Study of long non-coding RNA and mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetic rats
Haytham K Sultan1, Wael M El-Ayat1, Azza H AbouGhalia1
1Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, P.O. Box 11381, Egypt.
Tissue & Cell
|March 21, 2021
Summary
Diabetic rats show altered expression of lncRNA H19 and mitofusin-2 (Mfn-2) mRNA, particularly a downregulation of Mfn-2 in kidneys. These molecular changes may explain cardiac and renal complications in diabetes mellitus.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Cardiovascular Science
- Nephrology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health issue, with micro- and macrovascular complications causing significant morbidity and mortality.
- Mitochondrial fission/fusion dynamics are implicated in DM complications, but their molecular regulation remains unclear.
- Long non-coding RNA H19 (lncRNA H19) and mitofusin-2 (Mfn-2) are potential regulators of mitochondrial function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional role of lncRNA H19.
- To examine the relationship between lncRNA H19 and mitofusin-2 (Mfn-2) gene expression.
- To understand their involvement in cardiac and renal complications of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) in a rat model.
Main Methods:
- Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model and a control group.
- Assessment of cardiac function (weights, ECG) and renal function (biochemical assays).
- Molecular analysis of lncRNA H19 and Mfn-2 mRNA expression, and histological examination of cardiac and renal tissues.
Main Results:
- Diabetic rats exhibited increased left ventricle weight/body weight ratio and altered ECG parameters (increased R wave voltage, decreased blood pressure, heart rate, and P wave voltage).
- lncRNA H19 and Mfn-2 mRNA expression levels were altered in diabetic rats.
- A statistically significant downregulation of Mfn-2 mRNA expression was observed in renal tissues of diabetic rats.
Conclusions:
- Altered expression of lncRNA H19 and Mfn-2 mRNA may contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiac and renal dysfunction in type 1 DM.
- This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying diabetic complications.
- Further research into lncRNA H19 and Mfn-2 could reveal novel therapeutic targets for diabetic nephropathy and cardiomyopathy.
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