Blood long non-coding RNA intersectin 1-2 is highly expressed and links with increased Th17 cells, inflammation, multiple organ dysfunction, and mortality risk in sepsis patients.

Background: Long non-coding RNA intersectin 1-2 (lnc-ITSN1-2) exacerbates inflammation and promotes T-helper (Th) cell differentiation, also serves as a biomarker in critical illness diseases. However, its clinical role in sepsis remains obscure. Hence, the study aimed to explore the relationship of lnc-ITSN1-2 with Th cells, inflammation, disease severity, multiple organ dysfunction, and mortality risk in sepsis.

Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from 95 sepsis patients and 50 health controls, followed by lnc-ITSN1-2 evaluation using RT-qPCR. PBMC Th1, Th17 cells and their secreted cytokines in serum were detected by flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively.

Results: Lnc-ITSN1-2 in sepsis patients was higher than it in health controls (Z = -7.328, p < 0.001). Lnc-ITSN1-2 correlated with increased interferon-gamma (p = 0.009), Th17 cells (p = 0.022), and interleukin-17A (p = 0.006), but not Th1 cells (p = 0.169) in sepsis patients. Moreover, lnc-ITSN1-2 had a positive connection with C-reactive protein (p = 0.001), acute pathologic and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II (p = 0.024), and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores (p = 0.022). Regarding SOFA subscales, lnc-ITSN1-2 linked with elevated respiratory system score (p = 0.005), cardiovascular system score (p = 0.007), and renal system score (p = 0.004) but no other subscales. Besides, lnc-ITSN1-2 had an increasing trend, but no statistical difference, in septic deaths compared to survivors (Z = -1.852, p = 0.064).

Conclusion: Lnc-ITSN1-2 reflects sepsis progression and unfavorable prognosis to some extent, which may serve as a potential biomarker to improve the management of sepsis patients.