MicroRNA-146a and -21 cooperate to regulate vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation via modulation of the Notch signaling pathway

Palmitic acid in type 2 diabetes mellitus promotes atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability via macrophage Dll4 signaling

Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus are increasingly susceptible to atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability, leading to severe cardiovascular events. In this study, we demonstrate that elevated serum levels of palmitic acid, a type of saturated fatty acid, are significantly linked to this enhanced vulnerability in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Through a combination of human cohort studies and animal models, our research identifies a key mechanistic pathway: palmitic acid induces macrophage Delta-like ligand 4 signaling, which in turn triggers senescence in vascular smooth muscle cells. This process is critical for plaque instability due to reduced collagen synthesis and deposition. Importantly, our findings reveal that macrophage-specific knockout of Delta-like ligand 4 in atherosclerotic mice leads to reduced plaque burden and improved stability, highlighting the potential of targeting this pathway. These insights offer a promising direction for developing therapeutic strategies to mitigate cardiovascular risks in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Selected miRNA and Psoriasis-Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)-Overweight/Obesity Network-A Pilot Study

Psoriasis is nowadays recognized as a multifactorial systemic disease with complex and not fully understood pathogenesis. In psoriatic patients, the increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and frequent comorbidities like obesity are observed. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in miRNA (miR-22-3p, miR-133a-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-369-3p, and Let-7b-5p) involved in CVD risk among psoriatic patients with overweight/obesity and with normal weight. The study comprised 28 male psoriatic patients and 16 male healthy controls. miRNA isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells was reverse-transcribed and RT-qPCR was performed. We have found decreased levels of miR-22, miR-133a, miR-146a, and miR-369 among the psoriatic patients. There was a statistically significant difference in miR-22 and miR-146a levels between psoriatic patients with overweight/obesity and with normal weight. There were positive correlations between miR-22 and miR-146a levels and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in psoriatic patients with normal weight and between the miR-133a level and PsA in the overweight/obese patients. The decreased levels of selected miRNA are consistent with the levels observed in CVD indicating their impact on the CVD risk in psoriatic patients. miR-22 and miR-146 may be recognized as one of the contributing factors in the obesity-CVD-psoriasis network.

Nutrition and Physical Activity as Modulators of Osteosarcopenic Adiposity: A Scoping Review and Recommendations for Future Research

Osteosarcopenic adiposity (OSA) syndrome denotes the confluence of bone, muscle, and adipose tissue deterioration. Being a complex entity, numerous uncertainties about OSA still exist, despite the extensive research on the topic. Our objectives were to evaluate human studies addressing dietary intake/nutritional status and the quantity/types of physical activity related to OSA. The search in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted to examine relevant articles published from inception to the end of December 2022, utilizing the MeSH strings in the search strategy. Only studies published in English and conducted in humans (≥18 years) without chronic conditions (cancers, kidney/liver disease) or pregnancy were used. Book chapters, abstracts-only, and studies in which participants did not have all three body composition components measured to identify OSA or when body composition components could not be related to the independent/exposure variables were excluded. A total of n = 1020 articles were retrieved from all three databases and eight more from the reference lists. After the exclusion of duplicates and other unsuitable articles, n = 23 studies were evaluated. Among those, eleven were from epidemiological or cross-sectional studies relating nutrients/dietary intake or nutritional status with OSA. Another four examined the relationship between serum biomarkers (vitamin D and ferritin) with OSA, while eight articles presented the results of the interventional studies with resistance training. Overall, higher protein, calcium, potassium, and vitamins D and C intakes emerged as nutrients positively modifying OSA, along with a diet higher in fruits and low-fat dairy foods. Higher serum vitamin D and ferritin were respectively positively and negatively related to OSA. Resistance training was a safe intervention yielding several beneficial outcomes for the OSA syndrome in older women.

Differential Expression of Peripheral Circulating MicroRNA-146a Between Patients with Atherosclerotic Vulnerable Plaque and Stable Plaque

Atherosclerotic plaque rupture and subsequent cardiovascular complications threaten the population's health worldwide. The polymorphism of miR-146a rs2910164 was significantly associated with the risk of vulnerable plaques. However, it remains unclear whether the circulating miR-146a is differentially expressed in stable and vulnerable plaques and thus, serves as a potential biomarker.This study aims to analyze the differential expression of circulating miR-146a between patients with stable and vulnerable plaques to explore the potential molecular mechanisms.Public databases were searched from their inception up to November 2022. A study reporting the specific circulating miR-146a levels between patients with stable and vulnerable plaques was included. The study quality was assessed using the modified genetic 8-stars Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The differential expression levels of miR-146a were evaluated using the standardized mean difference (SMD).Eight studies with 978 patients were included and analyzed. The results showed that miR-146a expression levels were significantly higher in the vulnerable plaque population than in the stable plaque population (SMD: 1.91; 95% confidence interval: 1.35, 2.47; P < 0.01). A similar statistical significance was found in subgroup analyses regarding sample source, disease type, and vulnerable plaque characteristics. Sensitivity analysis suggested the robustness of the results. Analysis of downstream genes suggested that miR-146a-targeted regulation of ACTN4, SARM1, and ULK2 may affect intraplaque hemorrhage.Patients with vulnerable plaque have higher circulating miR-146a levels than those with stable plaque. However, based on the limitations of this study, high-quality studies are still needed to confirm the results.

