Significance of CYCLOOXYGENASE-2(COX-2), PERIOSTIN (POSTN) and INTERLEUKIN-4(IL-4) gene expression in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the level of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), Periostin (POSTN) and Interleukin-4(IL-4) gene expression in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, without polyps and with a nasal septum deviation. The tests were performed on 63 patients (24 women and 39 men) with chronic rhinosinusitis and polyps (CRSwP-study group I), with determination of the COX-2, POSTN and IL-4 gene expression; an allergy was diagnosed in 38 cases. The reference groups were patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps--CRS (n = 23, including 14 women and 9 men) and patients with nasal septum deviation--DSN (n = 18, including 9 women and 9 men). The expression level was determined in the polyp tissue and the mucosa of paranasal sinus collected during an FESS. The expression level of studied genes was also evaluated in the material. Immediately after being collected, the tissue fragments were placed in test tubes with 1 ml of RNAlater (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) preventing the degradation of RNA and frozen at -70 °C. The studies revealed an increased level of POSTN, IL-4 gene expression and a decreased level of COX-2 gene expression that may be associated with the development of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. An analysis of the expression level indicates the participation of POSTN and IL-4 in the development of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in patients with atopy.

Expression of POSTN, IL-4, and IL-13 in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is one of the most frequently encountered chronic nasal diseases with a significant impact on patient quality of life. The aim of our study was therefore to investigate the association between the POSTN, IL-4, and IL-13 gene expression and the nasal polyp development. The objective of this study was to determine differential expression of POSTN, IL-4, and IL-13 genes in the mucosa and polyps of 63 patients with CRSwNP and 23 chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) when compared with patients with nasal septum deviation (n=18) who were used as controls. The expression level was investigated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assays in the polyp tissue and the mucosa of paranasal sinus collected while undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Expression of the mRNAs of all three genes, IL-4, IL-13, and POSTN, was significantly greater in the paired tissues of CRS patients with NPs or without NPs than in control subjects, with highest levels of POSTN and IL-13 seen in CRSwNP. An increased level of POSTN, IL-4, and IL-13 gene expression may be related to the development of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, but polyp formation seemed to be associated especially with POSTN and IL-13 expression.

High-affinity IgE receptor gene polymorphism and allergic rhinitis in a Polish population.

INTRODUCTION: The high-affinity IgE receptor (FcɛRIß subunit int 2) gene polymorphism is a candidate gene in atopic diseases and is associated with atopy. The aim of this biochemical study was to investigate the association of its intronic mutation and allergic rhinitis in a Polish population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 100 atopic patients and 85 controls were included in the study. Polymerase chain reaction-based analysis for FcɛRIß subunit int 2 gene polymorphism was used for genotyping and detection. RESULTS: There was a difference in the frequencies of genotypes of FcɛRIß subunit int 2 in allergic rhinitis patients and controls. The FcɛRIß subunit int 2 gene polymorphism was found to be associated with allergic rhinitis in the Polish cohort. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that genetic factors may play an important role in the allergic rhinitis development in the investigated group.