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Case-Control Study: Evaluating the Role and Therapeutic Potential of FSTL1 in Type 2 Inflammation of Chronic

Bingjie Huang^1,2, Jingyun Zhu¹, Xiangbin Chai³

¹First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030000, People's Republic of China.

Journal of Inflammation Research

|February 25, 2025

Abstract

Purpose:

Follicle suppressor-like protein 1 (FSTL1) plays a contributory role in chronic inflammation, and it currently been demonstrated in studies of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but studies in chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps have not been addressed. The aim of this study was to explore the expression of follicle suppressor-like protein 1 (FSTL1) in chronic sinusitis and its possible association with type 2 inflammation.

Patients And Methods:

This study included 34 CRS patients (24 ECRS, 10 non-ECRS) and 10 controls. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to observe the pathomorphological changes of these three groups of tissue specimens in detail, Immunohistochemistry (IHC), real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) technology and Western blotting (WB) were used to evaluate the expression levels of FSTL1 and type 2 inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in the three groups.

Results:

In the ECRS group, there was thickening of the tissue mucosa and hyperplasia of glands, along with a significant infiltration of inflammatory cells and eosinophils. The experimental results showed that the expression levels of FSTL1 and type 2 inflammatory cytokines IL - 4, IL - 5, and IL - 13 were higher in the ECRS and non - ECRS groups than in the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, FSTL1 and IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 were positively correlated in the ECRS group(P<0.05).

Conclusion:

FSTL1, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 were highly expressed in chronic sinusitis, and FSTL1 was positively correlated with IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 in the ECRS group, suggesting that FSTL1 contributes to the development of type 2 inflammation in ECRS, and FSTL1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for ECRS.

Insights

Follicle suppressor-like protein 1 (FSTL1) is elevated in chronic sinusitis, particularly in eosinophilic CRS (ECRS). FSTL1 correlates with type 2 inflammation markers, suggesting it may be a therapeutic target for ECRS.

Area of Science:

Immunology
Otorhinolaryngology
Molecular Biology

Background:

Follicle suppressor-like protein 1 (FSTL1) is implicated in chronic inflammatory conditions like asthma and COPD.
The role of FSTL1 in chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) has not been extensively studied.
Type 2 inflammation is a key feature in CRSwNP pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the expression levels of FSTL1 in patients with chronic sinusitis.
To explore the potential association between FSTL1 expression and type 2 inflammation in chronic sinusitis, specifically CRSwNP.

Main Methods:

Study included 34 CRSwNP patients (24 ECRS, 10 non-ECRS) and 10 controls.
Pathomorphological changes were assessed using Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining.
Expression of FSTL1 and type 2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) was evaluated using Immunohistochemistry (IHC), qRT-PCR, and Western Blotting (WB).

Main Results:

ECRS tissues showed thickened mucosa, gland hyperplasia, and significant inflammatory cell and eosinophil infiltration.
FSTL1 and type 2 inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) were significantly upregulated in both ECRS and non-ECRS groups compared to controls (P<0.05).
A positive correlation was observed between FSTL1 and IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels in the ECRS group (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

FSTL1 is highly expressed in chronic sinusitis tissues.
FSTL1 expression is positively correlated with key type 2 inflammatory markers in ECRS.
FSTL1 may contribute to the pathogenesis of type 2 inflammation in ECRS and could represent a potential therapeutic target.

Read full analysis

Keywords:

chronic sinusitis follicle suppressor-like protein 1 type 2 inflammation

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