lncRNA IGF2-AS Regulates Nucleotide Metabolism by Mediating HMGA1 to Promote Pyroptosis of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Sepsis Patients

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is one of the major causes of death worldwide, and its high mortality and pathological complexity hinder early accurate diagnosis. We aimed to investigate lncRNA IGF2-AS and HMGA1 effects on pyroptosis of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in sepsis patients and the mechanisms involved. METHODS: Blood samples from sepsis patients and healthy subjects were collected, and EPCs were isolated and identified. We constructed cell lines that knocked down lncRNA IGF2-AS, HMGA1, and TYMS. Furthermore, lncRNA IGF2-AS was overexpressed. Subsequently, dNTP treatment with different concentrations was performed to investigate lncRNA IGF2-AS and HMGA1 effects on pyroptosis of EPCs in sepsis patients. Finally, exosomes were isolated from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to detect lncRNA IGF2-AS expression, and the influence of MSC-derived exosomal lncRNA IGF2-AS on sepsis was preliminarily discussed. RESULTS: Compared with Healthy group, lncRNA IGF2-AS, HMGA1, and TYMS were highly expressed in Sepsis group. Compared with si-NC group, si-lncRNA IGF2-AS group had increased proliferation ability, decreased pyroptosis, decreased HMGA1, RRM2, TK1, and TYMS expressions. lncRNA IGF2-AS played a regulatory role by binding HMGA1. Compared with si-NC group, the proliferation ability of si-HMGA1 group increased, pyroptosis decreased, and RRM2, TK1, and TYMS expressions also decreased. Compared with si-NC group, pyroptosis in si-TYMS group was reduced. In addition, HMGA1 was related and bound to TYMS. After overexpressing lncRNA IGF2-AS, dNTP level decreased, while the proliferation increased and pyroptosis decreased with higher concentration of dNTP. In addition, we found that EPCs took up MSC-exosomes. Compared with supernatant group, lncRNA IGF2-AS was expressed in exosomes group. Compared with EPCs group, EPCs+exosomes group had increased lncRNA IGF2-AS expression and increased pyroptosis. CONCLUSIONS: lncRNA IGF2-AS regulated nucleotide metabolism by mediating HMGA1 to promote pyroptosis of EPCs in sepsis patients. This study provided important clues for finding new therapeutic targets for sepsis.