Overexpression of microRNA-506-3p aggravates the injury of vascular endothelial cells in patients with hypertension by downregulating Beclin1 expression

Circulatory miRNAs in essential hypertension

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs, that regulate gene-expression at post-transcriptional level. Unlike other RNA species, blood miRNAs circulate in a highly stable form, either within extracellular vesicles or bound to proteins. In recent years, circulatory miRNA profiles have been proposed as potential biomarkers for multitude of pathologies, including essential hypertension. However, the evidence of miRNA biomarker potential is limited, mainly due to the scarcity of profiling studies associating miRNA levels with hypertension. Furthermore, most of these studies have been performed with preselected miRNA pool, limiting their discovery potential. Here, we summarize the results of the unbiased profiling studies and additionally discuss findings from targeted miRNA analysis. Only miR-30e has been found to be associated with hypertension in more than one unbiased study. The targeted analyses highlight the association of miR-1, -21, -34a, -92a, -122, -126, -143, -145, -605, -623, -1299, as well as let-7 and miR-30 families with hypertension. Current literature indicates that some of these miRNAs are involved in hypertension-associated vascular dysfunction and the development of atherosclerosis, suggesting a novel mechanism for cardiovascular disease risk posed by hypertension. All in all, studies associating hypertension with circulatory miRNA profiles are scarce, with several limitations affecting the comparability of the studies. This review discusses the functions and potential mechanisms linking the identified miRNAs to hypertension and underscores the need for further research.

The Co-pathogenic Target Gene CNTN1 Involved in Coronary Artery Disease and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Has Potential for Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease

BACKGROUND

We aimed to find a gene for coronary artery disease (CAD) early diagnosis by detecting co-pathogenic target gene involved in CAD and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Methods: Datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, including GSE113079, GSE113439, and GSE12288, to investigate gene expression patterns in cardiovascular diseases. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify gene modules associated with clinical traits. Differential gene expression analysis and functional enrichment analysis were carried out. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed. JASPAR database and FIMO tool were utilized to predict transcription factor (TF) binding sites. Results: Fifteen key genes were identified in CAD and PAH, with CNTN1 being prioritized for further investigation due to its high connectivity degree. Upstream regulation analysis identified potential TFs (DRGX, HOXD3, and RAX) and 7 miRNAs targeting CNTN1. The expression profile of CNTN1 was significantly upregulated in CAD samples, and ROC analysis indicated potential diagnostic value for CAD. CMap database analysis predicted potential targeted drugs for CAD. Conclusion: CNTN1 was detected as a co-pathogenetic gene for CAD and PAH. It is highly expressed in CAD patients and has potential value for CAD diagnosis. CNTN1 is potentially regulated by 3 TFs and 7 miRNAs.

Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms Regulating Blood Pressure and Kidney Dysfunction

The pioneering work of Dr Lewis K. Dahl established a relationship between kidney, salt, and high blood pressure (BP), which led to the major genetic-based experimental model of hypertension. BP, a heritable quantitative trait affected by numerous biological and environmental stimuli, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is considered to be a primary modifiable factor in renal, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular diseases. Genome-wide association studies have identified monogenic and polygenic variants affecting BP in humans. Single nucleotide polymorphisms identified in genome-wide association studies have quantified the heritability of BP and the effect of genetics on hypertensive phenotype. Changes in the transcriptional program of genes may represent consequential determinants of BP, so understanding the mechanisms of the disease process has become a priority in the field. At the molecular level, the onset of hypertension is associated with reprogramming of gene expression influenced by epigenomics. This review highlights the specific genetic variants, mutations, and epigenetic factors associated with high BP and how these mechanisms affect the regulation of hypertension and kidney dysfunction.

Analysis of the miRNA expression from the adipose tissue surrounding the adrenal neoplasia

Background

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is characterized by several metabolic changes such as insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and adipose tissue (AT) inflammation. Mi(cro)RNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding small RNA molecules known to be critical regulators in several cellular processes associated with AT dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of some miRNAs in visceral and subcutaneous AT in patients undergoing adrenalectomy for aldosterone-secreting adrenal adenoma (APA) compared to the samples of AT obtained in patients undergoing adrenalectomy for non-functioning adrenal mass (NFA).

Methods

The quantitative expression of selected miRNA using real-time PCR was analyzed in surrounding adrenal neoplasia, peri-renal, and subcutaneous AT samples of 16 patients with adrenalectomy (11 patients with APA and 5 patients with NFA).

