The Long Noncoding RNA ANRIL Promotes Cell Apoptosis in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Kidney Injury Mediated by the TLR4/Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Pathway

Background/Aims: The purpose of this study is to analyze the expression and biological function of lncRNA ANRIL, microRNA-199a, TLR4, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in acute renal injury (AKI) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: The levels of ANRIL and microRNA-199a in mouse cells and kidneys were detected by quantitative-polymerase chain reaction. Western blot analysis was used for the NF-κB pathway protein. MTT assay was used for cell viability. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for the secretion of inflammatory factors in mouse kidney tissue. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and Western blotting. The potential binding region between ANRIL and miR-199a was verified by luciferase reporter assay. Results: The upregulation of ANRIL can reduce the expression of microRNA-199a and increases the number of apoptotic cells. The expression levels of ANRIL in LPS-induced AKI mice and LPS-treated HK2 cells were upregulated compared with the control group. Overexpression of ANRIL increased apoptosis and promoted TLR4 (Toll-like receptor 4), NF-κB phosphorylation, and downstream transcription factor production. Conclusion: ANRIL/NF-κB pathway in LPS-induced apoptosis provided theoretical guidance for ANRIL in the treatment of AKI.