Targeting IL-13 as a Host-Directed Therapy Against Ulcerative Colitis

Non-TGFβ profibrotic signaling in ulcerative colitis after in vivo experimental intestinal injury in humans

Although impaired regeneration is important in many gastrointestinal diseases including ulcerative colitis (UC), the dynamics of mucosal regeneration in humans are poorly investigated. We have developed a model to study these processes in vivo in humans. Epithelial restitution (ER) and extracellular matrix (ECM) regulation after an experimental injury of the sigmoid colonic mucosa was assessed by repeated high-resolution endoscopic imaging, histological assessment, RNA sequencing, deconvolution analysis, and 16S rDNA sequencing of the injury niche microbiome of 19 patients with UC in remission and 20 control subjects. Human ER had a 48-h lag before induction of regenerative epithelial cells [wound-associated epithelial (WAE) and transit amplifying (TA) cells] along with the increase of fibroblast-derived stem cell growth factor gremlin 1 mRNA (GREM1). However, UC deconvolution data showed rapid induction of inflammatory fibroblasts and upregulation of major structural ECM collagen mRNAs along with tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1), suggesting increased profibrotic ECM deposition. No change was seen in transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) mRNA, whereas the profibrotic cytokines interleukin 13 (IL13) and IL11 were upregulated in UC, suggesting that human postinjury responses could be TGFβ-independent. In conclusion, we found distinct regulatory layers of regeneration in the normal human colon and a potential targetable profibrotic dysregulation in UC that could lead to long-term end-organ failure, i.e., intestinal damage.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The study reveals the regulatory dynamics of epithelial regeneration and extracellular matrix remodeling after experimental injury of the human colon in vivo and shows that human intestinal regeneration is different from data obtained from animals. A lag phase in epithelial restitution is associated with induction of stromal cell-derived epithelial growth factors. Postinjury regeneration is transforming growth factor β-independent, and we find a profibrotic response in patients with ulcerative colitis despite being in remission.

Colonic Tuft Cells: The Less-Recognized Therapeutic Targets in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colorectal Cancer

Tuft cells are more than guardian chemosensory elements of the digestive tract. They produce a variety of immunological effector molecules in response to stimulation; moreover, they are essential for defense against protozoa and nematodes. Beyond the description of their characteristics, this review aims to elucidate the potential pathogenic and therapeutic roles of colonic tuft cells in inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer, focusing on their primarily immunomodulatory action. Regarding inflammatory bowel disease, tuft cells are implicated in both maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier and in tissue repair and regeneration processes. In addition to maintaining intestinal homeostasis, they display complex immune-regulatory functions. During the development of colorectal cancer, tuft cells can promote the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, alter the gastrointestinal microenvironment, and modulate both the anti-tumor immune response and the tumor microenvironment. A wide variety of their biological functions can be targeted for anti-inflammatory or anti-tumor therapies; however, the adverse side effects of immunomodulatory actions must be strictly considered.

CD30 Regulation of IL-13-STAT6 Pathway in Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare, usually indolent CD30+ T-cell lymphoma with tumor cells, often surrounded by eosinophils, expressing IL-13 and pSTAT6.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to understand the unique tumor pathology and growth regulation of BIA-ALCL, leading to potential targeted therapies.

METHODS

We silenced CD30 and analyzed its effect on IL-13 signaling and tumor cell viability. IL-13 signaling receptors of BIA-ALCL cell lines were evaluated by flow cytometry and pSTAT6 detected by immunohistochemistry. CD30 was deleted by CRISPR/Cas9 editing. Effects of CD30 deletion on transcription of IL-13 and IL-4, and phosphorylation of STAT6 were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The effect of CD30 deletion on p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation was determined. Suppression of IL-13 transcription by a p38 MAPK inhibitor was tested. Tumor cell viability following CD30 deletion and treatment with a pSTAT6 inhibitor were measured in cytotoxicity assays.

