MiR-145-5p Regulates Inflammatory Response via Targeting CD40 in Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyposis

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) lacks effective therapies, highlighting miRNAs as potential therapeutic targets owing to their biological functions and analytical accessibility. This study aimed to investigate the role of miR-145-5p in CRSwNP. Serum samples and inferior turbinate mucosa tissues were collected from 175 CRSwNP patients and 90 nasal septum deviation (NSD) subjects. qRT-PCR measured miR-145-5p expression in serum and tissue samples, and CD40 expression in tissues. ROC curve evaluated the diagnostic efficacy. Associations with disease severity and eosinophilic CRSwNP (ECRSwNP) risk were analyzed through correlation and logistic regression analysis. Dual-luciferase assay confirmed miR-145-5p targeting CD40. LPS-induced inflammation in human nasal epithelial cells (hNEpCs) assessed the miR-145-5p/CD40 axis's impact on IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels. Tissue and serum miR-145-5p effectively diagnosed CRSwNP. Reduced miR-145-5p correlated with disease severity and was an independent ECRSwNP risk factor. In LPS-stimulated hNEpCs, miR-145-5p overexpression suppressed IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. CD40 expression inversely correlated with miR-145-5p and amplified inflammatory responses mitigated by miR-145-5p overexpression. MiR-145-5p, serving as a diagnostic biomarker for CRSwNP, was negatively correlated with disease severity. MiR-145-5p overexpression attenuated inflammation in hNEpCs by targeting CD40, thereby involving itself in the progression of CRSwNP, suggesting therapeutic potential for CRSwNP management.