MicroRNA-33-5p inhibits cholesterol efflux in vascular endothelial cells by regulating citrate synthase and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders

Jianqiang Peng¹  Qiong Xie¹  Ying Guo¹  Feng Li² 

[1] Department of Cardiology, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Hospital Affiliated With Hunan Normal University;Departments of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University;

关键词: ox-LDL;    Citrate synthase;    ABCA1;    miR-33-5p;    Vascular endothelial cells;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12872-021-02228-7

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background A high level of total cholesterol is associated with several lipid metabolism disorders, including atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter A1 (ABCA1) and miR-33-5p play crucial roles in atherosclerosis by controlling cholesterol efflux. While citrate is a precursor metabolite for lipid and cholesterol synthesis, little is known about the association between citrate synthase (CS) and cholesterol efflux. This study investigated the role of the miR-33-5p/ABCA1/CS axis in regulating cholesterol efflux in vascular endothelial cells (VECs). Materials and methods VECs were treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (ox-LDL), or pretreated with plasmids overexpressing CS, ABCA1, siRNAs against CS and ABCA1, and an miR-33-5p inhibitor. Cell apoptosis, cellular senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, inflammation, and cholesterol efflux were detected. Results Treatment with ox-LDL decreased ABCA1 and CS levels and increased miR-33-5p expression and apoptosis in dose-dependent manners. In contrast, treatment with the miR-33-5p inhibitor and ABCA1 and CS overexpression plasmids inhibited the above-mentioned ox-LDL-induced changes. In addition, treatment with ox-LDL decreased cholesterol efflux, induced aging, and promoted the production of inflammatory cytokines (i.e., IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor TNF-α), as well as the expression of Bax and Caspase 3 proteins in VECs. All these changes were rescued by miR-33-5p inhibition and ABCA1 and CS overexpression. The inhibition of ABCA1 and CS by siRNAs eliminated the effects mediated by the miR-33-5p inhibitor, and knockdown of CS eliminated the effects of ABCA1 on VECs. Conclusions This study demonstrated the crucial roles played by the miR-33-5p/ABCA1/CS axis in regulating cholesterol efflux, inflammation, apoptosis, and aging in VECs, and also suggested the axis as a target for managing lipid metabolism disorders.

【 授权许可】

Unknown