microRNA in inflammatory bowel disease at a glance

MicroRNAs in disease States

This review highlights the role of miRNAs in various diseases affecting major organ systems. miRNAs are small, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate numerous genes. Dysregulation of miRNAs is linked to many pathological conditions due to their involvement in gene silencing and cellular pathways. We discuss miRNA expression patterns, their physiological and pathological roles, and how changes in miRNA levels contribute to disease. Notably, miRNAs like miR-499 and miR-21 are implicated in heart failure and atherosclerosis. miRNA dysregulation is also associated with colorectal and gastric cancers, influencing tumorigenesis and chemoresistance. In neurological diseases, miRNAs exhibit diverse profiles that affect neurodevelopment and degeneration. Additionally, miRNAs modulate cell function in reproductive organs, impacting fertility and cancer progression. miRNAs such as miR-192 and miR-204 serve as biomarkers for nephropathy and acute kidney injury. These miRNAs are involved in skeletal muscle diseases, contributing to conditions like osteoporosis and sarcopenia. miRNAs function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in cancer, highlighting their potential in diagnostics and therapy. Further research is needed to develop miRNA-based diagnostics and treatments.

MicroRNA signatures in the pathogenesis and therapy of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a persistent inflammatory illness of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) triggered by an inappropriate immune response to environmental stimuli in genetically predisposed persons. Unfortunately, IBD patients' quality of life is negatively impacted by the symptoms associated with the disease. The exact etiology of IBD pathogenesis is not fully understood, but the emerging research indicated that the microRNA (miRNA) plays an important role. miRNAs have been documented to possess a significant role in regulating pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways, in addition to their roles in several physiological processes, including cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. Variations in the miRNA profiles might be a helpful prognostic indicator and a valuable tool in the differential diagnosis of IBD. Most interestingly, these miRNAs have a promising therapeutic target in several pre-clinical animal studies and phase 2 clinical studies to alleviate inflammation and improve patient's quality of life. This comprehensive review discusses the current knowledge about the significant physiological role of different miRNAs in the health of the intestinal immune system and addresses the role of the most relevant differentially expressed miRNAs in IBD, identify their potential targets, and emphasize their diagnostic and therapeutic potential for future research.

Sodium Houttuyfonate Ameliorates DSS-induced Colitis Aggravated by Candida albicans through Dectin-1/NF-κB/miR-32-5p/NFKBIZ Axis Based on Intestinal microRNA Profiling

Our previous research indicated that Sodium houttuyfonate (SH) can effectively ameliorate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis exacerbated by Candida albicans. However, the underlying protective mechanism of SH remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, a mice colitis model was infected with C. albicans, and the total colonic miRNAs were assessed. Furthermore, the differentially expressed miRNAs were enriched, clustered, and analyzed. Moreover, based on the dual luciferase analysis of NFKBIZ modulation by miR-32-5p, the in vitro and in vivo therapeutic effects of SH on inflammatory response, fungal burden, oxidative stress, and apoptosis were assessed at transcriptional and translational levels in the presence of agonist and antagonist. A total of 1157 miRNAs were identified, 84 of which were differentially expressed. Furthermore, qRT-PCR validated that SH treatment improved 17 differentially expressed miRNAs with > fourfold upregulation or > sixfold downregulation. Similar to most differentially altered miRNA, C. albicans significantly increased Dectin-1, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-17A, and decreased miR-32-5p which negatively targeted NFKBIZ. In addition, SH treatment reduced inflammatory response and fungal burden in a colitis model with C. albicans infection. Further analyses indicated that in C. albicans infected Caco2 cells, SH inhibited fungal growth, oxidative stress, and apoptosis by increasing Dectin-1, NF-κB, NFKBIZ, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-17A, and decreasing miR-32-5p. Therefore, SH can ameliorate the severity of colitis aggravated by C. albicans via the Dectin-1/NF-κB/miR-32-5p/NFKBIZ axis.

Exploring the role of IL-1β in inflammatory bowel disease pathogenesis

Interleukin 1β (IL-1β) is a significant mediator of inflammation and tissue damage in IBD. The balance between IL-1β and its endogenous inhibitor-IL-1Ra-, plays a critical role in both initiation and regulation of inflammation. However, the precise role of IL-1β as a causative factor in IBD or simply a consequence of inflammation remains unclear. This review summarizes current knowledge on the molecular and cellular characteristics of IL-1β, describes the existing evidence on the role of this cytokine as a modulator of intestinal homeostasis and an activator of inflammatory responses, and also discusses the role of microRNAs in the regulation of IL-1β-related inflammatory responses in IBD. Current evidence indicates that IL-1β is involved in several aspects during IBD as it greatly contributes to the induction of pro-inflammatory responses through the recruitment and activation of immune cells to the gut mucosa. In parallel, IL-1β is involved in the intestinal barrier disruption and modulates the differentiation and function of T helper (Th) cells by activating the Th17 cell differentiation, known to be involved in the pathogenesis of IBD. Dysbiosis in the gut can also stimulate immune cells to release IL-1β, which, in turn, promotes inflammation. Lastly, increasing evidence pinpoints the central role of miRNAs involvement in IL-1β-related signaling during IBD, particularly in the maintenance of homeostasis within the intestinal epithelium. In conclusion, given the crucial role of IL-1β in the promotion of inflammation and immune responses in IBD, the targeting of this cytokine or its receptors represents a promising therapeutic approach. Further research into the IL-1β-associated post-transcriptional modifications may elucidate the intricate role of this cytokine in immunomodulation.

