MicroRNA miR-152 can support ovarian granulosa cell functions and modify apigenin actions.

The study aimed to evaluate the involvement of apigenin, microRNA (miR)-152, and their interrelationships in the control of basic ovarian granulosa cell functions. The effects of apigenin (0, 10, and 100 µg/mL), miR-152 analogues or miR-152 inhibitor, and their combinations with apigenin on porcine granulosa cells were examined. Expression levels of miR-152, viability, proliferation, apoptosis, steroid hormones, IGF-I, oxytocin, and prostaglandin E2 release were analyzed. Apigenin increased the expression of miR-152, cell proliferation, and estradiol release and reduced apoptosis, progesterone, and IGF-I output. MicroRNA-152 analogues promoted cell viability and proliferation, as well as the release of progesterone, IGF-I, oxytocin, and prostaglandin E2; however, it inhibited apoptosis and estradiol output. miR-152 inhibitor had the opposite effect. Moreover, miR-152 analogues suppressed the effect of apigenin on cell apoptosis and estradiol release. These observations 1) confirm the involvement of apigenin in the control of basic ovarian cell functions; 2) are the first demonstration of importance of miR-152 in the control of these functions; 3) show the ability of apigenin to promote miR-152 expression and the ability of miR-152 to modify apigenin effects on ovarian cells.