Down‐Regulation of miR ‐149‐5p Regulates Colon Mucosal Epithelial Cell Function by Targeting IGF2BP1 to Alleviate Irritable Bowel Syndrome

ABSTRACT Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) increases the risk of depression and damages the body, but there is no ideal treatment. However, aberrant expression of miRNAs in gastrointestinal diseases holds promise for the treatment of IBS. The aim of this study was to investigate how miR‐149‐5p regulates IBS by affecting the function of colonic mucosal epithelial cells. Methods We examined miR‐149‐5p and IGF2BP1 levels in colonic tissue from clinical patients. The mice model of IBS was established by acetic acid (AA) enema, and NCM460 was induced using LPS in order to establish a cellular model. Measurement of fecal weight and water content in mice evaluated the model. miR‐149‐5p, IGF2BP1, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 levels were detected by qRT‐PCR. The targeting relationship between miR‐149‐5p and IGF2BP1 was detected by dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay, and cell proliferation was examined by CCK‐8. Elisa was used to detect D‐LA concentration. Key Results miR‐149‐5p levels were up‐regulated in the colon of patients with IBS, whereas the opposite was true for IGF2BP1 levels. AA enemas exacerbated the degree of diarrhea in mice, but diarrhea and inflammation were less severe in miR‐149‐5p −/− mice. miR‐149‐5p negatively regulates IGF2BP1. IGF2BP1 partially reversed the enhanced proliferation and inflammatory suppression of NCM460 cells caused by silencing miR‐149‐5p. Conclusions and Inferences Inhibition of miR‐149‐5p protects colonic mucosal epithelial cells and alleviates IBS by negatively regulating IGF2BP1.