Expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 in nonrecurrent vs recurrent nasal polyps

Abstract Background Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 are a group of Zn2+-dependent endopeptidases to remodel the extracellular matrix. The association of these 2 endopeptidases with the development of morphologic changes in nasal polyps was previously described. Objective To determine whether MMP-2, MMP-9, and tissue inhibitor of MMP-1 (TIMP-1) play a role in the recurrence of nasal polyps. Methods To compare MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 expression in recurrent vs nonrecurrent polyps, nasal polyps (NPs) and recurrent nasal polyps (RNPs) were obtained from 15 NP patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and 15 RNP patients with CRS undergoing revision ESS. Fifteen specimens of inferior turbinate mucosa from patients undergoing nasal septal surgery were used as control. Through real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 expressions were measured among controls, NP patients, and RNP patients. Results Expression of MMP-9 messenger RNA in the NP patients was significantly higher than in the controls. In addition, expression of MMP-9 messenger RNA in the RNP patents was significantly increased compared with NP patients. With immunohistochemistry, a more increased expression of MMP-9 was observed in NP patients than controls. Expression of MMP-9 in RNP patients was also significantly high compared with NP patients, particularly in stroma. Conclusion Expression of MMP-9 is increased in NP patients, and it is so more in the mucosa of RNP patients. Increased expression of MMP-9 is particularly found in the stoma of RNP patients, and it may contribute to the recurrence of NP.