miR-203 Inhibits Alcohol-Induced Hepatic Steatosis by Targeting Lipin1

Molecular regulators of alcoholic liver disease: a comprehensive analysis of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs

Many biomolecules and signaling pathways are involved in the development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). The molecular mechanisms of ALD are not fully understood and there is no effective treatment. Numerous studies have demonstrated the critical role of non-coding RNAs, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), in ALD. miRNAs play an important regulatory role in the pathogenesis of ALD by controlling critical biological processes such as inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, apoptosis and fibrosis. Among them, miR-155, miR-223 and miR-34a play a central role in these processes and influence the pathological process of ALD. In addition, lncRNAs are involved in regulating liver injury and repair by interacting with miRNAs to form a complex regulatory network. These findings help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of ALD and provide a scientific basis for the development of new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. In this article, we review the roles and mechanisms of LncRNAs and miRNAs in ALD and their potential use as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.

miR-203 Alleviates Myocardial Damage Caused by Acute Coronary Syndrome by Inhibiting CA125

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a significant contributor to cardiovascular mortality. Research has indicated that CA125 levels are linked to cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to explore the role of CA125 in ACS and its underlying mechanism. A retrospective study was conducted involving 34 healthy volunteers and 46 patients diagnosed with ACS. Clinical characteristics and CA125 expression were recorded and detected. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify miRNAs that regulate CA125. HL-1 cardiac muscle cells were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) to investigate the role of CA125 in myocardial injury. An ACS mice model was constructed to further explore the role of CA125 on ACS. The levels of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, cystatin C, and white blood cells in ACS were markedly higher than those in healthy volunteers. CA125 was up-regulated in ACS and was a target of miR-203. Injection of miR-203 agomir reduced plaque deposition and vascular thrombosis in the coronary lumen, alleviating myocardial damage. Additionally, miR-203 inhibited myocardial apoptosis and inflammation responses induced by OGD/R and ACS. miR-203 can reduce the inflammatory response by inhibiting CA125 expression, thereby improving ACS symptoms and mitigating ACS-induced myocardial injury.

Glycerophospholipid metabolic disorders and gender difference of cantharidin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats: Lipidomics and MALDI mass spectrometry imaging analysis

The hepatotoxicity mechanism of cantharidin (CTD), a major active component of Mylabris was explored based on liver lipidome alterations and spatial distributions in female and male rats using lipidomics and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI). After oral CTD exposure, the livers of female rats were screened for 104 differential lipids including lysophosphatidylethanolamine(LysoPE)(20:2/0:0) and diacylglycerol(DG)(18:2/22:4), whereas the livers of male rats were screened for 76 differential lipids including fatty acid(FA)(24:6) and DG(18:0/22:4). According to the MALDI-MSI results, female rats exhibited 12 differential lipids with alteration in the abundance and spatial distribution of phosphatylcholine(PC), phosphatidylethanolamine(PE), lysophosphatidylcholine(LysoPC), and LysoPE in the liver lesion area. On the other hand, male rats exhibited 8 differential lipids with changes in the abundance and spatial distribution of PC, PE, and FA in the liver lesion area. The lipidomics- and MALDI-MSI-detected differential lipids strongly disrupted glycerophospholipid metabolism in both female and male rats. Additionally, phosphatidate phosphatase (Lipin1), choline/ethanolamine phosphotransferase 1 (CEPT1), and phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT) were screened to distinguish CTD hepatoxicity in female and male rats. Western blotting analysis demonstrated a significant elevation in Lipin1 expression in female and male rat livers, accompanied by a decrease in PEMT expression. Furthermore, CEPT1 expression increased significantly in female rat livers and decreased significantly in male rat livers. These findings suggested that CTD could disrupt lipid metabolism in a gender-specific manner. Moreover, the combination of lipidomics and MALDI-MSI could offer valuable insights into CTD-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Potential Mechanisms and Effects of Dai Bai Jie Ethanol Extract in Preventing Acute Alcoholic Liver Injury

