MicroRNA-128-3p Protects Mouse Against Cerebral Ischemia Through Reducing p38α Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Activity

MicroRNA-128-3p Affects Neuronal Apoptosis and Neurobehavior in Cerebral Palsy Rats by Targeting E3 Ubiquitin-Linking Enzyme Smurf2 and Regulating YY1 Expression

This study was dedicated to investigating the effects of microRNA-128-3p (miR-128-3p) on neuronal apoptosis and neurobehavior in cerebral palsy (CP) rats via the Smurf2/YY1 axis.In vivo modeling of hypoxic-ischemic (HI) CP was established in neonatal rats. Neurobehavioral tests (geotaxis reflex, cliff avoidance reaction, and grip test) were measured after HI induction. The HI-induced neurological injury was evaluated by HE staining, Nissl staining, TUNEL staining, immunohistochemical staining, and RT-qPCR. The expression of miR-128-3p, Smurf2, and YY1 was determined by RT-qPCR and western blot techniques. Moreover, primary cortical neurons were used to establish the oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) model in vitro, cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay, neuronal apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry and western blot, and the underlying mechanism between miR-128-3p, Smurf2 and YY1 was verified by bioinformatics analysis, dual luciferase reporter assay, RIP, Co-IP, ubiquitination assay, western blot, and RT-qPCR.In vivo, miR-128-3p and YY1 expression was elevated, and Smurf2 expression was decreased in brain tissues of hypoxic-ischemic CP rats. Downregulation of miR-128-3p or overexpression of Smurf2 improved neurobehavioral performance, reduced neuronal apoptosis, and elevated Nestin and NGF expression in hypoxic-ischemic CP rats, and downregulation of Smurf2 reversed the effects of downregulation of miR-128-3p on neurobehavioral performance, neuronal apoptosis, and Nestin and NGF expression in hypoxic-ischemic CP rats, while overexpression of YY1 reversed the effects of Smurf2 on neurobehavioral performance, neuronal apoptosis, and Nestin and NGF expression in hypoxic-ischemic CP rats. In vitro, downregulation of miR-128-3p effectively promoted the neuronal survival, reduced the apoptosis rate, and decreased caspase3 protein expression after OGD, and overexpression of YY1 reversed the ameliorative effect of downregulation of miR-128-3p on OGD-induced neuronal injury. miR-128-3p targeted to suppress Smurf2 to lower YY1 ubiquitination degradation and decrease its expression.Inhibition of miR-128-3p improves neuronal apoptosis and neurobehavioral changes in hypoxic-ischemic CP rats by promoting Smurf2 to promote YY1 ubiquitination degradation and reduce YY1 expression.

Role of Qufeng Tongqiao Prescription in the protection of cerebral ischemia and associated molecular network mechanism

To explore the of Qufeng Tongqiao Prescription in the treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CIR) and associated molecular network mechanism. Venny diagram, gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI), hub genes mining, molecular docking, combined with animal experiments and Nissl stain were performed to determine the molecular network mechanism of Qufeng Tongqiao Prescription for CIR treatment. Fifty three intersecting genes between Qufeng Tongqiao Prescription and cerebral ischemia reperfusion were acquired from Venny analysis. GO analysis showed that the main biological process (BP) was response to lipopolysaccharide, and the main cell localization (CC) process was membrane raft, while the most important molecular function (MF) process is Cytokine receptor binding. Moreover, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications is the most important signaling pathway in KEGG pathway. Through molecular docking, it was found that Astragalus membranaceus was docked with MAPK14, IL4, FOS, IL6, and JUN; pueraria membranaceus was directly docked with JUN and IL4; Acorus acorus was linked to JUN and MAPK14; Ganoderma ganoderma and human were involved in JUN docking, and Ligusticum chuanqi and pueraria could not be docked with MAPK14, respectively. The results of animal experiments showed that Qufeng Tongqiao Prescription significantly improved behavioral performance and reduced the number of neuronal deaths in rats subjected to CIR, and molecular mechanisms are associated with FOS, IL-6, IL4, JUN, and MAPK14, of there, IL-6, as a vital candidator, which has been confirmed by immunostaining detection. Together, Qufeng Tongqiao Prescription has positive therapeutic effect on CIR, and the underlying mechanism is involved MAPK14, FOS, IL4, and JUN network, while IL-6 may be as a vital target.

Extracellular Vesicle-Enriched miRNA-Biomarkers Show Improved Utility for Detecting Alzheimer's Disease Dementia and Medial Temporal Atrophy

Background

Emerging diagnostic modalities suggest that miRNA profiles within extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from peripheral blood specimens may provide a non-invasive diagnostic alternative for dementia and neurodegenerative disorders. Given that EVs confer a protective environment against miRNA enzymatic degradation, the miRNAs enriched in the EV fraction of blood samples could serve as more stable and clinically relevant biomarkers compared to those obtained from serum.

Objective

To compare miRNAs isolated from EVs versus serum in blood taken from Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia patients and control cohorts.

Methods

We compared 25 AD patients to 34 individuals who exhibited no cognitive impairments (NCI). Subjects were Singapore residents with Chinese heritage. miRNAs purified from serum versus blood-derived EVs were analyzed for associations with AD dementia and medial temporal atrophy detected by magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Compared to serum-miRNAs, we identified almost twice as many EV-miRNAs associated with AD dementia, and they also correlated more significantly with medial temporal atrophy, a neuroimaging marker of AD-brain pathology. We further developed combination panels of serum-miRNAs and EV-miRNAs with improved performance in identifying AD dementia. Dominant in both panels was miRNA-1290.

Conclusions

This data indicates that miRNA profiling from EVs offers diagnostic superiority. This underscores the role of EVs as vectors harboring prognostic biomarkers for neurodegenerative disorders and suggests their potential in yielding novel biomarkers for AD diagnosis.

