The circRNA_102911/miR‑129‑5p/SOX6 axis is involved with T lymphocyte immune function in elderly patients with laparoscopic left hepatectomy for hepatolithiasis

The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of laparoscopic left hepatectomy (LLH) for hepatolithiasis on the T lymphocyte immune changes of elderly patients and to analyze underlying mechanisms of action behind these changes. A total of 164 patients who underwent LLH due to left-sided hepatolithiasis were recruited. In terms of T lymphocyte immune changes, it was found that firstly, the basic quantity of peripheral lymphocytes in the elderly group was significantly lower than that in a younger preoperative group. Secondly, after surgical trauma, the immune function of T lymphocytes had a significant decline and lasted longer when compared with younger patients, which was reflected by the perioperative changes in the T lymphocyte proliferative ability, levels of IL-2 secreted by T lymphocytes and the percentage of CD3+/CD4+ T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood. Circular RNA (circRNA) 102911 (102911) was upregulated and microRNA (miR)-129-5p was downregulated in CD3+/CD4+ T lymphocytes from elderly patients with LLH for hepatolithiasis. Furthermore, the overexpression of 102911 inhibited the proliferation of CD3+/CD4+ T lymphocytes as well as promoting cell apoptosis, with the opposite effects being observed on knockdown of 102911. miR-129-5p is involved in the proliferation and apoptosis of CD3+/CD4+ T lymphocytes and may be a promising target of 102911. Moreover, SOX6 is a downstream molecule of miR-129-5p. Immune function and number of T lymphocytes decreased significantly after surgical trauma compared to younger patients, and this decline lasted longer in older patients treated with LLH for hepatolithiasis. The 102911/miR-129-5p/SOX6 axis was found to be involved in T lymphocytes immune function, which provided a novel insight for the treatment of elderly patients with hepatolithiasis.