RESULTS

BIA-ALCL lines TLBR1 and TLBR2 displayed signaling receptors IL-4Rα, IL-13Rα1 and downstream pSTAT6. Deletion of CD30 by CRISPR/Cas9 editing significantly decreased transcription of IL-13, less so Th2 cytokine IL-4, and phosphorylation of STAT6. Mechanistically, we found CD30 expression is required for p38 MAPK phosphorylation and activation, and IL-13-STAT6 signaling was reduced by an inhibitor of p38 MAPK in BIA-ALCL tumor cells. Tumor cell viability was decreased by silencing of CD30, and a specific inhibitor of STAT6, indicating STAT6 inhibition is cytotoxic to BIA-ALCL tumor cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest reagents targeting the IL-13 pathway, pSTAT6 and p38 MAPK, may become useful for treating BIA-ALCL patients.

Identification of mite-specific eosinophils in the colon of patients with ulcerative colitis

The pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) is unclear. House dust mite (HDM) is associated with immune inflammation in the body. This study is designed to identify the association between HDM and UC clinical symptoms. UC patients (n = 86) and non-UC control (NC) subjects (n = 64) were recruited. Colon lavage fluids (CLF) were collected from HDM skin prick test positive patients during colonoscopy, and analyzed by immunological approaches. HDM was detected in fecal samples, which was positively correlated with UC clinical symptoms. HDM-specific eosinophils and Th2 cells were detected in CLF, which could be specifically activated by exposing to HDM in the culture. Direct exposure to HDM induced eosinophil activation in the colon of UC patients. UC patients displayed elevated levels of Th2 cytokines in the serum. UC clinical symptom scores were positively correlated with serum levels of Th2 cytokines. HDM was detected in UC patients' stools, which was positively correlated with UC clinical symptoms. Direct exposure to HDM could trigger eosinophilic activation of the colon.

Gut homeostasis, injury, and healing: New therapeutic targets

The integrity of the gastrointestinal mucosa plays a crucial role in gut homeostasis, which depends upon the balance between mucosal injury by destructive factors and healing via protective factors. The persistence of noxious agents such as acid, pepsin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or Helicobacter pylori breaks down the mucosal barrier and injury occurs. Depending upon the size and site of the wound, it is healed by complex and overlapping processes involving membrane resealing, cell spreading, purse-string contraction, restitution, differentiation, angiogenesis, and vasculogenesis, each modulated by extracellular regulators. Unfortunately, the gut does not always heal, leading to such pathology as peptic ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease. Currently available therapeutics such as proton pump inhibitors, histamine-2 receptor antagonists, sucralfate, 5-aminosalicylate, antibiotics, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants all attempt to minimize or reduce injury to the gastrointestinal tract. More recent studies have focused on improving mucosal defense or directly promoting mucosal repair. Many investigations have sought to enhance mucosal defense by stimulating mucus secretion, mucosal blood flow, or tight junction function. Conversely, new attempts to directly promote mucosal repair target proteins that modulate cytoskeleton dynamics such as tubulin, talin, Ehm², filamin-a, gelsolin, and flightless I or that proteins regulate focal adhesions dynamics such as focal adhesion kinase. This article summarizes the pathobiology of gastrointestinal mucosal healing and reviews potential new therapeutic targets.

Graphene-Based Biosensors for Molecular Chronic Inflammatory Disease Biomarker Detection

Chronic inflammatory diseases, such as cancer, diabetes mellitus, stroke, ischemic heart diseases, neurodegenerative conditions, and COVID-19 have had a high number of deaths worldwide in recent years. The accurate detection of the biomarkers for chronic inflammatory diseases can significantly improve diagnosis, as well as therapy and clinical care in patients. Graphene derivative materials (GDMs), such as pristine graphene (G), graphene oxide (GO), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), have shown tremendous benefits for biosensing and in the development of novel biosensor devices. GDMs exhibit excellent chemical, electrical and mechanical properties, good biocompatibility, and the facility of surface modification for biomolecular recognition, opening new opportunities for simple, accurate, and sensitive detection of biomarkers. This review shows the recent advances, properties, and potentialities of GDMs for developing robust biosensors. We show the main electrochemical and optical-sensing methods based on GDMs, as well as their design and manufacture in order to integrate them into robust, wearable, remote, and smart biosensors devices. We also describe the current application of such methods and technologies for the biosensing of chronic disease biomarkers. We also describe the current application of such methods and technologies for the biosensing of chronic disease biomarkers with improved sensitivity, reaching limits of detection from the nano to atto range concentration.

