Expression of Interleukins in Patients with Nasal Polyposis

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To correlate the levels of interleukins 1 β, 3, 4, and 5 before and after surgery and compare the levels between patients with and without recurrence of nasal polyposis. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Thirty-nine patients with NP were selected, 13 of them allergic and 26 nonallergic. A control group of 11 individuals was also studied. The concentrations of interleukins were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: There was a higher incidence of NP after the fourth decade of life and among men. The clinical symptoms were similar in both groups of patients with nasal polyposis and characterized by nasal obstruction and anosmia. A significant reduction of all interleukins studied was observed after surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: Levels of interleukins 1β, 3, 4, and 5 were significantly reduced after surgery and the levels of interleukins 1β and 5 were significantly lower in patients without recurrence of nasal polyposis after surgery when compared to those with recurrence.