miR-223-3p reduces high glucose and high fat-induced endothelial cell injury in diabetic mice by regulating NLRP3 expression

LncRNA MEG3 exacerbates diabetic cardiomyopathy via activating pyroptosis signaling pathway

Background: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a prevalent complication observed in diabetic patients. The long non-coding RNA maternally expressed gene 3 (lncMEG3) has been found to be intricately associated with myocardial infarction and heart failure. However, the role of lncMEG3 in DCM remains unclear. The present study was designed to investigate the role of lncMEG3 in DCM and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: The diabetic mouse model was established through intraperitoneal injection streptozotocin (STZ). The heart-targeted adeno-associated virus carrying lncMEG3 interfering RNA (AAV9-shMEG3) was administered via tail-vein injection to induce silencing of lncMEG3 in diabetic mice. Echocardiography was performed to evaluate cardiac function, while hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and Masson trichrome staining were employed for the detection of cardiac remodeling. The underlying mechanisms were investigated using Western blot and real-time PCR (qPCR). Results: The expression of lncMEG3 was increased in hearts with DCM and in AC16 cardiomyocytes treated with high glucose. The knockout of lncMEG3 reduced inflammation, cardiac fibrosis and myocardial hypertrophy, and improved cardiac dysfunction in diabetic mice. In diabetic mice, the activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3)-inflammasome was observed, whereas silencing of lncMEG3 resulted in a reduction in NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Mechanistically, we discovered that lncMEG3 specifically functions as a competitive inhibitor of miR-223. Moreover, the use of miR-223 antisense oligonucleotide (AMO) counteracted the suppressive effects of lncMEG3 knockdown on NLRP3 inflammasome activation induced by high glucose in vitro. Conclusion: LncMEG3 exacerbates DCM by enhancing NLRP3 inflammasome activation through attenuating miR-223-mediated degradation of NLRP3 in the hearts of individuals with diabetes.

A novel role of miR-223-3p in reducing NLRP3-mediated inflammation and deep vein thrombosis in a mouse model

ObjectiveDeep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a global health issue caused by abnormal clotting in deep veins, which can lead to serious complications such as pulmonary embolism. This study is the first to validate the regulatory effect of miR-223-3p on the NLRP3 inflammasome in a mouse model of DVT, expanding its potential therapeutic value in venous thrombosis-associated inflammation.MethodsMicroRNA sequencing and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were conducted to assess miRNA expression in a DVT mouse model. The downstream target of miR-223-3p, NLRP3, was identified using miRNA target prediction databases and validated by qRT-PCR. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and a DVT mouse model were used to explore the functional relationship between miR-223-3p and Nlrp3.ResultsThe expression of miR-223-3p and Nlrp3 was significantly increased in the vein walls of mice with DVT. The tail vein injection of agomiR-223-3p reduced thrombus formation and downregulated the expression of Nlrp3, interleukin 6 (Il-6), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1beta) and Icam-1. In vitro, miR-223-3p overexpression reduced the expression of NLRP3, Il-6, IL-1beta and ICAM-1, whereas NLRP3 overexpression antagonized these effects. Additionally, miR-223-3p enhanced the viability and migration of LPS-stimulated HUVECs by reducing NLRP3 expression.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that miR-223-3p may play a role in alleviating inflammation and reducing the thrombus burden in mice with DVT by downregulating Nlrp3 expression, supporting its potential as a therapeutic target for DVT.

High glucose elevates intracellular calcium level and induces ferroptosis in glomerular endothelial cells through the miR-223-3p/ITPR3 pathway

We investigated the link between ferroptosis and the miR-223-3p/inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 3 (ITPR3) pathway in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Blood samples from DKD patients and healthy controls were analysed for iron ions, calcium ions, and lipid peroxidation. High-glucose-induced glomerular endothelial cells were used to simulate DKD. MiR-223-3p overexpression or silencing was achieved using adenoviruses, affecting ferroptosis regulators (glutathione peroxidase 4 [GPX4], cystine/glutamate transporter (xCT), and long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 [ACSL4]) and ITPR3. DKD patients showed elevated levels of iron ions, calcium ions, and lipid peroxidation. High glucose downregulated miR-223-3p, reducing xCT and GPX4 expression and increasing ACSL4 expression. MiR-223-3p was confirmed to target ITPR3 through luciferase reporter assay. MiR-223-3p overexpression reversed high-glucose-induced effects on ferroptosis markers and ITPR3 expression. In summary, high glucose levels decreased miR-223-3p expression, leading to increased calcium ion levels and ferroptosis, potentially through ITPR3 modulation. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying DKD and its potential therapeutic targets.

