Long noncoding RNA TCONS_00024652 regulates vascular endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis via microRNA-21

miRNA in Ischemic Heart Disease and Its Potential as Biomarkers: A Comprehensive Review

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) constitutes the leading global cause of mortality and morbidity. Although significant progress has been achieved in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of IHD, more robust diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic interventions are still needed to circumvent the increasing incidence of IHD. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of cardiovascular function and are involved in various facets of cardiovascular biology. While the knowledge of the role of miRNAs in IHD as diagnostic biomarkers has improved, research emphasis on how miRNAs can be effectively used for diagnosis and prognosis of IHD is crucial. This review provides an overview of the biology, therapeutic and diagnostic potential, as well as the caveats of using miRNAs in IHD based on existing research.

Targeting Circulating lncRNA ENST00000538705.1 Relieves Acute Coronary Syndrome via Modulating ALOX15

Objective

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the most dangerous and deadly form of coronary heart disease. Herein, we aimed to explore ACS-specific circulating lncRNAs and their regulatory mechanisms.

Methods

This study collected serum samples from ACS patients and healthy controls for microarray analysis. Dysregulated circulating lncRNAs and mRNAs were determined with |log2fold − change| > 1 and p < 0.05. lncRNA-mRNA coexpression analysis was carried out. ENST00000538705.1 and ALOX15 expression was further verified in serum specimens. In human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs), ENST00000538705.1 and ALOX15 were knocked out through transfecting specific siRNAs. Thereafter, proliferation and migration were investigated with CCK-8 and wound-healing assays. Myocardial infarction rat models were established and administrated with siRNAs against ENST00000538705.1 or ALOX15. Myocardial damage was investigated with H&E staining, and serum TC, LDL, and HDL levels were measured.

Results

Microarray analysis identified 353 dysregulated circulating lncRNAs and 441 dysregulated circulating mRNAs in ACS. Coexpression analysis indicated the interaction between ENST00000538705.1 and ALOX15. RT-qPCR confirmed the remarkable upregulation of circulating ENST00000538705.1 and ALOX15 in ACS patients. In HCAECs, ENST00000538705.1 knockdown lowered the expression of ALOX15 but ALOX15 did not alter the expression of ENST00000538705.1. Silencing ENST00000538705.1 or ALOX15 weakened the proliferation and migration of HCAECs. Additionally, knockdown of ENST00000538705.1 or ALOX15 relieved myocardial damage, decreased serum TC and LDL levels, and elevated HDL levels in myocardial infarction rats.

Conclusion

Collectively, our findings demonstrate that circulating ENST00000538705.1 facilitates ACS progression through modulating ALOX15, which provide potential targets for ACS treatment.

Identification of key molecular markers of acute coronary syndrome using peripheral blood transcriptome sequencing analysis and mRNA-lncRNA co-expression network construction

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a term used to describe major cardiovascular diseases, and treatment of in-stent restenosis in patients with ACS remains a major clinical challenge. Further investigation into molecular markers of ACS may aid early diagnosis, and the treatment of ACS and post-treatment recurrence. In the present study, total RNA was extracted from the peripheral blood samples of 3 patients with ACS, 3 patients with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)_non-restenosis, 3 patients with PCI_restenosis and 3 healthy controls. Subsequently, RNA library construction and high-throughput sequencing were performed. DESeq2 package in R was used to screen genes that were differentially expressed between the different samples. Moreover, the intersection of the differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) and differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs (DElncRNAs) obtained. GeneCodis4.0 was used to perform function enrichment for DEmRNAs, and lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network was constructed. The GSE60993 dataset was utilized for diagnostic analysis, and the aforementioned investigations were verified using in vitro studies. Results of the present study revealed a large number of DEmRNAs and DElncRNAs in the different groups. We selected genes in the top 10 of differential expression and also involved in the co-expression of lncRNA-mRNA for diagnostic analysis in the GSE60993 dataset. The area under curve (AUC) of PDZK1IP1 (0.747), PROK2 (0.769) and LAMP3 (0.725) were all >0.7. These results indicated that the identified mRNAs and lncRNAs may act as potential clinical biomarkers, and more specifically, PDZK1IP1, PROK2 and LAMP3 may act as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of ACS.

lncRNA TUG1 promotes atherosclerosis progression by targeting miR-382-5p

OBJECTIVE

Atherosclerosis is a key risk factor for the initiation of cardiovascular disease, which results in high morbidity and mortality. lncRNA taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) has been reported to participate in the development of atherosclerosis. Here, we aimed to investigate the interaction of TUG1 and miR-382-5p in regulating atherosclerosis progression.

