Abstract

The aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) is associated with the pathogenesis of inflammation-related diseases. However, the biological functions of miR-21 in acute lung injury (ALI) remain largely unknown. In this study, the level of miR-21 was obviously increased, but B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) expression was markedly decreased in LPS-treated human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells (HPAEpiC). Suppression of miR-21 attenuated LPS-induced apoptosis and inflammation in HPAEpiC and promoted the survival of mice with ALI by decreasing the inflammatory cell count, release of cytokines and permeability in lung tissues. Importantly, Bcl-2 was a direct target of miR-21, and its expression was significantly inhibited by miR-21 mimics at a post-transcriptional level. Besides, Bcl-2 over-expression reversed miR-21-induced apoptosis and inflammation status and showed synergic effects with miR-21 inhibitor in LPS-treated HPAEpiC. In conclusion, inhibition of miR-21 could ameliorate apoptosis and inflammation by restoring the expression of Bcl-2 in LPS-induced HPAEpiC and mice, which might provide therapeutic strategies for the treatment of ALI.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.