MicroRNA-384-5p/Beclin-1 As Potential Indicators For Epigallocatechin Gallate Against Cardiomyocytes Ischemia Reperfusion Injury By Inhibiting Autophagy Via PI3K/Akt Pathway

Critical analysis of descriptive microRNA data in the translational research on cardioprotection and cardiac repair: lost in the complexity of bioinformatics

The unsuccessful translation of cardiac regeneration and cardioprotection from animal experiments to clinical applications in humans has raised the question of whether microRNA bioinformatics can narrow the gap between animal and human research outputs. We reviewed the literature for the period between 2000 and 2024 and found 178 microRNAs involved in cardioprotection and cardiac regeneration. On analyzing the orthologs and annotations, as well as downstream regulation, we observed species-specific differences in the diverse regulation of the microRNAs and related genes and transcriptomes, the influence of the experimental setting on the microRNA-guided biological responses, and database-specific bioinformatics results. We concluded that, in addition to reducing the number of in vivo experiments, following the 3R animal experiment rules, the bioinformatics approach allows the prediction of several currently unknown interactions between pathways, coding and non-coding genes, proteins, and downstream regulatory elements. However, a comprehensive analysis of the miRNA-mRNA-protein networks needs a profound bioinformatics and mathematical education and training to appropriately design an experimental study, select the right bioinformatics tool with programming language skills and understand and display the bioinformatics output of the results to translate the research data into clinical practice. In addition, using in-silico approaches, a risk of deviating from the in vivo processes exists, with adverse consequences on the translational research.

Deptor protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating the mTOR signaling and autophagy

Deptor knockout mice were constructed by crossing Deptor Floxp3 mice with myh6 Cre mice, establishing a myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) model. Deptor knockout mice exhibited significantly increased myocardial infarction size and increased myocardial apoptosis in vivo. ELISA analysis indicated that the expression of CK-MB, LDH, and CtnT/I was significantly higher in the Deptor knockout mice. Deptor siRNA significantly reduced cell activity and increased myocardial apoptosis after I/R-induced in vitro. Deptor siRNA also significantly up-regulated the expression of p-mTOR, p-4EBP1, and p62, and down-regulated the expression of LC3 after I/R induction. Immunofluorescence indicated that LC3 dual fluorescence was weakened by Deptor knockout, and was enhanced after transfection with Deptor-overexpression plasmids. Treatment with OSI027, a co-inhibitor of mTORC1 and mTORC2, in either Deptor knockout mice or Deptor knockout H9C2 cells, resulted in a significant reduction in infarction size and apoptotic cardiomyocytes. ELISA analysis also showed that the expression of CK-MB, LDH, and CtnT/I were significantly down-regulated by treatment with OSI027. CCK-8 cell viability indicated that cell viability was enhanced, and the number of apoptotic cells was decreased in vitro following treatment with OSI027. These results revealed that OSI027 exerts a protective effect on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in both an in vivo and in an in vitro model of I/R. These findings demonstrate that Deptor protects against I/R-induced myocardial injury by inhibiting the mTOR pathway and by increasing autophagy.

Structural Color Colloidal Photonic Crystals for Biomedical Applications

Photonic crystals are a new class of optical microstructure materials characterized by a dielectric constant that varies periodically with space and features a photonic bandgap. Inspired by natural photonic crystals such as butterfly scales, a series of artificial photonic crystals are developed for use in integrated photonic platforms, biosensing, communication, and other fields. Among them, colloidal photonic crystals (CPCs) have gained widespread attention due to their excellent optical properties and advantages, such as ease of preparation and functionalization. This work reviews the classification and self-assembly principles of CPCs, details some of the latest biomedical applications of large-area, high-quality CPCs prepared using advanced self-assembly methods, summarizes the existing challenges in CPC construction and application, and anticipates future development directions and optimization strategy. With further advancements, CPCs are expected to play a more critical role in biosensors, drug delivery, cell research, and other fields, bringing significant benefits to biomedical research and clinical practice.

The Protective Effect of Flavonoids in the Diet on Autophagy-Related Cardiac Impairment

The compounds known as flavonoids, commonly found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, medicinal herbs, chocolate, and coffee and tea beverages, have been extensively researched for their impact on cardiovascular health. Flavonoids, with their demonstrated potential, have shown promising effects in regulating blood vessel function and apoptotic processes, as well as in improving lipid profiles. While their powerful antioxidant properties were initially thought to be the main reason behind these effects, recent studies have uncovered new insights into the positive effects of flavonoids on cardiovascular health, and researchers have now identified several signaling pathways and mechanisms that also play a role. Of particular interest are the studies that have highlighted the role of autophagy in maintaining the physiological functions of cardiomyocytes and protecting them from harm. Recent publications have linked the dysregulation of autophagic processes with the development of cardiomyopathies, heart failure, and other cardiovascular diseases. This review aims to present the latest, novel findings from preclinical research regarding the potential beneficial effects of flavonoids on various heart conditions associated with altered autophagy processes.

