Objective: To observe the effects of intranasal Fluticasone propionate on the expression of Aquaporin-5 in nasal polyps and explore the role of AQP-5 in the formation of nasal polyps.
Method: Twenty cases of nasal polyps were selected. Fluticasone propionate were intranasally used in 10 cases of nasal polyps for 7-10 days before operation. The others, treated with nothing, were used as control. Twenty samples nasal polyps were obtained and studied with immunochemistric technique.
Result: The expression of AQP-5 positive cells in the blood vessel endothelium was statistically significantly redueced in the Fluticasone propionate-using group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The difference of AQP-5 positive cells in mucosal epithelial and glandular epithelium was not statistically significant between the Fluticasone propionate-using group and the control group.
Conclusion: (1) AQP-5 might be a vital factor for the formation edema of nasal polyps. (2) The effects of Fluticasone propionate on nasal polyps may be related to changing the expression of AQP-5 to a degree. (3) The full exploration of regulation and control of Aquaporions can contribute to evaluate the pathogenesis of nasal polyps.