Extracellular miRNAs in the serum and feces of mice exposed to high‑dose radiation.

Exposure to high-dose radiation causes life-threatening intestinal damage. Histopathology is the most accurate method of judging the extent of intestinal damage following death. However, it is difficult to predict the extent of intestinal damage.

Changes in miRNA expressions in the injured small intestine of mice following high‑dose radiation exposure.

The small intestine is one of the most highly regenerative and radiosensitive tissues in mammals, including humans. Exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation causes serious intestinal damage. Recently, several investigations have been conducted using radioprotective agents to determine ways for reducing intestinal damage caused by radiation exposure.

Injured pancreatic β cells enhance the release of miR-375-3p into the extracellular space.

miR-375-3p is a highly expressed microRNA in pancreatic β cells. We have previously reported that when mice were exposed to 7 Gy X-ray irradiation, miR-375-3p was increased in the serum and there was cytotoxicity in pancreatic β cells. However, it was unknown whether miR-375-3p is then released from injured pancreatic β cells to the extracellular space.