The expression of MUC5AC in patients with rhinosinusitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: To understand the connection between Muc5AC expression and the likelihood of rhinosinusitis, with the goal of providing insights into its prospective use as a biomarker.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases for studies up to November 2023 to conduct a literature review. After screening and quality assessment, eligible studies meeting the criteria were included. Muc5AC expression and rhinosinusitis association was analyzed by STATA 14.0.

Results: Including weighted mean difference and 95% confidence interval, were reported. The meta-analysis included 16 studies with 1448 rhinosinusitis patients. MUC5AC expression was significantly up-regulated in both chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP; WMD: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.41-0.63) and chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP; WMD: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.28-0.56) patients compared to controls. IHC positive area analysis corroborated these findings, with elevated MUC5AC levels in CRSwNP (WMD: 25.61; 95% CI: 22.41-28.81) and CRSsNP (WMD: 39.74; 95% CI: 25.6-53.88) patients. Subgroup analysis based on tissue type (nasal tissue fluid and sinus mucosa) consistently supported the overall results.

Conclusion: Our meta-analysis robustly demonstrates a significant association between elevated MUC5AC expression and rhinosinusitis risk. This finding underscores the potential of MUC5AC as a molecular marker, providing valuable insights for future research and potential therapeutic interventions in rhinosinusitis management.

Systematic Review Registration: CRD42024518932.