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

Abstract

Background: 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.

Methods and results: 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.

Conclusions: 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.

Keywords: Calcific aortic valve disease; VWF; microRNA-195; p38-MAPK signaling pathway.