Hyperactive neutrophil chemotaxis contributes to anti-tumor necrosis factor-α treatment resistance in inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF-α) agents have been used for inflammatory bowel disease; however, it has up to 30% nonresponse rate. Identifying molecular pathways and finding reliable diagnostic biomarkers for patient response to anti-TNF-α treatment are needed.

METHODS

Publicly available transcriptomic data from inflammatory bowel disease patients receiving anti-TNF-α therapy were systemically collected and integrated. In silico flow cytometry approaches and Metascape were applied to evaluate immune cell populations and to perform gene enrichment analysis, respectively. Genes identified within enrichment pathways validated in neutrophils were tracked in an anti-TNF-α-treated animal model (with lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation). The receiver operating characteristic curve was applied to all genes to identify the best prediction biomarkers.

RESULTS

A total of 449 samples were retrieved from control, baseline, and after primary anti-TNF-α therapy or placebo. No statistically significant differences were observed between anti-TNF-α treatment responders and nonresponders at baseline in immune microenvironment scores. Neutrophil, endothelial cell, and B-cell populations were higher in baseline nonresponders, and chemotaxis pathways may contribute to the treatment resistance. Genes related to chemotaxis pathways were significantly upregulated in lipopolysaccharide-induced neutrophils, but no statistically significant changes were observed in neutrophils treated with anti-TNF-α. Interleukin 13 receptor subunit alpha 2 (IL13RA2) is the best predictor (receiver operating characteristic curve: 80.7%, 95% confidence interval: 73.8-87.5%), with a sensitivity of 68.13% and specificity of 84.93%, and significantly higher in nonresponders compared with responders (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperactive neutrophil chemotaxis influences responses to anti-TNF-α treatment, and IL13RA2 is a potential biomarker to predict anti-TNF-α treatment response.

Non-coding RNA-based regulation of inflammation

Inflammation is a multifactorial process and various biological mechanisms and pathways participate in its development. The presence of inflammation is involved in pathogenesis of different diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases and even, cancer. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) comprise large part of transcribed genome and their critical function in physiological and pathological conditions has been confirmed. The present review focuses on miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs as ncRNAs and their potential functions in inflammation regulation and resolution. Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors are regulated by miRNAs via binding to 3'-UTR or indirectly via affecting other pathways such as SIRT1 and NF-κB. LncRNAs display a similar function and they can also affect miRNAs via sponging in regulating levels of cytokines. CircRNAs mainly affect miRNAs and reduce their expression in regulating cytokine levels. Notably, exosomal ncRNAs have shown capacity in inflammation resolution. In addition to pre-clinical studies, clinical trials have examined role of ncRNAs in inflammation-mediated disease pathogenesis and cytokine regulation. The therapeutic targeting of ncRNAs using drugs and nucleic acids have been analyzed to reduce inflammation in disease therapy. Therefore, ncRNAs can serve as diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic targets in inflammation-related diseases in pre-clinical and clinical backgrounds.

Anti-IL-4Ralpha monoclonal antibody dupilumab mimics ulcerative colitis: a case report

BACKGROUND

Various molecular-targeted therapeutic agents that inhibit cytokines and immune checkpoints are used in clinical practice. Some of these biologics that control immunity, such as anti-interleukin-17, anti-programmed cell death protein-1, and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein antibodies, affect intestinal immune homeostasis and cause intestinal inflammation. Development of enteritis due to dupilumab (an anti-IL-4Ralpha monoclonal antibody) therapy is not yet reported in the literature.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 17-year-old man was administered an injection of dupilumab and continued to receive it for refractory atopic dermatitis. After 3 months of initiating dupilumab therapy, he developed intermittent abdominal pain, tenesmus, and had diarrhea. Colonoscopy examination showed decreased vascularity, mild friability, and erythema in the cecum, part of the ascending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum without any pathogenic bacteria. Histological examination revealed moderate mixed inflammatory cell infiltration, cryptitis, destruction of the crypt, decreased goblet cells, mucosal erosions, and edema. He was diagnosed with UC and was prescribed oral mesalazine (4800 mg/day) treatment. Within a month of the treatment, his diarrhea improved and the frequency of defecation decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

This is a first report that dupilumab mimicked ulcerative colitis. Careful monitoring for adverse effects with the onset of an intestinal inflammation will be recommended after dupilumab administration.

