Yonsei Med J.  2021 Mar;62(3):215-223. 10.3349/ymj.2021.62.3.215.

Modulatory Potential of LncRNA Zfas1 for Inflammation and Neuronal Apoptosis in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

• He C
• Su C
• Zhang W
• Zhou Q
• Shen X
• Yang J
• Shi N

• KMID: 2513212
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2021.62.3.215

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to elucidate whether lncRNA ZFAS1 is involved in neuronal apoptosis and inflammation in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).
Materials and Methods
Ninety-six TLE patients were recruited, and their peripheral venous blood was gathered to determine Zfas1 expression with polymerase chain reaction. Neurons were separated from hippocampal tissue of newborn SD rats, and siZfas1 or pcDNA3.1-Zfas1 was transfected into the neurons. Inflammatory cytokines released by neurons were determined, and neuronal activities were evaluated through MTT assay, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry.
Results
Serum levels of Zfas1 were higher in TLE patients than in healthy controls (p<0.05). Furthermore, Zfas1 expression in neurons was raised by pcDNA3.1-Zfas1 and declined after silencing of Zfas1 (p<0.05). Transfection of pcDNA-Zfas1 weakened the viability and proliferation of neurons and increased neuronal apoptosis (p<0.05). Meanwhile, pcDNA3.1-Zfas1 transfection promoted lipopolysaccharide-induced release of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (p<0.05), and boosted NF-κB activation by elevating the expression of NF-κB p65, pIκBα, and IKKβ in neurons (p<0.05).
Conclusion
Our results indicated that lncRNA ZFAS1 exacerbates epilepsy development by promoting neuronal apoptosis and inflammation, implying ZFAS1 as a promising treatment target for epilepsy.

Keyword

Epilepsy; LncRNA Zfas1; LPS; neuronal apoptosis; neuronal inflammation