rno-miR-203a-3p and Mex3B contribute to cell survival of iliopsoas muscle via the Socs3-Casp3 axis under severe hypothermia in rats

•The study provides molecular mechanisms of process of fatal hypothermia.•Mex3B could induce the activation of Socs3, followed by a change in caspase 3/7 activity in iliopsoas muscle cell.•rno-miR-203a-3p-Socs3-Casp3 or Mex3B-Socs3-Casp3 axis may be the part of the biological defense response to maintain homeostasis under extreme hypothermia.•rno-miR-203a-3p and Socs3 serve as novel supporting markers for cold exposure or the diagnosis of fatal hypothermia.