The determination of expression levels of COX-2, ALOX12 and iNOS genes in nasal polyp tissue

Nasal polyposis (NP) is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa that has a major impact on the quality of patient?s lives. The prevalence of NP is 2-5 % in the general populationThe aim of this study was to investigate the expression levels of COX-2, ALOX12 and iNOS genes in NP cases by Real-time PCR metodCOX-2 is the rate-limiting enzyme responsible for the conversion of arachidonic acid to PGs. It is responsible for the production of the PGs, which are believed to have both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory functions. In this study, partly increased the mean levels of COX-2 mRNA expression was detected by real-time PCR in NPs (p>0.05). Partly decreased ALOX12 expression was detected in NP (p>0.05). The expression levels of iNOS mRNA were significantly higher in NP tissue than nasal mucosa (p<0.05). These data suggest that not only NO may play a physiological role in the upper airways, but also that NO is associated to inflammatory processes in the airways.