Possible role of transforming growth factor beta and interleukin-4 in the up-regulation of CLC-2 and CLC-3 in chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) may cover different disease entities, and the pathogenic mechanism remains unclear.

METHODS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of chloride channel protein CLC-2 and CLC-3 in CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) and evaluate the roles of interleukin (IL)-4 and transforming growth factor (TGF) beta in the up-regulation of CLC-2 and CLC-3. We detected expression of CLC-2 and CLC-3 in 17 patients with CRSsNP by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and we examined the concentration of TGF-beta, IL-4, IL-5, and interferon (IFN) gamma in ethmoid sinus mucosa by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

We found that CLC-2 and CLC-3 is up-regulated in CRSnNP and located in submucosal glands and epithelium of the ethmoid sinus. CLC-2 and CLC-3 mRNA correlated with IL-4 in CRSsNP (r = 0.57 and 0.65; p < 0.05). CLC-2 and CLC-3 mRNA correlated negatively with mucosal TGF-beta in CRSsNP (r = -0.49 and -0.54; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

We concluded that CLC-2 and CLC-3 is up-regulated in ethmoid mucosa and may affect the development of CRSsNP. TGF-beta and IL-4 may modulate the expression of CLC-2 and CLC-3 in CRSsNP.