Epithelial cells in nasal fluids from patients with allergic rhinitis: how do they relate to epidermal growth factor, eosinophils and eosinophil cationic protein?

The nasal epithelium protects the underlying tissue from damage. Epithelial cell growth is controlled by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and is possibly affected by toxic proteins, e.g. eosinophil cationic protein (ECP). The aims of this study were to examine nasal fluid epithelial cell counts and their relations to EGF, eosinophils and ECP in 23 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis and 20 healthy controls. Nasal fluid epithelial cell counts were lower in patients than in controls. EGF levels did not differ between patients and controls, and correlated with epithelial cell counts in controls but not in patients. Eosinophils and ECP were higher in patients than in controls, but did not correlate with epithelial cell counts. The role of growth factors, such as EGF, in regulating epithelial cells merits further study.     

慢性鼻窦炎手术前后ECP、EGF、IL-6的水平变化及临床意义

目的 探究慢性鼻窦炎(CRS)鼻息肉患者鼻内镜手术(ESS)前后患者鼻腔分泌物中嗜酸性粒细胞阳离子蛋白(ECP)、表皮生长因子(EGF)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)的变化,分析它们在术腔创伤愈合中的意义。 方法 选取行ESS的163例CRS鼻息肉患者作为研究对象,另选同期健康体检者50例作为对照组。所有患者术前及术后1、6、12周行鼻内镜检查并采集鼻腔分泌物,采用酶联免疫荧光分析技术检测鼻腔分泌物中ECP、EGF、IL-6的浓度。 结果 与对照组相比,术前ECP、EGF、IL-6含量显著升高(P<0.05)。术后1周ECP、EGF、IL-6含量显著低于对照组、术前(P<0.05)。术后6周ECP、EGF、IL-6含量显著高于对照组、术前、术后1周(P<0.05)。术后12周ECP、EGF、IL-6含量显著低于术前及术后6周(P<0.05),显著高于术后1周(P<0.05),与术前相比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。线性回归分析结果表明,术前ECP、EGF、IL-6含量影响术后6周和术后12周患者术腔创伤愈合情况(P<0.05)。 结论 CRS鼻息肉患者术前ECP、EEG、IL-6含量显著升高,且在术后创伤愈合过程中的动态变化与术后上皮修复过程可能有相关性,术前ECP、EEG、IL-6含量是影响鼻黏膜术后上皮修复的指标。     

Eosinophils and mast cells: a comparison of nasal mucosa histology and cytology to markers in nasal discharge in patients with chronic sino-nasal diseases

Allergic rhinitis (AR), nasal polyps (NP) as well as chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are all known to be associated with eosinophilic infiltration and elevated numbers of mast cells (MC) within the mucosa. Both cell types and their markers eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) and tryptase are utilized in the diagnosis and management of chronic sino-nasal diseases. Mucosal cytology samples were gathered by cytobrush, histological samples were obtained from the inferior turbinate. In both sample sets, the number of eosinophils and MC was determined. Their corresponding markers ECP and tryptase were quantified from nasal discharge. Patients were grouped with reference to their main diagnosis: AR (n = 34), NP (n = 25), CRS (n = 27) and controls (n = 34). Eosinophil counts from cytobrush and ECP levels were significantly elevated in NP compared to all other groups—31- and 13-fold over control, respectively. However, histologic review did not reveal any difference in eosinophil count among groups. Tryptase was significantly elevated threefold in AR versus CRS and controls. No correlation to cytological and histological MC counts could be found. ECP levels in nasal discharge as well as eosinophil counts can provide useful information with regard to the diagnosis. Likewise, tryptase concentrations can do. The presented data show that the measurement of markers in nasal discharge is superior in differentiating among diagnosis groups. Given that the collection of nasal secretions is more comfortable for patients than the more invasive techniques, we recommend first line ECP and tryptase testing performed on nasal secretions.     

