Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-induced microRNA-216a promotes acute pancreatitis via Akt and TGF-β pathway in mice.

Background: Both transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and MicroRNA-216a (miR-216a) were reported to be upregulated during acute pancreatitis (AP). Moreover, miR-216a can be induced by TGF-β.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate how TGF-β and miR-216a involved in the pathogenesis of AP both in a mouse model and in rat pancreatic acinar AR42J cells.

Circulating microRNA expressions in colorectal cancer as predictors of response to chemotherapy.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in the Western world. Chemotherapy has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with CRC; however, only selected patients would benefit from this treatment. We aimed to identify predictors of response to chemotherapy in CRC using circulating microRNAs (miRNAs).

Role of CIP4 in high glucose induced epithelial--mesenchymal transition of rat peritoneal mesothelial cells.

Background: Peritoneal mesothelial cell (PMC) plays a key role in the process of peritoneal fibrosis. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of PMCs is an important mechanism of peritoneal fibrosis. Prolonged exposure to peritoneal dialysis fluid containing a high concentration of glucose may lead to EMT of PMCs.