To investigate the role of circ_0000734 in the inflammatory response of RA-FLS through the miR-197-5p/IKBKB axis and the effect of baicalin.
Key Findings:
Circ_0000734 was highly expressed in RA patient PBMCs and correlated positively with disease activity indicators.
Overexpression of circ_0000734 promoted RA-FLS proliferation and activated the NF-κB pathway.
Silencing circ_0000734 had opposite effects, while overexpression of miR-197-5p reversed the effects of circ_0000734 overexpression.
Baicalin treatment downregulated circ_0000734, inhibited NF-κB activation, and improved the inflammatory cytokine profile.
Interpretation:
Circ_0000734 enhances RA-FLS cell viability and inflammatory cytokine secretion by inhibiting miR-197-5p and activating the NF-κB pathway. Baicalin may mitigate this effect.
Limitations:
The study primarily focuses on in vitro models, which may not fully replicate in vivo conditions.
Further research is needed to explore the clinical implications of these findings.
Conclusion:
Circ_0000734 promotes inflammation in RA-FLS through the miR-197-5p/IKBKB pathway, and baicalin may alleviate this inflammation.
