趋化因子CCL-18 在慢性鼻- 鼻窦炎中的表达及意义

目的:分析趋化因子CCL-18在不同组织病理特征慢性鼻-鼻窦炎和正常鼻黏膜的表达差异,探讨CCL-18在慢性鼻-鼻窦炎中的表达及意义。方法:采用苏木精-伊红染色(HE),Masson染色及过碘酸-雪夫(PAS)染色对慢性鼻-鼻窦炎组织进行病理分析。采用Western blot检测CCL-18蛋白水平在不同组织病理特征慢性鼻-鼻窦炎和正常鼻黏膜组织中的表达差异。结果:CCL-18蛋白水平在伴鼻息肉和不伴有鼻息肉慢性鼻窦炎均较正常鼻黏膜组织中显著上调(P<0.05)。CCL-18蛋白水平在嗜酸性粒细胞慢性鼻窦炎的表达水平明显高于非嗜酸性粒细胞慢性鼻窦炎(P<0.05)。腺体型,纤维炎症型及水肿型慢性鼻-鼻窦炎中CCL-18表达水平均高于正常鼻黏膜,以水肿型表达最为显著(P<0.05)。结论:CCL-18在嗜酸性粒细胞和水肿型慢性鼻窦炎中高度表达,提示CCL-18可能参与慢性鼻-鼻窦炎中嗜酸性粒细胞的浸润这一基本病理过程。     

白细胞介素33在肿瘤免疫中的作用及信号通路研究进展

白细胞介素33(interleukin-33,IL-33)主要表达于人角质细胞、内皮细胞和纤维母细胞中。IL-33在Th(helper T cell)2细胞的成熟中发挥重要作用,促进Th2细胞分泌Th2相关细胞因子,趋化Th2细胞,并在组织损伤中作为警报素放大免疫反应。IL-33也可以激活肥大细胞、嗜碱性粒细胞、嗜酸性粒细胞和自然杀伤细胞。随着肿瘤免疫疗法研究逐渐深入,IL-33的抗肿瘤作用也逐渐被人们认识,包括在黑色素瘤和乳腺癌等癌症中的作用。为更好总结IL-33在肿瘤免疫中的研究进展,本文从IL-33在肿瘤免疫中的信号通路和IL-33对不同肿瘤免疫治疗效应两方面进行了归纳和总结。     

IL-17和VEGF在慢性鼻-鼻窦炎患者鼻息肉组织中的表达及相关性研究

目的:探讨慢性鼻-鼻窦炎患者鼻息肉组织中白介素-17(IL-17)、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)的表达,并分析IL-17、VEGF表达水平的相关性。方法:以我院2015年1月~2017年12月期间收治的慢性鼻-鼻窦炎患者95例为研究对象,按患者有无鼻息肉分为伴鼻息肉(观察1组)49例和不伴鼻息肉(观察2组)46例。另选取同期在我院进行治疗的鼻中隔偏曲患者40例为对照组。所有患者均进行鼻内镜手术治疗,并在术中取其较窄侧的鼻甲黏膜作为检测标本,采用免疫组化SP法检测各组织标本中的IL-17、VEGF的表达水平,并分析IL-17、VEGF表达水平的相关性。结果:观察1组患者IL-17、VEGF的阳性表达率分别为93.88%(46/49)、85.71%(42/49),均高于观察2组患者IL-17、VEGF的阳性表达率[76.09%(35/46)、65.22%(30/46)]以及对照组患者IL-17、VEGF的阳性表达率[5.00%(2/40)、2.50%(1/40)],差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05)。观察1组患者IL-17、VEGF的表达水平分别为(38.92±5.34)个/LP、(33.21±4.87)个/LP,均高于观察2组患者IL-17、VEGF的表达水平[(28.19±4.56)个/LP、(21.28±4.03)个/LP]以及对照组患者IL-17、VEGF的表达水平[(9.31±2.76)个/LP、(7.19±1.95)个/LP],差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05)。经Spearman相关性分析结果显示,观察1组患者、观察2组患者中,IL-17与VEGF的表达水平呈正相关性(P0.05)。结论:慢性鼻-鼻窦炎患者鼻息肉组织中IL-17、VEGF的表达显著升高,且IL-17与VEGF表达水平呈明显的正相关性,表明IL-17、VEGF可能共同参与鼻息肉的发生与发展过程。     

