LncRNA-GAS5 and its Promoter Region Polymorphism Associate with Helper Th17 Polarization and Predict Postoperative Pain and the Prognosis of the Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Hepatectomy.

Abstract

The relationship between genetic polymorphism and postoperative pain and the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing hepatectomy is not fully understood. To examine whether lncRNA-GAS5 and its promoter region rs145204276 polymorphism can predict postoperative pain and prognosis of the patients with HCC undergoing hepatectomy. Seventy patients with HCC undergoing hepatectomy were enrolled. The lncRNA-GAS5 levels in CD4+ T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC-CD4+ T cells) and tumor tissues were measured by qRT-PCR. Genotyping analysis of rs145204276 was performed using the TaqMan platform. PBMC-CD4+ T cells were isolated and the cytokine levels in helper T (Th) cells were determined by flow cytometry. Patients with Ins/Ins genotype carrying the rs145204276 polymorphism were allocated into the Ins group, and others were allocated into the Del group. The lncRNA-GAS5 level decreased significantly in PBMC-CD4+ T cells and tumor tissues compared with the healthy controls and corresponding adjacent non-tumor tissues. The patients with Del/Del genotype showed significantly higher lncRNA-GAS5 expression in PBMC-CD4+ T cells, lower postoperative pain scores, and better overall survival. LncRNA-GAS5 expression in PBMC-CD4+ T cells was negatively associated with IL-6, IL-17, and the RORγT/CD3 ratio (an indicator of Th17 polarization). LncRNA-GAS5 expression and its promoter region rs145204276 polymorphism are prognostic biomarkers that can predict postoperative pain of patients with HCC undergoing hepatectomy.