Distributional characteristics of sulfated glycosaminoglycans in normal human nasal mucosa and nasal polyp.

The results of this study suggest that an altered expression pattern of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in nasal polyp may not function as a charge restriction barrier for vascular permeability, contributing to the leakage of protein and fluid. Sulfated GAGs are found on the vascular endothelial surface and in the extracellular matrix in various tissues and organs, suggesting that these materials constitute a negatively charged screen restricting the movement of circulating plasma molecules. This study was designed to elucidate the distributional characteristics of sulfated GAGs in normal human nasal mucosa and nasal polyp in order to understand their roles in the formation of nasal polyp.

Expression and distribution of thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase in human nasal mucosa and nasal polyp.

Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that thioredoxin (Trx) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) may play a role in the defense of normal human nasal mucosa against external noxious stimuli. Based on the fact that normal nasal mucosa is continuously exposed to inhaled toxicants and contains a considerable number of inflammatory cells, Trx and TrxR may be upregulated even in normal nasal mucosa and perhaps the difference in their expression levels between normal nasal mucosa and nasal polyp, if it exists at all, is small and therefore difficult to detect. Further studies will be needed to clarify the roles of Trx and TrxR in the pathogenesis of nasal polyp.