Association between microRNA-146a rs2910164 polymorphism and coronary heart disease: An updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the manifestations of atherosclerosis with a high morbidity rate. MicroRNA (miRNA)-146a rs2910164, a single nucleotide polymorphism, is associated with the progression of CHD risk. However, the results are controversial and uncertain. Therefore, an updated meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between rs2910164 and CHD susceptibility.

METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, China's National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, and Wan fang were searched for the eligible articles until April 30, 2022. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CIs) were calculated to assess the correlation. Bonferroni correction was utilized between multiple comparisons. Trial sequential analysis was performed to measure the required information size and assess the reliability of the meta-analysis results.

RESULTS

A total of 18 eligible studies, including 6859 cases and 8469 controls, were analyzed in our meta-analysis. After Bonferroni correction, we found that the G allele at rs2910164 was associated with significantly decreased CHD risk in the allelic model (OR = 0.86), homozygous model (OR = 0.79), and heterozygous model (OR = 0.89) in total population. In the subgroup analysis, the subjects containing the G allele and GG genotype were associated with a lower risk of CHD in the Chinese population, not the GG + CG and CG genotype. In addition, under the allelic, homozygous, heterozygous, and dominant models, miR-146a rs2910164 was at lower CHD risk in the large size population except in the recessive model.

CONCLUSION

These results show that miR-146a rs2910164 might be associated with lower CHD susceptibility.

Glycaemic Control in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: What Is the Role for the Novel Antidiabetic Agents? A Comprehensive Review of Basic Science and Clinical Data

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and revascularization through percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) significantly improves survival. In this setting, poor glycaemic control, regardless of diabetes, has been associated with increased incidence of peri-procedural and long-term complications and worse prognosis. Novel antidiabetic agents have represented a paradigm shift in managing patients with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. However, limited data are reported so far in patients undergoing coronary stenting. This review intends to provide an overview of the biological mechanisms underlying hyperglycaemia-induced vascular damage and the contrasting actions of new antidiabetic drugs. We summarize existing evidence on the effects of these drugs in the setting of PCI, addressing pre-clinical and clinical studies and drug-drug interactions with antiplatelet agents, thus highlighting new opportunities for optimal long-term management of these patients.

Fusobacterium nucleatum Accelerates Atherosclerosis via Macrophage-Driven Aberrant Proinflammatory Response and Lipid Metabolism

Periodontitis, an oral chronic inflammatory disease, is reported to show an association with atherosclerotic vascular disease. Fusobacterium nucleatum is an oral commensal bacterium that is abundantly implicated in various forms of periodontal diseases; however, its role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of atherosclerosis induced by F. nucleatum to provide new insight on the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. We used an animal model, that is, ApoE^–/– mice were infected with F. nucleatum by oral gavage, and in vitro co-culture models to assess the pathogenicity of F. nucleatum. The results indicate that F. nucleatum ATCC 25586 invaded aortic tissues and substantially increased the progression of atherosclerotic lesions. In addition, F. nucleatum changed plaque composition into a less-stable phenotype, characterized with increased subcutaneous macrophage infiltration, M1 polarization, lipid deposition, cell apoptosis, and reduced extracellular matrix and collagen content. The serum levels of pro-atherosclerotic factors, such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), c-reactive protein, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and microRNAs (miR-146a, miR-155, and miR-23b) were considerably increased after F. nucleatum stimulation, whereas HDL-c level was reduced. F. nucleatum induced in vitro macrophage apoptosis in a time- and dose-dependent manner. F. nucleatum facilitated ox-LDL–induced cholesterol phagocytosis and accumulation by regulating the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes (AR-A1, ACAT1, ABCA1, and ABCG1). F. nucleatum further worsened the atherosclerotic plaque microenvironment by considerably increasing the levels of IL-6; IL-1β; TNF-α; MCP-1; and MMP-2, 8, and 9 and by suppressing fibronectin (FN) 1 levels during foam cell formation. This study shows that F. nucleatum ATCC 25586 is implicated in atherosclerosis by causing aberrant activation and lipid metabolism in macrophage.

Lower miR-21/ROS/HNE levels associate with lower glycemia after habit-intervention: DIAPASON study 1-year later

Background

The prevalence of prediabetes is increasing in the global population and its metabolic derangements may expose to a higher risk to develop type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its cardiovascular burden. Lifestyle modifications might have considerable benefits on ameliorating metabolic status. Alternative biomarkers, such as circulating miR-21, has been recently discovered associated with dysglycemia. Here we evaluated, in a longitudinal cohort of dysglycemic population the relation between the circulating miR-21/ROS/HNE levels and the habit-intervention (HI) after 1 year of follow-up.

