MicroRNA‑494 suppresses hypoxia/reoxygenation‑induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and autophagy via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by targeting SIRT1

Elucidating the mechanism of action of Isobavachalcone induced autophagy and apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer by network pharmacology and experimental validation methods

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for the majority of lung cancer-related mortality. In recent years, there have been numerous treatments for non-small cell lung cancer, but the cure and survival rates are still extremely low. Isobavachalcone (IBC) belongs to the chalcone component of the traditional Chinese medicine Psoralea corylifolia L., and is a unique Protein kinase B (AKT) pathway inhibitor with significant anticancer effects. Previous studies have shown that IBC possess a variety of biological properties, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This study focused on the use of network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking technology and experimental validation to elucidate the potential mechanisms of IBC for the treatment of NSCLC.

METHODS

Screening key genes and pathways of IBC action in NSCLC using network pharmacology. The IBC target genes were from The Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM) and BATMAN-TCM databases, the NSCLC target genes were from GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) and The Therapeutic Target database (TTD) databases, both of which were taken as intersecting genes for protein-protein interaction network analysis and enrichment analysis, and the binding energies of the compounds to the core targets were further verified by molecular docking. Cell lines in vitro experiments were then performed to further unravel the mechanism of IBC for NSCLC.

RESULTS

A total of 279 potential targets were retrieved by searching the intersection of IBC and NSCLC targets. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis indicated that 6 targets, including AKT1, RXRA, NCOA1, RXRB, RARA, PPARG were hub genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis suggested that IBC treatment of NSCLC mainly involves steroid binding, transcription factor activity, Pathways in cancer, cAMP signaling pathway, Adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. Among them, the AMPK signaling pathway, which contained the largest number of enriched genes, may play a greater role in the treatment of NSCLC. Then, the results of in vitro experiment indicated that IBC could inhibit proliferation of NSCLC cells and induce cell autophagy and apoptosis. The results also showed that IBC could increase the protein expression of AMPK and decrease the protein expression of AKT and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), suggesting that IBC can treat NSCLC by inducing cellular autophagy and apoptosis as well as modulating AMPK and AKT signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, this study provided a new insight into the protective mechanism of IBC against NSCLC through network pharmacology and experimental validation.

Discovery of mmu-lncRNA129814/hsa-lncRNA582795 as a Potential Biomarker and Intervention Target for Ischemia Reperfusion Injury-Induced AKI

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with higher perioperative mortality and morbidity, as well as increased medical expenses. The molecular mechanisms underlying ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced AKI remain unclear.

Methods and Results

We applied an RT-qPCR assay to measure the expression of mmu-lncRNA129814, hsa-lncRNA582795, and miRNA-494-5p, immunoblotting to detect IL-1α and cleaved caspase-3 expression, and TUNEL staining and flow cytometry (FCM) to evaluate apoptosis. The experiments were conducted using BUMPT and HK-2 cells, as well as C57BL/6J mice. Mechanistically, mmu-lncRNA129814 could sponge miRNA-494-5p and upregulate IL-1α expression to promote cell apoptosis. Furthermore, knockdown of mmu-lncRNA129814 ameliorated I/R-induced progression of AKI by targeting the miRNA-494-5p/IL-1α pathways. Interestingly, hsa-lncRNA582795, a homolog of mmu-lncRNA129814, also promoted I/R-stimulated HK-2 cell apoptosis and AKI progression by regulating the miRNA-494-5p/IL-1α axis. Finally, we found that patients with I/R-induced AKI exhibited significantly elevated plasma and urinary levels of hsa-lncRNA582795 compared to those who underwent ischemia-reperfusion without developing AKI. Spearman's test demonstrated a significant correlation between serum creatinine and plasma hsa-lncRNA582795 in I/R patients. Plasma hsa-lncRNA582795 showed high sensitivity but low specificity (86.7%) compared to urinary hsa-lncRNA582795.

Conclusion

The mmu-lncRNA129814/hsa-lncRNA582795/miRNA-494-5p/IL-1α axis was found to modulate the progression of ischemic AKI, and hsa-lncRNA582795 could act as a diagnosis biomarker and potential therapy target of I/R-induced AKI.