变应性鼻炎鼻腔灌洗液和血清中嗜酸粒细胞阳离子蛋白和E-选择素的检测

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and serum soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) in patients with allergic rhinitis. METHODS: The sE-selectin were detected from 30 allergic patients and 20 normal individuals by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ECP in serum and nasal lavage fluid was assayed with pharmacia CAP system. RESULTS: The level of sE-selectin in patients with allergic rhinitis was(41.846 +/- 12.21) ng/ml, higher than that in control (10.678 +/- 2.458) ng/ml. The level of ECP in serum and nasal lavage fluid from patients with allergic rhinitis was significantly higher than that from normal controls. The level of ECP in nasal lavage fluid was much higher than that in serum. CONCLUSION: ECP and sE-selectin play a role in pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis.     

Secretion of TGF-βl, TGF-β2, EGF and PDGF into nasal fluid after sinus surgery

Wound healing is a highly coordinated process involving clot formation, inflammatory reaction, immune response and tissue remodeling. The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) are known to be active during different phases of wound repair. The authors postulated that changes in the spontaneous secretion of these growth factors could be detected in nasal fluid after sinus surgery and propose a standardized technique to follow the healing process. The study was designed as a single-center prospective pilot study. Nasal secretions were obtained from eight patients at 1, 2 and 3 weeks after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and compared to 13 controls. Nasal fluid was collected by sinus packing and was analyzed by ELISA for TGF-betal, TGF-beta2, EGF and PDGF. Comparing patients at 1 week after surgery with control subjects, a significant increase in the concentrations of TGF-betal, TGF-beta2 and PDGF in nasal secretions could be demonstrated ( P<0.001). At 2 and 3 weeks after surgery, decreasing amounts of these growth factors were found, nearly reaching normal conditions again. This decrease was not significant between visits. In contrast, EGF concentrations in nasal fluids tended to have decreased in patients 1 week after FESS compared to controls, with this level persisting during 3 weeks of mucosal healing. This is the first study proposing a follow-up method for nasal and sinus mucosal healing after surgery in order to determine cytokine secretion profiles.     

Effect of nasal antifungal therapy on nasal cell activation markers in chronic rhinosinusitis

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of nasal antifungal treatment on eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and tryptase levels in samples of nasal lavage fluid from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps. DESIGN: Prospective double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Tertiary surgical center. PATIENTS: Subjects with severe chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps. Of 120 screened patients, 76 were eligible. Six patients withdrew because of minor adverse events, and 10 dropped out for other reasons. In total, 60 patients completed the study according to the study protocol. INTERVENTIONS: Nasal treatment with amphotericin B or saline control for 8 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Nasal lavages were performed before and after treatment. Fungal elements were assessed by culture and with different polymerase chain reaction assays. Levels of ECP and tryptase were determined by fluorescent enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: No correlation between cell activation markers and fungus detection was observed before treatment (all P>.20). Nasal amphotericin B treatment had no effect on levels of ECP (P = .17) or tryptase (P = .09) in nasal lavage samples. Moreover, successful fungus eradication, defined as fungus detection before but not after treatment, did not influence nasal ECP or tryptase levels (all P>.40). CONCLUSION: Neither topical amphotericin B therapy nor fungal state before and after treatment had any significant influence on activation markers of nasal inflammatory cells in chronic rhinosinusitis.     

Role of local immunoglobulin E specific for Alternaria alternata in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: The role of fungal pathogens in the etiology of nasal polyposis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether there was a correlation between the presence of Alternaria-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E antibodies, eosinophilic inflammation, and the development of nasal polyps. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. METHODS: Serum and nasal tissue homogenates from 21 patients with manifestations of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps were compared with specimens from 13 chronic sinusitis patients without polyps and 8 healthy controls. The Phadia ImmunoCAP and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to quantify levels of total IgE and Alternaria-specific (IgE, IgG, and IgA) antibodies. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and tryptase levels were measured in tissue homogenates, whereas the inflammatory response was evaluated using tissue eosinophil counts in tissue samples. RESULTS: Serum analysis revealed no difference in the levels of total IgE and Alternaria-specific IgE, IgG, and IgA antibodies between the study groups. In contrast, the levels of Alternaria-specific IgE in tissue with polyps were significantly higher than in nonpolyp tissue. Increases in total tissue IgE paralleled increased levels of Alternaria-specific IgG and IgA antibodies in chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps as compared with control groups. A positive correlation was found between Alternaria-specific IgE and ECP in tissue. Increased mean levels of ECP corresponded to increased eosinophil counts in the group of patients with polyps. CONCLUSIONS: Alternaria-specific IgE and eosinophilic inflammation in nasal tissue correlates with the incidence of nasal polyps irrespective of specific IgE antibodies in serum. Together, the correlation between the local immune responses and the eosinophilic inflammation in nasal polyps suggests a possible role of Alternaria in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis.     

