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MicroRNAs in acute pancreatitis: From pathogenesis to novel diagnosis and therapy
Yi Yang1,2, Qilin Huang1,2, Chen Luo1
1Department of General Surgery & Pancreatic Injury and Repair Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command (Chengdu Military General Hospital), Chengdu, China.
Abstract:
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disorder initiated by activation of pancreatic zymogens, leading to pancreatic injury and systemic inflammatory response. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important regulators of gene expression and key players in human physiological and pathological processes. Discoveries over the past decade have confirmed that altered expression of miRNAs is implicated in the pathogenesis of AP. Indeed, a number of miRNAs have been found to be dysregulated in various cell types involved in AP such as acinar cells, macrophages, and lymphocytes. These aberrant miRNAs can regulate acinar cell necrosis and apoptosis, local and systemic inflammatory response, thereby contributing to the initiation and progression of AP. Moreover, patients with AP possess unique miRNA signatures when compared with healthy individuals or those with other diseases. In view of their stability and easy detection, therefore, miRNAs have the potential to act as biomarkers for the diagnosis and assessment of patients with AP. In this review, we provide an overview of the novel cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the roles of miRNAs during the disease processes of AP, as well as the potential diagnosis and therapeutic biomarkers of miRNAs in patients with AP.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role in acute pancreatitis (AP) by regulating inflammation and cell death. Unique miRNA signatures in AP patients suggest their potential as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a severe inflammatory condition originating from premature activation of digestive enzymes within the pancreas.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and are crucial in cellular functions and disease development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis.
- To explore the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for AP.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating miRNA expression and function in AP.
- Analysis of cellular and molecular mechanisms involving miRNAs in AP pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- Aberrant miRNA expression is observed in various cell types implicated in AP, including acinar cells and immune cells.
- Dysregulated miRNAs influence pancreatic cell necrosis, apoptosis, and inflammatory responses, contributing to AP initiation and progression.
- AP patients exhibit distinct miRNA profiles compared to healthy individuals.
Conclusions:
- MiRNAs are integral to the molecular mechanisms driving AP.
- The stability and detectability of miRNAs position them as promising biomarkers for AP diagnosis and patient assessment.
- Further research into miRNA signatures could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for AP.
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