Association between genetic variation rs57095329 of microRNA-146a and development of cognitive impairment after anesthesia: a case–control study in a Chinese Han population

The latest studies have demonstrated that aberrant expression of microRNA-146a is related to cognitive decline. The rs57095329 polymorphism occurring in the miR-146a promoter modulates its expression and causes downstream pathogenicity. A case-control study in a Chinese Han population was established to investigate the genetic association between the miR-146a rs57095329 polymorphism and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). 242 patients with POCD and another 238 non-POCD cases were enrolled in the case-control study. Serum miR-146a levels were detected by qRT-PCR. miR-146a rs57095329 polymorphism was genotyped using the ABI PRISM SNaPshot method. The genetic association between the rs57095329 polymorphism and POCD was assessed by regression analysis. No significant difference was detected for age, gender and BMI between POCD and non-POCD groups. MiR-146a rs57095329 polymorphism revealed significant generic associations with POCD in both dominant and recessive models, and the AA genotype may increase the risk of developing POCD. qRT-PCR indicated the upregulation of miR-146a level in POCD group. Serum levels of miR-146a and inflammatory factors were higher in rs57095329 AA genotype carriers than in AG/GG genotype carriers. Rs57095329 polymorphism was independently associated with the development of POCD. In conclusion, miR-146a rs57095329 polymorphism was associated with POCD in the Chinese Han population. The rs57095329 AA genotype was the causative genotype for POCD and was related to the upregulation of miR-146a and inflammatory factor levels.