Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells attenuate severe acute pancreatitis via regulation of microRNA-9 to inhibit necroptosis in rats

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomal miR-181a-5p promotes M2 macrophage polarization to alleviate acute pancreatitis through ZEB2-mediated RACK1 ubiquitination

As a common digestive disease, acute pancreatitis (AP) often threatens the life of patients. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) derived exosomes have exhibited some benefits for AP. However, the mechanism remains unclear and deserves to be further investigated. The characteristics of BMSCs-exosomes (BMSCs-Exos) were identified. The abundance of genes and proteins was evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and IF assay. Cell apoptosis and CD206-positive cells were measured by flow cytometry. The interactions among miR-181a-5p, Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2) and Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1 (RACK1) were verified using dual luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP). BMSCs-Exos effectively improved AP injury through restraining AR42J cell apoptosis and promoting M2 macrophage polarization, which was realized due to BMSCs-Exos harboring an abundance of miR-181a-5p. Further experiments validated miR-181a-5p silenced ZEB2 and ZEB2 reduced RACK1 expression through mediating RACK1 ubiquitination. ZEB2 knockdown decreased AR42J cell apoptosis and induced M2 macrophage polarization to alleviate AP injury, whereas RACK1 downregulation abolished these phenomena. BMSCs-Exos harboring miR-181a-5p suppressed AR42J cell apoptosis and promoted M2 macrophage polarization to delay AP progression through ZEB2-mediated RACK1 ubiquitination.

miR-148a and miR-551b-5p regulate inflammatory responses via regulating autophagy in acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common inflammatory response that occurs in the pancreas with mortality rates as high as 30 %. However, there is still no consistent and effective treatment for AP now. MicroRNA-148 was reported to be involved in AP through IL-6 signaling pathway. Therefore, we aimed to further explore the detailed mechanisms of AP, to develop more therapeutic approach for AP. Exosomes were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 20 AP patients and 20 healthy volunteers to evaluate the abnormally expressed miRNA. Then pancreatic acinar cells (PACs) were transfected with retrovirus to overexpress miR-148a/miR-551b-5p to evaluate their function. Both miR-148a and miR-551b-5p were highly expressed in AP patients than these in healthy cases. Then overexpressing miR-551b-5p in PACs could regulate autophagy through directly binding to Baculoviral IAP Repeat Containing 6, leading to the increased secretions of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) through interleukin-1 (IL-1) signaling pathway. Moreover, overexpressing miR-148a in PACs could decrease the secretions of IL-1β and IL-18 to modulate autophagy. The exosomal miRNA-148a and miRNA-551b-5p derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of AP patients may two-way mediate autophagy damage through IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway, which participated in the AP pathogenesis. Our findings may provide new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of AP.

Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Alleviate Acute Severe Pancreatitis and Promote Lung Repair via Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome in Rat

BACKGROUND

Acute severe pancreatitis (SAP) is a severe acute abdominal disease, which can lead to pancreatic infection and necrosis as well as distant organ damage. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can exert anti-inflammatory effect on SAP, while NLRP3 inflammasomes play an important role in the inflammatory response. This study aimed to investigate whether BMSCs exert anti-inflammatory effect on SAP by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome.

METHODS

The rat SAP model was established. Serum amylase, lipase and inflammatory factor levels were measured by ELISA, and the level of tissue injury was assessed by HE staining. The expression of NLRP3 inflammasome was detected by PCR, Western Blot and immunohistochemistry. ML385 was used to block Nrf2 pathway, aiming to investigate whether Nrf2 pathway was involved in the therapeutic effect of BMSCs on SAP by regulating NLRP3 inflammasome expression.

