Abstract
BACKGROUND: MicroRNA (miRNA) exists great potential as a biomarker for various diseases. PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of miR-574-3p in acute pancreatitis (AP) to improve clinical management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical data from 241 AP patients (87 mild (MAP), 154 moderate-severe (M/SAP)) and 77 healthy controls were analyzed. Dysregulated miRNAs were screened via GEO, with expression levels quantified by qRT-PCR. The miR-574-3p value in AP was assessed via ROC curves, correlation analysis, and multivariate logistic regression. Caerulein-induced HPDE6-C7 cell models were employed to evaluate the effects of miR-574-3p on proliferation, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Luciferase assays confirmed miR-574-3p/EGFR interaction. RESULTS: MiR-574-3p was downregulated in AP and lower in M/SAP than in MAP patients, demonstrating its diagnostic utility. MiR-574-3p was negatively associated with AP severity as evidenced by its correlation with the scoring systems, including Ranson, APACHE II, and SOFA, and served as a risk factor for poor prognosis of M/SAP. In vitro, miR-574-3p overexpression promoted cell proliferation, reduced oxidative stress (decreased MDA, increased SOD), and suppressed inflammation (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) in caerulein-stimulated HPDE6-C7 injury model. EGFR was identified as a downstream gene of miR-574-3p, and its upregulation reversed the protective effects of miR-574-3p. CONCLUSION: MiR-574-3p, associating with AP severity, served as a diagnostic biomarker for AP and M/SAP. MiR-574-3p was identified as a risk factor for the poor prognosis of M/SAP and involved in pancreatic cell injury through regulating EGFR. This work highlighted the clinical potential of miR-574-3p for AP diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic strategies.