The analysis of RCASI and DFF-45 expression in nasal polyps with respect to immune cells infiltration

Abstract

Background: Nasal polyp constitutes a benign growth process in the nasal and sinus mucosa. RCASI (receptor-binding cancer antigen expressed on SiSo cells) is a protein expressed mainly by various human cancer cells. It is not only the marker of cancer process and its expression can also be observed in physiological processes. It is responsible for the regulation of immune cells activity. DFF45 (DNA fragmenting factor) has been described as a substrate for caspase-3. DFF45 seems to play an important role in the onset of apoptotic process by acting probably through the regulation of DNA fragmentation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the ability of nasal polyps to regulate the cytotoxic immune response and to determine their resistance to apoptosis. Results: The higher RCASI level was identified in lymphocytic nasal polyps, the medium one in eosinophilic while the lowest was identified in neutrophilic. DFF-45 expression was higher in eosinophilic than in neutrophilic and lymphocytic nasal polyps. Conclusion: The changes in DFF-45 level in nasal polyps might indicate a different resistance to apoptosis mediated by immune cells. The alterations in RCAS I expression indicate that nasal polyps have the ability to regulate the cytotoxic immune response. The breaking of resi stance to immune mediated apoptosis in nasal polyps might have a new therapeutic impact. © 2006 Dutsch-Wicherek et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.