Methods

1506 subjects from DIAPASON study were screened based on the Findrisc score. Of them, 531 subjects with Findrisc ≥ 9 were selected for dysglycemia (ADA criteria) and tested for circulating miR-21, ROS and HNE levels, as damaging-axis. 207 subjects with dysglycemia were re-evaluated after 1-year of habit intervention (HI). Repeated measures tests were used to evaluate changes from baseline to 1-year of follow-up. The associations between glycemic parameters and miR-21/ROS/HNE were implemented by linear regression and logistic regression models.

Results

After HI, we observed a significant reduction of miR-21/ROS/HNE axis in dysglycemic subjects, concomitantly with ameliorating of metabolic parameters, including insulin resistance, BMI, microalbuminuria, reactive hyperemia index and skin fluorescence. Significant positive interaction was observed between miR-21 axis with glycaemic parameters after HI. Lower miR-21 levels after HI, strongly associated with a reduction of glycemic damaging-axis, in particular, within-subjects with values of 2hPG < 200 mg/dL.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated that HI influenced the epigenetic changes related to miR-21 axis, and sustain the concept of reversibility from dysglycemia. These data support the usefulness of novel biological approaches for monitoring glycemia as well as provide a screening tool for preventive programmes.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12933-022-01465-0.

Regenerative potential of epicardium-derived extracellular vesicles mediated by conserved miRNA transfer

AIMS

After a myocardial infarction, the adult human heart lacks sufficient regenerative capacity to restore lost tissue, leading to heart failure progression. Finding novel ways to reprogram adult cardiomyocytes into a regenerative state is a major therapeutic goal. The epicardium, the outermost layer of the heart, contributes cardiovascular cell types to the forming heart and is a source of trophic signals to promote heart muscle growth during embryonic development. The epicardium is also essential for heart regeneration in zebrafish and neonatal mice and can be reactivated after injury in adult hearts to improve outcome. A recently identified mechanism of cell-cell communication and signalling is that mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs). Here, we aimed to investigate epicardial signalling via EV release in response to cardiac injury and as a means to optimize cardiac repair and regeneration.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We isolated epicardial EVs from mouse and human sources and targeted the cardiomyocyte population. Epicardial EVs enhanced proliferation in H9C2 cells and in primary neonatal murine cardiomyocytes in vitro and promoted cell cycle re-entry when injected into the injured area of infarcted neonatal hearts. These EVs also enhanced regeneration in cryoinjured engineered human myocardium (EHM) as a novel model of human myocardial injury. Deep RNA-sequencing of epicardial EV cargo revealed conserved microRNAs (miRs) between human and mouse epicardial-derived exosomes, and the effects on cell cycle re-entry were recapitulated by administration of cargo miR-30a, miR-100, miR-27a, and miR-30e to human stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and cryoinjured EHM constructs.

CONCLUSION

Here, we describe the first characterization of epicardial EV secretion, which can signal to promote proliferation of cardiomyocytes in infarcted mouse hearts and in a human model of myocardial injury, resulting in enhanced contractile function. Analysis of exosome cargo in mouse and human identified conserved pro-regenerative miRs, which in combination recapitulated the therapeutic effects of promoting cardiomyocyte proliferation.

Role of miRNA-1 and miRNA-21 in Acute Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury and Their Potential as Therapeutic Strategy

Coronary artery disease remains the leading cause of death. Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is characterized by decreased blood flow to the coronary arteries, resulting in cardiomyocytes death. The most effective strategy for treating an MI is early and rapid myocardial reperfusion, but restoring blood flow to the ischemic myocardium can induce further damage, known as ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Novel therapeutic strategies are critical to limit myocardial IR injury and improve patient outcomes following reperfusion intervention. miRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that have been implicated in attenuating IR injury pathology in pre-clinical rodent models. In this review, we discuss the role of miR-1 and miR-21 in regulating myocardial apoptosis in ischemia-reperfusion injury in the whole heart as well as in different cardiac cell types with special emphasis on cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, and immune cells. We also examine therapeutic potential of miR-1 and miR-21 in preclinical studies. More research is necessary to understand the cell-specific molecular principles of miRNAs in cardioprotection and application to acute myocardial IR injury.

Flow-Responsive Noncoding RNAs in the Vascular System: Basic Mechanisms for the Clinician

The vascular system is largely exposed to the effect of changing flow conditions. Vascular cells can sense flow and its changes. Flow sensing is of pivotal importance for vascular remodeling. In fact, it influences the development and progression of atherosclerosis, controls its location and has a major influx on the development of local complications. Despite its importance, the research community has traditionally paid scarce attention to studying the association between different flow conditions and vascular biology. More recently, a growing body of evidence has been accumulating, revealing that ncRNAs play a key role in the modulation of several biological processes linking flow-sensing to vascular pathophysiology. This review summarizes the most relevant evidence on ncRNAs that are directly or indirectly responsive to flow conditions to the benefit of the clinician, with a focus on the underpinning mechanisms and their potential application as disease biomarkers.

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.

