INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF LNCRNA MALAT1 IN REGULATING MIR-146B-5P-MEDIATED APOPTOSIS OF OVARIAN GRANULOSA CELLS: INSIGHTS INTO PREMATURE OVARIAN FAILURE AND ITS IMPACT ON ATHLETE HEALTH

Abstract

Objective: This study explores how LncRNA MALAT1 influences miR-146b-5p-regulated apoptosis in ovarian granulosa cells, contributing to premature ovarian failure (POF), a condition with significant implications for female athlete health due to its impact on hormonal balance and reproductive health.  Methods: The expression levels of MALAT1 and miR-146b-5p were quantified in normal and POF-affected granulosa cells using qRT-PCR. Experimental groups included untransfected controls, si-NC transfected (negative control), si-MALAT1 transfected (MALAT1 knockdown), and si-MALAT1 transfected groups treated with anti-miR-146b-5p to inhibit miR-146b-5p suppression. We assessed cell proliferation (MTT assay), apoptosis (flow cytometry), and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2 and Bax (Western blot). A dual luciferase reporter assay verified the interaction between MALAT1 and miR-146b-5p. Results: MALAT1 expression was significantly higher, and miR-146b-5p expression was lower in POF granulosa cells compared to normals. Knockdown of MALAT1 increased cell proliferation, elevated Bcl-2 protein levels, and reduced both the apoptosis rate and Bax protein expression, effects which were reversed by inhibiting miR-146b-5p. Conclusion: MALAT1 downregulates miR-146b-5p to inhibit apoptosis in granulosa cells, suggesting a mechanism through which MALAT1 contributes to POF. These findings underscore the importance of MALAT1 and miR-146b-5p in granulosa cell survival, offering potential therapeutic targets for managing reproductive health issues in athletes. Understanding these molecular interactions is crucial for developing strategies to support the reproductive health and overall physiological resilience of female athletes facing the challenges of POF.