Differential Expression of Fas in Moderate/Severe and Mild Persistent Allergic Rhinitis and Its Correlation With Pathological Parameters.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The roles of Fas in immune system are multifaceted, and the interaction between Fas receptor and Fas ligand is essential for maintaining the immune tolerance. We aimed to assess the level of the expression of Fas receptor on nasal inferior turbinate mucosa in patients with mild persistent allergic rhinitis (M PAR) and moderate to severe (M/S) PAR and determined the relationship between disease severity and production of Fas.

METHODS: A total of 70 patients with M/S PAR, 70 patients with M PAR, and 70 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. We obtained biopsies of nasal inferior turbinate mucosa from the participants. The expression of Fas mRNA was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The presence and location of Fas were determined by immunohistochemistry. The number of eosinophils per field, blood eosinophils, total serum IgE levels, and specific serum IgE levels were measured. Clinical manifestations of patients were assessed by Total Nasal Syndrome Score (TNSS).

RESULTS: The expression of Fas in patients with M/S PAR was decreased significantly compared to the control group and patients with M PAR. Local mucosal expression of Fas was correlated with specific IgE, nasal eosinophil count, and TNSS.

CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, there might be a relationship between the expression of Fas receptor on nasal turbinate mucosa and the severity of persistent allergic rhinitis.