Reactive Oxygen Species Related Noncoding RNAs as Regulators of Cardiovascular Diseases

LncRNA MHRT Prevents Angiotensin II-Induced Myocardial Oxidative Stress and NLRP3 Inflammasome via Nrf2 Activation

The development of angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cardiomyopathies is reportedly mediated via oxidative stress and inflammation. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) is an important regulator of cellular antioxidant defense, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) can activate the NLRP3 inflammasome. MHRT is a newly discovered lncRNA exhibiting cardioprotective effects, demonstrated by inhibiting myocardial hypertrophy via Brg1 and myocardial apoptosis via Nrf2 upregulation. However, the underlying mechanism of MHRT remains unclear. We explored the potential protective effects of MHRT against Ang II-induced myocardial oxidative stress and NLRP3-mediated inflammation by targeting Nrf2. Chronic Ang II administration induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation (increased NLRP3, caspase-1 and interleukin-1β expression), oxidative stress (increased 3-nitrotyrosine and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal), cardiac dysfunction and decreased MHRT and Nrf2 expression. Lentivirus-mediated MHRT overexpression inhibited Ang II (100 nM)-induced oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in AC16 human cardiomyocyte cells. Mechanistically, MHRT overexpression upregulated the expression and function of Nrf2, as determined by the increased transcription of downstream genes HO-1 and CAT, subsequently decreasing intracellular ROS accumulation and inhibiting the expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (NLRP3 activator) and its direct binding to NLRP3. Accordingly, MHRT could protect against Ang II-induced myocardial injury by decreasing oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation via Nrf2 activation.

LncRNA MIAT Upregulates NEGR1 by Competing for miR-150-5p as a Competitive Endogenous RNA in SCIRI Rats

Objective

Spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury (SCIRI) can cause a pathological state of irreversible delayed death of neurons in the spinal cord tissue and a range of complications, such as spinal cord dysfunction and motor function impairment. This study aimed to determine whether the long-stranded non-coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA), myocardial infarction-associated transcript (MIAT), could upregulate neuronal growth regulator 1 (NEGR1) by competing for miR-150-5p as a competitive endogenous RNA in a rat SCIRI model.

Methods

The MIAT knockdown vector or the corresponding blank vector was injected into the spinal cord of healthy sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Administration of the MIAT knockdown vector led to the establishment of the SCIRI rat model. Basso, Beattie & Bresnahan locomotor rating scale (BBB) assessment of hind limb motion. Pathological changes in the spinal cord were observed via hematoxylin and eosin staining and eosin staining. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine the expression levels of the candidate microRNAs and predicted candidate genes, and the relationship between them. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay (TUNEL) staining was used to detect apoptosis in the spinal cord tissue of rats in each group. Western blotting was performed to determine the expression of the apoptosis-related proteins, caspase-9, caspase-3, and BCL2-Associated X (Bax)/B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). The luciferase reporter gene was used to assess the interaction among the lncRNA, MIAT, and miR-150-5, and the interaction between miR-150-5 and NEGR1.

Results

The sh-lncRNA, MIAT, improved exercise status, and pathological changes in the spinal cord of SCIRI rats, inhibited apoptosis, increased the expression of miR-150-5p, and reduced the expression of NEGR1. Compared with mimics-NC, the transfection of miR-150-5p significantly decreased the relative fluorescence activity ratio of MIAT 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) wild-type Human embryonic kidney cells 293 (HEK-293 cells). Compared with mimics-negative control (NC), the transfection of miR-150-5p significantly decreased the relative fluorescence activity ratio of NEGR1 3'-UTR wild-type HEK-293 cells.

Conclusion

MIAT can affect the symptoms of SCIRI in rats. Furthermore, as a competitive endogenous RNA, MIAT upregulates NEGR1 by competing with miR-150-5p in SCIRI rats.

