Exploration of the relationship between miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphisms and the efficacy of epidural fentanyl in labor analgesia among pregnant women.

BACKGROUND

miR-146a influences an individual's pain sensitivity through the regulation of inflammation-related pathways, and its genetic polymorphism may play a role in labor analgesia.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the impact of the miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism on the efficacy of epidural fentanyl in labor analgesia.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

In this study, a total of 142 primiparas who received epidural fentanyl analgesia were enrolled. Genotyping was conducted using the SNPscan™ Kit, and the miR-146a expression was measured by RT-qPCR. The 24-hour Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score was utilized as an indicator to assess analgesic efficacy, and a logistic regression was employed to analyze the association between different genotypes and the effectiveness of pain relief.

RESULTS

At the rs2910164 locus, the miR-146a expression in individuals with the CC genotype was significantly lower than that in those with the GG and GC genotypes, whereas no significant difference was observed between the GG and GC genotypes. Regarding clinical characteristics, the 24-hour VAS pain score was significantly higher in the CC genotype group compared to the GG and GC genotype groups. When the GG and GC genotypes were combined and compared against the CC genotype, the difference in VAS scores remained statistically significant. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between the rs2910164 polymorphism and the 24-hour VAS score (OR = 3.189, 95% CI: 1.142-8.901, p = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

The CC genotype at the rs2910164 locus served as an independent risk factor associated with decreased efficacy of epidural fentanyl analgesia. However, further validation in larger multicenter studies is required before any clinical application can be considered.