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New challenges for microRNAs in acute pancreatitis: progress and treatment
Wence Zhou1,2, Shi Dong3, Zhou Chen3
1The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China. zhouwc129@163.com.
Abstract:
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common clinical abdominal emergency, with a high and increasing incidence each year. Severe AP can easily cause systemic inflammatory response syndrome, multiple organ dysfunction and other complications, leading to higher hospitalization rates and mortality. Currently, there is no specific treatment for AP. Thus, we still need to understand the exact AP pathogenesis to effectively cure AP. With the rise of transcriptomics, RNA molecules, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) transcribed from nonprotein-coding regions of biological genomes, have been found to be of great significance in the regulation of gene expression and to be involved in the occurrence and development of many diseases. Increasing evidence has shown that miRNAs, as regulatory RNAs, can regulate pancreatic acinar necrosis and apoptosis and local and systemic inflammation and play an important role in the development and thus potentially the diagnosis and treatment of AP. Therefore, here, the current research on the relationship between miRNAs and AP is reviewed.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in gene expression and play a significant role in acute pancreatitis (AP) pathogenesis. Understanding miRNA roles may lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for AP.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a prevalent abdominal emergency with increasing incidence and high mortality.
- Severe AP can lead to systemic inflammatory response syndrome and multiple organ dysfunction.
- Current treatments for AP lack specificity, necessitating a deeper understanding of its pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current research on the relationship between microRNAs (miRNAs) and acute pancreatitis (AP).
- To explore the role of miRNAs in the regulation of pancreatic acinar necrosis, apoptosis, and inflammation.
- To highlight the potential of miRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of AP.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating microRNAs and acute pancreatitis.
- Analysis of transcriptomic data and research on non-coding RNA functions.
- Synthesis of evidence on miRNA involvement in AP-related cellular and inflammatory processes.
Main Results:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are significant regulatory RNA molecules involved in gene expression.
- Evidence suggests miRNAs regulate pancreatic acinar cell necrosis and apoptosis.
- miRNAs are implicated in local and systemic inflammation associated with AP.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs play a crucial role in the development of acute pancreatitis.
- Further research into miRNA mechanisms could unlock new diagnostic biomarkers for AP.
- Targeting miRNAs may offer novel therapeutic avenues for managing AP.
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01:29Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
01:27Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
01:24Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...