Emerging roles of microRNAs in intestinal ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury: a review

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Molecular Biology
• Pathology

Background:

• Intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (II/R) injury is a critical condition linked to significant morbidity and mortality.
• This injury arises from various clinical scenarios including shock, trauma, and mesenteric ischemia.
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression with emerging roles in cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted roles of specific miRNAs in the pathogenesis of II/R injury.
• To explore the potential of miRNA modulation as a therapeutic approach for II/R damage.
• To correlate miRNA expression changes with key pathological mechanisms in II/R injury.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of scientific articles from 2000-2020.
• Data sourced from major scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, etc.).
• Analysis focused on studies investigating miRNA involvement in II/R injury and related cellular processes.

Main Results:

• II/R injury significantly alters the expression of various miRNAs, with some upregulated and others downregulated.
• Changes in miRNA expression correlate with critical pathways including autophagy, inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and epithelial barrier function.
• Specific miRNAs demonstrate either protective or detrimental effects in the context of II/R insult.

Conclusions:

• miRNAs are integral to the molecular mechanisms underlying II/R injury.
• Targeting specific miRNAs using agomiRs or antagomiRs presents a promising avenue for novel therapeutic interventions.
• Further research into miRNA-based therapies could revolutionize the treatment of II/R damage.