microRNA ‐210 in red blood cells differentially regulates vascular endothelial function between type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Red blood cells from individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D RBC) induce endothelial dysfunction due to reduced RBC microRNA-210 levels, whereas T1D RBCs do not. We hypothesize that microR-210 plays a protective role explaining this difference. Both male and female adults with T1D and T2D matched for glycated hemoglobin, alongside age- and sex-matched healthy controls, were studied. microR-210 levels were measured by qPCR. Endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR) in isolated rat aortas and nitric oxide (NO) production in endothelial cells following incubation with RBCs were determined using wire myograph and DAF-FM fluorescence. Protein levels of microR-210 target PTP1B and the oxidative stress marker 4-HNE were measured by immunohistochemistry. T1D RBC produced EDR and endothelial NO comparable to healthy controls, whereas T2D RBC impaired both. microR-210 levels were similar in T1D RBC and healthy controls, but reduced in T2D RBC. microR-210 inhibition in T1D RBC impaired EDR and increased vascular PTP1B and 4-HNE, while PTP1B inhibition or mitoTEMPO treatment in aortas improved EDR. RBC microR-210 regulates endothelial function differently between T1D and T2D by affecting vascular PTP1B and mitochondrial oxidative stress, highlighting a potential therapeutic target to improve vascular health.