Biomarkers in IBD: What to Utilize for the Diagnosis?

The role of biomarkers in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease is not fully characterized. C-reactive protein has a short half-life and elevates quickly after the onset of an inflammatory process; the performance is better in Crohn's disease than in ulcerative colitis. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is easy to determine, widely available, and cheap, but the long half-life, the influence of age, anemia, smoking, and drugs limit its usefulness. Fecal markers have good specificity, but suboptimal accuracy. Microbial antibodies and novel immunological markers show promise but need further evidence before entering clinical practice. Proteomic methods could represent the dawn of a new era of stool protein/peptide biomarker panels able to select patients at risk of inflammatory bowel disease.

miRNA Molecules-Late Breaking Treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases?

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of non-coding RNAs that play a critical role in regulating epigenetic mechanisms in inflammation-related diseases. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), which primarily include ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), are characterized by chronic recurrent inflammation of intestinal tissues. Due to the multifactorial etiology of these diseases, the development of innovative treatment strategies that can effectively maintain remission and alleviate disease symptoms is a major challenge. In recent years, evidence for the regulatory role of miRNAs in the pathogenetic mechanisms of various diseases, including IBD, has been accumulating. In light of these findings, miRNAs represent potential innovative candidates for therapeutic application in IBD. In this review, we discuss recent findings on the role of miRNAs in regulating inflammatory responses, maintaining intestinal barrier integrity, and developing fibrosis in clinical and experimental IBD. The focus is on the existing literature, indicating potential therapeutic application of miRNAs in both preclinical experimental IBD models and translational data in the context of clinical IBD. To date, a large and diverse data set, which is growing rapidly, supports the potential use of miRNA-based therapies in clinical practice, although many questions remain unanswered.

[The role of miRNA in the pathogenesis of diseases associated with functional dysregulation of the lacrimal gland]

At this time, the mechanism causing lacrimal gland dysfunction is not understood completely. In diseases associated with lacrimal gland involvement (Sjogren's syndrome, sarcoidosis, IgG4-associated disease, etc.) patients have been observed to experience elevated cellular apoptosis, active production of autoantibodies to glandular tissue, increased level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, functional disruption of signaling molecules leading to changes in tear production. Difficulties in differential diagnosis of lacrimal gland dysfunction in above-listed diseases are associated, on the one hand, with similarity of the clinical picture of ophthalmological manifestations, and on the other hand - with complicated morphological interpretation of changes in the glandular tissues. In this view, miRNA is a promising diagnostic and prognostic marker that would help with differential diagnosis as well as with choosing the treatment tactics. Methods of molecular profiling and identification of "molecular phenotypes" of lacrimal gland and ocular surface damage will allow the use of miRNA as biomarkers and prognostic factors for personalized treatment.

Inflammatory bowel disease biomarkers

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized as chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, which includes two main subtypes, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Endoscopy combined with biopsy is the most effective way to establish IBD diagnosis and disease management. Imaging techniques have also been developed to monitor IBD. Although effective, the methods are expensive and invasive, which leads to pain and discomfort. Alternative noninvasive biomarkers are being explored as tools for IBD prognosis and disease management. This review focuses on novel biomarkers that have emerged in recent years. These serological biomarkers and microRNAs could potentially be used for disease management in IBD, thereby decreasing patient discomfort and morbidity.

MicroRNAs in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Its Complications

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), classified primarily between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a collection of chronic gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions that cause multiple complications because of systemic alterations in the immune response. One major player is microRNA (miRNA), which is found to be associated with multiple pathways in mediating inflammation, especially those of a chronic nature in IBD, as well as irritable bowel syndrome. Although there have been studies linking miRNA alterations in IBD, even differentiating Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, this review focuses mainly on how miRNAs cause and mechanistically influence the pathologic complications of IBD. In addition to its role in the well-known progression towards colorectal cancer, we also emphasize how miRNA manifests the many extraintestinal complications in IBD such as cardiovascular diseases; neuropsychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders; and others, including various musculoskeletal, dermatologic, ocular, and hepatobiliary complications. We conclude through a description of its potential use in bettering diagnostics and the future treatment of IBD and its systemic symptoms.

Mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles containing miR-378a-3p inhibit the occurrence of inflammatory bowel disease by targeting GATA2

This study sought to determine whether mesenchymal stem cells‐derived extracellular vesicles (MSCs‐EVs) carrying microRNA‐378a‐3p (miR‐378a‐3p) could affect the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by regulating the GATA‐binding protein 2 (GATA2)/aquaporin‐4 (AQP4)/peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPAR‐α) axis. Initially, colon mucosa biopsy tissues were harvested from healthy controls and patients with IBD for qRT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry analysis. EVs harvested from MSCs and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used to stimulate the M064 cells to establish an in vitro inflammation cell model. Besides, 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid intracolon administration was performed to establish in vivo IBD mouse models. After loss‐ and gain‐of‐function assays, the regulatory role of MSCs‐derived EVs loaded with manipulated miR‐378a‐3p in IBD in relation to GATA2/AQP4/PPAR‐α were explored. Upregulation of GATA2 was identified in the colon tissue of IBD patients. GATA2, which was a target gene of miR‐378a‐3p, transcriptionally upregulated AQP4. After silencing of GATA2, LPS‐induced apoptosis of M064 cells was reduced by the downregulation of AQP4. Decreased AQP4 contributed to PPAR‐α pathway inactivation and weakened the LPS‐induced apoptosis of M064 cells. MSCs‐EVs delivering miR‐378a‐3p suppressed the GATA2/AQP4/PPAR‐α pathway, which reduced LPS‐induced apoptosis of M064 cells and the occurrence of IBD in mice. Altogether, the current study illustrated that MSCs‐EVs transfer miR‐378a‐3p to reduce the GATA2 expression, which downregulates AQP4 to block the PPAR‐α signalling pathway, thus suppressing the occurrence of IBD.

Therapeutic effect of baicalin on inflammatory bowel disease: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Baicalin (BI) is an important biologically active flavonoid isolated from the root of Scutellaria radix (Huang Qin). Traditionally Scutellaria radix was the common drug of dysentery. As the main flavonoid compound, there is a distribution tendency of baicalin to the intestinal tract and it has a protective effect on the gastrointestinal tract.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to compile up-to-date and comprehensive information on the efficacy of baicalin in vitro and in vivo, about treating inflammatory bowel disease. Relevant information on the therapeutic potential of baicalin against inflammatory bowel disease was collected from the Web of Science, Pubmed and so on. Additionally, a few books and magazines were also consulted to get the important information.

RESULTS

The mechanisms of baicalin against inflammatory bowel disease mainly include anti-inflammation, antioxidant, immune regulation, maintenance of intestinal barrier, maintenance of intestinal flora balance. Also, BI can relieve parts of extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs), and prevent colorectal cancer.

CONCLUSION

Baicalin determined the promising therapeutic prospects as potential supplementary medicines for the treatment of IBD.

The role and mechanisms of miRNA in neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis

Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), the most significant causes of neonatal mortality, is a disease of acute intestinal inflammation. At present, it is not clear exactly how the disease is caused, but it has been suggested that this disorder is a result of a complex interaction among prematurity, enteral feeding and inappropriate pro-inflammation response and bacterial infection of the intestine. A microRNA (miRNA) is a class of endogenous non-coding single-stranded RNA that is about 23 nucleotides long engaging in the regulation of the gene expression. Recently, numerous studies have determined that abnormal miRNA expression plays important roles in various diseases, including NEC. Here, we summarized the role of miRNAs in NEC. We introduce the biosynthetic and function of miRNAs and then describe the possible mechanisms of miRNAs in the initiation and development of NEC, including their influence on the intestinal epithelial barrier's function and regulation of the inflammatory process. Finally, this review aids in a comprehensive understanding of the current miRNA to accurately predict the diagnosis of NEC and provide ideas to find potential therapeutic targets of miRNA for NEC. In conclusion, our aims are to highlight the close relationship between miRNAs and NEC and to summarize the practical value of developing diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets of NEC.

MicroRNA Biomarkers in IBD-Differential Diagnosis and Prediction of Colitis-Associated Cancer

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). These are chronic autoimmune diseases of unknown etiology affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The IBD population includes a heterogeneous group of patients with varying disease courses requiring personalized treatment protocols. The complexity of the disease often delays the diagnosis and the initiation of appropriate treatments. In a subset of patients, IBD leads to colitis-associated cancer (CAC). MicroRNAs are single-stranded regulatory noncoding RNAs of 18 to 22 nucleotides with putative roles in the pathogenesis of IBD and colorectal cancer. They have been explored as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Both tissue-derived and circulating microRNAs have emerged as promising biomarkers in the differential diagnosis and in the prognosis of disease severity of IBD as well as predictive biomarkers in drug resistance. In addition, knowledge of the cellular localization of differentially expressed microRNAs is a prerequisite for deciphering the biological role of these important epigenetic regulators and the cellular localization may even contribute to an alternative repertoire of biomarkers. In this review, we discuss findings based on RT-qPCR, microarray profiling, next generation sequencing and in situ hybridization of microRNA biomarkers identified in the circulation and in tissue biopsies.