Immunohistochemical demonstration and semi-quantitation of vascular endothelial growth factor in recurrent versus non-recurrent nasal polyps

OBJECTIVE: The expression of some growth factors in nasal polyps has been examined, although investigations addressing the reason for recurrence in some patients are lacking. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is expressed by inflammatory cells, as well as by endothelial and epithelial cells of nasal polyps. To determine whether VEGF may play a role in the recurrence of nasal polyps, we aimed to compare VEGF expression in recurrent versus non-recurrent polyps. In addition, expression in polyps from asthmatic patients was compared with that in polyps from non-asthmatics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 30 patients with newly diagnosed nasal polyposis were included. Polypectomy was performed at enrolment in the long-term follow-up study. Fifteen patients had only 1 polypectomy (non-recurrence group; median observation period 81 months) and 15 had a median of 6.4 polypectomies (multiple recurrence group; median observation period 108 months). Five of 10 patients with asthma belonged to the non-recurrence group and 5 to the recurrence group. The polyp obtained at the initial polypectomy was examined for expression of VEGF by immunohistochemistry, using a polyclonal antibody. A blinded semi-quantitation and comparison of the intensity of immunolabelling were performed in recurrent versus non-recurrent polyps, as well as in asthmatics versus non-asthmatics. RESULTS: VEGF expression was seen as varying staining of the polyp surface and gland epithelium, as well as of the vessel endothelium and some stromal mono- and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Semi-quantitation of the staining intensity showed no significant differences between recurrent and non-recurrent polyps, or between asthmatics and non-asthmatics. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the level of immunohistochemical expression of VEGF in recurrent and nonrecurrent nasal polyposis is equivalent. Thus, the level of VEGF expression cannot predict a subsequent recurrence. The expression of VEGF is not upregulated in patients with asthma. Further studies are needed to determine the role of VEGF in nasal polyposis, with special reference to different stages of polyp formation, vascularization and growth.     

Basic fibroblast growth factor expression in recurrent versus non-recurrent nasal polyposis

Various growth factors are expressed in nasal polyps, and some of these have been suggested to play a role in polyp formation. A potential relation between growth factor expression and polyp recurrence, however, is undetermined. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is expressed in mononuclear cells, as well as in endothelial and epithelial surface and gland cells of nasal polyps. To determine whether bFGF may play a role in the recurrence of nasal polyps, the present study aimed at a comparison of bFGF expression in recurrent versus non-recurrent polyps. Further, the expression in polyps from asthmatic patients was compared with that from non-asthmatics. Thirty patients with newly diagnosed nasal polyposis were included. Polypectomy was performed at entry to the long-term follow-up study. Fifteen patients only had one polypectomy (no recurrence group, with a median observation time of 81 months). Fifteen patients had a median of 6.4 polypectomies (multiple recurrence group, with a median observation time of 108 months). Five of nine patients with asthma belonged to the non-recurrence group and four to the recurrence group. The polyp from the entrance polypectomy was examined for expression of bFGF by immunohistochemistry, using a polyclonal antibody. A masked semi-quantification of staining intensity was performed in recurrent versus non-recurrent polyps, as well as in asthmatics versus non-asthmatics. bFGF expression was seen as varying staining of the polyp surface and gland epithelium, as well as of some mononuclear cells and some fibroblast-like cell profiles in the polyp stroma. Vascular endothelium was labeled occasionally. Semi-quantification of the staining intensity showed no significant differences between recurrent and non-recurrent polyps, or between asthmatics and non-asthmatics. We conclude that the level of immunohistochemical expression of bFGF in recurrent and non-recurrent nasal polyposis is equivalent. Thus, the level of bFGF expression in the primary polyp can not predict a subsequent recurrence. The expression of bFGF is not up-regulated in patients with asthma. Further studies are needed to determine a potential role of bFGF in nasal polyposis, with special reference to different stages of polyp formation and growth.     

