Circ_0002715 promotes the development of osteoarthritis through regulating LXN by sponging miR-127-5p

Background: Our study aims to investigate the role and mechanism of circular RNA_0002715 (circ_0002715) in osteoarthritis (OA) progression.

Methods: IL-1β-induced CHON-001 cells were used to mimic OA cell model. Circ_0002715, microRNA (miR)-127-5p and Latexin (LXN) expression was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Cell functions were determined by MTT assay, flow cytometry and ELISA assay. Protein expression was examined by western blot.

Results: Circ_0002715 was highly expressed in OA cartilage tissues. Circ_0002715 silencing inhibited inflammation, apoptosis, and ECM degradation in IL-1β-interfered CHON-001 cells. Circ_0002715 could sponge miR-127-5p, and miR-127-5p could target LXN. The effect of circ_0002715 down-regulation on chondrocyte injury was partially restored by miR-127-5p inhibitor. MiR-127-5p could suppress chondrocyte injury by inhibiting LXN expression.

Conclusion: Circ_0002715 might be a new therapeutic target for OA, which regulated miR-127-5p/LXN axis to promote IL-1β-induced chondrocyte injury.