Downregulation of miR-145 alleviates ox-LDL-induced inflammation by targeting QKI in macrophages

Am J Transl Res. 2022 Jun 15;14(6):4251-4259. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Objective: Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease with high mortality. miRNAs perform a vital role in its development. This study aimed to discuss the effect of miR-145 in AS occurrence and development.

Methods: The effects of miR-145 mimics and inhibitors on IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α expressions were assessed by qRT-PCR and ELISA. CCK-8 was applied to examine the influence of miR-145 on macrophage proliferation. The influence of miR-145 on the QKI transcriptional activity was analyzed using luciferase reporter gene assy.

Results: Overexpression of miR-145 could enhance the expression of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Down-regulation of miR-145 could inhibit the proliferation of macrophages and the expression level of inflammatory cytokines. The effect of miR-145 inhibitor on the expression of inflammatory factors was partially reversed by interfering with the transcription of QKI with siRNA.

Conclusion: miR-145 regulates the inflammatory response induced by macrophage activation through targeting QKI. It provides a means for AS targeted therapy.

Keywords: Quaking (QKI); atherosclerosis; inflammatory reaction; miR-145.