A proinflammatory marker in chronic rhinosinusitis: serum calprotectin

Abstract

Introduction: Studies have shown that calprotectin has a strong pro-inflammatory effect. Elevated calprotectin levels in the serum can be used as a strong clinical marker indicating the presence of inflammation. Objective: To investigate serum calprotectin levels in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and to determine the applicability of calprotectin as a potential molecular proinflammatory biomarker for CRS. Methods: The study consisted of three groups: chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps (CRSwNP group), chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps (CRSwoNP), and healthy control. CRS patients with polyps were further divided into two groups depending on the presence/absence of Samter’s triad. The Nose Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale score and serum calprotectin value were evaluated in all participants. Results: The mean serum calprotectin value was 79.5±11.8 ng/ml for the CRSwNP group, 71.3±16 ng/ ml for the CRSwoNP group, and 61.9±11.6 ng/ml for the control group (p<0.001). The Samter’s triad group had a significantly higher calprotectin value than the non- Samter’s triad group (p=0.03). There was a significant correlation between the NOSE scores and calprotectin levels (rho=0.734, p<0.001). Conclusion: Serum calprotectin values were correlated with the severity of symptoms in patients with CRS; thus, it seems to be a valuable pro-inflammatory biomarker for the diagnosis of the disease and determining its severity. Further studies with larger series are needed to evaluate the preoperative and postoperative serum calprotectin values in patients undergoing surgery