The microRNA-7322-5p/p38/Hsp19 axis modulates Chilo suppressalis cell-defences against Cry1Ca: an effective target for a stacked transgenic rice approach

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)-secreted crystal (Cry) toxins form oligomeric pores in host cell membranes and are a common element in generating insect-resistant transgenic crops. Although Cry toxin function has been well documented, cellular defences against pore-formation have not been as well developed. Elucidation of the processes underlying this defence, however, could contribute to the development of enhanced Bt crops. Here, we demonstrate that Cry1Ca-mediated downregulation of microRNA-7322-5p (miR-7322-5p), which binds to the 3' untranslated region of p38, negatively regulates the susceptibility of Chilo suppressalis to Cry1Ca. Moreover, Cry1Ca exposure enhanced phosphorylation of Hsp19, and hsp19 downregulation increased susceptibility to Cry1Ca. Further, Hsp19 phosphorylation occurs downstream of p38, and pull-down assays confirmed the interactions between Hsp19 and Cry1Ca, suggesting that activation of Hsp19 by the miR-7322-5p/p38/Hsp19 pathway promotes Cry1Ca sequestration. To assess the efficacy of targeting this pathway in planta, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting C. suppressalis p38 (dsp38) was introduced into a previously generated cry1Ca-expressing rice line (1CH1-2) to yield a single-copy cry1Ca/dsp38 rice line (p38-rice). Feeding on this rice line triggered a significant reduction in C. suppressalis p38 expression and the line was more resistant to C. suppressalis than 1CH1-2 in both short term (7-day) and continuous feeding bioassays as well as field trials. These findings provide new insights into invertebrate epithelium cellular defences and demonstrate a potential new pyramiding strategy for Bt crops.

Brain-enriched miR-128: Reduced in exosomes from Parkinson's patient plasma, improves synaptic integrity, and prevents 6-OHDA mediated neuronal apoptosis

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with the death of mid-brain dopaminergic neurons. Unfortunately, no effective cure or diagnostic biomarkers for PD are available yet. To address this, the present study focuses on brain-enriched small non-coding regulatory RNAs called microRNAs (miRNAs) that are released into the circulation packaged inside small extracellular vesicles called exosomes. We collected blood samples from PD patients and isolated exosomes from the plasma. qPCR-based detection revealed a particular neuron-enriched miR-128 to be significantly decreased in the patient-derived exosomes. Interestingly, a concomitant decreased expression of miR-128 was observed in the cellular models of PD. Fluorescent live cell imaging and flow-cytometry revealed that over-expression of miR-128 can prevent 6-OHDA-mediated mitochondrial superoxide production and induction of neuronal death respectively. This neuroprotective effect was found to be induced by miR-128-mediated inhibition of FoxO3a activation, a transcription factor involved in apoptosis. miR-128 over-expression also resulted in down-regulation of pro-apoptotic FoxO3a targets- FasL and PUMA, at both transcript and protein levels. Further downstream, miR-128 over-expression inhibited activation of caspases-8, -9 and -3, preventing both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis. Additionally, over expression of miR-128 prevented down-regulation of synaptic proteins- Synaptophysin and PSD-95 and attenuated neurite shortening, thereby maintaining overall neuronal integrity. Thus, our study depicts the intracellular role of miR-128 in neuronal apoptosis and neurodegeneration and its implications as a biomarker being detectable in the circulating exosomes of PD patient blood. Thus, characterization of such exosomal brain-enriched miRNAs hold promise for effective detection and diagnosis of PD.

MicroRNA: An Emerging Predictive, Diagnostic, Prognostic and Therapeutic Strategy in Ischaemic Stroke

Stroke continues to be the third-leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The limited availability of diagnostic tools approved therapeutics and biomarkers that help monitor disease progression or predict future events remain as the major challenges in the field of stroke medicine. Hence, attempts to discover safe and efficacious therapeutics and reliable biomarkers are of paramount importance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that play important roles in regulating gene expression. Since miRNAs also play important roles in key mechanisms associated with the pathogenesis of stroke, including energy failure, inflammation and cell death, it is possible that miRNAs may serve as reliable blood-based markers for risk prediction, diagnosis and prognosis of ischaemic stroke. Discovery of better neurological outcome and smaller cerebral infarcts in animal models of ischaemic stroke treated with miRNA agomirs or antagomirs indicate that miRNAs may also play a cerebrovascular protective role after an ischaemic stroke. Nonetheless, further evidences on the optimum time for treatment and route of administration are required before effective translation of these findings into clinical practice. Bearing these in mind, this paper reviews the current literature discussing the involvement of miRNAs in major pathologies associated with ischaemic stroke and evaluates their value as reliable biomarkers and therapeutics for ischaemic stroke.

The Impact of General Anesthesia on Redox Stability and Epigenetic Inflammation Pathways: Crosstalk on Perioperative Antioxidant Therapy

Worldwide, the prevalence of surgery under general anesthesia has significantly increased, both because of modern anesthetic and pain-control techniques and because of better diagnosis and the increased complexity of surgical techniques. Apart from developing new concepts in the surgical field, researchers and clinicians are now working on minimizing the impact of surgical trauma and offering minimal invasive procedures due to the recent discoveries in the field of cellular and molecular mechanisms that have revealed a systemic inflammatory and pro-oxidative impact not only in the perioperative period but also in the long term, contributing to more difficult recovery, increased morbidity and mortality, and a negative financial impact. Detailed molecular and cellular analysis has shown an overproduction of inflammatory and pro-oxidative species, responsible for augmenting the systemic inflammatory status and making postoperative recovery more difficult. Moreover, there are a series of changes in certain epigenetic structures, the most important being the microRNAs. This review describes the most important molecular and cellular mechanisms that impact the surgical patient undergoing general anesthesia, and it presents a series of antioxidant therapies that can reduce systemic inflammation.

