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The Relationship Between Colonic Macrophages and MicroRNA-128 in the Pathogenesis of Slow Transit Constipation

Weicheng Liu1, Qiulei Zhang, Shu Li

  • 1Department of Colorectal Surgery, Clinical Center of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Intestinal & Colorectal Diseases of Hubei Province, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China, 89562063@qq.com.

Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|March 10, 2015
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

In slow transit constipation, increased colonic macrophages correlate with decreased microRNA-128. This suggests a potential mechanism involving macrophages and microRNA-128 in impaired gastrointestinal motility.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Colonic macrophages and microRNAs are implicated in gastrointestinal motility.
  • Limited data exist on their role in slow transit constipation (STC).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate colonic macrophage presence and microRNA-128 expression in STC pathogenesis.
  • To explore the relationship between these factors in colon tissue.

Main Methods:

  • Compared colonic tissue from STC patients (n=25) and controls (n=25).
  • Quantified colonic macrophages using monoclonal antibodies.
  • Analyzed microRNA-128 gene expression via microarray and qRT-PCR.
  • Utilized bioinformatics and luciferase assays to identify microRNA-128 targets.

Main Results:

  • STC patients showed significantly higher macrophage counts (80%) and lower microRNA-128 levels compared to controls.
  • A negative correlation was found between macrophage number and microRNA-128 expression.
  • Mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (p38α) was identified as a direct target of microRNA-128.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated colonic macrophages and reduced microRNA-128 are linked in STC.
  • This interplay may represent a key mechanism contributing to impaired gastrointestinal motility in STC patients.

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