Expression of Eotaxin and RANTES mRNA in Nasal Polyps and Its Effect on Eosinophils

Shin, Seung Heon; Heo, Won Wook; Ye, Mi Kyung; Park, Jae Yul; Cho, Chang Ho; Sohn, Jin Ho; Lee, Sang Heun

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nasal polyps usually develop in the ethmoidal and middle turbinate area, often in relation to inflammatory conditions. But the exact etiology and pathogenesis are still under debate. Histologically, the polyps are infiltrated by a number of inflammatory cells with eosinophil predominating in most specimens, and it is suggested that the nasal polyp is an inflammatory growth that is controlled by the local microenvironment. Eotaxin and RANTES have been postulated to be involved in the recruitment and activation of eosinophils to certain inflamed tissues. The purpose of this study is to investigate eotaxin and RANTES mRNA expression in nasal polyps and its effect on tissue and nasal eosinophils.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Seventeen allergic and 18 non-allergic nasal polyps were obtained from an endoscopic sinus surgery and 8 normal inferior turbinates were also taken. lmmunohistochemical staining for eosinophil and RANTES and quantitative RT- ICRs for eotaxin mRNA expression were performed.
RESULTS
The eotaxin mRNA levels in allergic nasal polyps were 11.4 fold higher and non-allergic polyps were 6.4 fold higher than the normal inferior turbinates. But the RANTES didn't show any differences among the three groups. Tissue eosinophilia and its activation were significantly correlated with the eotaxin mRNA level but not with the RANTES level.
CONCLUSION
In nasal polyp, eosinophilic infiltration and activation is mainly correlated with the increased eotaxin gene expression and, to some extent, with the case of RANTES.