Increased Expression of microRNA-141-3p Improves Necrotizing Enterocolitis of Neonates Through Targeting MNX1

miR-141-3p attenuates inflammation and oxidative stress-induced pulmonary fibrosis in ARDS via the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway

The present research aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of microRNA (miR)-141-3p on pulmonary fibrosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A rat ARDS model was established by the intratracheal drip of 10 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS). miR-141-3p and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) expression was detected using RT-qPCR assay. Inflammatory factors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Lung fibrosis was evaluated using Masson's trichrome staining and hydroxyproline assay kits. Tissue oxidative stress marker levels were assessed by a commercial kit. Protein variations in the EMT pathway and Keap1/nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway were investigated by Western blot analysis. Targeting relationship verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The expression of miR-141-3p was significantly upregulated in LPS-induced ARDS rats, while Keap1 was downregulated. Overexpression of miR-141-3p decreased the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) while elevating malondialdehyde (MDA) expression in LPS-induced ARDS rats. Elevation of miR-141-3p reduced fibrosis scores, enhanced E-cadherin protein expression, and decreased vimentin and α-SMA protein expression in LPS-induced ARDS rats. This elevation of miR-141-3p also upregulated Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H:quinone oxido-reductase-1 (NQO1) proteins levels. Moreover, Keap1 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-141-3p on LPS-triggered inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. miR-141-3p may attenuate inflammation and oxidative stress-induced pulmonary fibrosis in ARDS via the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. Our study provides new ideas for the treatment of ARDS.

Chromatin as alarmins in necrotizing enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal disease primarily affecting premature neonates, marked by poorly understood pro-inflammatory signaling cascades. Recent advancements have shed light on a subset of endogenous molecular patterns, termed chromatin-associated molecular patterns (CAMPs), which belong to the broader category of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). CAMPs play a crucial role in recognizing pattern recognition receptors and orchestrating inflammatory responses. This review focuses into the realm of CAMPs, highlighting key players such as extracellular cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (eCIRP), high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), cell-free DNA, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), histones, and extracellular RNA. These intrinsic molecules, often perceived as foreign, have the potential to trigger immune signaling pathways, thus contributing to NEC pathogenesis. In this review, we unravel the current understanding of the involvement of CAMPs in both preclinical and clinical NEC scenarios. We also focus on elucidating the downstream signaling pathways activated by these molecular patterns, providing insights into the mechanisms that drive inflammation in NEC. Moreover, we scrutinize the landscape of targeted therapeutic approaches, aiming to mitigate the impact of tissue damage in NEC. This in-depth exploration offers a comprehensive overview of the role of CAMPs in NEC, bridging the gap between preclinical and clinical insights.

MiRNA-192-5p-targeted activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule improved inflammatory injury of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis

BACKGROUND

Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a common gastrointestinal emergency in neonates. MiRNA-192-5p was found associated with ulcerative colitis (UC) progression, also with aberrant expression in intestinal cancer tissue. However, the effects of miRNA-192-5p on NEC have not been reported.

METHODS

Based on the bioinformatics analysis of the GEO dataset, miR-192-5p was identified as the differentially expressed miRNA in NEC, and activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) was predicted as its target. After that, in vitro, rat intestinal epithelial cell-6 (IEC-6) were stimulated with LPS to construct a cell model of NEC. IEC-6 cells were transfected with miRNA-192-5p mimics, miRNA-192-5p inhibitors, or miRNA-192-5p inhibitors + sh-ALCAM, and relevant negative control. In vivo, SD rats were treated with artificial feeding, hypoxic reoxygenation, cold stimulation, and LPS gavage to induce NEC, followed by injection of agomiR-NC or agomiRNA-192-5p. Then effects of miRNA-192-5p on NEC model IEC-6 cell viability, apoptosis, ALCAM expression, Interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 levels, intestinal injury, intestinal permeability were detected.

RESULTS

MiRNA-192-5p expression was downregulated in NEC IEC-6 cells, whose overexpression increased IEC-6 cell viability. MiRNA-192-5p inhibitors increased IL-1β, IL-6 levels and promoted IEC-6 cell apoptosis. MiRNA-192-5p targeting of ALCAM decreased ALCAM expression, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels. AgomiRNA-192-5p decreased ALCAM, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels in intestinal tissue and pathological damage and increased miRNA-192-5p levels.

CONCLUSION

MiR-192-5p protects against intestinal injury by inhibiting ALCAM-mediated inflammation and intestinal epithelial cells, which would provide a new idea for NEC treatment.