Comprehensive Analysis of Hub Genes Associated With Competing Endogenous RNA Networks in Stroke Using Bioinformatics Analysis

Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are promising biomarkers for the early diagnosis of AIS and closely participate in the mechanism of stroke onset. However, studies focusing on lncRNAs functioning as microRNA (miRNA) sponges to regulate the mRNA expression are rare and superficial. Methods: In this study, we systematically analyzed the expression profiles of lncRNA, mRNA (GSE58294), and miRNA (GSE110993) from the GEO database. Gene ontology (GO) analysis was performed to reveal the functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and we used weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to investigate the relationships between clinical features and expression profiles and the co-expression of miRNA and lncRNA. Finally, we constructed a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network with selected DEGs using bioinformatics methods and obtained ROC curves to assess the diagnostic efficacy of differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) and differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) in our network. The GSE22255 dataset was used to confirm the diagnostic value of candidate genes. Results: In total, 199 DElncRNAs, 2068 DEmRNAs, and 96 differentially expressed miRNAs were detected. The GO analysis revealed that DEmRNAs primarily participate in neutrophil activation, neutrophil degranulation, vacuolar transport, and lysosomal transport. WGCNA screened out 16 lncRNAs and 195 mRNAs from DEGs, and only eight DElncRNAs maintained an area under the curve higher than 0.9. By investigating the relationships between lncRNAs and mRNAs, a ceRNA network containing three lncRNAs, three miRNAs, and seven mRNAs was constructed. GSE22255 confirmed that RP1-193H18.2 is more advantageous for diagnosing stroke, whereas no mRNA showed realistic diagnostic efficacy. Conclusion: The ceRNA network may broaden our understanding of AIS pathology, and the candidate lncRNA from the ceRNA network is assumed to be a promising therapeutic target and diagnostic biomarker for AIS.

Downregulation of lncRNA GAS5 prevents mitochondrial apoptosis and hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in neonatal rats through the microRNA-128-3p/Bax/Akt/GSK-3β axis

OBJECTIVE

Hypoxic/ischemic brain damage (HIBD) results in increased neonatal mortality and serious neurologic morbidity. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are shown as essential modulators of various neurological diseases. Here, we determined the mechanisms of lncRNA GAS5 in mitochondrial apoptosis in HIBD rats.

METHODS

The HIBD neonatal rat model was established and treated with shRNA-GAS5 or antagomir miR-128-3p. The morphological changes and apoptosis rate were observed by histological staining. Expressions of GAS5, miR-128-3p, and Bax mRNA in brain tissues of HIBD neonatal rats were determined. The binding relationships between GAS5 and miR-128-3p, and miR-128-3p and Bax were confirmed by dual-luciferase assay. Subsequently, the mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis-related factors in brain tissues of HIBD neonatal rats were detected. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of Akt/GSK3β pathway-associated proteins.

RESULTS

The neurons in the brain tissue of HIBD neonatal rats decreased with disordered arrangement, and showed vacuolization and nuclear pyknosis, obvious brain damage, increased neuronal apoptosis, and enhanced mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Downregulated miR-128-3p and upregulated GAS5 and Bax mRNA were found in HIBD neonatal rats. There were binding relationships between GAS5 and miR-128-3p, and miR-128-3p and Bax mRNA. Inhibition of lncRNA GAS5 in HIBD neonatal rats suppressed mitochondrial apoptosis. miR-128-3p knockdown annulled the inhibitory effect of inhibiting lncRNA GAS5 on mitochondrial apoptosis. Silencing GAS5 increased the phosphorylation levels of Akt and GSK3β.

CONCLUSION

Downregulation of lncRNA GAS5 prevents mitochondrial apoptosis in neonatal HIBD rats by regulating the miR-128-3p/Bax/Akt/GSK-3β axis.

The cytoprotective role of omentin against oxidative stress-induced PC12 apoptosis

Oxidative stress has been proven to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of neuronal injury. As a novel adipocytokine, omentin is produced by visceral adipose with insulin sensitizing effects and has been revealed to possess anti-inflammatory effects. However, the possible effect of omentin on oxidative stress remains unknown. The present study aimed to detect the potential protective effect of omentin against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cytotoxicity of PC12 cells. The results showed that no cytotoxic effect was shown in PC12 cells co-cultured with omentin alone at a concentration of 50-1000 ng/mL. The CCK8 and TUNEL assays suggested that omentin could remarkably attenuate apoptosis induced by 100 μM H2O2. The PCR and western blotting showed that the expression levels of Bax was significantly inhibited by omentin via the upregulation of miR-128-3p at its 3'-UTR. Taken together, these results indicated that omentin protects PC12 cells against H2O2-induced apoptosis, and further studies need to be conducted before utilization in the clinic for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

MiRNA: Involvement of the MAPK Pathway in Ischemic Stroke. A Promising Therapeutic Target

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a cerebrovascular disease with a high rate of disability and mortality. It is classified as the second leading cause of death that arises from the sudden occlusion of small vessels in the brain with consequent lack of oxygen and nutrients in the brain tissue. Following an acute ischemic event, the cascade of events promotes the activation of multiple signaling pathways responsible for irreversible neuronal damage. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway transmits signals from the cell membrane to the nucleus in response to different stimuli, regulating proliferation, differentiation, inflammation, and apoptosis. Several lines of evidence showed that MAPK is an important regulator of ischemic and hemorrhagic cerebral vascular disease; indeed, it can impair blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity and exacerbate neuroinflammation through the release of pro-inflammatory mediators implementing neurovascular damage after ischemic stroke. This review aims to illustrate the miRNAs involved in the regulation of MAPK in IS, in order to highlight possible targets for potential neuroprotective treatments. We also discuss some miRNAs (miR), including miR-145, miR-137, miR-493, and miR-126, that are important as they modulate processes such as apoptosis, neuroinflammation, neurogenesis, and angiogenesis through the regulation of the MAPK pathway in cerebral IS. To date, limited drug therapies are available for the treatment of IS; therefore, it is necessary to implement preclinical and clinical studies aimed at discovering novel therapeutic approaches to minimize post-stroke neurological damage.

