Differential expression of microRNAs in colonic slow transit constipation

Objective To explore the microRNA (miRNA) differential expression in the patients with colonic slow transit constipation (STC),and to provide the evidence that miRNA may be involved in the molecular pathogensis of STC.Methods Six colonic STC tissue samples and 6 normal coloic tissue samples were obtained surgically.miRNA expression was assessed using miRNA microarray.Results miRNA microarray identified five miRNA,(miR-20b,miR-27b,miR-30b,miR-128 and miR-129-3p),with down-regulated expression ( over 1.2-fold lower) in colonic STC tissues compared to normal colonic tissues (P ＜ 0.05).miR-128 and miR-129-3p were more than 2-fold decreased respectively.Conclusion Some miRNA are expressed differently between colonic STC tissues and normal colonic tissues,which may be involved in the pathogensis of STC. Key words: microRNA;  Slow transit constipation;  Microarray