MicroRNA-210 repression facilitates advanced glycation end-product (AGE)-induced cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis via JNK activation

Noncoding RNA as potential therapeutics to rescue mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiovascular diseases

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are critical regulators of mitochondrial function in cardiovascular diseases. Several studies have explored the manipulation of ncRNAs in mitochondrial dysfunction in different cardiovascular disease contexts, however, there is a dearth of information on the exploration of these noncoding RNAs as actual therapeutics to ameliorate cardiovascular diseases. This systematic review examines the roles of various ncRNAs in modulating mitochondrial dysfunction across major cardiovascular diseases and how they can be targeted to the mitochondria. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Web of Science and Scopus databases, following the PRISMA guidelines. Original research articles in the English language, focusing on ncRNAs and mitochondrial dysfunction in specific cardiovascular diseases, were eligible for inclusion. A total of 76 studies were included in the systematic review with up to 100 ncRNAs identified as therapeutic biomarkers. The identified ncRNAs participate in regulating mitochondrial processes including oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), fission/fusion dynamics, apoptosis, and calcium handling in cardiovascular diseases. Mitochondrial targeting moieties including mitochondrial targeting cell-penetrating peptides, mitochondrial targeting liposomes, and aptamers can be conjugated to ncRNAs and delivered to the heart via various injection routes including the pericardium or the myocardium. However, significant challenges remain in developing effective delivery methods to modulate these ncRNAs in vivo.

Metabolic and Mitochondrial Dysregulations in Diabetic Cardiac Complications

The growing prevalence of diabetes highlights the urgent need to study diabetic cardiovascular complications, specifically diabetic cardiomyopathy, which is a diabetes-induced myocardial dysfunction independent of hypertension or coronary artery disease. This review examines the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in promoting diabetic cardiac dysfunction and highlights metabolic mechanisms such as hyperglycaemia-induced oxidative stress. Chronic hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance can activate harmful pathways, including advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), protein kinase C (PKC) and hexosamine signalling, uncontrolled reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mishandling of Ca2+ transient. These processes lead to cardiomyocyte apoptosis, fibrosis and contractile dysfunction. Moreover, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and dysregulated RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) contribute to tissue damage, which drives cardiac function towards heart failure (HF). Advanced patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) cardiac organoids (iPS-COs) are transformative tools for modelling diabetic cardiomyopathy and capturing human disease's genetic, epigenetic and metabolic hallmarks. iPS-COs may facilitate the precise examination of molecular pathways and therapeutic interventions. Future research directions encourage the integration of advanced models with mechanistic techniques to promote novel therapeutic strategies.

New insights of DsbA-L in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases

Metabolic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are abnormal conditions that result from disturbances of metabolism. With the improvement of living conditions, the morbidity and mortality rates of metabolic diseases are steadily rising, posing a significant threat to human health worldwide. Therefore, identifying novel effective targets for metabolic diseases is crucial. Accumulating evidence has indicated that disulfide bond A oxidoreductase-like protein (DsbA-L) delays the development of metabolic diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms of DsbA-L in metabolic diseases remain unclear. In this review, we will discuss the roles of DsbA-L in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases, including obesity, diabetes mellitus, and NAFLD, and highlight the potential mechanisms. These findings suggest that DsbA-L might provide a novel therapeutic strategy for metabolic diseases.

AGE-RAGE Axis and Cardiovascular Diseases: Pathophysiologic Mechanisms and Prospects for Clinical Applications

Advanced glycation end products (AGE), a diverse array of molecules generated through non-enzymatic glycosylation, in conjunction with the receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE), play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its associated complications. Recent studies have revealed that the AGE-RAGE axis potentially accelerated the progression of cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, atherosclerosis, myocarditis, pulmonary hypertension, hypertension, arrhythmia, and other related conditions. The AGE-RAGE axis is intricately involved in the initiation and progression of cardiovascular diseases, independently of its engagement in diabetes. The mechanisms include oxidative stress, inflammation, alterations in autophagy flux, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Conversely, inhibition of AGE production, disruption of the binding between RAGE and its ligands, or silencing of RAGE expression could effectively impair the function of AGE-RAGE axis, thereby delaying or ameliorating the aforementioned diseases. AGE and the soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) have the potential to be novel predictors of cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we provide an in-depth overview towards the biosynthetic pathway of AGE and elucidate the pathophysiological implications in various cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, we delve into the profound role of RAGE in cardiovascular diseases, offering novel insights for further exploration of the AGE-RAGE axis and potential strategies for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disorders.

