The miR-125a-5p/IRF4 Axis Mediates Sodium Arsenite-Induced M2 Macrophage Polarization.

ABSTRACT: Arsenic, a ubiquitous metalloid, is commonly found in surface waters; as well as serious human health issues, it also induces systemic diseases and carcinogenesis upon chronic exposure. To better understand how arsenic potentially alters the immune system, it is important to study its effects on macrophage polarization. Micro-RNA plays an epigenetic regulatory role in organisms. The miR-125 family regulates macrophage polarization and tumorigenesis, yet its role in arsenic-induced macrophage polarization remains unexplored. This study investigated the mechanism of sodium arsenite (NaAsO₂)-driven macrophage polarization via miR-125a-5p. In vivo, rats exposed to 10 or 50 mg/L NaAsO₂ for 12 weeks exhibited elevated M2 markers (CD206, Arg1) and reduced M1 markers (iNOS, I

SUBMITTER: Yu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12649919 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature