Expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha in the nasal polyps by real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.

OBJECTIVE

Hypoxia may result in increased recruitment of inflammatory cells and release of various inflammatory cytokines. Local hypoxia within the sinus is believed to aggravate sinus inflammation. In this study, we tried to investigate the correlation of hypoxia-inducible factor, which is upregulated under hypoxic condition, and nasal polyposis.

METHODS

Forty-four polyps from patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery and 38 inferior turbinate mucosa were obtained for immunohistochemical staining. Twenty-three polyps and 22 turbinate mucosa also underwent real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for quantification of messenger RNA (mRNA). The severity of the disease was judged by the Lund-Mackay CT scoring.

RESULTS

Expression of hypoxia-inducible factor protein, but not mRNA, was significantly increased in nasal polyps compared with that in the turbinate mucosa, but it did not correlate with the disease severity.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that hypoxia may have a role in the initiation of nasal polyposis.