MNX1 facilitates the malignant progress of lung adenocarcinoma through transcriptionally upregulating CCDC34

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) represents the most prevalent subtype of lung cancer and typically has high incidence and fatality rates. Motor neuron and pancreas homeobox 1 (MNX1) and coiled-coil domain-containing 34 (CCDC34) serve as oncogenes in multiple types of cancer. However, their role in LUAD remains to be elucidated. In the present study, bioinformatics analysis and LUAD cell lines were adopted to examine the expression of MNX1 and CCDC34. The proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of A549 cells were determined using Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, wound-healing and Transwell assay, and flow cytometry was conducted to assess cell cycle distribution and apoptosis. The interaction between MNX1 and CCDC34 was verified by luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. In addition, an in vivo animal model of LUAD was established for validation. The results demonstrated that both MNX1 and CCDC34 were upregulated in LUAD cell lines. MNX1 knockdown significantly suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion, hindered cell cycle progression and promoted cell apoptosis in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. However, the antitumor effect of MNX1 knockdown was weakened by simultaneous CCDC34 overexpression in vitro. In terms of mechanism, MNX1 was demonstrated to directly bind to the CCDC34 promoter and transcriptionally activate CCDC34 expression. In conclusion, the present study highlighted a critical role of the MNX1/CCDC34 axis in regulating LUAD progression, providing novel therapeutic targets for LUAD treatment.

Knockdown of PHLDA1 Alleviates Necrotizing Enterocolitis by Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Pyroptosis Through Enhancing Nrf2 Signaling

OBJECTIVE

Pleckstrin homology-like domain family A member 1 (PHLDA1) is involved in the progression of intestine-related diseases, but its role and related mechanisms in Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) are unclear. The aim of this study was to better understand the function of PHLDA1 in NEC and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

A neonatal mouse model of NEC was established by hypoxic hypothermia, and sh-PHLDA1 was transfected into mice to observe the mortality of each group within 4 days. The levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18 and TNF-α were measured by PCR and ELISA. ROS, MDA, SOD, and GSH-Px levels were detected by Dihydroethidium (DHE) method and kit; expression of pyroptosis-related factors including NLRP3, ASC, cleaved-caspase1, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, IL-18, and Nrf2 were detected by western-blot; mechanistically, the effects of transfection of sh-PHLDA1 and ML385 (Nrf2 inhibitor) were investigated, and the expression of pyroptosis-related factors was detected again.

RESULTS

PHLDA1 was highly expressed in the intestinal tissues of NEC mice, and transfection of sh-PHLDA1 improved the survival rate, alleviated intestinal lesions, improved intestinal inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular scorching in NEC. In addition, sh-PHLDA1 was able to inhibit NLRP3 activation and pyroptosis by activating Nrf2.

CONCLUSION

Knockdown of PHLDA1 attenuated necrotizing small intestinal colitis by enhancing Nrf2 expression to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis

The etiopathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains unclear, but increasing information suggests that the risk and severity of NEC may be influenced by single nucleotide polymorphisms in many genes. In this article, we have reviewed gene variations that have either been specifically identified in NEC or have been noted in other inflammatory bowel disorders with similar histopathological abnormalities. We present evidence from our own peer-reviewed laboratory studies and data from an extensive literature search in the databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus. To avoid bias in the identification of existing studies, search keywords were short-listed both from our own studies and from PubMed's Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) thesaurus.

Biomarkers of gut injury in neonates - where are we in predicting necrotising enterocolitis?

Despite advances in neonatal care Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC) continues to have a significant mortality and morbidity rate, and with increasing survival of those more immature infants the population at risk of NEC is increasing. Ischaemia, reperfusion, and inflammation underpin diseases affecting intestinal blood flow causing gut injury including Necrotising Enterocolitis. There is increasing interest in tissue biomarkers of gut injury in neonates, particularly those representing changes in intestinal wall barrier and permeability, to determine whether these could be useful biomarkers of gut injury. This article reviews current and newly proposed markers of gut injury, the available literature evidence, recent advances and considers how effective they are in clinical practice. We discuss each biomarker in terms of its effectiveness in predicting NEC onset and diagnosis or predicting NEC severity and then those that will aid in surveillance and identifying those infants are greatest risk of developing NEC.

The Impact of MicroRNAs in Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis and other Inflammatory Conditions of Intestine: A Review

The understanding of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) etiopathogenesis is incomplete, contributing to the lack of early biomarkers and therapeutic options. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are a class of RNAs that can alter gene expression and modulate various physiological and pathological processes. Several studies have been performed to evaluate the role of miRNA in the pathogenesis of NEC. In this article, we review the information on miRNAs that have been specifically identified in NEC or have been noted in other inflammatory bowel disorders that share some of the histopathological abnormalities seen frequently in NEC. This review highlights miRNAs that could be useful as early biomarkers of NEC and suggests possible approaches for future translational studies focused on these analytes. It is a novel field with potential for immense translational and clinical relevance in preventing, detecting, or treating NEC in very premature infants. Impact • Current information categorizes necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) as a multifactorial disease, but microRNAs (miRNAs) may influence the risk of occurrence of NEC. • MiRNAs may alter the severity of the intestinal injury and the clinical outcome of NEC. • The literature on intestinal diseases of adults suggests additional miRNAs that have not been studied in NEC yet but share some features and deserve further exploration in human NEC, especially if affecting gut dysbiosis, intestinal perfusion, and coagulation disorders.

