Cytokine profile of nasal polyps and clinical characteristics of patients with polypous rhinosinisitis at different degree of therapeutic control and disease severity

Abstract

The issues of recurrencies in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) still remain unresolved. Therefore, detection patients with uncontrolled clinical course of CRSwNP is required.The aim of the present study was to assess cytokine profile in nasal polyps as well as clinical characteristics of patients with CRSwNP at varying levels of therapeutic control.The study included 99 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. The contents of interferon IFNγ, interleukin IL- 1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, tumor necrosis factor TNFα, transforming growth factors TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3 were measured in polyp tissue samples by means of multiplex analysis. The patients were treated according to a stepwise СRSwNP therapeutic algorithm [9]. Following observation for 5 years, all patients were divided into groups, as based on medical control degree. Group 1 included patients with mild CRSwNP, who mainly received stage I and II treatment for the entire observation period. Group 2 was presented by moderate- severity CRSwNP, with stage II or III therapy according to the referred algorithm. Group 3 included the patients with severe CRSwNP who received one or more stage IV courses. The patients underwent repeated SNOT-22 questionnaire, endoscopic examination, clinical assessment. In case of bronchial asthma (BA), ACQ-7 was repeated. Initial cytokine profile of nasal polyps was analyzed by the mentioned clinical groups.Results:After 5 years of observations in group 1 (mild CRSwNP), we found a minimal decrease in quality of life (SNOT-22), severity of nasal congestion, or smell impairment. Bronchial asthma duration in these patients was significantly lower compared to group 3, the patients had better asthma control level. Cytokine profile of nasal polyps was characterized by the highest IL-4 concentration, average values IL-1β, TNFα, IFNγ and minimal TGF-β1 values.In group 2 (moderate CRSwNP), we noted more pronouced impairment of smell, nasal congestion and quality of life. Bronchial asthma was less controlled than in group 1. The maximal concentrations of IFNγ, IL-1β, TNFα, IL-5, TGF-β1, TGF-β2 were registered.In group 3 with poor CRSwNP control, the highest SNOT-22 scores, severity of difficulty in nasal breathing, impaired sense of smell were revealed. Duration of bronchial asthma was longer, with lowest levels of medical control. In nasal polyps, minimal levels of IFNγ, IL-1β, TNFα, IL-4, IL-5, TGF-β2, TGF-β3 were noted.Treatment of patients depending on the clinical phenotypes of CRSwNP in the presence/absence of allergic rhinitis or bronchial asthma may improve control and reduce incidence of relapses in CRSwNP.