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International Journal of Molecular Medicine logoLink to International Journal of Molecular Medicine
. 2019 Feb 20;43(4):1806–1816. doi: 10.3892/ijmm.2019.4102

MicroRNA-30e regulates TGF-β-mediated NADPH oxidase 4-dependent oxidative stress by Snai1 in atherosclerosis

Ye Cheng 1,*,✉, Meili Zhou 2,*, Wenjun Zhou 3
PMCID: PMC6414159  PMID: 30816428

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at a post-transcription level in living organisms. Great attention has been paid to the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS). The present study was designed to investigate the function of miRNA-30e in atherosclerosis and to explore potential mechanisms. The expression of miRNA-30e was decreased in an AS model, compared with the normal group. The downregulation of miRNA-30e increased oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in vitro. Then, overexpression of miRNA-30e led to decreased oxidative stress and ROS levels in vitro. The downregulation of miRNA-30e induced the protein expression of Snai1, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2 (Smad2) and suppressed that of NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) in vitro. The activation of Snai1 or TGF-β attenuated the effects of miRNA-30e on oxidative stress in vitro. Consistently, the inhibition of Nox4 attenuated the effects of miRNA-30e on oxidative stress in vitro. These findings demonstrated for the first time that miRNA-30e regulated AS by TGF-β-mediated NADPH oxidase 4-dependent oxidative stress via Snai1.

Keywords: microRNA-30e, atherosclerosis, transforming growth factor-β, NADPH oxidase 4, Snai1, oxidative stress

Introduction

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a common disease threatening human health. In recent years, the morbidity of AS is markedly increased in China (1). A previous study demonstrated that the inflammatory response serves a key role in the formation process of AS (2). Mononuclear macrophage and lymphocyte, multiple growth factors, cytokines and adhesion molecules are closely correlated with the formation, development and rupture of the atherosclerotic plaque (2). Typically, coronary AS plaque rupture and the induced thrombosis are the important causes leading to acute coronary syndrome and death (3). Furthermore, plaque structure and components also serve an important role in maintaining its stability (1).

MicroRNA (miRNA/miR) is a class of highly conserved non-coding small RNA about 19-25 bp in length, which (4) can bind with target genes (mRNA) through base complementation or partial base complementation. Therefore, it can degrade mRNA or restrain its translation and regulate gene expression at a post-transcription level. miRNA distribution in the human body is tissue specific, which serves a key role in cell proliferation, transformation, migration, metabolism and apoptosis (5).

AS is a complicated multi-factor disease, but its pathogenesis remains unclear (6). It is characterized by destroyed vascular endothelial cell integrity, smooth muscle cell and fibroblast hyperplasia, and lipid atherosclerotic plaque formation under the large and medium-sized endarterium (7). Research indicates that the acute and chronic overloads of reactive oxygen species (ROS) exist in the whole process of AS, which will induce endothelial cell injury and apoptosis. Therefore, ROS serves a key role in the pathogenesis of AS. ROS mainly affect the growth, migration, proliferation and activation of vascular cells (7). Under pathological conditions, ROS are involved in inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, cell proliferation and activation. Recent studies suggest that, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity and smoking will induce excessive ROS production (7,8). Furthermore, they will increase lipid peroxidation injury to cells, therefore promoting AS formation and development (8). Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a multi-functional cytokine, which can regulate cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, migration and apoptosis (9). In addition, it may stimulate the synthesis and secretion of multiple active substances, including cytokines, and inflammatory mediators. Therefore, it participates in the extracellular matrix (ECM) constitution and degradation, and has dual effects of suppression and promotion (10).

NADPH oxidase (NOX) is demonstrated in research to be a major enzyme involved in ROS production in blood vessels (11). Evidence proves that NOX4 expression in endothelial cells is markedly increased compared with other Nox members (12). Research data also prove that NOX4 serves a key role in endothelial redox reactions and has an important functional regulatory effect on endothelial cell physiology (13). Lai et al (14) demonstrated that miRNA-30e mediated cardioprotection of ACE2 in rats with doxorubicin-induced heart failure. The present study was designed to investigate the function of miRNA-30e in atherosclerosis and to explore potential mechanisms.