This study investigated the protective effect of Dai Bai Jie (DBJ) extract against acute alcoholic liver injury (AALI) and elucidated its potential mechanism. The total saponin level in the DBJ extracts was measured using vanillin-chloroform acid colorimetry. To observe the preventive and protective effects of DBJ on AML-12 cells in an ethanol environment, the effective components of DBJ were identified. An alcohol-induced AALI mouse model was used to evaluate the efficacy of DBJ against AALI. For this purpose, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) levels were assessed, liver function indices and oxidative and inflammatory markers were determined, and histopathological examinations were performed. Mechanistic investigations were conducted using RT-qPCR assays and immunohistochemical analysis to determine the protective effects of DBJ. The samples (DBJ-1, DBJ-2, and DBJ-3) were obtained by extracting DBJ with water, 50% ethanol, and 95% ethanol, yielding total saponin contents of 5.35%, 6.64%, and 11.83%, respectively. DBJ-3 was isolated and purified, and its components were identified by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS). DBJ-3 had the greatest effect on cell viability in an ethanol environment. Moreover, DBJ-3 reduced inflammatory infiltration, liver cell degeneration, and hemorrhage, while increasing ADH and ALDH levels in liver tissues. Additionally, DBJ-3 considerably decreased the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) levels. DBJ-3 reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inflammatory factors, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), while increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities. Furthermore, DBJ-3 significantly increased alcohol dehydrogenase 1b (ADH1B) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) expression at the gene and protein levels within alcohol metabolism pathways and reduced the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) gene and protein levels. These findings suggest that DBJ-3 can prevent AALI by enhancing alcohol metabolism via the regulation of ADH1B and ALDH2 and the modulation of the NF-κB pathway to improve antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

The effect of STAT1, miR-99b, and MAP2K1 in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) mouse model and hepatocyte

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) serves as the leading cause of chronic liver diseases-related morbidity and mortality, which threatens the life of millions of patients in the world. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying ALD progression remain unclear. Here, we applied microarray analysis and experimental approaches to identify miRNAs and related regulatory signaling that associated with ALD. Microarray analysis identified that the expression of miR-99b was elevated in the ALD mouse model. The AML-12 cells were treated with EtOH and the expression of miR-99b was enhanced in the cells. The expression of miR-99b was positively correlated with ALT levels in the ALD mice. The microarray analysis identified the abnormally expressed mRNAs in ALD mice and the overlap analysis was performed with based on the differently expressed mRNAs and the transcriptional factors of miR-99b, in which STAT1 was identified. The elevated expression of STAT1 was validated in ALD mice. Meanwhile, the treatment of EtOH induced the expression of STAT1 in the AML-12 cells. The expression of STAT1 was positively correlated with ALT levels in the ALD mice. The positive correlation of STAT1 and miR-99b expression was identified in bioinformatics analysis and ALD mice. The expression of miR-99b and pri-miR-99b was promoted by the overexpression of STAT1 in AML-12 cells. ChIP analysis confirmed the enrichment of STAT1 on miR-99b promoter in AML-12 cells. Next, we found that the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MAP2K1) was negatively associated with miR-99b. The expression of MAP2K1 was downregulated in ALD mice. Consistently, the expression of MAP2K1 was reduced by the treatment of EtOH in AML-12 cells. The expression of MAP2K1 was negative correlated with ALT levels in the ALD mice. We identified the binding site of MAP2K1 and miR-99b. Meanwhile, the treatment of miR-99b mimic repressed the luciferase activity of MAP2K1 in AML-12 cells. The expression of MAP2K1 was suppressed by miR-99b in the cells. We observed that the expression of MAP2K1 was inhibited by the overexpression of STAT1 in AML-12 cells. Meanwhile, the apoptosis of AML-12 cells was induced by the treatment of EtOH, while miR-99b mimic promoted but the overexpression of MAP2K1 attenuated the effect of EtOH in the cells. In conclusion, we identified the correlation and effect of STAT1, miR-99b, and MAP2K1 in ALD mouse model and hepatocyte. STAT1, miR-99b, and MAP2K1 may serve as potential therapeutic target of ALD.

What are the common downstream molecular events between alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver?

