MiR-98-5p expression inhibits polarization of macrophages to an M2 phenotype by targeting Trib1 in inflammatory bowel disease.

Herein, we unfolded miR-98-5p mechanism in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD mouse model was established. The severity of colitis was assessed daily using the disease activity index (DAI). Murine peritoneal macrophages were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). MiR-98-5p, tribbles homolog 1 (Trib1), M1 and M2 macrophage marker genes mRNA expression was analyzed. The relationship between miR-98-5p and Trib1 was explored using a luciferase reporter assay. The strategy of loss-of-function was used to explore the mechanism of miR-98-5p in macrophage polarization, inflammation and IBD. The results revealed that IBD mice had higher DAI index and miR-98-5p expression when compared to the Sham group. MiR-98-5p and Trib1 displayed a targeted regulation relationship. Knockdown of miR-98-5p transformed LPS-induced M1 macrophage polarization into M2 macrophage polarization and inhibited inflammation via up-regulating Trib1. However, shTrib1 reversed the effects. In vivo experiment, silencing of miR-98-5p, diminished the DAI and promoted M2 macrophage polarization. In conclusion, knockdown of miR-98-5p changed macrophage polarization to the M2 phenotype by increasing Trib1 expression, thereby alleviating IBD symptoms.