Modulation of human miR-17–3p expression by methyl 3-O-methyl gallate as explanation of its in vivo protective activities

Methyl-3-O-methyl gallate (M3OMG) possesses in vivo antioxidant activity due to the partial restoration of the antioxidant enzymes, whose expression is altered in oxidative stress. Literature data suggest that miR-17–3p is a microRNA involved in the regulation of cellular redox status, interfering with transcription of the mRNAs responsible for the synthesis of antioxidant enzymes. To obtain deeper insight into the potential mechanism of action of M3OMG, the aim of this study was to investigate its effect on the expression levels ofmiR-17–3p in human cells. The results suggest a potential mechanism of action of M3OMG that, inducing the reduction of the levels of miR-17–3p and the increase of mRNA coding for antioxidant enzymes, allows to these latter to perform their protective effects