[The role of COX-2, ALOX12 and iNOS genes in nasal polyposis].

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate whether cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase (ALOX12) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) which are well-known mediators in inflammatory process play a role in nasal polyposis (NP) and to show their roles in initiation and progression of inflammation.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

We investigated the expression levels of COX-2, ALOX12 and iNOS genes by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method in NP tissues obtained from 10 patients (4 females, 6 males; mean age ?? years; range 21 to 54 years).

RESULTS

The mRNA levels of COX-2 expression observed in NP was found to be relatively increased, compared to the control tissue (p>0.05). The ALOX12 levels were relatively decreased (p>0.05), while the expression level of iNOS mRNA was significantly higher in NP tissue (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that nitric oxide (NO), a gene product of iNOS, may play a physiological role in the upper airways and also NO is associated with inflammatory processes in the airways.