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Updated: Dec 23, 2025
An Adipocyte Cell Culture Model to Study the Impact of Protein and Micro-RNA Modulation on Adipocyte Function
Published on: May 4, 2021
Anti-inflammatory effects of miRNA-146a induced in adipose and periodontal tissues
Taiki Sanada1, Tomomi Sano1, Yusuke Sotomaru2
1Section of Periodontology, Kyushu University Faculty of Dental Science, Fukuoka, Japan.
Abstract:
MicroRNA (miRNA) plays an important role in diverse cellular biological processes such as inflammatory response, differentiation and proliferation, and carcinogenesis. miR-146a has been suggested as a negative regulator of the inflammatory reaction. Although, it has been reported as expressed in inflamed adipose and periodontal tissues, however, miR-146a's inhibitory effects against inflammatory response in both the tissues, are not well understood. Therefore, in this study, the inhibitory effects of miR-146a on both adipose and periodontal inflammation, was investigated. In vitro study has revealed that miR-146a transfection into either adipocytes or gingival fibroblasts, has resulted in a reduced cytokine gene expression, observed on co-culturing the cells with macrophages in the presence of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), in comparison to the control miRNA transfected. Similarly, miR-146a transfection into macrophages resulted in a reduced expression of TNF-α gene and protein in response to LPS stimulation. In vivo study revealed that a continuous intravenous miR-146a administration into mice via tail vein, protected the mice from developing high-fat diet-induced obesity and the inflammatory cytokine gene expression was down-regulated in both adipose and periodontal tissues. miR-146a appeared to be induced by macrophage-derived inflammatory signals such as TNF-α by negative feed-back mechanism, and it suppressed inflammatory reaction in both adipose and periodontal tissues. Therefore, miR-146a could be suggested as a potential therapeutic molecule and as a common inflammatory regulator for both obesity-induced diabetes and related periodontal diseases.
Insights
MicroRNA 146a (miR-146a) effectively reduces inflammation in both adipose and periodontal tissues. This study shows miR-146a can protect against obesity and related inflammatory conditions, suggesting its therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- Biomedical Research
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate crucial cellular processes, including inflammation and disease.
- miR-146a is recognized as a potential anti-inflammatory agent, but its specific roles in adipose and periodontal tissues require further elucidation.
- Understanding miR-146a's function is vital for developing novel therapeutic strategies for inflammatory diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the inhibitory effects of miR-146a on adipose and periodontal inflammation.
- To explore miR-146a's therapeutic potential in obesity-induced inflammation and related periodontal conditions.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies involved transfecting adipocytes and gingival fibroblasts with miR-146a and assessing cytokine gene expression upon co-culture with macrophages and lipopolysaccharides (LPS).
- Macrophage transfection with miR-146a was performed to evaluate TNF-α gene and protein expression in response to LPS.
- In vivo studies utilized intravenous administration of miR-146a in mice on a high-fat diet to assess its protective effects against obesity and inflammation.
Main Results:
- In vitro transfection of miR-146a reduced cytokine gene expression in adipocytes and gingival fibroblasts.
- miR-146a transfection in macrophages decreased TNF-α expression following LPS stimulation.
- In vivo administration of miR-146a prevented high-fat diet-induced obesity and down-regulated inflammatory cytokine gene expression in adipose and periodontal tissues.
- miR-146a is induced by inflammatory signals like TNF-α via negative feedback, suppressing inflammation in both tissue types.
Conclusions:
- miR-146a acts as a negative feedback regulator of inflammation, suppressing inflammatory responses in both adipose and periodontal tissues.
- miR-146a demonstrates potential as a therapeutic molecule for managing obesity-induced diabetes and associated periodontal diseases.
