Differential Expression of Long Non-Coding RNA between Xinjiang Uygur and Han Population with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Abstract

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). This study aimed to screen and analyze the differential expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs in Uygur and Han diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) patients in Xinjiang. Methods: From July 2019 to December 2019, we recruited 3 Uyghur patients who were diagnosed with type 2 DM and DPNP. We then selected 3 Han Chinese patients with DPNP from the same hospital and matched them accordingly. The diagnostic criteria for DPNP were in line with the 2018 Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetic Peripheral Neuralgia. Peripheral blood samples were taken from these patients in each group to analyze the expression profile of lncRNAs through microarray. Differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were screened through gene chip analysis of peripheral blood from 3 pairs of DPNP patients. Results: 275 differentially expressed lncRNAs (171 upregulated, 104 downregulated) and 279 differentially expressed mRNAs (152 upregulated, 127 downregulated) were identified between Uygur and Han DPNP patients. The potential target genes of lncRNAs were found to be concentrated in the toll-like receptor signaling pathway and Wnt signaling pathway. Additionally, the Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that the differentially expressed lncRNAs were mainly associated with the activity of transmembrane signal receptors, the response to tumor necrosis factor, and the positive regulation of natural killer cell chemotaxis. Conclusions: There were differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs between Xinjiang Uygur and Han DPNP patients. These lncRNAs and mRNAs may play an important role in the occurrence and development of DPNP.