Typhae pollen polysaccharides protect hypoxia-induced PC12 cell injury via regulation of miR-34a/SIRT1

This current research was performed to investigate the role of typhae pollen polysaccharides (TPP) in hypoxia-treated PC12 cell which was an in vitro cell model of cerebral ischemia. Hypoxia-treated cells were treated with TPP for 12 h. Cell viability and apoptosis were detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Cell apoptotic proteins and PI3K/AKT and Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signal pathway–associated proteins were also examined by western blot. Furthermore, abnormal expression of miR-34a and silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) was achieved by transfection. Besides, the expression of miR-34a and SIRT1 was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The expression of SIRT1 was detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. The relationship between miR-34a and SIRT1 was verified by luciferase assay. We found that TPP enhanced cell viability and inhibited apoptosis in hypoxia-treated PC12 cells. Moreover, TPP increased the accumulated levels of Bcl-2 while decreased expression of Bax, cleaved Caspase-3, and cleaved PARP. TPP downregulated miR-34a expression while induced by hypoxia. Further results showed that miR-34a overexpression reversed the results led by TPP in cell viability, apoptosis, and its related proteins. In addition, SIRT1 was upregulated by TPP and was verified to be a target of miR-34a. Silence of SIRT1 led to the opposite results led by TPP. In the end, TPP activated PI3K/AKT and Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signal pathways. In conclusion, TPP plays important roles in regulating cell viability and apoptosis in hypoxia-treated PC12 cells via modulating miR-34a/SIRT1, as well as activating PI3K/AKT and Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signal pathways.

MiR-128-3p Alleviates Spinal Cord Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Associated Neuroinflammation and Cellular Apoptosis via SP1 Suppression in Rat

BACKGROUND

Neuroinflammation and cellular apoptosis caused by spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury result in neurological dysfunction. MicroRNAs (miRs) have crucial functions in spinal cord I/R injury pathogenesis according to previous evidences. Herein, whether miR-128-3p contributes to spinal cord I/R injury by regulating specificity protein 1 (SP1) was assessed.

METHODS

A rat model of spinal cord I/R injury was established by occluding the aortic arch for 14 min. Then, miR-128-3p's interaction with SP1 was detected by dual-luciferase reporter assays. Next, miR-128-3p mimic and inhibitor, as well as adenovirus-delivered shRNA specific for SP1 were injected intrathecally for assessing the effects of miR-128-3p and SP1 on rats with spinal cord I/R injury. SP1, Bax and Bcl-2 expression levels in I/R injured spinal cord tissues were evaluated by Western blotting, while IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 were quantitated by ELISA. Tarlov scores were obtained to detect hind-limb motor function. Evans blue (EB) dye extravasation was utilized to examine blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) permeability. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was performed for neuronal apoptosis assessment.

RESULTS

MiR-128-3p expression was decreased, while SP1 amounts were increased in rat spinal cord tissue specimens following I/R. SP1 was identified as a miR-128-3p target and downregulated by miR-128-3p. MiR-128-3p overexpression or SP1 silencing alleviated I/R-induced neuroinflammation and cell apoptosis, and improved Tarlov scores, whereas pretreatment with miR-128-3p inhibitor aggravated the above injuries.

CONCLUSION

Overexpression of miR-128-3p protects neurons from neuroinflammation and apoptosis during spinal cord I/R injury partially by downregulating SP1.

Continuous administration of a p38α inhibitor during the subacute phase after transient ischemia-induced stroke in the rat promotes dose-dependent functional recovery accompanied by increase in brain BDNF protein level

There is unmet need for effective stroke therapies. Numerous neuroprotection attempts for acute cerebral ischemia have failed and as a result there is growing interest in developing therapies to promote functional recovery through increasing synaptic plasticity. For this research study, we hypothesized that in addition to its previously reported role in mediating cell death during the acute phase, the alpha isoform of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, p38α, may also contribute to interleukin-1β-mediated impairment of functional recovery during the subacute phase after acute ischemic stroke. Accordingly, an oral, brain-penetrant, small molecule p38α inhibitor, neflamapimod, was evaluated as a subacute phase stroke treatment to promote functional recovery. Neflamapimod administration to rats after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion at two dose levels was initiated outside of the previously characterized therapeutic window for neuroprotection of less than 24 hours for p38α inhibitors. Six-week administration of neflamapimod, starting at 48 hours after reperfusion, significantly improved behavioral outcomes assessed by the modified neurological severity score at Week 4 and at Week 6 post stroke in a dose-dependent manner. Neflamapimod demonstrated beneficial effects on additional measures of sensory and motor function. It also resulted in a dose-related increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein levels, a previously reported potential marker of synaptic plasticity that was measured in brain homogenates at sacrifice. Taken together with literature evidence on the role of p38α-dependent suppression by interleukin-1β of BDNF-mediated synaptic plasticity and BDNF production, our findings support a mechanistic model in which inhibition of p38α promotes functional recovery after ischemic stroke by blocking the deleterious effects of interleukin-1β on synaptic plasticity. The dose-related in vivo efficacy of neflamapimod offers the possibility of having a therapy for stroke that could be initiated outside the short time window for neuroprotection and for improving recovery after a completed stroke.