AMD Genomics: Non-Coding RNAs as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is the world’s leading cause of blindness in the aging population. Although the clinical stages and forms of AMD have been elucidated, more specific prognostic tools are required to determine when patients with early and intermediate AMD will progress into the advanced stages of AMD. Another challenge in the field has been the appropriate development of therapies for intermediate AMD and advanced atrophic AMD. After numerous negative clinical trials, an anti-C5 agent and anti-C3 agent have recently shown promising results in phase 3 clinical trials, in terms of slowing the growth of geographic atrophy, an advanced form of AMD. Interestingly, both drugs appear to be associated with an increased incidence of wet AMD, another advanced form of the disease, and will require frequent intravitreal injections. Certainly, there remains a need for other therapeutic agents with the potential to prevent progression to advanced stages of the disease. Investigation of the role and clinical utility of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) is a major advancement in biology that has only been minimally applied to AMD. In the following review, we discuss the clinical relevance of ncRNAs in AMD as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

ROS as Regulators of Cellular Processes in Melanoma

In this review, we examine the multiple roles of ROS in the pathogenesis of melanoma, focusing on signal transduction and regulation of gene expression. In recent years, different studies have analyzed the dual role of ROS in regulating the redox system, with both negative and positive consequences on human health, depending on cell concentration of these agents. High ROS levels can result from an altered balance between oxidant generation and intracellular antioxidant activity and can produce harmful effects. In contrast, low amounts of ROS are considered beneficial, since they trigger signaling pathways involved in physiological activities and programmed cell death, with protective effects against melanoma. Here, we examine these beneficial roles, which could have interesting implications in melanoma treatment.

Cardiac Oxidative Stress and the Therapeutic Approaches to the Intake of Antioxidant Supplements and Physical Activity

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are strongly reactive chemical entities that include oxygen regulated by enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense mechanisms. ROS contribute significantly to cell homeostasis in the heart by regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and excitation-contraction coupling. When ROS generation surpasses the ability of the antioxidant defense mechanisms to buffer them, oxidative stress develops, resulting in cellular and molecular disorders and eventually in heart failure. Oxidative stress is a critical factor in developing hypoxia- and ischemia-reperfusion-related cardiovascular disorders. This article aimed to discuss the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of cardiac diseases such as hypertension and endothelial dysfunction. This review focuses on the various clinical events and oxidative stress associated with cardiovascular pathophysiology, highlighting the benefits of new experimental treatments such as creatine supplementation, omega-3 fatty acids, microRNAs, and antioxidant supplements in addition to physical exercise

Non-Coding RNAs: Emerging Therapeutic Targets in Spinal Cord Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Paralysis or paraplegia caused by transient or permanent spinal cord ischemia–reperfusion injury (SCIRI) remains one of the most devastating post-operative complications after thoracoabdominal aortic surgery, even though perioperative strategies and surgical techniques continue to improve. Uncovering the molecular and cellular pathophysiological processes in SCIRI has become a top priority. Recently, the expression, function, and mechanism of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in various diseases have drawn wide attention. Non-coding RNAs contain a variety of biological functions but do not code for proteins. Previous studies have shown that ncRNAs play a critical role in SCIRI. However, the character of ncRNAs in attenuating SCIRI has not been systematically summarized. This review article will be the first time to assemble the knowledge of ncRNAs regulating apoptosis, inflammation, autophagy, and oxidative stress to attenuate SCIRI. A better understanding of the functional significance of ncRNAs following SCIRI could help us to identify novel therapeutic targets and develop potential therapeutic strategies. All the current research about the function of nRNAs in SCIRI will be summarized one by one in this review.

Extracellular miRNAs in redox signaling: Health, disease and potential therapies

Extracellular microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important mediators of cell-to-cell communication and intertissue crosstalk. MiRNAs are produced by virtually all types of eukaryotic cells and can be selectively packaged and released to the extracellular medium, where they may reach distal cells to regulate gene expression cell non-autonomously. By doing so, miRNAs participate in integrative physiology. Oxidative stress affects miRNA expression, while miRNAs control redox signaling. Disruption in miRNA expression, processing or release to the extracellular compartment are associated with aging and a number of chronic diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, all of them being conditions related to oxidative stress. Here we discuss the interplay between redox balance and miRNA function and secretion as a determinant of health and disease states, reviewing the findings that support this notion and highlighting novel and yet understudied venues of research in the field.