Diallyl trisulfide (DATS) protects cardiac cells against advanced glycation end-product-induced apoptosis by enhancing FoxO3A-dependent upregulation of miRNA-210

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a common complication of diabetes, resulting in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure associated with excessive reactive oxygen species and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis generation. Mitogen-activated protein kinase-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (MAPK-JNK), regulated by microRNA (miR)-210, affects mitochondrial function and is activated by advanced glycation end-products (AGE) in cardiac cells. Diallyl trisulfide (DATS), an antioxidant in garlic oil, inhibits stress-induced cardiac apoptosis. This study examined whether DATS enhances miR-210 expression to attenuate cardiac apoptosis. We investigated the DATS-mediated attenuation mechanism of AGE-enhanced cardiac apoptosis by modulating miR-210 and its upstream transcriptional regulator, FoxO3a. We found FoxO3a binding sites in the miR-210 promoter region. Our results indicated that DATS treatment inhibited AGE-induced JNK activation, phosphoprotein c-Jun nuclear transactivation, and cardiac apoptosis and reversed the AGE-induced reduction in cardiac miR-210 levels. The luciferase activity after DATS treatment was significantly lower than that of the control and was reversed following AGE treatment. We also showed that FoxO3a, upregulated by DATS treatment, may bind to the miR-210 promoter to enhance its expression and downregulates JNK expression to attenuate AGE-induced cardiac apoptosis. Oral administration of DATS enhanced FoxO3a expression in the heart and reduced diabetes-induced heart apoptosis. Our findings indicate that DATS mediates AGE-induced cardiac cell apoptosis attenuation by promoting FoxO3a nuclear transactivation to enhance miR-210 expression and regulate JNK activation. Our results suggest that DATS can be used as a cardioprotective agent, and miR-210 is a critical regulator in inhibiting diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Emerging roles of microRNAs as diagnostics and potential therapeutic interest in type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease of impaired glucose utilization. Uncontrolled high sugar levels lead to advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which affects several metabolic pathways by its receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and causes diabetic complication. MiRNAs are small RNA molecules which regulate genes linked to diabetes and affect AGEs pathogenesis, and target tissues, influencing health and disease processes.

AIM

To explore miRNA roles in T2DM's metabolic pathways for potential therapeutic and diagnostic advancements in diabetes complications.

METHODS

We systematically searched the electronic database PubMed using keywords. We included free, full-length research articles that evaluate the role of miRNAs in T2DM and its complications, focusing on genetic and molecular disease mechanisms. After assessing the full-length papers of the shortlisted articles, we included 12 research articles.

RESULTS

Several types of miRNAs are linked in metabolic pathways which are affected by AGE/RAGE axis in T2DM and its complications. miR-96-5p, miR-7-5p, miR-132, has_circ_0071106, miR-143, miR-21, miR-145-5p, and more are associated with various aspects of T2DM, including disease risk, diagnostic markers, complications, and gene regulation.

CONCLUSION

Targeting the AGE/RAGE axis, with a focus on miRNA regulation, holds promise for managing T2DM and its complications. MiRNAs have therapeutic potential as they can influence the metabolic pathways affected by AGEs and RAGE, potentially reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular complications. Additionally, miRNAs may serve as early diagnostic biomarkers for T2DM. Further research in this area may lead to innovative therapeutic strategies for diabetes and its associated complications.

Astaxanthin suppresses LPS-induced myocardial apoptosis by regulating PTP1B/JNK pathway in vitro

PURPOSE

Myocardial injury induced by sepsis can increase the patient's mortality, which is an important complication of sepsis. Myocardial apoptosis plays a key role in septic myocardial injury. Here we explored the potential mechanism of astaxanthin (ATX) inhibiting myocardial apoptosis induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro.