Review on the role of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway in diabetes: mechanistic insights and therapeutic implications

This review explores the pivotal role of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications, highlighting the therapeutic potential of various oral hypoglycemic drugs targeting this pathway. NLRP3 inflammasome activation, triggered by metabolic stressors like hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and free fatty acids (FFAs), leads to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β and interleukin-18, driving insulin resistance, pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, and systemic inflammation. These processes contribute to diabetic complications such as nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Here we discuss the various transcriptional, epigenetic, and gut microbiome mediated regulation of NLRP3 activation in diabetes. Different classes of oral hypoglycemic drugs modulate NLRP3 inflammasome activity through various mechanisms: sulfonylureas inhibit NLRP3 activation and reduce inflammatory cytokine levels; sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) suppress inflammasome activity by reducing oxidative stress and modulating intracellular signaling pathways; dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors mitigate inflammasome activation, protecting against renal and vascular complications; glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists attenuate NLRP3 activity, reducing inflammation and improving metabolic outcomes; alpha-glucosidase inhibitors and thiazolidinediones exhibit anti-inflammatory properties by directly inhibiting NLRP3 activation. Agents that specifically target NLRP3 and inhibit their activation have been identified recently such as MCC950, Anakinra, CY-09, and many more. Targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome, thus, presents a promising strategy for managing diabetes and its complications, with oral hypoglycemic drugs offering dual benefits of glycemic control and inflammation reduction. Further research into the specific mechanisms and long-term effects of these drugs on NLRP3 inflammasome activity is warranted.

Paeonol attenuated high glucose-induced apoptosis via up-regulating miR-223-3p in mouse cardiac microvascular endothelial cells

To investigate the role of miR-223-3p in the modulatory effect of paeonol (Pae) on high glucose (HG)-induced endothelial cell apoptosis. HG (25 mmol/L) was used to induce cellular damage and apoptosis in the mouse cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (MCMECs). Various concentration of Pae was tested and 60 μmol/L Pae was selected for the subsequent studies. MCMECs were transfected with exogenous miR-223-3p mimics or anti-miR-223-3p inhibitors. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay and apoptosis was quantified by flow cytometry. The expression of miR-223-3p and NLRP3 mRNA was measured using real-time quantitative RT-PCR, and protein level of NLRP3 and apoptosis-related proteins was detected by immunoblotting. Pae significantly attenuated HG-induced apoptosis of MCMECs in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, Pae (60 µmol/L) significantly reversed HG-induced down-regulation of miR-223-3p and up-regulation of NLRP3. Pae (60 µmol/L) also significantly blocked HG-induced up-regulation of Bax and Caspase-3 as well as down-regulation of Bcl-2. Moreover, exogenous miR-223-3p mimics not only significantly attenuated HG-induced apoptosis, but also significantly suppressed NRLP-3 and pro-apoptotic proteins in the MCMECs. In contrast, transfection of exogenous miR-223-3p inhibitors into the MCMECs resulted in not only significantly increased apoptosis of the cells, but also significant suppression of NLRP3 and pro-apoptotic proteins in the cells. Pae attenuated HG-induced apoptosis of MCMECs in a concentration-dependent manner. MiR-223-3p may mediate the modulatory effects of Pae on MCMEC survival or apoptosis through targeting NLRP3 and regulating apoptosis-associated proteins.