Adding a "Notch" to Cardiovascular Disease Therapeutics: A MicroRNA-Based Approach

Dysregulation of the Notch pathway is implicated in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), but, as of today, therapies based on the re-establishing the physiological levels of Notch in the heart and vessels are not available. A possible reason is the context-dependent role of Notch in the cardiovascular system, which would require a finely tuned, cell-specific approach. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short functional endogenous, non-coding RNA sequences able to regulate gene expression at post-transcriptional levels influencing most, if not all, biological processes. Dysregulation of miRNAs expression is implicated in the molecular mechanisms underlying many CVDs. Notch is regulated and regulates a large number of miRNAs expressed in the cardiovascular system and, thus, targeting these miRNAs could represent an avenue to be explored to target Notch for CVDs. In this Review, we provide an overview of both established and potential, based on evidence in other pathologies, crosstalks between miRNAs and Notch in cellular processes underlying atherosclerosis, myocardial ischemia, heart failure, calcification of aortic valve, and arrhythmias. We also discuss the potential advantages, as well as the challenges, of using miRNAs for a Notch-based approach for the diagnosis and treatment of the most common CVDs.

Regulation of miRNAs by Natural Antioxidants in Cardiovascular Diseases: Focus on SIRT1 and eNOS

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The potential benefits of natural antioxidants derived from supplemental nutrients against CVDs are well known. Remarkably, natural antioxidants exert cardioprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress, increasing vasodilation, and normalizing endothelial dysfunction. Recently, considerable evidence has highlighted an important role played by the synergistic interaction between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in the maintenance of endothelial function. To provide a new perspective on the role of natural antioxidants against CVDs, we focused on microRNAs (miRNAs), which are important posttranscriptional modulators in human diseases. Several miRNAs are regulated via the consumption of natural antioxidants and are related to the regulation of oxidative stress by targeting eNOS and/or SIRT1. In this review, we have discussed the specific molecular regulation of eNOS/SIRT1-related endothelial dysfunction and its contribution to CVD pathologies; furthermore, we selected nine different miRNAs that target the expression of eNOS and SIRT1 in CVDs. Additionally, we have summarized the alteration of miRNA expression and regulation of activities of miRNA through natural antioxidant consumption.

Does microRNA Perturbation Control the Mechanisms Linking Obesity and Diabetes? Implications for Cardiovascular Risk

Metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are considered the major risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Although the pathological mechanisms underlying the mutual development of obesity and T2D are difficult to define, a better understanding of the molecular aspects is of utmost importance to identify novel therapeutic targets. Recently, a class of non-coding RNAs, called microRNAs (miRNAs), are emerging as key modulators of metabolic abnormalities. There is increasing evidence supporting the role of intra- and extracellular miRNAs as determinants of the crosstalk between adipose tissues, liver, skeletal muscle and other organs, triggering the paracrine communication among different tissues. miRNAs may be considered as risk factors for CVD due to their correlation with cardiovascular events, and in particular, may be related to the most prominent risk factors. In this review, we describe the associations observed between miRNAs expression levels and the most common cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, we sought to depict the molecular aspect of the interplay between obesity and diabetes, investigating the role of microRNAs in the interorgan crosstalk. Finally, we discussed the fascinating hypothesis of the loss of protective factors, such as antioxidant defense systems regulated by such miRNAs.

MiR-21 mediates the protection of kaempferol against hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced cardiomyocyte injury via promoting Notch1/PTEN/AKT signaling pathway

Kaempferol, a natural flavonoid compound, possesses potent myocardial protective property in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), but the underlying mechanism is not well understood. The present study was aimed to explore whether miR-21 contributes to the cardioprotective effect of kaempferol on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced H9c2 cell injury via regulating Notch/phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN)/Akt signaling pathway. Results revealed that kaempferol obviously attenuates H/R-induced the damages of H9c2 cells as evidence by the up-regulation of cell viability, the down-regulation of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, the reduction of apoptosis rate and pro-apoptotic protein (Bax) expression, and the increases of anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2) expression. In addition, kaempferol enhanced miR-21 level in H9c2 cells exposed to H/R, and inhibition of miR-21 induced by transfection with miR-21 inhibitor significantly blocked the protection of kaempferol against H/R-induced H9c2 cell injury. Furthermore, kaempferol eliminated H/R-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory response as illustrated by the decreases in reactive oxygen species generation and malondialdehyde content, the increases in antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, the decreases in pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels, and an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 level, while these effects of kaempferol were all reversed by miR-21 inhibitor. Moreover, results elicited that kaempferol remarkably blocks H/R-induced the down-regulation of Notch1 expression, the up-regulation of PTEN expression, and the reduction of P-Akt/Akt, indicating that kaempferol promotes Notch1/PTEN/AKT signaling pathway, and knockdown of Notch1/PTEN/AKT signaling pathway induced by Notch1 siRNA also abolished the protection of kaempferol against H/R-induced the damage of H9c2 cells. Notably, miR-21 inhibitor alleviated the promotion of kaempferol on Notch/PTEN/Akt signaling pathways in H9c2 cells exposed to H/R. Taken together, these above findings suggested thatmiR-21 mediates the protection of kaempferol against H/R-induced H9c2 cell injuryvia promoting Notch/PTEN/Akt signaling pathway.