Management of oxidative stress and inflammation in cardiovascular diseases: mechanisms and challenges

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have diverse physiopathological mechanisms with interconnected oxidative stress and inflammation as one of the common etiologies which result in the onset and development of atherosclerotic plaques. In this review, we illustrate this strong crosstalk between oxidative stress, inflammation, and CVD. Also, mitochondrial functions underlying this crosstalk, and various approaches for the prevention of redox/inflammatory biological impacts will be illustrated. In part, we focus on the laboratory biomarkers and physiological tests for the evaluation of oxidative stress status and inflammatory processes. The impact of a healthy lifestyle on CVD onset and development is displayed as well. Furthermore, the differences in oxidative stress and inflammation are related to genetic susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases and the variability in the assessment of CVDs risk between individuals; Omics technologies for measuring oxidative stress and inflammation will be explored. Finally, we display the oxidative stress-related microRNA and the functions of the redox basis of epigenetic modifications.

Circular RNAs: Novel Players in the Oxidative Stress-Mediated Pathologies, Biomarkers, and Therapeutic Targets

Oxidative stress (OxS) is a wildly described cause of damage to macromolecules, resulting in abnormal physiological conditions. In recent years, a few studies have shown that oxidation/antioxidation imbalance plays a significant role in developing diseases involving different systems and organs. However, the research on the circular RNA (circRNA) roles in OxS is still in its very infancy. Therefore, we hope to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent research that explored the function of circRNAs associated with OxS and its role in the pathogenesis of different diseases that affect different body systems like the nervous system, cardiovascular system, kidneys, and lungs. It provides the possibilities of using these circRNAs as superior diagnostic and therapeutic options for OxS associated with these disease conditions.

Triterpenoid saponins from Ilex cornuta protect H9c2 cardiomyocytes against H2O2-induced apoptosis by modulating Ezh2 phosphorylation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ilex cornuta Lindl. et Paxt. (Aquifoliaceae family) belongs to the Ilex genus. The leaves of this plant are used for the popular herbal tea "Ku-Ding-Cha" in China due to their health benefits for sore throat, obesity and hypertension. Our previous studies have shown that the extract of Ilex cornuta root exerts cardioprotective effects in rat models of myocardial ischaemic injury, and several new kinds of triterpenoid saponins from Ilex cornuta (TSIC) have protective effects against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cardiomyocyte injury.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to clarify the underlying mechanisms by which TSIC protect against H2O2-induced cardiomyocyte injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An H2O2-treated H9c2 cardiomyocyte line was used as an in vitro model of oxidation-damaged cardiomyocytes to evaluate the effects of TSIC. Apoptosis was detected with CCK-8 and annexin V assays and via analysis of the levels of apoptosis-associated proteins or genes. The underlying mechanisms related to Akt signalling, Ezh2 expression and activity, and ROS were clarified by Western blotting, quantitative PCR, flow cytometry and rescue experiments.

RESULTS

TSIC protected H9c2 cells from H2O2-induced apoptosis. This effect of TSIC was attributable to inhibition of Ezh2 activity, as exhibited by attenuation of H2O2-induced Akt signalling-dependent phosphorylation of Ezh2 at serine 21 (pEzh2_S21) upon TSIC pretreatment. In addition, feedback pathway between Akt-dependent Ezh2 phosphorylation and ROS was involved in TSIC-mediated protection of H9c2 cells from apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate a pivotal role of the pEzh2_S21 network in TSIC-mediated protection against cardiomyocyte apoptosis, potentially providing evidence of the mechanism of TSIC in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Erythroid microRNA and oxidant status alterations in l-thyroxine-induced hyperthyroid rats: effects of selenium supplementation

BACKGROUND

Hypermetabolic state in hyperthyroidism causes oxidative stress. Erythrocytes are the cells that are involved in oxidant equilibrium in an organism and contain microRNA (miRNA). Selenium, which is an essential element for an organism, has antioxidant properties. The present study was aimed at investigating the effects of selenium supplementation in hyperthyroidism, on pro- and antioxidant enzymes, and miRNA (miR-144 and miR-451) expressions in the erythrocytes.