Epigallocatechin gallate protects MC3T3-E1 cells from cadmium-induced apoptosis and dysfunction via modulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an active constituent of tea, is recognized for its anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the specific mechanism by which EGCG protects osteoblasts from cadmium-induced damage remains incompletely understood. Here, the action of EGCG was investigated by exposing MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts to EGCG and CdCl2 and examining their growth, apoptosis, and differentiation. It was found that EGCG promoted the viability of cadmium-exposed MC3T3-E1 cells, mitigated apoptosis, and promoted both maturation and mineralization. Additionally, CdCl2 has been reported to inhibit both the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1(Nrf2/HO-1) signaling pathways. EGCG treatment attenuated cadmium-induced apoptosis in osteoblasts and restored their function by upregulating both signaling pathways. The findings provide compelling evidence for EGCG's role in attenuating cadmium-induced osteoblast apoptosis and dysfunction through activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways. This suggests the potential of using EGCG for treating cadmium-induced osteoblast dysfunction.

Roles of flavonoids in ischemic heart disease: Cardioprotective effects and mechanisms against myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

Flavonoids are extensively present in fruits, vegetables, grains, and medicinal plants. Myocardial ischemia and reperfusion (MI/R) comprise a sequence of detrimental incidents following myocardial ischemia. Research indicates that flavonoids have the potential to act as cardioprotective agents against MI/R injuries. Several specific flavonoids, e.g., luteolin, hesperidin, quercetin, kaempferol, and puerarin, have demonstrated cardioprotective activities in animal models.

PURPOSE

The objective of this review is to identify the cardioprotective flavonoids, investigate their mechanisms of action, and explore their application in myocardial ischemia.

METHODS

A search of PubMed database and Google Scholar was conducted using keywords "myocardial ischemia" and "flavonoids". Studies published within the last 10 years reporting on the cardioprotective effects of natural flavonoids on animal models were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 55 natural flavonoids were identified and discussed within this review. It can be summarized that flavonoids regulate the following main strategies: antioxidation, anti-inflammation, calcium modulation, mitochondrial protection, ER stress inhibition, anti-apoptosis, ferroptosis inhibition, autophagy modulation, and inhibition of adverse cardiac remodeling. Additionally, the number and position of OH, 3'4'-catechol, C2=C3, and C4=O may play a significant role in the cardioprotective activity of flavonoids.

CONCLUSION

This review serves as a reference for designing a daily diet to prevent or reduce damages following ischemia and screening of flavonoids for clinical application.

Green tea catechin prevents oxidative stress-regulated autophagy and apoptosis signaling, and inhibits tenderness in postmortem bovine longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle

Although green tea catechin has been reported to be an antioxidant and preservative in meat, the extent to which it affects the tenderization of bovine muscle remains largely unknown. This study seeks to evaluate the effect of catechin on the interplay between apoptosis and autophagy, and subsequently, the development of bovine muscle tenderness. The results indicate that catechin significantly alleviated oxidative stress. A concomitant reduction of autophagic markers LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, Beclin-1, and Atg7 levels were caused by catechin. Besides, aforementioned autophagy inhibition was further augmented by PI3K/Akt/mTOR activation. Additionally, catechin protected against mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibited mitochondria-dependent caspase apoptosis pathway. Furthermore, there was a reciprocal inhibition between autophagy and apoptosis. Ultimately, tenderness at 24 and 120 h, an increase in the gap between muscle fiber bundles, and disintegration of myofibrillar architectures were all inhibited by catechin. Therefore, despite alleviating oxidative stress, catechin may hamper tenderization pattern of postmortem bovine muscle.

The role of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Myocardial ischemia has a high incidence and mortality rate, and reperfusion is currently the standard intervention. However, reperfusion may lead to further myocardial damage, known as myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI). There are currently no effective clinical treatments for MIRI. The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is involved in cardiovascular health and disease and plays an important role in reducing myocardial infarct size and restoring cardiac function after MIRI. Activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway provides myocardial protection through synergistic upregulation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and autophagy activities and inhibition of mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Many studies have shown that PI3K/Akt has a significant protective effect against MIRI. Here, we reviewed the molecular regulation of PI3K/Akt in MIRI and summarized the molecular mechanism by which PI3K/Akt affects MIRI, the effects of ischemic preconditioning and ischemic postconditioning, and the role of related drugs or activators targeting PI3K/Akt in MIRI, providing novel insights for the formulation of myocardial protection strategies. This review provides evidence of the role of PI3K/Akt activation in MIRI and supports its use as a therapeutic target.

EGCG attenuated acute myocardial infarction by inhibiting ferroptosis via miR-450b-5p/ACSL4 axis

BACKGROUND

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has multiple biological effects such as anti-tumor multiple drug resistance, antioxidation and anti-inflammatory properties. Ferroptosis is the main driving factor of ischemic heart injury, thus inhibiting ferroptosis may prove to be an effective treatment strategy for cardiovascular diseases. However, the role of EGCG on ferroptosis in ischemic myocardium and underlying mechanisms remain uncertain.

PURPOSE

This study was aimed to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of EGCG on myocardial ischemic-induced ferroptosis both in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

Cardiomyocyte hypoxia model and mouse acute myocardial infarction (AMI) model were established in vitro and in vivo. MiR-450b-5p and ACSL4 silencing or overexpression plasmids were transfected, with or without EGCG pretreatment. Cell viability was determined by the CCK-8 assay. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to evaluate the morphologic alterations. TTC staining was used to observe the infarction area, and echocardiography was adopted to appraise the heart function. Using flow cytometry, the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was assessed. The content of cardiac troponin I (cTn I), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), divalent iron ions (Fe2+) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected using reagent kits. A luciferase activity assay was performed to assess the binding ability of miR-450b-5p to ACSL4. Expressions of related genes and proteins were measured by RT-qPCR and western blotting respectively.