M1 Macrophage exosomes MiR-21a-5p aggravates inflammatory bowel disease through decreasing E-cadherin and subsequent ILC2 activation

Abnormal immune regulation is a key feature of the complex pathogenic mechanism of ulcerative colitis (UC). In particular, macrophages and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are important components of natural immunity that have been shown to play important roles in the pathogenesis of UC, as well as decreased E-cadherin expression on the colonic mucosa. However, it remains unclear how these components interact with each other. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of UC mediated by macrophage-derived exosomes. We showed for the first time that miR-21a-5p expression is increased in the peritoneal exosomes of mice with dextran sulphate sodium induced enteritis and that miR-21a-5p expression correlates negatively with E-cadherin expression in enterocytes. Moreover, we confirmed that miR-21a-5p was mainly derived from M1 macrophages and demonstrated that KLRG1, a surface inhibitory receptor on ILC2s, participated in excessive ILC2 activation in UC by promoting GATA-3. In conclusion, our results suggest molecular targets and provide a theoretical basis for elucidating the pathogenesis of UC and improving its treatment.

The Regulation of Intestinal Inflammation and Cancer Development by Type 2 Immune Responses

The gut is among the most complex organs of the human body. It has to exert several functions including food and water absorption while setting up an efficient barrier to the outside world. Dysfunction of the gut can be life-threatening. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract such as inflammatory bowel disease, infections, or colorectal cancer, therefore, pose substantial challenges to clinical care. The intestinal epithelium plays an important role in intestinal disease development. It not only establishes an important barrier against the gut lumen but also constantly signals information about the gut lumen and its composition to immune cells in the bowel wall. Such signaling across the epithelial barrier also occurs in the other direction. Intestinal epithelial cells respond to cytokines and other mediators of immune cells in the lamina propria and shape the microbial community within the gut by producing various antimicrobial peptides. Thus, the epithelium can be considered as an interpreter between the microbiota and the mucosal immune system, safeguarding and moderating communication to the benefit of the host. Type 2 immune responses play important roles in immune-epithelial communication. They contribute to gut tissue homeostasis and protect the host against infections with helminths. However, they are also involved in pathogenic pathways in inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. The current review provides an overview of current concepts regarding type 2 immune responses in intestinal physiology and pathophysiology.

Periplaneta americana extract promotes intestinal mucosa repair of ulcerative colitis in rat

PURPOSE

To investigate the mechanism of Periplaneta americana extract promoting intestinal mucosal repair of OXZ-induced colitis in rat.

METHODS

All experiments used an equal number of male and female SD rats (n=48). We injected OXZ into the colon to induce UC rat model. To determine the optimal concentration of P. Americana's extract (PA-40), it was classified into low (L), medium (M), and high (H) doses. After OXZ treatment, each drug was administered by enema for 7 consecutive days. Rats were divided into the following 6 groups: (1) Saline treatment group (NC), (2) OXZ treatment UC model group (MC), (3) OXZ + budesonide group (BUN), (4) OXZ + PA-40 L group, (5) OXZ + PA-40 M group, (6) OXZ + PA-40 H group. Disease activity index (DAI) scores, colon length, histopathological score, serum cytokine level (IL-4, IL-10, iNOS, tNOS), and amount of MPO, EGF, IL-13 in colonic mucosa were measured.

RESULTS

PA treatment had a significant healing effect on the OXZ-colitis model and significantly reduced the lesioned area, especially in the PA-40H groups. PA treatment did not alter the expression of IL-10 and MPO level, but increased EGF (epidermal growth factor) and decrease IL-13 in the colonic tissue. PA inhibited the rise of NOSs (nitric oxide synthase) and decreased the serum IL-4 level.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that Periplaneta americana extract may be a potential compound for the treatment of colonic lesions. The mechanism may be related to inhibiting the secretion of IL-13 and promoting the formation of EGF.

