[Relationship among the expression of GSK3β, PI3K/Akt, and IL-6 in chronic rhinosinusitis]
Wei Chen1, Zhong-juan Liu, Jing Ye
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China.
Objective:
To explore the relationship among the expression of GSK3β, PI3K/Akt signaling transduction pathway,and cytokines IL6 in Chronic Rhinosinusitis.
Methods:
We assayed mRNA and protein for GSK3β, PI3K, Akt by using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), and measured the cytokines IL6 mRNA by using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the nasal tissue from the patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), Chronic Rhinosinusitis without Nasal Polyps (CRSsNP) and control subjects.
Results:
The relative expression levels of GSK3β, PI3K, Akt and IL-6 in CRSwNP were 0.6254 ± 0.0584, 0.8239 ± 0.7186, 0.9369 ± 0.0823 and 0.8973 ± 0.0680. But the relative expression levels of GSK3β, PI3K, Akt and IL-6 in control subjects were 0.2684 ± 0.0726, 0.3578 ± 0.0994, 0.6721 ± 0.0590, 0.5898 ± 0.0891. There were significant differences between the groups of CRSwNP and control subjects (t values were 2.358, 3.071, 2.764, and 2.239, respectively, all P < 0.05). There was no significant difference of GSK3β, PI3K, Akt and GSK3β between the groups of CRSwNP and CRSsNP (t values were 1.597, 1.842, 1.468 and 0.926, respectively, all P < 0.05). GSK3β, PI3K, Akt were not only expressed in the cytoplasm of the epithelium and gland cells, but also in the cytoplasm of the inflammatory cell. GSK3β, PI3K, Akt protein in CRS were detected at a higher rate than the normal nasal tissue (values were 16.42, 16.25 and 15.57,respectively, all P < 0.01). However there was no significant difference of GSK3β, PI3K, Akt protein between the groups of CRSwNP and CRSsNP (values were 3.27, 2.85 and 2.46, respectively, all P > 0.05). There was a positive correlation trend among the expression of GSK3β, PI3K and Akt, and IL-6 in CRS (r values were 0.645, 0.617 and 0.583,respectively, all P < 0.01).
Conclusions:
The abnormal expression of IL-6, PI3K, Akt and GSK3β in the nasal mucosa of CRS may play a pro-inflammatory role in the occurrence and development of CRS.
Insights
The study found elevated levels of GSK3β, PI3K, Akt, and IL-6 in Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients, suggesting a pro-inflammatory role in disease development. These signaling molecules are significantly upregulated in CRS nasal tissue compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- Otorhinolaryngology
Background:
- Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent inflammatory condition of the nasal passages.
- The underlying molecular mechanisms, particularly the role of specific signaling pathways and cytokines, require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta (GSK3β), the Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Protein Kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway, and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in patients with CRS.
- To explore the relationship between these molecules and the pathogenesis of CRS.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative analysis of GSK3β, PI3K, and Akt mRNA and protein levels using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC).
- Measurement of IL-6 mRNA levels via RT-PCR.
- Comparison of expression in nasal tissues from patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), Chronic Rhinosinusitis without Nasal Polyps (CRSsNP), and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher relative expression of GSK3β, PI3K, Akt, and IL-6 was observed in CRSwNP patients compared to control subjects (P < 0.05).
- Expression levels of these molecules did not significantly differ between CRSwNP and CRSsNP groups.
- GSK3β, PI3K, and Akt proteins were detected at higher rates in CRS tissues than in normal tissues (P < 0.01), with a positive correlation trend among their expressions and IL-6 (P < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Abnormal expression of IL-6, PI3K, Akt, and GSK3β in the nasal mucosa of CRS patients suggests a pro-inflammatory role.
- These molecular players may contribute to the occurrence and progression of Chronic Rhinosinusitis.