RESULTS

EGCG attenuated AMI-induced ferroptosis and improved myocardial ischemia injury, which was associated with reducing iron deposition and cTn I, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, decreasing TFR1 and ACSL4, and upregulating SLC7A11, FTH1 and GPX4. Meanwhile, EGCG pretreatment increased miR-450b-5p expression in ischemic myocardium. Further researches discovered that knockdown of miR-450b-5p partially compromised EGCG-generated protective effect in hypoxia HL-1 cells, while combination with miR-450b-5p mimic could strengthen the potency of EGCG on ischemic myocardium. The dual-luciferase test demonstrated that miR-450b-5p has binding to ACSL4. Furthermore, silencing of ACSL4 synergistically increased the cardioprotective effect of EGCG. More significantly, EGCG treatment regulated the ferroptosis-related proteins expression via miR-450b-5p/ACSL4 axis.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the present study evidently demonstrated that EGCG attenuates myocardial ischemia injury by targeting ferroptosis. Our work revealed the role of miR-450b-5p/ACSL4 axis in AMI for the first time. Further, it also elucidated the molecular mechanisms of EGCG on inhibiting ferroptosis greatly depend on the miR-450b-5p/ACSL4 axis, suggesting that EGCG may act as a novel anti-ferroptosis agent and exert a therapeutic role in AMI.

Cardioprotective effect of epigallocatechin gallate in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and myocardial infarction: a meta-analysis in preclinical animal studies

This meta-analysis aims to determine the efficacy of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in the treatment of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) and summarize the mechanisms involved. Literature from six databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan-Fang database, and VIP database (VIP) were systematically searched. All the analysis were conducted by R. Twenty-five eligible studies involving 443 animals were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated that compared to controls, EGCG exerts a cardioprotective effect by reducing myocardial infarct size (SMD = -4.06; 95% CI: -5.17, -2.94; P < 0.01; I2 = 77%). The funnel plot revealed publication bias. Moreover, EGCG significantly improves cardiac function, serum myocardial injury enzyme, and oxidative stress levels in MIRI animal models. This meta-analysis demonstrates that EGCG exhibits therapeutic promise in animal models of MIRI. However, further validation is still needed in large animal models and large clinical studies.

Therapeutic actions of tea phenolic compounds against oxidative stress and inflammation as central mediators in the development and progression of health problems: A review focusing on microRNA regulation

Many health problems including chronic diseases are closely associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Tea has abundant phenolic compounds with various health benefits including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review focuses on the present understanding of the impact of tea phenolic compounds on the expression of miRNAs, and elucidates the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying the transcriptional and post-transcriptional protective actions of tea phenolic compounds against oxidative stress- and/or inflammation-mediated diseases. Clinical studies showed that drinking tea or taking catechin supplement on a daily basis promoted the endogenous antioxidant defense system of the body while inhibiting inflammatory factors. The regulation of chronic diseases based on epigenetic mechanisms, and the epigenetic-based therapies involving different tea phenolic compounds, have been insufficiently studied. The molecular mechanisms and application strategies of miR-27 and miR-34 involved in oxidative stress response and miR-126 and miR-146 involved in inflammation process were preliminarily investigated. Some emerging evidence suggests that tea phenolic compounds may promote epigenetic changes, involving non-coding RNA regulation, DNA methylation, histone modification, ubiquitin and SUMO modifications. However, epigenetic mechanisms and epigenetic-based disease therapies involving phenolic compounds from different teas, and the potential cross-talks among the epigenetic events, remain understudied.

rTFPI Protects Cardiomyocytes from Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Injury through Inhibiting Autophagy and the Class III PI3K/Beclin-1 Pathway

Autophagy plays various roles at different stages of ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury in cardiomyocytes. It has been reported that tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) has a protective effect on I/R injury. This study aimed to determine the roles of TFPI in autophagy during the I/R injury process in cardiomyocytes and the possible mechanisms. An isolated hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) pattern of cardiomyocytes was established by the MIC101 system. The cell viability and oxidative stress of cardiomyocytes were detected by an MTT assay and ROS assay, respectively. The autophagy level was measured by Ad-mCherry-GFP-LC3B and MDC. We detected the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins by western blotting. After 2 h of hypoxia and 12 h of reoxygenation, the cardiomyocyte viability in the H/R group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05) than in the H/R group. According to intracellular ROS production, the fluorescence intensity in the H/R group was enhanced compared with that in the negative control group, and it was weaker in the H/R + rTFPI group compared with the H/R group. The level of autophagy and the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins (LC3-II/LC3-I, Beclin-1 and PI3K) were markedly increased in the H/R group compared to the control group (p < 0.05) whereas the levels were markedly decreased in the H/R + rTFPI group compared to the H/R group (p < 0.05). TFPI could relieve cardiomyocyte injury by inhibiting the Class III PI3K/Beclin-1 pathway and oxidative stress; thus, TFPI decreased autophagy and protected cardiomyocytes induced by H/R injury. In conclusion, TFPI may be a new direction for the prevention of myocardial I/R injury.