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.

miR-200a-3p improves neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis by regulating RIPK1

BACKGROUND

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an acquired disease, which mainly occurs in premature infants or sick newborns. microRNA (miR), as a common non-coding RNA in recent years, is found in many diseases. In this research, miR usefulin NEC is analyzed by GEO.

METHOD

The differentially expressed miRs in NEC were screened by analyzing GSE68054, and miR-200a-3p in IEC-6 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and serum of NEC children were detected by qRT-PCR. The role of miR-200a-3p in LPS-induced IEC-6 cells was tested using CCK-8, PI dyeing, and inflammatory cytokine detection. The direct downstream molecules of miR-200a-3p were identified using TargetScanHuman and verified by luciferase reporter gene assay. The mechanism of action was explored using western blot.

RESULTS

miR-200a-3p in IEC-6 treated with NEC and LPS was significantly decreased. In vitro experiments revealed that miR-200a-3p mimetic could inhibit IL-6 and TNF-α in IEC-6 cells induced by LPS and reduce the positive rate of PI. In addition, it was determined that receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) was a downstream molecule of miR-200a-3p, and overexpression of RIPK1 could aggravate LPS-induced IEC-6 injury, while miR-200a-3p mimics could alleviate the overexpression of RIPK1. miR-200a-3p mimics inhibited the elevation of necrosis-related molecules and the interaction between RIPK1 and RIPK3 in LPS-induced IEC-6 cells.

CONCLUSION

miR-200a-3p can protect intestinal epithelial cells from LPS injury by inhibiting inflammation and necrosis mediated by RIPK1, which provides a possible target for NEC.

miR-141-3p inhibits the activation of astrocytes and the release of inflammatory cytokines in bacterial meningitis through down-regulating HMGB1

BACKGROUND

Bacterial meningitis (BM) is a serious infectious disease of the central nervous system that often occurs in children and adolescents. Many studies have suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in BM. This study aimed to address the effects of miR-141-3p on astrocyte activation and inflammatory response in BM through HMGB1.

METHODS

The 3-week-old rats were injected with Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) into the lateral ventricle to establish a BM model. Loeffler scoring method was used to evaluate the recovery of neurological function. Brain pathological damage was observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Primary astrocytes were isolated from brain tissues of BM or non-infected SD rats. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in brain tissues and astrocyte culture supernatant were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The targeting relationship between miR-141-3p and HMGB1 was tested using dual-luciferase reporter assay. The expression of miR-141-3p, HMGB1, and the astrocytic marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or western blotting. Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) analysis was performed to measure the methylation status of miR-141 promoter.

RESULTS

The results showed that lower Loeffler scores were exhibited in rats with BM. The subarachnoid space of brain tissues of BM rats was widened, and obvious inflammatory cells were observed. miR-141-3p expression was reduced in BM rats and SP-treated astrocytes. Additionally, we found that overexpression of miR-141-3p led to the downregulation of HMGB1, GFAP, and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in astrocytes. Furthermore, the results of dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-141-3p directly targeted HMGB1. Overexpression of miR-141-3p inhibited the levels of GFAP, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in astrocytes, which was eliminated by the up-regulation of HMGB1. The results of MSP analysis indicated that miR-141 promoter was highly methylated in brain tissues and astrocytes. DNMT1 was involved in the methylation of miR-141 promoter in BM.

CONCLUSION

The present study verified that miR-141-3p affected inflammatory response by suppressing HMGB1 in SP-induced astrocytes and BM rat model.

Emerging Biomarkers for Prediction and Early Diagnosis of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in the Era of Metabolomics and Proteomics

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is a catastrophic disease affecting predominantly premature infants and is characterized by high mortality and serious long-term consequences. Traditionally, diagnosis of NEC is based on clinical and radiological findings, which, however, are non-specific for NEC, thus confusing differential diagnosis of other conditions such as neonatal sepsis and spontaneous intestinal perforation. In addition, by the time clinical and radiological findings become apparent, NEC has already progressed to an advanced stage. During the last three decades, a lot of research has focused on the discovery of biomarkers, which could accurately predict and make an early diagnosis of NEC. Biomarkers used thus far in clinical practice include acute phase proteins, inflammation mediators, and molecules involved in the immune response. However, none has been proven accurate enough to predict and make an early diagnosis of NEC or discriminate clinical from surgical NEC or other non-NEC gastrointestinal diseases. Complexity of mechanisms involved in NEC pathogenesis, which remains largely poorly elucidated, could partly explain the unsatisfactory diagnostic performance of the existing NEC biomarkers. More recently applied technics can provide important insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying NEC but can also aid the detection of potentially predictive, early diagnostic, and prognostic biomarkers. Progress in omics technology has allowed for the simultaneous measurement of a large number of proteins, metabolic products, lipids, and genes, using serum/plasma, urine, feces, tissues, and other biological specimens. This review is an update of current data on emerging NEC biomarkers detected using proteomics and metabolomics, further discussing limitations and future perspectives in prediction and early diagnosis of NEC.