The role of miR-128-3p through MAPK14 activation in the apoptosis of GC2 spermatocyte cell line following heat stress

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs play a crucial role in the regulation of spermatogenesis. For example, miR-128-3p expression is known to decrease significantly after testicular hyperthermia, but the regulatory effect of this change on the spermatogenesis damage caused by heat stress remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to verify whether the target gene of miR-128-3p is MAPK14, which affects spermatogenic cell proliferation and apoptosis under testicular hyperthermia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mouse testis and GC2 spermatocyte cell line heat stress models were established. miR-128-3p expression before and after heat stress was analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. MAPK14 and p-MAPK14 expression was detected by Western blot, and cell apoptosis was analyzed by Annexin V-FITC/PI. Subsequently, miR-128-3p inhibitors and mimics were used to interfere with spermatocytes before and after heat stress, respectively, for correlation detection.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the heat stress group showed decreased miR-128-3p expression, increased p-MAPK14 expression, and decreased cell proliferation activity. In the GC2-spd cell line in vitro, miR-128-3p inhibitors were found to upregulate p-MAPK14 expression, reduce cell proliferation activity, and increase apoptosis, consistent with the results obtained in the heat treatment alone. Furthermore, miR-128-3p mimics transfected in the GC2 cells after heat stress reduced p-MAPK14 expression, alleviated the decrease in cell proliferation, and decreased the apoptosis level.

CONCLUSIONS

The downregulation of miR-128-3p expression plays an important role in spermatogenesis damages after testicular hyperthermia, which is probably attributable to the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway. Downregulated miR-128-3p expression induces the apoptosis and inhibits the proliferation of spermatogenic cells by promoting MAPK14 phosphorylation.

Selenomethionine alleviates LPS-induced chicken myocardial inflammation by regulating the miR-128-3p-p38 MAPK axis and oxidative stress

Selenium is closely related to the occurrence of heart disease, and an appropriate amount of selenium can alleviate inflammatory changes caused by various factors. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as a specific component of the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria, is often used to construct various inflammatory models. In order to explore the effect of selenium on LPS-induced myocardial inflammation in chickens, we chose 4-month-old laying hens to be fed with a selenium-rich diet containing 0.5 g kg-1 Se, and injected LPS into the abdominal cavity at the age of 8 months to establish an inflammation model. We observed the myocardial tissue lesions by light microscopy, and detected miR-128-3p, p38MAPK, and NF-κB pathway-associated inflammatory factors and Th1/Th2 related factors by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The results showed that LPS stimulation inhibited miR-128-3p, which increased the expression of p38MAPK and NF-κB, while the expression of TNF-α, IL-1, PTGE, COX-2 and iNOS increased. Additionally, the expression of IL-4 and IL-6 increased and IFN-γ decreased, suggesting an imbalance of Th1/Th2. We also found that LPS treatment not only increased the content of H2O2 and MDA in the myocardium, but also increased the expression of HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90, while the activity of SOD, GPX and CAT and the content of GSH decreased. Interestingly, the addition of selenium can alleviate the changes in the above indicators. Finally, we concluded that selenium inhibits the occurrence of oxidative stress and ultimately alleviates myocardial inflammation induced by LPS through the miR-128-3p-p38MAPK-NF-κB pathway.

Inhibition of microRNA-9-5p and microRNA-128-3p can inhibit ischemic stroke-related cell death in vitro and in vivo

Ischemic stroke is the major form of stroke and is accentuated by multiple comorbidities. It has been previously shown that different microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate separate aspects of ischemic stroke. Differential miRNA expression analysis in cerebrospinal fluid of stroke patients had revealed upregulation of miR-124-3p, miR-9-3p, miR-9-5p, and miR-128-3p. However, whether the overexpression is correlative or causative was not known. Here, using an in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) neuronal cell model, we saw OGD/R-induced injury was associated with significant upregulation of the aforementioned four miRNAs. Target gene prediction using in situ algorithms and gene set enrichment analysis revealed significant enrichment of FOXO and Relaxin signaling pathways and regulatory processes associated with endothelial cell migration, which are all known to associate with apoptotic pathways. In situ protein-protein interaction network analysis confirmed the findings of gene set enrichment analysis. TUNEL analysis showed that OGD/R-induced injury resulted in significant apoptosis, which was significantly inhibited in neuronal cells pretransfected with inhibitors of either miR-9-5p or miR-128-3p. Further testing in an in vivo middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model of ischemic stroke showed that inhibiting miR-9-5p or miR-128-3p significantly decreases MCAO-induced infraction volume and inhibited apoptotic response as revealed by decreased cleaved Caspase-3 protein expression in immunohistochemical analysis. Combined inhibition of miR-9-5p and miR-128-3p resulted in a synergistic decrease in cell death and infraction volume in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Cumulatively, our results provide critical knowledge about the mechanism by which elevated miR-9-5p and miR-128-3p causes brain damage in ischemic stroke and provides evidence of them being attractive therapeutic targets.

Virtual Screening of the Multi-pathway and Multi-gene Regulatory Molecular Mechanism of Dachengqi Decoction in the Treatment of Stroke Based on Network Pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Stroke is ranked second among diseases that cause mortality worldwide. Owing to its complicated pathogenesis, no satisfactory treatment strategies for stroke are available. Dachengqi decoction (DCQD), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been widely used in China for a long time, as it has a good effect on stroke. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this effect of DCQD is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, we aimed to reveal and explore the multi-pathway and multi-gene regulatory molecular mechanism of Dachengqi decoction in the treatment of stroke.

METHODS

In this study, a network pharmacology method, in combination with oral bioavailability prediction and drug-likeness evaluation, was employed to predict the active ingredients of DCQD. The target genes of the active components and the traced pathways related to these target genes were predicted. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed using clusterProfiler software package on the R platform and ClueGo+CluePedia plug-ins. Finally, the key DCQD targets were verified using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

According to the ADME model, 52 active components were screened from 296 active components of DCQD. After prediction and screening, 215 stroke-related targets were obtained and analyzed via GO and KEGG analyses. GO analysis showed that DCQD targets were mainly involved in the regulation of oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and other biological processes. KEGG pathway analysis further revealed pathways involved in stroke, such as arachidonic acid metabolic, HIF-1 signaling pathway, estrogen signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, platelet activation pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, and cAMP signaling pathway. Network analysis revealed that DCQD might be involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism, blood pressure, inflammation, angiogenesis, neuroprotection, platelet aggregation, apoptosis, and oxidation in stroke treatment. GEO dataset analysis showed that DCQD's therapeutic effects might be exerted via the bidirectional regulation principle.

