title: Interferon gamma expression in human nasal polyps.
abstract: One feature among nasal polyps (NPs) is the predominance of lymphocytes and eosinophils. We hypothesize that elevated levels of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) activate lymphocytes and eosinophils within the NP microenvironment. Nasal polyps were evaluated for distribution and levels of IFN-gamma in specimens from 27 patients with nasal polyposis and 4 controls. Immunohistochemical study revealed IFN-gamma staining of eosinophils, glandular cells, and epithelium (27 of 27 patients). ELISA analysis indicated elevated IFN-gamma levels in total NP tissues (25.6 +/- 7.23 pg/mg total protein [TP]) compared with controls (16.27 +/- 6.54 pg/mg TP). Three subpopulations were identified based on IFN-gamma levels: low IFN-gamma group (10.7 +/- 5.51 pg/mg TP); medium IFN-gamma group (25.70 +/- 5.90 pg/mg TP); and high IFN-gamma group (52.58 +/- 10.29 pg/mg TP). The latter levels were approximately 3.5 times the control levels (P<0.0025). Patients with previous polypectomy surgery showed higher levels of IFN-gamma compared with controls (P<0.0423). A trend was found with increased IFN-gamma levels and allergy, asthma, and topical steroid use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, School of Medicine, Farmington 06030-3105, U.S.A.
authors.forename: F R
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Dellacono
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Eisma
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lafreniere
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Leonard
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kreutzer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D004848:Epithelium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009298:Nasal Polyps / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D007371:Interferon-gamma