OBJECTIVE: To observe the degree of myocardial cell injury and the changes in autophagy level in rats with myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury induced by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and to explore the regulatory role of the long non-coding RNA-urothelial carcinoma antigen 1-microRNA-143-Notch1 axis (lncRNA-UCA1-miR-143-Notch1 axis) in myocardial I/R injury induced by CPB. METHODS: Healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into the following groups using the random number method: Sham operation (Sham) group, myocardial I/R injury model group (model group), empty lentivirus group, lncRNA-UCA1 upregulation group, miR-143 downregulation group, and lncRNA-UCA1 upregulation+miR-143 upregulation group, with 9 rats in each group. The rat model of myocardial I/R injury induced by CPB was established by thoracotomy aortic ligation under cardiopulmonary bypass support; in the Sham group, only threading was performed without ligation, and other procedures were the same. Seventy-two hours before modeling, the lncRNA-UCA1 upregulated group was injected with 100 μL of myocardial tissue-specific adeno-associated virus (AAV) overexpression vector of lncRNA-UCA1 via tail vein, the miR-143 downregulated group was injected with 100 μL of AAV short hairpin RNA (shRNA) vector of miR-143 via tail vein, the lncRNA-UCA1 upregulation+miR-143 upregulation group was injected with 100 μL of myocardial tissue-AAV overexpression vector of lncRNA-UCA1 and 100 μL of AAV overexpression vector of miR-143 via tail vein, and the empty vector lentivirus group was injected with 100 μL of AAV empty vector (virus titers were 1×10⁹ TU/mL); the Sham group and the model group were injected with equal amounts of normal saline. The animals were euthanized 24 hours after intervention and cardiac tissue specimens were collected. After hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining, the damage of myocardial cells and the changes of muscle fiber tissue were observed under a light microscope; after dual staining with uranyl acetate and lead citrate, the ultrastructural damage of heart tissue was observed under a transmission electron microscopy; the expression of lncRNA-UCA1, miR-143, and Notch1 mRNA in myocardial tissue was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); the expression of microtubule 1 light chain 3-II/I (LC3-II/I) and Notch1 protein in myocardial tissue was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with the Sham group, the myocardial cells of rats in the model group were enlarged, the intercellular space increased, autophagosomes increased, the arrangement of myocardial fibers was disordered, mitochondrial proliferated and deformed. The expression levels of lncRNA-UCA1 and Notch1 mRNA, as well as the protein expression levels of LC3-II/I and Notch1 were significantly increased, while the expression level of miR-143 was significantly decreased. Compared with the model group, the degree of myocardial cell injury in the lncRNA-UCA1 upregulation group and miR-143 downregulation group was significantly alleviated, the expression levels of Notch1 mRNA, LC3-II/I, and Notch1 protein were significantly increased [Notch1 mRNA (2^-ΔΔCt): 2.66±0.24, 2.03±0.23 vs. 1.45±0.13, LC3-II/I: 2.10±0.21, 1.92±0.19 vs. 1.39±0.14, Notch1 protein (Notch1/GAPDH): 1.72±0.16, 1.57±0.16 vs. 1.34±0.13, all P < 0.05], and the expression level of miR-143 was significantly decreased (2^-ΔΔCt: 0.50±0.06, 0.52±0.06 vs.0.71±0.06, P < 0.05). The expression level of lncRNA-UCA1 in the lncRNA-UCA1 upregulated group was significantly higher than that in the model group (2^-ΔΔCt: 2.47±0.22 vs. 1.43±0.14, P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference in the miR-143 downregulation group compared with the model group (2^-ΔΔCt: 1.50±0.16 vs. 1.43±0.14, P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the degree of myocardial cell injury in the empty load lentivirus group and the lncRNA-UCA1 upregulation+miR-143 upregulation group compared to the model group. There were no significant differences in the expression of miR-143, Notch1 mRNA, and the autophagy level in these two groups compared to the model group. The expression level of lncRNA-UCA1 in the lncRNA-UCA1 upregulation+miR-143 upregulation group was significantly higher than that in the model group (2^-ΔΔCt: 2.47±0.20 vs. 1.43±0.14, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Autophagy is involved in the pathological process of myocardial I/R injury induced by CPB. The lncRNA-UCA1-microRNA-143-Notch1 axis may regulate the autophagy level to participate in the I/R injury process.
