Neutrophil-derived long noncoding RNA IL-7R predicts development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in patients with trauma

Purpose Overactive neutrophils are thought to be key drivers in the development of post-traumatic multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Little is known about the role of inflammation-related lnc-IL7R in trauma. Thus, we aimed to explore the association between neutrophil-derived lnc-IL7R and post-traumatic MODS. Methods Total RNA was extracted from the isolated circulating neutrophils in 60 patients with trauma and 33 healthy volunteers for lnc-IL7R expression determination by real-time PCR. The correlation of lnc-IL7R expression with disease severity and the development of post-traumatic MODS was analyzed. Results The lnc-IL7R levels were significantly lower in trauma patients, especially in those with severe trauma [Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 16], and correlated negatively with the ISS, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, and length of ICU stay. The lnc-IL7R levels were also significantly decreased in patients who developed MODS than in those who did not. Lnc-IL7R was an independent predictor of MODS [odds ratio (OR) 0.654, (0.435–0.982), p = 0.041]. The area under the curve for predicting post-traumatic MODS was 0.799 (sensitivity 76.9%, specificity 71.4%), with a cutoff value of 0.024. Conclusions Neutrophil-derived lnc-IL7R is an independent predictor of post-traumatic MODS; therefore, it could be a useful predictive marker for MODS.