MiR-141 attenuates sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy by targeting DAPK1

Bo Song1, Xin-Xiang Wang2, Hai-Yan Yang1

  • 1Department of Emergency, 519688YanTaiShan Hospital, YanTai, China.

Abstract

Insights

MicroRNA-141 (miR-141) protects against sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) by targeting DAPK1, reducing inflammation and myocardial cell apoptosis. This finding offers a promising therapeutic strategy for SIC.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Molecular Biology
  • Sepsis Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) is a severe complication of sepsis.
  • MicroRNAs play critical roles in regulating cardiac function and inflammation.
  • The specific role of microRNA-141 (miR-141) in SIC remains to be fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the therapeutic potential of miR-141 in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC).
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism involving the targeting of death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) by miR-141.

Main Methods:

  • Establishment of a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced SIC mouse model.
  • Assessment of cardiac function, hemodynamic parameters, and serum inflammatory cytokines.
  • Analysis of myocardial cell apoptosis using TUNEL staining.
  • Quantification of miR-141 and DAPK1 expression via qRT-PCR and Western blotting.
  • In vitro validation using neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRVCMs).

Main Results:

  • LPS exposure significantly impaired cardiac function, increased myocardial apoptosis, and elevated inflammatory markers in mice.
  • miR-141 expression was downregulated, while DAPK1 and cleaved caspase-3 were upregulated in SIC mice.
  • miR-141 restoration ameliorated cardiac dysfunction and apoptosis, whereas miR-141 inhibition exacerbated these effects.
  • In vitro studies confirmed that miR-141 overexpression reduced LPS-induced NRVCM apoptosis and inflammation.

Conclusions:

  • MiR-141 exerts a protective effect in SIC by suppressing inflammatory responses and reducing myocardial cell apoptosis.
  • Targeting DAPK1 is a key mechanism through which miR-141 mediates its protective role in SIC.
  • MiR-141 represents a potential therapeutic target for managing sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy.