miR-513c-5p Suppression Aggravates Pyroptosis of Endothelial Cell in Deep Venous Thrombosis by Promoting Caspase-1

miR-126-5p protects from URSA via inhibiting Caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis of trophoblast cells

Unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) is a distressing pregnancy complication that seriously threat to women's reproductive health. Trophoblast pyroptosis was involved in the occurrence of URSA, but the potential mechanism remains unclear. In this work, we found CASP1 transcription and the level of pyroptosis were significantly elevated in the villous tissues of URSA patients. Suppression of cell pyroptosis by Gasdermin-D (GSDMD) or Caspase-1 inhibitors can reduce embryo resorption rate of URSA mice, while Caspase-1 over-expression in normal pregnant (NP) mice can aggravate embryo resorption. Meanwhile, a pronounced decline in the expression of microRNA-126-5p (miR-126-5p) was found in URSA patients, which was inversely related to CASP1 expression. Over-expression of miR-126-5p restrained trophoblast pyroptosis via inhibiting Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway by direct binding to 3'-UTR of CASP1. Moreover, experiments in vivo substantiated that up-regulation of miR-126-5p effectively suppressed Caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis in placental tissue and significantly reduced embryo resorption rate. Collectively, these results underscored that diminished miR-126-5p expression plays a crucial role in URSA by enhancing trophoblast pyroptosis through activating Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway. As a result, miR-126-5p shows significant promise as a possible biomarker for diagnosis and treatment of URSA.

MDM2 interacts with PTEN to inhibit endothelial cell development and promote deep vein thrombosis via the JAK/STAT signaling pathway

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a prevalent clinical condition, which markedly affects patients' quality of life, commonly leading to post‑thrombotic syndrome. The present study aimed to elucidate the intricate interplay between murine double minute‑2 (MDM2) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), thus shedding new light on their role in the pathogenesis of DVT. The results showed that both MDM2 and PTEN were upregulated in venous blood samples obtained from patients with DVT. However, MDM2 or PTEN knockdown markedly increased the proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and angiogenesis of oxidized low‑density lipoprotein‑treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, MDM2 silencing downregulated PTEN. The association between MDM2 and PTEN was verified through comprehensive analyses, including Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) analysis and co‑immunoprecipitation assays. The effect of PTEN on DVT was evaluated by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and STRING analysis, which demonstrated that PTEN displayed an inhibitory role in the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway. Notably, treatment with AG‑490, an inhibitor of JAK/STAT signaling, reversed the protective effect of PTEN knockdown on the behavior of HUVECs. In summary, the results of the current study indicated that both MDM2 and PTEN were upregulated in patients with DVT. The interaction between MDM2 and PTEN was also verified, thus providing novel insights into their potential collaborative role in the development of DVT. Overall, MDM2 and PTEN may interact to inhibit endothelial cell development and promote the occurrence of DVT via inhibiting the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.

S100 calcium-binding protein A8 exacerbates deep vein thrombosis in vascular endothelial cells

Previous studies highlighting the pivotal function of the S100A8 protein have shown that inflammation and vascular endothelial harm play a major role in deep vein thrombosis (DVT) development, as evidenced by earlier studies highlighting the pivotal function of the S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8). Therefore, we aimed to establish a connection between S100A8 and DVT and investigate the role of S100A8 in DVT development. Blood specimens were taken from 23 patients with DVT and 31 controls. The fluctuation and association for S100A8 and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) in the specimens was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We also used the human recombinant protein S100A8 to activate human umbilical vein endothelial cells and created a rat model to explore the possible relationship between them. Studies have shown that the infiltration of S100A8 sustains local inflammation and thrombus formation, which may exacerbate DVT by amplifying NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β signals in the vascular endothelial cells.

Identification and functional characterization of differentially expressed circRNAs in high glucose treated endothelial cells: Construction of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network

Background

Endothelial dysfunction is a complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), characterized by impaired endothelial function in both microvessels and macrovessels, closely linked to atherosclerosis (AS). Endothelial dysfunction, characterized by impaired endothelial cell (EC) function, is a pivotal factor in AS and DM. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are endogenous non-coding RNAs that can act as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) and regulate gene expression. However, the role of circRNAs in ECs dysfunction and AS under high glucose (HG) condition remains elusive.