The Role of microRNAs in Metabolic Syndrome-Related Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress (OxS) is the cause and the consequence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), the incidence and economic burden of which is increasing each year. OxS triggers the dysregulation of signaling pathways associated with metabolism and epigenetics, including microRNAs, which are biomarkers of metabolic disorders. In this review, we aimed to summarize the current knowledge regarding the interplay between microRNAs and OxS in MetS and its components. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar to summarize the most relevant studies. Collected data suggested that different sources of OxS (e.g., hyperglycemia, insulin resistance (IR), hyperlipidemia, obesity, proinflammatory cytokines) change the expression of numerous microRNAs in organs involved in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism and endothelium. Dysregulated microRNAs either directly or indirectly affect the expression and/or activity of molecules of antioxidative signaling pathways (SIRT1, FOXOs, Keap1/Nrf2) along with effector enzymes (e.g., GPx-1, SOD1/2, HO-1), ROS producers (e.g., NOX4/5), as well as genes of numerous signaling pathways connected with inflammation, insulin sensitivity, and lipid metabolism, thus promoting the progression of metabolic imbalance. MicroRNAs appear to be important epigenetic modifiers in managing the delicate redox balance, mediating either pro- or antioxidant biological impacts. Summarizing, microRNAs may be promising therapeutic targets in ameliorating the repercussions of OxS in MetS.

A comprehensive review on miR-146a molecular mechanisms in a wide spectrum of immune and non-immune inflammatory diseases

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-strand endogenous and non-coding RNA molecules with a length of about 22 nucleotides, which regulate genes expression, through modulating the translation and stability of their target mRNAs. miR-146a is one of the most studied miRNAs, due to its central role in immune system homeostasis and control of the innate and acquired immune responses. Accordingly, abnormal expression or function of miR-146a results in the incidence and progression of immune and non-immune inflammatory diseases. Its deregulated expression pattern and inefficient function have been reported in a wide spectrum of these illnesses. Based on the existing evidence, this miRNA qualifies as an ideal biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis, and activity evaluation of immune and non-immune inflammatory disorders. Moreover, much attention has recently been paid to therapeutic potential of miR-146a and several researchers have assessed the effects of different drugs on expression and function of this miRNA at diverse experimental, animal, besides human levels, reporting motivating results in the treatment of the diseases. Here, in this comprehensive review, we provide an overview of miR-146a role in the pathogenesis and progression of several immune and non-immune inflammatory diseases such as Rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Inflammatory bowel disease, Multiple sclerosis, Psoriasis, Graves' disease, Atherosclerosis, Hepatitis, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc., discuss about its eligibility for being a desirable biomarker for these disorders, and also highlight its therapeutic potential. Understanding these mechanisms underlies the selecting and designing the proper therapeutic targets and medications, which eventually facilitate the treatment process.

The dual role of mir-146a in metastasis and disease progression

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNAs are ribonucleic acids that are single-stranded and endogenous non-coding acids that regulate gene expression in later stages of the translation process by binding to genomic regulatory sites. miR146a is mostly involved in the regulation of inflammatory systems and another process that role in the innate immune system. In the present review, we have focused on the recent acquisitions about the main role played by mir146a in the control of the immune system and tumorigenesis. The main purpose of this review article is to systematically investigate the mir146a and its role in regulating signaling pathways involved in cancer and the immune system as well as its involved therapeutic methods.

METHODS

Systematic search of MEDLINE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library was conducted for all comparative studies from 2000 to 2019 with the limitations of the English language.

RESULTS

For a notable period of time, researchers have mainly focused on the therapeutic mechanisms of mir146a involved in the modulation of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes. We found that levels of mir146a expression were associated with cancer cell metastasis as a dual role (Inhibitory and stimulatory roles). The results of various studies also showed that this microRNA has a therapeutic role through its effects on other gene expressions such as NF-kB, SIRT1, TNF- α and IL-1β and leads to disease control.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge about alterations in mir146a regulation will give a better understanding of the molecular basis for various chronic inflammatory diseases and cancers.

Aberrant expression of miR-29b-3p influences heart development and cardiomyocyte proliferation by targeting NOTCH2

Objectives

microRNA‐29 (miR‐29) family have shown different expression patterns in cardiovascular diseases. Our study aims to explore the effect and mechanism of miR‐29 family on cardiac development.

Materials and methods

A total of 13 patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) and 7 controls were included in our study. Tissues were obtained from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) after surgical resection or autopsy. The next‐generation sequencing was applied to screen the microRNA expression profiles of CHD. Quantitative RT‐PCR and Western blot were employed to measure genes expression. Tg Cmlc2: GFP reporter zebrafish embryos were injected with microRNA (miRNA) to explore its role in cardiac development in vivo. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was designed to validate the target gene of miRNAs. CCK‐8 and EdU incorporation assays were performed to evaluate cardiomyocyte proliferation.

Results

Our study showed miR‐29b‐3p expression was significantly increased in the RVOT of the CHD patients. Injection of miR‐29b‐3p into zebrafish embryos induced higher mortality and malformation rates, developmental delay, cardiac malformation and dysfunction. miR‐29b‐3p inhibited cardiomyocyte proliferation, and its inhibitor promoted cardiomyocyte proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we identified that miR‐29b‐3p influenced cardiomyocyte proliferation by targeting NOTCH2, which was down‐regulated in the RVOT of the CHD patients.

