lncRNA Zeb1-AS1 affects the proliferation and apoptosis of osteoarthritis chondrocytes via regulating JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 antisense 1 (Zeb1-AS1) on the proliferation and apoptosis of osteoarthritis chondrocytes and further explore whether its mechanism is related to the regulation of Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway.

MethodsThe osteoarthritis chondrocytes were divided into si-NC group, si-Zeb1-AS1 group, and si-Zeb1-AS1+JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway inhibitor (AG490) group.Cell counting kit and flow cytometry were performed to detect cell viability and apoptosis rate.Western blotting was applied to analyze the expression levels of B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-associated X protein (Bax), p-JAK2, and p-STAT3 proteins.

ResultsCompared with the si-NC group, osteoarthritis chondrocyte viability (24 and 72 h), expressions of Bcl-2, p-JAK2, and p-STAT3 proteins were significantly increased, whereas apoptosis rate and Bax protein expression were significantly decreased in si-Zeb1-AS1 group (P < 0.01).Compared with the si-Zeb1-AS1 group, the osteoarthritis chondrocyte viability (24 and 72 h), and the expression of Bcl-2, p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 proteins were significantly reduced, whereas the apoptosis rate and Bax protein expression were significantly increased in si-Zeb1-AS1+AG490 group (P < 0.01).

ConclusionsInterfering with lncRNA Zeb1-AS1 can promote the proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of osteoarthritis chondrocytes via activating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.