The SWI/SNF complex in eosinophilic and non eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis

INTRODUCTION: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) can be classified as eosinophilic (eCRS) or non-eosinophilic (neCRS) based on infiltration type. The SWI/SNF complex may be involved in the pathophysiology of CRS. AIM: To assess the expression of the SWI/SNF complex in both CRS groups; to correlate blood eosinophil count (BEC), and histopathology eosinophil count (HPEC) with the SWI/SNF expression level in eCRS and neCRS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 96 patients (68 eCRS, 28 neCRS). Immunohistochemical staining was performed on sinonasal mucosa for assessment of SWI/SNF protein expression. Type of tissue infiltration was assessed in samples obtained from examined groups (HPEC). The diagnostic value of eCRS was 10 cells/HPF (high power field). Complete blood count was analysed in order to calculate BEC. RESULTS: BEC and HPEC correlated negatively with all the SWI/SNF subunits. HPEC and BEC correlated positively with clinical findings (L-M and SNOT-22), while SWI/SNF correlated negatively with clinical findings (L-M and SNOT-22). CONCLUSIONS: The SWI/SNF was observed in both eCRS and neCRS, with lower expression in former. The meaning of its negative correlation with BEC, HPEC and clinical findings in eCRS group remains to be understood.