[The significance of matrix metalloproteinases expression in nasal polyps].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in nasal polyp formation.

METHODS

The expression of MMP9, MMP2 and MMP3 was studied in 32 nasal polyps by immunohistochemical method.

RESULTS

MMPs could not be detected in all samples of normal mucosa. In nasal polyp tissue, MMP9 was observed epithelial in cells, inflammatory cell and blood cells, MMP2 was detected in fibroblasts, epithelial cells and inflammatory cells, and MMP3 was detected in inflammatory cells and epithelial cells. Compare to normal mucosa, MMP9, MMP2 and MMP3 was over expressed in their positive cells of polyp. The expression of MMP9 was higher than that of MMP2 and MMP3 in nasal polyp tissue (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

MMP9, MMP2 and MMP3 were strongly correlated with nasal polyp formation. They cause pathological changes in nasal mucosa and MMP9 may play the most important role among them.