Update on the molecular biology of nasal polyposis

The nasal polyp tissue and the nasal mucosa have an ample repertoire of nflammatory molecules to deal with agents such as bacteria, fungi, chemical particles, allergens, and viruses that enter the nose. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of chronic inflammation of the nasal polyp, including lymphocyte subpopulations and cytokines, mucosal irritation and the potential role of superantigen from Staphylococcus aureus, the proinflammatory cytokines and their effect on integrins and vascular-endothelial receptors, the influx of eosinophils and lymphocytes, the electrophysiologic changes in the surface of epithelial cells that can result from the the release of major basic protein, and the potential method of treatment.