Role of pyroptosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy: an updated review

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), one of the common complications of diabetes, presents as a specific cardiomyopathy with anomalies in the structure and function of the heart. With the increasing prevalence of diabetes, DCM has a high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent studies have found that pyroptosis, as a programmed cell death accompanied by an inflammatory response, exacerbates the growth and genesis of DCM. These studies provide a theoretical basis for exploring the potential treatment of DCM. Therefore, this review aims to summarise the possible mechanisms by which pyroptosis promotes the development of DCM as well as the relevant studies targeting pyroptosis for the possible treatment of DCM, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis, different cellular pyroptosis pathways associated with DCM, the effects of pyroptosis occurring in different cells on DCM, and the relevant drugs targeting NLRP3 inflammasome/pyroptosis for the treatment of DCM. This review might provide a fresh perspective and foundation for the development of therapeutic agents for DCM.

SARS-CoV-2-associated organs failure and inflammation: a focus on the role of cellular and viral microRNAs

SARS-CoV-2 has been responsible for the recent pandemic all over the world, which has caused many complications. One of the hallmarks of SARS-CoV-2 infection is an induced immune dysregulation, in some cases resulting in cytokine storm syndrome, acute respiratory distress syndrome and many organs such as lungs, brain, and heart that are affected during the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Several physiological parameters are altered as a result of infection and cytokine storm. Among them, microRNAs (miRNAs) might reflect this poor condition since they play a significant role in immune cellular performance including inflammatory responses. Both host and viral-encoded miRNAs are crucial for the successful infection of SARS-CoV-2. For instance, dysregulation of miRNAs that modulate multiple genes expressed in COVID-19 patients with comorbidities (e.g., type 2 diabetes, and cerebrovascular disorders) could affect the severity of the disease. Therefore, altered expression levels of circulating miRNAs might be helpful to diagnose this illness and forecast whether a COVID-19 patient could develop a severe state of the disease. Moreover, a number of miRNAs could inhibit the expression of proteins, such as ACE2, TMPRSS2, spike, and Nsp12, involved in the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2. Accordingly, miRNAs represent potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for this devastating viral disease. In the current study, we investigated modifications in miRNA expression and their influence on COVID-19 disease recovery, which may be employed as a therapy strategy to minimize COVID-19-related disorders.

miR-223: a key regulator of pulmonary inflammation

Small noncoding RNAs, known as microRNAs (miRNAs), are vital for the regulation of diverse biological processes. miR-223, an evolutionarily conserved anti-inflammatory miRNA expressed in cells of the myeloid lineage, has been implicated in the regulation of monocyte-macrophage differentiation, proinflammatory responses, and the recruitment of neutrophils. The biological functions of this gene are regulated by its expression levels in cells or tissues. In this review, we first outline the regulatory role of miR-223 in granulocytes, macrophages, endothelial cells, epithelial cells and dendritic cells (DCs). Then, we summarize the possible role of miR-223 in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute lung injury (ALI), coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other pulmonary inflammatory diseases to better understand the molecular regulatory networks in pulmonary inflammatory diseases.

miR-223-3p mediates the diabetic kidney disease progression by targeting IL6ST/STAT3 pathway

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), the most pervasive complication in diabetic patients, has become a major health threat to the aging population. Our previous miRNA profiling identified hsa-miR-223-3p as a dysregulated miRNA in the DKD samples, which may serve as a biomarker for DKD diagnosis. However, the specific mechanism of miR-223-3p in the pathogenesis of DKD remains to be elucidated. In this study, we first verified that miR-223-3p level was significantly decreased in the in vitro cell model and in vivo db/db DKD model, accompanied with endothelial cell damage. Importantly, inhibiting the expression of miR-223-3p exacerbated high-glucose induced damages in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) and Human Renal Glomerular Endothelial Cells (HRGECs), while miR-223-3p overexpression showed the opposite effect. We further demonstrated that miR-223-3p associated with IL6T mRNA and attenuated the progression of DKD by suppressing the downstream STAT3 activation, indicative of the implication of miR-223-3p/IL6T/STAT3 axis in the pathogenesis of DKD.

Cytoskeletal protein SPTA1 mediating the decrease in erectile function induced by high-fat diet via Hippo signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

The mechanism of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced decrease in erectile function has not been elucidated, and in previous studies, spectrin alpha, erythrocytic 1 (SPTA1) is a cytoskeletal protein that regulates cellular function, which belongs to a family of proteins that can affect cell and tissue growth and development by regulating YAP, an effector on the Hippo signaling pathway, but its particular role has not been elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of SPTA1 in the abnormality of erectile function induced by HFD.