Results

Real-time PCR cycles for miRNA-132, miRNA-143, and miRNA-221 in fat surrounding adrenal neoplasia and in peri-adrenal AT were significantly higher in APA than in patients with NFA. Unlike patients with NFA, miRNA-132, miRNA-143, miRNA-221, and miRNA-26b were less expressed in surrounding adrenal neoplasia AT compared to subcutaneous AT in patients with APA.

Conclusion

This study, conducted on tissue expression of miRNAs, highlights the possible pathophysiological role of some miRNAs in determining the metabolic alterations in patients with PA.

Knockdown of circ_0003928 ameliorates high glucose-induced dysfunction of human tubular epithelial cells through the miR-506-3p/HDAC4 pathway in diabetic nephropathy

Background

Previous data have indicated the importance of circular RNA (circRNA) in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The study is designed to investigate the effects of circ_0003928 on oxidative stress and apoptosis of high glucose (HG)-treated human tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) and the underlying mechanism.

Methods

The DN cell model was established by inducing HK-2 cells using 30 mmol/L D-glucose. RNA expression of circ_0003928, miR-506-3p and histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell viability and proliferation were investigated by cell counting kit-8 and 5-Ethynyl-29-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays, respectively. Oxidative stress was evaluated by commercial kits. Caspase 3 activity and cell apoptotic rate were assessed by a caspase 3 activity assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. Protein expression was detected by Western blotting analysis. The interactions among circ_0003928, miR-506-3p and HDAC4 were identified by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays.

Results

Circ_0003928 and HDAC4 expression were significantly upregulated, while miR-506-3p was downregulated in the serum of DN patients and HG-induced HK-2 cells. HG treatment inhibited HK-2 cell proliferation, but induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis; however, these effects were reversed after circ_0003928 depletion. Circ_0003928 acted as a miR-506-3p sponge, and HDAC4 was identified as a target gene of miR-506-3p. Moreover, the circ_0003928/miR-506-3p/HDAC4 axis regulated HG-induced HK-2 cell dysfunction.

Conclusion

Circ_0003928 acted as a sponge for miR-506-3p to regulate HG-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis of HK-2 cells through HDAC4, which suggested that circ_0003928 might be helpful in the therapy of DN.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40001-022-00679-y.

miR-506-3p can inhibit cell proliferation and is a diagnostic and prognostic marker of liver cancer

BACKGROUND

At the time of diagnosis, most patients with liver cancer (LC) are at advanced stage, which increases the difficulty of treatment. MiR-506-3p is considered an anti-oncogene in a wide spectrum of malignancies. This investigation aims to determine the clinical implications of miR-506-3p in diagnosis and prognosis of LC.

METHODS

The expression of miR-506-3p in tissues and serum samples of 92 LC patients was detected using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and the connection between serum miR-506-3p and pathologic features of LC patients was analyzed. The diagnostic efficacy of miR-506-3p in LC was visualized by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves, its prognostic implications in LC were confirmed by follow-up, and its impact on LC cell proliferation was analyzed by CCK-8 assay.

RESULTS

miR-506-3p was lowly expressed in LC tissues and serum samples. Reduced serum miR-506-3p expression indicated larger tumor size, higher TNM stage, and poorer differentiation degree in LC patients. The area under the curve (AUC) of serum miR-506-3p in diagnosing LC was 0.911, and for distinguishing tumor size, TNM stage and pathologic differentiation degree, AUC was 0.751, 0.825 and 0.777, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated decreased overall survival in patients presenting with reduced serum miR-506-3p. Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis revealed that TNM staging and low serum miR-506-3p expression were independent prognostic factors in patients with LC. In vitro experiments identified that the proliferation of LC cells decreased significantly following miR-506-3p up-regulation.

CONCLUSION

miR-506-3p, capable of inhibiting LC cell proliferation, is a possible diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of LC.

MiR-506-3p Promotes the Proliferation and Migration of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells via Targeting KLF4

BACKGROUND

The dysregulation of proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is one of the major causes of atherosclerosis (AS). Accumulating studies confirm that Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) can regulate the proliferation and differentiation of VSMCs through multiple signaling pathways. However, the mechanism of KLF4 dysregulation remains unknown.

METHODS

Apolipoprotein E-knockout (ApoE-/-) mice and human VSMCs were used to establish AS animal model and cell model, respectively. qRT-PCR was employed to determine the expressions of miR-506-3p and KLF4. Cell Counting Kit -8, Transwell, TUNEL assays, and flow cytometry were performed to measure the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of VSMCs. The upstream miRNAs of KLF4 were predicted by microT, miRanda, miRmap, and TargetScan databases. The interaction between KLF4 and miR-506-3p was confirmed using qRT-PCR, Western blot, and luciferase reporter gene assay.

