Effect of lncRNA MEG3 on retinopathy in diabetic rats through regulating Fox01 expression

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of long non-coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA) maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) on retinopathy in diabetic rats by regulating the expression of forkhead transcription factor 01 (Fox01).

All rats were randomly divided into three groups, including the control group (n=10), diabetes mellitus (DM) group (n=10) and lncRNA MEG3 transfection group (n=10). The expressions of Fox01 and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the three groups were detected using immunohistochemical staining, quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting.

Microscopic examinations showed that the retinal structure was clear and complete, the inner limiting membrane surface was smooth, and the cells were arranged orderly with uniform structure in the control group. In the DM group, the retinal ganglia were slightly thickened, the histiocytes were sparse and arranged disorderly, and the edema of the outer plexiform layer (OPL) was significant. Meanwhile, there was abnormal microvascular dilatation without neovascularization. In lncRNA MEG3 transfection group, the edema of retinal OPL was significantly alleviated when compared with the DM group, showing statistically significant differences (p<0.05). The results of immunohistochemical staining showed that the expressions of Fox01 and IL-1β in the inner plexiform layer and inner nuclear layer increased markedly in the DM group and lncRNA MEG3 transfection group when compared with those in the control group (p<0.05). However, they were both significantly declined in lncRNA MEG3 transfection group when compared with the DM group (p<0.05). Furthermore, Western blotting and qRT-PCR indicated that the protein and mRNA expressions of Fox01 and IL-1β in the retina of DM group and lncRNA MEG3 transfection group were remarkably higher than the control group (p<0.05). However, they were remarkably declined in lncRNA MEG3 transfection group when compared with the DM group (p<0.05).

LncRNA MEG3 plays an important role in retinopathy in diabetic rats. In addition, it can ameliorate retinopathy in diabetic rats by inhibiting the expressions of IL-1β and Fox01.