The Role of MicroRNA in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Nephropathy

The m6A-ncRNAs axis in diabetes complications: novel mechanism and therapeutic potential

Diabetes, a multifaceted metabolic disorder, poses a significant global health burden with its increasing prevalence and associated complications, such as diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and diabetic angiopathy. Recent studies have highlighted the intricate interplay between N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in key pathways implicated in these diabetes complications, like cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Thus, understanding the mechanistic insights into how m6A dysregulation impacts the expression and function of ncRNAs opens new avenues for therapeutic interventions targeting the m6A-ncRNAs axis in diabetes complications. This review explores the regulatory roles of m6A modifications and ncRNAs, and stresses the role of the m6A-ncRNA axis in diabetes complications, providing a therapeutic potential for these diseases.

Research progress on Alpinia oxyphylla in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) constitutes a major microvascular complication of diabetes and is a primary cause of mortality in diabetic individuals. With the global rise in diabetes, DN has become an urgent health issue. Currently, there is no definitive cure for DN. Alpinia oxyphylla, a Chinese herbal medicine traditionally used, exhibits a wide range of pharmacological effects and is frequently used in the prevention and management of DN. This paper offers an extensive review of the biological mechanisms by which A. oxyphylla delivers therapeutic advantages in DN management. These mechanisms include activating podocyte autophagy, regulating non-coding RNA, modulating gut microbiota, alleviating lipotoxicity, counteracting oxidative stress, and diminishing inflammatory responses, underscoring the therapeutic potential of A. oxyphylla in DN treatment.

Time for micro-RNAs in steatotic liver disease: a case-control study

One of the challenges of modern-day living is to resist the temptation of overfeeding and sedentariness and maintain a healthy body and mind. On a favorable genetic and epigenetic background, a high-fat diet combined with lack of physical exercise constitutes the foundation for severe metabolic disturbances including steatotic liver disease. In our case-control study, we had the aim of establishing the role of selected micro-RNAs-miR-122, miR-192, miR-33a, and miR-33b-as superior biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of steatotic liver in a 36-patient cohort compared to 12 healthy controls. Initial results confirmed the decline in miR-122 expression as fatty liver is progressing. However, combinations of ΔmiRs, such as ΔmiR33a_192, ΔmiR33a_122, and ΔmiR33b_122, correlate with ultrasound steatosis grade (R 2 = 0.78) while others such as ΔmiR33b_122 provide a high specificity and sensitivity in fatty liver disease with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.85. Compared to classical biomarkers, micro-RNAs can be used for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes as their diminished expression in severe cases of steatosis is associated with higher risk of emerging hepatocellular carcinoma. Manipulating micro-RNAs through agomirs or antagomirs can be the answer to the yet unsolved problem of efficient therapy in MAFLD.

Alisol A inhibits the circ_0001831/miR-346/LIN28B pathway to ameliorate high glucose-induced injury of human renal mesangial cells

BACKGROUND

Alisol A can ameliorate glucose metabolism disorders, however, there is no data regarding its role in diabetic nephropathy (DN). The present work evaluates the role of Alisol A in DN and the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

RNA expression of circ_0001831, miR-346, and lin-28 homolog B (LIN28B) was detected by qRT-PCR. Cell viability and proliferation were investigated by MTT assay and EdU assay, respectively. The inflammatory cytokines were examined by ELISAs. Oxidative stress was evaluated by the commercial kits. Protein expression was detected by western blotting. The interactions among circ_0001831, miR-346, and LIN28B were identified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay. DN mouse model assay was used to analyse the effect of Alisol A on renal injury of diabetic mice.

RESULTS

HG treatment promoted HRMC proliferation, fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress; however, these effects were reversed after Alisol A treatment. Alisol A treatment ameliorated STZ-induced renal injury of diabetic mice. Additionally, circ_0001831 or LIN28B overexpression or miR-346 downregulation relieved Alisol A-induced effects under HG conditions. Mechanistically, circ_0001831 acted as a miR-346 sponge, and LIN28B was identified as a target gene of miR-346. Further, the regulation of circ_0001831 in HG-induced HRMC dysfunction involved LIN28B.

CONCLUSION

Alisol A ameliorated HG-induced HRMC fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress and STZ-induced renal injury of diabetic mice by regulating the circ_0001831/miR-346/LIN28B pathway.

Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 2 promotes inflammatory reactions by activating the nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathway in diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major complication of diabetes. Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 2 (IRAK2) has been implicated in various diseases. This study aimed to investigate the role of IRAK2 in DN progression and its association with inflammation and the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. DN model mice were generated by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. IRAK2 expression was upregulated in the DN model mice. IRAK2 knockdown increased weight and reduced blood glucose levels in DN model mice. In addition, IRAK2 downregulation improved glomerular morphology in DN mice. IRAK2 knockdown reduced the levels of kidney damage biomarkers (24-h urinary protein, urine albumin-creatinine ratio, and plasma creatinine) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, TNF-1R, and TNF-2R). Moreover, IRAK2 activated the NF-κB signaling pathway in DN model mice. Overexpression of NF-κB exacerbated DN progression, and IRAK2 knockdown reversed these effects. IRAK2 promoted DN progression and inflammation by activating the NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings suggest that IRAK2 is a potential therapeutic target for DN treatment.