RESULTS

KLF4 expression was significantly decreased in the VSMCs of ApoE-/- mice fed with high-fat diet and in human VSMCs treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein in time-dependent and dose-dependent manners. The transfection of miR-506-3p mimics or KLF4 shRNA promoted the proliferation and migration of VSMCs but inhibited the apoptosis while miR-506-3p inhibitors and pcDNA3.1-KLF4 exerted opposite effects. Additionally, KLF4 was confirmed as a target gene of miR-506-3p and could be negatively regulated by miR-506-3p.

CONCLUSION

MiR-506-3p can promote the proliferation and migration of VSMCs via targeting KLF4, which can probably contribute to the pathogenesis of AS.

Exosomal microRNAs in the development of essential hypertension and its potential as biomarkers

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory molecules that are involved in posttranscriptional modifications. These noncoding RNAs are usually ferried by extracellular carriers such as exosomes or other protein and lipid carriers inside a range of body fluids including plasma and urine. Due to their ability to withstand harsh external conditions, exosomal miRNAs possess enormous potential as noninvasive disease biomarkers for, notably hypertension, whereby exosomal miRNAs have been implicated in its pathophysiological processes. More importantly, alterations in the microenvironment as a result of disease progression can induce active and selective loading of miRNAs into exosomes. In this paper, we first review the mechanisms of miRNA loading into exosomes, followed by the roles of exosomal miRNAs in the development of hypertension, and the potentials of exosomal miRNAs as biomarkers in comparison with other free circulating miRNAs. Finally, challenges and future research surrounding exosomal miRNAs will also be discussed. This review will aid in the understanding of noninvasive biomarkers for the early diagnosis of hypertension and for probing therapeutic efficacy.

Expression profile and diagnostic value of circRNAs in peripheral blood from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have gained attention due to their performance in disease diagnosis. However, the characteristics of circRNAs in peripheral blood from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remain unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the expression profile and diagnostic potential of circRNAs in peripheral blood from patients with SLE. The global circRNA expression in the peripheral blood of patients with SLE and healthy controls (HCs) was detected using a circRNA microarray. Then, the expression levels of three upregulated circRNAs were selected for further validation by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR (RT‑qPCR) in a training set. Moreover, the diagnostic value of these circRNAs was assessed by constructing a receiver operating characteristic curve, and then verified in a blind testing set. In total, 1,566 circRNAs were identified to be dysregulated between patients with SLE and HCs (≥2 fold change, P<0.05). Furthermore, the RT‑qPCR results were consistent with the microarray data, in that all three selected circRNAs, hsa_circ_0082688, hsa_circ_0082689 and hsa_circ_0008675, were significantly upregulated in patients with SLE (P<0.05). Results from the training set demonstrated that the combination of hsa_circ_0082688‑hsa_circ_0082689 may provide the most beneficial diagnostic potential. Moreover, the blind test results indicated that the combination model of hsa_circ_0082688‑hsa_circ_0082689 could effectively discriminate between patients with SLE from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and HCs, with a sensitivity of 91.30%, a specificity of 78.57% and an accuracy of 82.28%. Moreover, the combination model of hsa_circ_0082688‑hsa_circ_0082689 + anti‑dsDNA could more effectively discriminated the SLE group from the control groups, with a sensitivity of 95.65%, a specificity of 100.00% and an accuracy of 98.73%. In addition, correlation analysis results suggested that all three circRNAs in patients with SLE did not correlate with the SLE disease activity index. In conclusion, the expression levels of hsa_circ_0082688‑hsa_circ_0082689 may serve as potential biomarkers for SLE diagnosis.

MicroRNAs and obesity-induced endothelial dysfunction: key paradigms in molecular therapy

The endothelium plays a pivotal role in maintaining vascular health. Obesity is a global epidemic that has seen dramatic increases in both adult and pediatric populations. Obesity perturbs the integrity of normal endothelium, leading to endothelial dysfunction which predisposes the patient to cardiovascular diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, single-stranded, non-coding RNA molecules that play important roles in a variety of cellular processes such as differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and stress response; their alteration contributes to the development of many pathologies including obesity. Mediators of obesity-induced endothelial dysfunction include altered endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), oxidative stress, autophagy machinery and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. All of these factors have been shown to be either directly or indirectly caused by gene regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive description of the therapeutic potential of miRNAs to treat obesity-induced endothelial dysfunction. This may lead to the identification of new targets for interventions that may prevent or delay the development of obesity-related cardiovascular disease.

