Asiaticoside reverses the inhibition effect of miR-184 on proliferation, migration and AKT phosphorylation of HTR-8/Svneo cells

Abstract Objectives Physiological changes of trophoblast cells are associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and miR-184 involved in the development of GDM can be a potential therapeutic target. Asiaticoside (AS) has potential therapeutic effects on GDM, but its effect on miR-184 in HTR-8/Svneo cells is a relatively unworked area. The present study aimed to explore the effect of AS and miR-184 on physiological changes of HTR-8/Svneo cells. Methods After the cytotoxicity assay of AS, HTR-8/Svneo cells were transfected with miR-184 mimics and/or treated with AS. The mRNA level of miR-184 in different groups was determined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, the cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8 assay, the cell migration was measured by scratch test, the protein expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), MMP9, protein kinase B (AKT) and p-AKT were determined by western blot. Results Eighty μM AS with a treatment time of 48 h had no cytotoxicity and even promoted cell viability of HTR-8/Svneo cells. AS could significantly inhibit the mRNA level of miR-184 in HTR-8/Svneo cells (p<0.05). The overexpression of miR-184 significantly suppressed the cell viability, migration, and protein expressions of MMP2, MMP9 and p-AKT/AKT; however, AS was able to reverse the inhibition effect of miR-184 to increase the cell viability, migration and protein expressions of MMP2, MMP9 and p-AKT/AKT in HTR-8/Svneo cells (p<0.05). Conclusions AS can reverse the inhibition effect of miR-184 on HTR-8/Svneo cells to facilitate cell proliferation, migration and AKT phosphorylation.