Reactive Oxygen Species in Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Secondhand Smoke Exposure

ObjectiveReactive oxygen species (ROS) can potentiate cellular injury and inflammation. This study aimed to (1) assess the presence of reactive oxygen species in the sinus tissue of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and (2) assess the impact of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingAcademic medical center.Subjects and MethodsSinus tissue samples from patients undergoing sinus surgery were analyzed using diaminobenzidine (DAB) staining to assess for ROS. Stained specimens were photographed at random by a blinded photographer and then quantified by 3 blinded graders. The patient’s SHS exposure was determined by hair nicotine levels. Results were compared between non–smoke exposed cohorts and those exposed to secondhand smoke and by diagnosis.ResultsSixty-nine adults undergoing sinus surgery were included in the study. For the non-SHS-exposed cohorts, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) had the highest ...