MiR-93 blocks STAT3 to alleviate hepatic injury after ischemia-reperfusion.

OBJECTIVE: Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is correlated with ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury. The previous studies showed a decreased miR-93 expression after I-R injury of heart or brain organs, but without knowledge in liver tissues. This study aims to investigate effects of MiR-93 on the hepatic injury after ischemia/reperfusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rat liver I-R model was generated. Liver function indexes including alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were quantified, and serum tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were quantified. Hepatic tissue apoptosis was measured by transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL), and expression of microRNA-93 (miR-93), STAT3, and phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) were measured. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed targeted relationship between miR-93 and STAT3. Agomir or miR-93 agomir was injected into the peritoneal cavity of I-R model, followed by ALT and AST assays. Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 were measured, followed by TUNEL assay for comparing STAT3 and p-STAT3 expression. RESULTS: Comparing to sham group, I-R group rat showed significantly elevated serum ALT, AST, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 contents, along with significantly elevated hepatic cell apoptosis, plus decreased miR-93 expression, whilst STAT3 and p-STAT3 expression was enhanced. Intraperitoneal injection of miR-93 agomir significantly decreased STAT3 or p-STAT3 expression, and decreased cell apoptotic rate. Serum levels of ALT, AST, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 were significantly decreased, accompanied by improved liver function. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic I-R injury is accompanied by miR-93 down-regulation, plus STAT3 up-regulation. Overexpression of miR-93 significantly depressed STAT3 expression in liver I-R injury, alleviated hepatic injury or apoptosis, decreased inflammatory response, and improved liver function.

Population-based estimate of the burden of acute gastrointestinal illness in Jiangsu province, China, 2010-2011.

To determine the burden and distribution of acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) in the population, a cross-sectional, monthly face-to-face survey of 10 959 residents was conducted in Jiangsu province between July 2010 and June 2011. The adjusted monthly prevalence was 4.7% with 0.63 AGI episodes/person per year. The prevalence was the highest in children aged <5 years and lowest in persons aged ≥ 65 years. A bimodal seasonal distribution was observed with peaks in summer and winter. Regional difference of AGI prevalence was substantial [lowest 0.5% in Taicang, highest 15.1% in Xinqu (Wuxi prefecture)]. Healthcare was sought by 38.4% of the ill respondents. The use of antibiotics was reported by 65·2% of the ill respondents and 38.9% took antidiarrhoeals. In the multivariable model, gender, education, season, sentinel site and travel were significant risk factors of being a case of AGI. These results highlight the substantial burden of AGI and the risk factors associated with AGI in Jiangsu province, China.