LncRNA NEAT1 is upregulated in recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) and has predictive values

BACKGROUND: LncRNA NEAT1 promotes inflammatory responses, which contribute to recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). This study focused on the involvement of NEAT1 in RAS. METHODS: RT-qPCR and ELISA were performed to determine the expression of NEAT1 and proinflammatory factors (IL-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α) in plasma from patients with a history of RAS and showing symptom (n = 80, S-RAS group), people with a history of RAS but showing no symptom (n = 80, NS-RAS group), and controls without a history of RAS (n = 80, Control group). Correlation analysis was performed with Pearson’s correlation coefficient. S-RAS group received treatmen,t and plasma levels of NEAT1 and proinflammatory factors were compared before and after treatment. S-RAS group was followed up for 12 months, and the recurrence was recorded. RESULTS: Plasma NEAT1, IL-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels were the highest in the S-RAS group, followed in turn by NS-RAS and control groups. NEAT1 was positively and significantly correlated with IL-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α across S-RAS and NS-RAS samples, but not control samples. After treatment, plasma levels of NEAT1, IL-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α decreased significantly. Moreover, a higher recurrence rate was observed during the follow-up in patients with high plasma NEAT1 levels. CONCLUSION: NEAT1 is upregulated in RAS and correlated with multiple proinflammatory factors. Moreover, NEAT1 has predictive values for RAS.