RESULTS

In SAP rats, NLRP3 inflammasome was activated, which became more evident over time. After transplantation of BMSCs, the NLRP3 inflammasome expression decreased at both mRNA and protein levels, the serum levels of amylase, lipase and inflammatory factors decreased, and the pathological scores of the pancreas and lung were both improved. After blocking the Nrf2 pathway, the NLRP3 inflammasome expression increased in the injured pancreas and lung, and the inflammation deteriorated, which inhibited the therapeutic effects of BMSCs on SAP.

CONCLUSION

The therapeutic effect of BMSC on SAP is at least partially ascribed to the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome, and Nrf2 pathway mediates the therapeutic effect of BMSC on SAP by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome.

Species-dependent impact of immunosuppressive squalene-gusperimus nanoparticles and adipose-derived stem cells on isolated human and rat pancreatic islets

Transplantation of pancreatic islets is a promising approach to controlling glucose levels in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), but islet survival is still limited. To overcome this, islet co-culture with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) together with safe immunosuppressive agents like squalene-gusperimus nanoparticles (Sq-GusNPs) may be applied. This could support islet survival and engraftment. Here, we studied how Sq-GusNPs and adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) influence islets response under pro-inflammatory conditions. Through qRT-PCR, we studied the expression of specific genes at 24 hours in human and rat islets and ASCs in co-culture under indirect contact with or without treatment with Sq-GusNPs. We characterized how the response of islets and ASCs starts at molecular level before impaired viability or function is observed and how this response differs between species. Human islets and ASCs responses showed to be principally influenced by NF-κB activation, whereas rat islet and ASCs responses showed to be principally mediated by nitrosative stress. Rat islets showed tolerance to inflammatory conditions due to IL-1Ra secretion which was also observed in rat ASCs. Human islets induced the expression of cytokines and chemokines with pro-angiogenic, tissue repair, and anti-apoptotic properties in human ASCs under basal conditions. This expression was not inhibited by Sq-GusNPs. Our results showed a clear difference in the response elicited by human and rat islets and ASCs in front of an inflammatory stimulus and Sq-GusNPs. Our data support the use of ASCs and Sq-GusNP to facilitate engraftment of islets for T1DM treatment.

Hair follicle-MSC-derived small extracellular vesicles as a novel remedy for acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Hair follicle-derived mesenchymal stem cell (HF-MSC)-based therapies protect against acute pancreatitis (AP). However, accumulating evidence suggests that MSC-based therapy mainly involves the secretion of MSC-derived small extracellular vesicles (MSC-sEVs) through paracrine effects. Thus, the present research investigated the therapeutic effect of HF-MSC-sEVs in AP and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

SEVs were purified from cultured HF-MSC supernatant. The effects of sEVs in vitro were analyzed on caerulein-simulated pancreatic acinar cells (PACs). The therapeutic potential of sEVs in vivo was examined in a caerulein-induced AP model. The organ distribution of sEVs in mice was determined by near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging. Serum specimens and pancreatic tissues were collected to analyze the inhibition of inflammation and pyroptosis in vivo, as well as the appropriate infusion route: intraperitoneal (i.p.) or intravenous (i.v.) injection.

RESULTS

HF-MSC-sEVs were taken up by PACs and improved cell viability in vitro. In vivo, sEVs were abundant in the pancreas, and the indicators of pancreatitis, including amylase, lipase, the inflammatory response, myeloperoxidase (MPO) expression and histopathology scores, in sEV-treated mice were markedly improved compared with those in the AP group, especially via tail vein injection. Furthermore, we revealed that sEVs observably downregulated the levels of crucial pyroptosis proteins in both PACs and AP tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

We innovatively demonstrated that HF-MSC-sEVs could alleviate inflammation and pyroptosis in PACs in AP, suggesting a refreshing cell-free remedy for AP.