METHODS

The H9C2 cell experiment was conducted in three parts. In the first part, we set up three groups: control group, LPS group (10 µg/ml), a model of septic myocardial injury, and LPS + ATX (5, 10, 30 µM); In the second part, we set up four groups: control group, LPS group, LPS + PTP1B-IN-1, a protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitor, and LPS + PTP1B-IN-1 + ATX; In the third part, we set up four groups: control group, LPS group, LPS + Anisomycin, a c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activator, and LPS + Anisomycin + ATX. We assessed H9C2 cell viability using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. We observed cell apoptosis using flow cytometry analysis. We tested the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) using JC-1 staining. To identify the molecular targets of ATX, Astaxanthin targets were predicted through the SwissTargetPrediction database. We verified the binding affinity of ATX and its targets using microscale thermophoresis (MST). We investigated the p-JNK expression using immunofluorescence staining. Finally, Western blot was used to evaluate PTP1B, JNK, p-JNK and the mitochondrial apoptosis-associated protein expression.

RESULTS

LPS inhibited H9C2 cell viability in a time-dependent manner and ATX treatment enhances H9C2 cell viability in a concentration dependent manner after LPS administration. ATX inhibited the LPS-induced apoptosis and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in H9C2 cells. As predicted by the SwissTargetPrediction database, PTP1B was a potential target of ATX, and the interaction between ATX and PTP1B was further verified by MST. ATX attenuated the LPS-induced protein expression of PTP1B and p-JNK, regardless of PTP1B inhibition. Both immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting showed that ATX suppressed the LPS-induced p-JNK expression in H9C2 cells, regardless of Anisomycin administration. In addition, by adding Anisomycin to overexpress JNK, ATX inhibited the LPS-induced apoptosis, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and upregulation of mitochondrial apoptosis-associated proteins in H9C2 cells via JNK signaling.

CONCLUSION

ATX inhibited LPS-induced mitochondrial apoptosis of H9C2 cells by PTP1B/JNK pathway and PTP1B was the target of ATX.

Activation of PI3K/Akt mediates the protective effect of diallyl trisulfide on doxorubicin induced cardiac apoptosis

Diallyl trisulfide (DATS), an organosulfide compound derived from garlic, is renowned for its potent antioxidant properties, particularly in countering the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It has also gained recognition as a potential agent for preventing heart-related conditions. Doxorubicin (Dox), a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug, is known to induce severe cardiac complications by promoting ROS production. Therefore, it was imperative to investigate whether DATS possesses cardioprotective capabilities against Dox-induced cardiac apoptosis and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. In this study, we observed that the intracellular ROS levels and cardiac apoptosis were heightened in H9c2 cells exposed to Dox (1 μM). However, treatment with 10 μM DATS effectively mitigated the Dox-induced ROS generation and apoptotic signaling, concurrently activating the PI3K/Akt pathway. Notably, the anti-apoptotic effects of DATS were attenuated when PI3K siRNA and the LY294002 PI3K inhibitor were employed. Furthermore, the TUNEL assay results demonstrated a significant reduction in Dox-induced apoptosis with DATS treatment. In summary, our findings indicate that DATS can activate the PI3K/Akt pathway, reducing ROS production in cardiac cells exposed to Dox, and subsequently rescue cardiac cells from apoptosis.

Involvement of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in the Inflammatory Response in Human Mesothelial Cells from Peritoneal Dialysis Effluent

Recent studies have related mitochondrial impairment with peritoneal membrane damage during peritoneal dialysis (PD) therapy. Here, we assessed the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in the inflammatory response in human mesothelial cells, a hallmark in the pathogenesis of PD-related peritoneal membrane damage. Our ex vivo studies showed that IL-1β causes a drop in the mitochondrial membrane potential in cells from peritoneal effluent. Moreover, when mitochondrial damage was induced by inhibitors of mitochondrial function, a low-grade inflammatory response was generated. Interestingly, mitochondrial damage sensitized mesothelial cells, causing a significant increase in the inflammatory response induced by cytokines, in which ROS generation and NF-κB activation appear to be involved, since inflammation was counteracted by both mitoTEMPO (mitochondrial ROS scavenger) and BAY-117085 (NF-κB inhibitor). Furthermore, the natural anti-inflammatory antioxidant resveratrol significantly attenuated the inflammatory response, by reversing the decline in mitochondrial membrane potential and decreasing the expression of IL-8, COX-2 and PGE2 caused by IL-1β. These findings suggest that IL-1β regulates mitochondrial function in mesothelial cells and that mitochondrial dysfunction could induce an inflammatory scenario that sensitizes these cells, causing significant amplification of the inflammatory response induced by cytokines. Resveratrol may represent a promising strategy in controlling the mesothelial inflammatory response to PD.