Pingkui Enema Alleviates TNBS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis by Regulation of Inflammatory Factors, Gut Bifidobacterium, and Intestinal Mucosal Barrier in Rats

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic recurrent inflammation of the colon, and clinical outcome of UC is still unsatisfied. Pingkui enema, a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, has been safely applied for the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery in clinic for many years. However, its mechanism is still elusive. The present study is designed to investigate the effect of Pingkui enema on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid- (TNBS-) induced ulcerative colitis (UC) and possible mechanism in rats.

Methods

UC was induced by intracolonic instillation of TNBS in male Sprague-Dawley rats, which were treated with different dosages of Pingkui enema (low, medium, and high) or sulfasalazine for ten days. Survival rate was calculated. A clinical disease activity score was evaluated. Histological colitis severity was analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Content of Bifidobacterium in intestinal tissue was analyzed by RT-PCR. Concentration of IL-8, IL-13, TNF-α, D-lactic acid (D-LA), and diamine oxidase (DAO) in serum and contents of adhesin and receptor of Bifidobacterium adhesion in rat intestinal mucus were measured by ELISA.

Results

The results showed that Pingkui enema treatment with high dosage markedly improved the survival rate compared with untreated and sulfasalazine treated groups. All dosages of Pingkui enema reduced pathological score. High dosage of Pingkui enema and sulfasalazine treatments significantly reduced the serum concentration of IL-8, TNF-α, D-LA, and DAO and markedly increased the serum concentration of IL-13. In addition, high-dose Pingkui enema and sulfasalazine treatments increased gut content of Bifidobacterium, gut mucus expressions of adhesin, and adhesin receptor of Bifidobacterium.

Conclusions

Pingkui enema has therapeutic effect on TNBS-induced UC, and possible mechanism may be via regulation of gut probiotics (Bifidobacterium) and inflammatory factors and protection of intestinal mucosal barrier.

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Curcuma longa and Allium hookeri Co-treatment via NF-κB and COX-2 Pathways

Although inflammation is a host defense mechanism, chronic inflammation mediates several diseases, including cancer, allergy, asthma, and autoimmune diseases, and reportedly, it is associated with a 60% mortality rate. There are several reports on the anti-inflammatory effects of Curcuma longa and Allium hookeri. However, although they can be used as culinary materials and have biological effects, they are not effective anti-inflammatory agents. In this study, we evaluated the synergic effect of C. longa and A. hookeri in order to confirm the possibility of a new anti-inflammatory agent. Based on cell viability and cytokine analyses, the appropriate ratio of C. longa and A. hookeri was confirmed using an air pouch animal model. Then, the anti-inflammatory effect of C. longa and A. hookeri co-treatment was evaluated by measuring the immune cell count and cytokines in the exudate and by comparing the morphological changes and cytokines in inflamed skin samples. Additionally, we evaluated the NF-κB/COX-2 pathway and iNOS levels. The active constituents detected in C. longa were demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, and that detected in A. hookeri was methylsulfonylmethane. An in vitro assessment determined the appropriate drug ratio as 3:7. In a carrageenan-induced inflammatory model, co-treatment effectively suppressed inflammatory cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-13, and IL-17, and recovered inflammation-related morphological changes in the skin. The anti-inflammatory effect of the co-treatment was mediated through the NF-κB/COX-2 pathway and iNOS inhibition. We concluded that co-treatment with C. longa and A. hookeri synergistically inhibited inflammation via the NF-κB/COX-2/iNOS pathway.

Gut-Liver Physiomimetics Reveal Paradoxical Modulation of IBD-Related Inflammation by Short-Chain Fatty Acids

Although the association between the microbiome and IBD and liver diseases is known, the cause and effect remain elusive. By connecting human microphysiological systems of the gut, liver, and circulating Treg and Th17 cells, we created a multi-organ model of ulcerative colitis (UC) ex vivo. The approach shows microbiome-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) to either improve or worsen UC severity, depending on the involvement of effector CD4 T cells. Using multiomics, we found SCFAs increased production of ketone bodies, glycolysis, and lipogenesis, while markedly reducing innate immune activation of the UC gut. However, during acute T cell-mediated inflammation, SCFAs exacerbated CD4⁺ T cell-effector function, partially through metabolic reprograming, leading to gut barrier disruption and hepatic injury. These paradoxical findings underscore the emerging utility of human physiomimetic technology in combination with systems immunology to study causality and the fundamental entanglement of immunity, metabolism, and tissue homeostasis.

