Association Study of Mir-146a Rs2910164 with Susceptibility to Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis (AR) does not pose a threat to patients' lives, but it seriously impairs their quality of life. MicroRNA-146a (miR-146a) is critical for immune regulation and inflammatory responses; however, the relationship between the miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism and susceptibility to AR remains incompletely understood. This case-control study was designed to investigate the influence of the miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism on susceptibility to AR. This study included a total of 180 non-AR volunteers and 211 AR patients. The expression of plasma miR-146a was measured by RT-qPCR; The rs2910164 genotype was detected using the TaqMan-qPCR method. ELISA was used to detect the levels of serum IgE, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10. Pearson correlation analysis evaluated the linear correlations between the expression of miR-146a and the TNSS score, RQLQ score, as well as the concentration of serum factors. The risk factors of AR were identified through logistic regression. The GG genotype and G allele of miR-146a rs2910164 were significantly more frequent in AR patients than in healthy controls. The plasma miR-146a level was reduced in AR patients. The plasma miR-146a level was lower in AR patients carrying the GG genotype, exhibiting more active allergic and inflammatory responses. The miR-146a expression was closely related to allergic symptoms and the severity of clinical manifestations. Logistic regression indicates that the levels of serum IgE and IL-4 were independent risk factors for AR, IL-10 and miR-146a expression were independent protective factors. Low plasma miR-146a levels are observed in AR patients, and the GG genotype of miR-146a rs2910164 increases susceptibility to AR.