鼻息肉患者前列腺素E2受体的表达及意义

摘要 目的：研究EP受体在慢性鼻-鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉（chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, CRSwNP）中的表达及意义。方法：收集20例嗜酸粒细胞性CRSwNP(eosinophilic CRSwNP,ECRSwNP )、20例非嗜酸粒细胞性CRSwNP（noneosinophilic CRSwNP,non-ECRSwNP)患者息肉和14例正常对照组鼻腔钩突黏膜。免疫组织化学和Western blot技术检测各组鼻组织中四种EP受体亚型蛋白的表达;对连续切片行免疫组化染色,检测EP受体与活化的嗜酸粒细胞之间的关系;用Real-time PCR检测各组EP受体和IL-5/IL-13 mRNA的表达水平。结果：EP受体主要表达于鼻黏膜上皮、腺体和上皮下炎症细胞,EP1受体选择性表达于上皮下炎症细胞。与对照组和non-ECRSwNP相比较,ECRSwNP组中EP1 mRNA和蛋白表达均上调,而三组间EP2、EP3和EP4受体的表达无明显差异。连续切片免疫组化染色示,EP1阳性的嗜酸粒细胞占EP1阳性总细胞数的50%。息肉组织EP1 mRNA与IL-5（r=0.55; P <0.001）、IL-13（r=0.69; P<0.001）mRNA的表达水平呈正相关。结论：ECRSwNP中EP1的表达上调与大量的嗜酸粒细胞等浸润有关。EP1受体可能通过趋化和活化嗜酸粒细胞参与ECRSwNP组织炎症的发生和发展。     

慢性鼻-鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉基因表达谱的生物信息学分析

本研究从美国国立生物信息中心(NCBI)的子数据库基因表达数据库(GEO)中选择基因表达谱GSE36830数据集,采用GEO2R筛选正常钩突和鼻息肉组织之间的差异表达基因(DEGs),对关键通路和差异表达基因进行数据库挖掘和分析,经筛选后的差异表达基因采用戴维在线工具对其进行基因本体富集分析(GO)、京都基因和基因组百科全书(KEGG)分析,然后将DEGs导入String数据库进行蛋白质互作网络分析,绘制差异表达基因互作网络图,将其数据导入Cytoscape软件中,筛选网络中心节点和关键基因,分析关键子网络。共筛选出699个DEGs,其中475个基因为上调表达基因,224个基因为下调表达基因。在GO分析中,针对生物过程,上调的DEGs包括:炎症反应、免疫反应、细胞趋化性、炎症反应的正向调节和细胞的粘附等;下调的DEGs主要参与:唾液分泌、生物矿物组织发展、细胞氨基酸生物合成过程、视网膜内稳态及离子跨膜转运等。在KEGG分析中,上调的DEGs主要在参与造血细胞系、细胞因子-细胞因子受体相互作用、破骨细胞分化、趋化因子信号通路、癌症中的转录失调、哮喘、金黄色葡萄球菌感染等信号通路中富集,而下调的DEGs在唾液腺分泌及胆汁分泌信号通路中富集。差异表达基因互作网络图筛选出前10个关键基因:ITGAM、IL10、CD86、TLR8、ITGAX、CCL2、CCR7、SRC、EGF及ITGB2。本研究得到了一组鼻息肉差异表达基因的生物信息学分析结果,但仍需进一步用基础试验来验证。本文分析的结论为慢性鼻-鼻窦炎、鼻息肉的研究提供了新的研究方向,也为鼻息肉发病机制研究的思路提供了一定的建设性作用。     