Prophylactic budesonide nasal spray after polypectomy

This double blind study compared the effect of budesonide nasal spray with placebo, in the prophylaxis of nasal polyp recurrence after avulsion. 38 cases were given budesonide nasal spray and 25 placebo for 3 months after polypectomy. Follow up of 9 months revealed budesonide treated patients to have significantly lower recurrence rate as compared to the placebo. Interestingly patients with recurrent nasal polyposis benefitted much more from topical budesonide treatment as compared to ones with no previous history of polypectomy.     

Budesonide nasal spray as prophylactic treatment after polypectomy (a double blind clinical trial)

This double-blind parallel-group study compared the effect of budesonide with placebo, in the prophylaxis of nasal polyp recurrence after evulsion. Seventy-three patients with first time or recurrent polypectomy were enrolled. At revisits 3 and 6 months after evulsion, the budesonide-treated patients had significantly lower polyp scores than the placebo-treated patients. Only patients with recurrent nasal polyposis benefited from the budesonide treatment, whereas no effect was evident in patients with first time evulsion.     

鼻息肉中血管内皮生长因子mRNA的检测与意义

目的 :检测鼻息肉组织和鼾症下鼻甲粘膜组织中的血管内皮生长因子 (VEGF) m RN A水平的表达 ,了解其在慢性炎症过程中的作用。方法 :取 6例行下鼻甲切除术的下鼻甲粘膜和 7例鼻息肉切除术的鼻息肉标本 ,用半定量的反转录 -聚合酶链反应 (RT- PCR)方法检测 VEGF的 m RNA表达。结果 :RT- PCR结果显示在鼻息肉组织中 V EGF的表达较鼾症患者下鼻甲粘膜组织明显升高。结论 :鼻息肉组织中 VEGF的表达显著升高 ,推测 VEGF在鼻息肉的形成、生长及复发过程中具有极其重要的作用。     

The concentration and expression of IL-5 in human nasal polyp tissue]

OBJECTIVE: To study the concentration and expression of IL-5 in nasal polyp tissues and explore its significance in the micro-environment differentiation of eosinophils accumulation and clarify the conception of nasal polyposis. METHODS: The concentration and expression of IL-5 in nasal polyp tissues of 40 patients were determined by ELISA and immunohistochemistry, and inferior turbinate mucosa from patients with nasal polyps and healthy volunteers was used as control. RESULTS: 1. IL-5 concentration in the polyp tissues was significantly higher than that in inferion turbinate mucosa(P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in inferion turbinate mucosa between the patients with nasal polyps and healthy volunteers (P > 0.05). IL-5 concentration in polyp tissues was markedly higher in patients with extensive polypoid change of nasal mucosa, history of previous polypectomy and allergic rhinitis compared with those without these features (P < 0.05). IL-5 concentration had no correlation with age and sex (P > 0.05). 2. 80.1% of the eosinophils were positive for IL-5 and 90.9% of IL-5 positive cells were eosinophils. Only 3.7% of the lymphocytes and neutrophils were IL-5 positive, and IL-5 was not detectable in epithelial cells. IL-5 expression in eosinophils of polyp tissues was remarkably stronger than that of the turbinate mucosa (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in inferion turbinate mucosa between the patients with nasal polyps and healthy volunteers (P > 0.05). IL-5 expression of eosinophils in polyp tissues was significantly stronger in patients with extensive polypoid change of nasal mucosa, history of previous polypectomy and allergic rhinitis compared with those without these features (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in IL-5 expression in lymphocytes and neutrophils between polyp tissues and inferior turbinate nasal mucosa (both P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: IL-5 is a key protein in eosinophilic pathologic mechanisms in nasal polyp tissues.     

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.     

