Regulation and mechanism of miR-146 on renal ischemia reperfusion injury.

AIM: MicroRNAs (miRs) are endogenous substances that act as important diagnostic and treatment targets in renal diseases. miR-146 plays an important role in the development of endotoxin tolerance through NF-κB pathway, but the underlying mechanism is not clearly understood. The aim of this study was to determine the molecular regulation and function of miR-146 and also the expression of miR-146 in an experimental model of renal ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI).

METHODS: IRI was induced in mouse by bilateral IRI for 45 min followed by reperfusion. The male mice were randomized as: sham, I/R, I/R+miR-146, and I/R+antago-miR-146 groups. Renal function, histological damage, and cell apoptosis were evaluated at 24 h after reperfusion.

RESULTS: Overexpression of miR-146 protected renal function. Renal cells with upregulated miR-146 had lower plasma levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, decreased apoptosis and active caspase-3 protein expressions. miR-146 was shown to have a role in renal IR injury. miR-146 has a protective effect on renal function and plays a significant role in apoptosis. IGSF1 acts as a target of miR-146. IGSF1 rescued the effects of miR-146 on renal IRI. miR-146 protected renal function by activation of PI3K/AKT.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that miR-146 might regulate apoptosis and can cause injury in I/R via targeting IGSF1 and also exert renal protection property.