The association between serum MST1 and the prognosis in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps after functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Background and Aims: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is prone to postoperative recurrence. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum mammalian Ste20-like kinase 1 (MST1) and prognosis in CRSwNP patients after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

Methods

This prospective observational study included 100 CRSwNP patients undergoing FESS and 100 patients with nasal septal deviation or maxillary sinus cysts as controls. Serum levels of MST1, IFN-γ, and IL-5 were measured using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). MST1 mRNA expression in nasal polyps and inferior turbinate samples was quantified by qRT-PCR. Sinus lesions and quality of life were assessed using the Lund-Mackay, Lund-Kennedy, and SNOT-22 scoring systems. The 1-year recurrence-free survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curve, and the diagnostic value of MST1 for CRSwNP was evaluated by Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

Serum MST1 levels and MST1 mRNA expression were significantly elevated in CRSwNP patients. High MST1 expression positively correlated with increased eosinophils percentage and elevated IL-5 levels. Moreover, patients with lower MST1 expression exhibited better clinical outcomes and a lower recurrence rate. Logistic regression analysis identified MST1 and allergic rhinitis as independent predictors of recurrence. Furthermore, MST1 demonstrated a strong predictive value for recurrence in CRSwNP patients.

Conclusion

Elevated serum MST1 levels were strongly associated with inflammation, disease severity, and recurrence risk in CRSwNP. These findings suggest that MST1 could serve as a valuable prognostic biomarker for postoperative outcomes in CRSwNP patients.