Liver fat storage, also called hepatic steatosis, is increasingly common and represents a very frequent diagnosis in the medical field. Excess fat is not without consequences. In fact, hepatic steatosis contributes to the progression toward liver fibrosis. There are two main types of fatty liver disease, alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Although AFLD and NAFLD are similar in their initial morphological features, both conditions involve the same evolutive forms. Moreover, there are various common mechanisms underlying both diseases, including alcoholic liver disease and NAFLD, which are commonalities. In this Review, the authors explore similar downstream signaling events involved in the onset and progression of the two entities but not completely different entities, predominantly focusing on the gut microbiome. Downstream molecular events, such as the roles of sirtuins, cytokeratins, adipokines and others, should be considered. Finally, to complete the feature, some new tendencies in the therapeutic approach are presented.

MiRNAs in Alcohol-Related Liver Diseases and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Step toward New Therapeutic Approaches?

Alcohol-related Liver Disease (ALD) is the primary cause of chronic liver disorders and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in developed countries and thus represents a major public health concern. Unfortunately, few therapeutic options are available for ALD and HCC, except liver transplantation or tumor resection for HCC. Deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of these diseases is therefore of major importance to identify early biomarkers and to design efficient therapeutic options. Increasing evidence indicate that epigenetic alterations play a central role in the development of ALD and HCC. Among them, microRNA importantly contribute to the development of this disease by controlling the expression of several genes involved in hepatic metabolism, inflammation, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis at the post-transcriptional level. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge about miRNAs' functions in the different stages of ALD and their role in the progression toward carcinogenesis. We highlight that each stage of ALD is associated with deregulated miRNAs involved in hepatic carcinogenesis, and thus represent HCC-priming miRNAs. By using in silico approaches, we have uncovered new miRNAs potentially involved in HCC. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting miRNAs for the treatment of these diseases.

Experimental models of fatty liver diseases: Status and appraisal

Fatty liver diseases, including alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), affect a large number of people worldwide and become one of the major causes of end-stage liver disease, such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Unfortunately, there are currently no approved pharmacological treatments for ALD or NAFLD. This situation highlights the urgent need to explore new intervention targets and discover effective therapeutics for ALD and NAFLD. The lack of properly validated preclinical disease models is a major obstacle to the development of clinical therapies. ALD and NAFLD models have been in the development for decades, but there are still no models that recapitulate the full spectrum of ALD and NAFLD. Throughout this review, we summarize the current in vitro and in vivo models used for research on fatty liver diseases and discuss the advantages and limitations of these models.

The role of miRNAs in liver diseases: Potential therapeutic and clinical applications

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short, non-coding RNAs that function post-transcriptionally to regulate gene expression by binding to particular mRNA targets and causing destruction of the mRNA or translational inhibition of the mRNA. The miRNAs control the range of liver activities, from the healthy to the unhealthy. Considering that miRNA dysregulation is linked to liver damage, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis, miRNAs are a promising therapeutic strategy for the evaluation and treatment of liver illnesses. Recent findings on the regulation and function of miRNAs in liver diseases are discussed, with an emphasis on miRNAs that are highly expressed or enriched in hepatocytes. Alcohol-related liver illness, acute liver toxicity, viral hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and exosomes in chronic liver disease all emphasize the roles and target genes of these miRNAs. We briefly discuss the function of miRNAs in the etiology of liver diseases, namely in the transfer of information between hepatocytes and other cell types via extracellular vesicles. Here we offer some background on the use of miRNAs as biomarkers for the early prognosis, diagnosis, and assessment of liver diseases. The identification of biomarkers and therapeutic targets for liver disorders will be made possible by future research into miRNAs in the liver, which will also help us better understand the pathogeneses of liver diseases.

β-catenin ISGylation promotes lipid deposition and apoptosis in ethanol-stimulated liver injury models

Background

The restoration of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to alleviate alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) progression is under study as a new strategy for alcoholic liver disease (ALD) treatment. Recent studies have indicated that interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) can covalently bind to β-catenin by HECT E3 ubiquitin ligase 5 (HERC5), leading to ISG degradation and downregulation of β-catenin levels. However, the relationship between β-catenin and the ISG15 system in AFLD remains unclear.

