Aspirin-sensitive versus non-aspirin-sensitive nasal polyp patients: Analysis of leukotrienes/Fas and Fas-ligand expression

OBJECTIVE: The goal of the present study was to identify levels of leukotrienes released by leukocytes, and nasal polyps from aspirin-sensitive patients (ASPs) and non-aspirin-sensitive patients (NASPs) after exposure to various concentrations of aspirin. Eosinophll expressions of apoptosis regulators were also compared. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Leukotriene release from nasal polyps and leukocytes of ASPs and NASPs was measured after exposure to differing concentrations of aspirin. Eosinophils were analyzed for Fas and Fas ligand receptors using flow cytometry. RESULTS: NASPs showed increased leukotriene release from nasal polyps on increased aspirin exposure. Polyps from ASPs did not show any change. ASPs showed greater leukotriene release from blood on increasing aspirin exposure compared with NASPs. Flow cytometric analysis showed eosinophils in the peripheral blood of ASPs have decreased Fas expression compared with those of NASPs. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed differences in leukotriene release and eosinophil apoptosis between ASPs and NASPs. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings suggest a role of leukotrienes and eosinophils in aspirin sensitivity mechanisms in blood.