MicroRNA-146a expression and its intervention in NF-?B signaling pathway in diabetic rat aorta

Abstract

Objective. The present study was designed to evaluate whether microRNA-146a, as an NF-?B regulating factor and its adapter proteins (TRAF6 and IRAK1), are affected by diabetes in rat aorta. Methods. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control and diabetic groups (n=6 in each). Diabetes was induced by a single injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg; i.p.) in 12 h fasted rats. The gene expression of microRNA-146a, NF-?B, IRAK1, and TRAF6 were determined by real time PCR. Results. The expression of microRNA-146a was down-regulated in diabetic aorta when compared with the control group (p<0.05). The mRNA expression levels of NF-?B, TRAF6 and IRAK1 also increased in the diabetic rat aorta when compared with their control counterparts (p<0.01 for all comparisons). Conclusion. These results suggest that down-regulation of microRNA-146a may lead to derangement in NF-?B negative feedback loop, propelling the aorta toward inflammation. é 2014, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology. All rights reserved.