Prevention of relapses of nasal polyposis with intranasal triamcinolone acetonide after polyp surgery: a prospective double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised study with a 9-month follow-up

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2012, 37 , 117–123 Objective:  To determine whether intranasal triamcinolone acetonide prevents the regrowth of nasal polyps after polyp surgery. Study design:  Randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, prospective study. Setting:  Helsinki University Central Hospital. Participants:  Sixty patients with nasal polyps entered the study. Patients were included upon arrival for elective polyp operations determined according to our standard clinical criteria. The recurrence of nasal polyposis was followed up for 9 months after surgical treatment at 3‐month intervals. Main outcome measures:  Anterior rhinoscopy, nasal endoscopy, olfactory threshold measurement, active anterior rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry were performed at every follow‐up visit. Results:  On the whole, there was a significant inter‐group difference in the change in polyp size of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)‐tolerant patients during the follow‐up. In patients with acetylsalicylic acid intolerance, there was no inter‐group difference (P = 0.28). No significant differences were noted for nasal resistance, nasal cavity volume, sense of smell and nasal symptoms. Conclusion:  Triamcinolone acetonide prevents regrowth of nasal polyps after polyp surgery in acetylsalicylic acid‐tolerant patients, but not in acetylsalicylic acid‐intolerant patients.     

Do topical nasal decongestants affect polyps?

Conclusions. The hypothesis that decongestants reduce the size of nasal polyps could not be verified. Decongestion is therefore recommended prior to nasal endoscopy, especially in polyp diagnosis, as it does not artificially change the size of the polyps. Objective. The role of nasal decongestants in nasal stuffiness is well established and their action is well known. Decongestants are also used prior to nasal endoscopy to achieve a better view of the nasal cavity in order to diagnose polyps. The question is whether this decongestion invalidates the estimation of polyp size in clinical and scientific practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible effects of topical decongestants on polyp extension in patients with nasal polyposis. Material and methods. The effect of the decongestants nafazoline and epinephrine on nasal polyp size was assessed by means of a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study. A sensitive endoscopic scoring system, lateral imaging, was used to assess the size and extension of the nasal polyps. Results. No significant effect of decongestion on polyp size could be found for either treatment.     

Polypoidal rhinosinusitis in cystic fibrosis: a clinical and histopathological study

The eosinophil may play a key role in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis. Polyps in cystic fibrosis, however, have been described as neutrophilic. We compared the cell counts in polyps from 44 patients with cystic fibrosis to polyps from 50 patients without cystic fibrosis. The clinical profile, CT-scan and time to polyp recurrence were also compared with the cell counts in the patients with cystic fibrosis. No significant difference was detected in the number of patients with eosinophils (P > 0.25). Significantly more patients in the group with cystic fibrosis had polyp neutrophils (P < 0.01). Polyps from patients without cystic fibrosis contained more eosinophils (P < 0.001) whilst polyps from patients with cystic fibrosis contained more neutrophils (P = 0.001) and plasma cells (P = 0.038). Significant correlation was found between the neutrophil count and the CT score (P = 0.025) and between the recurrence time of polyps and the macrophage count (P = 0.01). Eosinophils are present in varying degrees in polyps from patients with and without cystic fibrosis and to classify polyps as eosinophilic or neutrophilic may be a false distinction.     

水通道蛋白-5与鼻息肉手术疗效的相关性

目的观察水通道蛋白-5（aquaporin-5,AQP5）在鼻息肉术后未复发及复发患者鼻息肉组织中的表达及分布,初步探讨AQP5在鼻息肉中的表达程度与鼻息肉手术疗效的相关性。方法选取鼻息肉患者63例,两侧病变以病重侧计,所有病例均在鼻内镜下行鼻息肉摘除及窦口开放术。取63例鼻息肉组织,用4％多聚甲醛固定,石蜡包埋,连续切片,应用HE染色和免疫组织化学技术检测AQP5在未复发和复发鼻息肉组织中的阳性细胞的表达,对AQP5表达程度和手术疗效进行相关性统计学分析。结果AQP5在鼻息肉术后未复发组中的阳性细胞表达显著降低,与复发组比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。结论AQP5的高表达可能与术后鼻息肉复发有一定关系;鼻息肉的AQP5的表达程度可以作为预测鼻息肉患者预后指标之一。     