Conclusion

This study reveals that miR‐29b‐3p functions as a novel regulator of cardiac development and inhibits cardiomyocyte proliferation via NOTCH2, which provides novel insights into the aetiology and potential treatment of CHD.

miRNA dysregulation in ischaemic stroke: Focus on diagnosis, prognosis, therapeutic and protective biomarkers

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in both developing and developed countries. Biomarkers for stroke and its outcome can greatly facilitate early detection and management of the disease. miRNAs have been explored for their potential as biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and brain injury in ischaemic stroke. A substantial body of evidence suggests that miRNAs play key roles in numerous cellular changes following ischaemic stroke including mitochondrial dysfunction, energy failure, cytokine-mediated cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, activation of glial cells, increased intracellular calcium levels inflammatory responses and disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In addition, targeting specific miRNAs, therapeutic modulation of brain injury and apoptosis can also be achieved. Therefore, the current review has been compiled within an aim to give an overview of the developments exploiting miRNAs at different stages of stroke as prognostic, diagnostic, protective and therapeutic biomarkers.

FOXC2-AS1 regulates phenotypic transition, proliferation and migration of human great saphenous vein smooth muscle cells

Objectives

In varicose veins, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) often shows phenotypic transition and abnormal proliferation and migration. Evidence suggests the FOXC2–Notch pathway may be involved in the pathogenesis of varicose veins. Here, this study aimed to explore the role of long non-coding RNA FOXC2-AS1 (FOXC2 antisense RNA 1) in phenotypic transition, proliferation, and migration of varicose vein-derived VSMCs and to explore whether the FOXC2-Notch pathway was involved in this process.

Methods

The effect of FOXC2-AS1 on the proliferation and migration of human great saphenous vein smooth muscle cells (SV-SMCs) was analyzed using MTT assay and Transwell migration assay, respectively. The levels of contractile marker SM22α and synthetic marker osteopontin were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot to assess the phenotypic transition.

Results

The human varicose veins showed thickened intima, media and adventitia layers, increased synthetic VSMCs, as well as upregulated FOXC2-AS1 and FOXC2 expression. In vitro assays showed that FOXC2-AS1 overexpression promoted phenotypic transition, proliferation, and migration of SV-SMCs. However, the effect of FOXC2-AS1 overexpression could be abrogated by both FOXC2 silencing and the Notch signaling inhibitor FLI-06. Furthermore, FOXC2-AS1 overexpression activated the Notch pathway by upregulating FOXC2.

Conclusion

FOXC2-AS1 overexpression promotes phenotypic transition, proliferation, and migration of SV-SMCs, at least partially, by activating the FOXC2-Notch pathway.

MicroRNAs orchestrating senescence of endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells

During organism aging, the process of cellular senescence is triggered by critical stressors such as DNA damage, oncogenes, oxidative stress, and telomere erosion, and vascular cells are not exempted. Senescent cells stop proliferating but remain metabolically active producing pro-inflammatory signals in the environment collectively named senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) that contribute to the amplification of the response to the neighbor and distant cells. Although the shift toward senescence is protective against tumors and needed during wound healing, the accumulation of senescent cells during aging due to an impairment of the immune system deputed to their clearance, can predispose to diseases of the cardiovascular system such as atherosclerosis. In this short review, we describe the main features of senescence of endothelial and smooth muscle cells and focus on the role non-coding RNAs of the microRNAs class in controlling this process. Finally, we discuss the potential of new strategies based on senescence removal in counteracting vascular disease burden.

The ethyl acetate extracts of radix trichosanthis protect retinal vascular endothelial cells from high glucose-induced injury

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Radix trichosanthis (RT) is a popular plant in China to treat diabetes.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study is to investigate the therapeutic effect of different extracts of RT and explore the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Ethyl acetate extracts of radix trichosanthis (ERT), methanol extracts of radix trichosanthis (MRT) and water extracts of radix trichosanthis (WRT) were prepared. The retinal vascular endothelial cells (RVEC) were stimulated with high glucose or high glucose plus different extracts of RT. Then, cell viability, Transwell assay, tube formation and BrdU assay were measured. In the end, the Hippo and Notch signaling pathways were evaluated to clarify the pharmacological mechanism.

RESULTS

The results indicated that ERT exhibited the best efficacy. It significantly inhibited cell viability, blocked cell migration, attenuated tube formation and reduced the ratio of proliferated cells. It also adjusted the Hippo and Notch signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

ERT suppressed high glucose-induced injury in REVC by regulating the Hippo and Notch signaling pathways.

Circulating microRNA-21 is an early predictor of ROS-mediated damage in subjects with high risk of developing diabetes and in drug-naïve T2D

BACKGROUND

Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is a risk factor for the development of diabetes and related complications that ensue. Early identification of at-risk individuals might be beneficial to reduce or delay the progression of diabetes and its related complications. Recently, microRNAs emerged as potential biomarkers of diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate microRNA-21 as a potential biomarker for the risk of developing diabetes in adults with IGT and to investigate its downstream effects as the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the induction of manganese-superoxide dismutase-2 (SOD2), and the circulating levels of 4-HNE (4-hydroxynonenal).

