Conclusion
OSA may increase the heterogeneity of the immune profile (types 1, 2, and 3) in patients with ECRSwNP, but not in those with NECRSwNP.
Methods
This study included 63 patients with CRSwNP and nine control subjects. Protein levels of inflammatory mediators were determined using multiplex immunoassays. All patients underwent standard polysomnography.
Results
In patients with eosinophilic CRSwNP (ECRSwNP), interleukin (IL)-6 and chemokine [C-X-C motif] ligand (CXCL)-1 (type 1 immune-related markers) were upregulated in cases of moderate-to-severe OSA. Additionally, IL-4, IL-13, C-C motif chemokine (CCL)-11, CCL-24 (type 2 immune-related markers), and IL-17A (a type 3 immune-related marker) were present at elevated levels in patients with moderate-to-severe OSA. Although there were no significant differences in type 1, 2, or 3 immune-related markers among patients with non-eosinophilic CRSwNP (NECRSwNP) according to the severity of OSA, transforming growth factor-beta expression was higher in those with moderate-to-severe OSA. Furthermore, in ECRSwNP with moderate-to-severe OSA, associations were detected between serum markers and some upregulated inflammatory markers.