Animals ; MicroRNAs ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; RNA, Long Noncoding ; Male ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/etiology* ; Rats ; Cardiopulmonary Bypass/adverse effects* ; Receptor, Notch1/metabolism* ; Autophagy

Objective To explore the mechanism of lncRNA-BC200 (BC200) targeting the ubiquitination of Beta-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and regulating the repair of nerve cell injury. Methods Mouse hippocampal neuron cell line HT22 was divided into four groups: control group, oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R) group, OGD/R+si-NC group and OGD/R+si-BC200 group. In order to further explore the relationship between BC200 and BACE1, HT22 cells were divided into four groups: OGD/R group, OGD/R+si-BC200 group, OGD/R+si-BC200+NC group and OGD/R+si-BC200+ BACE1 group. Twenty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to the following four groups: control group, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) group, MCAO+si-BC200 group and MCAO+si-BC200+BACE1 group. The mRNA expression levels of BC200 and BACE1 in cells were measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The expressions of c-caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), Bcl2 associated X protein(BAX) and BACE1 were detected by western blot, and the apoptotic cells were detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) test. Results Compared with the control group, the activity of HT22 cells in OGD/R group decreased significantly, and the percentage of apoptotic cells increased significantly. Compared with OGD/R+si-NC group, the activity of HT22 cells in OGD/R+si-BC200 group increased significantly, and the percentage of apoptotic cells decreased significantly. Compared with the control group, the expression of BACE1 protein in HT22 cells in OGD/R group was significantly enhanced. Compared with OGD/R+si-NC group, the expression of BACE1 protein in HT22 cells in OGD/R+si-BC200 group decreased significantly. It was observed that after OGD/R treatment, the ubiquitination level of BACE1 decreased significantly and the expression of BACE1 protein increased significantly. After transfection with si-BC200, the ubiquitination level of BACE1 protein increased significantly, while the expression of BACE1 protein decreased significantly. Compared with OGD/R+si-BC200+NC group, the percentage of apoptotic cells, the expression of c-caspase-3 and Bax protein in HT22 cells in OGD/R+si-BC200+BACE1 group increased significantly, and the expression of Bcl2 protein decreased significantly. Compared with the control group, the number of cerebral infarction areas and TUNEL positive cells in MCAO group increased significantly, and the survival number of neurons decreased significantly. Compared with the MCAO group, the number of cerebral infarction areas and TUNEL positive cells in MCAO+si-BC200 group decreased significantly, and the survival number of neurons increased significantly, while the addition of BACE1 reversed the improvement of si-BC200 transfection. Conclusion The combination of BC200 and BACE1 inhibit the ubiquitination of BACE1, and participate in mediating the expression enhancement of BACE1 induced by OGD/R. Specific blocking of BC200/BACE1 axis may be a potential therapeutic target to protect neurons from apoptosis induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion.
Animals ; Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases/genetics* ; RNA, Long Noncoding/physiology* ; Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases/genetics* ; Male ; Neurons/pathology* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Apoptosis/genetics* ; Ubiquitination ; Cell Line ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein/genetics* ; Caspase 3/genetics* ; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery/metabolism*

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic non-specific inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa caused by abnormal activation of the immune system, with alterations in macrophage polarization playing a crucial role in its occurrence and development. Non-coding RNA has been found to play a key role in the polarization of macrophages. This study aims to explore the latest developments in research on the role of non-coding RNA-regulated macrophage polarization in the pathogenesis of AR, with the goal of identifying new approaches and potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of AR.
Humans ; Rhinitis, Allergic/immunology* ; Macrophages/metabolism* ; RNA, Untranslated/genetics* ; Animals ; Macrophage Activation/genetics* ; Cell Polarity/genetics*

Objective To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which exosomes (Exo) derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) carrying HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (lncRNA HOTAIR) promote the metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods CAFs were collected from tumor tissues, and non-cancer associated fibroblasts (NFs) were obtained from adjacent normal tissues at least 5 cm away from the tumor. Exosomes (CAFs-Exo and NFs-Exo) were isolated from conditioned media collected from CAFs or NFs. CAFs-Exo and NFs-Exo were incubated with human ESCC cell line TE-1 for 24 hours, and CCK-8 was used to determine the cell proliferation ability. Scratch test and Transwell test were performed to determine the cell migration and invasion ability. TE-1 cells were divided into the following two groups: NC group and KD group. The NC group and KD group were transfected with control siRNAs or siRNAs targeting HOTAIR respectively. The effects of HOTAIR knock-down on cell proliferation, migration, invasion and glycolysis were determined. Results CAFs-Exo promoted the proliferation of TE-1 cells more significantly than NFs-Exo. Compared with NFs-Exo group, the migration and invasion ability of TE-1 cells treated with CAFs-Exo were improved significantly. In addition, CAFs-Exo treatment inhibited the expression of E-cadherin and enhanced the expression of N-cadherin. The expression of HOTAIR in CAFs was significantly higher than that in NFs. Compared with NFs-Exo, the expression level of HOTAIR in CAFs-Exo increased significantly. Compared with NC group, the proliferation, migration and invasion of TE-1 cells in KD group decreased significantly. Compared with NC group, hexokinase 2 (HK2), extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and ATP/ADP ratio of TE-1 cells in KD group decreased significantly. Conclusion HOTAIR, an exosome derived from CAFs, may be involved in metastasis and EMT by regulating glycolysis in ESCC cells.
