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Lysozyme expression is increased in the sinus mucosa of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis

C M Woods1, V S Lee, D J Hussey

  • 1Flinders ENT Department of Surgery, Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.

Rhinology
|May 23, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Lysozyme protein expression is elevated in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients, indicating that a lysozyme deficiency does not cause microbial colonization in CRS. Further research is needed on lysozyme

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Otolaryngology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Fungal and bacterial presence in paranasal sinuses can cause inflammation.
  • Lysozyme, an innate immune peptide, has antimicrobial properties.
  • Lysozyme's role in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is unclear; potential deficiencies may worsen inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify lysozyme expression in sinus mucosa of healthy individuals and CRS patients.
  • To compare lysozyme expression in CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) versus CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP).

Main Methods:

  • Histology and immunohistochemistry were used to localize lysozyme.
  • Immunofluorescence was employed to detect fungi.
  • Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyzed lysozyme gene expression.
  • 82 sinus mucosa specimens were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • CRS specimens showed significantly higher lysozyme immunoreactivity compared to controls.
  • Lysozyme was found in serous cells, epithelial cells, and inflammatory cells.
  • No difference in lysozyme levels was observed between CRSwNP and CRSsNP.
  • Fungal elements were not detected in any specimen.
  • Lysozyme expression varied among individuals.

Conclusions:

  • Increased lysozyme protein expression in CRS suggests it's not deficient.
  • Lysozyme deficiency is unlikely to be the cause of microbial colonization in CRS.
  • Further investigation into the functional activity of lysozyme in CRS is warranted.

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