Ursolic acid ameliorates Nthy-ori 3-1 cells injury induced by IL-1β through limiting MALAT1/miR-206/PTGS1 ceRNA network and NF-κB signaling pathway

Rationale Ursolic acid (UA) has exhibited anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative drug effects. Objectives In the research, we assessed the effects of UA on Nthy-ori 3-1 cells stimulated by IL-1 beta and attempted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effects. Methods Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) was simulated using Nthy-ori 3-1 cells by IL-1 beta (10 mu M) treatment. UA (20 mu M) was applied to ameliorate the injury of Nthy-ori 3-1 cells. The target of UA was predicted by TCMSP, BATMAN, and GEO database. Targeted relationship between lncRNA MALAT1 and miR-206, as well as miR-206 and PTGS1, was predicted by bioinformatics software and identified by dual luciferase assays. Cytokines in the cell supernatant and the apoptosis of cells were detected by ELISAs and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Expression levels of NF-kappa B signaling pathway-related proteins were estimated by western blot. Results By enquiring TCMSP, BATMAN, and GEO database, PTGS1 was identified as a target of UA. Afterward, a ceRNA network among MALAT1, miR-206, and PTGS1 was constructed. The expression levels of MALAT1 and PTGS1 in AIT tissues were obviously enhanced. Moreover, the ceRNA network formed by MALAT1/miR-206/PTGS1 contributed to the damage of Nthy-ori 3-1 cells induced by IL-1 beta. However, UA ameliorated the Nthy-ori 3-1 cells injury induced by IL-1 beta through mediating the MALAT1/miR-206/PTGS1 ceRNA network and NF-kappa B signaling pathway. Conclusions UA treatment significantly relieved the injury of Nthy-ori 3-1 cells via inhibiting the ceRNA mechanism of MALAT1/miR-206/PTGS1 and inflammatory pathways, insinuating that UA may be helpful for the treatment of AIT.

Automated summary

Ursolic acid (UA) has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. The study showed that UA can alleviate the damage of Nthy-ori 3-1 cells induced by IL-1 beta by mediating the MALAT1/miR-206/PTGS1 ceRNA network and NF-kappa B signaling pathway, suggesting its potential for AIT treatment.