Materials and methods

Atherosclerosis in vivo model

C57BL/6 (n=8; male; 5-6 weeks; 18-20 g) and Apoe−/− (n=8; 5-6 weeks; 18-20 g) mice were obtained from the Animal center of Xiamen University (Xiamen, China). All mice were housed at 22-23°C, 55-60% humidity, 12 h light and dark cycle, and had free access to water. C57BL/6 mice were the normal control group and were fed normal diet for 12 weeks. The Apoe−/− mice were the AS group and were fed the high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Animal experiments were approved by the Animal Care and Utilization Committee of Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital Xiamen University. Following 12 weeks, mice were injected with 50 mg/kg pentobarbital sodium and then sacrificed using decollation. The aorta vessel tissue was fixed using 4% para-formaldehyde for 24 h at room temperature and made paraffin sections (5 µm) for Oil Red O staining at room temperature for 15 min. Tissues were observed using a confocal fluorescent Zeiss Axioplan 2 microscope (magnification, ×100; Carl Zeiss MicroImaging; Carl Zeiss AG, Oberkochen, Germany).

Oxidative stress and ROS levels

Malondialdehyde (MDA; cat. no. A003-1), superoxide dismutase (SOD; cat. no. A001-1-1), glutathione (GSH; cat. no. A006-2) and glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-PX; cat. no. A005) levels were measured using ELISA kits from cells or blood vessel tissue (all from Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute, Nanjing, China). The ROS level was measured in cells using ELISA kits (cat. no. E004; Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute). In addition, ROS level was analyzed using ROS probe and observed using a Zeiss Axioplan 2 (Carl Zeiss MicroImaging; Carl Zeiss AG).

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and gene microarray hybridization

Total RNA was extracted from cells or blood vessel tissue using TRIzol® reagent (Invitrogen; Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Waltham, MA, USA). Reverse transcription (RT) was performed with the TaqMan miRNA RT kit (Applied Biosystems; Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.) at 37°C for 30 min and 84°C for 10 sec. qPCR was executed using the SYBR-Green Master Mix (Applied Biosystems; Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.) cycling profile: 95°C for 20 sec, 40 cycles of amplification (95°C for 30 sec, 60°C for 30 sec and 72°C for 30 sec) and melt curve analysis. The primer sequences for RT-qPCR: miR-30e 5′-GGG CAG TCT TTG CTA CTG TAA AC-3′ and 5′-GCC GCT GTA AAC ATC CGA CT-3′; U6 5′-GCT TCG GCA GCA CAT ATA CTA AAA T-3′ and 5′-CGC TTC ACG AAT TTG CGT GTC AT-3′. The relative expression levels of microRNA-30e were calculated using the 2−ΔΔCq method (15).

Total RNA was hybridized using SurePrint G3 Mouse Whole Genome Microarray (G4471A-021828; Stratagene; Agilent Technologies, Inc., Santa Clara, CA, USA). Images were quantified using Agilent Feature Extraction Software (version A.10.7.3.1; Agilent Technologies, Inc.).

Cell culture, transfection and grouping

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM; Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.) at 37°C in 5% CO2. In total, 100 ng small interfering (si)-Nox4 (cat. no. sc-41586; Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc., Dallas, TX, USA), 100 ng microRNA-30e (5′-UGU AAA CAU CCU UGA CUG GAA G-3′), 100 ng anti-microRNA-30e (5′-UCC AGU CAA GGA UGU UUA CAU U-3′), 100 ng Snai1 plasmid (5′-CAC TAT GCC GCG TCT TTC C-3′), 100 ng TGF-β plasmid (5′-ACC CAT GCC TCC CTC TCG GC-3′) and 100 ng negative mimics (5′-CCC CCC CCC CCC CC-3′) were transfected into HUVECs (1×105 cells/ml) using Lipofectamine® 2000 (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.). After transfection at 37°C for 6 h, the medium was subsequently replaced with DMEM containing 10% fetal bovine serum for 42 h and treated with 500 µmol/l of H2O2 for 16 h.

Luciferase reporter assays

The 3’ untranslated region (UTR) of Snai1 was cloned into pMIR-REPORT luciferase reporter plasmids (Promega Corporation, Madison, WI, USA). Snai1 Plasmids and anti-microRNA-30e mimics were co-transfected into HUVECs using Lipofectamine® 2000 (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.). Following transfection at 37°C for 48 h, cells were lysed using a dual luciferase reporter assay kit (Promega Corporation) according to the manufacturer’s protocol. The absolute values of firefly luminescence were normalized to Renilla luciferase activity.