Understanding Necroptosis in Pancreatic Diseases

Intermediate between apoptosis and necrosis, necroptosis is a regulated caspase-independent programmed cell death that induces an inflammatory response and mediates cancer development. As our understanding improves, its role in the physiopathology of numerous diseases, including pancreatic diseases, has been reconsidered, and especially in pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. However, the exact pathogenesis remains elusive, even though some studies have been conducted on these diseases. Its unique mechanisms of action in diseases are expected to bring prospects for the treatment of pancreatic diseases. Therefore, it is imperative to further explore its molecular mechanism in pancreatic diseases in order to identify novel therapeutic options. This article introduces recent related research on necroptosis and pancreatic diseases, explores necroptosis-related molecular pathways, and provides a theoretical foundation for new therapeutic targets for pancreatic diseases.

Ultrasound-Guided Transplantation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improves Adriamycin Nephropathy in Rats Through the RIPK3/MLKL and TLR-4/NF-κB Signaling

Bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) treatment has been shown to be beneficial for Adriamycin nephropathy (ADR). However, the low transplantation rate is still the key factor that affects this strategy. This study is the first to investigate the efficacy and potential mechanism of ultrasound-guided transrenal arterial transfer of BMSCs for the treatment of ADR in rats. The ADR rat model was established by two injections of doxorubicin. In addition, the rats were randomly divided into four groups (10 rats per group): the normal group (no treatment), the medium control group (treated with medium), the Adriamycin group (treated with phosphate buffer), and the BMSC group (treated with BMSCs). After 4 weeks, the levels of serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and urine albumin (ALb) were measured. In addition, pathological changes in kidney tissue were evaluated by pathological sectioning and electron microscopy. Western blotting was used to determine the levels of proteins in rat kidneys. Ultrasound-guided renal artery transplantation of BMSCs reduced the levels of SCr, BUN, and ALb and improved the pathological structure of rat kidneys compared with those in the Adriamycin group. This treatment inhibited renal cell necrosis by reducing the expression of receptor-interacting Serine/threonine Kinase 3 (RIPK3) and Mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudokinase (MLKL) and inhibited renal inflammation and fibrosis by reducing the expression of Toll-Like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Our study shows that ultrasound-guided transrenal artery transplantation of BMSCs can improve adriamycin-induced renal injury in rats by regulating the RIPK3/MLKL and TLR-4/NF-κB pathways and inhibiting renal necrosis, inflammation, and fibrosis.

Role of tumor necrosis factor receptor‑associated factor 6 in pyroptosis during acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is hypothesized to be related to the activation of an inflammatory response induced by pyroptosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential role of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) in pyroptosis in an AP rat model and the human pancreatic ductal epithelial HPDE6C7 cell line. In vivo, AP was induced by intraperitoneal injection of caerulein (CAE) in rats. The rats were sacrificed at 24 or 48 h after the final CAE injection. In vitro, HPDE6C7 cells were treated with CAE for 12, 24 and 48 h. Moreover, TRAF6 was overexpressed and treated with CAE for 48 h. Histopathological changes of pancreatic, serum and supernatant inflammatory cytokines and pyroptosis-related mRNA and protein expression levels were determined by histopathological scores, ELISA, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting. In addition, pyroptosis morphological changes were also determined by Hoechst/PI staining in HPDE6C7 cells. Results showed that AP was observed in the CAE-induced rat model, and that serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels, and TRAF6, NLR pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1 and caspase-3 mRNA and protein expression levels were increased. Similar in HPDE6C7 cells, CAE treatment caused supernatant IL-1β level, NLRP3 and caspase-1 mRNA expression levels to significantly increase. After TRAF6 overexpression and CAE treatment, supernatant IL-1β level, caspase-1 protein expression level, and NLRP3 and caspase-3 mRNA and protein expression levels were also significantly increased. Furthermore, cells exhibited red fluorescence in Hoechst/PI staining, which can be used as a method of detecting pyroptosis activation. The results also showed that the red fluorescence was stronger after CAE treatment or TRAF6 overexpression plus CAE treatment. In conclusion, TRAF6 and caspase-1/3 signaling pathways were involved in the pathogenesis of CAE-induced AP in rats. Pyroptosis was activated by CAE and TRAF6 overexpression via the caspase-1/3 signaling pathways in HPDE6C7 cells.

