Increased Expression of microRNA-141-3p Improves Necrotizing Enterocolitis of Neonates Through Targeting MNX1
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
Authors: Chen, Hui; Zeng, Lichun; Zheng, Wei; Li, Xiaoli; Lin, Baixing
Abstract
Objective:MicroRNA-141-3p (miR-141-3p) has been investigated in various kinds of cancers. This research delves into the functions and regulatory mechanisms of miR-141-3p in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) of neonates. Methods:NEC tissues were obtained from neonatal mice, and subsequently, expression of miR-141-3p and motor neuron and pancreas homeobox 1 (MNX1) was assayed via RT-qPCR. Moreover, the intestinal histopathological changes and histiocytic apoptosis were observed via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and TUNEL staining. The correlative inflammatory factors and oxidative stress markers were evaluated to uncover the influence of miR-141-3p in NEC tissue damage. Further, the relation between MNX1 and miR-141-3p was predicated, and the functions of MNX1 in inflammatory response and cell growth of IEC-6 cells were investigated. Results:Downregulated miR-141-3p and upregulated MNX1 were discovered in NEC tissues. Moreover, miR-141-3p clearly alleviated inflammation response and oxidative stress damage in NEC, which was achieved through regulating inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha) and oxidative stress markers (MPO, MDA, and SOD) expression. MNX1 was forecasted as a target gene of miR-141-3p; meanwhile, MNX1 overexpression overturned the influence of miR-141-3p in the inflammatory response and cell growth process of IEC-6 cells. Conclusion:These explorations reveal that increased expression of miR-141-3p could improve the damage to intestinal tissues in NEC through targeting MNX1. The research might exhibit a neoteric therapeutic strategy for NEC.
Protective effect of puerarin against burn-induced heart injury in rats
EXPERIMENTAL AND THERAPEUTIC MEDICINE
Authors: Liu, Junling; Liu, Jianyun; Bai, Mingming; Wang, Hui
Abstract
The present study evaluated the potential protective effects of puerarin and its associated mechanism on burn-induced myocardial damage. A total of 40 healthy adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: i) Sham; ii) burn; iii) burn + puerarin; and iv) puerarin. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and IL-6 were measured using ELISA. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined in myocardial homogenates using a commercial assay kit. TUNEL staining and western blot analysis of cleaved and pro-caspase-3 were also performed to assess apoptosis. Activation of p38-MAPK, ERK, JNK and AKT were measured using western blot analysis. Left ventricular systolic pressure, maximum rates of increase/decrease in left ventricular pressure, creatine kinase MB activity and cardiac troponin T levels were found to be altered in the burn group 12 h after burn, which were reversed by puerarin treatment. Injection of puerarin following burn injury also reduced heart water content. Serum levels of IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and IL-6 were significantly higher in the burn group compared with those in the sham group. Puerarin treatment reduced serum levels of IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and IL-6, in addition to reducing MPO activity and MDA levels in myocardial tissues. Puerarin inhibited the activation of caspase-3, p38, ERK and JNK following severe burn, but elevated Akt activation following severe burn. In conclusion, puerarin improved cardiac function in rats following severe burn injury, which may be due to reduced myocardial injury, inhibition of cardiomyocyte apoptosis and reduced oxidative inflammatory stress; the MAPK and AKT signaling pathways are proposed to the underlying mechanism of these findings.