Humans ; RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism* ; Esophageal Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Cell Movement/genetics* ; Cell Proliferation/genetics* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma ; Exosomes/genetics* ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Glycolysis/genetics* ; Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts/metabolism* ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism* ; Cadherins/genetics*

Objective To investigate the expression and correlation of LY86-AS1 and KHDRBS2 in glioblastoma (GBM), and their impacts on the prognosis of patients and immune cell infiltration. Methods Based on the GSE50161 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, LY86-AS1 and KHDRBS2, which are closely related to the development of GBM, were identified by WGCNA and differential expression analysis. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) databases were used to analyze the relationship between the expression of LY86-AS1 and KHDRBS2 and the prognosis of GBM patients. Multiple datasets were employed to analyze the correlation between the expression levels of LY86-AS1 and KHDRBS2 and its relationship with immune cell infiltration. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to verify the expression of LY86-AS1 and KHDRBS2 in GBM and normal brain tissues. The Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database was accessed to obtain the protein expression of KHDRBS2, and immunohistochemical staining was conducted to verify the protein expression of KHDRBS2. Results LY86-AS1 and KHDRBS2 were lowly expressed in GBM tissues and were closely related to the development of GBM, showing a significant positive correlation. Patients with low expression levels of LY86-AS1 and KHDRBS2 had a lower overall survival rate than those with high expression levels. LY86-AS1 was positively correlated with naive B cells, plasma cells, activated NK cells, M1 macrophages, activated mast cells and monocytes. KHDRBS2 was positively correlated with naive B cells, plasma cells, helper T cells, activated NK cells and monocytes. Conclusion The low expression levels of LY86-AS1 and KHDRBS2 in GBM, which is associated with poor prognosis, affect the tumor immune microenvironment and may serve as potential new biomarkers for the diagnosis of GBM and the prognosis assessment of patients.
Humans ; Glioblastoma/metabolism* ; Prognosis ; Brain Neoplasms/pathology* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism*

Objective To explore the effect of the knockdown of transmembrane 9 superfamily protein member 2 (TM9SF2) on the replication of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), and investigate its role in the mechanism of antiviral innate immunity. Methods Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to knock down the TM9SF2 gene in human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells. The CCK-8 method was used to assess cell proliferation. A VSV-green fluorescent protein (VSV-GFP) infected cell model was established. The plaque assay was used to measure the viral titer in the supernatant. RT-qPCR and Western blotting were employed to quantify the mRNA and protein levels of VSV genome replication in A549 cells following VSV infection, as well as the expression of interferon β (IFN-β) mRNA and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) protein phosphorylation following polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) stimulation. Results Compared to the negative control, the knockdown of TM9SF2 exhibited a significant effect, with no observed impact on A549 cell proliferation. The VSV-GFP infected A549 cell model was successfully established. After viral stimulation, fluorescence intensity was reduced following TM9SF2 knockdown, and the mRNA and protein levels of VSV were significantly downregulated. The viral titer of VSV was decreased. After poly(I:C) stimulation, TM9SF2 knockdown significantly upregulated the mRNA level of IFN-β and the phosphorylation level of IRF3 protein. Conclusion The knockdown of TM9SF2 inhibits the replication of vesicular stomatitis virus, and positively regulates the type I interferon signaling pathway, thus enhancing the host's antiviral innate immune response.