miR-9 alleviated the inflammatory response and apoptosis in caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis by regulating FGF10 and the NF-κB signaling pathway

MicroRNAs (miRs) have been implicated in the development of acute pancreatitis (AP). However, the role and potential mechanism of miR-9 in AP progression remains unclear. Caerulein-treated AR42J cells were used as a cellular model of AP. Results revealed caerulein triggered an inflammatory response by promoting the secretion of inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL) 1β and IL-6], as evidenced by ELISA. Furthermore, caerulein-induced apoptosis was reported by flow cytometry and western blot assays. Additionally, miR-9 expression was downregulated by caerulein treatment, as demonstrated by reverse transcription quantitative PCR. However, miR-9 overexpression reduced the inflammatory response and apoptosis in caerulein-treated AR42J cells. miR-9 knockdown resulted in opposite effects. Furthermore, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 10 was validated to be targeted via miR-9 by luciferase, RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down assays. Results demonstrated increased FGF10 expression in caerulein-treated AR42J cells and that FGF10 overexpression exacerbated the caerulein-induced inflammatory response and apoptosis, while its knockdown had the opposite effect. Additionally, FGF10 reversed the effect of miR-9 on caerulein-induced injury in AR42J cells. Results demonstrated that miR-9 inhibited the expression of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway-related proteins by downregulating FGF10. As a result, miR-9 decreased inflammatory response and apoptosis in caerulein-treated AR42J cells by targeting FGF10 and blocking NF-κB signaling, suggesting that miR-9 may serve as a novel target for AP treatment.

Mesenchymal stromal cell therapy for pancreatitis: Progress and challenges

Pancreatitis is a common gastrointestinal disease with no effective therapeutic options, particularly for cases of severe acute and chronic pancreatitis (CP). Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells with diverse biological properties, including directional migration, paracrine, immunosuppressive, and antiinflammatory effects, which are considered an ideal candidate cell type for repairing tissue damage caused by various pathogenies. Several researchers have reported significant therapeutic efficacy of MSCs in animal models of acute and CP. However, the specific underlying mechanisms are yet to be clarified and clinical application of MSCs as pancreatitis therapy has rarely been reported. This review mainly focuses on the potential and challenges in clinical application of MSCs for treatment of acute and CP, along with discussion of the underlying molecular mechanisms.

CTRP3 ameliorates cerulein-induced severe acute pancreatitis in mice via SIRT1/NF-κB/p53 axis

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a common and life-threatening clinical acute abdominal disease. C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein 3 (CTRP3), a novel paralog of adiponectin, has been identified as a crucial regulator in multiple types of inflammatory disorders. However, the biological role of CTRP3 in SAP remains poorly understood. The present study aimed to characterize the role of CTRP3 in SAP and illuminate the potential mechanisms involved. In the current study, SAP mouse models were induced by seven hourly intraperitoneal injection of cerulein (50 μg/kg) and an immediate intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (10 mg/kg) after the last cerulein administration. Histological examination and serological analysis demonstrated that SAP mouse models were successfully established. Herein, we found that CTRP3 expression was significantly decreased in the pancreatic tissues of SAP mice compared with normal control mice. Furthermore, we explored the effects of CTRP3 rescue in SAP mice and discovered that CTRP3 overexpression attenuated pathological lesions, inhibited inflammatory mediator release and repressed acinar cell apoptosis. Notably, mechanistic studies revealed that CTRP3 overexpression suppressed NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and p53 acetylation to alleviate cerulein-induced SAP in mouse models through activation of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent protein deacetylase. Collectively, our data indicate that CTRP3 may exert its protective effects in SAP mice via regulation of SIRT1-mediated NF-κB and p53 signaling pathways, implying a promising therapeutic strategy against SAP.

