Abstract
Purpose :
This study aimed to evaluate the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) and inflammasome components and to determine their role in the pathogenesis of high glucose–treated ARPE-19 cells.
Methods :
ARPE-19 cells were treated with 30mM high glucose. The expression levels of five miRNAs (miR-185, miR-17, miR-20a, miR-15a, and miR-15b), previously identified as downregulated in the aqueous humor of patients with diabetic macular edema, were measured in high glucose–treated ARPE-19 cells using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Western blotting was performed to measure inflammasome expression. miR-17 was selected as the target miRNA, and inflammasome expression was measured following the transfection of a miR-17 mimic into high glucose–treated ARPE-19 cells.
Results :
The expression profiles of four miRNAs (miR-185, miR-17, miR-20a, miR-15b) were substantially downregulated in high glucose–treated ARPE-19 cells compared to the normal group, whereas the expression of inflammasome components was significantly increased in high glucose–treated ARPE-19 cells. Following the transfection of the miR-17 mimic into high glucose–treated ARPE-19 cells, the levels of inflammasome components were significantly reduced.
Conclusions :
This study investigated the expression profiles of miRNAs and inflammasomes and their relationship in high glucose–treated ARPE-19 cells. These findings suggested that miR-17 suppresses inflammasomes, thereby reducing the subsequent inflammatory response. This indicates that miRNAs and inflammasomes could serve as novel therapeutic targets for addressing high glucose-induced injury in retinal cells.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.