Nonasthmatic nasal polyposis patients with allergy exhibit greater epithelial MMP positivity

Abstract Objective To determine the influence of allergic rhinitis (AR) on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, MMP-2, and tissue inhibitor-1 of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1) in nasal polyposis. Study Design A case-control study. Setting A tertiary referral center. Subjects and Methods The expression of MMP-9, MMP-2, and TIMP-1 was investigated in the nasal polyp tissue (NP) and maxillary sinus mucosa (MM) samples from 20 AR patients and 20 nonallergic patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery. Trichrome, periodic acid–Schiff, and hematoxylin-eosin staining were also performed and those expression levels were compared. Results Infiltration of eosinophils was shown more intensely in NP rather than in MM, especially in the presence of AR. In the NP of AR patients, increased expression of MMP-9, MMP-2, and TIMP-1 was observed more prominently than in that of the control group. In case of MM, however, there was no significant difference between AR patients and the control group. Conclusion The presence of AR may enhance the expression of MMP-9, MMP-2, and TIMP-1 associated with airway remodeling in nasal polyposis.