Methods

Here, we explored the roles of the ISG15 system in β-catenin activation and in the pathogenesis of alcohol-induced liver injury and steatosis.

Results

In this study, HERC5 silencing upregulated β-catenin protein expression and inhibited lipid metabolism disorders and cell apoptosis. Reduced β-catenin protein expression, increased lipid metabolism disorders, and cell apoptosis were detected in cells induced with HERC5 overexpression, which was reversible with the reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitor. All the above results were statistically analyzed. Thus, these observations demonstrate that β-catenin ISGylation is a prominent regulator of ALD pathology, which works by regulating ROS to induce lipid metabolism disorders and cell apoptosis.

Conclusion

Our findings provided the mechanism involved in the β-catenin ISGylation, allowing for future studies on the prevention or amelioration of liver injury in ALD.

Effect of Natural Commiphora myrrha Extract against Hepatotoxicity Induced by Alcohol Intake in Rat Model

The oral intake of alcohol has become a widespread concern due to its high risk to body health. Therefore, our purpose in this study was to reveal the antioxidant efficacies of natural Commiphora myrrha on hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by ethanol in adult male rats, especially because these were not adequately revealed by previous studies. We examined the impacts of C. myrrha in male Sprague Dawley rats orally treated with C. myrrha (500 mg/kg) alone or in combination with 40% ethanol (3 g/kg), daily for 30 days. The results showed that treatment with C. myrrha after the oral consumption of ethanol caused a reduction in serum liver function parameters (alanine transferases, aspartate transaminase, and total bilirubin), hepatic tumor markers (α-L-flucosidase and arginase), and hepatic lipid peroxidation indicator (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), as well as a slight restoration (not significant) in the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione; and total antioxidant capacity. In addition, it alleviated histopathological changes in the liver, as revealed by decreased areas of inflammatory infiltrate, milder necrosis, and noticeably reduced periportal fibrosis and hemorrhage. The therapeutic efficiency of C. myrrha could be due to its rich sesquiterpenoids content which possesses anti-inflammatory properties and ROS-scavenging activities. Our findings provide evidence that the attenuation of oxidative stress by C. myrrha enables hepatic tissue to suppress inflammatory and oxidative mechanisms, resulting in enhanced liver structure and function. Therefore, C. myrrha extract shows promise as a protective and therapeutic supplement against toxic agents.

Advancements in the Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease Model

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is an intricate disease that results in a broad spectrum of liver damage. The presentation of ALD can include simple steatosis, steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Effective prevention and treatment strategies are urgently required for ALD patients. In previous decades, numerous rodent models were established to investigate the mechanisms of alcohol-associated liver disease and explore therapeutic targets. This review provides a summary of the latest developments in rodent models, including those that involve EtOH administration, which will help us to understand the characteristics and causes of ALD at different stages. In addition, we discuss the pathogenesis of ALD and summarize the existing in vitro models. We analyse the pros and cons of these models and their translational relevance and summarize the insights that have been gained regarding the mechanisms of alcoholic liver injury.

Liver scaffolds obtained by decellularization: A transplant perspective in liver bioengineering

Liver transplantation is the only definitive treatment for many diseases that affect this organ, however, its quantity and viability are reduced. The study of liver scaffolds based on an extracellular matrix is a tissue bioengineering strategy with great application in regenerative medicine. Collectively, recent studies suggest that liver scaffold transplantation may assist in reestablishing hepatic function in preclinical diseased animals, which represents a great potential for application as a treatment for patients with liver disease in the future. This review focuses on useful strategies to promote liver scaffold transplantation and the main open questions about this context. We outline the current knowledge about ex vivo bioengineered liver transplantation, including the surgical techniques, recipient survival time, scaffold preparation before transplantation, and liver disease models. We also highlight the current limitations and future directions regarding in vivo bioengineering techniques.