METHODS

The levels of TUG1 and miR-382-5p in atherosclerotic serum samples and a cell model were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Pearson correlation analysis was then applied to TUG1 and miR-382-5p expression. Moreover, the interaction between TUG1 and miR-382-5p was confirmed by luciferase assay. The biological interaction between TUG1 and miR-382-5p was also dissected by loss of function analyses, including cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Caspase-3 assays for cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively, in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-treated human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).

RESULTS

TUG1 and miR-382-5p expressions were significantly increased and decreased, respectively, in both atherosclerotic serum samples and a cell model. In addition, the expression of TUG1 was negatively correlated with the level of miR-382-5p in atherosclerotic serum samples. Moreover, silencing of TUG1 reduced cell growth and enhanced the apoptosis of ox-LDL-treated VSMCs. Notably, a miR-382-5p inhibitor significantly reversed the effect of TUG1 downregulation on ox-LDL-treated VSMCs, which aggravates the process of atherosclerosis.

CONCLUSION

TUG1 can aggravate atherosclerosis progression by reducing the expression of miR-382-5p. This study provides an effective treatment target of atherosclerosis patients based on the TUG1-miR-382-5p axis.

Targeting non-coding RNAs in unstable atherosclerotic plaques: Mechanism, regulation, possibilities, and limitations

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) caused by arteriosclerosis are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. In the late stages of atherosclerosis, the atherosclerotic plaque gradually expands in the blood vessels, resulting in vascular stenosis. When the unstable plaque ruptures and falls off, it blocks the vessel causing vascular thrombosis, leading to strokes, myocardial infarctions, and a series of other serious diseases that endanger people's lives. Therefore, regulating plaque stability is the main means used to address the high mortality associated with CVDs. The progression of the atherosclerotic plaque is a complex integration of vascular cell apoptosis, lipid metabolism disorders, inflammatory cell infiltration, vascular smooth muscle cell migration, and neovascular infiltration. More recently, emerging evidence has demonstrated that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a significant role in regulating the pathophysiological process of atherosclerotic plaque formation by affecting the biological functions of the vasculature and its associated cells. The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively review the regulatory mechanisms involved in the susceptibility of atherosclerotic plaque rupture, discuss the limitations of current approaches to treat plaque instability, and highlight the potential clinical value of ncRNAs as novel diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic strategies to improve plaque stability and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events.

LncRNA TP73-AS1 promotes oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced apoptosis of endothelial cells in atherosclerosis by targeting the miR-654-3p/AKT3 axis

Background

Although lncRNA TP73-AS1 has been shown to play important roles in various human diseases, its function in atherosclerosis (AS) remains unclear.

Methods

Human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were treated with 50 μg/ml oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) to establish an atherosclerotic cell model. The expression of TP73-AS1, miR-654-3p and AKT3 was detected by qRT-PCR. Cell functions were evaluated CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. The protein levels of apoptosis-related proteins were evaluated by western blot. The binding relationship among TP73-AS1, miR-654-3p and AKT3 was determined by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay.

Results

TP73-AS1 was upregulated and miR-654-3p was downregulated in ox-LDL treated HAECs. TP73-AS1 silencing and miR-654-3p mimics decreased the viability and inhibited apoptosis of ox-LDL treated HAECs, decreased the expression levels of c-caspase-9, c-caspase-3 and Bax, and increased Bcl-2 expression. In addition, miR-654-3p inhibitor significantly reversed the inhibitory effects of si-TP73-AS1 on cell viability and apoptosis. TP73-AS1 could positively regulate AKT3 through directly sponging miR-654-3p.

Conclusion

TP73-AS1 promoted apoptosis of ox-LDL stimulated endothelial cells by targeting the miR-654-3p/AKT3 axis, suggesting that TP73-AS1 might be a potential target for AS treatment.