NLR、IL-6及鼻窦CT评分对慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉的诊断价值分析

摘要 目的：探讨外周血中性粒细胞/淋巴细胞比值（NLR）、血清白细胞介素-6（IL-6）及鼻窦CT评分诊断慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉（CRSwNP）的价值。方法：选择2019年2月至2021年12月济宁医学院附属医院收治的91例CRSwNP患者纳入观察组，87例鼻中隔偏曲患者纳入对照组，根据《中国慢性鼻窦炎诊断与治疗指南（2018）》将CRSwNP患者分为轻度组（29例）、中度组（40例）和重度组（22例）。所有受试者均检测外周血中性粒细胞、淋巴细胞计数以及血清IL-6水平，计算外周血NLR，行鼻窦CT检查，根据CT检测结果，采用Lund-Mackay CT评分标准对受试者进行鼻窦CT评分。对比各组外周血NLR、血清IL-6水平及鼻窦CT评分差异，分析CRSwNP 患者外周血NLR、血清IL-6与鼻窦CT评分的相关性以及外周血NLR、血清IL-6、鼻窦CT评分诊断CRSwNP的价值。结果：观察组外周血NLR、血清IL-6水平及鼻窦CT评分均高于对照组（P＜0.05）。重度组外周血NLR、血清IL-6水平及鼻窦CT评分均高于中度组和轻度组（P＜0.05），且中度组高于轻度组（P＜0.05）。CRSwNP患者外周血NLR、血清IL-6水平与鼻窦CT评分均呈正相关（r=0.502、0.539，P＜0.05）。外周血NLR、血清IL-6及鼻窦CT评分诊断CRSwNP的曲线下面积（AUC）分别为0.683、0.659、0.697，联合三项指标诊断CRSwNP的AUC为0.882，高于各指标单独诊断。结论：外周血NLR、血清IL-6水平及鼻窦CT评分上升可反映CRSwNP患者病情加重，外周血NLR、血清IL-6水平与鼻窦CT评分呈正相关，外周血NLR、血清IL-6及鼻窦CT评分联合诊断CRSwNP具有一定的临床价值。     

小鼠白细胞介素33真核表达质粒的构建及表达

克隆小鼠IL-33基因构建其真核表达质粒,并转染COS-7细胞检测其表达。提取C57BL/6小鼠肺组织总RNA,经反转录聚合酶链式反应（RT-PCR）扩增小鼠IL-33基因,酶切后插入pcDNA^TM3.1/myc HisA构建其真核表达质粒pcDNA-3.1-IL-33,重组质粒转染COS-7细胞,RT-PCR和免疫印迹法（western blotting）检测目的基因表达。结果显示,pcDNA3.1-IL-33中插入的片段序列测定结果与小鼠IL-33cDNA序列一致,重组质粒转染COS-7细胞后检测到相应mRNA及蛋白表达。成功克隆了小鼠IL-33基因cDNA,并构建其真核表达质粒。     

重组小鼠白细胞介素-33的原核表达制备及其粘膜免疫佐剂活性

目的:白细胞介素(IL)-33对树突状细胞、巨噬细胞及T细胞等免疫细胞具有重要调控作用。利用大肠杆菌制备重组小鼠的IL-33,并初步考察其作为粘膜免疫佐剂应用的潜能与特点。方法:以IPTG诱导硫氧还蛋白(Trx)/IL-33融合蛋白在大肠杆菌DH5α中的表达,并通过QSepharose离子交换和Ni~(++)金属螯合亲和层析纯化Trx/IL-33,进一步经肠激酶切割获得成熟形式的IL-33。重组HBcAg混合纯化的IL-33后经滴鼻免疫小鼠,考察HBcAg特异的IgA及IgG_1、IgG_(2a)的应答。结果:纯化的重组IL-33具有与标准品相当的促巨噬细胞RAW264.7表达TNF-α的体外细胞生物学活性。作为佐剂可显著增强滴鼻粘膜免疫激发的不同粘膜组织中HBcAg特异的IgA应答,以及血清与支气管肺泡灌洗液中特异IgG_1的应答水平,而抑制IgG_(2a)应答。结论:利用大肠杆菌可制备活性IL-33,其具有粘膜免疫佐剂的应用潜能。     

嗜酸性粒细胞、调节性T细胞对慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉的诊断及预后预测价值分析

