Abstract
In the present study, we examined the function of microRNA (miR)‑146a‑5p in patients with refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. In brief, the expression of miR‑146a‑5p was reduced in patients with refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. Downregulation of miR‑146a‑5p reduced inflammation in an in vitro model of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia, whilst overexpression of miR‑146a‑5p promoted inflammation. Downregulation of miR‑146a‑5p induced the protein expression of ATP‑binding cassette subfamily G member 1 (ABCG1) and interleukin 1 receptor‑associated kinase 1 (IRAK‑1), while suppressed expression was observed of the aforementioned proteins following overexpression of miR‑146a‑5p in an in vitro model of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. The administration of small interfering RNA against RXR or IRAK‑1 attenuated the effects of miR‑146a‑5p on inflammation in an in vitro model of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. Collectively, these results suggested that miR‑146a‑5p reduced ABCG1 expression in refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia via downregulation of IRAK‑1.