Downregulation of lncRNA MIR181A2HG by high glucose impairs vascular endothelial cell proliferation and migration through the dysregulation of the miRNAs/AKT2 axis

Endothelial dysfunction and diabetic vascular disease induced by chronic hyperglycemia involve complex interactions among high glucose, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) and the Ser/Thr kinase AKT. However, the molecular mechanisms under-lying the regulatory crosstalk between these have not yet been completely elucidated. Thus, the present study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms whereby high glucose (HG)-induced lncRNA MIR181A2HG modulates human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation and migration by regulating AKT2 expression. The persistent exposure of HUVECs to HG resulted in MIR181A2HG down-regulation and thus reduced its ability to sponge miR-6832-5p, miR-6842-5p and miR-8056, subsequently leading to an increase in miR-6832-5p, miR-6842-5p and miR-8056 levels. Mechanistically, miR-6832-5p, miR-6842-5p and miR-8056 were found to target the 3′UTR of AKT2 mRNA in HUVECs, and the increase in their levels led to a decreased expression of AKT2. Thus, this also led to the suppression of HUVEC proliferation and migration, and the formation of capillary-like structures. Moreover, the suppression of HUVEC proliferation and migration induced by MIR181A2HG downregulation was accompanied by changes in glucose metabolism. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that the downregulation of lncRNA MIR181A2HG by HG impairs HUVEC proliferation and migration by dysregulating the miRNA/AKT2 axis. The MIR181A2HG/miRNA/AKT2 regulatory axis may thus be a potential therapeutic target for HG-induced endothelial dysfunction.

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.

Dihydromyricetin increases endothelial nitric oxide production and inhibits atherosclerosis through microRNA-21 in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

Natural products were extracted from traditional Chinese herbal emerging as potential therapeutic drugs for treating cardiovascular diseases. This study examines the role and underlying mechanism of dihydromyricetin (DMY), a natural compound extracted from Ampelopsis grossedentata, in atherosclerosis. DMY treatment significantly inhibits atherosclerotic lesion formation, proinflammatory gene expression and the influx of lesional macrophages and CD4‐positive T cells in the vessel wall and hepatic inflammation, whereas increases nitric oxide (NO) production and improves lipid metabolism in apolipoprotein E‐deficient (Apoe^−/−) mice. Yet, those protective effects are abrogated by using NOS inhibitor L‐NAME in Apoe^−/− mice received DMY. Mechanistically, DMY decreases microRNA‐21 (miR‐21) and increases its target gene dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase‐1 (DDAH1) expression, an effect that reduces asymmetric aimethlarginine (ADMA) levels, and increases endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation and NO production in cultured HUVECs, vascular endothelium of atherosclerotic lesions and liver. In contrast, systemic delivery of miR‐21 in Apoe^−/− mice or miR‐21 overexpression in cultured HUVECs abrogates those DMY‐mediated protective effects. These data demonstrate that endothelial miR‐21‐inhibited DDAH1‐ADMA‐eNOS‐NO pathway promotes the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis which can be rescued by DMY. Thus, DMY may represent a potential therapeutic adjuvant in atherosclerosis management.

Circulating miRNA-21 as a diagnostic biomarker in elderly patients with type 2 cardiorenal syndrome

Circulating miRNAs have attracted attention as serum biomarkers for several diseases. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of circulating miRNA-21 (miR-21) as a novel biomarker for elderly patients with type 2 cardiorenal syndrome (CRS-2). A total of 157 elderly patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) were recruited for the study. According to an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) cut-off of 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, 84 patients (53.5%) and 73 patients (46.5%) were assigned to the CRS group and the CHF group, respectively. Expression levels of serum miR-21 and biomarkers for CRS, such as kidney injury factor-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-related apolipoprotein (NGAL), cystatin C (Cys C), amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), N-acetyl-κ-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), and heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP), were detected. Serum miR-21, KIM-1, NGAL, Cys C, NT-proBNP and H-FABP levels were significantly higher in the CRS group than in the CHF group (P < 0.01), whereas NAG expression was not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). Cys C, H-FABP and eGFR correlated significantly with miR-21 expression, but correlations with miR-21 were not significant for NT-proBNP, NGAL, NAG and KIM-1. Moreover, multivariate logistic regression found that serum miR-21, increased serum Cys C, serum KIM-1, hyperlipidaemia and ejection fraction (EF) were independent influencing factors for CRS (P < 0.05). The AUC of miR-21 based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.749, with a sensitivity of 55.95% and a specificity of 84.93%. Furthermore, combining miR-21 with Cys C enhanced the AUC to 0.902, with a sensitivity of 88.1% and a specificity of 83.6% (P < 0.001). Our findings suggest that circulating miR-21 has medium diagnostic value in CRS-2. The combined assessment of miR-21 and Cys C has good clinical value in elderly patients with CRS-2.