CONCLUSION

Based on the methods of network pharmacology and GEO analysis, it was found that, during stroke treatment, DCQD regulates and controls multiple genes and multiple pathways in a synergistic manner, providing a new strategy for stroke treatment.

Identification of biomarkers and construction of a microRNA-mRNA regulatory network for ependymoma using integrated bioinformatics analysis

Ependymomas (EPNs) are one of the most common types of malignant neuroepithelial tumors. In an effort to identify potential biomarkers involved in the pathogenesis of EPN, the mRNA expression profiles of the GSE25604, GSE50161, GSE66354, GSE74195 and GSE86574 datasets, in addition to the microRNA (miRNA/miR) expression profiles of GSE42657 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) between EPN and normal brain tissue samples were identified using the Limma package in R and GEO2R, respectively. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses were conducted using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the Search Tool for Retrieval of Interacting Genes database, which was visualized using Cytoscape. The targeted genes of DEMs were predicted using miRWalk2.0 and a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed. Following analysis, a total of 948 DEGs and 129 DEMs were identified. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that 609 upregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in 'PI3K-Akt signaling pathway', while 339 downregulated DEGs were primarily involved in 'cell junction' and 'retrograde endocannabinoid signaling'. In addition, 6 hub genes [cyclin dependent kinase 1, CD44 molecule (Indian blood group) (CD44), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), MYC, synaptotagmin 1 (SYT1) and kinesin family member 4A] and 6 crucial miRNAs [homo sapiens (hsa)-miR-34a-5p, hsa-miR-449a, hsa-miR-106a-5p, hsa-miR-124-3p, hsa-miR-128-3p and hsa-miR-330-3p] were identified as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for EPN. Furthermore, a microRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed to highlight the interactions between DEMs and their target DEGs; this included the hsa-miR-449a-SYT1, hsa-miR-34a-5p-SYT1, hsa-miR-330-3p-CD44 and hsa-miR-124-3p-PCNA pairs, whose expression levels were confirmed using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In conclusion, the present study may provide important data for the investigation of the molecular mechanisms of EPN pathogenesis.

Theaflavin attenuates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by abolishing miRNA‑128‑3p‑mediated Nrf2 inhibition and reducing oxidative stress

Theaflavin has been proven to own strong antioxidative capacity; however, the molecular mechanism underlying its protective effect against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury remains unclear. Therefore, the present study was designed to elucidate the neuroprotective effects of theaflavin on cerebral I/R injury and its underlying molecular mechanisms. To investigate the effects of theaflavin on neurological function, neurogenesis, and oxidative stress, experiments were performed using a cerebral I/R injury rat model, and neural stem cells (NSCs) were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R). Further, the expression profiles of miRNA-128-3p and the regulatory function of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were evaluated in these models. We found that theaflavin treatment significantly reduced infarct volume and neuronal injury, and thus improved the impaired memory and learning ability. Furthermore, theaflavin treatment significantly enhanced the increase in NSC proliferation, reduction in the apoptotic rate and inhibition of oxidative stress. Mechanistically, theaflavin targeted miRNA-128-3p and further activated the Nrf2 pathway to reduce oxidative stress. In summary, theaflavin has a strong ability to attenuate cerebral I/R injury through miRNA-128-3p-mediated recovery of the impaired antioxidant defense system, which suggests that it could be a potential drug candidate for ischemic stroke.

Integrative analysis of mRNAs, miRNAs and lncRNAs in urban particulate matter SRM 1648a-treated EA.hy926 human endothelial cells

Considering the unique physiochemical properties of concentrated ambient particles (CAPs), it is extremely important to be aware of their toxic effect. A number of studies have investigated the vascular toxicity of CAPs, while potential mechanisms are still not clearly defined. Differentially expressed mRNAs, miRNAs and lncRNAs were analyzed in EA.hy926 endothelial cells after incubation with 2.5 and 10 μg/cm² urban particulate matter SRM 1648a for 24 h. As a result, the microarray profile showed that 97 mRNA, 18 miRNA, and 356 lncRNA transcripts are dysregulated in 2.5 μg/cm² group. And the expression of 440 mRNAs, 40 miRNAs, and 1283 lncRNAs significantly changes in 10 μg/cm² group. Through the miRNA-mRNA-transcription factor (TF) network, hsa-miR-128-3p, miR-18-5p and miR-376a-3p, miR-4306 as well, are key miRNAs in SRM 1648a-induced endothelial damage. Withal, lncRNA-mRNA-TF analysis hinted the importance of lncRNA T018951 and T200627. Subsequently, competing endogenous RNA (CeRNA) network was constructed for the comprehensive analysis of the regulation dogma between mRNAs and non-coding RNAs. It suggested that 35 GO terms and 1 KEGG pathway are significantly enriched in 2.5 μg/cm² group. Meanwhile, 185 terms and 18 pathways are important in 10 μg/cm² group. Pathway analysis revealed that Gap junction, Ras and MAPK signaling pathways are most significant in endothelial cell lesion. In conclusion, integrative analysis of mRNA and non-coding RNA in human endothelial cells suggests that a vast majority of non-coding RNAs regulate vascular toxicity in response to SRM 1648a. Moreover, it highlights the need for comprehensive analysis of latent mechanisms through a combination of signaling pathways with epigenetics studies.