The Potential Mechanism of Zishen Yutai Pills against Threatened Abortion: An Approach Involving Network Pharmacology and Experimental Evidence

Threatened abortion (TA) is the most common complication in early pregnancy and is caused by anxiety and depressive symptoms. The Zishen Yutai Pill (ZYP) is a traditional herbal formula that is commonly used to treat TA. However, the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the effect of ZYP have yet to be elucidated. To disclose the mechanism of ZYP in the treatment of TA, first, we identified the chemical constituents of ZYP from multiple databases and then predicted the potential targets of TA by applying the GeneCards database. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was then constructed to allow the screening of hub targets. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGGs) enrichment analyses were also performed and the Database for Annotation Visualization and Integrated Discovery server was used to identify critical biological processes and signaling pathways. Cytoscape software was used to construct a Compound-Target-Pathway. Furthermore, we analyzed ZYP by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, then the RU486-induced TA rat model was established, and the reliability of the network pharmacology prediction results was verified. Finally, the mechanisms responsible for the action of ZYP on TA were revealed by qRT-PCR and molecular docking. Database screening identified a total of 161 active compounds in ZYP and 324 TA-related targets. And, we identified 42 compounds from ZYP by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Inflammation and apoptosis were identified as the main biological processes. GO and KEGG analyses identified that the MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways were the key functional pathways that respond to ZYP. The results showed that ZYP treatment significantly increased maternal weight, significantly increased the levels of estradiol and progesterone, and attenuated histopathological changes in a rat model of TA. Data indicated that ZYP treatment improved pregnancy outcomes in the rat model of TA. QRT-PCR data showed that ZYP reduced inflammation and apoptosis by regulating the MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways. In addition, molecule docking results identified a range of key compounds, including Pik3a, Mapk14, Mapk1, Mapk3, Mapk8 Tnf, Il6, and Cas8. In summary, we performed network pharmacological analysis and experimental validation and identified that ZYP exerts an effect on TA by regulating the MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways and by inhibiting the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines and genes related to apoptosis.

Natural emodin reduces myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by modulating the RUNX1/miR‑142‑3p/DRD2 pathway and attenuating inflammation

Acute myocardial infarction is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Although timely reperfusion could attenuate myocardial ischemia injury and reduce mortality, it causes severe secondary injury to the myocardium known as myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI) with unmet clinical needs. Emodin has a protective effect on MIRI in rodents. However, the precise mechanism underlying its pharmacological effect remains poorly understood. Accordingly, the present study used mRNA and microRNA (miRNA) sequencing based on MIRI mouse models to determine the mechanism involved. Emodin was found to prevent MIRI and attenuate the inflammation of myocardium in the MIRI model. In addition, by using an interdisciplinary approach, the present study uncovered that emodin suppressed the runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1), which is a transcription factor of miR-142-3p, in either MIRI or the hypoxia/reoxygenation injury model. Furthermore, miR-142-3p can negatively regulate dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2), which acted as an anti-inflammatory factor to suppress NF-κB-dependent inflammation and prevent MIRI. These results were demonstrated by both cellular hypoxia/reoxygenation and mouse MIRI models. Overall, the present study provided an unrevealed molecular mechanism for emodin function. Emodin could inhibit NF-κB-triggered inflammation in MIRI by regulating the RUNX1/miR-142-3p/DRD2 pathway. Therefore, the RUNX1/miR-142-3p/DRD2 pathway presented a novel target for MIRI treatment, and the application of emodin in clinical practice may improve the treatment of MIRI.

The Role of Autophagy in Osteoarthritic Cartilage

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common diseases leading to physical disability, with age being the main risk factor, and degeneration of articular cartilage is the main focus for the pathogenesis of OA. Autophagy is a crucial intracellular homeostasis system recycling flawed macromolecules and cellular organelles to sustain the metabolism of cells. Growing evidences have revealed that autophagy is chondroprotective by regulating apoptosis and repairing the function of damaged chondrocytes. Then, OA is related to autophagy depending on different stages and models. In this review, we discuss the character of autophagy in OA and the process of the autophagy pathway, which can be modulated by some drugs, key molecules and non-coding RNAs (microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs). More in-depth investigations of autophagy are needed to find therapeutic targets or diagnostic biomarkers through in vitro and in vivo situations, making autophagy a more effective way for OA treatment in the future. The aim of this review is to introduce the concept of autophagy and make readers realize its impact on OA. The database we searched in is PubMed and we used the keywords listed below to find appropriate article resources.

CTRP12 alleviates cardiomyocyte ischemia‑reperfusion injury via regulation of KLF15

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) serves a crucial role in myocardial infarction. C1q/TNF-related protein 12 (CTRP12) is a secretory protein involved in metabolism. It has been reported that CTRP12 participates in the regulation of numerous cardiovascular diseases. However, its role in myocardial I/R injury remains unclear. In the present study, the left anterior descending coronary artery in mice was ligated to establish a mouse I/R model. A myocardial hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) cell model was also established. Cardiomyocyte injury was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining, Cell Counting Kit-8 and a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) kit. The expression levels of CTRP12 and Krueppel-like factor 15 (KLF15) in murine myocardial tissues and H9c2 cells were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting, as KLF15 was previously reported to protect against I/R-induced cardiomyocyte damage. Furthermore, inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were analyzed using ELISA while apoptosis was assessed using TUNEL assays and western blotting. Moreover, the activity of the CTRP12 promoter was determined using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The results demonstrated that I/R surgery markedly exacerbated myocardial tissue damage, whereas H/R treatment significantly reduced cell viability and significantly increased LDH activity as well as the release of inflammatory factors and apoptosis. I/R and H/R induction significantly reduced the expression levels of CTRP12 and KLF15. CTRP12 overexpression significantly alleviated H/R-induced cell injury and significantly inhibited inflammation and apoptosis. Further analysis demonstrated that KLF15 could significantly promote the activity of the CTRP12 promoter. However, following CTRP12 knockdown, KLF15 overexpression exacerbated cell injury, inflammation and apoptosis. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that CTRP12 may mitigate inflammation and apoptosis in H/R-induced cardiomyocytes, possibly via the regulation of KLF15, which provided a theoretical basis for the potential treatment of I/R-induced myocardial infarction.