Integrated Analyses Identify Key Molecules and Reveal the Potential Mechanism of miR-182-5p/FOXO1 Axis in Alcoholic Liver Disease

Background: Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide. However, the potential molecular mechanism in ALD development remains unclear. The objective of this work was to identify key molecules and demonstrate the underlying regulatory mechanisms.

Methods: RNA-seq datasets were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and key molecules in ALD development were identified with bioinformatics analysis. Alcoholic liver disease mouse and cell models were constructed using Lieber-DeCarli diets and alcohol medium, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting were conducted to confirm the differential expression level. Dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to explore the targeting regulatory relationship. Overexpression and knockdown experiments were applied to reveal the potential molecular mechanism in ALD development.

Results: Between ALD patients and healthy controls, a total of 416 genes and 21 microRNAs (miRNAs) with significantly differential expression were screened. A comprehensive miRNA-mRNA network was established; within this network, the miR-182-5p/FOXO1 axis was considered a significant pathway in ALD lipid metabolism. Mouse and cell experiments validated that miR-182-5p was substantially higher in ALD than in normal livers, whereas the expression of FOXO1 was dramatically decreased by alcohol consumption (P < 0.05). Next, dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that miR-182-5p directly targets the binding site of the FOXO1 3′UTR and inhibits its mRNA and protein expression. In addition, miR-182-5p was found to promote hepatic lipid accumulation via targeting the FOXO1 signaling pathway, and inhibition of the miR-182-5p/FOXO1 axis improved hepatic triglyceride (TG) deposition in ALD by regulating downstream genes involved in lipid metabolism.

Conclusion: In summary, key molecules were identified in ALD development and a comprehensive miRNA–mRNA network was established. Meanwhile, our results suggested that miR-182-5p significantly increases lipid accumulation in ALD by targeting FOXO1, thereby providing novel scientific insights and potential therapeutic targets for ALD.

Triclosan-induced abnormal expression of miR-30b regulates fto-mediated m6A methylation level to cause lipid metabolism disorder in zebrafish

Chronic exposure of triclosan (TCS) to zebrafish triggers high incidence of fatty liver and hepatitis; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we identified miR-30b as a sensitive biomarker to TCS stress, reflecting in that its decreased expression caused metabolic toxicity, abnormal development and behavior, and lipid-metabolism disorder. By microinjecting the inhibitor and mimic experiments, miR-30b was proved to regulate lipid metabolism by its main target gene fto. Over-expression of FTO resulted in fat accumulation, elevation of the TG and TC levels and up-regulation of the PPARγ and CEBPα, as well as decrease of the global m⁶A level in larvae. On the contrary, the knock-down of FTO using MO caused the anti-lipogenic effect, decrease of the TG and T-CHO levels, and abnormal changes of cebpɑ, acsl5, fasn, ppap2c and pparγ etc. Further fortification tests of cycloleucine and betaine evidenced that the toxic effect was strongly dependent on regulation of the m⁶A level. The toxicity effects in the treatments of methylated donors and receptors were consistent with the changes in physiological functions of FTO knockdown and overexpression. The effects of cycloleucine on m⁶A level and lipid metabolism generally consisted with those of FTO, but this was not the case for betaine, reflecting in increased m⁶A level and lipid accumulation in larval liver. Consequently, we posit that TCS exposure caused zebrafish lipid-metabolism disorder by decreasing miR-30b expression to regulate fto-mediated m⁶A methylation level. These findings contribute to our deep understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms regarding contaminant-originating fatty liver and hepatocellular carcinoma, and also have practical significance in pollution warning and target therapy for related diseases.

Modulation of hepatic miRNA expression in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) by family background and dietary fatty acid composition