Long noncoding RNA H19 regulates the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells in rats with severe acute pancreatitis by sponging miR-138-5p and miR-141-3p

Background

Patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), which is characterized by high morbidity and mortality, account for an increasing medical burden worldwide. We previously found that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could attenuate SAP and that expression of long noncoding RNA H19 (LncRNA H19) was upregulated in rats receiving MSCs. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms of LncRNA H19 regulating the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs in the alleviation of SAP.

Methods

MSCs transfected with LncRNA H19 overexpression and knockdown plasmids were intravenously injected into rats 12 h after sodium taurocholate (NaT) administration to induce SAP.

Results

Overexpressing LncRNA H19 in MSCs significantly enhanced the anti-inflammatory capacity of the MSCs, inhibited autophagy via promotion of focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-associated pathways, and facilitated cell proliferation by increasing the level of β-catenin in rats with SAP. LncRNA H19 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA by sponging miR-138-5p and miR-141-3p. Knocking down miR-138-5p in MSCs increased the expression of protein tyrosine kinase 2 (PTK2, encoding FAK) to suppress autophagy, while downregulating miR-141-3p enhanced the level of β-catenin to promote cell proliferation.

Conclusions

In conclusion, LncRNA H19 effectively increased the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs in rats with SAP via the miR-138-5p/PTK2/FAK and miR-141-3p/β-catenin pathways.

Stem cell therapy: a potential for the perils of pancreatitis

Acute and chronic pancreatitis carry a significant disease burden and there is no definite treatment that exists for either. They are associated with local and systemic inflammation and lead to numerous complications. Stem cell therapy has been explored for other disease processes and is a topic of research that has gained momentum with regards to implications for acute and chronic pancreatitis. They not only carry the potential to aid in regeneration but also prevent pancreatic injury as well as injury of other organs and hence the resultant complications. Stem cells appear to have immunomodulatory properties and clinical potential as evidenced by numerous studies in animal models. This review article discusses the types of stem cells commonly used and the properties that show promise in the field of pancreatitis.

Resveratrol improves the therapeutic efficacy of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in rats with severe acute pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are effective in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), but their therapeutic effects could still be improved. In order to optimize the clinical application of BMSCs, we adopted the strategy of resveratrol (Res) pretreatment of BMSCs (Res-BMSCs) and applied it to a rat model of sodium taurocholate (NaT)-induced acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

SAP was induced by injection of 3% NaT into the pancreatic duct and successful induction of SAP occurred after 12 h. Rats were treated with BMSCs, Res or BMSCs primed with Res at 40 mmol/L, Vandetanib (ZD6474) daily oral dosages of 50 mg/kg vandetanib.

RESULTS

Res stimulated BMSCs to secrete vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), activated the downstream phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway, and inhibited pancreatic cell apoptosis. In addition, conditioned medium (CM) from Res-BMSCs enhanced the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro, increased resistance to apoptosis and promoted the expression of angiogenesis-related proteins CD31, VEGF and VEGFR2 in pancreatic tissue, but Vandetanib partly abolished these effects by blocking the VEGFA- mediated pathway.

CONCLUSION

Resveratrol-preprocessed BMSCs can activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in pancreatic cells and HUVECs through paracrine release of VEGFA; thus, achieving the therapeutic effect of resisting apoptosis of pancreatic cells and promoting regeneration of damaged blood vessels. Res pretreatment may be a new strategy to improve the therapeutic effect of BMSCs on SAP.

High-Fat Diet Aggravates the Intestinal Barrier Injury via TLR4-RIP3 Pathway in a Rat Model of Severe Acute Pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE

For patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), a high body mass index (BMI) increases the possibility of infection derived from the intestine. In this study, we evaluate whether TAK242 can alleviate severe acute pancreatitis-associated injury of intestinal barrier in high-fat diet-fed rats.