Molecular therapies delaying cardiovascular aging: disease- or health-oriented approaches

Regenerative medicine is a new therapeutic modality that aims to mend tissue damage by encouraging the reconstitution of physiological integrity. It represents an advancement over conventional therapies that allow reducing the damage but result in disease chronicization. Age-related decline in spontaneous capacity of repair, especially in organs like the heart that have very limited proliferative capacity, contributes in reducing the benefit of conventional therapy. ncRNAs are emerging as key epigenetic regulators of cardiovascular regeneration. Inhibition or replacement of miRNAs may offer reparative solutions to cardiovascular disease. The first part of this review article is devoted to illustrating novel therapies emerging from research on miRNAs. In the second part, we develop new therapeutic concepts emerging from genetics of longevity. Prolonged survival, as in supercentenarians, denotes an exceptional capacity to repair and cope with risk factors and diseases. These characteristics are shared with offspring, suggesting that the regenerative phenotype is heritable. New evidence indicates that genetic traits responsible for prolongation of health span in humans can be passed to and benefit the outcomes of animal models of cardiovascular disease. Genetic studies have also focused on determinants of accelerated senescence and related druggable targets. Evolutionary genetics assessing the genetic basis of adaptation and comparing successful and unsuccessful genetic changes in response to selection within populations represent a powerful basis to develop novel therapies aiming to prolong cardiovascular and whole organism health.

Long non-coding RNA-HOTAIR promotes the progression of sepsis by acting as a sponge of miR-211 to induce IL-6R expression

Sepsis remains the primary cause of death in intensive care units and multiple long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to be dysregulated in samples of patients with sepsis. However, whether lncRNA-HOTAIR is involved in the etiology of sepsis remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of HOTAIR in sepsis and to reveal the associated mechanisms. A bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to evaluate the interaction between HOTAIR and miR-211, as well as miR-211 and IL-6R. An animal model of sepsis was established in mice via cecal ligation and puncture. Interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-1β, IL-6 receptor (R), microRNA (miR)-211 and HOTAIR expression was measured using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Cellular proliferation and apoptosis of monocytes were assessed using cell counting kit-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. miR-211 was revealed to be targeted by HOTAIR and IL-6R. The expression of IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6R and HOTAIR was significantly upregulated in the septic mice, whereas miR-211 expression was downregulated. The overexpression of hox transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) and knockdown of miR-211 were associated with an increased expression of IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6R in monocytes, while the overexpression of miR-211 exhibited the opposite effect. HOTAIR overexpression and miR-211 knockdown significantly inhibited cellular proliferation and promoted monocyte apoptosis, whereas the overexpression of miR-211 exhibited the opposite effects in monocytes. Therefore, HOTAIR may promote the progression of sepsis by indirectly regulating the expression of IL-6R via miR-211.

A Brief Overview of lncRNAs in Endothelial Dysfunction-Associated Diseases: From Discovery to Characterization

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a novel class of regulatory RNA molecules and they are involved in many biological processes and disease developments. Several unique features of lncRNAs have been identified, such as tissue-and/or cell-specific expression pattern, which suggest that they could be potential candidates for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. More recently, the scope of lncRNA studies has been extended to endothelial biology research. Many of lncRNAs were found to be critically involved in the regulation of endothelial function and its associated disease progression. An improved understanding of endothelial biology can thus facilitate the discovery of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for endothelial dysfunction-associated diseases, such as abnormal angiogenesis, hypertension, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism of lncRNA remains undefined in previous published studies. Therefore, in this review, we aimed to discuss the current methodologies for discovering and investigating the functions of lncRNAs and, in particular, to address the functions of selected lncRNAs in endothelial dysfunction-associated diseases.

Long noncoding RNA OIP5-AS1 accelerates the ox-LDL mediated vascular endothelial cells apoptosis through targeting GSK-3β via recruiting EZH2

An increasing amount of research is demonstrating the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in human cardiovascular disease, and in particular, atherosclerosis. To date, the mechanism through which lncRNA OIP5-AS1 regulates the oxidative low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-mediated endothelial cell apoptosis is still unclear. Results from this study found that lncRNA OIP5-AS1 was significantly over-expressed in the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) administered with ox-LDL. The silencing of OIP5-AS1 inhibited apoptosis and promoted proliferation via inducing G0/G1 cycle arrest. Chromatin immunoprecipitate (ChIP) revealed that lncRNA OIP5-AS1 reduced GSK-3β expression through recruiting EZH2, a critical element of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) complex that directly bind with the GSK-3β promoter region. Rescue experiments validated that GSK-3β could eliminate the effect of OIP5-AS1 on HUVECs. Overall, these findings suggest that lncRNA OIP5-AS1 accelerates ox-LDL mediated vascular endothelial cell apoptosis through targeting GSK-3β via recruiting EZH2, providing potential therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis.