The role of RANTES in nasal polyposis.
BACKGROUND
Characteristic infiltrates of eosinophils are a hallmark of nasal polyps (NPs). Several studies suggest that members of the CC chemokine family may be involved in this process. RANTES (regulated on activation, normal t-cell-expressed and secreted) is a member of the CC chemokine family with chemotactic activity on mainly eosinophils and T lymphocytes. Thus, RANTES is an interesting target for the recruitment of eosinophils and T lymphocytes into the nose. The degree of the tissue eosinophilia has been reported to correlate with the severeness of the symptomatology of the disease and the extension on the lower respiratory tract, as well as with the probability of the recurrence of NPs. Therefore, we hypothesized that high numbers of eosinophils correlate with high levels of RANTES and that associated atopic diseases modify this correlation.


METHODS
Total RNA was extracted from NP homogenates, reverse transcribed and RANTES mRNA expression analyzed using semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot analysis. Histological studies divided NPs in an eosinophilic and low eosinophilic group. Additionally, RANTES protein concentration was measured in homogenates by a RANTES-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.


RESULTS
This study has clearly shown that RANTES is expressed and secreted in NPs. The group with a high tissue eosinophilia had a significant higher RANTES gene expression and protein production than NPs without tissue eosinophilia. The isolated coincidence of acetylsalicyl acid intolerance with chronic hyperplastic sinusitis/NP additionally increased significantly the RANTES amounts in NPs.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased RANTES leads to increased tissue eosinophilia. Associated acetylsalicylic acid intolerance seems to enhance the amount of RANTES in NPs and might explain in part the more severe clinical course in those patients. Thus, RANTES appears to play an important role in mobilization of eosinophils into the local inflamed tissue.
Meyer
Jens E
JE
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany.
Bartels
Joachim
J
Görögh
Tibor
T
Sticherling
Michael
M
Rudack
Claudia
C
Ross
Douglas A
DA
Maune
Steffen
S
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D018946:Chemokine CCL5 / Q000502:physiology*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000378:metabolism; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D009298:Nasal Polyps / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism
D015415:Biomarkers; D018946:Chemokine CCL5; D012333:RNA, Messenger