miR-214-3p Promotes ox-LDL-Induced Macrophages Ferroptosis and Inflammation via GPX4

Purpose: Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by the dysregulation of lipid metabolism. It has been established that oxidized low -density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced macrophage inflammation and ferroptosis play important roles in AS. However, the mechanism by which ox-LDL induces inflammation in macrophages requires further investigation. Materials and Methods: A foam cell model derived from ox-LDL-induced macrophages was constructed to study its mechanism of action. The levels of interleukin (IL) -6, IL -1(3, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were evaluated using an Enzyme -Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Oil Red O staining was used to detect intracellular lipid accumulation levels. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and Fe2+levels 2+ levels were assessed. Dual-luciferase and RNA -binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) experiments validated the binding relationship between microRNA (miR)-214-3p and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Results: The levels of IL -6, IL -1(3, and TNF-alpha were significantly increased in ox-LDL-induced macrophages, accompanied by increased lipid accumulation, indicating the promotion of foam cell formation. Additionally, ox-LDL increased LDH, MDA, ROS, and Fe2+. 2+. The expression of miR-214-3p positively correlated with ox-LDL concentration in macrophages. Treatment with an miR-214-3p inhibitor reduces lipid accumulation, inflammatory responses, and ferroptosis in macrophages. Dual-luciferase and RIP experiments confirmed that miR-214-3p regulates GPX4 transcription. Silenced GPX4 reversed the inflammatory effects of the miR-214-3p inhibitor on ox-LDL-induced macrophages. Low GPX4 expression also increased lipid accumulation and ferroptosis in macrophages . Conclusion: miR-214-3p promotes macrophage ferroptosis and inflammation induced by ox-LDL. This mechanism may be associated with miR-214-3p-induced GPX4 expression, which underscores the therapeutic significance of targeting macrophage inflammation and ferroptosis in addressing AS.