Expression of Transforming Growth Factor-beta(TGF-beta) Family in Nasal Polyps and Postoperative Polypoid Mucosa after Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

ABSTRACT

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, beta2, and beta3 are multifunctional proteins which play an important role in chronic inflammatory process, angiogenesis, and epithelial differentiation. In nasal polyps and postoperative polypoid mucosa after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), changes of expression of TGF-beta family were assessed to identify its role in formation of nasal polyps and mucosal healing after FESS. Nasal polyps and polypoid mucosa were obtained during FESS and in outpatient clinic after the surgery, respectively. Immunohistochemical staining was performed. TGF-beta family was highly expressed in the epithelium, subepithelial glands, neutrophils and eosinophils of nasal polyps. On the other hand, expression of TGF-beta family decreased in the epithelium and subepithelial gland of polypoid mucosa according to a postoperative period after FESS. These results suggest that TGF-beta family may play an important role in formation of nasal polyps and it decreases in process of mucosal healing after FESS.