Lipoxin A4 activates alveolar epithelial sodium channel gamma via the microRNA-21/PTEN/AKT pathway in lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory lung injury

Lab Invest. 2015 Nov;95(11):1258-68. doi: 10.1038/labinvest.2015.109. Epub 2015 Aug 24.

Abstract

Lipoxin A4 (LXA4), as an endogenously produced lipid mediator, promotes the resolution of inflammation. Previously, we demonstrated that LXA4 stimulated alveolar fluid clearance through alveolar epithelial sodium channel gamma (ENaC-γ). In this study, we sought to investigate the mechanisms of LXA4 in modulation of ENaC-γ in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory lung injury. miR-21 was upregulated during an LPS challenge and downregulated by LXA4 administration in vivo and in vitro. Serum miR-21 concentration was also elevated in acute respiratory distress syndrome patients as compared with healthy volunteers. LPS increased miR-21 expression by activation of activator protein 1 (AP-1). In A549 cells, miR-21 upregulated phosphorylation of AKT activation via inhibition of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), and therefore reduced the expression of ENaC-γ. In contrast, LXA4 reversed LPS-inhibited ENaC-γ expression through inhibition of AP-1 and activation of PTEN. In addition, an miR-21 inhibitor mimicked the effects of LXA4; overexpression of miR-21 abolished the protective effects of LXA4. Finally, both AKT and ERK inhibitors (LY294002 and UO126) blocked effects of LPS on the depression of ENaC-γ. However, LXA4 only inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of AKT. In summary, LXA4 activates ENaC-γ in part via the miR-21/PTEN/AKT signaling pathway.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Down-Regulation
  • Epithelial Sodium Channels / metabolism*
  • Lipopolysaccharides / toxicity*
  • Lipoxins / physiology*
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase / metabolism*
  • Pneumonia / chemically induced*
  • Pneumonia / enzymology
  • Pneumonia / metabolism
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / metabolism*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • Epithelial Sodium Channels
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Lipoxins
  • MicroRNAs
  • lipoxin A4
  • mirn21 microRNA, rat
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase
  • Pten protein, rat