Adipose tissue macrophages-derived exosomal MiR-500a-5p under high glucose promotes adipocytes inflammation by

Yong-Zhen Li1, Yuan Tian2, Chen Yang3

  • 1Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Lab for Arteriosclerology of Hunan province, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China; Department of Pathology, The First People's Hospital of Zigong, Zigong 643099, PR China.

Abstract

Insights

Adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) release exosomes containing miR-500a-5p, which promotes inflammation in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome and down-regulating Nrf2 in adipocytes.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) involves insulin resistance and chronic inflammation.
  • Adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) mediate inflammation and influence insulin sensitivity via exosomes.
  • The role of ATM-derived exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) in T2DM pathogenesis is underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the role of ATM-derived exosomal miRNAs in adipose tissue inflammation in T2DM.
  • Determine the specific mechanism by which these miRNAs contribute to T2DM pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Isolated ATMs from visceral adipose tissue of patients with or without diabetes.
  • Performed high-throughput RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in ATM-derived exosomes.
  • Utilized RAW264.7 macrophages and 3T3-L1 preadipocytes as a model system.
  • Quantified miR-500a-5p expression using qRT-PCR and verified direct targeting of Nrf2 mRNA via dual-luciferase assay.

Main Results:

  • miR-500a-5p was enriched in exosomes from high-glucose-treated macrophages.
  • Exosomes containing miR-500a-5p induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in adipocytes.
  • Inhibiting miR-500a-5p in macrophages reduced exosome-induced inflammation in adipocytes.
  • miR-500a-5p directly targets the 3' UTR of Nrf2 mRNA, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

Conclusions:

  • ATM-derived exosomal miR-500a-5p promotes adipose tissue inflammation in T2DM.
  • This promotion occurs through NLRP3 inflammasome activation and Nrf2 down-regulation in adipocytes.