Long non-coding RNA UCA1 relieves cardiomyocytes H9c2 injury aroused by oxygen-glucose deprivation via declining miR-122

Abstract Background: Many lncRNAs have been recognized as critical regulatory factors in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Herein, we further tested the influence of long non-coding RNA urothelial carcinoma associated 1 (UCA1) on cardiomyocytes injury in AMI, along with the role of microRNA-122 (miR-122) in this influence. Methods: Cardiomyocytes H9c2 was subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) stimulation. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed. The UCA1 and miR-122 expressions were measured by qRT-PCR. Plasmids and miRNAs transfection were utilized to elevate UCA1 and miR-122 expressions. Subsequently, the influences of UCA1 and/or miR-122 overexpression on OGD-aroused H9c2 cell viability inhibition and apoptosis were probed. The AKT/mTOR and JNK/p38MAPK pathways in cells were analyzed. Results: OGD aroused H9c2 cell injury by suppressing cell viability and elevating cell apoptosis. Followed by OGD stimulation, the UCA1 expression was lowered in H9c2 cells. Overexpression of UCA1 weakened H9c2 cell injury aroused by OGD and declined miR-122 expression. Moreover, miR-122 attended to the influence of UCA1 overexpression on OGD-aroused H9c2 cell injury. Overexpression of UCA1 weakened OGD-aroused AKT/mTOR pathway inactivation and JNK/p38MAPK pathway activation by declining miR-122. Conclusion: UCA1-relieved OGD-aroused H9c2 cell injury might be achieved via declining miR-122 and then promoting AKT/mTOR pathway and suppressing JNK/p38MAPK pathway