Eosinophilic cationic protein as a marker of nasal inflammation in patients with cystic fibrosis.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation was made of eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) in nasal secretion for measuring the degree of nasal inflammation and monitoring response to therapy in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Symptoms and findings in regard to ECP levels before and after treatment were described. STUDY DESIGN: Study was prospective, with 21 CF patients aged 4 to 19 years; 20 healthy volunteers served as controls. Collection of nasal secretion by a sponge was performed, and blood samples were obtained for serum. Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients were classified according to nasal symptoms and findings. METHODS: ECP was measured by fluoroimmunoassay. Age, sex, nasal symptoms, and endoscopic and histological findings were obtained, and examinations were conducted before and after treatment; recurrences were recorded. RESULTS: In CF patients with chronic nasal inflammation, increased nasal levels of ECP were detected when compared with asymptomatic CF patients or healthy nonatopic subjects. ECP concentrations were strongly related to the extent of nasal disease; patients with nasal polyps had higher levels than those without. Checked at 1 and 4 months after treatment, ECP levels declined with regression of symptoms, and in patients with exacerbation of nasal disease, ECP levels rose. CONCLUSIONS: According to our study, there is a relationship between levels of ECP in nasal secretions and the degrees of nasal inflammation. In addition, the measurement of ECP could be useful in monitoring nasal disease in CF patients.     

Mucosal leishmaniasis: quantitative nasal cytology as a marker of disease activity and indicator of healing

Mucosal leishmaniasis (ML) follow-up is based on subjective parameters. Using simplified quantitative cytology of nasal lavages (QNCs), we studied 20 ML patients, 10 patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), and 10 healthy subjects. Patients with ML were treated with antimony and followed up with otolaryngological examination plus QNCs for 6 months. At the first evaluation, the median total number of cells in ML patients (1,540,000) was greater than that in CL patients (215,000) or that in healthy subjects (250,000). Neutrophils were predominant in ML patients, in contrast to both sets of controls, in whom epithelial cells were more frequent. During treatment, we found a significant reduction in total nasal cell counts in ML patients who were cured, and encountered a switch in predominant cell type. The cytology of 2 patients who did not respond to antimony remained the same. It is therefore possible to detect nasal inflammation in ML patients through QNCs, which may indicate extension of mucosal involvement, providing an objective parameter to monitor therapy.     

慢性鼻窦炎手术前后血清和鼻腔分泌物中表皮生长因子水平变化

目的了解慢性鼻窦炎手术前后血清和鼻腔分泌物中表皮生长因子(epidermalgrowth factor,EGF)水平的变化,探讨EGF在鼻内镜术后术腔上皮过程中可能的作用。方法采用放射免疫方法检测慢性鼻窦炎手术患者术前及术后1、2、3、4、6、8周血清和鼻腔分泌物中EGF含量,并分析其变化规律。结果与正常对照比较,慢性鼻窦炎患者血清及鼻腔分泌物中EGF含量均升高,后者更为明显(P<0.0 5);术后第1周鼻腔分泌物中的EGF水平明显降低(P<0.05),第4周后开始升高;血清中EGF水平手术后呈缓慢下降,第6周后者开始上升。结论慢性鼻窦炎手术后血清和鼻腔分泌物中EGF水平存在一定归律的变化,这种变化模式与术后黏膜的转归以及创面修复有关,表明EGF术后鼻腔黏膜修复与上皮化过程中具有重要作用。     