Nasal polyps in children

The inflammatory nasal polyp is the most common benign or malignant nasal mass seen in children. Nasal polyps in the pediatric population appear to occur as inflammatory responses to bacterial infections. In 33% of the patients with polyps whom we studied, antral choanal polyps were noted, and in 20% of the patients the polyps were unilateral but not antral choanal. In 18% of the patients the polyps were bilateral and in an additional 29% they occurred bilaterally in association with cystic fibrosis. History of an allergy is infrequently associated with nasal polyps; allergies are potentially major contributing factors to nasal polyps only in patients without cystic fibrosis whose nasal polyps are bilateral. Patients with antral choanal polyps are most successfully managed by simultaneous Caldwell-Luc antrostomy and polypectomy. Sixty percent of patients with nasal polyps and cystic fibrosis are adequately managed with a single intranasal polypectomy. Simultaneous sinus surgery and polypectomy should be considered for all patients with recurrent polyps and for all patients with clinical or radiographic evidence of significant sinusitis. Complications, including epistaxis and intranasal synechia, occurred in 3% of the 170 surgical procedures performed.     

Significance and expression of transforming growth factor beta in human nasal polyp tissue]

OBJECTIVE: To explore the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis and the expression of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) in human inflammatory nasal polyps. METHODS: TGF-beta 1-3 in nasal polyp tissues and inferior turbinate mucosa of twenty-five polyposis patients were detected with immunohistochemistry alkaline phosphatase and anti-alkaline phosphatase (APAAP) method. The inferior turbinate mucosa of eight healthy volunteers were selected as control. Six polyp tissues were estimated with double immunolabeling and Western-blot analysis to compare the characterization of the TGF-beta isoforms expression and the proportion of macrophages and eosinophils in nasal polyp tissues. RESULTS: The expression of TGF-beta 1-3 in nasal polyps was significantly higher than that in nasal mucosa and indetecable in nasal mucosa from healthy volunteers; TGF-beta 1 was the main isoform detected in nasal polyps; TGF-beta positively was accompanied by numerous macrophage and eosinophil infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: TGF-beta mainly TGF-beta 1 is strongly expressed in nasal polyps and its mucosa, where it could be produced by macrophages and eosinophils. TGF-beta could induce modification of epithelium and connective tissue and therefore be involved in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis.     

The effectiveness of steroid treatment in nasal polyposis

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the management of nasal polyposis are to eliminate or reduce the size of polyps, reestablish nasal breathing, reduce symptoms of rhinitis, restore the sense of smell, and prevent the recurrence of nasal polyps. Local or systemic steroids have been used in the treatment of nasal polyps, but efficacy of combined (local and systemic) steroids in nasal polyposis has been little investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of combined steroid therapy on the symptoms and extent of the disease in patients with nasal polyposis. METHODS: Seventeen patients with nasal polyps were treated with combined steroids. Before and after the therapy, polyp size, nasal symptoms, sense of smell, and headache or facial pain were assessed by an established scoring system. RESULTS: After the therapy, symptom scores of all the patients improved. Of the patients, 12% showed a polyp-free nasal cavity, 76% a clear involution of polyps, and 12% no response to the therapy. There were statistically significant differences (P<0.001) for symptom scores and polyp size. Medical ablation of polyps using steroids was not achieved in 88% patients. CONCLUSION: Steroids can reduce polyp sizes and improve the symptoms, but are inadequate to eradicate the polyps. Surgery still plays a major part in the treatment of the nasal polyposis, but steroids can delay the necessity for surgical intervention.     

STAT6在鼻息肉组织中的表达及其与嗜酸粒细胞浸润的关系

目的：研究信号转导和转录激活因子6（STAT6）在鼻息肉组织中的表达及其对嗜酸粒细胞（EOS）浸润聚集的作用,探讨其在鼻息肉发生中的可能作用。方法：选取符合纳入标准的鼻息肉患者手术切除标本（鼻息肉组）30例和同期单纯行鼻中隔偏曲矫正术中切除的下鼻甲组织（对照组）10例。采用免疫组织化学SP法检测2组下鼻甲黏膜中STAT6的表达。应用SPSS13.0软件进行统计学分析。结果：STAT6和EOS在鼻息肉组织中的表达明显高于下鼻甲,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。STAT6阳性细胞主要集中于鼻息肉的上皮细胞、腺体细胞和组织中浸润的炎性细胞的细胞质中。鼻息肉组中STAT6的表达与EOS浸润程度一致（P〈0.01）。结论：STAT6在鼻息肉组织中的高表达及其对EOS浸润聚集的作用,可能与鼻息肉的发生和发展关系密切。     