Humans ; Virus Replication/genetics* ; Signal Transduction ; Membrane Proteins/metabolism* ; A549 Cells ; Vesiculovirus/physiology* ; Interferon-beta/metabolism* ; Interferon Regulatory Factor-3/genetics* ; Interferon Type I/metabolism* ; Vesicular Stomatitis/immunology* ; Gene Knockdown Techniques ; Vesicular stomatitis Indiana virus/physiology* ; RNA, Small Interfering/genetics*

Objective To explore the mechanism of TPT1-AS1 targeting miR-324/TWIST1 axis to regulate the proliferation, invasion, migration and angiogenesis of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells, thereby affecting ovarian cancer (OC) progression. Methods RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of TPT1-AS1 and miR-324 in 29 OC lesions and adjacent tissue samples. The two OC cell models of TPT1-AS1 overexpression and miRNA324 knockdown were constructed, and the cell proliferation, invasion and migration abilities were detected by CCK-8, Transwell^TM and scratch test. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression levels of TWIST1, epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin), Vimentin, and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) in OC cells. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and RNA pull-down experiments were used to verify the interaction between TPT1-AS1 and miR-324. Immunohistochemistry and Targetscan bioinformatics analysis were used to verify the negative regulatory role of miR-324 in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Results The TPT1-AS1 expression was significantly higher in OC tissues than that in para-cancerous tissues, while the miR-324 expression was significantly lower. In SKOV3 cells with TPT1-AS1 overexpression, the miR-324 expression decreased significantly, and TPT1-AS1 was negatively correlated with miR-324. It was also found that TPT1-AS1 and miR-324 were co-expressed in OC cells, and there was a direct binding relationship between them. Down-regulation of miR-324 significantly promoted the proliferation, invasion and migration of SKOV3 cells. Further studies revealed that miR-324 had a binding site at the 3'-UTR end of the TWIST1, a key transcription factor for EMT. Inhibiting miR-324 expression increased the transcription level of TWIST1, leading to a decrease in E-cadherin protein expression and an increase in Vimentin protein expression. Additionally, the downregulation of miR-324 resulted in an increased expression level of VEGF-A protein, which in turn enhanced angiogenesis of OC. Conclusion TPT1-AS1 promotes EOC cell proliferation, invasion, migration and angiogenesis by negatively regulating the miR-324/TWIST1 axis, thus promoting the development of OC. These findings provide new potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of OC.
Humans ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Female ; Cell Movement/genetics* ; Ovarian Neoplasms/blood supply* ; Twist-Related Protein 1/metabolism* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics* ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial/metabolism* ; Nuclear Proteins/metabolism* ; Cell Proliferation/genetics* ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/genetics* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism* ; Cadherins/genetics* ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/genetics* ; Vimentin/genetics* ; Angiogenesis

Objective To investigate the effects of ROCK-siRNA transfection on endothelial cell senescence and endothelial microparticles (EMPs) induced by angiotensin II (Ang II). Methods Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with Ang II (1.0 μmo/L) to induce cellular senescence models, followed by transfection with ROCK-siRNA. The cells were divided into four groups: control group, model group, negative transfection control group (Ang II combined with NC-siRNA), and ROCK-siRNA transfection group (Ang II combined with ROCK-siRNA). Cellular senescence was assessed by SA-β-Gal staining. EMP levels in cell supernatants and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed using flow cytometry. The expression levels of silenced information regulator 1(SIRT1) and p53 protein in each group were analyzed by Western blotting. Results Following ROCK-siRNA transfection, the number of senescent cells induced by Ang II was significantly reduced, accompanied by decreased CD31⁺ EMP levels and suppressed intracellular ROS levels. Meanwhile, the expression levels of SIRT1 were up-regulated, while the expression levels of p53 were down-regulated. Conclusion Silencing ROCK expression suppresses EMP release, reduces ROS generation, regulates the expression of SIRT1 and p53, and ultimately attenuates Ang II-induced endothelial cell senescence.
Humans ; Angiotensin II/pharmacology* ; Cellular Senescence/genetics* ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/cytology* ; RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism* ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Sirtuin 1/genetics* ; Transfection ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics* ; Cell-Derived Microparticles/drug effects* ; rho-Associated Kinases/metabolism* ; Endothelial Cells/metabolism* ; Cells, Cultured

Objective To explore the influences of long-chain noncoding RNA DHRS4-AS1 (lncRNA DHRS4-AS1) on the proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis of thyroid cancer (TC) cells by regulating the microRNA-221-3p (miR-221-3p)/suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) signaling axis. Methods Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was applied to detect the expression of lncRNA DHRS4-AS1, miR-221-3p, and SOCS3 mRNA in TC cell lines, and the optimal cell line was selected for subsequent experiments. FTC-133 cells were divided into five groups: control group, pcDNA-NC group, DHRS4-AS1 group, DHRS4-AS1 combined with agomir NC group, and DHRS4-AS1 combined with miR-221-3p-agomir group. Transfection efficiency was assessed using qRT-PCR. Dual luciferase reporter assays were applied to verify the targeting interaction between lncRNA DHRS4-AS1, SOCS3, and miR-221-3p. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of SOCS3 in FTC-133 cells. EdU method was used to measure cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was applied to measure the apoptosis of FTC-133 cells. Scratch experiment was applied to measure the migration of FTC-133 cells. Transwell chamber was applied to detect the invasion of FTC-133 cells. Nude mouse transplantation tumor experiment was used to observe the effect of lncRNA DHRS4-AS1 on the growth of TC transplantation tumors. Results Dual luciferase reporter assays showed a targeting relationship between lncRNA DHRS4-AS1, miR-221-3p, and SOCS3. LncRNA DHRS4-AS1 and SOCS3 were downregulated and miR-221-3p was upregulated in FTC-133 cells. Overexpression of lncRNA DHRS4-AS1 inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of FTC-133 cells, while inducing apoptosis. Conversely, miR-221-3p overexpression reversed these inhibitory effects, and suppressed the apoptosis. Nude mouse transplantation experiment observed that overexpression of lncRNA DHRS4-AS1 resulted in a decrease in tumor tissue quality and volume, and a decrease in miR-221-3p expression and an increase in SOCS3 expression. Conclusion LncRNA DHRS4-AS1 is downregulated in FTC-133 cells. Overexpression of lncRNA DHRS4-AS1 can inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration of TC cells and induce apoptosis by regulating the miR-221-3p/SOCS3 signaling axis.
MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Protein/metabolism* ; Humans ; RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism* ; Apoptosis/genetics* ; Cell Proliferation/genetics* ; Cell Movement/genetics* ; Thyroid Neoplasms/physiopathology* ; Animals ; Signal Transduction/genetics* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of acupuncture on podocyte autophagy and long non-coding RNA SOX2 overlapping transcript (LncRNA SOX2OT)/mammalian target of rapamycin C1 (mTORC1)/Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) pathway in rats with diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and to explore the mechanism by which acupuncture reduces urinary protein. METHODS: A total of 40 SPF-grade male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group (n=10) and a modeling group (n=30). The DKD model was established by feeding a high-fat, high-sugar diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in the modeling group. Twenty rats with successful DKD model were randomly divided into a model group (n=10) and an acupuncture group (n=10). The acupuncture group received "spleen and stomach-regulating" acupuncture at bilateral "Zusanli" (ST36), "Fenglong" (ST40), "Yinlingquan" (SP9), and "Zhongwan" (CV12), 30 min per session, once daily, five times per week, for four weeks. The general condition, fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-hour postprandial glucose (2hPG), serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), 24-hour urinary protein quantification, and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) were compared before and after the intervention. After intervention, urinary podocyte injury marker SPON2 was measured by ELISA. Podocyte autophagosomes and glomerular basement membrane ultrastructure in renal tissue were observed via transmission electron microscopy. Podocyte apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL staining. The protein expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3Ⅱ (LC3-Ⅱ), mTORC1, ULK1, Beclin-1, and p62 in renal tissue was detected by Western blot. LncRNA SOX2OT expression in renal tissue was measured by real-time PCR. RESULTS: After the intervention, compared with the control group, the model group exhibited increased food and water intake, increased urine output, weight loss, and loose stools; compared with the model group, the food and water intake, urine volume, and loose stools were improved in the acupuncture group. Compared with the control group, FBG, 2hPG, SCr, BUN, 24-hour urinary protein quantification, UACR, and urinary SPON2 were all higher in the model group (P<0.01); compared with the model group, the FBG, 2hPG, SCr, BUN, 24-hour urinary protein quantification, UACR, and urinary SPON2 were all lower in the acupuncture group (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the model group showed reduced podocyte autophagosomes and thickened glomerular basement membrane; compared with the model group, the acupuncture group had increased podocyte autophagosomes and less thickened basement membrane. Compared with the control group, the podocyte apoptosis index (AI) was higher in the model group (P<0.01); compared with the model group, the AI was lower in the acupuncture group (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the expression of ULK1, Beclin-1, and LC3-Ⅱ proteins was lower, and the expression of mTORC1 and p62 proteins was higher in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of ULK1, Beclin-1, and LC3-Ⅱ proteins was higher, and the expression of mTORC1 and p62 proteins was lower in the acupuncture group (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the LncRNA SOX2OT expression was lower in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, LncRNA SOX2OT expression was higher in the acupuncture group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION The "spleen and stomach-regulating" acupuncture method could improve renal function in DKD rats, reduce blood glucose and urinary protein excretion, alleviate podocyte injury, and enhance podocyte autophagy. The mechanism may be related to modulation of the renal LncRNA SOX2OT/mTORC1/ULK1 pathway.
Animals ; Podocytes/cytology* ; Diabetic Nephropathies/physiopathology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Rats ; Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1/genetics* ; Autophagy ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Autophagy-Related Protein-1 Homolog/genetics* ; RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism* ; Humans ; Signal Transduction