HDL functions-related effects of synthesized HDL nanoparticle conjugated with anti-miR148a in human cell experiments

HDL lipoproteins have known protective effects like improving the cholesterol efflux (the first step of reverse cholesterol transport), anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant actions. Endogenous HDLs transport proteins, lipids and miRNAs (among others) to various organs, suggesting a complex intercellular communication. miRNAs are small regulatory noncoding RNA molecules which bind to mRNAs and regulate their expression through degradation or inhibition. These molecules are emerging as possible biomarkers and pharmacological targets, for example by blocking the function of some miRNA using selective antagonists. The aim of this study is to analyse the in vitro effects of a sHDL nanoparticle enriched with the antagonist of miR148a. To do this, three different types of human cells were used: THP-1 monocyte derived-macrophages, Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) and Human Brain Endothelial Cells (HBEC_5i). It was determined the cholesterol efflux promoted in the macrophages cell model and the anti-inflammatory capacity after a pro-inflammatory stimulus by measuring the sVCAM-1 protein expression in HUVEC and in HBEC_5i cells. Promising results were obtained regarding cholesterol efflux and adhesion molecules excretion, in the macrophages cell line and HUVEC cell line respectively, confirming the risk role of the miR148a, silenced in vitro by the antagonist.