Diagnostic significance of miR-34c-5p in patients with postherpetic neuralgia and its correlation with rehabilitation effect.

BACKGROUND

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) represents the most prevalent and distressing complication of shingles. The aim of this study was to explore the diagnostic significance of miR-34c-5p in PHN patients and to assess its correlation with rehabilitation effect.

METHODS

This study enrolled 154 PHN patients and 108 healthy participants as research subjects. RT-qPCR was used to detect serum miR-34c-5p levels in the participants. ROC curve was employed to estimate the diagnostic significance of miR-34c-5p in PHN patients. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the risk factors related to the occurrence of PHN. VAS, TEX-Q and HADS scales were filled in by questionnaires to analyze the rehabilitation effect of PHN patients after treatment. Spearman correlation analysis was applied to evaluate the relationship of miR-34c-5p levels with rehabilitation effect in treated PHN patients.

RESULTS

miR-34c-5p levels were notably elevated in PHN patients compared to healthy participants. miR-34c-5 had a high sensitivity (79.2%) and specificity (84.3%) to distinguish between healthy individuals and PHN patients. Logistic regression analysis indicated that miR-34c-5p emerged as an independent risk factor for the development of PHN. miR-34c-5p levels, VAS, TEX-Q, HADS-A and HADS-D scores were reduced in prednisone-treated PHN patients compared to the basic treatment group. In addition, Spearman correlation suggested that miR-34c-5p levels were positively correlated with VAS, TEX-Q, HADS-A and HADS-D scores.

CONCLUSION

miR-34c-5p exhibited the ability to diagnose PHN and may be a biomarker for diagnosis of this disease. Moreover, reduced miR-34c-5p expression in PHN patients correlate with enhanced outcomes in rehabilitation.