摘要 目的：探讨嗜酸性粒细胞、调节性T细胞对慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉的诊断及预后预测价值。方法：选取我院2020年3月到2023年3月收治的100例慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉患者作为研究对象,将其分为慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉组,选取同期来我院治疗的100例单纯慢性鼻窦炎患者作为慢性鼻窦炎组,另选取同期来我院体检的100名健康志愿者作为对照组。对比三组受检者嗜酸性粒细胞、调节性T细胞表达水平,并建立受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线,分析嗜酸性粒细胞、调节性T细胞对慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉的诊断效能。随后对100例性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉患者手术治疗后进行1年随访,依照患者的复发情况评价其预后情况,并分为两个亚组,将术后1年内复发的21例患者分为预后不良组,两未复发的79例患者分为预后良好组,对比两组患者一般临床情况,嗜酸性粒细胞、调节性T细胞表达水平,并分析嗜酸性粒细胞、调节性T细胞对慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉的预后预测价值。结果：三组受检者嗜酸性粒细胞、调节性T细胞表达水平对比差异显著,慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉组患者嗜酸性粒细胞（EOS）个数高于慢性鼻窦炎组和对照组,调节性T细胞（Tregs）水平低于慢性鼻窦炎组和对照组（P＜0.05）;通过绘制ROC曲线,确定EOS、Tregs其对慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉的诊断效能,结果显示,EOS、Tregs两者联合对慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉的诊断效能优于单一检测（P＜0.05）;预后良好组与预后不良组患者性别、年龄、BMI、吸烟史、饮酒史、白细胞介素-35（IL-35）、转化生长因子-β（TGF-β）、白细胞介素-1β（IL-1β）表达水平对比无明显差异（P＞0.05）,预后良好组与预后不良组患者病程、合并哮喘、合并变应性鼻炎、组织淋巴细胞占比、白细胞介素-10（IL-10）、肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）、EOS个数以及Tregs表达水平对比差异显著（P＜0.05）;logistic回归分析结果表明：合并哮喘、组织淋巴细胞占比、EOS个数以及Tregs为慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉的预后独立影响因素（P＜0.05）。结论：嗜酸性粒细胞、调节性T细胞不仅对慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉的临床诊断具有重要价值,而且能够预测慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉患者的预后情况,因此临床上对于EOS个数增加,Tregs降低的患者要及时改善治疗措施,预防患者预后不良的发生。     

人白细胞介素-10在大肠杆菌中的克隆与表达

目的:构建人IL-10原核表达载体,并对表达产物进行鉴定。方法:应用RT-PCR技术从ConA诱导的单核细胞中扩增出IL-10成熟肽cDNA片段,将其克隆到PGEM-T后载体测序,双酶切回收目的片段构建IL-10原核表达载体PET28a-IL10。PET28a-IL10转化大肠杆菌BL21(DE3),经IPTG诱导表达后对其表达产物进行SDS-Page和Western Blot分析。结果:SDS-Page电泳显示IL-10在大肠杆菌中得到了表达,分子量为21000,Western Blot分析显示表达产物可于IL-10多抗特异反应。结论:IL-10在大肠杆菌中成功表达,具有免疫原性。为其进一步生物学研究奠定了基础。     

Systemic expression of inflammatory mediators in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps with and without Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

BackgroundSystemic reactions are related to the pathogenesis of Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD). With this work we wanted to study the changes in the systemic levels of inflammatory mediators in both baseline and after oral aspirin challenge in patients with and without AERD.MethodsPatients with nasal polyposis and asthma with AERD (n = 20) and without (n = 18) were orally challenged with aspirin in a single-blind placebo controlled study. Serum samples and urine were collected before and 6 h after placebo and aspirin oral challenges. Serum levels of inflammatory mediators were assayed by using the Luminex technology and ELISA. The concentrations of 9-alpha, 11-beta prostaglandin F₂, and leukotriene E₄ (uLTE₄) were measured in urine samples by ELISA. The expression of T-cell surface markers was analyzed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated before and after the challenges.ResultsAERD patients showed significantly higher baseline levels of s-IL-5R-alpha, uLTE₄ and percentage of CD4⁺CD25⁺CD127^pos and CD4⁺CD45RA⁻CD45RO⁺ but decreased levels of TGF-β₁ and number of CD4⁺CD25⁺CD127^neg cells. Aspirin challenge induced the release of uLTE₄, IL-6 and increased the number of CD4⁺CD45RA⁻CD45RO⁺ memory T-cells only in AERD patients but failed to reduce the levels of sCD40L as observed in non-AERD subjects. Further, IL-8 and sIL-5R-alpha levels directly correlated with the PD₂₀ASA and the effects of aspirin on IL-6 and number of memory T-cells was more pronounced in subjects showing more strong reaction (bronchial and nasal).ConclusionsAERD patients have a differential baseline inflammatory pattern that supports the role inflammation as underlying mechanism of the disease. Systemic response to oral aspirin challenge was related to an increase in serum IL-6 and the number of circulating memory T-cells in AERD patients.     

