Objective: To explore the protein expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, interleukin (IL)-6, 11, and 17 in the nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis patients.
Method: The protein expression of TGF-beta1, IL-6, 11, and 17 in the inferior turbinate tissues from 19 allergic rhinitis patients and from 21 non-allergic patients underwent nasal septum operation was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Result: (1) Compared with tissues from non-allergic patients, the expression of TGF-beta1 protein was significant increased in the tissues from allergic rhinitis patients (P < 0.01); (2) As to the protein expression of IL-6, 11 and 17, there was no significant difference between allergic rhinitis patients and non-allergic patients (P > 0.05); (3) The expression of TGF-beta1, IL-6, 11, and 17 was similar between the allergic rhinitis patients with and without asthma (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: TGF-beta1 , while not IL-6, 11 and 17, may play a role in the tissue remodeling processes in allergic rhinitis. This expression profile may contribute to the difference in the tissue remodeling between allergic rhinitis and asthma.