Western blotting

Total proteins from myocardial tissue were extracted using radioimmunoprecipitation buffer lysis buffer (Beyotime Institute of Biotechnology, Haimen, China) and protein contents were measured using bicinchoninic acid assay. A total of 50 µg protein lysate of each sample was stacking on 4% SDS-PAGE and transferred onto polyvinylidene difluoride membrane. The membrane was blocked with 5% skim milk powder at room temperature for 2 h and incubated with Snai1 (cat. no. sc-271977; 1:1,000), TGF-β (cat. no. sc-52892; 1:1,000; both Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc.), Samd2 (cat. no. ab122028; 1:1,000), Nox4 (cat. no. ab133303; 1:1,000; both Abcam, Cambridge, USA) and GAPDH (cat. no. sc-293335; 1:5,000; Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc.) at 4°C overnight. On the next day, membrane was washed with Tris buffered saline 0.1% Tween 20 for three times and incubated with horseradish peroxidase labeled secondary antibody (cat. no. sc-2004; 1:5,000; Abcam) at room temperature for 1 h. The absorbance of each band was analyzed using Image Lab 3.0 (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Hercules, CA, USA) following enhanced chemiluminescence (cat. no. P0018AS; Beyotime Institute of Biotechnology) staining.

Statistical analysis

All the data are expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean (n=3). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 17.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Student’s t-test or one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc test was used to analyze comparisons. P<0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference.

Results

Expression of miRNA-30e in an AS model

The effects and mechanisms of miRNA-30e in were first evaluated in an AS model. MDA levels were significantly increased, while the levels of SOD, GSH and GSH-PX were significantly decreased in mice with AS, compared with the normal control group (P<0.01; Fig. 1A-D). As presented in Fig. 1E, the number of thrombi in mice of AS was increased compared with the normal control group. The expression of miRNA-30e in the AS model group was significantly reduced, compared with the normal mice group (P<0.01; Fig. 1F-G). In conclusion, these results demonstrated that miRNA-30e may be involved in AS.

Figure 1.

Figure 1

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Expression of miRNA-30e in an atherosclerosis model. (A) MDA, (B) SOD, (C) GSH and (D) GSH-PX, (E) Oil Red O staining, (F) heat map and (G) quantitative polymerase chain reaction for miRNA-622 expression. Scale bar, 400 µm. **P<0.01 vs. the control normal group. Normal, control normal group; Atherosclerosis, Atherosclerosis model group; miR/miRNA, microRNA; GSH-PX, glutathione-peroxidase; MDA, malondiadehyde; SOD, superoxide.

Downregulation of miRNA-30e increases oxidative stress and ROS

To investigate the function of miRNA-30e downregulation in AS, anti-miRNA-30e was used to reduce the expression of miRNA-30e. As presented in Fig. 2A, anti-miRNA-30e significantly inhibited the expression of miRNA-30e in an in vitro model, compared with the negative group (P<0.01). Downregulation of miRNA-30e significantly increased MDA levels, while the levels of SOD, GSH and GSH-PX were significantly decreased, and significantly promoted ROS levels in an in vitro model, compared with the negative group (P<0.01; Fig. 2B-G).

Figure 2.

Figure 2

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Downregulation of miRNA-30e increases oxidative stress and ROS. (A) miRNA-30e expression, (B) MDA, (C) SOD, (D) GSH and (E) GSH-PX, (F) ROS levels and (G) green fluorescent protein staining of cells following anti-miRNA30e transfection. Scale bar, 100 µm. **P<0.01 vs. the negative normal group. miR/miRNA, microRNA; GSH-PX, glutathione-peroxidase; MDA, malondiadehyde; SOD, superoxide; ROS, reactive oxygen species; Negative, negative control group; anti-30e, downregulation of microRNA-30e group.

Over-expression of miRNA-30e reduces oxidative stress and ROS

Then an miRNA-30e mimics was used to increase the expression of miRNA-30e in an in vitro model, compared with the negative group (Fig. 3A). Overexpression of miRNA-30e reduced MDA levels, increased the levels of SOD, GSH and GSH-PX, and decreased ROS levels in an in vitro model, compared with the negative group (Fig. 3B-G). Therefore, it was concluded that miRNA-30e regulated ROS and oxidative stress in AS.

