miR-497-3p affects the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration by targeting MIF

Objective: To investigate the role of miR-497-3p in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Methods: Tissue samples were collected from IDD patients, and the expression of miR-497-3p and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) was detected. A rat model of IDD was established, tissues were extracted and stained with HE and saffron, primary cartilage endplate stem cells (CESCs) were extracted and cultured, flow cytometry was used to characterize the expression of the CESCs cell surface signature antigens CD73, CD90, and CD105. We transfected CESC cells with an inhibitor of miR-497-3p and a negative control (miR-497-3p-NC). Subsequently, we assessed cell viability using the CCK8 assay. Additionally, we conducted PCR to examine the expression of MIF, RUNX2, ALP, Col II, CXCR4, and SOX9. To confirm the relationship between miR-497-3p and MIF, we employed the dual luciferase assay. Results: miR-497-3p and MIF were highly expressed in the tissues of IDD patients. CESCs cells were positive for CD73, CD90 and CD105, which indicated that CESCs cell extraction was successful. Inhibition of miR-497-3p promoted cell proliferation of CESCs and inhibited the expression of MIF, RUNX2, ALP, and Col II, whereas the expression levels of CXCR4 and SOX9 were elevated, suggesting that the inhibition of miR-497-3p could attenuate the progression of IDD. In addition, dual luciferase assay confirmed the targeted binding of miR497-3p and MIF. Conclusion: Inhibition of miR-497-3p attenuated IDD progression by targeting MIF.