Long non-coding RNA MEG3 rs7158663 polymorphism confers susceptibility to the development of sepsis and is associated with sepsis-induced inflammatory responses.

BACKGROUND

The polymorphism of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) can influence the susceptibility of patients to certain diseases.

OBJECTIVES

This study compared the genotype distribution of lncRNA MEG3 rs7158663 polymorphism in sepsis patients and controls. Furthermore, it elaborated on the relationship between rs7158663 and prognosis as well as the inflammatory response of the patients.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

350 sepsis patients and 320 controls were incorporated to conduct genotyping of the rs7158663 locus and to measure the serum MEG3 levels. The connection between genotypes and prognosis was appraised via the construction of K-M curves. The levels of serum inflammatory factors were measured with ELISA.

RESULTS

Rs7158663 GG genotype occurred more frequently in sepsis patients than the control group, whereas the frequencies of the GA and AA genotypes were lower in the former. MEG3 rs7158663 GA and AA genotypes were non-susceptible genotypes for sepsis, and a similar genetic association was observed in the dominant model. Stratified analysis indicated that the genetic association between rs7158663 and sepsis was more significant in cases with non-smoking, non-drinking, older age, and low BMI. MEG3 rs7158663 GG genotype carriers had increased MEG3, excessive release of inflammatory factors, and poor prognosis in patients with sepsis.

CONCLUSION

MEG3 rs7158663 GG genotype may be a susceptibility genotype for sepsis and is associated with patients' poor prognosis. It might be related to rs7158663-mediated increase of MEG3 expression and excessive release of inflammatory cytokines.