Intranasal lysine aspirin in recurrent nasal polyposis

Twenty patients with recurrent nasal polyposis but without any history of aspirin sensitivity were given 2000 μg of intranasal lysine aspirin to one nostril and saline to the other once a week for periods of up to 15 months. Two patients had increased nasal obstruction following the initial test doses of lysine aspirin and were excluded from the the trial proper. In the remainder symptomatic polyp recurrence was delayed compared with the previous experience while on intranasal steroids, with eight patients remaining symptom free at 15 months compared with an expected number of three (P= < 0.05, χ² test). Polyp recurrence was bilateral but there was a tendency for the lysine aspirin treated side to have less polyp tissue as assessed by nasendoscopy and by acoustic rhinometry.     

鼻息肉中单核细胞趋化蛋白1和血管内皮生长因子的表达

目的明确单核细胞趋化蛋白1（monocyte chemotactic protein 1，MCP-1）和血管内皮生长因子（vascular endothelial growth factor，VEGF）在鼻息肉组织中的表达及其相关性，初步探讨MCP-1与鼻息肉发生的关系。方法取40例鼻息肉组织和25例下鼻甲组织，应用原位杂交和免疫组织化学等方法检测MCP-1和VEGF mRNA及蛋白质的表达。结果鼻息肉组织中MCP-1和VEGF mRNA及蛋白质的表达均高于对照组下鼻甲组织（P值均〈0．01）；鼻息肉组织中MCP-1和VEGF蛋白质的表达呈正相关（r=0．871，P〈0．05）。结论鼻息肉组织中MCP-1和VEGF表达增加，二者协同作用可能是鼻息肉形成的原因之一。     

Investigating <Emphasis Type="Italic">Helicobacter pylori</Emphasis> in nasal polyposis using polymerase chain reaction,urease test and culture

The aim of this study was to identify the presence of Helicobacter pylori in nasal polyp specimens of patients with nasal polyposis. A cross-sectional study with control group was performed on fresh tissue samples from 25 patients with nasal polyps, and 25 persons with concha bollusa (control group). Patients with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) were not enrolled. Samples were studied by three methods: polymerase chain reaction (PCR), culture, and urease test. All the diagnostic tests were negative for H. pylori in both the case and control groups. In conclusion, there was no association between H. pylori and nasal polyposis in patients without GERD signs or symptoms in our study, and further studies are needed to assess other potential factors that may influence the development of nasal polyposis.     

Expression of mammaglobins A and B in nasal polyps is similar in patients with and without allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND: The causes of nasal polyposis remain unclear. Mammaglobins have been implicated in its pathogenesis. However, their association with the occurrence of nasal polyps in the presence of allergic rhinitis (AR) has not been explored. The aim of this study was to compare the expression levels of mammaglobins A and B with the nasal polyps of patients with and without AR. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with bilateral nasal polyposis underwent skin-prick tests to specific aeroallergens. Nasal polyp tissues were obtained from all patients and divided into two groups as nasal polyps with and without AR depending on clinical history and the skin-prick test results. All polyp tissues were analyzed for the levels of mammaglobin A and mammaglobin B by using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction technique. RESULTS: Of the 16 samples from patients having nasal polyps with AR, only 1 sample expressed a detectable level of mammaglobin A (1/16). There was no detectable expression of mammaglobin A in tissues from the group of nasal polyps without AR (0/15). Expression of mammaglobin B was detected in all nasal polyp tissues from both groups. The expression of mammaglobin B was not significantly different between nasal polyps with AR (median, 25th-75th percentiles; 0.023, 0.013-0.046) and nasal polyps without AR (0.032, 0.007-0.16). CONCLUSION: Expression levels of mammaglobins A and B in nasal polyps are not different between patients with and without AR. Our findings suggest that mammaglobins' implication in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps is independent of an underlying AR.