Paeoniflorin reduces the inflammatory response of THP-1 cells by up‐regulating microRNA-124: Paeoniflorin reduces the inflammatory response of THP-1 cells through microRNA-124

BACKGROUND: The activation of macrophages and the release of inflammatory cytokines are the main reasons for the progress of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). MicroRNA (miRNA)-124 is involved in the regulation of macrophages and is a key regulator of inflammation and immunity. OBJECTIVE: To explore whether paeoniflorin (PF) regulates the biological functions of macrophages depends on miR-124. METHODS: RT-PCR, WB, ELISA, CCK-8 and flow cytometry were used to evaluate that PF regulated the biological functions of THP-1 cells through miR-124. RESULTS: PF significantly inhibited the proliferation while promotes the apoptosis of THP-1 cells, and inhibited the release of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1βin THP-1 cells. RT-PCR results shown that PF up-regulated the expression of miR-124 in THP-1 cells. Functional recovery experiments showed that compared with the LPS + mimic-NC group, LPS + miR-124 mimic significantly inhibited the proliferation and the release of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β, but promoted the apoptosis of THP-1 cells. In addition, compared with the LPS + PF + inhibitor-NC group, LPS + PF + miR-124 inhibitor significantly promoted the proliferation and the release of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β, but inhibited the apoptosis of THP-1 cells. CONCLUSIONS: By down-regulating miR-124, PF inhibits the proliferation and inflammation of THP-1 cells, and promotes the apoptosis of THP-1 cells.