Potential of long non‐coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 as a biomarker reflecting systemic inflammation, multiple organ dysfunction, and mortality risk in sepsis patients

Abstract

Background Long non‐coding RNA potassium voltage‐gated channel subfamily Q member 1 opposite strand 1 (lnc‐KCNQ1OT1) represses inflammation and multiple organ dysfunction, whereas its clinical value in sepsis is unclear. Thus, this study aimed to explore this issue. Methods Lnc‐KCNQ1OT1 from peripheral blood mononuclear cells were detected by RT‐qPCR in 116 sepsis patients and 60 healthy controls (HCs). Moreover, sepsis patients were followed‐up until death or up to 28 days. Results Lnc‐KCNQ1OT1 decreased in patients with sepsis than in HCs (p < 0.001). In sepsis patients, lnc‐KCNQ1OT1 was negatively correlated with sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores (r = −0.344, p < 0.001) and several SOFA subscale scores (including respiratory system, coagulation, liver, and renal systems) (all r < 0, p < 0.05). Furthermore, lnc‐KCNQ1OT1 was negatively correlated with CRP (r = −0.386, p < 0.001), TNF‐α (r = −0.332, p < 0.001), IL‐1β (r = −0.319, p < 0.001), and IL‐6 (r = −0.255, p = 0.006). Additionally, lnc‐KCNQ1OT1 levels were lower in sepsis deaths than in sepsis survivors (p < 0.001), and the receiver operating characteristic curve showed that lnc‐KCNQ1OT1 had an acceptable ability to predict 28‐day mortality (area under the curve: 0.780, 95% confidence interval: 0.678–0.882). Meanwhile, its ability to predict 28‐day mortality risk was higher than that of CRP, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6, but slightly lower than the SOFA score and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score. Conclusion Lnc‐KCNQ1OT1 serves as a potential biomarker for monitoring disease severity and prognosis in patients with sepsis.

Systemic Inflammation after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

“…Many non-coding RNAs involved in the epigenetic regulatory process may also be potential markers of systemic inflammation [ 256 ]. Distinct long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) [ 257 ] and circular RNA (circRNA) [ 258 ] expressions in the inflammatory pathways were observed in peripheral leukocytes following aSAH.…”

Clinical value of long non‐coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 in estimating the stenosis, lipid level, inflammation status, and prognostication in coronary heart disease patients

“…13 Clinically, lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 could serve as a biomarker reflecting systemic inflammation, multiple organ dysfunction, and mortality risk in sepsis patients, and it is also reported to be overexpressed in CHD patients compared with healthy subjects. 16,17 Hence, we hypothesized that lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 could probably serve as a biomarker for CHD management.…”