Methods

We performed high-throughput sequencing to identify differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) exposed to HG, one risk factors of endothelial dysfunction and AS. We then validated eight candidate circRNAs by qRT-PCR and functional analysis, directing our attention to hsa_circ_0122319. Moreover, microarray analysis identified the differential expression profiles of miRNAs and mRNAs regulated by hsa_circ_0122319. Subsequently, the construction of the ceRNAs network employed bioinformatic analysis and Cytoscape software. Furthermore, the role of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway in regulating ceRNAs was evaluated.

Results

We detected 917 DE circRNAs in HG treated HUVEC. The parental genes of these circRNAs were enriched in cell cycle, cellular senescence and endocytosis related pathways. The differential expression of hsa_circ_0122319 was confirmed to be most obvious at the cellular level and in clinical samples by qPCR experiments. After overexpression of hsa_circ_0122319, 49 DE miRNAs and 459 DE mRNAs were identified using microarray analysis. Subsequently, a ceRNAs network was constructed, comprising hsa_circ_0122319, 8 miRNAs, and 41 mRNAs.

Conclusion

In summary, our study delves into the role of circRNAs in endothelial dysfunction associated with DM and AS. Through high-throughput sequencing and validation, we identified hsa_circ_0122319 as a pivotal regulator of ECs function under HG conditions. It also showed that hsa_circ_0123319 has the potential to serve as a biomarker for DM and its vascular complications, and provides new evidence for future exploration of the intricate molecular mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction in the progression of DM and AS.

Uvaol alleviates oxidative stress induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell injury by suppressing mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially life-threatening disorder with high morbidity. Uvaol is a natural pentacyclic triterpene possessing multiple pharmacological activities. Nevertheless, the role of uvaol in DVT is unclarified. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) to mimic DVT in vitro . CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry were utilized for measuring cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. Levels of the cell injury marker, thrombosis-associated factors, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress-related markers were examined by commercial assay kits. Western blotting was used for evaluating the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling-associated proteins. Uvaol treatment attenuated H 2 O 2 -induced HUVEC apoptosis and injury. Uvaol reduced the expression of pro-thrombotic factors and inflammatory cytokines and attenuated oxidative stress in H 2 O 2 -stimulated HUVECs. Uvaol inhibited MAPK signaling pathway in H 2 O 2 -stimulated HUVECs. Activating MAPK signaling reversed uvaol-mediated protective effects on H 2 O 2 -treated HUVECs. Uvaol treatment alleviates H 2 O 2 -induced HUVEC injury, apoptosis, and oxidative stress by inactivating MAPK signaling.

Notoginsenoside Fc alleviates oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced endothelial cell dysfunction and upregulates PPAR-γ in vitro

BACKGROUND

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a prevalent vascular disease and a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Notoginsenoside Fc (NFc) is a protopanaxadiol-type saponin that has been shown to have beneficial effects on several disorders. However, its function in DVT is unclear.

METHODS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) to mimic DVT in vitro and treated with NFc to investigate its functions. CCK-8 assay was utilized for measuring cell viability. Western blotting was used for detecting protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines, apoptosis-related markers, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ). Flow cytometry was performed for cell apoptosis detection. Levels of oxidative stress-related markers were examined by the DCFH-DA method and ELISA. RT-qPCR was utilized for the measurement of PPAR-γ mRNA level.

RESULTS

NFc increased the viability and suppressed inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs. NFc treatment induced upregulation of PPAR-γ in HUVECs.

CONCLUSION

NFc mitigates ox-LDL-induced dysfunction of HUVECs.

The role of inflammasomes in human diseases and their potential as therapeutic targets

Inflammasomes are large protein complexes that play a major role in sensing inflammatory signals and triggering the innate immune response. Each inflammasome complex has three major components: an upstream sensor molecule that is connected to a downstream effector protein such as caspase-1 through the adapter protein ASC. Inflammasome formation typically occurs in response to infectious agents or cellular damage. The active inflammasome then triggers caspase-1 activation, followed by the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and pyroptotic cell death. Aberrant inflammasome activation and activity contribute to the development of diabetes, cancer, and several cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. As a result, recent research has increasingly focused on investigating the mechanisms that regulate inflammasome assembly and activation, as well as the potential of targeting inflammasomes to treat various diseases. Multiple clinical trials are currently underway to evaluate the therapeutic potential of several distinct inflammasome-targeting therapies. Therefore, understanding how different inflammasomes contribute to disease pathology may have significant implications for developing novel therapeutic strategies. In this article, we provide a summary of the biological and pathological roles of inflammasomes in health and disease. We also highlight key evidence that suggests targeting inflammasomes could be a novel strategy for developing new disease-modifying therapies that may be effective in several conditions.