L-Borneol 7-O-[β-D-Apiofuranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-D-Glucopyranoside Alleviates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats and Hypoxic/Reoxygenated Injured Myocardial Cells via Regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is a primary cause of morbidity and mortality in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). L-Borneol 7-O-[β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)]-β-D-glucopyranoside (LBAG), extracted from the Radix Ophiopogonis, is the main bioactive component that may be exerting cardiovascular protection in AMI. The purpose was to examine the effects of LBAG on myocardial I/R injury (MIRI) in rats and H9c2 cells treated with hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). MIRI was induced through the combination of ischemia with reperfusion for 30 min and 24 h, respectively. LBAG was administered 7 days before vascular ligation. Myocardial function was detected by an electrocardiograph, histological, TTC, and TUNEL staining analyses. The influences of LBAG on the content concentration of cardiac enzymes in the serum were measured by ELISA. Moreover, H9c2 cells were exposed to LBAG or combined with AKT inhibitor (perifosine) and then exposed to H/R for simulating the cardiac injury process. Afterward, cell viability, LDH, CD-KM release, apoptosis, and autophagy were evaluated by CCK-8 and ELISA assays, flow cytometry, TUNEL, and immunofluorescence staining, respectively. Additionally, the proteins of apoptosis, autophagy, and PI3K/mTOR pathway were determined by western blotting. In I/R rats, LBAG pretreatment significantly ameliorated cardiac function, as illustrated by reducing the infarct size, myocardial autophagy, and apoptosis levels. In H/R-induced H9c2 cells, LBAG pretreatment significantly decreased cell apoptosis, LC3 II/I, and Beclin 1 levels, elevated the Bcl-2 levels, attenuated LDH, and CD-KM production. Moreover, LBAG pretreatment markedly increased the PI3K/mTOR pathway activation, and the protective influences of LBAG were partly abolished with the AKT inhibitor perifosine treatment. These findings demonstrated the protective functions of LBAG on I/R by regulating apoptosis and autophagy in vitro and in vivo by activating the PI3K/mTOR pathway.

Exploring the role of non-coding RNAs in autophagy

As a self-degradative mechanism, macroautophagy/autophagy has a role in the maintenance of energy homeostasis during critical periods in the development of cells. It also controls cellular damage through the eradication of damaged proteins and organelles. This process is accomplished by tens of ATG (autophagy-related) proteins. Recent studies have shown the involvement of non-coding RNAs in the regulation of autophagy. These transcripts mostly modulate the expression of ATG genes. Both long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to modulate the autophagy mechanism. Levels of several lncRNAs and miRNAs are altered in this process. In the present review, we discuss the role of lncRNAs and miRNAs in the regulation of autophagy in diverse contexts such as cancer, deep vein thrombosis, spinal cord injury, diabetes and its complications, acute myocardial infarction, osteoarthritis, pre-eclampsia and epilepsy.Abbreviations: AMI: acute myocardial infarction; ATG: autophagy-related; lncRNA: long non-coding RNA; miRNA: microRNA.

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

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

PINCH1 knockout aggravates myocardial infarction in mice via mediating the NF-κB signaling pathway

Myocardial infarction (MI), the leading cause of death among patients with cardiovascular diseases, is characterized by acute cardiac muscle injury due to severe impairment of the coronary blood supply, which may lead to cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest. Particularly interesting new cysteine histidine rich 1 (PINCH1) protein, a key component of the integrin signaling pathway, interacts with several proteins and serves a vital role in numerous cellular processes, including cytoskeleton remodeling, cell proliferation and cell migration. To investigate the role of PINCH1 in heart injury in the present study, PINCH1 was knocked out in the myocardial tissue of mice (age, 18 weeks) to induce MI. In addition, cell viability, migration and apoptosis, as well as the expression levels of NF-κB-associated proteins were determined in murine HL1 cardiomyocytes with a conditional PINCH1 shRNA using Cell Counting Kit-8, Transwell, flow cytometry and western blot assays, respectively. Furthermore, the cardiac expansion and myocardial fibrosis in PINCH1 knockout mice was investigated in vivo by performing morphological and histological examinations. Additionally, the murine ventricular myocardial ultrastructure was evaluated using an electron microscope, and the cardiomyocyte apoptotic rate and expression levels of NF-κB-related proteins were determined using TUNEL and western blot assays, respectively. The results showed that the apoptotic rate in the in vivo PINCH1 knockdown group was significantly increased. In addition, the protein expression levels of NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins, including NF-κB, myeloid differentiation factor 88, TNF-α and caspase-3, were significantly increased in the in vivo PINCH1 knockdown group compared with the wild-type group, but the protein expression of MMP2 and MMP9 were the opposite. Overall, the in vitro and in vivo results revealed that PINCH1 knockout in mice significantly aggravated MI via the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Protective effect of Qingre Huoxue decoction against myocardial infarction via PI3K/Akt autophagy pathway based on UPLC-MS, network pharmacology, and in vivo evidence

CONTEXT

Qingre Huoxue (QRHX) decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used to prevent and treat myocardial infarction (MI).