Long non‑coding RNA HOXA11‑AS accelerates cell proliferation and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma by modulating the miR‑506‑3p/Slug axis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressively malignant type of cancer with a complex pathogenesis. Multiple studies have identified that lncRNA HOXA11-AS is involved in the development of HCC. Nevertheless, the pathological mechanisms of HOXA11-AS in the development of HCC require further investigation. In the present study, the role and underlying mechanisms of HOXA11-AS in HCC were examined. RT-qPCR revealed that HOXA11-AS expression was increased, while that of miR-506-3p was decreased in HCC tissues and cells compared with that in adjacent non-tumor tissues and normal hepatic cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay indicated that HOXA11-AS directly interacted with miR-506-3p. miR-506-3p downregulation reversed the inhibitory effects of HOXA11-AS deletion on cell proliferation, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as shown by CCK-8 and Transwell assays, as well as western blot analysis. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that Slug was a target gene of miR-506-3p. The overexpression of Slug reversed the effects of HOXA11-AS deletion on the viability, invasion and the EMT of HCC cells. Taken together, the present study demonstrates that HOXA11-AS functions as an oncogene to promote the progression of HCC via the miR-506-3p/Slug axis, providing a therapeutic target for patients with HCC.

Early Programming of Adult Systemic Essential Hypertension

Cardiovascular diseases are being included in the study of developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) and essential systemic hypertension has also been added to this field. Epigenetic modifications are one of the main mechanisms leading to early programming of disease. Different environmental factors occurring during critical windows in the early stages of life may leave epigenetic cues, which may be involved in the programming of hypertension when individuals reach adulthood. Such environmental factors include pre-term birth, low weight at birth, altered programming of different organs such as the blood vessels and the kidney, and living in disadvantageous conditions in the programming of hypertension. Mechanisms behind these factors that impact on the programming include undernutrition, oxidative stress, inflammation, emotional stress, and changes in the microbiota. These factors and their underlying causes acting at the vascular level will be discussed in this paper. We also explore the establishment of epigenetic cues that may lead to hypertension at the vascular level such as DNA methylation, histone modifications (methylation and acetylation), and the role of microRNAs in the endothelial cells and blood vessel smooth muscle which participate in hypertension. Since epigenetic changes are reversible, the knowledge of this type of markers could be useful in the field of prevention, diagnosis or epigenetic drugs as a therapeutic approach to hypertension.

MicroRNA-506 Is Involved in Regulation of the Occurrence of Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-Induced Pulpitis by Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)

Background

Toothache often occurs with pulpitis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is produced by gram-negative bacteria, and its accumulation is related to clinical symptoms of pain. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) display anti-inflammatory potential due to their direct regulation of cellular protein expression, which can promote inflammatory changes in dental pulp tissues. However, the mechanism of LPS-induced pulpitis is still unclear.

Material/Methods

In this study, dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) were separated and cultured from rat dental pulp tissues; then, LPS was administered to induce inflammation and activate the TLR4 pathway.

Results

It was found that miR-506 was upregulated following LPS treatment in DPSCs. The inhibition of miR-506 in LPS-treated DPSCs led to attenuated inflammation and deactivation of the TLR4 pathway. Furthermore, the bioinformatic analysis and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay indicated that miR-506 could target the 3′-UTR of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). Additionally, SIRT1 decreased in LPS-treated DPSCs, and miR-506 transfection resulted in SIRT1 upregulation. SIRT1 overexpression showed a similar inhibitory effect as that of miR-506 downregulation on inflammation and TLR4 activation in DPSCs.

Conclusions

In brief, miR-506 can protect dental pulp in LPS-induced inflammation by inhibiting the SIRT1-mediated TLR4 pathway.

