repression of HIPK1 reversed the effect of reduced miR-30 c-5p on CIRI. Therefore, it is concluded that SEV is available to depress CIRI via targeting HIPK1 through upregulated miR-30 c-5p.

Xanthohumol Inhibited Mechanical Stimulation-Induced Articular ECM Degradation by Mediating lncRNA GAS5/miR-27a Axis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is histopathologically marked by extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in joint cartilage. Abnormal mechanical stimulation on joint cartilage may result in ECM degeneration and OA development. Matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) is one of the catabolic enzymes contributing to the degradation of ECM, and it has become the potential biomarker for the therapeutic management of OA. Xanthohumol (XH), a naturally occurring prenylflavonoid derived from hops and beer, shows the protective activity against OA development. However, the potential mechanisms still need great effort. In this article, mechanical stimulation could significantly increase the expression of MMP-13 and lncRNA GAS5 (GAS5) and promoting ECM degradation. These could be effectively reversed by XH administration. Suppressed expression GAS5 ameliorated mechanical stimulation-induced MMP-13 expression. MiR-27a was predicted and verified as a target of GAS5, and overexpression of miR-27a down regulated the expression of MMP-13. Collectively, XH exhibited protective effects against mechanical stimulation-induced ECM degradation by mediating the GAS5/miR-27a signaling pathway in OA chondrocytes.

Medicarpin Protects Cerebral Microvascular Endothelial Cells Against Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation/Reoxygenation-Induced Injury via the PI3K/Akt/FoxO Pathway: A Study of Network Pharmacology Analysis and Experimental Validation

Medicarpin, a pterocarpan class of naturally occurring phytoestrogen possesses various biological functions. However, the effect of medicarpin on oxygen-glucose deprivation-reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced injury in human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs) remains largely unknown. Target genes of medicarpin were predicted from PharmMapper. Target genes of ischemic stroke were predicted from public databases GeneCards and DisGeNET. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment of the intersecting targets was analyzed via DAVID 6.8. Cell viability was evaluated using CCK-8 assay. Malondialdehyde content, superoxide dismutase activity, and glutathione level were detected using corresponding commercially available kits. Cell death was assessed by TUNEL assays. Expression of protein kinase B (Akt), phosphorylated-Akt, forkhead box protein O1, phosphorylated-FoxO1, FoxO3a, and phosphorylated-FoxO3a (p-FoxO3a) was detected by western blot analysis. The intersecting targets of medicarpin and ischemic stroke were significantly enriched in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and FoxO pathways. Medicarpina attenuated OGD/R-evoked viability inhibition, oxidative stress, and cell death in HCMECs. Additionally, medicarpin activated the PI3K/Akt and FoxO pathways in OGD/R-induced HCMECs. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway abrogated the neuroprotective effect of medicarpin on OGD/R-induced injury and activation of FoxO pathway in HCMECs. In conclusion, medicarpin suppressed OGD/R-induced injury in HCMECs by activating PI3K/Akt/FoxO pathway.

Phenothiazine Inhibits Neuroinflammation and Inflammasome Activation Independent of Hypothermia After Ischemic Stroke

A depressive or hibernation-like effect of chlorpromazine and promethazine (C + P) on brain activity was reported to induce neuroprotection, with or without induced-hypothermia. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The current study evaluated the pharmacological function of C + P on the inhibition of neuroinflammatory response and inflammasome activation after ischemia/reperfusion. A total of 72 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 2 h middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by 6 or 24 h reperfusion. At the onset of reperfusion, rats received C + P (8 mg/kg) with temperature control. Brain cell death was detected by measuring CD68 and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels. Inflammasome activation was measured by mRNA levels of NLRP3, IL-1β, and TXNIP, and protein quantities of NLRP3, IL-1β, TXNIP, cleaved-Caspase-1, and IL-18. Activation of JAK2/STAT3 pathway was detected by the phosphorylation of STAT3 (p-STAT3) and JAK2 (p-JAK2), and the co-localization of p-STAT3 and NLRP3. Activation of the p38 pathway was assessed with the protein levels of p-p38/p38. The mRNA and protein levels of HIF-1α, FoxO1, and p-FoxO1, and the co-localization of p-STAT3 with HIF-1α or FoxO1 were quantitated. As expected, C + P significantly reduced cell death and attenuated the neuroinflammatory response as determined by reduced CD68 and MPO. C + P decreased ischemia-induced inflammasome activation, shown by reduced mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, IL-1β, TXNIP, cleaved-Caspase-1, and IL-18. Phosphorylation of JAK2/STAT3 and p38 pathways and the co-localization of p-STAT3 with NLRP3 were also inhibited by C + P. Furthermore, mRNA levels of HIF-1α and FoxO1 were decreased in the C + P group. While C + P inhibited HIF-1α protein expression, it increased FoxO1 phosphorylation, which promoted the exclusion of FoxO1 from the nucleus and inhibited FoxO1 activity. At the same time, C + P reduced the co-localization of p-STAT3 with HIF-1α or FoxO1. In conclusion, C + P treatment conferred neuroprotection in stroke by suppressing neuroinflammation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The present study suggests that JAK2/STAT3/p38/HIF-1α/FoxO1 are vital regulators and potential targets for efficacious therapy following ischemic stroke.