AUTHOR=Li Na , Liu Shi-feng , Dong Kai , Zhang Gui-chun , Huang Jing , Wang Zhi-heng , Wang Tong-jian 

TITLE=Exosome-Transmitted miR-25 Induced by H. pylori Promotes Vascular Endothelial Cell Injury by Targeting KLF2

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology

VOLUME=9

YEAR=2019

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-and-infection-microbiology/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2019.00366

DOI=10.3389/fcimb.2019.00366

ISSN=2235-2988

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Background:</bold> Increasing evidence has shown that <italic>Helicobacter pylori</italic> is associated with coronary heart disease (CHD); however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> The expression of miR-25 and mRNAs was measured using qRT-PCR. Protein levels were detected using western blotting and exosomes were assessed with an electron microscope. The target gene of miR-25 was identified using the luciferase report system.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold><italic>H. pylori</italic> infection increased the expression of miR-25 in gastric epithelial cells and was associated with increased levels of exosome-transmitted miR-25 in human peripheral blood. Mechanistic investigation showed the Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) was a direct target of exosome-transmitted miR-25 in vascular endothelial cells. In addition, the miR-25/KLF2 axis regulated the NF-κB signaling pathway, resulting in increased expression of interleukin 6 (IL6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1).</p><p><bold>Conclusion:</bold> Our findings suggest that the miR-25/KLF2 axis may be a potential therapeutic target for <italic>H. pylori</italic>-associated CHD. Furthermore, high levels of exosome-transmitted miR-25 in peripheral blood may pose a potential risk for CHD.</p>