Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a microRNA-33 (miR-33) inhibitor comprising a peptide nucleic acid covalently bound to a pH low insertion peptide. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of treating pulmonary fibrosis in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the miR-33 inhibitor. In some embodiments, the pulmonary fibrosis is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to anti-miR-27b and anti-miR-148a oligonucleotides that are capable of decreasing the level and/or activity of miR-27b and miR-148a, respectively. In conjunction with the oligonucleotide molecules of the present invention, the invention also provides a method for decreasing the level and/or activity of miR-27b and/or miR-148a in a cell. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a method for treating a disease, especially dyslipidemias and cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to anti-miR-27b and anti-miR-148a oligonucleotides that are capable of decreasing the level and/or activity of miR-27b and miR-148a, respectively. In conjunction with the oligonucleotide molecules of the present invention, the invention also provides a method for decreasing the level and/or activity of miR-27b and/or miR-148a in a cell. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a method for treating a disease, especially dyslipidemias and cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract: The inhibition of miRNA miR-33 is shown to promote the polarization of macrophages from an M1 to an M2 phenotype. MiR-33 inhibitors are therefore useful for treating inflammation in subjects. Endogenous microRNAs can be silenced using antagomirs. The miR-33 inhibitor is preferably an antagomir having a single-stranded nucleic acid sequence that is complementary to at least 12 contiguous nucleotides in miR-33 and therefore forms a duplex with miR-33 under physiological conditions.

Abstract: The inhibition of miRNA miR-33 is shown to promote the polarization of macrophages from an M1 to an M2 phenotype. MiR-33 inhibitors are therefore useful for treating inflammation in subjects. Endogenous microRNAs can be silenced using antagomirs. The miR-33 inhibitor is preferably an antagomir having a single-stranded nucleic acid sequence that is complementary to at least 12 contiguous nucleotides in miR-33 and therefore forms a duplex with miR-33 under physiological conditions.

Abstract: The miRNA miR-33 is shown to inhibit the expression of carnitine O-octaniltransferase (CROT), Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1a) and hydroxyacyl-CoA-dehydrogenase (HADHB), reduce fatty acid oxidation in hepatic cells, and target the insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS-2) independent of its ability to elevating plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. MiR-33 inhibitors are also shown to increase cholesterol efflux from peripheral cells, such as cholesterol-laden macrophages present in atherosclerotic plaques. Compositions and methods are therefore provided for treating or preventing metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis using miR-33 inhibitors. The miR-33 inhibitors are preferably antagomirs having a single-stranded nucleic acid sequence that is complementary to at least 12 contiguous nucleotides in miR-33 and therefore forms a duplex with miR-33 under physiological conditions.

Abstract: The miRNA miR-33 is shown to inhibit the expression of carnitine O-octaniltransferase (CROT), Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1a) and hydroxyacyl-CoA-dehydrogenase (HADHB), reduce fatty acid oxidation in hepatic cells, and target the insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS-2) independent of its ability to elevating plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. MiR-33 inhibitors are also shown to increase cholesterol efflux from peripheral cells, such as cholesterol-laden macrophages present in atherosclerotic plaques. Compositions and methods are therefore provided for treating or preventing metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis using miR-33 inhibitors. The miR-33 inhibitors are preferably antagomirs having a single-stranded nucleic acid sequence that is complementary to at least 12 contiguous nucleotides in miR-33 and therefore forms a duplex with miR-33 under physiological conditions.