This study finds significant differences in hepatic fatty acid composition between four groups of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) consisting of offspring from families selected for high and low capacities to express the delta 6 desaturase isomer b and fed diets with 10% or 75% fish oil. The results demonstrated that hepatic lipid metabolism was affected by experimental conditions (diet/family). The fatty acid composition in the four groups mirrored the differences in dietary composition, but it was also associated with the family groups. Small RNA sequencing followed by RT-qPCR identified 12 differentially expressed microRNAs (DE miRNAs), with expression associated with family groups (miR-146 family members, miR-200b, miR-214, miR-221, miR-125, miR-135, miR-137, miR_nov_1), diets (miR-203, miR-462) or both conditions. All the conserved DE miRNAs have been reported as associated with lipid metabolism in other vertebrates. In silico predictions revealed 37 lipid metabolism pathway genes, including desaturases, transcription factors and key enzymes in the synthesis pathways as putative targets (e.g., srebp-1 and 2, Δ6fad_b and c, hmdh, elovl4 and 5b, cdc42). RT-qPCR analysis of selected target genes showed expression changes that were associated with diet and with family groups (d5fad, d6fad_a, srebp-1). There was a reciprocal difference in the abundance of ssa-miR-203a-3p and srebp-1 in one group comparison, whereas other predicted targets did not reveal any evidence of being negatively regulated by degradation. More experimental studies are needed to validate and fully understand the predicted interactions and how the DE miRNAs may participate in the regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism.

Long noncoding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 correlates with microRNA-125b/microRNA-146a/microRNA-203 and predicts 2-year restenosis risk in coronary heart disease patients

Aim: To investigate correlations of long noncoding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (lnc-MALAT1) and its target microRNAs with clinical features and restenosis risk in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients post drug-eluting stent-percutaneous coronary intervention (DES-PCI). Materials & methods: A total of 274 CHD patients undergoing DES-PCI were enrolled, pre-operative plasma samples were obtained to detect lnc-MALAT1, miR-125b, miR-146a, miR-203 by RT-qPCR; 2-year restenosis was determined by quantitative coronary angiography. Results: Lnc-MALAT1 negatively correlated with miR-125b, miR-146a and miR-203. Furthermore, lnc-MALAT1, miR-125b, miR-146a and miR-203 correlated with diabetes mellitus, hyperuricemia, lesion properties, cholesterol, inflammation and cardiac function indexes. Additionally, lnc-MALAT1 was increased, while miR-125b and miR-146a were decreased in patients with 2-year restenosis than patients without 2-year restenosis; however, miR-203 did not differ. Conclusion: Lnc-MALAT1 and its target miRNAs might help manage restenosis risk in CHD patients post DES-PCI.

MicroRNAs as systemic biomarkers to assess distress in animal models for gastrointestinal diseases

Severity assessment of animal experiments is mainly conducted by using subjective parameters. A widely applicable biomarker to assess animal distress could contribute to an objective severity assessment in different animal models. Here, the distress of three murine animal models for gastrointestinal diseases was assessed by multiple behavioral and physiological parameters. To identify possible new biomarkers for distress 750 highly conserved microRNAs were measured in the blood plasma of mice before and after the induction of pancreatitis. Deregulated miRNA candidates were identified and further quantified in additional animal models for pancreatic cancer and cholestasis. MiR-375 and miR-203 were upregulated during pancreatitis and down regulated during cholestasis, whereas miR-132 was upregulated in all models. Correlation between miR-132 and plasma corticosterone concentrations resulted in the highest correlation coefficient, when compared to the analysis of miR-375, miR-203 and miR-30b. These results indicate that miR-132 might function as a general biomarker for distress, whereas the other miRNAs were altered in a disease specific manner. In conclusion, plasma miRNA profiling may help to better characterize the level of distress in mouse models for gastrointestinal diseases.

MiR-203 regulates estrogen receptor α and cartilage degradation in IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes

INTRODUCTION

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) plays important roles in the etiology of osteoarthritis (OA), in which cartilage degradation and cellular inflammation are involved. MiR-203 is reported to direct target ERα, but its roles in chondrocytes remain uncovered.

METHODS

In this study, ELISA showed that the level of estrogen hormone in the serum of postmenopausal OA patients was significantly lower than the one in patients without OA. RT-PCR revealed that the expression level of miR-203 was significantly up-regulated in the OA patients. Furthermore, western blotting demonstrated the lower expression levels of aggrecan, Col2A1, and ERα in the isolated articular cartilage tissues of OA patients. To decipher the association between ERα and miR-203 in the pathogenesis of OA, IL-1β stimulated cultured chondrocyte cell model was established to measure the cell viability, cellular inflammation, cell injury, as well as cartilage degradation with miR-203 inhibitor and ERα.

