MicroRNA-124 inhibits macrophage cell apoptosis via targeting p38/MAPK signaling pathway in atherosclerosis development
Xue Liang, Lijun Wang, Manman Wang, Zhaohong Liu, Xing Liu, Baoshuai Zhang, Enzhao Liu, Guangping Li
Abstract
and the expression levels of p38, miR-124, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and pro- and anti-apoptotic factors were examined. Results showed that miR-124 was decreased, while p38 was increased in CAD patients and atherosclerosis models compared with control group. MiR-124 could target p38 by binding its 3' untranslated region and negatively regulated the protein expression of p38. Overexpression of miR-124 increased the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, reduced the expression of pro- inflammatory cytokines, and inhibited macrophage apoptosis. MiR-124 overexpression may be a promising treatment for atherosclerosis and CAD via inhibiting p38.