白细胞介素-5与嗜酸性粒细胞阳离子蛋白在鼻息肉发病中的意义及相互关系

目的：探讨白细胞介素—5(IL—5)及嗜酸性粒细胞阳离子蛋白(ECP)在鼻息肉发病中的作用及相互关系。方法：采用pharmacia CAP荧光免疫系统和ELISA双抗体夹心法对30例鼻息肉患者(鼻息肉组)和8例鼻中隔偏曲或阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停综合征(OSAS)患者(对照组)分别进行血清中ECP及组织匀浆中ECP、IL—5的检测。结果：鼻息肉组匀浆中IL—5的水平明显高于对照组，其差异有显著性意义(P＜0．05)；鼻息肉组血清与匀浆中的ECP含量明显高于对照组，其差异亦有显著性意义(P＜0．05)。鼻息肉组匀浆中IL—5与血清中ECP水平呈明显正相关(r＝0．598，P＜0．05)；与匀浆中的ECP水平也呈正相关(r＝0．451，P＜0．05)。结论：ECP是嗜酸性粒细胞活化的标志，也是导致鼻腔炎症发生的重要因子；IL—5在鼻息肉组织中高表达，并与血清和组织中ECP水平密切相关，共同促进鼻腔炎症过程的不断加重。     

Humoral mucosal immunity in allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND: Mucosa-immunologic aspects are gaining an increasing awareness in the pathophysiology of type I allergies. Humoral mucosal immune responses are dominated by secretory IgA, but there is evidence for a relevant role of IgG in nasal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. OBJECTIVE: was to measure allergen-specific immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG) in nasal secretions as an expression of a humoral mucosal immune response in allergic rhinitis. For tissue eosinophilia we studied nasal Eosinophilic Cationic Protein (ECP) and for mast cell activation nasal tryptase. METHODS: Nasal secretions of 40 patients suffering from allergic rhinitis were analyzed for allergen-specific IgA, IgG, and IgE, and for ECP and tryptase. Patients were highly sensitized against the major allergens of house dust mites, timothy, and birch pollen. 43 non-atopic individuals served as controls. In order to study possible effects of the actual pollen season on the studied parameter we secondly compared patients allergic to seasonal allergens co- (n = 28) and extra-seasonally (n = 41). In order to determine a possible influence of allergen-specific IgA in eosinophilic degranulation we additionally studied 5 patients after nasal allergen challenge. RESULTS: In allergic rhinitis we found significantly increased levels of allergen-specific immunoglobulins of all studied subclasses and allergens in nasal secretions. Comparison of nasal ECP and tryptase showed significantly increased concentrations in allergic individuals as well. Co-seasonally we found elevated allergen-specific IgE, ECP, and tryptase but lower concentrations of allergen-specific IgA and IgG. There was no association between late phase eosinophilia and IgA concentrations after local allergen challenge. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of allergen-specific immunoglobulins in nasal secretions is interpreted as a local humoral mucosal immune response. The physiologic role of local allergen-specific immunoglobulins is not clear to date. Involvement in degranulation of eosinophils or mast cells, like suggested before, seems unlikely.     

Vascular endothelial growth factor in nasal polyps: a comparison of asthmatic and non-asthmatic patients

The cause of nasal polyps remains unknown, although there is a well-recognized clinical association between nasal polyposis and asthma. The characteristic histological features of nasal polyps include large quantities of extracellular fluid. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent mediator of angiogenesis and vascular permeability. This study aimed to compare expression of VEGF in nasal polyps from patients with asthma and those with no apparent respiratory disease. Twenty-four asthmatic and 35 non-asthmatic patients were studied using immunohistochemistry for VEGF. VEGF expression was identified in endothelial, inflammatory and epithelial cells. There was significantly greater endothelial expression of VEGF in asthmatic patients (P < 0.05). Greater epithelial expression was observed in asthmatic patients but this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.07). There was no difference in the density of inflammatory cells expressing VEGF. Differences between the two groups may reflect differences in disease severity or in the nature of the inflammatory process.     