Therapeutic Relevance of Inducing Autophagy in β-Thalassemia

The β-thalassemias are inherited genetic disorders affecting the hematopoietic system. In β-thalassemias, more than 350 mutations of the adult β-globin gene cause the low or absent production of adult hemoglobin (HbA). A clinical parameter affecting the physiology of erythroid cells is the excess of free α-globin. Possible experimental strategies for a reduction in excess free α-globin chains in β-thalassemia are CRISPR-Cas9-based genome editing of the β-globin gene, forcing "de novo" HbA production and fetal hemoglobin (HbF) induction. In addition, a reduction in excess free α-globin chains in β-thalassemia can be achieved by induction of the autophagic process. This process is regulated by the Unc-51-like kinase 1 (Ulk1) gene. The interplay with the PI3K/Akt/TOR pathway, with the activity of the α-globin stabilizing protein (AHSP) and the involvement of microRNAs in autophagy and Ulk1 gene expression, is presented and discussed in the context of identifying novel biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for β-thalassemia.

Cow placenta extract ameliorates d-galactose-induced liver damage by regulating BAX/CASP3 and p53/p21/p16 pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Placenta is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine, known as "Ziheche", which has the function of tonifying qi and blood, nourishing liver and kidney. Placenta extract (PE) has been used for delaying organismal aging and treating various liver diseases. Cow placenta is a rich natural resource with large mass. Its composition is similar to that of human placenta, but it has not been effectively utilized. However, little is known about the effect of CPE on the liver of aging mice.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study is to explore the protective effect and mechanism of CPE on the liver of d-galactose (D-gal) induced aging mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Statistical methods were used to calculate mouse body weight and liver index. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to detect the morphological structure of the liver. Automatic biochemical analyzer was used to measure serum biochemical indicators. Three special staining methods were used to observe hepatocytes apoptosis, senescence and proliferation respectively. Relative kits were used to detect oxidative, inflammatory, and aging markers in the liver. Finally, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western-blot were used to detect aging related signaling pathways.

RESULTS

CPE significantly improved the morphological damage and dysfunction of liver, restored the activities of liver enzymes in serum, and alleviated liver oxidative stress and inflammatory response in D-gal induced aging mice. Furthermore, CPE inhibited hepatocyte apoptosis and senescence, and promoted hepatocyte proliferation by regulating BAX/CASP3 and p53/p21/p16 signaling pathways, ultimately reduced the effects of aging on the liver.

CONCLUSION

CPE effectively ameliorated the impact of aging on the liver by inhibiting free radical production or scavenging excessive free radicals, and its mechanism is associated to the regulation of apoptosis and proliferation-related factors.

SIRT1 is a regulator of autophagy: Implications for the progression and treatment of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion

SIRT1 is a highly conserved nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent histone deacetylase. It is involved in the regulation of various pathophysiological processes, including cell proliferation, survival, differentiation, autophagy, and oxidative stress. Therapeutic activation of SIRT1 protects the heart and cardiomyocytes from pathology-related stress, particularly myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Autophagy is an important metabolic pathway for cell survival during energy or nutrient deficiency, hypoxia, or oxidative stress. Autophagy is a double-edged sword in myocardial I/R injury. The activation of autophagy during the ischemic phase removes excess metabolic waste and helps ensure cardiomyocyte survival, whereas excessive autophagy during reperfusion depletes the cellular components and leads to autophagic cell death. Increasing research on I/R injury has indicated that SIRT1 is involved in the process of autophagy and regulates myocardial I/R. SIRT1 regulates autophagy through various pathways, such as the deacetylation of FOXOs, ATGs, and LC3. Recent studies have confirmed that SIRT1-mediated autophagy plays different roles at different stages of myocardial I/R injury. By targeting the mechanism of SIRT1-mediated autophagy at different stages of I/R injury, new small-molecule drugs, miRNA activators, or blockers can be developed. For example, resveratrol, sevoflurane, quercetin, and melatonin in the ischemic stage, coptisine, curcumin, berberine, and some miRNAs during reperfusion, were involved in regulating the SIRT1-autophagy axis, exerting a cardioprotective effect. Here, we summarize the possible mechanisms of autophagy regulation by SIRT1 in myocardial I/R injury and the related molecular drug applications to identify strategies for treating myocardial I/R injury.

