Resolvin D1 suppresses pannus formation via decreasing connective tissue growth factor caused by upregulation of miRNA-146a-5p in rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and joint stiffness, finally leading to tissue destruction. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a critical factor in RA progression, which promotes fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) proliferation, pannus formation, and the damage of cartilage as well as bone. Resolvin D1 (RvD1) can promote inflammation resolution in acute inflammatory diseases, and recently, effects of RvD1 on chronic inflammatory diseases also attracted attention. This study aimed to examine the effect of RvD1 on pannus formation in RA and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Serum levels of RvD1 and CTGF were determined in RA patients and healthy persons by UPLC-MS/MS and ELISA respectively. The levels of CTGF and inflammatory factors were assessed by qRT-PCR and ELISA. MicroRNA expression profile was determined by miRNA microarray. The effects of CTGF, RvD1, and miR-146a-5p on angiogenesis were evaluated with tube formation and chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays. Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice were constructed to detect the effects of RvD1 and miR146a-5p on RA. STAT3 activation was determined by Western blotting. RESULTS: RvD1 levels decreased while CTGF levels increased in RA patients’ serum, and an inverse correlation of the concentrations of RvD1 and CTGF in the serum of RA patients was synchronously observed. In CIA mice, RvD1 suppressed angiopoiesis and decreased the expression of CTGF. Simultaneously, RvD1 significantly decreased CTGF and pro-inflammation cytokines levels in RA FLS. Furthermore, CTGF suppressed angiopoiesis and RvD1 inhibited the proliferation and migration of RA FLS and angiopoiesis. MiRNA microarray and qRT-PCR results showed that RvD1 upregulated miRNA-146a-5p. The transfection experiments demonstrated that miRNA-146a-5p could decrease inflammatory factors and CTGF levels. Moreover, miRNA-146a-5p decreased the proliferation of FLS and angiogenesis in vivo. MiRNA-146a-5p also suppressed angiogenesis and downregulated the expression of CTGF in CIA mice. Finally, Western blot results revealed that miRNA-146a-5p inhibited the activation of STAT3. CONCLUSION: RvD1 is prone to alleviate RA progression through the upregulation of miRNA-146a-5p to suppress the expression of CTGF and inflammatory mediators, thereby decreasing pannus formation and cartilage damage. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-020-2133-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.