RESULTS

The results showed that IL-1β stimulation induced the expression of miR-203, which promoted cellular inflammation and cell injury, and caused down-regulation of aggrecan and Col2A1. Luciferase assay indicated the direct binding between miR-203 and ERα, and ERα-specific SiRNA inversed the protective role of miR-203 inhibitor in the progression of OA in the cell system.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-203 is critical in the onset and progression of OA, at least in part, caused by estrogen deficiency and ERα instability in OA patients, providing a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of OA.

Circ_1639 induces cells inflammation responses by sponging miR-122 and regulating TNFRSF13C expression in alcoholic liver disease

Ethanol is a key factor in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD), commonly characterized as liver inflammation. Recently, circular (circ)RNAs have emerged as important targets to cure liver diseases. However, there are no studies investigating the role of circ_1639 in reducing inflammatory responses in ALD. In this study, we found that circ_1639 was upregulated in Kupffer cells from the livers of alcohol fed mice. We hypothesized that circ_1639 inhibition is a potential novel therapy for treating ALD. To test this hypothesis, RAW 264.7 cells were treated with ethanol and transfected with circ_1639 overexpression or knockdown plasmids. We present western blotting, qRT-PCR, and ELISA data that suggest that circ_1639 is a proinflammatory factor in the liver and is involved in the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Using luciferase reporter assay, we confirmed that microRNA (miR)-122 is a target gene of circ_1639. We also show that TNFRSF13C is a key regulator of RAW 264.7 cell activation, and acts as a downstream target for miR-122. In summary, our results suggest that inhibition of circ_1639 expression may reduce inflammatory responses in ALD.

Pathogenesis, Early Diagnosis, and Therapeutic Management of Alcoholic Liver Disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) refers to the damages to the liver and its functions due to alcohol overconsumption. It consists of fatty liver/steatosis, alcoholic hepatitis, steatohepatitis, chronic hepatitis with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the mechanisms behind the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease are extremely complicated due to the involvement of immune cells, adipose tissues, and genetic diversity. Clinically, the diagnosis of ALD is not yet well developed. Therefore, the number of patients in advanced stages has increased due to the failure of proper early detection and treatment. At present, abstinence and nutritional therapy remain the conventional therapeutic interventions for ALD. Moreover, the therapies which target the TNF receptor superfamily, hormones, antioxidant signals, and MicroRNAs are used as treatments for ALD. In particular, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are gaining attention as a potential therapeutic target of ALD. Therefore, in this review, we have summarized the current understandings of the pathogenesis and diagnosis of ALD. Moreover, we also discuss the various existing treatment strategies while focusing on promising therapeutic approaches for ALD.

Integrative roles of microRNAs in lipid metabolism and dyslipidemia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of the review is to discuss recent advances in microRNA (miRNA) regulation of lipid metabolism and highlight the importance of miRNA-mediated gene regulation in dyslipidemia and fatty liver disease. This article reviews examples of miRNAs that bridge disparate metabolic pathways in the liver. For example, we highlight miRNAs that are regulated by the sterol-sensing pathway in the liver that in turn regulate cellular or systemic cholesterol, fatty acid, and glucose levels.

RECENT FINDINGS

The most widely studied of these miRNAs are miR-33a/b; however, we recently reported that miRNAs in the miR-183/96/182 cluster are also likely regulated by hepatic cholesterol content and mediate the observed glucose-lowering effects of the bile acid sequestrant colesevelam through the sterol-sensing pathway. In addition, several other hepatic and adipose miRNAs have been recently demonstrated to be key regulators of cellular lipid synthesis, storage, and catabolism, as well as systemic lipid metabolism. Moreover, many of these miRNAs are altered in fatty liver disease and dyslipidemia.

SUMMARY

miRNAs are not just fine-tuners of lipid metabolism, but critical regulatory factors in lipid homeostasis and health. Loss of these miRNA regulatory modules very likely contributes to the underlying metabolic defects observed in lipid disorders.