METHODS

We analyzed the penile tissues of mice on normal diet and HFD by transcriptomics and screened for differentially expressed genes, further identified closely related target genes in rat penile tissues, and verified target gene expression in in vitro construction of high-glucose (HG)-treated corpus cavernosum endothelial cells (CCECs) and corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) models. The distribution of target genes in various cell populations in penile tissues was retrieved by single-cell sequencing Male Health Atlas database. Moreover, interfering with target genes was further applied to explore the mechanisms involved in erectile function decline.

RESULTS

Transcriptomic analysis screened out down-regulated differential gene SPTA1; Western blot and immunohistochemistry results showed that SPTA1 expression significantly decreased in the penile tissues of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats in the HFD group. Immunofluorescence staining showed a positive expression of CD31 and VWF in CCECs and a positive expression of α-SMA in CCSMCs. The expression level of SPTA1 protein significantly decreased in the HG group of CCECs and CCSMCs. The expression of SPTA1 mRNA significantly decreased in CCSMCs while significantly increased in CCECs. SPTA1 may have various expression patterns and biological functions in different cell populations. Real-time quantitative PCR results showed that the siSPTA1 transfected in CCSMCs had a significant interference effect compared with the control siNC. Transfection of siSPTA1 into CCSMCs resulted in the significant down-regulation of mRNA and protein expression of eNOS, and significant up-regulation of YAP, Caspase-1, GSDMD, GSDMD-N IL-18, and IL-1β protein expression levels. The expression level of CCSMCs contractile-type protein α-SMA was significantly down-regulated.

CONCLUSIONS

The down-regulation of SPTA1 in SD rats fed with HFD may induce cell pyroptosis and lead to the decrease of erectile function by activating the Hippo pathway; these findings may provide new therapeutic targets for improving erectile function.

The role of NLRP3 inflammasome in hepatocellular carcinoma

Inflammasomes play an important role in innate immunity. As a signal platform, they deal with the excessive pathogenic products and cellular products related to stress and injury. So far, the best studied and most characteristic inflammasome is the NLR-family pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome, which is composed of NLRP3, apoptosis associated speck like protein (ASC) and pro-caspase-1. The formation of NLRP3 inflammasome complexes results in the activation of caspase-1, the maturation of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, and pyroptosis. Many studies have demonstrated that NLRP3 inflammasome not only participates in tumorigenesis, but also plays a protective role in some cancers. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer-related mortality. Currently, due to the lack of effective treatment methods for HCC, the therapeutic effect of HCC has not been ideal. Therefore, it is particularly urgent to explore the pathogenesis of HCC and find its effective treatment methods. The increasing evidences indicate that NLRP3 inflammasome plays a vital role in HCC, however, the related mechanisms are not fully understood. Hence, we focused on the recent progress about the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in HCC, and analyzed the relevant mechanisms in detail to provide reference for the future in-depth researches.

miR-223-3p Regulates NLRP3 to Inhibit Proliferation and Promote Apoptosis of ONG Cells

Objective

Optic nerve glioma (ONG) is a rare disease, defined as a WHO grade I tumor, which affects the visual pathway. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of miR-223-3p in ONG as well as its function and regulation in ONG cell lines.

Methods

qRT-PCR assays were used to measure miR-223-3p expression in ONG tissues and cell lines. After overexpression of miR-223-3p in Hs683 and WERI-Rb-1 cell lines, CCK-8 and EdU assays were performed to examine cell proliferation, and flow cytometry was used to assess apoptosis. Dual luciferase assays were utilized to identify the target binding to miR-223-3p and NLRP3. Rescue assays were carried out to investigate the regulatory mechanism of miR-223-3p acting through NLRP3. Nude mouse tumorigenesis assays were established to verify the effect of miR-223-3p on ONG growth.

Results

miR-223-3p was weakly expressed in both ONG tissues and cell lines. miR-223-3p inhibited the proliferative ability of Hs683 and WERI-Rb-1 cell lines and promoted apoptosis. In addition, there was binding between miR-223-3p and NLRP3. Simultaneous overexpression of NLRP3 and miR-223-3p partially counteracted the role of miR-223-3p in the cell lines. Lastly, miR-223-3p inhibited ONG growth.

