[The expression and correlation of inducible nitric oxide synthase, Bax and Bcl-2 in nasal polyps].

OBJECTIVE: To detect the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), apoptosis-related gene Bax, Bcl-2 in nasal polyps,and discuss the their relationship. METHOD: The apoptosis of 30 cases of nasal polyps was detected by TUNEL assay. The expressions of iNOS and Bax, Bcl-2 was detected by immunohistochemical SABC method. The expressions of iNOS and Bax, Bcl-2 was measured by western blot. RESULT: 1) The weakly positive stained apoptotic cells were detected at the surface epithelial cells and glandular epithelial cells of nasal polyps by TUNEL assay. 2) Immunohistochemical method revealed that positive stainings of iNOS, Bax, Bcl-2 located in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells, glandular epithelial cells, endothelial cells and infiltrating inflammatory cells in nasal polyps. The expression of Bax was weak, while the expressions of iNOS and Bcl-2 were strong. 3) iNOS, Bcl-2 and Bax was detected by western blot. The expressions of these proteins were significantly different (P<0.01). The expression of iNOS and Bcl-2 had a positive correlation (r=0.851, P<0.01), while the expression of iNOS and Bax had a negative correlation (r=-0.714, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins are co-existed in the nasal polyps, iNOS may play an important role in the pathogens of nasal polyps through inhibition of apoptosis.