METHODS

To evaluate the prognostic and predictive values of plasmatic microRNA-21 in identifying metabolic derangements, we tested a selected cohort (n = 115) of subjects enrolled in the DIAPASON Study, whom were selected on ADA criteria for 2hPG. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis test as appropriate. ROC curves were drawn for diagnostic accuracy of the tests; positive and negative predictive values were performed, and Youden's index was used to seek the cut-off optimum truncation point. ROS, SOD2 and 4-HNE were also evaluated.

RESULTS

We observed significant upregulation of microRNA-21 in IGT and in T2D subjects, and microRNA-21 was positively correlated with glycaemic parameters. Diagnostic performance of microRNA-21 was high and accurate. We detected significant overproduction of ROS by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), significant accumulation of the lipid peroxidation marker 4-HNE, and defective SOD2 antioxidant response in IGT and newly diagnosed, drug-naïve T2D subjects. In addition, ROC curves demonstrated the diagnostic accuracy of markers used.

CONCLUSIONS

our data demonstrate that microRNA-21 is associated with prediabetic status and exhibits predictive value for early detection of glucose imbalances. These data could provide novel clues for miR-based biomarkers to evaluate diabetes.

Phenotype of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (VSMCs) Is Regulated by miR-29b by Targeting Sirtuin 1

Background

Phenotypic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) participates in the etiology of various vascular diseases. It has been proved that microRNAs (miRNAs) serve as crucial regulators of functions of VSMCs. This study aimed to discover how miR-29b regulates the transformation of VSMCs phenotypes in mice.

Material/Methods

Primary VSMCs of aorta in mice were cultured in DMEM medium. A series of experiments involving transfection of oligonucleotides in cultured VSMCs, quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), luciferase reporter assay, and Western blotting analysis were performed in this study.

Results

We found that in VSMCs cultured in presence of stimulator, platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), miR-29b was upregulated significantly and expressions of VSMC-phenotype-related genes (α-SMA, calponin, and SM-MHC) were regulated by miR-29b. Moreover, through downregulation of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), miR-29b affects phenotypic transformation of VSMCs. Luciferase report assay identified a significant increase of SIRT1 3′-UTR activity in treatment with miR-29b inhibitor, which, however, was reversed in the presence of miR-29b mimic. Suppression of miR-29b reversed the activation of NF-κB induced by PDGF-BB in VSMCs.

Conclusions

We concluded that miR-29b is an important regulator in the PDGF-BB-mediated VSMC phenotypic transition by targeting SIRT1. Interventions aimed at miR-29b may be promising in treating numerous proliferative vascular disorders.

Glucose-sensing microRNA-21 disrupts ROS homeostasis and impairs antioxidant responses in cellular glucose variability

Background

Antioxidant enzymes play a fundamental role in counteracting oxidative stress induced by high glucose. Although mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD2) is the principal defence against the toxicity of superoxide anions, the mechanism of its inactivation in diabetic subjects is still poorly understood. Recently, microRNA-21 has been associated with diabetes, although its function remains unclear. We sought to explore the mechanism underlying defective SOD2 antioxidant response in HUVECs during exposures to constant high glucose and oscillating glucose (as glucose variability model, GV) and the role of miR-21 in increasing the susceptibility to oxidative stress by disrupting reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis.

Methods

HUVECs exposed for 1 week to constant high glucose and GV were subjected to quantitative electron paramagnetic resonance for ROS measurements. Superoxide anions, SOD2 protein levels and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) were also evaluated. Endogenous miR-21 and its putative ROS-homeostatic target genes (KRIT1, FoxO1, NFE2L2 and SOD2) were tested using mimic-miR-21 and quantified by qPCR. Luciferase assays were performed to test miR-21/3′-UTR-SOD2 binding.

Results

We observed upregulation of microRNA-21, overproduction of superoxide anions and total ROS generation, depolarisation of the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and defective SOD2 antioxidant response in HUVECs subjected to constant high glucose and GV exposures. We also found that exogenous mimic-microRNA-21 targeted putative microRNA-21 ROS-homeostatic target genes, e.g., KRIT1, NRF2 and SOD2, which were significantly downregulated. All these effects were reverted by a microRNA-21 inhibitor, which improved SOD2 and KRIT1 expression, reduced the levels of ROS production and ameliorated ΔΨm.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate the association of microRNA-21 with oscillating and high glucose and early mitochondrial dysfunction. We found that microRNA-21 may promote the suppression of homeostatic signalling that normally limits ROS damage. These data provide novel clues about the inhibition of microRNA-21 as a new therapeutic approach to protect against cellular oxidative injury in glucose variability and diabetes.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12933-018-0748-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The Role of MicroRNAs in Arterial Stiffness and Arterial Calcification. An Update and Review of the Literature

Arterial stiffness is an independent risk factor for fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events, such as systolic hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke, and heart failure. Moreover it reflects arterial aging which in many cases does not coincide with chronological aging, a fact that is in large attributed to genetic factors. In addition to genetic factors, microRNAs (miRNAs) seem to largely affect arterial aging either by advancing or by regressing arterial stiffness. MiRNAs are small RNA molecules, ~22 nucleotides long that can negatively control their target gene expression posttranscriptionally. Pathways that affect main components of stiffness such as fibrosis and calcification seem to be influenced by up or downregulation of specific miRNAs. Identification of this aberrant production of miRNAs can help identify epigenetic changes that can be therapeutic targets for prevention and treatment of vascular diseases. The present review summarizes the specific role of the so far discovered miRNAs that are involved in pathways of arterial stiffness.

