MicroRNAs and Long Non-Coding RNAs in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: A Systematic Review

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by heterogeneous molecular mechanisms and frequent disease recurrence. Advances in transcriptomics have highlighted the potential involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in its pathogenesis. This systematic review evaluated the expression patterns, biological functions, and potential clinical implications of miRNAs and lncRNAs in CRSwNP. PubMed and Scopus were systematically searched, and 52 studies met the eligibility criteria: 41 investigated miRNAs exclusively, seven investigated lncRNAs exclusively, and four examined both RNA classes. More than 400 miRNA species and 500 lncRNAs were reported across the included studies, of which 128 miRNAs and 33 lncRNAs were examined in detail. Among the highlighted miRNAs, only 23 were investigated in more than one study, indicating limited independent replication. The identified non-coding RNAs were associated with inflammatory signaling, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, apoptosis, and tissue remodeling. Although several molecules showed potential as biomarkers or therapeutic targets, methodological heterogeneity and limited validation restrict their current clinical applicability. Further standardized, multicenter studies are needed to establish their diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic utility.