Figure 1.

miR-148a KO mice are more susceptible to dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. (a) Changes in miR-148a-3p/5p expression in colon tissues from WT mice at the indicated times after DSS treatment (n=3). (a–j) WT and miR-148a KO mice were treated with 3.5% DSS in drinking water for 6 days and followed by regular drinking water. (b) Body weight changes. (c) Survival curves. (d) Rectal bleeding (Left) and stool consistency (Right) were scored daily. (e) Colon length was measured at the indicated times after killing. (f) Typical colon images on day 9 after DSS treatment. (g) Activation of NF-κB and STAT3 signaling was determined in colon tissues at the indicated times. Each lane represents an individual mouse. (h) The level of each indicated cytokines was determined by ELISA in colon tissues. (i and j) Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) images of colon tissues (i) and immuno-histochemical stains for the macrophage marker F4/80 (j). Scale bars, 100 μm. Data indicate the mean±S.D. in panels (a, b, d, e and h). *P<0.05, **P<0.01, ***P<0.001