Abstract
Objective—The formation and growth of nasal polyps requires remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of endopeptidases that can collectively degrade almost all extracellular matrix components. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of MMPs in nasal polyps.Material and Methods—The expression of MMP-2 and -9 was investigated in the nasal polyps of 20 patients undergoing endonasal sinus surgery and compared with that in control nasal mucosal samples obtained from 20 non-allergic hypertrophic rhinitis patients. Tissue samples were either homogenized for reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis or frozen for immunohistochemistry.Results—MMP-2 mRNA expression was observed only in the nasal polyp samples and not in the control tissues. MMP-9 mRNA was not expressed in either type of tissue. Similarly, MMP-2 expression was observed in the nasal polyps of chronic sinusitis patients but not in the inferior turbinate mucosa of the control subjects. MMP-2 positivity was present in basal cells in the surface epithelium and in infiltrating cells in subepithelial tissues. MMP-9-positive cells were not observed in either nasal polyps or inferior turbinates. These results suggest that MMP-2 expression is characteristic of nasal polyps.Conclusion—MMP-2 may play a role in the remodeling of nasal polyps.
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