Work

The diagnostic value of miR-4281 for knee osteoarthritis and its mechanism of action on the extracellular matrix of chondrocytes and apoptosis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background The destruction of tissues such as bone and subchondral bone is an important pathological feature of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Aim To explore the diagnostic value of serum miR-4281 and its mechanisms influencing KOA. Materials and methods The mRNA levels of miR-4281, SOX9, COL2A1, MMP3, MMP13 and BCL3 were detected by RT-qPCR. Pearson correlation was used to assess the correlation between serum miR-4281 and WOMAC score or BCL3. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyse the diagnostic efficacy of miR-4281 for KOA. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to assess the impact of miR-4281 on KOA. The dual luciferase reporter gene assay demonstrated the relationship between miR-4281 and BCL3. Annexin V-FITC/PI Apoptosis Kit was used to assess the apoptosis level of C28/I2 cells. Results In KOA patients, serum miR-4281 was significantly upregulated, while BCL3 was markedly downregulated. miR-4281 exhibited a positive correlation with the WOMAC score and demonstrated high diagnostic efficacy for KOA. 10 ng/mL IL-1β induced the expression of miR-4281, MMP3, and MMP13 in C28/I2 cells, as well as cell apoptosis, while inhibiting the expression of SOX9, COL2A1 and BCL3. miR-4281 inhibitors promote SOX9 and COL2A1 expression while suppressing MMP3 and MMP13 expression as well as apoptosis. Silencing BCL3 reversed the mitigating effects of miR-4281 inhibitors on IL-1β-induced extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and apoptosis in C28/I2 cells. Conclusion miR-4281 has a good diagnostic efficacy for KOA and it alleviates the ECM degradation and apoptosis of chondrocytes induced by IL-1β by targeting BCL3.

Source: Hereditas

DOI: 10.1186/s41065-026-00711-9

Authors: Wei Song, Qin Yu, Baohui Zhao, Yu Zhang, Zhigang Kong

Institutions: Fujian Medical University, Sichuan University, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Second Military Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Osteoarthritis Treatment and Mechanisms

Subfield: Rheumatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,590