Distinct gene expression profiles associated with Notch ligands Delta-like 4 and Jagged1 in plaque material from peripheral artery disease patients: a pilot study

Background

The lack of early diagnosis, progression markers and effective pharmacological treatment has dramatic unfavourable effects on clinical outcomes in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Addressing these issues will require dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying this disease. We sought to characterize the Notch signaling and atherosclerosis relevant markers in lesions from femoral arteries of symptomatic PAD patients.

Methods

Plaque material from the common femoral, superficial femoral or popliteal arteries of 20 patients was removed by directional atherectomy. RNA was obtained from 9 out of 20 samples and analysed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Results

We detected expression of Notch ligands Delta-like 4 (Dll4) and Jagged1 (Jag1), of Notch target genes Hes1, Hey1, Hey2, HeyL and of markers of plaque inflammation and stability such as vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1), smooth muscle 22 (SM22), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), Bcl2, CD68 and miRNAs 21-5p, 125a-5p, 126-5p,146-5p, 155-5p, 424-5p. We found an “inflamed plaque” gene expression profile characterized by high Dll4 associated to medium/high CD68, COX2, VCAM1, Hes1, miR126-5p, miR146a-5p, miR155-5p, miR424-5p and low Jag1, SM22, Bcl2, Hey2, HeyL, miR125a-5p (2/9 patients) and a “stable plaque” profile characterized by high Jag1 associated to medium/high Hey2, HeyL, SM22, Bcl2, miR125a and low Dll4, CD68, COX2, VCAM1, miR126-5p, miR146a-5p, miR155-5p, miR424-5p (3/9 patients). The remaining patients (4/9) showed a plaque profile with intermediate characteristics.

Conclusions

This study reveals the existence of a gene signature associated to Notch activation by specific ligands that could be predictive of PAD progression.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12967-017-1199-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Function, Role, and Clinical Application of MicroRNAs in Vascular Aging

Vascular aging, a specific type of organic aging, is related to age-dependent changes in the vasculature, including atherosclerotic plaques, arterial stiffness, fibrosis, and increased intimal thickening. Vascular aging could influence the threshold, process, and severity of various cardiovascular diseases, thus making it one of the most important risk factors in the high mortality of cardiovascular diseases. As endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the main cell biological basis of these pathology changes of the vasculature, the structure and function of ECs and VSMCs play a key role in vascular aging. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding RNAs, have been shown to regulate the expression of multiple messenger RNAs (mRNAs) posttranscriptionally, contributing to many crucial aspects of cell biology. Recently, miRNAs with functions associated with aging or aging-related diseases have been studied. In this review, we will summarize the reported role of miRNAs in the process of vascular aging with special emphasis on EC and VSMC functions. In addition, the potential application of miRNAs to clinical practice for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases will also be discussed.

Na/K-ATPase signaling regulates collagen synthesis through microRNA-29b-3p in cardiac fibroblasts

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is accompanied by cardiac fibrosis, hypertrophy, and dysfunction, which are commonly referred to as uremic cardiomyopathy. Our previous studies found that Na/K-ATPase ligands or 5/6th partial nephrectomy (PNx) induces cardiac fibrosis in rats and mice. The current study used in vitro and in vivo models to explore novel roles for microRNA in this mechanism of cardiac fibrosis formation. To accomplish this, we performed microRNA profiling with RT-qPCR based arrays on cardiac tissue from rats subjected to marinobufagenin (MBG) infusion or PNx. The analysis showed that a series of fibrosis-related microRNAs were dysregulated. Among the dysregulated microRNAs, microRNA (miR)-29b-3p, which directly targets mRNA of collagen, was consistently reduced in both PNx and MBG-infused animals. In vitro experiments demonstrated that treatment of primary cultures of adult rat cardiac fibroblasts with Na/K-ATPase ligands induced significant increases in the fibrosis marker, collagen protein, and mRNA expression compared with controls, whereas miR-29b-3p expression decreased >50%. Transfection of miR-29b-3p mimics into cardiac fibroblasts inhibited cardiotonic steroids-induced collagen synthesis. Moreover, a specific Na/K-ATPase signaling antagonist, pNaKtide, prevented ouabain-induced increases in collagen synthesis and decreases in miR-29b-3p expression in these cells. In conclusion, these data are the first to indicate that signaling through Na/K-ATPase regulates miRNAs and specifically, miR-29b-3p expression both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, these data indicate that miR-29b-3p expression plays an important role in the formation of cardiac fibrosis in CKD.