[Expression of nuclear factor-kappa B mRNA, inducible nitric oxide synthase and interleukin-6 in nasal polyp and its role].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the expression and significance of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) mRNA, inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the pathophysiology of nasal polyp(NP).

METHODS

The specimens from 59 nasal polyps (NP) and 20 inferior turbinates (IT) were studied by in situ hybridization for NF-kappa B mRNA, and by immunohistochemistry for iNOS and IL-6. Tissue sections were observed under optical microscope.

RESULTS

NF-kappa B mRNA, iNOS and IL-6 overexpressions were localized mainly to the nasal polyp epithelium, the various inflammatory cells, in submucosal endothelial cells around the vessel and in submucosal glands. The positive frequency of activation of NF-kappa B mRNA was higher in NP (54.24%) than in IT (P < 0.01), whereas the positive frequency of iNOS and IL-6 overexpression were higher in NP (62.71% and 64.41%) than in IT (P < 0.01). Eosinophils and neutrophils in NP were higher than in IT (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that NF-kappa B, iNOS and IL-6 are strongly correlated with the formation of NP. NF-kappa B, iNOS and IL-6 may act as anti-apoptotic molecules in eosinophils and neutrophils that may be responsible for the recruitment of inflammatory cells, particularly eosinophils, through the initiation of the transcriptional pathway of the related cytokines. NF-kappa B might play a key role in the pathogenesis of NP process and therefore is a potential target for medical treatment and new therapeutic intervention.