Shenmai injection ameliorates doxorubicin-induced myocardial injury by suppressing autophagy-apoptosis via miR-30a

CONTEXT

Autophagy-apoptosis is the core mechanism of doxorubicin-induced myocardial injury. miR-30a is a pivotal factor in the regulation of autophagy and apoptosis. It remains unclear whether SMI exerts cardioprotective effect by regulating autophagy and apoptosis via miR-30a.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the effects of SMI on ameliorating doxorubicin-induced myocardial injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The level of LDH and CK, and the expression of miR-30a was detected. mCherry-EGFP-LC3B double fluorescence was used to observe autophagy flow. Apoptosis was detected by Annexin V/PI staining. Western Blot was used to estimate the expression of autophagy related proteins and apoptosis-related proteins.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, there were evidently decreased cell viability, elevated level of LDH and CK, down-regulated expression of miR-30a in the model group. Data from Western blot and fluorescence indicated that doxorubicin contributed to the elevated autophagy and apoptosis. Compared with the model group, there were increased cell viability, decreased level of LDH and CK, and up-regulated expression of miR-30a in the Shenmai group and the Shenmai + miR-30a inhibitor group. Meanwhile, the results manifested that there were suppressed autophagy flow accompanied by the down-regulated expression of Beclin-1, LC3-II, LC3-II/LC3-I and up-regulated expression of p62 protein, and declined apoptosis rate accompanied by the up-regulated Bcl2 expression and the down-regulated expression of Bax, Cleaved Caspase-9, Cleaved Caspase-9/Caspase-9, Cleaved Caspase-3, Cleaved Caspase-3/Caspase-3 in the Shenmai group and the Shenmai + miR-30a inhibitor group.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Shenmai injection inhibited autophagy and apoptosis via miR-30a, thereby alleviating doxorubicin-induced myocardial injury.

The Current State of Research on Sirtuin-Mediated Autophagy in Cardiovascular Diseases

Sirtuins belong to the class III histone deacetylases and possess nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent deacetylase activity. They are involved in the regulation of multiple signaling pathways implicated in cardiovascular diseases. Autophagy is a crucial adaptive cellular response to stress stimuli. Mounting evidence suggests a strong correlation between Sirtuins and autophagy, potentially involving cross-regulation and crosstalk. Sirtuin-mediated autophagy plays a crucial regulatory role in some cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, ischemia/reperfusion injury, hypertension, heart failure, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and drug-induced myocardial damage. In this context, we summarize the research advancements pertaining to various Sirtuins involved in autophagy and the molecular mechanisms regulating autophagy. We also elucidate the biological function of Sirtuins across diverse cardiovascular diseases and further discuss the development of novel drugs that regulate Sirtuin-mediated autophagy.

MicroRNA-186-5p inhibits H9c2 cells apoptosis induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation by targeting ERK1/2

Background

Serum miR-186-5p levels are increased in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients and might contribute to assessing the prognosis of AMI patients. In this study, we further investigated the underlying molecular mechanism of miR-186-5p that participated in the pathological processes of myocardial ischemia.

Methods

The AMI models of rats and oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) models of H9c2 cells were established. Bioinformatics databases, luciferase reporting, and western blotting assays were performed to identify the regulatory target of miR-186-5p. Transfection and functional experiments were conducted to further define the possible molecular mechanism of miR-186-5p during the process of glucose deficiency and hypoxia.

Results

The level of miR-186-5p was found to significantly decrease in H9c2 cells after OGD treatment, while it increased in the culture medium from OGD-treated H9c2 cells. Using bioinformatics databases, luciferase reporting, and western blotting assays, we identified that ERK1/2 might serve as the negative regulatory target of miR-186-5p. Combined with further transfection experiments, we indicated that miR-186-5p might inhibit the expression and activation of ERK1/2. This finding was also reflected in the reduction of their downstream cleaved caspase-3. Through functional experiments, we revealed that miR-186-5p might inhibit apoptosis and promote proliferation in OGD-treated H9c2 cells.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that miR-186-5p might suppress OGD-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells by targeting the ERK1/2 pathway.

