The function of miRNA-153 against isoflurane-induced neurotoxicity via Nrf2/ARE cytoprotection

The present study aimed to investigate the function of micro (mi)RNA-153 against isoflurane-induced neurotoxicity and its mechanism. In isoflurane-induced mice, miRNA-153 expression was downregulated compared with in the control group. Downregulation of miRNA-153 induced neurocyte apoptosis, reduced cell growth and promoted oxidative stress in an in vitro model. Overexpression of miRNA-153 reduced oxidative stress, promoted cell growth and inhibited neurocyte apoptosis within an in vitro model. Downregulation of miRNA-153 suppressed nuclear erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway, which was induced via the overexpression of miRNA-153 in vitro. The Nrf2 agonist, dimethyl fumarate (2.5 µM), induced the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway and reduced oxidative stress to induce neurocyte apoptosis in vitro following treatment with anti-miRNA-153. The results of the present study suggested the function of miRNA-153 against neurotoxicity via Nrf2/ARE-mediated cytoprotection.