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.