MicroRNA-494 regulates high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and autophagy by PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway

AIMS

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the major cardiovascular complications of diabetes. However, the mechanism of DCM is not fully understood. Studies have confirmed that certain microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are key regulators of DCM. The aim of this study was to investigate the role and mechanism of microRNA (miR)-494 in cardiomyocyte apoptosis and autophagy induced by high glucose (HG).

METHODS AND RESULTS

By establishing a rat DCM model and an HG-treated H9c2 cells injury model, cardiac function was detected by echocardiography, myocardial tissue was stained by immunohistochemistry, and Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and lactate dehydrogenase assay were used to detect the cardiomyocyte injury. Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling staining, and western blotting was used to detect death and autophagy. The results showed that the expression level of miR-494 was higher in the myocardial tissue of DCM rats and the myocardial cells of H9c2 treated with HG. Compared with the corresponding negative control groups, miR-494 mimics enhanced HG-induced apoptosis and autophagy, whereas miR-494 inhibitors showed the opposite effect, corresponding PI3K, AKT, and mTOR phosphorylation level has changed.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings identify that miR-494 could regulate cell apoptosis and autophagy through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway, participating in the regulation of cardiomyocyte cell damage after HG. These findings provide new insights for the further study of the molecular mechanism and treatment of DCM.

Recent Advances in Cellular Signaling Interplay between Redox Metabolism and Autophagy Modulation in Cancer: An Overview of Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Interventions

Autophagy is a fundamental homeostatic process in which certain cellular components are ingested by double-membrane autophagosomes and then degraded to create energy or to maintain cellular homeostasis and survival. It is typically observed in nutrient-deprived cells as a survival mechanism. However, it has also been identified as a crucial process in maintaining cellular homeostasis and disease progression. Normal cellular metabolism produces reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen species at low levels. However, increased production causes oxidative stress, which can lead to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and cancer. It was recently shown that maintaining redox equilibrium via autophagy is critical for cellular responses to oxidative stress. However, little is understood about the molecular cancer processes that connect to the control of autophagy. In cancer cells, oncogenic mutations, carcinogens, and metabolic reprogramming cause increased ROS generation and oxidative stress. Recent studies have suggested that increased ROS generation activates survival pathways that promote cancer development and metastasis. Moreover, the relationship between metabolic programming and ROS in cancer cells is involved in redox homeostasis and the malignant phenotype. Currently, while the signaling events governing autophagy and how redox homeostasis affects signaling cascades are well understood, very little is known about molecular events related to autophagy. In this review, we focus on current knowledge about autophagy modulation and the role of redox metabolism to further the knowledge of oxidative stress and disease progression in cancer regulation. Therefore, this review focuses on understanding how oxidation/reduction events fine-tune autophagy to help understand how oxidative stress and autophagy govern cancer, either as processes leading to cell death or as survival strategies for maintaining redox homeostasis in cancer.

Prioritization of microRNA biomarkers for a prospective evaluation in a cohort of myocardial infarction patients based on their mechanistic role using public datasets

Background

MicroRNAs (miR) have proven to be promising biomarkers for several diseases due to their diverse functions, stability and tissue/organ-specific nature. Identification of new markers with high sensitivity and specificity will help in risk reduction in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients with chest pain and also prevent future adverse outcomes. Hence the aim of this study was to perform a detailed in silico analysis for identifying the mechanistic role of miRs involved in the pathogenesis/prognosis of AMI for prospective evaluation in AMI patients.

Methods

miR profiling data was extracted from GSE148153 and GSE24591 datasets using the GEO2R gene expression omnibus repository and analyzed using limma algorithm. Differentially expressed miRs were obtained by comparing MI patients with corresponding controls after multiple testing corrections. Data mining for identifying candidate miRs from published literature was also performed. Target prediction and gene enrichment was done using standard bioinformatics tools. Disease specific analysis was performed to identify target genes specific for AMI using open targets platform. Protein-protein interaction and pathway analysis was done using STRING database and Cytoscape platform.

