Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of miR-15b and miR-16 on expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein in human embryonic lung fibroblast (HLF) cells under hyperoxia. Methods The levels of miRNA-15b and miRNA-16 were up-regulated and down-regulated in HLF cells by transfection technology, respectively. The expression of VEGF protein in HLF cells was assessed by Western blot. Furthermore, under hyperoxia exposure in vitro, the expression of miR-15b, miR-16 and VEGF protein in HLF cells was analyzed. Results Up-regulation of miRNA-15b and miRNA-16 suppressed VEGF protein expression, while down-regulation of miR-15b and miRNA-16 promoted VEGF protein expression. In addition, hyperoxia exposure induced up-regulation of miRNA-15b and miR-16, but down-regulation of VEGF protein in HLF cells. Conclusions Hyperoxia exposure might up-regulate the levels of miR-15b and miR-16, but suppress VEGF protein expression. These might contribute to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Key words: Hyperoxia, vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), miRNA