Diagnostic and prognostic potential of long non-coding RNA NORAD in patients with acute deep vein thrombosis and its role in endothelial cell function

BACKGROUND

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is the common clinical cardiovascular disease, and easily develops into post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). The study aimed to examine the clinical value of long non-coding RNA NORAD gene in the development of DVT and PTS. In vitro, the underlying mechanism was explored.

METHODS

Serum levels of lncRNA NORAD gene in 85 DVT cases and 85 healthy individuals were tested. The role of lncRNA NORAD gene in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) proliferation, migration and inflammation was examined. The candidate downstream target gene was predicted via bioinformatic analysis. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were done for the function annotation and pathway enrichment.

RESULTS

LncRNA NORAD gene was at high expression in the serum of DVT patients, it can distinguish DVT patients from healthy controls with the area under the curve of 0.919. Elevated expression of lncRNA NORAD gene in PTS patients was detected, DVT cases with high expression of lncRNA NORAD gene were more susceptible to PTS. LncRNA NORAD gene knockdown promoted HUVECs' proliferation, migration while suppressing cell apoptosis and inflammation. MiR-93-5p served as a target of lncRNA NORAD gene, and its overexpression reversed the role of lncRNA NORAD gene in the biological function of HUVECs. The target genes of miR-93-5p were enriched in HIF-1 signaling, TGF-beta signaling and PI3K-Akt signaling, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network indicated STAT3, MAPK1 to be the key targets.

CONCLUSIONS

Upregulation of expression of lncRNA NORAD gene was a potential diagnostic biomarker for DVT and related to the development of PTS. LncRNA NORAD/miR-93-5p axis was involved in the progress of DVT through regulating endothelial cell function.

HSP90-Dependent Upregulation of EZH2 Promotes Hypoxia/Reoxygenation-Induced Pyroptosis by Inhibiting miR-22 in Endothelial Cells

Objective

Endothelial cell pyroptosis induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of myocardial infarction (MI). However, the underlying mechanism is not clearly elucidated.

Methods

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to H/R acted as in vitro model to investigate the mechanism of H/R-induced endothelial cell pyroptosis. CCK-8 assays were performed to investigate the viability of HUVECs. Calcein-AM/PI staining was carried out to quantify the death of HUVECs. The expression level of miR-22 was measured by RT-qPCR. The protein expression levels of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (EZH2), NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1 (c-caspase-1), GSDMD-N and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) were measured by Western blot. Levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in culture medium were detected by ELISA. The intracellular localization of EZH2 was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay was used to detect the enrichment of EZH2 and H3K27me3 in the miR-22 promoter region. The binding between miR-22 and NLRP3 in HUVECs was confirmed by the dual luciferase assay. Reciprocal coimmunoprecipitation was conducted to detect the direct interaction between HSP90 and EZH2.

Results

H/R increased EZH2 expression, and the EZH2 siRNA could inhibit H/R-induced pyroptosis in HUVECs. H/R reduced miR-22 expression, which was reversed by EZH2 siRNA. Silencing of miR-22 by its inhibitor reversed EZH2 siRNA-induced pyroptosis inhibition in H/R-exposed HUVECs. Upregulation of miR-22 by its mimic suppressed EZH2 overexpression-enhanced pyroptosis in H/R-exposed HUVECs. ChIP assay confirmed that EZH2 bound to the miR-22 promoter region and repressed miR-22 expression through H3K27me3. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay indicated that NLRP3 was a direct target of miR- 22 in HUVECs. Finally, HSP90 siRNA inhibited H/R-induced EZH2 expression, miR-22 downregulation, and pyroptosis in HUVECs.

Conclusion

H/R induces pyroptosis via the HSP90/EZH2/miR-22/NLRP3 signaling axis in endothelial cells.