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World J Gastroenterol. May 21, 2014; 20(19): 5818-5825
Published online May 21, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i19.5818
MicroRNAs: New therapeutic targets for intestinal barrier dysfunction
Lin Zhang, Jian Cheng, Xiao-Ming Fan
Lin Zhang, Jian Cheng, Xiao-Ming Fan, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
Author contributions: Fan XM conceived the topic and revised the paper; Zhang L reviewed the literature and wrote the paper; Cheng J reviewed the literature.
Supported by Grant for Key Clinical Discipline Construction of Shanghai Municipality, China, No. ZK2012B20; and Phase II Outstanding Young Medical Personnel Training Fund of Jinshan District Health Systems, Shanghai, China, No. JWKJ-RCYQ-201207
Correspondence to: Xiao-Ming Fan, MD, PhD, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, No. 1508, Longhang Road, Shanghai 201508, China. xiaomingfan57@sina.com
Telephone: +86-21-34189990 Fax: +86-21-57943141
Received: October 28, 2013
Revised: December 9, 2013
Accepted: January 14, 2014
Published online: May 21, 2014
Processing time: 201 Days and 18.7 Hours
Core Tip

Core tip: This article summarizes the latest findings on the important roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating inflammation and autoimmune disorders in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Insight into miRNAs-21 as a novel biomarker is also provided, which shows that miRNAs-21 is a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for IBD.