[Expression of the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase mRNA and the role in nasal polyps].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the pathogenesis of nasal polyps. The aim of this study is to detect the expression of inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in nasal polyp tissue, and to compare these findings with that in normal nasal turbinate.

METHODS

We examined the expression of iNOS in human nasal polyps from patients undergoing nasal polypectomy (n = 8) and nasal turbinectomy(n = 6). The iNOS mRNA expression was determined by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

The iNOS mRNA expression was significantly stronger in the nasal polyps (NP) than that in turbinate tissues (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

iNOS expression is upregulated in NP, which indicate that iNOS and NO may play a potential role in the formation and growth of NP.