Conclusion
In HG-induced microvascular cells injury, miR-503/Apelin-12 enhances inflammation and oxidative stress by regulating JNK and p38MAPK pathway, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for DA.
Methods
ELISA and qPCR were applied to assess the expression of miR-503 and Apelin-12 in high glucose (HG)-treated microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). The effects of miR-503 on apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress were assessed by flow cytometry, western blotting, qPCR, and ELISA. The interaction between miR-503 and Apelin-12 was evaluated by dual-luciferase reporter assay, qPCR and ELISA, respectively. Western blotting was performed to examine the function of miR-503/Apelin-12 on JNK and p38MAPK activation.
Results
MiR-503 was markedly increased and Apelin-12 was decreased in HG-treated HMEC-1 cells. MiR-503 inhibitor significantly assuaged apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress in HMEC-1 cells. MiR-503 could specifically bind to the 3'UTR of Apelin and inversely downregulate Apelin-12 expression. Furthermore, Apelin-12 suppressed apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress. Inhibition of Apelin-12 could partially reverse the decrease of p-JNK and p-p38 expression levels induced by miR-503 suppression.