METHODS

A SAP model was established by retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate into the biliary-pancreatic duct. Thirty Sprague-Dawley (SD) adult rats were randomly divided into five groups: standard rat chow (SRC) normal (SN), SRC SAP (SAP), high-fat diet normal (HN), HFD SAP (HSAP), and TLR4 inhibitor pretreatment HFD SAP (HAPT) groups. Intraperitoneal injection of 3 mg/kg TAK242 was administered 30 minutes before SAP model establishment in the HAPT group. Rats were sacrificed 12 hours after SAP modeling, followed by blood and pancreatic and distal ileum tissue collection for further analyses. Changes in the pathology responses of the rats in each group were assessed.

RESULT

Analyses of serum amylase, lipase, cholesterol, triglyceride, IL-1β, IL-6, DAO, and serum endotoxin as well as tight junction protein expression including zonula occluden-1 and occludin indicated that high-fat diet aggravated SAP-induced intestinal barrier injury via increasing inflammatory response. In addition, the level of necroptosis was significantly higher in the SAP group compared with the SN group while the HSAP group exhibited more necroptosis compared with the SAP group, indicating the important role of necroptosis in pancreatitis-associated gut injury and illustrating that high-fat diet aggravated necroptosis of the ileum. Pretreatment with TLR4 inhibitor significantly alleviated inflammatory response and reduced necroptosis and level of oxidative stress while improving intestinal barrier function.

CONCLUSION

High-fat diet aggravated SAP-induced intestinal barrier injury via inflammatory reactions, necroptosis, and oxidative stress. Inhibition of TLR4 by TAK242 reduced inflammation, alleviated necroptosis, and lowered the level of oxidative stress and then protected the intestinal barrier dysfunction from SAP in high-fat diet-fed rats.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells alleviate severe acute pancreatitis-induced multiple-organ injury in rats via suppression of autophagy

Patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) represent a substantial challenge to medical practitioners due to the high associated rates of morbidity and mortality and a lack of satisfactory therapeutic outcomes. In a previous study, our group demonstrated that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can ameliorate SAP; however, the mechanisms of action remain to be fully understood. BMSCs were intravenously injected into SAP rats 12 h after experimental induction of SAP using sodium taurocholate (NaT). Histopathological changes and the levels of pro-inflammatory mediators were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and ELISA, respectively. Autophagy levels were assessed using qRT-PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. AR42J cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were administered BMSC-conditioned media (BMSC-CM) after NaT treatment, and cell viability was measured using a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry. In vivo, BMSCs effectively reduced multiple systematic inflammatory responses, suppressed the activation of autophagy, and improved intestinal dysfunction. In vitro, BMSC-CM significantly improved the viability of injured cells, promoted angiogenesis, and decreased autophagy. We therefore propose that the administration of BMSCs alleviates SAP-induced multiple organ injury by inhibiting autophagy.

MicroRNAs in acute pancreatitis: From pathogenesis to novel diagnosis and therapy

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disorder initiated by activation of pancreatic zymogens, leading to pancreatic injury and systemic inflammatory response. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important regulators of gene expression and key players in human physiological and pathological processes. Discoveries over the past decade have confirmed that altered expression of miRNAs is implicated in the pathogenesis of AP. Indeed, a number of miRNAs have been found to be dysregulated in various cell types involved in AP such as acinar cells, macrophages, and lymphocytes. These aberrant miRNAs can regulate acinar cell necrosis and apoptosis, local and systemic inflammatory response, thereby contributing to the initiation and progression of AP. Moreover, patients with AP possess unique miRNA signatures when compared with healthy individuals or those with other diseases. In view of their stability and easy detection, therefore, miRNAs have the potential to act as biomarkers for the diagnosis and assessment of patients with AP. In this review, we provide an overview of the novel cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the roles of miRNAs during the disease processes of AP, as well as the potential diagnosis and therapeutic biomarkers of miRNAs in patients with AP.