Results and conclusion

The analysis revealed significant miRs like let-7b-5p, let-7c-5p, miR-4505, and miR-342-3p in important functions/pathways including phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/AKT and the mammalian target of rapamycin, advanced glycation end products and its receptor and renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system by directly targeting angiotensin II receptor type 1, forkhead box protein O1, etc. With this approach we were able to prioritize the miR candidates for a prospective clinical association study in AMI patients of south Indian origin.

Hypoxia induces docetaxel resistance in triple-negative breast cancer via the HIF-1α/miR-494/Survivin signaling pathway

Cytotoxic chemotherapy is the major strategy to prevent and reduce triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) progression and metastasis. Hypoxia increases chemoresistance and is associated with a poor prognosis for patients with cancer. Based on accumulating evidence, microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in acquired drug resistance. However, the role of miRNAs in hypoxia-induced TNBC drug resistance remains to be clarified. Here, we found that hypoxia induced TNBC docetaxel resistance by decreasing the miR-494 level. Modulating miR-494 expression altered the sensitivity of TNBC cells to DTX under hypoxic conditions. Furthermore, we identified Survivin as a direct miR-494 target. Hypoxia upregulated survivin expression. In a clinical study, the HIF-1α/miR-494/Survivin signaling pathway was also active in primary human TNBC, and miR-494 expression negatively correlated with HIF-1α and survivin expression. Finally, in a xenograft model, both miR-494 overexpression and the HIF-1α inhibitor PX-478 increased the sensitivity of TNBC to DTX by suppressing the HIF-1α/miR-494/Survivin signaling pathway in vivo. In conclusion, treatments targeting the HIF-1α/miR-494/Survivin signaling pathway potentially reverse hypoxia-induced drug resistance in TNBC.

miRNAs in the regulation of mTOR signaling and host immune responses: The case of Leishmania infections

Micro RNAs (miRNAs), as regulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, can respond to/or interact with cell signaling and affect the pathogenesis of different diseases/infections. The interaction/crosstalk of miRNAs with various cellular signaling networks including mTOR (as a master regulator of signaling relevant to different cellular mechanisms) might lead to the initiation, progression or restriction of certain disease processes. There are numerous studies that have identified the crosstalk between regulatory miRNA expression and the mTOR pathway (or mTOR signaling regulated by miRNAs) in different diseases which has a dual function in pathogenesis. However, the corresponding information in parasitic infections remains scarce. miRNAs have been suggested as specific targets for therapeutic strategies in several disorders such as parasitic infections. Thus, the targeting of miRNAs (as the modulators/regulators of mTOR) by small molecules and RNA-based therapeutics and consequently managing and modulating mTOR signaling and the downstream/related cell signaling/pathways might shed some light on the design of new therapeutic strategies against parasitic diseases, including Leishmaniasis. Accordingly, the present study attempts to highlight the importance of the crosstalk between regulatory miRNAs and mTOR signaling, and to review the relevant insights into parasitic infections by focusing specifically on Leishmania.

Dexmedetomidine prevents cardiomyocytes from hypoxia/reoxygenation injury via modulating tetmethylcytosine dioxygenase 1-mediated DNA demethylation of Sirtuin1

Myocardial hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury is a common pathological change in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing reperfusion therapy. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) has been found to substantially improve ischemia-mediated cell damage. Here, we focus on probing the role and mechanism of DEX in ameliorating myocardial H/R injury. Oxygen–glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R) were applied to construct the H/R injury model in human myocardial cell lines. After different concentrations of DEX’s treatment, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and BrdU assay were employed to test cell viability. The profiles of apoptosis-related proteins Bcl2, Bax, Bad and Caspase3, 8, 9 were determined by Western blot (WB). The expression of inflammatory factors interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was checked by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). By conducting WB, we examined the expression of NF-κB, Sirt1, Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 (TET1) and DNA methylation-related proteins (DNA methyltransferase 1, DNMT1; DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha, DNMT3A; and DNA methyltransferase 3 beta, DNMT3B). Our data showed that OGD/R stimulation distinctly hampered the viability and elevated apoptosis and inflammatory factor expression in cardiomyocytes. DEX treatment notably impeded myocardial apoptosis and inflammation and enhanced cardiomyocyte viability. OGD/R enhanced total DNA methylation levels in cardiomyocytes, while DEX curbed DNA methylation. In terms of mechanism, inhibiting TET1 or Sirtuin1 (Sirt1) curbed the DEX-mediated myocardial protection. TET1 strengthened demethylation of the Sirt1 promoter and up-regulated Sirt1. DEX up-regulates Sirt1 by accelerating TET1 and mediating demethylation of the Sirt1 promoter and improves H/R-mediated myocardial injury.

