Atorvastatin Increases the Expression of Long Non-Coding RNAs ARSR and CHROME in Hypercholesterolemic Patients: A Pilot Study

Long noncoding RNAs in familial hypercholesterolemia: biomarkers, therapeutics, and AI in precision medicine

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of lipid metabolism, playing pivotal roles in cholesterol biosynthesis, transport, and efflux. Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH), a genetic disorder characterized by excessive low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, remains a significant contributor to premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). Traditional diagnostic methods, including lipid profiling and genetic testing, have limitations in sensitivity and accessibility, highlighting the need for novel molecular biomarkers. This review delves into the mechanistic involvement of lncRNAs in FH pathogenesis, shedding light on their potential as non-invasive biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Key lncRNAs such as LeXis, CHROME, and H19 have been implicated in cholesterol regulation and atherosclerosis progression, making them attractive candidates for precision medicine applications. Additionally, advancements in AI-driven lncRNA discovery and single-cell transcriptomics are paving the way for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Emerging RNA-based therapeutics, including antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and CRISPR-based gene-editing tools, hold promise for modulating lncRNA function to restore lipid homeostasis. However, challenges such as biomarker validation, efficient RNA delivery, and regulatory approval must be addressed for clinical translation. The integration of lncRNA-based approaches into FH management offers new possibilities for early detection, targeted therapy, and personalized cardiovascular risk assessment, underscoring the need for continued research in this rapidly evolving field.

Normative implications of postgenomic deterministic narratives: the case study of epigenetic harm

What do we mean when we talk about epigenetic harm? This paper presents a multidimensional view of epigenetic harm. It is a plea to take a step back from discussions of epigenetic responsibility distributions prevalent in ELSA literature on epigenetics. Instead, it urges researchers to take a closer look at the normative role played by the concept of epigenetic harm. It starts out by showing that the ways in which the object of epigenetic responsibility has already been conceptualized are all related to 'epigenetic harm': something negative that happens in which epigenetic mechanisms play a role, or rather something that needs to be avoided. Epigenetic harm is then characterized as a bridging concept between relatively neutral findings on epigenetics on the one side, and potential ethical and societal implications of those findings, primarily in terms of responsibility ascriptions and distributions, on the other. The paper proposes that a sufficiently nuanced account of epigenetic harm should include at least three dimensions. The dimension of causation alone leads to an overly narrow understanding of harm, and a wrong understanding of this dimension might prompt researchers to support an excessively simplistic epigenetic determinism. It is argued that a multidimensional analysis of epigenetic harm is less vulnerable to this threat and more reflective of the various kinds of harm that may be experienced by the subjects of epigenetic alterations. The paper applies insights from disability studies and feminist philosophy to draw attention to two other dimensions of epigenetic harm, namely lived experiences and relationality. The paper concludes by exploring what a shift towards a multidimensional approach to epigenetic harm might mean for epigenetic research and responsibility ascriptions by formulating some concrete implications.

LncRNA CHROMR/miR-27b-3p/MET axis promotes the proliferation, invasion, and contributes to rituximab resistance in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) could regulate chemoresistance through sponging microRNAs (miRNAs) and sequestering RNA binding proteins. However, the mechanism of lncRNAs in rituximab resistance in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is largely unknown. Here, we investigated the functions and molecular mechanisms of lncRNA CHROMR in DLBCL tumorigenesis and chemoresistance. LncRNA CHROMR is highly expressed in DLBCL tissues and cells. We examined the oncogenic functions of lncRNA CHROMR in DLBCL by a panel of gain-or-loss-of-function assays and in vitro experiments. LncRNA CHROMR suppression promotes CD20 transcription in DLBCL cells and inhibits rituximab resistance. RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down, and dual luciferase reporter assay reveal that lncRNA CHROMR sponges with miR-27b-3p to regulate mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) levels and Akt signaling in DLBCL cells. Targeting the lncRNA CHROMR/miR-27b-3p/MET axis reduces DLBCL tumorigenesis. Altogether, these findings provide a new regulatory model, lncRNA CHROMR/miR-27b-3p/MET, which can serve as a potential therapeutic target for DLBCL.

