Objective To investigate the role of miR-302e in the pathogenesis of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). MethodsThe relative expression levels of miR-302e in T cells (CD3+), B cells (CD19+) and monocyte (CD14+) of 10 healthy controls and 12 PBC patients were detected by RT-PCR. The THP-1 cells transfected with miR-302e mimics or inhibitors and the monocytes from PBC patients and healthy controls were treated with 100 ng/ml bacteria lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Twenty-four hours later, the concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α in the culture medium were measured by ELISA. ResultsThe monocytes of PBC patients had a significantly lower miR-302e expression compared to those of healthy controls (P<0.01). miR-302e inhibitors significantly enhanced the production of IL-6 and TNF-α in THP-1 cells exposed to LPS, and miR-302e mimics significantly decreased their production (P<0.05). When treated with LPS, the monocytes from PBC patients produced significantly more IL-6 and TNF-α compared to those from healthy controls(P<0.05). ConclusionDecreased miR-302e expression in monocytes of PBC patients may enhance IL-6 and TNF-α production and thus participate in the pathogenesis of PBC.