Upregulation of microRNA-195 ameliorates calcific aortic valve disease by inhibiting VWF via suppression of the p38-MAPK signaling pathway

• Published in: International journal of cardiology 2020-06, Vol.309, p.101-107
• Main Authors: Yang, Lieming, Wu, Dawei, Li, Mengqi, Zhu, Xinyuan, Tian, Yikui, Chen, Zhi, Li, Mingbiao, Zhang, Hao, Liang, Degang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aortic Valve; Aortic Valve Stenosis - genetics; Calcific aortic valve disease; Cells, Cultured; Humans; MAP Kinase Signaling System; microRNA-195; MicroRNAs - genetics; p38-MAPK signaling pathway; Up-Regulation; von Willebrand Factor - genetics; VWF
• ISSN: 0167-5273; 1874-1754
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2020.01.001

Growing evidence has indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the progression of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD), a progressive pathological condition with no effective pharmacological therapy. This study was set out with the aim to investigate possible roles of miR-195 in CAVD. Initially, the differential expressed genes (DEGs) associated with CAVD were screened out and miRNAs potentially regulating VWF were predicted from microarray analysis. Next, we quantified VWF and miR-195 expression in isolated aortic valve interstitial cells (AVICs) and aortic valve tissues, followed by confirmation of the target relationship between miR-195 and VWF using the dual luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, we evaluated the biological functions of miR-195 and VWF on ALP activity, cell differentiation, and the levels of miR-195, VWF, Runx2, OCN, ALP, p38 and phosphorylated p38 in AVICs. VWF was highly expressed, while miR-195 was poorly expressed in CAVD. Furthermore, miR-195 targeted VWF and negatively regulated its expression. Upregulation of miR-195 or silencing VWF could reduce ALP activity, calcified deposition, and the mRNA and protein levels of Runx2, OCN, and ALP by inhibiting the p38-MAPK signaling pathway, thereby ameliorating aortic valve calcification in vitro. On all accounts, miR-195 can potentially inhibit aortic valve calcification by repressing VWF and p38-MAPK signaling pathway, highlighting a theoretical basis for pharmacological treatment of CAVD. •The role of miR-195 in aortic valve calcification is explored.•miR-195 is downregulated yet VWF is upregulated in aortic valve calcification.•miR-195 targets VWF and negatively regulates its expression.•miR-195 inhibits aortic valve calcification by inhibiting VWF and p38-MAPK pathway.•This study provided a new direction for treatment of aortic valve calcification.