[circ_0084043/miR-31-5p Is Involved in Atherosclerosis by Regulating HMGA1: Investigation of the Mechanisms].

Objective: To explore the specific mechanism by which circ_0084043/miR-31-5p regulates high mobility group AT-hook 1 (HMGA1) and thus participates in atherosclerosis (AS). Methods: Carotid plaque tissues, diseased vascular tissue, and corresponding normal tissue from areas adjacent to the plaques were collected from 49 AS patients between September 2020 and September 2023. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to determine circ_0084043 expression. The proliferation, migration, and invasion of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) were determined by CCK-8, clone formation, scratch, and Transwell assays. The targeted regulatory relationship among circ_0084043, miR-31-5p, and HMGA1 was verified by bioinformatics and dual luciferase reporter gene assay. An AS mouse model was established, and the pathological lesions in the aorta of AS model mice were observed by oil red O and HE stainings. Biochemical testing was performed to assess blood lipids in venous blood. qRT-PCR was used to determine the expression of miR-31-5p and HMGA1. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess the expression of HMGA1 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the aorta of the AS model mice. Results: In AS patients, the expression levels of circ_0084043 and HMGA1 in carotid plaque tissues and diseased vascular tissues were elevated ( Conclusion: circ_0084043 promotes the proliferation and migration of VSMCs and promotes the progress of AS by inhibiting miR-31-5p and increasing the expression of HMGA1.