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Published on: August 27, 2019
MiR-183 delivery attenuates murine lupus nephritis-related injuries via targeting mTOR
Xiuzhen Li1, Feng Luo2, Jie Li1
1Department of Nephrology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital role in the occurrence and development of many human diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE is an autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies against nuclear antigens and multiorgan involvement. Study of miRNAs involved in SLE provides new insights into the pathogenesis of SLE and might lead to the identification of new therapeutic interventions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of miR-183 injection on the progression of SLE by using MRL/lpr mouse model. The expression levels of miR-183 and mTOR mRNA were detected by quantitative real-time PCR assay. The effect of miR-183 on the course of spontaneous disease progression in the MRL/lpr mice was examined by intraperitoneal injection of miR-183 into mice and followed by monitoring lifespan, anti-dsDNA antibody levels, urinary albumin levels, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, and Tregs and Th17 cell population. We found that miR-183 injection resulted in reduction of anti-DNA antibody and immune complex component levels, restoration of Tregs and Th17 cell population and prolongation of survival. Our findings suggest that miR-183 injection may serve as an effective therapeutic treatment for delaying or easing pathologic features of SLE.
Insights
MicroRNA-183 (miR-183) injection shows promise in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study found that miR-183 reduced disease markers and extended lifespan in a mouse model of SLE.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease with significant morbidity.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of various human diseases, including SLE.
- Understanding miRNA roles offers potential for novel therapeutic strategies in SLE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of miR-183 injection in a mouse model of SLE.
- To assess the impact of miR-183 on disease progression markers and survival.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the MRL/lpr mouse model for spontaneous SLE development.
- Administered miR-183 via intraperitoneal injection.
- Quantified miR-183 and mTOR mRNA expression using real-time PCR.
- Monitored lifespan, anti-dsDNA antibodies, urinary albumin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and T cell populations (Tregs and Th17).
Main Results:
- miR-183 injection significantly reduced anti-dsDNA antibody and immune complex levels.
- Restored the balance of regulatory T (Tregs) and T helper 17 (Th17) cell populations.
- Prolonged the survival of MRL/lpr mice.
- miR-183 expression correlated with mTOR mRNA levels.
Conclusions:
- miR-183 injection demonstrates therapeutic efficacy in mitigating SLE progression.
- This miRNA-based therapy may offer a novel approach to managing SLE.
- Further research into miR-183 as a treatment for SLE is warranted.
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