表皮生长因子与其受体在鼻息肉上皮中的表达

目的 探讨表皮生长因子(EGF)及其受体(EGFR)在鼻息肉上皮中的表达及其意义。方法 收集鼻息肉标本25例, 正常下鼻甲黏膜组织10例, 采用免疫组化及实时荧光定量PCR技术, 观察EGF与EGFR在鼻息肉和正常下鼻甲黏膜组织中的表达情况。结果 与正常下鼻甲黏膜组织相比, EGF及EGFR的mRNA水平在鼻息肉组织中的表达下降。在免疫组化染色中, EGF及EGFR主要表达在上皮的基底层细胞, 而且在鼻息肉中的表达下降。结论 EGF及EGFR在正常鼻黏膜组织上皮的发生与修复中有着重要的作用。EGF及EGFR在鼻息肉中蛋白水平与mRNA水平表达的下降表明在鼻息肉中上皮修复功能的下调或缺失可能导致或促进鼻息肉的发生。     

Vascular endothelial growth factor in nasal polyps: a comparison of asthmatic and non‐asthmatic patients

The cause of nasal polyps remains unknown, although there is a well‐recognized clinical association between nasal polyposis and asthma. The characteristic histological features of nasal polyps include large quantities of extracellular fluid. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent mediator of angiogenesis and vascular permeability. This study aimed to compare expression of VEGF in nasal polyps from patients with asthma and those with no apparent respiratory disease. Twenty‐four asthmatic and 35 non‐asthmatic patients were studied using immunohistochemistry for VEGF. VEGF expression was identified in endothelial, inflammatory and epithelial cells. There was significantly greater endothelial expression of VEGF in asthmatic patients (P < 0.05). Greater epithelial expression was observed in asthmatic patients but this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.07). There was no difference in the density of inflammatory cells expressing VEGF. Differences between the two groups may reflect differences in disease severity or in the nature of the inflammatory process.     

根据变应性鼻炎患者鼻分泌物嗜酸粒细胞计数调整类固醇治疗的临床意义

目的:探讨根据常年性持续性变应性鼻炎(AR)患者鼻分泌物嗜酸粒细胞(EOS)相对计数调整类固醇治疗的临床意义。方法:选择近3个月内未接受类固醇治疗的常年性持续性AR患者42例,采用酶联免疫荧光法测定鼻分泌物EOS阳离子蛋白浓度,根据鼻分泌物EOS计数将患者分为EOS组23例(EOS≥3%)与非EOS组19例(EOS<3%),均进行AR症状、体征评分、鼻分泌物细胞分类计数。治疗2、4、6个月时进行随访和疗效评价。结果:EOS组鼻分泌物中EOS比值[中位数M(25分位数;75分位数),下同]、EOS阳离子蛋白水平(x珋±s,下同)基线值分别为0.086(0.065;0.176)、(326±145)μg/L,非EOS组分别为0.016(0.005;0.022)、(154±58)μg/L,2组比较差异有统计学意义(t值分别为4.40、3.32,均P<0.01)。治疗2、6个月后,EOS组的EOS比值、EOS阳离子蛋白水平分别为0.038(0.006;0.070)、0.019(0.010;0.060);(175±122)μg/L、(175±153)μg/L,与基线值比较差异均有统计学意义(F值分别为6.73、7.38,均P<0.05);非EOS组分别为0.014(0.004;0.032)、0.015(0.010;0.026);(118±60)μg/L、(112±60)μg/L,与基线值比较,EOS比值差异无统计学意义(F=0.82,P>0.05),而EOS阳离子蛋白水平差异有统计学意义(F=3.78,P<0.05)。平均症状、体征评分EOS组和非EOS组在基线及2、4、6个月时不同时间点比较,差异均无统计学意义。2组鼻用类固醇用量各时间点比较差异均无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。结论:对于鼻分泌物EOS增高的AR患者,采用类固醇治疗能够抑制EOS炎症,改善AR患者的症状和体征。非EOS增高的AR患者对类固醇治疗反应性差,症状、体征无改善。临床上可以根据EOS的相对计数决定是否采用类固醇治疗。     

