Long non-coding RNA antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus expression correlates with increased disease risk, severity, and inflammation of allergic rhinitis

The aim of the current study was to investigate the expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus (ANRIL) in allergic rhinitis (AR) patients, and to further explore the association of lncRNA ANRIL expression with AR risk, severity, and inflammation. In this case-control study, 96 AR patients and 96 non-atopic obstructive snoring patients who underwent adenoid surgery were consecutively recruited. Disease severity of AR patients was assessed via individual nasal symptom score (INSS) and total nasal symptom score (TNSS). Nasal mucosa samples were collected from AR patients and controls, then lncRNA ANRIL and inflammatory cytokine levels were assessed via quantitative polymerase chain reaction. LncRNA ANRIL expression was increased in AR patients (3.605 [1.763–4.981]) compared with controls (1.183 [0.438–2.985]), and it well distinguished AR patients from controls with an area under curve of 0.746 (95% CI: 0.679–0.814). Correlation analyses revealed that lncRNA ANRIL expression was positively associated with itching score and congestion score, while it was not associated with nasal rhinorrhea score or sneezing score. Besides, lncRNA ANRIL was also positively correlated with TNSS, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-13, and IL-17, while negatively associated with IL-10 and interferon-γ. And no association of lncRNA ANRIL expression with IL-1β, IL-5, or IL-8 expression was discovered. LncRNA ANRIL expression correlates with increased AR risk, severity, and inflammation, implying that lncRNA ANRIL might be involved in the pathogenesis of AR.