The potential of Tanshinone IIA in affecting miR-499-5p/PDCD4 axis in diabetic foot-related endothelial cells.

INTRODUCTION AND

OBJECTIVE

Diabetic foot wound healing is a significant challenge for diabetic patients. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is widely used in treating diabetes and related complications, but its role in diabetic foot wound healing remains unclear. The aim of the study is to investigate the mechanism of Tan IIA in diabetic foot wound healing.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured in high-glucose medium were used to simulate diabetic pathological conditions. Cell viability and migration were detected by MTT and transwell assays while Annexin V-FITC/PI was used for apoptosis analysis. Measurement of nitric oxide (NO) and Endothelin-1 (ET-1) were performed by ELISA. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), miR-499-5p and PDCD4 was calculated by RT-qPCR. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to validate the interaction of miR-499-5p and PDCD4.

RESULTS

Tan IIA protected high-glucose-treated HUVECs by enhancing cell viability and migration, reducing apoptosis and oxidative stress, and improving endothelial function. Similar effects were observed when miR-499-5p was upregulated. Knockdown of miR-499-5p abolished the protective effects of Tan IIA. PDCD4 was identified as a direct target of miR-499-5p.

CONCLUSIONS

Tanshinone IIA protects high glucose-induced HUVECs by enhancing viability, migration, and endothelial function, while reducing apoptosis and oxidative stress, via the miR-499-5p/PDCD4 axis.These in vitro findings support its potential in diabetic foot wound healing, pending in vivo validation.