IL-13 mRNA Tissue Content Identifies Two Subsets of Adult Ulcerative Colitis Patients With Different Clinical and Mucosa-Associated Microbiota Profiles

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

A personalized approach to therapy hold great promise to improve disease outcomes. To this end, the identification of different subsets of patients according to the prevalent pathogenic process might guide the choice of therapeutic strategy. We hypothesize that ulcerative colitis [UC] patients might be stratified according to distinctive cytokine profiles and/or to a specific mucosa-associated microbiota.

METHODS

In a cohort of clinically and endoscopic active UC patients and controls, we used quantitative PCR to analyse the mucosal cytokine mRNA content and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to assess the mucosa-associated microbiota composition.

RESULTS

We demonstrate, by means of data-driven approach, the existence of a specific UC patient subgroup characterized by elevated IL-13 mRNA tissue content separate from patients with low IL-13 mRNA tissue content. The two subsets differ in clinical-pathological characteristics. High IL-13 mRNA patients are younger at diagnosis and have a higher prevalence of extensive colitis than low IL-13 mRNA patients. They also show more frequent use of steroid/immunosuppressant/anti-tumour necrosis factor α therapy during 1 year of follow-up. The two subgroups show differential enrichment of mucosa-associated microbiota genera with a prevalence of Prevotella in patients with high IL-13 mRNA tissue content and Sutterella and Acidaminococcus in patients with low IL-13 mRNA tissue content.

CONCLUSION

Assessment of mucosal IL-13 mRNA might help in the identification of a patient subgroup that might benefit from a therapeutic approach modulating IL-13.

PODCAST

This article has an associated podcast which can be accessed at https://academic.oup.com/ecco-jcc/pages/podcast.

NKT cells and the regulation of intestinal immunity: a two‐way street

The mammalian gastrointestinal compartment is colonised by millions of microorganisms that have a central influence on human health. Intestinal homeostasis requires a continuous dialogue between the commensal bacteria and intestinal immune cells. While interactions between host and commensal bacteria are normally beneficial, allowing training and functional tuning of immune cells, dysregulated immune system-microbiota crosstalk can favour the development of chronic inflammatory diseases, as it is the case for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Natural killer T (NKT) cells, which recognise CD1-restricted microbial and self-lipids, contribute to the regulation of mucosal immunity by controlling intestinal homeostasis and participating in the development of IBD. Here, we provide an overview of the recently identified pathways underlying the crosstalk between commensal bacteria and NKT cells and discuss the effect of these interactions in intestinal health and disease.

Peripheral blood miR-372 as a biomarker for ulcerative colitis via direct targeting of NLRP12

The present study aimed to investigate the expression pattern and underlying mechanism of microRNA-372 (miR-372) in the progression of ulcerative colitis (UC). Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure miR-372 expression levels in the blood and colonic mucosa tissue samples from patients with UC. The present study demonstrated that levels of miR-372 were significantly increased in the blood and colonic mucosa tissue samples from patients with UC compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, the level of serum miR-372 was positively correlated with the level of serum c-reactive protein. Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that levels of miR-372 detected in serum and tissue samples could be used to screen for patients with UC from healthy controls. These results indicated a potential role of miR-372 as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for patients with UC. Furthermore, a conserved miR-372 binding site in the 3'untranslated region of the NLR family pyrin domain containing 12 (NLRP12) was identified. Dual luciferase assay demonstrated that overexpression of miR-372 significantly reduced the relative luciferase activity of pmirGLO-NLRP12-3'UTR compared with control pmirGLO. In addition, western blot analysis indicated that overexpression of miR-372 significantly decreased the protein expression level of NLRP12. Therefore it was hypothesized that miR-372 may promote the progression of UC by suppressing NLRP12 protein expression and thereby inducing the excessive production of inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, high levels of miR-372 detected in peripheral blood samples may serve a role as a potential biomarker to screen potential patients with UC from healthy controls.