Prostaglandin E2 receptors in asthma and in chronic rhinosinusitis/nasal polyps with and without aspirin hypersensitivity

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and asthma frequently coexist and are always present in patients with aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). Although the pathogenic mechanisms of this condition are still unknown, AERD may be due, at least in part, to an imbalance in eicosanoid metabolism (increased production of cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) and reduced biosynthesis of prostaglandin (PG) E₂), possibly increasing and perpetuating the process of inflammation. PGE₂ results from the metabolism of arachidonic acid (AA) by cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, and seems to play a central role in homeostasis maintenance and inflammatory response modulation in airways. Therefore, the abnormal regulation of PGE₂ could contribute to the exacerbated processes observed in AERD. PGE₂ exerts its actions through four G-protein-coupled receptors designated E-prostanoid (EP) receptors EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4. Altered PGE₂ production as well as differential EP receptor expression has been reported in both upper and lower airways of patients with AERD. Since the heterogeneity of these receptors is the key for the multiple biological effects of PGE₂ this review focuses on the studies available to elucidate the importance of these receptors in inflammatory airway diseases.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12931-014-0100-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

应用糖皮质激素进行鼻腔冲洗对慢性鼻窦炎患者鼻腔菌群多样性和生物膜的影响

目的 分析应用糖皮质激素进行鼻腔冲洗对慢性鼻窦炎(CRS)患者鼻腔菌群多样性及生物膜的影响。 方法 将2018年1月至2018年6月于我院治疗的40例慢性鼻窦炎患者随机分成两组,每组各20例,一组给予0.9%氯化钠注射液进行鼻腔冲洗(NS组),另一组给予0.9%氯化钠注射液及布地奈德进行鼻腔冲洗(NS+BUD组),对两组患者治疗前后的菌群结构差异、多样性及细菌生物膜生成情况进行比较。 结果 治疗前两组患者菌群多样性指标(Chao1指数、Ace指数、Simpson指数及Shannon指数)比较,差异均无统计学意义(均P>0.05),治疗后两组患者的Chao1指数、Ace指数及Shannon指数均明显下降(均P结论 应用糖皮质激素对慢性鼻窦炎患者进行鼻腔冲洗可降低患者鼻腔微生物多样性,减少菌群的异常增殖,降低主要致病菌的生物膜表达,提高临床疗效。     

TGF-beta 1 downregulates CFTR expression and function in nasal polyps of non-CF patients

Nasal polyposis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the upper airways. It has been suggested that ion transports and CFTR expression could be modified in epithelial cells from nasal polyps of non-cystic fibrosis patients. We compared human nasal epithelial cells from nasal polyps (NP) with control nasal mucosa (CM). The level of CFTR mRNA was studied by Northern blot analysis and protein expression was studied by immunoprecipitation both ex vivo and in vitro in primary cultures of human nasal epithelial cells at the air-liquid interface. Ion transports were evaluated by short-circuit measurements in vitro. CFTR gene and protein expressions were significantly decreased in NP native tissues and in culture on day 4, when a global defect of ion transports was observed in NP cultures, but not in CM. We evaluated the effect of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1 on CFTR expression and function in NP cultures on day 14 and showed, for the first time, that TGF-beta 1 was able to significantly downregulate the level of CFTR mRNA and cAMP-dependent current in NP cultures. Finally, we showed that the effects of TGF-beta 1 on ion transports could be reversed after 48-h removal of TGF-beta1 in NP cultures. In conclusion, our data strongly suggest that chronic inflammation in nasal polyposis downregulates CFTR gene and protein expression.     

Bacterial biofilms in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis

The possible presence of biofilms was examined in mucosal specimens of 15 patients, undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery or a modified Caldwell-Luc approach for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Biofilms were found in 7 of the 15 patients, positive cultures being obtained in most samples, which supports the role of biofilms as an important factor in the pathogenesis of CRS.     

