Knock down LncRNA STARD4-AS1 promotes skin wound healing by inhibiting inflammatory responses through targeting miR-199a-3p.

Abstract

Wound healing (WH) is a complex process. Persistent inflammation significantly affects the speed of wound healing. LncRNA STARD4-AS1 is upregulated in acute wounds (AW). This article mainly explores the mechanism by which lncRNA STARD4-AS1 affects wound healing by regulating the expression of inflammatory factors. RT-qPCR was used to detect the lncRNA STARD4-AS1 and miR-199a-3p expression. DLR experiments were performed to validate their binding relationship. ROC and logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the clinical value of lncRNA STARD4-AS1. Cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis were assessed using a CCK-8 assay, a Transwell assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression of inflammatory cytokines, as well as TGF-β1, VEGF and MMP-9, was analyzed by RT-qPCR. LncRNA STARD4-AS1 is upregulated in patients with AW and poor healing, while miR-199a-3p is downregulated. LncRNA STARD4-AS1 negatively regulates the level of miR-199a-3p. LncRNA STARD4-AS1 has significant diagnostic value in identifying patients with poor WH. Knocking down lncRNA STARD4-AS1 can increase the level of miR-199a-3p, enhance the ability of cell proliferation and migration, and reduce the apoptosis rate. Meanwhile, the levels of inflammatory factors decreased, while the levels of TGF-β1, VEGF and MMP-9 increased, thereby promoting WH. LncRNA STARD4-AS1 has good clinical value in WH. The lncRNA STARD4-AS1/miR-199a-3p axis participates in the WH process by regulating the expression of inflammatory responses and key factors for WH. This may provide new therapeutic targets for promoting WH.