The Regulatory Role of Non-coding RNA in Autophagy in Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Following an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), thrombolysis, coronary artery bypass grafting and primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) are the best interventions to restore reperfusion and relieve the ischemic myocardium, however, the myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) largely offsets the benefits of revascularization in patients. Studies have demonstrated that autophagy is one of the important mechanisms mediating the occurrence of the MIRI, while non-coding RNAs are the main regulatory factors of autophagy, which plays an important role in the autophagy-related mTOR signaling pathways and the process of autophagosome formation Therefore, non-coding RNAs may be used as novel clinical diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in the diagnosis and treatment of the MIRI. In this review, we not only describe the effect of non-coding RNA regulation of autophagy on MIRI outcome, but also zero in on the regulation of non-coding RNA on autophagy-related mTOR signaling pathways and mitophagy. Besides, we focus on how non-coding RNAs affect the outcome of MIRI by regulating autophagy induction, formation and extension of autophagic vesicles, and the fusion of autophagosome and lysosome. In addition, we summarize all non-coding RNAs reported in MIRI that can be served as possible druggable targets, hoping to provide a new idea for the prediction and treatment of MIRI.

The Key Genes Underlying Pathophysiology Correlation Between the Acute Myocardial Infarction and COVID-19

Introduction

Accumulating evidences disclose that COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has a marked effect on acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Nevertheless, the underlying pathophysiology correlation between the AMI and COVID-19 remains vague.

Materials and Methods

Bioinformatics analyses of the altered transcriptional profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with AMI and COVID-19 were implemented, including identification of differentially expressed genes and common genes between AMI and COVID-19, protein–protein interactions, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses, TF-genes and miRNA coregulatory networks, to explore their biological functions and potential roles in the pathogenesis of COVID-19-related AMI.

Conclusion

Our bioinformatic analyses of gene expression profiling of PBMCs in patients with AMI and COVID-19 provide us with a unique view regarding underlying pathophysiology correlation between the two vital diseases.

Dexmedetomidine alleviates hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion injury via the PI3K/AKT/Nrf2-NLRP3 pathway

Hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury constitutes a tough difficulty in liver surgery. Dexmedetomidine (Dex) plays a protective role in I/R injury. This study investigated protective mechanism of Dex in hepatic I/R injury. The human hepatocyte line L02 received hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) treatment to stimulate cell model of hepatic I/R. The levels of pyroptosis proteins and inflammatory factors were detected. Functional rescue experiments were performed to confirm the effects of miR-494 and JUND on hepatic I/R injury. The levels of JUND, PI3K/p-PI3K, AKT/p-AKT, Nrf2, and NLRP3 activation were detected. The rat model of hepatic I/R injury was established to confirm the effect of Dex in vivo. Dex reduced pyroptosis and inflammation in H/R cells. Dex increased miR-494 expression, and miR-494 targeted JUND. miR-494 inhibition or JUND upregulation reversed the protective effect of Dex. Dex repressed NLRP3 inflammasome by activating the PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 pathway. In vivo experiments confirmed the protective effect of Dex on hepatic I/R injury. Overall, Dex repressed NLRP3 inflammasome and alleviated hepatic I/R injury via the miR-494/JUND/PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 axis.

Identification of candidate genes and pathways in limonin-mediated cardiac repair after myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Myocardial infarction (MI) resulting from acute coronary ischemia may cause significant morbidity and mortality, and microRNAs play a vital role in this pathophysiology. Limonin (LIM) is a natural medicine from citrus fruit that protects organs against ischemic diseases, but the candidate genes and pathways associated with cardioprotection are unknown.

