The role of interleukin-12, and tissue antioxidants in chronic sinusitis

Background: The role of cytokines and reactive oxygen species formation in the pathogenesis of chronic sinusitis is still not fully understood. This work was designed to determine if patients with chronic sinusitis demonstrate altered levels of serum IL-12 and/or tissue antioxidants. Subjects and methods: Mucosal biopsy specimens from the uncinate process of patients with chronic sinusitis were obtained from 52 patients using functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Normal mucosa samples were collected from 20 healthy controls. Patients’ group was further classified according to computerized tomography findings into mild and severe subgroups. Serum IL-12 was estimated using enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The levels of tissue uric acid, and reduced glutathione were determined biochemically, α-tocopherol was measured by HPLC. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was determined by spectrophotometry. Results: A significant decrease in serum IL-12, tissue α-tocopherol and SOD in patient group was demonstrated (p< 0.05). Tissue uric acid and reduced glutathione showed primary increase in mild subgroup followed by significant drop in severe subgroup (p< 0.05). Negative significant correlation was observed between glutathione, uric acid, and SOD, and the severity of the disease (p< 0.05) independent of the cellularity of the biopsy. Conclusion: The presented data suggests a possible role of IL-12, and tissue antioxidants in development and progression of chronic sinusitis. Adjuvant antioxidant treatment may have role in achieving better prognosis of the disease.