MicroRNA-128-3p aggravates doxorubicin-induced liver injury by promoting oxidative stress via targeting Sirtuin-1

As one classic anticancer drug, clinical application of Doxorubicin (Dox) is limited due to its side effects. In our previous work, we have investigated the drug targets to treat Dox-induced cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. In this paper, the mechanisms and new drug-target associated with Dox-induced hepatotoxicity were explored. The results showed that Dox markedly inhibited cell viability and cellular respiration, induced cell morphologic change and increased ROS level. Moreover, Dox increased ALT and AST levels, caused pathological damage, increased MDA level and decreased SOD level in mice. Mechanism investigation showed that Dox markedly up-regulated the expression level of miR-128-3p, down-regulated Sirt1 expression level and affected the protein levels of Nrf2, Keap1, Sirt3, NQO1 and HO-1 to cause oxidative stress in liver. Furthermore, double-luciferase reporter assay, and co-transfection test showed that miR-128-3p directly targeted Sirt1. In addition, miR-128-3p mimics in AML-12 cells enhanced Dox-induced oxidative damage via inhibiting cellular respiration, increasing ROS level and mitochondrial superoxide formation. The protein levels of Sirt1, Nrf2, Sirt3, NQO1 and HO-1 in miR-128-3p mimic + Dox group were decreased compared with Dox group. Transfection of miR-128-3p inhibitor weakened Dox-induced oxidative damage via increasing cellular respiration, suppressing cellular ROS level and mitochondrial superoxide formation. The protein levels of Sirt1, Nrf2, Sirt3, NQO1 and HO-1 in miR-128-3p inhibitor + Dox group were increased compared with Dox group. In mice, Dox-induced liver damage was deteriorated by miR-128-3p agomir via increasing the levels of ALT, AST, MDA, and down-regulating the protein levels of Sirt1, Nrf2, Sirt3, NQO1 and HO-1. While, miR-128-3p antagomir alleviated liver injury via decreasing the levels of ALT, AST, MDA, and up-regulating the protein levels of Sirt1, Nrf2, Sirt3, NQO1 and HO-1. Our data showed that miRNA-128-3p aggravated Dox-induced liver injury by promoting oxidative stress via targeting Sirt1, which should be considered as one new drug target to treat Dox-induced liver injury.

Upregulation of MicroRNA-128 in the Peripheral Blood of Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients is Correlated with Stroke Severity Partially through Inhibition of Neuronal Cell Cycle Reentry

MiR-128, one of the most enriched miRNAs in the human brain, has been reported to protect MCAO mice via inhibiting P38α MAPK. Whether it is involved in pathogenesis in acute ischemic stroke patients remains to be determined. The present study focused on the clinical importance of miR-128 and its underlying mechanisms. We detected miR-128 levels in the circulating lymphocytes, neutrophils, and plasma of acute ischemic stroke patients by using RT-PCR. miR-128 levels were significantly elevated in circulating lymphocytes, neutrophils, and plasma of patients with acute ischemic stroke. In addition, miR-128 levels in circulating lymphocytes correlated positively with the infarction volume, NIHSS scores at 7 days and mRS at 90 days after ischemic stroke onset. Subsequent KEGG pathway analysis showed that the MAPK signaling pathway and cell cycle are among the pathways targeted by miR-128. Although no correlation was found between miR-128 in plasma and peripheral inflammatory cell numbers, miR-128 decreased in the penumbra and increased in the infarction core of ipsilateral brain tissues in MCAO mice. Moreover, an in vitro study demonstrated that miR-128 antagomir aggravated primary neuronal damage and exacerbated cell cycle reactivation induced by OGD/R stimulation; the underlying mechanism involved increasing cyclin A2, PTEN, and ERK expression and promoting phosphorylation of PTEN and ERK. From the above results, we concluded that the upregulation of miR-128 in circulating lymphocytes of acute ischemic stroke patients was correlated with stroke severity and miR-128 antagomir exacerbated ischemia-reperfusion induced neuronal injury via promoting neuronal cell cycle reentry.

MicroRNAs and Regeneration in Animal Models of CNS Disorders

microRNAs (miRNAs) are recently identified small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression and significantly influence the essential cellular processes associated with CNS repair after trauma and neuropathological conditions including stroke and neurodegenerative disorders. A number of specific miRNAs are implicated in regulating the development and propagation of CNS injury, as well as its subsequent regeneration. The review focuses on the functions of the miRNAs and their role in brain recovery following CNS damage. The article introduces a brief description of miRNA biogenesis and mechanisms of miRNA-induced gene suppression, followed by an overview of miRNAs involved in the processes associated with CNS repair, including neuroprotection, neuronal plasticity and axonal regeneration, vascular reorganization, neuroinflammation, and endogenous stem cell activation. Specific emphasis is placed on the role of multifunctional miRNA miR-155, as it appears to be involved in multiple neurorestorative processes during different CNS pathologies. In association with our own studies on miR-155, I introduce a new and unexplored approach to cerebral regeneration: regulation of brain tissue repair through a direct modulation of specific miRNA activity. The review concludes with discussion on the challenges and the future potential of miRNA-based therapeutic approaches to CNS repair.