METHODS

Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into 6 groups; control group, group fed with 0.5 mg/kg sodium selenite; group fed with 1 mg/kg sodium selenite; hyperthyroid group; hyperthyroid group fed with 0.5 mg/kg sodium selenite; and hyperthyroid group fed with 1 mg/kg sodium selenite. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), miR-144, and miR-451 expression levels were studied in erythrocyte hemolysates.

RESULTS

MDA levels were increased in the hyperthyroid group compared to the control group, and the group fed with 0.5 mg/kg sodium selenite (P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively). GSH levels were increased in the hyperthyroid group and the hyperthyroid group fed with 0.5 mg/kg sodium selenite compared to the control group (P<0.001, and P<0.05, respectively). GSH levels of the hyperthyroid group fed with 1 mg/kg sodium selenite were decreased when compared with the hyperthyroid group (P<0.05). SOD levels of the hyperthyroid group were increased when compared with the control group (P<0.05, and P<0.001, respectively). Similarly, SOD levels of the hyperthyroid group fed with 1 mg/kg sodium selenite were lower than the hyperthyroid group (P<0.01). miR-144 values were increased in the hyperthyroid group and the hyperthyroid group fed with 0.5 mg/kg sodium selenite compared to the control group (P<0.001, and P<0.05 respectively). miR-451 expression was increased significantly in the hyperthyroid group compared to the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed that MDA, SOD and GSH levels increased, and miR-144 and miR-451 expressions changed in hyperthyroidism. Supplementation of 1 mg/kg sodium selenite was more effective than 0.5 mg/kg sodium selenite for normalizing the MDA, GSH, SOD, and miRNA levels in the hyperthyroid group.

Ambient particulate matter compositions and increased oxidative stress: Exposure-response analysis among high-level exposed population

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress has been suggested to be one of the key drivers of health impact of particulate matter (PM). More studies on the oxidative potential of PM alone, but fewer studies have comprehensively evaluated the effects of external and internal exposure to PM compositions on oxidative stress in population.

OBJECTIVE

To comprehensively investigate the exposure-response relationship between PM and its main compositions with oxidative stress indicators.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study including 768 participants exposed to particulates. Environmental levels of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals in PM were measured, and urinary levels of PAHs metabolites and metals were measured as internal dose, respectively. Multivariable linear regression models were used to analyze the correlations of PM exposure and urinary levels of 8-hydroxy-2́'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and 8-iso-prostaglandin-F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) and malondialdehyde (MDA).

RESULTS

The concentration of both PM_2.5 and total PAHs was significantly correlated with increased urinary 8-OHdG, 8-iso-PGF2α and MDA levels (all p < 0.05). The levels of 4 essential metals all showed significant exposure-response increase in urinary 8-OHdG in both current and non-current smokers (all p < 0.05); ambient selenium, cobalt and zinc were found to be significantly correlated with urinary 8-iso-PGF2α (p = 0.002, 0.003, 0.01, respectively); only selenium and cobalt were significantly correlated with urinary MDA (p < 0.001, 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, we found each one-unit increase in urinary total OH-PAHs generated a 0.32 increase in urinary 8-OHdG, a 0.22 increase in urinary 8-iso-PGF2α and a 0.19 increase in urinary MDA (all p < 0.001). Furthermore, it was found that the level of 12 urinary metals all showed significant and positive correlations with three oxidative stress biomarkers in all subjects (all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our systematic molecular epidemiological study showed that particulate matter components could induce increased oxidative stress on DNA and lipid. It may be more important to monitor and control the harmful compositions in PM rather than overall particulate mass.

Ultrasensitive isothermal method to detect microRNA based on target-induced chain amplification reaction

We herein describe an ultrasensitive isothermal method to detect microRNA (miRNA) by utilizing target-induced chain amplification reaction (CAR). The hairpin probe (HP) employed in this strategy is designed to be opened upon binding to target miRNA. The exponential amplification reaction (EXPAR) template (ET) then binds to the exposed stem of HP and DNA polymerase (DP) promotes the extension reactions for both HP and ET, consequently producing intermediate double-stranded DNA product (IP) and concomitantly recycling target miRNA to open another intact HP. The IPs would produce a large number of target-mimicking probes (TMPs) and trigger probes (TPs) through the continuously repeated nicking and extension reactions at the two separated nicking sites within the IP. TMP triggers another CAR cycle by binding to intact HP as target miRNA did while TP promotes conventional EXPAR by independently binding to free ET. As a consequence of these interconnected reaction systems, a large number of final double-stranded DNA products (FPs) are produced, which can be monitored by measuring the fluorescent signal produced from duplex-specific fluorescent dye. Based on this unique design principle, the target miRNA was successfully determined down to even a single copy with high selectivity against non-specific miRNAs. The practical applicability of this method was also verified by reliably detecting target miRNA included in the total RNA extracted from the human cancer cell.

