MiR-144-3p Regulates Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Chondrocyte Biological Behavior via Wingless-Related Integration Site/Beta-Catenin

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) gradually affects all joint tissues. Chondrocytes participate in osteoarthritis. However, the role and mechanism of MiR-144-3p on chondrocytes during the development of OA has not been elucidated. OA patients and normal bone and articular cartilage tissues were collected to measure MiR-144-3p level by Real-time PCR. Chondrocytes were divided into control group, LPS group (1 μg/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was added to establish an osteoarthritis (OA) stimulation model, and MiR-144-3p inhibitor group which was transfected with MiR-144-3p inhibitor followed by analysis of cell proliferation by MTT, Caspase 3 activity, Wnt/β-catenin signaling protein expression by Western blot and TNF-α and IL-6 secretion by ELISA. MiR-144-3p was significantly upregulated in OA patients (P <0.05). In LPS group, MiR-144-3p was significantly upregulated, chondrocyte proliferation decreased, Caspase 3 activity increased, Wnt/β-catenin signaling protein decreased, and TNF-α and IL-6 secretion increased (P <0.05). MiR-144-3p inhibitor transfection can significantly down-regulate MiR-144-3p, promote cell proliferation, reduce Caspase 3 activity, increase Wnt/β-catenin signaling protein expression, and reduce TNF-α and IL-6 secretion (P <0.05). MiR-144-3p is upregulated in osteoarthritis cartilage tissue. Inhibition of MiR-144-3p can inhibit articular chondrocytes apoptosis under inflammatory condition, promote cell proliferation, and alleviate joint inflammation by regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.