Role and mechanism of miR-871-3p/Megf8 in regulating formaldehyde-induced cardiomyocyte inflammation and congenital heart disease

Abstract

Objective and design: We aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying formaldehyde (FA)-induced congenital heart disease (CHD) using in vitro and in vivo models.

Materials and subjects: Neonatal rat heart tissues and H9C2 cells were used for in vitro studies, while FA-exposed new-born rats were used for in vivo studies.

Treatment: H9C2 cells were exposed to FA concentrations of 0, 50, 100 and 150 μM/mL for 24 h.

Methods: Whole transcriptome gene sequencing identified differentially expressed miRNAs in neonatal rat heart tissues, while Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assessed miR-871-3p and Megf8 expression. RNA pull-down and dual-luciferase reporter assays determined miR-871-3p and Megf8 relationships. Inflammatory cytokine expression was assessed by western blotting. A FA-induced CHD model was used to validate miR-871-3p regulatory effects in vivo.

Results: We identified 89 differentially expressed miRNAs, with 28 up-regulated and 61 down-regulated (fold change ≥ 2.0, P < 0.05). Inflammation (interleukin) and signalling pathways were found to control FA-induced cardiac dysplasia. miR-871-3p was upregulated in FA-exposed heart tissues, modulated inflammation, and directly targeted Megf8. In vivo experiments showed miR-871-3p knockdown inhibited FA-induced inflammation and CHD.

Conclusion: We demonstrated miR-871-3p's role in FA-induced CHD by targeting Megf8, providing potential targets for CHD intervention and improved diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Keywords: Cardiomyocyte; Congenital heart disease; Formaldehyde; Inflammation; microRNA.