Overexpression of miRNA-410-3p protects hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte injury via targeting TRAF5.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to clarify the influence of microRNA-410-3p (miRNA-410-3p) on hypoxia-induced injury in cardiomyocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MiRNA-410-3p level, apoptotic rate, and cell viability in AC16 cells undergoing normoxia or hypoxia preconditioning were assessed. The regulatory effects of miRNA-410-3p and TRAF5 on the proliferative and apoptotic abilities of AC16 cells were evaluated. The binding relationship between miRNA-410-3p and TRAF5 was verified by Dual-Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay. RESULTS: Hypoxia preconditioning triggered apoptosis and inhibited the viability in AC16 cells. MiRNA-410-3p was downregulated in cardiomyocytes under the hypoxic environment. The overexpression of miRNA-410-3p stimulated proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in hypoxia preconditioning AC16 cells. TRAF5 was proved to be the target of miRNA-410-3p. TRAF5 level was negatively regulated by miRNA-410-3p. The silence of TRAF5 could reverse viability and apoptosis changes in hypoxic AC16 cells overexpressing miRNA-410-3p. CONCLUSIONS: MiRNA-410-3p protects hypoxia-induced proliferation suppression and apoptosis stimulation in cardiomyocytes via targeting TRAF5.

Effect of microRNA-409 on the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression level of microRNA-409 in PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) rats, as well as its potential effects on fertility of PCOS rats and phenotypes of offspring rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PCOS model in rats was established by Letasazole administration. Follicular development of rats was evaluated by the percentages of the cystic follicle (FC) and corpus luteum (CL) of all follicles. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to detect serum levels of hormones in rats, including LH, LH/FSH, T, INS, FSH, and E2. Subsequently, PCOS rats received a subcapsular injection of microRNA-409 mimics. The expression level of microRNA-409 in ovary was determined by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Serum levels of LH, LH/FSH, T, INS, FSH, and E2 in PCOS rats with microRNA-409 overexpression were accessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as well. PCOS rats were mated with male rats for recording pregnancy rate. At 6-week-old of offspring, they were sacrificed for detecting microRNA-409 level, percentages of FC and CL, as well as serum levels of hormones. RESULTS: PCOS rats showed irregular estrous cycle and they were mainly in the anestrum. Rats in the control group were in a regular estrous cycle. A higher percentage of FC and a lower percentage of CL were seen in PCOS rats compared with those of controls. ELISA data revealed higher serum levels of LH, LH/FSH, and T in PCOS rats compared with those of controls. However, levels of FSH and E2 were lower in PCOS rats. Although INS level increased in PCOS rats, we did not observe a significant difference in INS level between PCOS rats and control rats. MicroRNA-409 was lowly expressed in ovaries of PCOS rats than those of controls. After injection of microRNA-409 mimics into rat ovary, microRNA-409 expression remarkably upregulated than those PCOS rats without injection. Rats in PCOS+microRNA-409 mimics group showed the largest body weight compared with those in the PCOS group and control group. PCOS rats showed a lower pregnancy rate than those of controls, which was markedly increased after administration of microRNA-409 mimics. Rats in PCOS+microRNA-409 mimics group presented lower levels of LH, LH/FSH, T, and INS, but higher levels of FSH and E2 than those in PCOS group. CONCLUSIONS: MicroRNA-409 is lowly expressed in the ovary of PCOS rats. Overexpression of microRNA-409 could improve hormone levels and pregnancy rate in PCOS rats, as well as affect clinical phenotypes of their offspring.

miRNA-15a-5p regulates VEGFA in endometrial mesenchymal stem cells and contributes to the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: miRNAs have been recently reported to contribute to the etiology of endometriosis in stem cells. However, the mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this investigation is to explore the expression of miR-15a-5p and VEGFA in endometrial samples from patients with or without endometriosis. And then examine the regulation by miR-15a-5p on the expression of VEGFA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Here we collected 31 endometrial samples from patients with or without endometriosis and characterized the miRNAs expression profiles of these two groups. Then, we investigated the regulation by microRNA-15a-5p (miR-15a-5p) on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in endometrial mesenchymal stem cells. RESULTS: It was demonstrated that there was dramatically down-regulation of miR-15a-5p in the patients with endometriosis, compared with control patients. Moreover, we found that the up-regulation of miR-15a-5p suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion of these ectopic stem cells by targeting the 3' untranslated region of VEGFA. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, this newly identified miR-15a-5p module provides a new avenue to the understanding of the processes of endometriosis development, especially proliferation, motility as well as angiogenesis, and may facilitate the development of potential therapeutics against endometriosis.

Gas storage and separation in a water-stable [Cu(I)5BTT3](4-) anion framework comprising a giant multi-prismatic nanoscale cage.

A novel water-stable open poly-nuclear Cu(I)-based metal-organic framework, [NC2H8]4Cu5(BTT)3·xG (G = guest of DMA and H2O) (1), featuring a giant multi-prismatic nanoscale cage and high CO2/N2 and CO2/H2 sorption selectivities, was successfully assembled by using the nitrogen-rich ligand of 1,3,5-tris(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)benzene (H3BTT) to bridge two types of Cu3 and Cu2 clusters.