Effects of REDOX in Regulating and Treatment of Metabolic and Inflammatory Cardiovascular Diseases

Reduction oxidation (REDOX) reaction is crucial in life activities, and its dynamic balance is regulated by ROS. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is associated with a variety of metabolic diseases involving in multiple cellular signalling in pathologic and physiological signal transduction. ROS are the by-products of numerous enzymatic reactions in various cell compartments, including the cytoplasm, cell membrane, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, and peroxisome. ROS signalling is not only involved in normal physiological processes but also causes metabolic dysfunction and maladaptive responses to inflammatory signals, which depends on the cell type or tissue environment. Excess oxidants are able to alter the normal structure and function of DNA, lipids, and proteins, leading to mutations or oxidative damage. Therefore, excessive oxidative stress is usually regarded as the cause of various pathological conditions, such as cancer, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, and kidney diseases. Currently, it has been possible to detect diabetes and other cardiac diseases by detecting derivatives accompanied by oxidative stress in vivo as biomarkers, but there is no effective method to treat these diseases. In consequence, it is essential for us to seek new therapy targeting these diseases through understanding the role of ROS signalling in regulating metabolic activity, inflammatory activation, and cardiac diseases related to metabolic dysfunction. In this review, we summarize the current literature on REDOX and its role in the regulation of cardiac metabolism and inflammation, focusing on ROS, local REDOX signalling pathways, and other mechanisms.

Influence of Genetic Variance on Biomarker Levels After Occupational Exposure to 1,6-Hexamethylene Diisocyanate Monomer and 1,6-Hexamethylene Diisocyanate Isocyanurate

We evaluated the impact of genetic variance on biomarker levels in a population of workers in the automotive repair and refinishing industry who were exposed to respiratory sensitizers 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) monomer and one of its trimers, HDI isocyanurate. The exposures and respective urine and plasma biomarkers 1,6-diaminohexane (HDA) and trisaminohexyl isocyanurate (TAHI) were measured in 33 workers; and genome-wide microarrays (Affymetrix 6.0) were used to genotype the workers' single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Linear mixed model analyses have indicated that interindividual variations in both inhalation and skin exposures influenced these biomarker levels. Using exposure values as covariates and a false discovery rate < 0.10 to assess statistical significance, we observed that seven SNPs were associated with HDA in plasma, five were associated with HDA in urine, none reached significance for TAHI in plasma, and eight were associated with TAHI levels in urine. The different genotypes for the 20 significant SNPs accounted for 4- to 16-fold changes observed in biomarker levels. Associated gene functions include transcription regulation, calcium ion transport, vascular morphogenesis, and transforming growth factor beta signaling pathway, which may impact toxicokinetics indirectly by altering inflammation levels. Additionally, in an expanded analysis using a minor allele cutoff of 0.05 instead of 0.10, there were biomarker-associated SNPs within three genes that have been associated with isocyanate-induced asthma: ALK, DOCK2, and LHPP. We demonstrate that genetic variance impacts the biomarker levels in workers exposed to HDI monomer and HDI isocyanurate and that genetics can be used to refine exposure predictions in small cohorts when quantitative personal exposure and biomarker measurements are included in the models.

