miRNAs Can Affect Intestinal Epithelial Barrier in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Lycibarbarspermidine L from Goji Berry Promotes Intestinal Restoration in an Antibiotic-Induced Rat Model through Targeting uc.141A

Oral antibiotics damage gut epithelium while treating infections. Goji berry derives from Lycium barbarum L., which is employed as a dietary and tonic herb with the effect of promoting intestinal health. The spermidine compound lycibarbarspermidine L (LBS L) in it can promote intestinal epithelial growth. The purpose of the research is to examine the reparative effects of LBS L against antibiotic-stimulated gut epithelial damage, as well as the processes associated with T-UCR. Intestinal epithelial cells were stimulated with antibiotics to induce injury. The impact of LBS L and T-UCR-related mechanisms was evaluated through cell assays. Ultimately, a rat model of intestinal injury was developed by administering antibiotics. We found that LBS L reversed the intestinal damage caused by antibiotics through modulating uc.141A/miR195-3p. A reduction in intestinal damage was observed in rat models. In conclusion, LBS L ameliorates antibiotic-induced intestinal epithelial cell damage in rats by modulating uc.141A.

The Role of microRNAs in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been implicated in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Specific miRNAs are differentially expressed in patients with IBD compared to healthy individuals. Regulation of their expression can modulate the inflammatory response, the composition of the intestinal microbiota, and intestinal barrier function. miRNAs can regulate the immune and inflammatory response via multiple mechanisms, from Th1/Th17 regulation and ferroptosis to modulation of NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing 3) and control of the NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) pathway. The use of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets may help monitor IBD treatment and support the development of new, more individualized therapies that minimize common side effects.

MiR-126-5p Down-Regulation Alleviates the Inflammatory Response of Allergic Rhinitis in Children via Inhibiting HIPK2/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Purpose

The objective of our study was to exploit the potential mechanism of microRNA-126-5p (miR-126-5p) in the occurrence and formation of allergic rhinitis (AR) in children.

Patients and Methods

Nasal mucosal tissues were obtained from AR in children and patients with adenoidectomy. Human nasal epithelial cell line (RPMI-2650) and BALB/c mice models were, respectively, established via ovalbumin (OVA) stimulation. Target genes and proteins levels were determined through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assays. The interaction of miR-126-5p with homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) was confirmed via dual-luciferase reporter detection.

Results

MiR-126-5p was memorably increased in nasal mucosal tissue specimens of AR children compared with patients with adenoidectomy, while HIPK2 was distinctly declined (all P<0.05). A negative association was found between miR-126-5p and HIPK2 expression (r=-0.5757, P<0.001). Moreover, HIPK2 was predicted to be targeted by miR-126-5p. Proinflammatory cytokines expressions were significantly increased, and anti-inflammatory cytokines were obviously decreased in AR RPMI-2650 cell model (P<0.001). NF-κB signaling pathway was also activated in AR RPMI-2650 cell model. MiR-126-5p inhibitor mitigated the stimulated function by OVA. Silencing HIPK2 recused miR-126-5p inhibitor phenomena in AR RPMI-2650 cell model. Furthermore, in vivo experiments further verified in vitro results, documenting that miR-126-5p inhibitor and si-HIPK2 relieved AR in the mice model.

Conclusion

MiR-126-5p down-regulation relieved inflammation response and events of AR in children and mice model of AR through HIPK2/NF-κB signaling pathway, suggesting being a latent therapeutic target in AR.

