Silencing of the long non-coding RNA MEG3 suppresses the apoptosis of aortic endothelial cells in mice with chronic intermittent hypoxia via downregulation of HIF-1α by competitively binding to microRNA-135a

Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) involves substantial cortico-hippocampal injury, causing impairments of neurocognitive, respiratory, and cardiovascular functions. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in CIH functions and development. Therefore, we explored the mechanisms involving lncRNA maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) regulating the aortic endothelial function of CIH mice via regulation of microRNA-135a (miR-135a) and the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α.