Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
Immunofluorescent Labeling in Nasal Mucosa Tissue Sections of Allergic Rhinitis Rats via Multicolor Immunoassay
Published on: September 22, 2023
Expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 33 protein in nasal polyposis: an immunohistochemical study
Selim S Erbek1, Hilal Erinanc, Seyra Erbek
1Department of Otolaryngology, Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. selimerbek@gmail.com
Background:
A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM)-33 is a member of matrix metalloproteinases. This protein takes a role in angiogenesis and airway remodeling in asthma. Because histopathological findings of airway remodeling in asthma and nasal polyposis (NP) are similar, the aim of this study was to evaluate the ADAM-33 expression in NP.
Methods:
Immunohistochemical staining of specimens of 47 patients with NP and 8 patients with concha bullosa was performed to detect the expression of ADAM-33. Paraffin blocks were used to identify the expression of ADAM-33 polyclonal antibodies. Immunostaining of epithelial cells, stroma, mesenchymal cells of vessels, and inflammatory cells were analyzed by using light microscopy.
Results:
Immunopositivity scores in epithelial cells in NP (median, 2; range, 1-3) were significantly higher than those of controls (median, 1.5; range, 1-2; p < 0.001). ADAM-33 staining was increased in the mesenchymal cells of vessels of nasal polyps (median, 2; range, 1-3) compared with control tissues (median, 1.5; range, 1-2; p = 0.006). Although the staining scores of fibroblasts in nasal polyp specimens were also high (median, 3; range 1-3), there was no statistical significance when compared with controls (median 2; range, 1-3; p = 0.228). ADAM-33 immunostaining was not related with the presence of allergies, asthma, and aspirin intolerance (p > 0.05). Moreover, no relationship was found between increased expression of ADAM-33 and the stages of polyp or computerized tomography scores (p > 0.05).
Conclusion:
This study suggests that the increased expression of ADAM-33 protein may have a role in the pathogenesis of NP.
Insights
Increased expression of A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM)-33 was observed in nasal polyposis (NP) tissues. This suggests ADAM-33 plays a role in the development of NP.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pathology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM)-33 is linked to angiogenesis and airway remodeling in asthma.
- Airway remodeling in asthma and nasal polyposis (NP) share similar histopathological features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of ADAM-33 in patients with nasal polyposis.
- To determine the potential role of ADAM-33 in the pathogenesis of NP.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect ADAM-33 expression in 47 NP patients and 8 control subjects.
- ADAM-33 polyclonal antibodies were used on paraffin-embedded tissue sections.
- Staining intensity in epithelial cells, stroma, vascular mesenchymal cells, and inflammatory cells was analyzed via light microscopy.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher ADAM-33 immunopositivity was found in epithelial cells of NP compared to controls (p < 0.001).
- Increased ADAM-33 staining was observed in vascular mesenchymal cells of nasal polyps versus controls (p = 0.006).
- No significant correlation was found between ADAM-33 expression and allergies, asthma, aspirin intolerance, polyp stage, or CT scan scores.
Conclusions:
- Elevated expression of ADAM-33 protein is suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of ADAM-33 in NP development.