Nondigestible stachyose binds membranous HSP90β on small intestinal epithelium to regulate the exosomal miRNAs: A new function and mechanism

Oligosaccharides are conventionally recognized as "passersby" in the small intestine. However, our research has reframed this understanding by uncovering a new function of oligosaccharide stachyose, which binds hydrophobic residues of membranous HSP90β on small intestinal epithelial cells, thus reprograming the exosomal miRNA profile. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated HSP90β knockout abolished the accumulation of stachyose on cell membrane and its regulatory effects on these miRNAs. Notably, stachyose's regulation on these miRNAs is independent of its prebiotic role, as evidenced by the observation of stachyose-altered fecal miRNAs in pseudo-germ-free mice. These stachyose-altered miRNAs further shaped colonic microbiome, especially harboring Lactobacillus in mice. Thereinto, miR-30a-5p that was downregulated (Log2FC < -2) in both mice and human feces following stachyose treatment could specifically suppress the growth of Lactobacillus reuteri. These findings build a new regulatory axis of stachyose-intestinal miRNAs-gut microbiota and unveil a previously unknown mechanism underlying the direct "talk" of oligosaccharides to intestine epithelium via membranous HSP90β.

Importance of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation and Molecular Regulation as Therapeutic Strategies in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Noncoding RNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), have emerged as key players in the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). MiRNAs, small endogenous RNA molecules that silence target mRNAs to regulate gene expression, are closely linked to immune responses and inflammatory pathways in IBD. Notably, miR-21, miR-146a, and miR-155 are consistently upregulated in IBD, influencing immune cell modulation, cytokine production, and the intestinal epithelial barrier. These miRNAs serve as biomarkers for disease progression and severity, as well as therapeutic targets for controlling inflammation. This comprehensive review highlights the intricate interplay between the gut microbiota, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and miRNA regulation. It concludes that microbiota and FMT influence miRNA activity, presenting a promising avenue for personalized IBD treatment.

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.

Diagnostic Procedures for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Laboratory, Endoscopy, Pathology, Imaging, and Beyond

Diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can often be challenging, and differentiating between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can be particularly difficult. Diagnostic procedures for IBD include laboratory tests, endoscopy, pathological tests, and imaging tests. Serological and stool tests can be easily performed in an outpatient setting and provide critical diagnostic clues. Although endoscopy is an invasive procedure, it offers essential diagnostic information and allows for tissue biopsy and therapeutic procedures. Video capsule endoscopy and device-assisted enteroscopy are endoscopic procedures used to evaluate the small bowel. In addition to endoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and ultrasound (US) are valuable tools for small bowel assessment. Among these, US is noninvasive and easily utilized, making its use highly practical in daily clinical practice. Endoscopic biopsy aids in the diagnosis of IBD and is crucial for assessing the histological activity of the disease, facilitating a thorough evaluation of disease remission, and aiding in the development of treatment strategies. Recent advances in artificial intelligence hold promise for enhancing various aspects of IBD management, including diagnosis, monitoring, and precision medicine. This review compiles current procedures and promising future tools for the diagnosis of IBD, providing comprehensive insights.

miR-329b-5p Affects Sheep Intestinal Epithelial Cells against Escherichia coli F17 Infection

Diarrhea is the most common issue in sheep farms, typically due to pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections, such as E. coli F17. microRNA, a primary type of non-coding RNA, has been shown to be involved in diarrhea caused by pathogenic E. coli. To elucidate the profound mechanisms of miRNA in E. coli F17 infections, methods such as E. coli F17 adhesion assay, colony counting assay, relative quantification of bacterial E. coli fimbriae gene expression, indirect immune fluorescence (IF), Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), Western blotting (WB), and scratch assay were conducted to investigate the effect of miR-329b-5p overexpression/knock-down on E. coli F17 susceptibility of sheep intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). The findings indicated that miR-329b-5p enhances the E. coli F17 resistance of sheep IECs to E.coli F17 by promoting adhesion between E. coli F17 and IEC, as well as IEC proliferation and migration. In summary, miR-329b-5p plays a crucial role in the defense of sheep IECs against E. coli F17 infection, providing valuable insights into its mechanism of action.

