Differential expression of miRNAs in colons of STC patients. Homo sapiens

To investigate the pathogenesis of slow transit constipation (STC), we have employed microarray-based miRNA analysis as a discovery platform to identify miRNAs potentially related with STC pathogenesis.Full-thickness specimens were obtained from colons of STC patients undergoing total colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis or subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecoproctostomy. And patients undergoing radical surgery for non-obstructing colon cancer (left colon cancer) as control. These patients were not constipated and had no colonic dilatation. The control specimens were obtained at least 5 cm from the resection margin in tumor free areas. Expression of five miRNAs (miRNA-128, miRNA-129-3p, miRNA-20b,miRNA-27b and miRNA-30b) from this signature was identified by arbitrarily setting the threshold at a fold change of 1.3 or above combined with p < 0.05 in the same RNA samples. Expression of miRNAs in the colon may be involved in STC pathogenesis. Overall design: The samples were obtained and washed with cold PBS, transported in liquid nitrogen and immediately stored in liquid nitrogen after removal. Total RNA was isolated from frozen histologic specimens using a mirVana™ RNA isolation Kit.