LncRNA-GAS5 Inhibits Expression of miR 103 and Ameliorates the Articular Cartilage in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in

Hongwei Chen1,2, Chuan He1,2, Yan Liu2

  • 1The Third Clinical Medical School, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China.

Insights

Small interfering RNA targeting long noncoding RNA growth arrest-specific transcript 5 (LncRNA-GAS5 siRNA) effectively reduced cartilage destruction and inflammation in obese mice with adjuvant-induced arthritis.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Obesity exacerbates arthritis, leading to significant cartilage destruction.
  • Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play roles in inflammatory diseases.
  • Growth arrest-specific transcript 5 (GAS5) is a lncRNA implicated in cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the therapeutic potential of LncRNA-GAS5 small interfering RNA (siRNA) in mitigating cartilage damage in a mouse model of obesity-induced arthritis.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-arthritic effects of LncRNA-GAS5 siRNA.

Main Methods:

  • Adjuvant-induced arthritis model in obese mice.
  • Administration of LncRNA-GAS5 siRNA.
  • Assessment of clinical arthritis scores (polyarthritis index, paw swelling).
  • Measurement of serum biochemicals, cytokines, and oxidative stress markers.
  • Analysis of cartilage gene and protein expression (MMP-13, NF-κB, FGF21, p38, Akt, PI3K, miR-103) via Western blotting and qRT-PCR.
  • Histopathological evaluation of cartilage.

Main Results:

  • LncRNA-GAS5 siRNA significantly reduced joint swelling and polyarthritis index.
  • Serum levels of arthritis-associated biochemicals, cytokines, and oxidative stress markers were decreased.
  • Expression of MMP-13, NF-κB, FGF21, p38, Akt, and PI3K in cartilage was downregulated.
  • A reduction in cartilage miR-103 expression was observed.
  • Histopathological analysis confirmed amelioration of cartilage damage.

Conclusions:

  • LncRNA-GAS5 siRNA demonstrates a protective effect against cartilage destruction in obese mice with adjuvant-induced arthritis.
  • The therapeutic mechanism involves the inhibition of miR-103 expression and downstream signaling pathways.
  • Targeting LncRNA-GAS5 with siRNA presents a potential therapeutic strategy for inflammatory arthritis, particularly in obese individuals.

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