MiR-106a-5p by Targeting MAP3K2 Promotes Repair of Oxidative Stress Damage to the Intestinal Barrier in Prelaying Ducks

Under caged stress conditions, severe disruptions in duck intestinal barrier function, which adversely affect economic performance, have been observed. MiRNAs play a crucial role in cellular processes, but the mechanisms underlying their involvement in repairing oxidative stress-induced damage to duck intestinal barriers have not been elucidated. We performed miRNA-seq and protein tandem mass tagging (TMT) sequencing and identified differentially expressed miRNAs and proteins in oxidative stress-treated ducks. Dual-luciferase reporter vector experiments, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting revealed the regulatory role of apla-miR-106a-5p/MAP3K2 in intestinal barrier damage repair. The results showed that oxidative stress led to shortened villi and deepened crypts, impairing intestinal immune function. Significant downregulation of apla-miR-106a-5p was revealed by miRNA-seq, and the inhibition of its expression not only enhanced cell viability but also improved intestinal barrier function. TMT protein sequencing revealed MAP3K2 upregulation in caged-stressed duck intestines, and software analysis confirmed MAP3K2 as the target gene of apla-miR-106a-5p. Dual-fluorescence reporter gene experiments demonstrated direct targeting of MAP3K2 by apla-miR-106a-5p. RT-qPCR showed no effect on MAP3K2 expression, while Western blot analysis indicated that MAP3K2 protein expression was suppressed. In summary, apla-miR-106a-5p targets MAP3K2, regulating gene expression at the transcriptional level and facilitating effective repair of intestinal barrier damage. This discovery provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of physiological damage in ducks under caged stress, offering valuable guidance for related research.

MiR-26b-3p Promotes Intestinal Motility Disorder by Targeting FZD10 to Inhibit GSK3β/β-Catenin Signaling and Induce Enteric Glial Cell Apoptosis

Enteric glial cells (EGCs) are the major component of the enteric nervous system and affect the pathophysiological process of intestinal motility dysfunction. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in regulating gastrointestinal homeostasis. However, the mechanism of miRNA-mediated regulation of EGCs in intestinal dysmotility remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of EGC apoptosis on intestinal dysmotility, and the effect of miR-26b-3p on EGC proliferation and apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. A loperamide hydrochloride (Lop)-induced constipated mouse model and an in vitro culture system of rat EGCs were established. The transcriptome was used to predict the differentially expressed gene miR-26b-3p and the target gene Frizzled 10 (FZD10), and their targeting binding relationship was verified by luciferase. EGCs were transfected with miR-26b-3p mimic or antagomir, and the FZD10 expression was down-regulated by siRNA. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry were used to detect EGC apoptosis. MiR-26b-3p and FZD10 expressions were examined using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The CCK-8 assay was used to detect EGC proliferation. The protein levels were detected by Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that miR-26b-3p was up-regulated in the Lop group, whereas FZD10 was down-regulated, and EGC apoptosis was increased in the colon of intestinal dysmotility mice. FZD10 down-regulation and miR-26b-3p mimic significantly increased glycogen synthase kinase-3β phosphorylation (p-GSK3β) levels, decreased β-catenin expression, and promoted EGC apoptosis. MiR-26b-3p antagomir alleviated intestinal dysmotility, promoted EGC increased activity of EGCs, and reduced EGC apoptosis in vivo. In conclusion, this study indicated that miR-26b-3p promotes intestinal motility disorders by targeting FZD10 to block GSK3β/β-catenin signaling and induces apoptosis in EGCs. Our results provide a new research target for the treatment and intervention of intestinal dysmotility.

Immunological Regulation of Gut-Tropic Immune Cells by Extracellular Vesicles

The remarkable diversity of lymphocytes, essential components of the immune system, serves as an ingenious mechanism for maximizing the efficient utilization of limited host defense resources. While cell adhesion molecules, notably in gut-tropic T cells, play a central role in this mechanism, the counterbalancing molecular details have remained elusive. Conversely, we've uncovered the molecular pathways enabling extracellular vesicles secreted by lymphocytes to reach the gut's mucosal tissues, facilitating immunological regulation. This discovery sheds light on immune fine-tuning, offering insights into immune regulation mechanisms.

miR-369-3p Modulates Intestinal Inflammatory Response via BRCC3/NLRP3 Inflammasome Axis

Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes expressed by immune cells in response to distinct stimuli that trigger inflammatory responses and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Evidence suggests a different role of inflammasome NLRP3 in IBD. NLRP3 inflammasome activation can be controlled by post-translational modifications such as ubiquitination through BRCC3. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of miR-369-3p on the expression and activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes via BRCC3 regulation. After bioinformatics prediction of Brcc3 as a gene target of miR-369-3p, in vitro, we validated its modulation in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). The increase in miR-369-3p significantly reduced BRCC3 gene and protein expression. This modulation, in turn, reduced the expression of NLRP3 and blocked the recruitment of ASC adaptor protein by NLRP3. As a result, miR-369-3p reduced the activity of Caspase-1 by the inflammasome, decreasing the cleavage of pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18. These results support a novel mechanism that seems to act on post-translational modification of NLRP3 inflammasome activation by BRCC3. This may be an interesting new target in the personalized treatment of inflammatory disorders, including IBD.

Updated immunomodulatory roles of gut flora and microRNAs in inflammatory bowel diseases

Inflammatory bowel disease is a heterogeneous intestinal inflammatory disorder, including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Existing studies have shown that the pathogenesis of IBD is closely related to the host's genetic susceptibility, intestinal flora disturbance and mucosal immune abnormalities, etc. It is generally believed that there are complicated interactions between host immunity and intestinal microflora/microRNAs during the occurrence and progression of IBD. Intestinal flora is mainly composed of bacteria, fungi, viruses and helminths. These commensals are highly implicated in the maintenance of intestinal microenvironment homeostasis alone or in combination. MiRNA is an endogenous non-coding small RNA with a length of 20 to 22 nucleotides, which can perform a variety of biological functions by silencing or activating target genes through complementary pairing bonds. A large quantity of miRNAs are involved in intestinal inflammation, mucosal barrier integrity, autophagy, vesicle transportation and other small RNA alterations in IBD circumstance. In this review, the immunomodulatory roles of gut flora and microRNAs are updated in the occurrence and progression of IBD. Meanwhile, the gut flora and microRNA targeted therapeutic strategies as well as other immunomodulatory approaches including TNF-α monoclonal antibodies are also emphasized in the treatment of IBD.

Berberine Depresses Inflammation and Adjusts Smooth Muscle to Ameliorate Ulcerative Colitis of Cats by Regulating Gut Microbiota

Intestinal microbiota dysbiosis is a well established characteristic of ulcerative colitis (UC). Regulating the gut microbiota is an effective UC treatment strategy. Berberine (BBR), an alkaloid extracted from several Chinese herbs, is a common traditional Chinese medicine. To establish the efficacy and mechanism of action of BBR, we constructed a UC model using healthy adult shorthair cats to conduct a systematic study of colonic tissue pathology, inflammatory factor expression, and gut microbiota structure. We investigated the therapeutic capacity of BBR for regulating the gut microbiota and thus work against UC in cats using 16S rRNA genes amplicon sequencing technology. Our results revealed that dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced cat models of UC showed weight loss, diarrhea accompanied by mucous and blood, histological abnormalities, and shortening of the colon, all of which were significantly alleviated by supplementation with BBR. A 16S rRNA gene-based microbiota analysis demonstrated that BBR could significantly benefit gut microbiota. Western blot, quantitative PCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) showed that in DSS-induced cat models, the expression of the inflammatory factors was increased, activating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, and treatment with BBR reversed this effect. The myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation in the smooth muscle of the intestines is associated with motility of inflammation-related diarrhea in cats. This study used gut flora analyses to demonstrate the anti-UC effects of BBR and its potential therapeutic mechanisms and offers novel insights into the prevention of inflammatory diseases using natural products. IMPORTANCE Ulcerative colitis (UC) is common in clinics. Intestinal microbiota disorder is correlated with ulcerative colitis. Although there are many studies on ulcerative colitis in rats, there are few studies on colitis in cats. Therefore, this study explored the possibility of the use of BBR as a safe and efficient treatment for colitis in cats. The results demonstrated the therapeutic effects of BBR on UC based on the state of the intestinal flora. The study found BBR supplementation to be effective against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, smooth muscle damage, and gut microbiota dysbiosis.