Serum MicroRNA on inflammation: a literature review of mouse model studies

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate target gene expression by binding to sequences in messenger RNA processing. Inflammation is a protective reaction from harmful stimuli. MiRNAs can be biomarkers of diseases related to inflammation and are widely expressed in serum. However, overall changes in serum miRNA levels during inflammation have yet to be observed. Here, we selected studies published until 20 January 2020 that examined miRNAs in mouse models of inflammation. Serum microRNA, inflammation, inflammatory and mouse were used as search terms to select articles from PubMed and MEDLINE. Among the articles, sepsis and 18 related miRNAs were mainly examined. Eleven miRNAs were related to brain disease and 10 with fibrosis. Seventeen injury-induced inflammatory disease studies were included, as well as other inflammatory diseases, such as metabolic disease, vascular disease, arthritis, asthma, autoimmune disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and thyroiditis. The data described miRNA-associated downstream pathways associated with inflammation as well as mitochondrial responses, oxidative responses, apoptosis, cell signalling, and cell differentiation. We expect that the data will inform future animal inflammation-related miRNA studies.