Free IL-18 and IL-33 cytokines in chronic spontaneous urticaria

Overproduction of IL-18 has been described in chronic urticaria. To evaluate free IL-18 and IL-33 in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). IL-18, its inhibitor IL-18BP, IL-33 and its soluble receptor ST2 (sST2) were measured (ELISA) in the sera of 73 CSU patients. Free IL-18 was calculated (law of mass action). Autologous serum skin test (ASST) was performed in all patients. Total IL-18, IL-18BP and free IL-18 serum levels were significantly higher in CSU than in controls. IL-18 and IL-18BP increased significantly in both ASST-positive and negative subgroups. Free IL-18 resulted significantly higher in the ASST-negative, but not in the ASST-positive subgroup. No differences in IL-33/sST2 levels were detected between CSU and controls. Increased levels of free IL-18 and IL-18BP, but not IL-33, was detected in CSU. Whether IL-18 up-regulation is a consequence of inflammation or one of the causes of the pathology needs to be addressed.     

Microflora of nasal mucosa in patients with maxillar sinusitis

Quantitative and qualitative composition of microflora of nasal mucosa as well as carriage of staphylococci was assessed in patients with chronic and acute forms of maxillary sinusitis. Changes in microflora of nasal mucosa and presence of pathogenic and persistence-associated characteristics of staphylococci in both forms of maxillary sinusitis were revealed. Increase of resistance staphylococci to antibiotics in patients with chronic form of maxillary sinusitis was shown.     

鼻窦炎患者鼻腔黏膜微生物定植情况

目的 探究鼻窦炎患者鼻腔黏膜微生物定植情况,为此类患者的治疗提供参考。 方法 选取2017年2月至2018年7月我院耳鼻喉科诊治的114例慢性鼻窦炎患者进行研究,其中将61例伴有鼻息肉的患者作为观察组,53例单纯慢性鼻窦炎患者为对照组。检测两组患者鼻腔黏膜免疫功能及微生物定植情况。 结果 观察组患者鼻腔黏膜白细胞介素5、白细胞介素6、嗜酸性粒细胞阳离子蛋白、总免疫球蛋白E水平明显高于对照组,而白细胞介素8水平明显低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(t=41.707、17.769、148.848、22.930、30.067,均P+)、中性粒细胞(MPO)水平显著低于对照组,嗜酸性粒细胞(HE)、肥大细胞(Trytase)水平显著高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(t=12.126、8.979、25.968、12.222,均P2=11.093、6.654、21.582,P结论 鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉患者主要为Th2倾向的嗜酸性粒细胞炎症模式,且鼻腔金黄色葡萄球菌和支原体定植比例升高。     

Cytokeratin expression in human respiratory epithelium of nasal polyps and turbinates

The cytokertatins in respiratory epithelial cells (REC) of human nasal polyps and turbinates were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Cytokeratin 19 (CK19) was present in all REC, CK5 and 14 were expressed primarily in basal cells, and CK7, 8, and 18 were found in suprabasal cells. Differences in cytoplasmic locations were also apparent among the individual cytokeratins. CK13 was not detected in any REC of these tissues. The results indicate the profile of cytokeratins in REC of human nasal polyps and turbinates is essentially identical to that of REC in the more distal respiratory tract.     

Evaluation of oxidative DNA damage and antioxidant defense in patients with nasal polyps

Abstract

Objectives

The presence of inflammatory cells indicates the development of epithelial cell injury in nasal polyposis (NP) and the potential for production of high levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. The aim of our study was to clarify the role of oxidative stress and antioxidant status in the deterioration accompanying NP.

Methods

Twenty patients (11 men) aged 47.2 ± 17.0 years with nasal polyps were included in the study. Twenty healthy subjects (7 men) aged 48.2 ± 15.3 years formed the control group. The erythrocyte activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and plasma nitric oxide (NO) concentrations were measured. An alkaline comet assay was used to determine the extent of blood lymphocyte DNA damage of oxidized purines as glicosylo-formamidoglicosylase (Fpg) sites, and oxidized pyrimidines as endonuclease III (Nth) sites.

Results

A significant increase of NO (P < 0.05) and non-significant decreases of SOD (P > 0.05), CAT (P > 0.05), and GPx (P > 0.05) were seen in NP patients compared to healthy controls. The level of blood lymphocyte oxidative DNA damage in NP patients was significantly higher compared to the control group (P = 0.01).

Discussion

The blood lymphocyte DNA damage level increased in patients with NP. Elevated DNA damage may be related to overproduction of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and/or decreased antioxidant protection.