Conclusion

miR-223-3p plays an inhibitory role in ONG development by regulating NLRP3 to inhibit the proliferation of ONG cells and promote apoptosis.

Insights Into Platelet-Derived MicroRNAs in Cardiovascular and Oncologic Diseases: Potential Predictor and Therapeutic Target

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), represented by cardiovascular diseases and cancer, have been the leading cause of death globally. Improvements in mortality from cardiovascular (CV) diseases (decrease of 14%/100,000, United States) or cancers (increase 7.5%/100,000, United States) seem unsatisfactory during the past two decades, and so the search for innovative and accurate biomarkers of early diagnosis and prevention, and novel treatment strategies is a valuable clinical and economic endeavor. Both tumors and cardiovascular system are rich in angiological systems that maintain material exchange, signal transduction and distant regulation. This pattern determines that they are strongly influenced by circulating substances, such as glycolipid metabolism, inflammatory homeostasis and cyclic non-coding RNA and so forth. Platelets, a group of small anucleated cells, inherit many mature proteins, mRNAs, and non-coding RNAs from their parent megakaryocytes during gradual formation and manifest important roles in inflammation, angiogenesis, atherosclerosis, stroke, myocardial infarction, diabetes, cancer, and many other diseases apart from its classical function in hemostasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs containing ∼22 nucleotides that participate in many key cellular processes by pairing with mRNAs at partially complementary binding sites for post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Platelets contain fully functional miRNA processors in their microvesicles and are able to transport their miRNAs to neighboring cells and regulate their gene expression. Therefore, the importance of platelet-derived miRNAs for the human health is of increasing interest. Here, we will elaborate systematically the roles of platelet-derived miRNAs in cardiovascular disease and cancer in the hope of providing clinicians with new ideas for early diagnosis and therapeutic strategies.

Role of microRNAs in COVID-19 with implications for therapeutics

COVID-19 is a pneumonia-like disease with highly transmittable and pathogenic properties caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which infects both animals and humans. Although many efforts are currently underway to test possible therapies, there is no specific FDA approved drug against SARS-CoV-2 yet. miRNA-directed gene regulation controls the majority of biological processes. In addition, the development and progression of several human diseases are associated with dysregulation of miRNAs. In this regard, it has been shown that changes in miRNAs are linked to severity of COVID-19 especially in patients with respiratory diseases, diabetes, heart failure or kidney problems. Therefore, targeting these small noncoding-RNAs could potentially alleviate complications from COVID-19. Here, we will review the roles and importance of host and RNA virus encoded miRNAs in COVID-19 pathogenicity and immune response. Then, we focus on potential miRNA therapeutics in the patients who are at increased risk for severe disease.

MicroRNA-223-3p is involved in fracture healing by regulating fibroblast growth factor receptor 2

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are powerful modulators of fracture healing. The research explored the level of serum miR-223-3p in fracture patients and its potential mechanism in fracture healing. In the study, miR-223-3p levels in 42 patients with intra-articular fracture and 40 patients with hand fracture were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR reaction (qRT-PCR). Subsequently, osteoblasts MC3T3-E1 was transfected with miR-223-3p mimic or inhibitor, and cell function was detected by Cell counting kit (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry. Dual-luciferase reporter assay verified the regulation mechanism of miR-223-3p and its target genes. We found that miR-223-3p was significantly elevated over time in patients with intra-articular fracture and hand fracture compared with healthy individuals. Moreover, increased miR-223-3p significantly reduced cell viability and promoted cell apoptosis. The fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) was the target of miR-223-3p. Serum FGFR2 was significantly decreased in patients, which was contrary to the expression of miR-223-3p. Moreover, FGFR2 levels in cells were negatively regulated by miR-223-3p. Finally, si-FGFR2 significantly reversed the promotion of miR-223-3p inhibitor on cell viability and the inhibition of cell apoptosis. Our research suggested that miR-223-3p is highly expressed in fracture patients, and regulates osteoblast cell viability and apoptosis by targeting FGFR2. This may be a valuable target for fracture healing therapy and provide a new perspective for its treatment.

