Differential Expression of TFF1 and TFF3 in Patients Suffering from Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis

Abstract

Trefoil family factor (TFF) proteins contribute to antimicrobial defense and the maintenance of sinonasal epithelial barrier integrity. Dysregulation of TFF expression may be involved in the development of chronic inflammation and tissue remodeling characteristically found in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). Expressions of <i>TFF1</i> and <i>TFF3</i> were determined in specimens of middle nasal turbinate (MNT-0), bulla ethmoidalis (BE), and nasal polyps (NP) from CRSwNP patients (<i>n</i> = 29) and inferior nasal turbinate from a group of control patients (underwent nasal septoplasty, <i>n</i> = 25). An additional MNT sample was collected 6 months after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS, MNT-6). <i>TFF1</i> mRNA levels were significantly reduced in all specimens by approximately three- to five-fold, while <i>TFF3</i> was increased in MNT-0, as compared with controls. Six months after surgery their levels were reversed to control values. CRSwNP patients with <i>S. epidermidis</i> isolated from sinus swabs showed upregulation of <i>TFF3</i> in MNT and NP as compared with patients with sterile swabs. Target gene regulation was not affected by the presence of type 2 inflammation in patients with confirmed allergy. Results of this study imply participation of <i>TFFs</i> genes in the development of CRSwNP.