Identification of mRNA-miRNA crosstalk in human endothelial cells after exposure of PM2.5 through integrative transcriptome analysis

PM2.5 has implications in cardiovascular adverse events, but the underlying mechanisms are still obscure. The aim of this study is to evaluate miRNA expression in endothelial cells in response to two realistic doses of PM2.5 and to identify the possible gene targets of deregulated miRNAs through microarray profiling and computational technology. As a result, there are 18 differentially expressed miRNAs between 2.5 μg/cm² group and the control, of which 11 miRNAs are up-regulated and 7 miRNAs are down-regulated. Relative to the control group, 40 miRNAs are significantly changed in 10 μg/cm² group with 21 miRNAs being upregulated and 19 miRNAs being downregulated. Interestingly, when two PM2.5-treated groups respectively compared with the control, the expressed trends of 12 miRNAs in 2.5 μg/cm² group are the same as those in 10 μg/cm² group, with 8 being upregulated and 4 miRNAs being simultaneously downregulated. Gene ontology (GO) analysis shows that the crucial functional categories of miRNA-targeted genes incorporate transcription-related process and intracellular signal transduction. Pathway analysis reveals that endocytosis, FoxO signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway are involved in the PM2.5-caused cardiotoxicity. Further confirmation by RT-qPCR indicates that PM2.5 could induce the down-regulation of hsa-miR-128-3p, hsa-miR-96-5p, hsa-miR-28-5p, hsa-miR-4478 and hsa-miR-6808-5p, which are in accordance with the results of array data. With the comprehensive analysis of mRNAs and miRNAs, a great number of pairs have been identified, suggesting abnormally expressed miRNAs have functions in the cardiotoxicity of PM2.5, and the function may be achieved through the post-transcriptional regulation of certain genes on the related pathways.

MicroRNA in Brain pathology: Neurodegeneration the Other Side of the Brain Cancer

The mammalian brain is made up of billions of neurons and supporting cells (glial cells), intricately connected. Molecular perturbations often lead to neurodegeneration by progressive loss of structure and malfunction of neurons, including their death. On the other side, a combination of genetic and cellular factors in glial cells, and less frequently in neurons, drive oncogenic transformation. In both situations, microenvironmental niches influence the progression of diseases and therapeutic responses. Dynamic changes that occur in cellular transcriptomes during the progression of developmental lineages and pathogenesis are controlled through a variety of regulatory networks. These include epigenetic modifications, signaling pathways, and transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. One prominent component of the latter is small non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs, that control the vast majority of these networks including genes regulating neural stemness, differentiation, apoptosis, projection fates, migration and many others. These cellular processes are also profoundly dependent on the microenvironment, stemness niche, hypoxic microenvironment, and interactions with associated cells including endothelial and immune cells. Significantly, the brain of all other mammalian organs expresses the highest number of microRNAs, with an additional gain in expression in the early stage of neurodegeneration and loss in expression in oncogenesis. However, a mechanistic explanation of the concept of an apparent inverse correlation between the odds of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases is only weakly developed. In this review, we thus will discuss widespread de-regulation of microRNAome observed in these two major groups of brain pathologies. The deciphering of these intricacies is of importance, as therapeutic restoration of pre-pathological microRNA landscape in neurodegeneration must not lead to oncogenesis and vice versa. We thus focus on microRNAs engaged in cellular processes that are inversely regulated in these diseases. We also aim to define the difference in microRNA networks between pro-survival and pro-apoptotic signaling in the brain.

Non-Coding RNA in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Mechanisms, Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a class of functional RNAs that regulate gene expression in a post-transcriptional manner. NcRNAs include microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs. They are highly expressed in the brain and are involved in the regulation of physiological and pathophysiological processes, including cerebral ischemic injury, neurodegeneration, neural development, and plasticity. Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and physical disability worldwide. Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) occurs when brain blood flow stops, and that stoppage results in reduced oxygen and glucose supply to cells in the brain. In this article, we review the latest progress on ncRNAs in relation to their implications in AIS, as well as their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. We also review ncRNAs acting as possible therapeutic targets in future precision medicine. Finally, we conclude with a brief discussion of current challenges and future directions for ncRNAs studies in AIS, which may facilitate the translation of ncRNAs research into clinical practice to improve clinical outcome of AIS.

Differentially expressed miRNAs in premature infants with retinopathy-a bioinformatics analysis

AIM

To reveal the role of miRNAs in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) by bioinformatics analysis.

METHODS

The raw data of this study came from the researches of Wang et al and Zhao et al who analyzed the microRNA (miRNA) expression profile between ROP and controls. Based on the identified differentially expressed miRNAs, the related target genes, lncRNA and circRNA were predicted. Then we performed functional enrichment analysis to further analyze the functions of target genes.

RESULTS

Hsa-miRNA-128-3p and hsa-miRNA-9-5p showed significantly different expression in both studies. LncRNA of POLDIP2, GAS5, NEFL and UHRF1, circRNA of ZNF280C_hsa_circ_001211 and SIAE_hsa_circ_002083, tar-get gene of QKI showed meaningful differential expression in ROP. Enrichment analysis showed that TGF-β signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway might play important roles in the prog-ress of ROP.

CONCLUSION

This research may provide a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of differentially expressed miRNAs which are possibly involved in ROP.

Next-generation sequencing-based microRNA profiling of mice testis subjected to transient heat stress

This study aimed to investigate the role of microRNA (miRNA) in heat stress-induced spermatogenic impairment. Testes from 15 adult ICR mice subjected to testicular hyperthermia at 43°C for 30 min and from 15 control mice were collected and pooled into 3 samples. Isolated RNA from these samples was subjected to small RNA high-throughput sequencing, and differentially expressed miRNAs were identified and validated using RT-PCR. The identified miRNAs were further subjected to Gene Ontology and KEGG analyses, which revealed significant enrichment for pathways potentially involved in heat stress-induced spermatogenic impairment. Additionally, a correlation analysis of the relative levels of validated miRNAs with germ cell apoptosis was performed. Of the 11 miRNAs identified as differentially expressed, 8 were validated as consistent with sequencing data. Further analyses suggested that the target genes of those miRNAs were involved in various pathways (e.g., ribosomal, HIF-1, MAPK) that may be critical to heat stress-induced testicular damage. Some identified miRNAs, including miR-449a-3p, miR-92a-1-5p, miR-423-3p, and miR-128-3p, correlated closely with germ cell apoptosis. The study results reveal a detailed miRNA profile of heat stress-induced testicular damage and highlight new and potentially important candidate targets in the process of male infertility.