OBJECTIVE

This study elucidates the possible mechanisms of QRHX in preventing or treating MI in a rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical constituents of QRHX were identified by UPLC-MS. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the Sham (normal saline), Model (normal saline), QRHX-L, QRHX-M and QRHX-H group (n = 10 per group). QRHX decoction was administered by gavage to the rats for 14 days (5, 10 and 20 g/kg/day). The left anterior descending ligation method was performed to develop MI in Model and QRHX groups, and the same surgical procedures excluding ligation sutures were performed for the sham group. Finally, we evaluated cardiac function, myocardial fibrosis degree, serum inflammatory factors, autophagy levels and verified the signalling pathways in vivo.

RESULTS

A total of 68 active components of QRHX corresponding to 223 active targets were obtained and 2558 MI-related disease targets were collected. After integration, 123 QRHX anti-MI targets were obtained, and 70 signalling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, were identified by enrichment analysis. In vivo experiments suggest that QRHX could reduce the degree of myocardial fibrosis, downregulate serum inflammatory factors, and promote autophagy in MI rats.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

QRHX plays a protective role in the myocardium by mediating PI3K/Akt signalling pathway to activate autophagy and inhibiting inflammatory factor expression. These findings provide a scientific basis for further research and validation of QRHX as a potential therapeutic for MI.

Circ_0030235 knockdown protects H9c2 cells against OGD/R-induced injury via regulation of miR-526b

Backgrounds

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is the common clinical manifestation of coronary heart disease. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) act key roles in cardiomyocytes growth and angiogenesis. However, their functions in MI are not entirely clear. This research intended to investigate the role and underlying mechanisms of circ_0030235 in H9c2 cells.

Methods

H9c2 cells were conducted to oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) inducement to establish the MI model. Circ_0030235 and miR-526b expression was tested and altered by qRT-PCR and transfection. Cell viability, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) injury were tested by CCK-8 assay, TUNEL assay kit, and ROS Detection Assay Kit, respectively. Assessment of cell injury-related factors was performed by employing ELISA, Mitochondrial Viability Staining and the JC-1-Mitochondrial Membrane Potential Assay Kit. The relationship between circ_0030235 and miR-526b was analyzed by dual luciferase reporter assay. The expression of key proteins was analyzed by western blot.

Results

Circ_0030235 was highly expressed in OGD/R-induced H9c2 cells. OGD/R inducement cell viability, while accelerated apoptosis. Besides, the level ROS, cell injury-related factors, mitochondrial membrane potential were notably elevated by OGD/R inducement, while mitochondrial viability was remarkably declined. Whereas, these impacts were all noticeably remitted by circ_0030235 knockdown. miR-526b was a target of circ_0030235. Circ_0030235 knockdown-induced impacts were all notably abrogated by miR-526b inhibition, including the activating impacts on PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK pathways.

Conclusions

This research implied that circ_0030235 knockdown might remit OGD/R-induced impacts via activation of PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK pathways and regulation of miR-526b.

Influence of the Bioactive Diet Components on the Gene Expression Regulation

Diet bioactive components, in the concept of nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics, consist of food constituents, which can transfer information from the external environment and influence gene expression in the cell and thus the function of the whole organism. It is crucial to regard food not only as the source of energy and basic nutriments, crucial for living and organism development, but also as the factor influencing health/disease, biochemical mechanisms, and activation of biochemical pathways. Bioactive components of the diet regulate gene expression through changes in the chromatin structure (including DNA methylation and histone modification), non-coding RNA, activation of transcription factors by signalling cascades, or direct ligand binding to the nuclear receptors. Analysis of interactions between diet components and human genome structure and gene activity is a modern approach that will help to better understand these relations and will allow designing dietary guidances, which can help maintain good health.

Regulatory role of miR-129 and miR-384-5p on apoptosis induced by oxygen and glucose deprivation in PC12 cell

This study aimed to establish the role of miR-129 and miR-384-5p in cerebral ischemia-induced apoptosis. Using PC12 cells transfected with miR-129 or miR-384-5p mimics or inhibitors, oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) conditions were applied for 4 h to simulate transient cerebral ischemia. Apoptotic phenotypes were assessed via lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, MTT cell metabolism assay, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). The effect of miR overexpression and inhibition was evaluated by protein and mRNA detection of bcl-2 and caspase-3, critical apoptosis factors. Finally, the direct relationship of miR-129 and bcl-2 and miR-384-5p and caspase-3 was measured by luciferase reporter assay. The overexpression of miR-384-5p and miR-129 deficiency significantly enhanced cell viability, reduced LDH release, and inhibited apoptosis. By contrast, overexpression of miR-129 and miR-384-5p deficiency aggravated hypoxia-induced apoptosis and cell injury. miR-129 overexpression significantly reduced mRNA and protein levels of bcl-2 and miR-129 inhibition significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of bcl-2 in hypoxic cells.miR-384-5p overexpression significantly reduced protein levels of caspase-3 while miR-384-5p deficiency significantly increased protein levels of caspase-3. However, no changes were observed in caspase-3 mRNA in either transfection paradigm. Finally, luciferase reporter assay confirmed caspase-3 to be a direct target of miR-384-5p; however, no binding activity was detected between bcl-2 and miR-129.Transient cerebral ischemia induces differential expression of miR-129 and miR-384-5p which influences apoptosis by regulating apoptotic factors caspase-3 and bcl-2, thereby participating in the pathological mechanism of cerebral ischemia, and becoming potential targets for the treatment of ischemic cerebral injury in the future.

