Neuroprotective effects of microRNA-210 against oxygen-glucose deprivation through inhibition of apoptosis in PC12 cells.

Although several reports have demonstrated the specific roles of microRNAs (miRs) in neuronal differentiation, neurogenesis, neural cell specification and neurodevelopmental function, there have been no studies with regard to the importance of miRs in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of miR-210 on neuronal cell apoptosis caused by HI injury. We established an ex vivo model of HIE using oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and demonstrated that miR-210 expression was upregulated in pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells after 4 h of OGD compared with normoxic controls. Furthermore, miR-210 suppressed cell apoptosis by inhibiting caspase activity and by regulating the balance between Bcl-2 and Bax levels. In conclusion, the present study revealed that miR-210 exerts neuroprotective effects by inhibiting cell apoptosis. This work represents a potential novel therapeutic approach to combat neonatal HI injury.