HDAC/H3K27ac-mediated transcription of NDUFA3 exerts protective effects on high glucose-treated human nucleus pulposus cells through improving mitochondrial function

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-documented risk factor of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). The current study was aimed to clarify the effects and mechanisms of NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit A3 (NDUFA3) in human nucleus pulposus cells (HNPCs) exposed to high glucose. NDUFA3 was overexpressed in HNPCs via lenti-virus transduction, which were co-treated with high glucose and rotenone (a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor) for 48 h. Cell activities were assessed for cell viability, cell apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) ratio, oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and mitochondrial complexes I activities. High glucose decreased cell viability, increased apoptotic cells, increased ROS production, decreased MMP levels and OCR values in HNPCs in a dose-dependent manner. Rotenone co-treatment augmented the high glucose-induced injuries on cell viability, apoptosis, ROS production and mitochondrial function. NDUFA3 overexpression counteracted the high glucose-induced injuries in HNPCs. HDAC/H3K27ac mechanism was involved in regulating NDUFA3 transcription. NDUFA3 knockdown decreased cell viability and increased apoptotic cells, which were reversed by ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine. HDAC/H3K27ac-mediated transcription of NDUFA3 protects HNPCs against high glucose-induced injuries through suppressing cell apoptosis, eliminating ROS, improving mitochondrial function and oxidative phosphorylation. This study sheds light on candidate therapeutic targets and deepens the understanding of molecular mechanisms behind DM-induced IVDD.