Figure 3.

Figure 3

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Overexpression of miRNA-30e reduces oxidative stress and ROS. (A) miRNA-30e expression, (B) MDA, (C) SOD, (D) GSH and (E) GSH-PX, (F) ROS levelsand (G) green fluorescent protein staining of cells following anti-miRNA30e transfection. Scale bar, 100 µm. **P<0.01 vs. the negative normal group. miR/miRNA, microRNA; GSH-PX, glutathione-peroxidase; MDA, malondiadehyde; SOD, superoxide; ROS, reactive oxygen species; Negative, negative control group; miR-30e, over-expression of microRNA-30e group.

miRNA-30e regulates TGF-β-mediated Nox4-dependent oxidative stress by Snai1

Furthermore, the mechanism of miRNA-30e on ROS and oxidative stress was analyzed in AS. The results of the Gene chip demonstrated that downregulation of miRNA-30e induced the expression of Snai1 in vitro, compared with the negative group (Fig. 4A). Snai1 was a putative target of miRNA-30e, confirmed by Luciferase reporter activity which was significantly increased in an in vitro model, compared with the negative group (P<0.01; Fig. 4B and C). Downregulation of miRNA-30e significantly induced the expression of the Snai1 protein in an in vitro model, compared with the negative group (P<0.01; Fig. 4D).

Figure 4.

Figure 4

Figure 4

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miRNA-30e regulates TGF-β-mediated NADPH oxidase 4-dependent oxidative stress by Snai1. (A) Heat map for signaling pathway, (B) Snai1 was a putative target of miRNA-30e and (C) luciferase reporter activity, (D) Snai1 protein expression. (E) Snai1, (F) TGF-β, (G) Smad2 and (H) Nox4 protein expression by statistical analysis, and (I) western blotting analysis. ##P<0.01 vs. the negative normal group. miR/miRNA, microRNA; TGF, transforming growth factor; Nox4, NAPDH oxidase 4; Smad, mothers against decapentaplegic homolog; negative, negative control group; anti-30e, downregulation of microRNA-30e group.

As presented in Fig. 4E-I, downregulation of miRNA-30e induced the protein expression of Snai1, TGF-β and Smad2 and suppressed Nox4 protein expression in an in vitro model, compared with the negative group. In contrast, over-expression of miRNA-30e significantly suppressed the protein expression of Snai1, TGF-β and Smad2 (P<0.01) and significantly induced that of Nox4 in an in vitro model, compared with the negative group (P<0.01; Fig. 5). These results demonstrated that miRNA-30e regulated Snai1/TGF-β/Nox4 protein expression to affect ROS/oxida-tive stress in AS.

Figure 5.

Figure 5

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miRNA-30e regulates Snai1/TGF-β/Nox4 protein expression. (A) Snai1, (B) TGF-β, (C) Smad2 and (D) Nox4 protein expression by statistical analysis, and (E) western blotting analysis. ##P<0.01 vs. the negative normal group. miR/miRNA, microRNA; TGF, transforming growth factor; Nox4, NAPDH oxidase 4; Smad, mothers against decapentaplegic homolog; Negative, negative control group; miR-30e, overexpression of microRNA-30e group.

The activation of Snai1 attenuates the effects of miRNA-30e on oxidative stress in vitro

Therefore, to further evaluate the role of Snai1 in the effects of miRNA-30e on oxida-tive stress in an in vitro model, a Snai1 plasmid was used to significantly increase the protein expression of Snai1, TGF-β and Smad2 (P<0.01) and significantly suppressed that of Nox4 in an in vitro model by miRNA-30e, compared with the miRNA-30e group (P<0.01; Fig. 6A-E). The activation of Snai1 significantly attenuated the effects of miRNA-30e on the inhibition of MDA and ROS levels, and activation of SOD, GSH and GSH-PX levels in an in vitro model, compared with the miRNA-30e group (P<0.01; Fig. 6F-K). Snai1 is a target spot for the effects of miRNA-30e on oxida-tive stress in AS.

Figure 6.