Transcriptional Network Analysis Reveals the Role of miR-223-5p During Diabetic Corneal Epithelial Regeneration

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex metabolic disorder. Long-term hyperglycemia may induce diabetic keratopathy (DK), which is mainly characterized by delayed corneal epithelial regeneration. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to play regulatory roles during tissue regeneration. However, the molecular mechanism by which miRNAs influence epithelial regeneration in DK is largely unknown. In this study, we performed miRNA and mRNA sequencing of regenerative corneal epithelium tissue from streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic (T1DM) and wild-type mice to screen for differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs. Based on regulatory network analysis, miR-223-5p was selected for subsequent experiments and Hpgds was then identified as a direct target gene. MiR-223-5p downregulation significantly promoted diabetic corneal epithelial wound healing and nerve regeneration. However, the beneficial effects of miR-223-5p inhibition were abolished by an Hpgds inhibitor. Furthermore, mechanistic studies demonstrated that miR-223-5p suppression ameliorated inflammation and enhanced cell proliferation signaling in DK. Taken together, our findings revealed that the regulatory role of miR-223-5p in diabetic corneal epithelial and nerve regeneration by mediating inflammatory processes and cell proliferation signaling. And silencing miR-223-5p may contribute to the development of potential therapeutic strategies for DK.

Nanocurcumin Modulates miR-223-3p and NF-κB Levels in the Pancreas of Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome to Attenuate Autophagy Flare, Insulin Resistance and Improve ß Cell Mass

Purpose

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent female endocrine disorder. 50–70% of PCOS patients suffer from glucose intolerance, insulin and β cell impairments. Updated studies reveal the crucial regulatory role of inflammation modulators in various diseases, by manipulating autophagy and oxidative stress. However, the data available about autophagy in PCOS pancreas, especially in relation to inflammation key players are little. This study investigated pancreatic autophagy status in PCOS rat model, with miR-223-3p and NF-κB levels as pivotal regulators of oxidative stress-autophagy axis, insulin, and β cell integrity. We then analyzed nanocurcumin effects as a putative anti-inflammatory nutraceutical on the disrupted parameters.

Methods

Nanocurcumin was characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier-transform IR (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Adult virgin Wistar rats were selected, and PCOS was induced using letrozole (1mg/kg). Nanocurcumin was ingested following letrozole. Sex hormones and insulin resistance were determined. miR-223-3p expression was determined using real-time PCR. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting determined β cells, NF-κB, and autophagy markers p62 and LC3II.

Results

PCOS group showed significant disruptions in sex hormones and a double fold increase in glucose and insulin levels, exhibiting insulin resistance. Immunostaining confirmed around 46% deterioration of ß cell mass. Real-time PCR showed significant downregulation of miR-223-3p. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting revealed a drastic upsurge of NF-κB, and autophagy markers p62 and LC3II, confirming bioinformatics target analysis. Interestingly, compared to PCOS group, nanocurcumin (200mg/kg) significantly upregulated miR-223-3p expression by 30%. It subsided NF-κB and autophagy eruption to restore ß cell mass and attenuate insulin resistance.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to highlight the vital contribution of miR-223-3p and NF-κB levels in aggravating PCOS pancreatic autophagy and consequent impairments. It spots nanocurcumin potential as an inflammation and autophagy modulator, for possible better management of PCOS complications.

miR-223: An Effective Regulator of Immune Cell Differentiation and Inflammation

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in regulating various biological processes, such as cell differentiation and immune modulation by binding to their target genes. miR-223 is a miRNA with important functions and has been widely investigated in recent years. Under certain physiological conditions, miR-223 is regulated by different transcription factors, including sirtuin1 (Sirt1), PU.1 and Mef2c, and its biological functions are mediated through changes in its cellular or tissue expression. This review paper summarizes miR-223 biosynthesis and its regulatory role in the differentiation of granulocytes, dendritic cells (DCs) and lymphocytes, macrophage polarization, and endothelial and epithelial inflammation. In addition, it describes the molecular mechanisms of miR-223 in regulating lung inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, enteritis, neuroinflammation and mastitis to provide insights into the existing molecular regulatory networks and therapies for inflammatory diseases in humans and animals.