Increased expression of intelectin-1 in nasal polyps.
BACKGROUND
Intelectin-1 is a new type of Ca(2+)-dependant soluble lectin in humans that has affinity for galactofuranose in carbohydrate chains of bacterial cell walls, indicating that intelectin-1 may play a role in immune defense against bacteria. The purpose  of the current study was to determine the expression of intelectin-1 mRNA and protein and to localize intelectin-1 protein in nasal polyps and tissues from control subjects.


METHODS
Normal sphenoid sinus mucosa was obtained from 10 patients undergoing surgery for pituitary  tumor. Nasal polyp samples were obtained from 10 patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic polypoid rhinosinusitis. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for intelectin-1 mRNA. Immunofluorescent staining was done for localization of intelectin-1 and quantitatively  analyzed using computer-based image analysis. Western blot analysis was performed.


RESULTS
Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis showed that intelectin-1 expression in nasal polyps was increased compared with normal sinus mucosa. Using immunofluorescent staining, intelectin-1  was strongly stained in epithelium and submucosa of nasal polyps, and faint staining was found in normal sinus mucosa.


CONCLUSIONS
Intelectin-1 is expressed in human sinus mucosa and is increased in patients with nasal polyps. These results suggest a possible contribution  for intelectin-1 in the pathophysiology of nasal polyps.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
Il-Ho
IH
Park
Se-Jin
SJ
Park
Jung-Sun
JS
Cho
You-Mi
YM
Moon
Tae Hoon
TH
Kim
Sang Hag
SH
Lee
Heung-Man
HM
Lee
D000328:Adult; D015153:Blotting, Western; D016207:Cytokines / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D058851:GPI-Linked Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D037102:Lectins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000737:chemistry; D009298:Nasal Polyps / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
D016207:Cytokines; D058851:GPI-Linked Proteins; C432397:ITLN1 protein, human; D037102:Lectins; D012333:RNA, Messenger