Clinical significance of eosinophilic cationic protein levels in nasal secretions of patients with nasal polyposis

Nasal polyps are characterized by eosinophilic infiltration, and frequently coexist with asthma, aspirin intolerance and allergy. Eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) is a specific eosinophil granule protein released upon activation of eosinophils. We investigated the ECP levels in nasal secretions of patients with nasal polyposis (NP) in order to correlate them with disease severity and associated diseases and to compare ECP levels between patients with and without recurrence of NP after surgical treatment. A total of 78 patients who had surgery for NP were followed up for a minimum of 18 months. The presence of asthma, allergies or aspirin intolerance was noted. Nasal secretions were obtained 1 day before the surgery and during the follow-up period after surgery. Immunoassays were used to quantify ECP in nasal secretions and serum and interleukin (IL)-5 in nasal secretions. ECP levels in nasal secretions were higher in patients with asthma or aspirin intolerance than in patients without asthma or aspirin intolerance, while no significant differences were found between allergic and non-allergic patients. ECP levels in nasal secretions correlated significantly with IL-5 levels in nasal secretions, the degree of tissue eosinophilia and computed tomographic (CT) scores. In total, 30 patients (38%) developed recurrent NP during the follow-up period. Preoperative ECP and IL-5 levels in nasal secretions were significantly higher in patients with recurrence compared to patients without recurrence. During the follow-up period, patients without recurrence demonstrated a significant reduction in the ECP levels in nasal secretions, whereas there was no significant reduction in the ECP levels of patients with recurrence. The results of this study provide evidence that ECP levels in nasal secretions of patients with NP correlate with the presence of asthma or aspirin intolerance and severity of NP determined by CT scores.     

Eosinophil cationic protein in the nasal secretions of patients with mite allergic rhinitis

In 25 patients with mite nasal allergy and 13 healthy control subjects, levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and histamine in nasal secretions were examined before and after challenge with mite extract. The ECP level was found to be significantly higher in the washings taken 30 minutes after challenge compared with the washings taken before challenge (P<.05). ECP levels measured both before and after mite extract challenge were found to be significantly higher in the patients than in the controls (P <.01). These facts suggest that the ECP affects the nasal mucosa by causing injury to ciliated cells and by acceleration of the processes of modification and inhibition of the allergic reaction.     

Nasal complaints and signs of disease in farmers--a methodological study

CONCLUSION: The methods used in this study are suitable for field studies that involve examinations of groups of workers. For individual examinations, there is no gold standard method that can discriminate work-related discomfort from other causes of rhinitis. OBJECTIVES: Studies of the effects of occupation on farmers' health have mainly focused on lower airways; few studies have examined effects on upper airways. This study investigated nasal functions in three groups of farmers (swine, milk and grain producers) and a control group using different methods, suitable for field studies. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Health-related complaints were examined and several functional tests, such as expirogram, olfactory threshold test, acoustic rhinometry, nasal lavage with biomarkers of inflammation (eosinophilic cationic proteins (ECP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), tryptase, albumin) and allergy tests were performed. The different tests were correlated to nasal complaints and to each other. RESULTS: Nasal blockage complaints were more common among farmers; overall, nasal polyps were more frequent in grain producers. Objective parameters showed more pronounced mucosal swelling in farmers and higher concentrations of ECP in nasal lavage compared with controls. Lung function, olfactory threshold, atopy frequency and allergen-specific IgE to the storage mite Lepidoglyphus destructor did not differ between farmers and controls. Mucosal swelling measured with acoustic rhinometry was more pronounced in subjects with nasal complaints, hypersensitivity, nasal polyps and symptoms from lower airways. There was a correlation between biomarkers in nasal lavage (MPO, albumin and ECP).