Expression analysis of circulating miR-146a and miR-155 as novel biomarkers related to effective immune responses in human cystic echinococcosis

Bidirectional Interplay Among Non-Coding RNAs, the Microbiome, and the Host During Development and Diseases

It is widely known that the dysregulation of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and dysbiosis of the gut microbiome play significant roles in host development and the progression of various diseases. Emerging evidence has highlighted the bidirectional interplay between ncRNAs and the gut microbiome. This article aims to review the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between ncRNAs, especially microRNA (miRNA), and the gut microbiome in the context of development and diseases, such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, neurological disorders, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Ultimately, this review seeks to provide a foundation for exploring the potential roles of ncRNAs and gut microbiome interactions as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for clinical diagnosis and treatment, such as ncRNA mimics, antisense oligonucleotides, and small-molecule compounds, as well as probiotics, prebiotics, and diets.

Cystic echinococcosis microRNAs as potential noninvasive biomarkers: current insights and upcoming perspective

INTRODUCTION

Echinococcosis, also known as hydatidosis, is a zoonotic foodborne disease occurred by infection with the larvae of Echinococcus spp. which can lead to the development of hydatid cysts in various organs of the host. The diagnosis of echinococcosis remains challenging due to limited diagnostic tools.

AREAS COVERED

In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as a promising biomarker for various infectious diseases, including those caused by helminths. Recent studies have identified several novel miRNAs in Echinococcus spp. shedding light on their essential roles in hydatid cyst host-parasite interactions. In this regard, several studies have shown that Echinococcus-derived miRNAs are present in biofluids such as serum and plasma of infected hosts. The detection of these miRNAs in the early stages of infection can serve as an early prognostic and diagnostic biomarker for echinococcosis.

EXPERT OPINION

The miRNAs specific to Echinococcus spp. show great potential as early diagnostic biomarkers for echinococcosis and can also provide insights into the pathogenesis of this disease. This review attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of Echinococcus-specific miRNAs, their use as early diagnostic biomarkers, and their function in host-parasite interactions.

Expression profiling of exosomal miRNAs derived from different stages of infection in mice infected with Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces using high-throughput sequencing

Echinococcosis is a worldwide zoonosis. The mechanism of the establishment, growth, and persistence of parasites in the host has not been fully understood. Exosomes are found to be a way of information exchange between parasites and hosts. They exist in various body fluids widely. There are few studies on host-derived exosomes and their miRNA expression profiles at different infection time points. In this study, BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally infected with protricercariae. Exosomes were extracted from plasma (0, 3, 9, and 20 weeks post infection), and the expression profiles of exosome miRNA in the peripheral blood of mice were determined using RNA-sequencing. Compared to the 0 week groups, 24, 35, and 22 differentially expressed miRNAs were detected in infected mouse at the three infection stages, respectively. The results showed that there were significant differences in the miRNAs of exosomes at different infection time points. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were used to annotate the different miRNAs. The results showed that the biological pathways of parasites changed significantly at different stages of infection, with many significant and abundant pathways involved in cell differentiation, inflammation, and immune response, such as MAPK signaling pathway, Th17 cell differentiation, Wnt signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, Notch signaling pathway, etc. These results suggest that miRNA may be an important regulator of interactions between Echinococcus granulosus and host. The data provided here provide valuable information to increase understanding of the regulatory function of microRNAs in the host microenvironment and the mechanism of host-parasite interaction. This may help us to find targets for Echinococcus granulosus to escape host immune attack and control Echinococcus granulosus infection in the future.

Soybean-Derived Antihypertensive Peptide LSW (Leu-Ser-Trp) Antagonizes the Damage of Angiotensin II to Vascular Endothelial Cells through the Trans-vesicular Pathway

An emerging inference is that vascular cells transfer their biological cargo to recipient cells by secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs). This study explored the effects of EVs produced from VSMCs with Ang II (EVs-A) or LSW + Ang II on HUVECs. The EVs-A increase ROS production, activate inflammation, and upregulate the expression of adhesion molecules. Among the EVs-A, miR-22, miR-143, miR-144, and miR-155 were significantly downregulated, while VSMCs pre-incubated with LSW could produce improved EVs. RNA sequencing revealed differential expression of genes associated with endothelial dysfunction, including the TNF signaling pathway, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, and fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis pathway. Finally, we found that LSW could improve endothelial function by repairing the expression of miRNAs in VSMCs. It also suggests a potential mechanism for the injury action of endogenous peptide Ang II and protective effects of exogenous peptide LSW on vascular endothelial cells.