Pharmacology of Catechins in Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury of the Heart

Catechins represent a group of polyphenols that possesses various beneficial effects in the cardiovascular system, including protective effects in cardiac ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, a major pathophysiology associated with ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, as well as with cardioplegic arrest during heart surgery. In particular, catechin, (−)-epicatechin, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) have been reported to prevent cardiac myocytes from I/R-induced cell damage and I/R-associated molecular changes, finally, resulting in improved cell viability, reduced infarct size, and improved recovery of cardiac function after ischemic insult, which has been widely documented in experimental animal studies and cardiac-derived cell lines. Cardioprotective effects of catechins in I/R injury were mediated via multiple molecular mechanisms, including inhibition of apoptosis; activation of cardioprotective pathways, such as PI3K/Akt (RISK) pathway; and inhibition of stress-associated pathways, including JNK/p38-MAPK; preserving mitochondrial function; and/or modulating autophagy. Moreover, regulatory roles of several microRNAs, including miR-145, miR-384-5p, miR-30a, miR-92a, as well as lncRNA MIAT, were documented in effects of catechins in cardiac I/R. On the other hand, the majority of results come from cell-based experiments and healthy small animals, while studies in large animals and studies including comorbidities or co-medications are rare. Human studies are lacking completely. The dosages of compounds also vary in a broad scale, thus, pharmacological aspects of catechins usage in cardiac I/R are inconclusive so far. Therefore, the aim of this focused review is to summarize the most recent knowledge on the effects of catechins in cardiac I/R injury and bring deep insight into the molecular mechanisms involved and dosage-dependency of these effects, as well as to outline potential gaps for translation of catechin-based treatments into clinical practice.

Non-coding RNAs modulate autophagy in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury: a systematic review

The myocardial infarction is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in cardiovascular diseases around the world. Although the timely and complete reperfusion via Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) or thrombolysis have distinctly decreased the mortality of myocardial infarction, reperfusion itself may lead to supererogatory irreversible myocardial injury and heart function disorders, namely ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Extensive studies have indicated that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play important roles in the progress of myocardial I/R injury, which is closely correlative with cardiomyocytes autophagy. Moreover, autophagy plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis and protecting cells in the myocardial ischemia reperfusion and cardiomyocyte hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) progress. In this review, we first introduced the biogenesis and functions of ncRNAs, and subsequently summarized the roles and relevant molecular mechanisms of ncRNAs regulating autophagy in myocardial I/R injury. We hope that this review in addition to develop a better understanding of the physiological and pathological roles of ncRNAs, can also lay a foundation for the therapies of myocardial I/R injury, and even for other related cardiovascular diseases.

An update on the role of miR-124 in the pathogenesis of human disorders

MicroRNA-124 (miR-124) is a copious miRNA in the brain, but it is expressed in a wide range of human/animal tissues participating in the pathogenesis of several disorders. Based on its important function in the development of the nervous system, abnormal expression of miR-124 has been detected in nervous system diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy, Huntington's disease, and ischemic stroke. In addition to these conditions, miR-124 contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Besides, it has been shown to be down-regulated in a wide range of human cancers such as colorectal cancer, breast cancer, gastric cancer, glioma, pancreatic cancer, and other types of cancer. Yet, few studies have reported upregulation of miR-124 in some cancer types. In the current study, we describe the role of miR-124 in these malignant and non-malignant conditions.

Fibronectin 1 inhibits the apoptosis of human trophoblasts by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

The excessive apoptosis of human trophoblasts can cause pregnancy-related diseases. It has been reported that fibronectin 1 (FN1) is closely associated with the invasion of human trophoblasts. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of FN1 on the apoptosis of human trophoblasts and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. It was found that FN1, a differentially expressed gene (DEG) in the GSE127170 dataset, was identified as the hub gene in a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network generated using the cytoHubba plug-in of Cytoscape software. The Metascape website was used to perform GO enrichment analysis, and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway database was used to perform KEGG pathway analysis. Experimental analyses revealed that FN1 expression was downregulated in the chorionic villus tissues of patients diagnosed with and mice subjected to spontaneous abortion (SA). CCK-8 and flow cytometric assays revealed that the knockdown of FN1 decreased the viability and promoted the apoptosis of JEG-3 and BeWo cells. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the knockdown of FN1 promoted the apoptosis of trophoblasts in the chorionic villus tissues obtained from mice subjected to SA, whereas FN1 overexpression increased cell viability and inhibited cell apoptosis. The protein levels of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax were increased by the silencing of FN1 and decreased by FN1 overexpression. The protein expression levels of Bcl-2, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Ki67 were decreased by the silencing of FN1; however, the overexpression of FN1 increased these levels. The results of western blot analysis revealed that the knockdown of FN1 inhibited the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, while the overexpression of FN1 activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Consistently, the apoptosis-inhibiting effect of FN1 overexpression was reversed by a PI3K/Akt signaling pathway inhibitor, and the apoptosis-promoting effect of FN1 silencing was reversed by a PI3K/Akt signaling pathway activator. On the whole, the findings of the present study demonstrate that the inhibition of FN1 induces the apoptosis of JEG-3 and BeWo cells, and the overexpression of FN1 inhibits cell apoptosis by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

The Role of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate in Autophagy and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress (ERS)-Induced Apoptosis of Human Diseases

