Expression of redox sensing factor Nrf2 in lung macrophages and type II pneumocytes as a prognostic factor in pneumothorax recurrence

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is a common clinical problem. However, PSP recurrence is still a major concern. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays a protective role against oxidative airway diseases. The aim was to investigate the role of Nrf2 in PSP patients and its correlation with recurrence. Eighty-nine patients were enrolled and received wedge resection of lung with identifiable blebs. Nrf2 expression in resected lung tissues was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and correlated with clinicopathological variables. The prognostic value of Nrf2 for incidence-of-recurrence was determined by Kaplan-Meier estimates and the significance of differences was evaluated by the log-rank test. Nrf2 staining was predominantly observed in alveolar macrophages and type II pneumocytes of PSP patients and correlated with recurrence (P