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.

Background: The relationship between genetic polymorphism and postoperative pain and the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing hepatectomy is not fully understood.

Objective: To examine whether lncRNA-GAS5 and its promoter region rs145204276 polymorphism can predict postoperative pain and prognosis of the patients with HCC undergoing hepatectomy.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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).

Conclusion: LncRNA-GAS5 expression and its promoter region rs145204276 polymorphism are prognostic biomarkers that can predict postoperative pain of patients with HCC undergoing hepatectomy.