Andrographolide Protects against HG-Induced Inflammation, Apoptosis, Migration, and Impairment of Angiogenesis via PI3K/AKT-eNOS Signalling in HUVECs

Andrographolide (Andr) is a major component isolated from the plant Andrographis paniculata. Inflammation, apoptosis, and impaired angiogenesis are implicated in the pathogenesis of high glucose (HG)-induced injury of vascular endotheliocytes. Our study is aimed at evaluating the effect of Andr on HG-induced HUVEC injury and the underlying mechanism. HUVECs were exposed to HG levels (33 mM) and treated with Andr (0, 12.5, 25, and 50 μM). Western blot analysis, real-time PCR, immunofluorescence staining, the scratch test, and the tube formation assay were performed to assess the effects of Andr. We discovered that Andr inhibited the inflammatory response (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα), decreased the apoptosis ratio and cell migration, and promoted tube formation in response to HG stimulation. Andr ameliorated the levels of phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT), and phosphorylated eNOS (p-eNOS). The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein, a vital factor in angiogenesis, was improved by Andr treatment under HG stimulation. LY294002 is a blocker of PI3K, MK-2206 2HCI (MK-2206) is a highly selective AKT inhibitor, and L-NAME is a suppressor of eNOS, all of which significantly reduce Andr-mediated protective effects in vitro. Hence, Andr may be involved in regulating HG-induced injury by activating PI3K/AKT-eNOS signalling in HUVECs.

Cysteine Glutathionylation Acts as a Redox Switch in Endothelial Cells

Oxidative post-translational modifications (oxPTM) of receptors, enzymes, ion channels and transcription factors play an important role in cell signaling. oxPTMs are a key way in which oxidative stress can influence cell behavior during diverse pathological settings such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD), cancer, neurodegeneration and inflammatory response. In addition, changes in oxPTM are likely to be ways in which low level reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) may contribute to redox signaling, exerting changes in physiological responses including angiogenesis, cardiac remodeling and embryogenesis. Among oxPTM, S-glutathionylation of reactive cysteines emerges as an important regulator of vascular homeostasis by modulating endothelial cell (EC) responses to their local redox environment. This review summarizes the latest findings of S-glutathionylated proteins in major EC pathways, and the functional consequences on vascular pathophysiology. This review highlights the diversity of molecules affected by S-glutathionylation, and the complex consequences on EC function, thereby demonstrating an intricate dual role of RONS-induced S-glutathionylation in maintaining vascular homeostasis and participating in various pathological processes.

Studies on the Design and Synthesis of Marine Peptide Analogues and Their Ability to Promote Proliferation in HUVECs and Zebrafish

In our previous studies, tripeptide 1 was found to induce angiogenesis in zebrafish embryos and in HUVECs. Based on the lead compound 1, seven new marine tripeptide analogues 2–8 have been designed and synthesized in this paper to evaluate the effects on promoting cellular proliferation in human endothelial cells (HUVECs) and zebrafish. Among them, compounds 5–7 possessed more remarkable increasing proliferation effects than other compounds, and the EC₅₀ values of these and the leading compound 1 were 1.0 ± 0.002 μM, 1.0 ± 0.0005 μM, 0.88 ± 0.0972 μM, and 1.31 ± 0.0926 μM, respectively. Furthermore, 5–7 could enhance migrations (58.5%, 80.66% and 60.71% increment after culturing 48 h, respectively) and invasions (49.08%, 47.24% and 56.24% increase, respectively) in HUVECs compared with the vehicle control. The results revealed that the tripeptide including l-Tyrosine or d-Proline fragments instead of l-Alanine of leading compound 1 would contribute to HUVECs’ proliferation. Taking the place of the original (l-Lys-l-Ala) segment of leading compound 1, a new fragment (l-Arg-d-Val) expressed higher performance in bioactivity in HUVECs. In addition, compound 7 could promote angiogenesis in zebrafish assay and it was more interesting that it also could repair damaged blood vessels in PTK787-induced zebrafish at a low concentration. The above data indicate that these peptides have potential implications for further evaluation in cytothesis studies.

Exercise Training-Induced Changes in MicroRNAs: Beneficial Regulatory Effects in Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes, and Obesity

MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. They are involved in the regulation of physiological processes, such as adaptation to physical exercise, and also in disease settings, such as systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), and obesity. In SAH, microRNAs play a significant role in the regulation of key signaling pathways that lead to the hyperactivation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, proliferation, and phenotypic change in smooth muscle cells, and the hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system. MicroRNAs are also involved in the regulation of insulin signaling and blood glucose levels in T2D, and participate in lipid metabolism, adipogenesis, and adipocyte differentiation in obesity, with specific microRNA signatures involved in the pathogenesis of each disease. Many studies report the benefits promoted by exercise training in cardiovascular diseases by reducing blood pressure, glucose levels, and improving insulin signaling and lipid metabolism. The molecular mechanisms involved, however, remain poorly understood, especially regarding the participation of microRNAs in these processes. This review aimed to highlight microRNAs already known to be associated with SAH, T2D, and obesity, as well as their possible regulation by exercise training.