Knockdown of MIF-AS1 Inhibits Pain and Inflammation in Lumbar Disc Herniation by Modulating the miR-185-5p/VEGFA Axis

Study DesignProspective Study.ObjectiveThe objective of this investigation was to explore the abnormal expression of migration inhibitory factor antisense RNA 1 (MIF-AS1) in lumbar disc herniation (LDH) patients and its relationship to the degree of pain and inflammatory response in LDH, as well as the molecular mechanism of its involvement in LDH.MethodsThis study included 50 patients with LDH. The expression levels of MIF-AS1 were detected by RT-qPCR. The LDH model was constructed in SD rats, and the paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) and paw withdrawal thermal latency (PWTL) of LDH rats were detected by behavioral experiments. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. The targeted regulatory relationships between MIF-AS1 and miR-185-5p, miR-185-5p and VEGFA were verified by a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay.ResultThe expression of MIF-AS1 was up-regulated in LDH patients and correlated with the degree of pain in patients. Low expression of MIF-AS1 reduced the degree of pain and inflammation in LDH rats. In addition, MIF-AS1 may regulate pain and inflammation induced by LDH by modulating the miR-185-5p/VEGFA axis.ConclusionMIF-AS1/miR-185-5p/VEGFA axis may be a therapeutic target for LDH.