Figure 6

Figure 6

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Activation of Snai1 reduces the effects of miRNA-30e on the oxidative stress in vitro model. (A) Snai1, (B) TGF-β, (C) Smad2 and (D) Nox4 protein expression by statistical analysis, and (E) western blotting analysis, (F) MDA, (G) SOD, (H) GSH and (I) GSH-PX, (J) ROS levels and (K) green fluorescent protein transfection. Scale bar, 100 µm. **P<0.01 vs. the negative normal group, ##P<0.01 vs. over-expression of miRNA-30e group. miR/miRNA, microRNA; TGF, transforming growth factor; Nox4, NAPDH oxidase 4; Smad, mothers against decapentaplegic homolog; Negative, negative control group; miR-30e, over-expression of miRNA-30e group; Snai1, over-expression of miRNA-30e and Snai1 plasmid group.

The activation of TGF-β attenuates the effects of miRNA-30e on oxidative stress in an in vitro model

Next, the function of TGF-β in the effects of miRNA-30e on oxidative stress in an in vitro model was investigated further. To this end, a TGF-β plasmid significantly induced the protein expression of TGF-β, Smad2 and significantly suppressed Nox4 in an in vitro model following miRNA-30e, compared with the miRNA-30e group (P<0.01; Fig. 7A-D). Additionally, the activation of TGF-β attenuated the effects of miRNA-30e on the inhibition of MDA and ROS levels, and activation of SOD, GSH and GSH-PX levels in an in vitro model, compared with the microRNA-30e group (Fig. 7E-K). These results support that TGF-β is an important player for the effects of miRNA-30e on oxidative stress in AS.

Figure 7.

Figure 7

Figure 7

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Activation of TGF-β reduces the effects of miRNA-30e on the oxidative stress in vitro model. (A) TGF-β, (B) Smad2 and (C) Nox4 protein expression by statistical analysis and (D) western blotting analysis, (E) MDA, (F) SOD, (G) GSH and (H) GSH-PX (I) ROS levels and (J) green fluorescent protein. **P<0.01 vs. the negative normal group, ##P<0.01 vs. the over-expression of microRNA-30e group. miR/miRNA, microRNA; TGF, transforming growth factor; Nox4, NAPDH oxidase 4; Smad, mothers against decapentaplegic homolog; Negative, negative control group; miR-30e, over-expression of microRNA-30e group; TGF-β, over-expression of microRNA-30e and TGF-β plasmid group.

The inhibition of Nox4 attenuates the effects of miRNA-30e on oxidative stress in an in vitro model

Finally, si-Nox4 could significantly suppress the protein expression of Nox4 in an in vitro model following miRNA-30e transfection, compared with the miRNA-30e group (P<0.01; Fig. 8A). Then, the inhibition of Nox4 significantly attenuated the effects of miRNA-30e on the inhibition of MDA and ROS levels, and activation of SOD, GSH and GSH-PX levels in an in vitro model, compared with the miRNA-30e group without Nox4 inhibition (P<0.01; Fig. 8B-G). In conclusion, the inhibition of Nox4 attenuated the effects of miRNA-30e on oxidative stress in vitro.

Figure 8.

Figure 8

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Inhibition of Nox4 reduces the effects of miRNA-30e on the oxidative stress in vitro model. Nox4 protein expression by (A) statistical analysis and (B) western blotting analysis, (C) MDA, (D) SOD, (E) GSH and (F) GSH-PX, (G and H) ROS levels. Negative, negative control group; miR-30e, over-expression of microRNA-30e group; si-Nox4, over-expression of microRNA-30e and si-Nox4 group. **P<0.01 vs. the negative normal group, ##P<0.01 vs. the over-expression of miRNA-30e group. miR/miRNA, microRNA; TGF, transforming growth factor; Nox4, NAPDH oxidase 4; Smad, mothers against decapentaplegic homolog.

Discussion

Angiogenesis is a vital influencing factor during AS plaque development. Local angiogenesis is correlated with plaque stability (16). The increasing angiogenesis in the plaque will accumulate lipid and various inflammatory cells within the plaque. Finally, it will result in matrix degradation, fibrous cap thinning, plaque rupture and therefore induce a severe cardiovascular event (17). miRNA research suggests that miRNA serves a key role in the fields of tumor disease and AS. Recently, multiple AS-associated miRNAs have been identified in the cardiovascular system, which may provide a novel clue for the early diagnosis and treatment selection for AS (18). The results of the present study demonstrated that the expression of miRNA-30e in the AS model group was reduced, compared with the normal mice group. Lai et al (14) demonstrated that miRNA-30e mediated cardioprotection of ACE2 in rats with doxorubicin-induced heart failure.

