Downregulation of miR-527 alleviates sepsis-induced acute kidney injury via targeting Beclin1

Background. Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is known to result from the inflammatory responses. MiRNAs participate in the development of sepsis-induced AKI. Nevertheless, the function of miR-527 in sepsis-induced AKI remains unclear. Methods. Cell viability was evaluated by CCK8 assay, and TUNEL staining was applied to assess cell apoptosis. Pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-1 beta) levels were evaluated by ELISA. Meanwhile, the relation among miR-527 and Beclin1 was detected by dual luciferase report assay. Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to examine the protein and mRNA levels, respectively. Furthermore, an in vivo model was constructed to assess the function of miR-527 in sepsis-induced AKI. Results. MiR- 527 downregulation significantly alleviated the symptoms of sepsis-induced AKI in mice. MiR-527 level in HK-2 cells was significantly upregulated by LPS, and downregulation of miR-527 notably reversed LPS-induced inhibition of HK-2 cell viability by inhibiting apoptosis. In addition, LPS greatly increased TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-1 beta levels in supernatant of HK- 2 cells, while miR-527 inhibitor partially restored this phenomenon. Meanwhile, Beclin1 was found to be the downstream mRNA of miR-527, and miR- 527 inhibitor notably upregulated the level of LC3. MiR-527 downregulation reversed LPS-induced HK-2 cell injury through suppression of TGF-beta pathway. Conclusion. Downregulation of miR-527 alleviated sepsis-induced AKI via targeting Beclin1. Thus, miR-527 might act as a vital mediator in sepsis-induced AKI.