Prospects for the use of statins in antiviral therapy

Inhibitors of hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase, in addition to suppressing cholesterol synthesis, have an antiviral effect. Clinical studies have shown antiviral efficacy of statins against COVID-19, HCV, HBV, RSV, HIV, influenza viruses. The ability of statins to inhibit influenza viruses, COVID-19, RSV, HIV, as well as Ebola, Zika, Dengue, Coxsackie, rotaviruses, ADV, HDV, HHV was experimentally confirmed. Statins can also enhance the effects of antiviral drugs, making them more effective in treating infections. Therefore, the use of statins in the complex therapy of viral infections is promising. In addition, the role of influenza viruses, T-cell leukemia and herpesviruses, HIV, HBV, HCV, HPV in the development of atherosclerosis has been identified, so the use of statins in complex treatment is also necessary to correct endothelial dysfunction that occurs under the influence of viruses. Since the activity of retroelements that are evolutionarily related to exogenous viruses increases with aging, it has been suggested that retrotransposons can also be targets for statins. This is evidenced by a change in the expression of non-coding RNAs under the action of statins, since the key sources of non-coding RNAs are retroelements. This property may be an additional factor in the prescription of statins to increase life expectancy, in addition to the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, since pathological activation of retroelements are the causes of aging. Viruses, like retroelements, are involved in the pathogenesis of malignant neoplasms, in the treatment of which statins have shown their effectiveness and the ability to enhance the effect of anticancer drugs, overcoming chemoresistance (similar to the potentiation of antiviral drugs). One of the mechanisms of this activity of statins may be their effect on retroelements and viruses.

Regulation of Long Non-Coding RNAs by Statins in Atherosclerosis

Despite increased public health awareness, atherosclerosis remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Significant variations in response to statin treatment have been noted among different populations suggesting that the efficacy of statins may be altered by both genetic and environmental factors. The existing literature suggests that certain long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) might be up- or downregulated among patients with atherosclerosis. LncRNA may act on multiple levels (cholesterol homeostasis, vascular inflammation, and plaque destabilization) and exert atheroprotective or atherogenic effects. To date, only a few studies have investigated the interplay between statins and lncRNAs known to be implicated in atherosclerosis. The current review characterizes the role of lncRNAs in atherosclerosis and summarizes the available evidence related to the effect of statins in regulating lncRNAs.

Recent advances in the regulation of ABCA1 and ABCG1 by lncRNAs

Coronary heart disease (CHD) with atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death worldwide. ABCA1 and ABCG1 promote cholesterol efflux to suppress foam cell generation and reduce atherosclerosis development. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as a unique group of RNA transcripts that longer than 200 nucleotides and have no protein-coding potential. Many studies have found that lncRNAs regulate cholesterol efflux to influence atherosclerosis development. ABCA1 is regulated by different lncRNAs, including MeXis, GAS5, TUG1, MEG3, MALAT1, Lnc-HC, RP5-833A20.1, LOXL1-AS1, CHROME, DAPK1-IT1, SIRT1 AS lncRNA, DYNLRB2-2, DANCR, LeXis, LOC286367, and LncOR13C9. ABCG1 is also regulated by different lncRNAs, including TUG1, GAS5, RP5-833A20.1, DYNLRB2-2, ENST00000602558.1, and AC096664.3. Thus, various lncRNAs are associated with the roles of ABCA1 and ABCG1 on cholesterol efflux in atherosclerosis regulation. However, some lncRNAs play dual roles in ABCA1 expression and atherosclerosis, and the functions of some lncRNAs in atherosclerosis have not been investigated in vivo. In this article, we review the roles of lncRNAs in atherosclerosis and focus on new insights into lncRNAs associated with the roles of ABCA1 and ABCG1 on cholesterol efflux and the potential of these lncRNAs as novel therapeutic targets in atherosclerosis.