Transcriptional Profiles of Skeletal Muscle Associated With Increasing Severity of White Striping in Commercial Broilers

Development of the white striping (WS) abnormality adversely impacts overall quality of broiler breast meat. Its etiology remains unclear. This study aimed at exploring transcriptional profiles of broiler skeletal muscles exhibiting different WS severity to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying the development and progression of WS. Total RNA was isolated from pectoralis major of male 7-week-old Ross 308 broilers. The samples were classified as mild (n = 6), moderate (n = 6), or severe (n = 4), based on number and thickness of the white striations on the meat surface. The transcriptome was profiled using a chicken gene expression microarray with one-color hybridization technique. Gene expression patterns of each WS severity level were compared against each other; hence, there were three comparisons: moderate vs. mild (C1), severe vs. moderate (C2), and severe vs. mild (C3). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the combined criteria of false discovery rate ≤ 0.05 and absolute fold change ≥1.2. Differential expression of 91, 136, and 294 transcripts were identified in C1, C2, and C3, respectively. There were no DEGs in common among the three comparisons. Based on pathway analysis, the enriched pathways of C1 were related with impaired homeostasis of macronutrients and small biochemical molecules with disrupted Ca²⁺-related pathways. Decreased abundance of the period circadian regulator suggested the shifted circadian phase when moderate WS developed. The enriched pathways uniquely obtained in C2 were RNA degradation, Ras signaling, cellular senescence, axon guidance, and salivary secretion. The DEGs identified in those pathways might play crucial roles in regulating cellular ion balances and cell-cycle arrest. In C3, the pathways responsible for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt signaling, p53 activation, apoptosis, and hypoxia-induced processes were modified. Additionally, pathways associated with a variety of diseases with the DEGs involved in regulation of [Ca²⁺], collagen formation, microtubule-based motor, and immune response were identified. Eight pathways were common to all three comparisons (i.e., calcium signaling, Ras-associated protein 1 signaling, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, vascular smooth muscle contraction, oxytocin signaling, and pathway in cancer). The current findings support the role of intracellular ion imbalance, particularly Ca²⁺, oxidative stress, and impaired programmed cell death on WS progression.

Abamectin induces cytotoxicity via the ROS, JNK, and ATM/ATR pathways

Abamectin has been widely used in agriculture and animal husbandry. It has been shown that abamectin exposure could induce multiple toxic effects on non-target organisms, but the underlying mechanism is still largely unknown. In the current study, the mechanism of abamectin-induced cytotoxicity was investigated in mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. Abamectin treatment could cause oxidative stress in cells (beginning at 0.4 μg/ml, 0.5 μM) and the ROS overproduction was mainly induced by the impacts of abamectin on the activities of CAT (beginning at 4.4 μg/mL, 5 μM), SOD (beginning at 8.7 μg/mL, 10 μM), GPx (beginning at 4.4 μg/mL, 5 μM), and contents of GSH (beginning at 4.4 μg/mL, 5 μM), which are important components of the ROS elimination pathway in mammal cells. Abamectin could impair DNA integrity (as demonstrated by increased 8-OHdG/dG ratio) in cells, even at environmental level (0.4 μg/mL, NOAEL), and abamectin-induced oxidative stress was one of the main reasons for the DNA damage that occurred in cells. Moreover, pretreatment with the inhibitor of JNK and ATM/ATR signaling pathway could partially rescue the decreased cell viability, indicating that oxidative stress and DNA damage might be involved in abamectin-induced cytotoxicity. These findings could provide new insights into the mechanism of abamectin-induced cytotoxicity and should be useful for a more comprehensive assessment of the adverse effects of abamectin.

Exercise Mediates Heart Protection via Non-coding RNAs

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have become the central matter of death worldwide and have emerged as a notable concern in the healthcare field. There is accumulating evidence that regular exercise training can be as a reliable and widely favorable approach to prevent the heart from cardiovascular events. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) could act as innovative biomarkers and auspicious therapeutic targets to reduce the incidence of CVDs. In this review, we summarized the regulatory effects of ncRNAs in the cardiac-protection provided by exercise to assess potential therapies for CVDs and disease prevention.

