Differentiation of chronic sinus diseases by measurement of inflammatory mediators

Allergy. 2006 Nov;61(11):1280-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2006.01225.x.

Abstract

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) clinically is a heterogeneous group of sinus diseases, which may cover different disease entities, or may represent a disease continuum. Studying inflammatory cells and mediators in clearly defined disease subgroups may lead to a better differentiation of chronic sinus diseases.

Methods: Sinonasal mucosal tissue from 10 nasal polyp (NP) patients, 13 cystic fibrosis patients (CF-NP), eight CRS subjects without polyps, and nine control patients were stained for CD3, CD25, CD68, CD20, myeloperoxidase (MPO), CD138 and tissue homogenates were assayed for eotaxin, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-2sRalpha, IL-5, interferon (IFN)-gamma, IL-8, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and MPO by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or UNICAP system.

Results: Nasal polyp and CF-NP showed increased numbers and activation of T cells, while only NP displayed an increase in plasma cells. Nasal polyp had significantly higher levels of eosinophilic markers [eosinophils, eotaxin, and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP)] compared with CRS, controls and CF-NP. Chronic rhinosinusitis was characterized by a Th1 polarization with high levels of IFN-gamma and TGF-beta, while NP showed a Th2 polarization with high IL-5 and immunoglobulin (Ig) E concentrations. Nasal polyp and CF-NP were discriminated by edema from CRS and controls, with CF-NP displaying a very prominent neutrophilic inflammation.

Conclusion: Based on cellular and mediator profiles, we suggest that CRS, NP, and CF-NP are distinct disease entities within the group of chronic sinus diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antigens, CD / analysis
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cytokines / analysis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Inflammation Mediators / analysis*
  • Lymphocyte Count
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nasal Polyps / diagnosis
  • Nasal Polyps / pathology
  • Respiratory Mucosa / chemistry
  • Respiratory Mucosa / pathology
  • Sinusitis / classification*
  • Sinusitis / diagnosis*
  • Sinusitis / pathology
  • T-Lymphocytes / chemistry

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Cytokines
  • Inflammation Mediators