METHODS

MI was induced by ligating the left anterior descending coronary in male Sprague-Dawley rats. LIM was orally administered for 7 days after the induction of MI. Subsequently, the hearts were collected to examine significant changes in microRNAs and mRNAs among the control (CON), MI, and LIM + MI groups. Gene Ontology (GO) terms, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were used to identify the biological functions and signaling pathways of differentially expressed mRNAs. Candidate genes were validated by RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

Compared to the CON group, MI caused significant changes in the expression of 26 microRNAs and 1979 mRNAs. The bioinformatics analysis showed that inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidation were enriched in GO terms, while RAP1, PI3K/AKT, RAS, and cGMP-PKG were enriched in KEGG pathways. In addition, compared to the MI group, LIM induced significant changes in the expression of 4 microRNAs and 173 mRNAs. The differentially expressed mRNAs were related to collagen biosynthesis, the immune response, extrinsic apoptosis, and tight junctions. One microRNA (rno-miR-10a-5p) and 2 mRNAs (IGLON5 and LMX1A) were differentially expressed among the CON, MI, and LIM + MI groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the rno-miR-10a-5p-IGLON5/LMX1A axis may be a candidate pathway and promising target through which LIM alleviates MI-induced cardiac dysfunction.

Hydrogen sulfide alleviates apoptosis and autophagy induced by beryllium sulfate in 16HBE cells

Beryllium and its compounds are systemic toxicants that are widely applied in many industries. Hydrogen sulfide has been found to protect cells. The present study aimed to determine the protective mechanisms involved in hydrogen sulfide treatment of 16HBE cells following beryllium sulfate-induced injury. 16HBE cells were treated with beryllium sulfate doses ranging between 0 and 300 μM BeSO₄ . Additionally, 16HBE cells were subjected to pretreatment with either a 300 μM dose of sodium hydrosulfide (a hydrogen sulfide donor) or 10 mM DL-propargylglycine (a cystathionine-γ-lyase inhibitor) for 6 hr before then being treated with 150 μM beryllium sulfate for 48 hr. This study illustrates that beryllium sulfate induces a reduction in cell viability, increases lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and increases cellular apoptosis and autophagy in 16HBE cells. Interestingly, pretreating 16HBE cells with sodium hydrosulfide significantly reduced the beryllium sulfate-induced apoptosis and autophagy. Moreover, it increased the mitochondrial membrane potential and alleviated the G2/M-phase cell cycle arrest. However, pretreatment with 10 mM DL-propargylglycine promoted the opposite effects. PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Nrf2/ARE signaling pathways are also activated following pretreatment with sodium hydrosulfide. These results indicate the protection provided by hydrogen sulfide in 16HBE cells against beryllium sulfate-induced injury is associated with the inhibition of apoptosis and autophagy through the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Nrf2/ARE signaling pathways. Therefore, hydrogen sulfide has the potential to be a promising candidate in the treatment against beryllium disease.

Inhibited HDAC3 or Elevated MicroRNA-494-3p Plays a Protective Role in Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via Suppression of BRD4

Increased histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) has been demonstrated to contribute to the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MI/RI). Therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate how HDAC3 regulated MI/RI by mediating microRNA (miR)-494-3p/dromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) axis. The MI/RI model was established by ligating the right anterior descending coronary artery. Cardiomyocytes from newborn mice were treated with hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). Gain-of-function and loss-of-function approaches were implemented to figure out the roles of miR-494-3p and HDAC3 in MI/RI. miR-494-3p, HDAC3, and BRD4 in myocardial tissues of mice with MI/RI and H/R-treated cardiomyocytes were detected. The relationships between miR-494-3p and HDAC3 and BRD4 were identified. Reduced miR-494-3p and upregulated HDAC3 and BRD4 exhibited in myocardial tissues of mice with MI/RI and H/R-treated cardiomyocytes. Inhibited HDAC3 or elevated miR-494-3p repressed the inflammation and apoptosis, improved cardiac function, and ameliorated myocardial injury in myocardial tissues of mice with MI/RI. Suppression of HDAC3 or elevation of miR-494-3p depressed inflammation and apoptosis and promoted cell viability of primary cardiomyocytes. miR-494-3p targeted BRD4. The study concludes that suppressed HDAC3 plays a protective role in MI/RI by upregulation of miR-494-3p and inhibition of BRD4, which could be helpful for MI/RI therapy.