OS is present in the whole process of AS, from fat lesion formation to plaque rupture. Furthermore, it mediates the functional alterations and injury of vascular endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and mononuclear macrophages (19). Therefore, it is of great significance to illustrate the molecular mechanism of cellular OS in AS genesis and development. This is important to delay AS progression and prevent the incidence of acute cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (19). In this study, it was demonstrated that the downregulation of miRNA-30e increased MDA levels and reduced SOD, GSH and GSH-PX levels in vitro model. Jin et al (20) reported that miR-30e-UCP2 pathway regulates alcoholic hepatitis progress through suppression of oxidative stress.

Current research suggests that ROS may induce AS genesis and development through the following mechanisms (21). ROS can react with the multivalent unsaturated fatty acid in the biomembrane and therefore directly induce lipid peroxidation in the biomembrane. As a result, a large amount of lipid peroxides and aldehydes will be produced, therefore increasing the membrane permeability and causing tissue injury. ROS can promote the degeneration of intracellular proteins and enzymes, and cause protein function loss and enzyme inactivation. In addition, it can destroy nucleic acids and chromosomes, resulting in DNA strand breaking, chromosome mutation or rupture (21). Furthermore, ROS can affect the redox status and ion channel of cells, causing protein nitration or inactivation. Therefore, it will restrict mitochondrial respiration, promote endothelial cell degeneration, necrosis and apoptosis, and destroy the vascular endothelial integrity. In the present study, the downregulation of miRNA-30e promoted ROS levels in the in vitro model. These results demonstrated that the downregulation of miRNA-30e promoted oxidative stress and ROS levels in vitro model of AS.

TGF-β is a multi-functional protein associated with the development and trauma repair of tissues. TGF-β participates in immune function regulation and tumor genesis in the body. There are 3 subtypes in the human body, which share similar biological characteristics. Among them, TGF-β1 is present in the greatest proportion and has the highest activity (21). It mainly exerts its regulatory role through autocrine and paracrine routes involving the cells of the vascular wall including smooth muscle cells and vascular endothelial cells. These results suggest that down-regulation of miRNA-30e induced Snai1, TGF-β and Smad2 protein expression and suppressed Nox4 protein expression in an in vitro model. Zhang et al (22) demonstrated that miR-30e attenuates isoproterenol-induced cardiac fibrosis via Snai1/TGF-β.

OS-induced ROS accumulation serves a vital role in AS genesis and development. Nox is a major enzyme in ROS production in blood vessels, which takes part in AS genesis and development (11). Studies report that exogenous angiotensin (Ang)II can increase the Nox-origin ROS production in smooth muscle cells, which will therefore damage their structure and induce vascular remodeling (12). Exogenous AngII will upregulate the peroxidasin homolog protein and mRNA expression in smooth muscle cells, accompanying the increase in intracellular H2O2 (23). Therefore, miRNA-30e regulates Snai1/TGF-β/Nox4 to reduce oxidative stress in an in vitro model of AS.

In conclusion, it was demonstrated that the expression of microRNA-30e was reduced in an AS model and miRNA-30e/Snai1/TGF-β/Nox4 signaling pathway to reduce oxidative stress and negative feedback regulates ROS production in AS model (Fig. 9). The results of the present study provide novel insights for miRNA in defending against oxida-tive stress, which miRNA-30e may represent a novel target for AS.

Figure 9.

Figure 9

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MicroRNA‑30e regulates atherosclerosis by TGF‑β‑mediated Nox 4‑dependent oxidative stress by Snai1. miR/miRNA, microRNA; TGF, transforming growth factor; Nox4, NAPDH oxidase 4; Smad, mothers against decapentaplegic homolog.

Acknowledgments

Not applicable.

Funding

No funding was received.

Availability of data and materials

The analyzed data sets generated during the study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Authors’ contributions

YC designed the experiments. MZ and WZ performed the experiments. YC and MZ analyzed the data. MZ wrote the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Animal experiments were approved by the Animal Care and Utilization Committee of Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital Xiamen University.

Patient consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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Associated Data

This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.

Data Availability Statement

The analyzed data sets generated during the study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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