Mitochondrial noncoding RNA-regulatory network in cardiovascular disease

Mitochondrial function and integrity are vital for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis, particularly in high-energy demanding cells. Cardiomyocytes have a large number of mitochondria, which provide a continuous and bulk supply of the ATP necessary for cardiac mechanical function. More than 90% of the ATP consumed by the heart is derived from the mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. Decreased energy supply as the main consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction is closely linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD). The discovery of noncoding RNA (ncRNAs) in the mitochondrial compartment has changed the traditional view of molecular pathways involved in the regulatory network of CVD. Mitochondrial ncRNAs participate in controlling cardiovascular pathogenesis by regulating glycolysis, mitochondrial energy status, and the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial metabolism. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of the association between impaired mitochondrial function resulting from fluctuation in expression levels of ncRNAs and specific disease phenotype can aid in preventing and treating CVD. This review presents an overview of the role of mitochondrial ncRNAs in the complex regulatory network of the cardiovascular pathology. We will summarize and discuss (1) mitochondrial microRNAs (mitomiRs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) encoded either by nuclear or mitochondrial genome which are involved in the regulation of mitochondrial metabolism; (2) the role of mitomiRs and lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of several CVD such as hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, acute myocardial infarction and heart failure; (3) the biomarker and therapeutic potential of mitochondrial ncRNAs in CVD; (4) and the challenges inherent to their translation into clinical application.

Myotubularin-related protein 14 suppresses cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting Akt

Cardiac hypertrophy (CH) is an independent risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases, and is one of the primary causes of morbidity and mortality in elderly people. Pathological CH involves excessive protein synthesis, increased cardiomyocyte size, and ultimately the development of heart failure. Myotubularin-related protein 14 (MTMR14) is a member of the myotubularin (MTM)-related protein family, which is involved in apoptosis, aging, inflammation, and autophagy. However, its exact function in CH is still unclear. Herein, we investigated the roles of MTMR14 in CH. We show that MTMR14 expression was increased in hypertrophic mouse hearts. Mice deficient in heart MTMR14 exhibited an aggravated aortic-banding (AB)-induced CH phenotype. In contrast, MTMR14 overexpression prevented pressure overload-induced hypertrophy. At the molecular level, prevention of CH in the absence of MTMR14 involved elevations in Akt pathway components, which are key elements that regulate apoptosis and cell proliferation. These results demonstrate that MTMR14 is a new molecular target for the treatment of CH.

Oxidative Stress-Responsive MicroRNAs in Heart Injury

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important molecules in the living organisms as a part of many signaling pathways. However, if overproduced, they also play a significant role in the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, ischemia/reperfusion injury (e.g., myocardial infarction and heart transplantation), and heart failure. As a result of oxidative stress action, apoptosis, hypertrophy, and fibrosis may occur. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent important endogenous nucleotides that regulate many biological processes, including those involved in heart damage caused by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can alter the expression level of many miRNAs. These changes in miRNA expression occur mainly via modulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), sirtuins, calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT), or nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathways. Up until now, several circulating miRNAs have been reported to be potential biomarkers of ROS-related cardiac diseases, including myocardial infarction, hypertrophy, ischemia/reperfusion, and heart failure, such as miRNA-499, miRNA-199, miRNA-21, miRNA-144, miRNA-208a, miRNA-34a, etc. On the other hand, a lot of studies are aimed at using miRNAs for therapeutic purposes. This review points to the need for studying the role of redox-sensitive miRNAs, to identify more effective biomarkers and develop better therapeutic targets for oxidative-stress-related heart diseases.

MicroRNA Networks Modulate Oxidative Stress in Cancer

Imbalanced regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant factors in cells is known as "oxidative stress (OS)". OS regulates key cellular physiological responses through signal transduction, transcription factors and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). Increasing evidence indicates that continued OS can cause chronic inflammation, which in turn contributes to cardiovascular and neurological diseases and cancer development. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small ncRNAs that produce functional 18-25-nucleotide RNA molecules that play critical roles in the regulation of target gene expression by binding to complementary regions of the mRNA and regulating mRNA degradation or inhibiting translation. Furthermore, miRNAs function as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes in cancer. Dysregulated miRNAs reportedly modulate cancer hallmarks such as metastasis, angiogenesis, apoptosis and tumor growth. Notably, miRNAs are involved in ROS production or ROS-mediated function. Accordingly, investigating the interaction between ROS and miRNAs has become an important endeavor that is expected to aid in the development of effective treatment/prevention strategies for cancer. This review provides a summary of the essential properties and functional roles of known miRNAs associated with OS in cancers.