Tea containing abundant catechins is a popular non-alcoholic beverage worldwide. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the predominately active substance in catechins, exhibiting a wide range of functional properties including cancer suppression, neuroprotective, metabolic regulation, cardiovascular protection, stress adjustment, and antioxidant in various diseases. Autophagy, a basic cell function, participates in various physiological processes which include clearing away abnormally folded proteins and damaged organelles, and regulating growth. EGCG not only regulates autophagy via increasing Beclin-1 expression and reactive oxygen species generation, but also causing LC3 transition and decreasing p62 expression. EGCG-induced autophagy is involved in the occurrence and development of many human diseases, including cancer, neurological diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and injury. Apoptosis is a common cell function in biology and is induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) as a cellular stress response which is caused by various internal and external factors. ERS-induced apoptosis of EGCG influences cell survival and death in various diseases via regulating IRE1, ATF6, and PERK signaling pathways, and activating GRP78 and caspase proteins. The present manuscript reviews that the effect of EGCG in autophagy and ERS-induced apoptosis of human diseases.

Targeting miRNAs by natural products: A new way for cancer therapy

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression through mRNA degradation or translation inhibition. MiRNAs play important roles in a variety of biological processes, and dysregulation of miRNA expression is highly associated with cancer development. Individual miRNA regulates multiple gene expressions, enabling them to regulate multiple cellular signaling pathways simultaneously. Hence, miRNAs could be served as cancer biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis, and also therapeutic targets. Recently, more and more evidences showed that natural products such as paclitaxel, curcumin, resveratrol, genistein or epigallocatechin-3-gallate exert their anti-proliferative and/or pro-apoptotic effects through regulating one or more miRNAs, leading to the inhibition of cancer cell growth, induction of apoptosis or enhancement of conventional cancer therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we outlined the recent advances in the regulation of miRNAs expression by the natural products and highlight the importance of these natural drugs as a potential strategy in cancer treatment. This review will help us better understand how natural products modulate miRNAs and contribute to the development of effective and safe natural drugs for therapeutic purposes.

MiR-219a-2 relieves myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by reducing calcium overload and cell apoptosis through HIF1α/ NMDAR pathway

OBJECTIVE

During the process of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI), the intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) continues to increase, leads to the cardiomyocyte apoptosis and eventually causes myocardial damage, while the upstream regulation mechanism of calcium overload is still unknown. This study focuses on the role of miR-219a-2 in MIRI and aims to elaborate its regulatory mechanism on calcium overload that occurs during MIRI.

METHODS

The expression of miR-219a-2 was determined in the heart tissues of MIRI mice by qRT-PCR. The [Ca²⁺]_i was measured by fluo-3 using a fluorescence microplate reader. The expression of hypoxiainducible factor 1α (HIF1α) and NR1, the obligatory subunit of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor 1 (NMDAR), were measured by qRT-PCR and western blot. The luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the interplay between miR-219a-2 and HIF1α and the interplay between HIF1α and NR1. The cell apoptosis was measured by the expression level of B-cell lymphoma 2 interacting mediator of cell death (Bim) and the number of TUNEL-positive cells. The myocardial infarct size of mice was measured by TTC/Evans Blue staining.

RESULTS

MiR-219a-2 was down-regulated in the heart tissues of MIRI mice. miR-219a-2 overexpression decreased [Ca²⁺]_i and the expression of HIF1α and NR1 in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-treated HL-1 cells. Then, the luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-219a-2 inhibited the transcription of HIF1α and HIF1α promoted the transcription of NR1. Both HIF1α overexpression and NMDAR function enhancement removed the inhibitory effect of miR-219a-2 on calcium overload and cell apoptosis in H/R-treated HL-1 cells. Finally, the overexpression of miR-219a-2 decreased Ca²⁺ concentration, cell apoptosis, and myocardial infarction size in MIRI mice, while the NMDAR function enhancer reversed the therapeutic effect of miR-219a-2.

CONCLUSION

MiR-219a-2 reducing NMDAR-mediated calcium overload via HIF1α/NR1 axis, thus alleviating cell apoptosis in MIRI.

Treadmill exercise improves neurological function by inhibiting autophagy and the binding of HMGB1 to Beclin1 in MCAO juvenile rats

AIMS

Treadmill exercise is a beneficial treatment following childhood stroke. Thus, studies focusing on the neuroprotective mechanism of exercise training during postischemic treatment in children with ischemic stroke are urgently needed. We evaluated the effects of treadmill exercise on autophagy after cerebral ischemia in young rats.

MAIN METHODS

Rats (23-25 days old) underwent cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CI/R) surgery. The experimental animals were divided into 5 groups, and some groups received either treadmill exercise, a rapamycin (RAPA) injection or combination therapy for 3 or 7 days. We performed a series of experimental tests including neurological scoring, hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E), Nissl staining, triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, Western blot analysis (WB), immunofluorescence (IF), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end labeling (TUNEL) fluorescence.

KEY FINDINGS

The experimental data indicated that treadmill exercise inhibited autophagy in the ischemic penumbra, inhibited high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) translocation and binding to Beclin1, reduced apoptosis, reduced infarct volumes, and aided in functional recovery. However, RAPA promoted the opposite effects of treadmill exercise.

SIGNIFICANCE

We found that treadmill exercise improves the neurological deficits induced by CI/R by inhibiting autophagy and HMGB1 binding to Beclin1.