N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation in diabetic kidney disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major microvascular complication of diabetes, and hyperglycemic memory associated with diabetes carries the risk of disease occurrence, even after the termination of blood glucose injury. The existence of hyperglycemic memory supports the concept of an epigenetic mechanism involving n6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. Several studies have shown that m6A plays a key role in the pathogenesis of DKD. This review addresses the role and mechanism of m6A RNA modification in the progression of DKD, including the regulatory role of m6A modification in pathological processes, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and non-coding (nc) RNA. This reveals the importance of m6A in the occurrence and development of DKD, suggesting that m6A may play a role in hyperglycemic memory phenomenon. This review also discusses how some gray areas, such as m6A modified multiple enzymes, interact to affect the development of DKD and provides countermeasures. In conclusion, this review enhances our understanding of DKD from the perspective of m6A modifications and provides new targets for future therapeutic strategies. In addition, the insights discussed here support the existence of hyperglycemic memory effects in DKD, which may have far-reaching implications for the development of novel treatments. We hypothesize that m6A RNA modification, as a key factor regulating the development of DKD, provides a new perspective for the in-depth exploration of DKD and provides a novel option for the clinical management of patients with DKD.

ACE2 in chronic disease and COVID-19: gene regulation and post-translational modification

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a counter regulator of the renin-angiotensin system, provides protection against several chronic diseases. Besides chronic diseases, ACE2 is the host receptor for SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-2 virus, mediating the first step of virus infection. ACE2 levels are regulated by transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational regulation or modification. ACE2 transcription is enhanced by transcription factors including Ikaros, HNFs, GATA6, STAT3 or SIRT1, whereas ACE2 transcription is reduced by the transcription factor Brg1-FoxM1 complex or ERRα. ACE2 levels are also regulated by histone modification or miRNA-induced destabilization. The protein kinase AMPK, CK1α, or MAP4K3 phosphorylates ACE2 protein and induces ACE2 protein levels by decreasing its ubiquitination. The ubiquitination of ACE2 is induced by the E3 ubiquitin ligase MDM2 or UBR4 and decreased by the deubiquitinase UCHL1 or USP50. ACE2 protein levels are also increased by the E3 ligase PIAS4-mediated SUMOylation or the methyltransferase PRMT5-mediated ACE2 methylation, whereas ACE2 protein levels are decreased by AP2-mediated lysosomal degradation. ACE2 is downregulated in several human chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, or lung injury. In contrast, SARS-CoV-2 upregulates ACE2 levels, enhancing host cell susceptibility to virus infection. Moreover, soluble ACE2 protein and exosomal ACE2 protein facilitate SARS-CoV-2 infection into host cells. In this review, we summarize the gene regulation and post-translational modification of ACE2 in chronic disease and COVID-19. Understanding the regulation and modification of ACE2 may help to develop prevention or treatment strategies for ACE2-mediated diseases.

MicroRNA-29a Mitigates Laminectomy-Induced Spinal Epidural Fibrosis and Gait Dysregulation by Repressing TGF-β1 and IL-6

Spinal epidural fibrosis is one of the typical features attributable to failed back surgery syndrome, with excessive scar development in the dura and nerve roots. The microRNA-29 family (miR-29s) has been found to act as a fibrogenesis-inhibitory factor that reduces fibrotic matrix overproduction in various tissues. However, the mechanistic basis of miRNA-29a underlying the overabundant fibrotic matrix synthesis in spinal epidural scars post-laminectomy remained elusive. This study revealed that miR-29a attenuated lumbar laminectomy-induced fibrogenic activity, and epidural fibrotic matrix formation was significantly lessened in the transgenic mice (miR-29aTg) as compared with wild-type mice (WT). Moreover, miR-29aTg limits laminectomy-induced damage and has also been demonstrated to detect walking patterns, footprint distribution, and moving activity. Immunohistochemistry staining of epidural tissue showed that miR-29aTg was a remarkably weak signal of IL-6, TGF-β1, and DNA methyltransferase marker, Dnmt3b, compared to the wild-type mice. Taken together, these results have further strengthened the evidence that miR-29a epigenetic regulation reduces fibrotic matrix formation and spinal epidural fibrotic activity in surgery scars to preserve the integrity of the spinal cord core. This study elucidates and highlights the molecular mechanisms that reduce the incidence of spinal epidural fibrosis, eliminating the risk of gait abnormalities and pain associated with laminectomy.