2c.

The reduced expression of these apoptosis factors in CRSwNPs might be related to higher proliferation and the perpetuation of inflammatory cells hindering the control of the disease. A better understanding of the possible influence of apoptosis factors on CRSwNPs could provide rationale for future therapies.

PURPOSE: To compare gene expression of the chemokines RANTES and eotaxin-2, its receptor, CCR-3, adhesion molecule ICAM-1 and its receptor LFA-1 in eosinophilic polyps and in control normal nasal mucosa. METHODS: Gene expression was quantified by Real Time PCR in polyps (n=35) and in healthy nasal mucosa (n=15). RESULTS: Eosinophilic polyps showed a higher expression of eotaxin-2 and RANTES, but not of CCR-3, ICAM-1 or LFA-1 compared to control nasal mucosa. CONCLUSION: Eosinophilic polyps present greater expression of eotaxin-2 and RANTES, but not of CCR-3, ICAM-1 or LFA-1 compared to control nasal mucosa.

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Oral Presentations P123 ORAL PRESENTATIONSmetalloproteinases) and their inhibitor, TIMP. Several studies relate MMP and TIMP expression to airway inflammatory diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate which is MMP and TIMP expression in Brazilian NP.Method: Thirty NPs were compared with 19 controls. MMP1, MMP2, MMP9, and TIMP1 mRNAs expression was evaluated by RQTPCR. Also, PCR results were correlated to extensiveness of disease. PCR data were analyzed through Student t test, and the correlation between PCR and clinical results was performed by Spearman test.Results: NPs presented significantly higher expression of MMP-1 (9.79 ± 12.62 for NP vs 1.38 ± 1.21 for middle turbinates, P vs 0.83 ± 0.61 for middle turbinates, P vs 90 ± 0.56 for middle turbinates, P < .05). TIMP-1 expression was detected neither in NP nor in middle turbinates. There was no correlation between clinical findings and gene expression. Conclusion:Brazilian NP presented higher expression of all the 3 studied MMPs (MMP1, MMP2, and MMP9), but not of TIMP1. This pattern is very similar to that observed for NP in the literature. There is no correlation between gene expression and extensiveness of the disease. Rhinology/Allergy Gene Transfer in Respiratory Epithelium Using Synthetic Vectors and Folic Acid ReceptorEmmanuel Mornet (presenter); Candice Lacroix; Gael Potard, MD; Tristan Montier; Yves Gauvin, MD; Remi Marianowski, MD, PhDObjective: Synthetic vectors may be an interesting alternative way compared with viral vectors. They are potentially less toxic and immunogenic. However, synthetic vectors use an aspecific electrostatic recognition. Cellular targeting is one of the major conditions for development of efficient synthetic vectors for gene therapy.Method: A neutral colipid derived from archaebacteria with acid folic ligand was developed and associated with cationic lipid vector. Its efficiency was tested on human respiratory epithelium cell culture.Results: Safe respiratory epithelium offer few targets for gene transfer. Indeed, using lectin for specific gene transfer is difficult because of numerous different oligosaccharides patterns. We studied the interest of folic acid receptor as a target for gene transfer. These receptors are sparsely represented on this epithelium but have a great affinity. We demonstrated a specific gene transfer using a competitive inhibition by free folic acid in media. For a healthy human respiratory cell line, this new vector is more efficient and less toxic than lipofectamin. Conclusion:Despite a small presence on human respiratory epithelium, folic acid receptor is a pertinent target for nonviral gene transfer. This vector is to be tested on animals. Such a targeting will increase gene transfer because of low electrostatic disturbance. Neutral vector may decrease toxicity. Objective: The management of recurrent acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (RARS) remains a controversial subject. Distinguishing RARS from viral upper respiratory infection (URI) is difficult, and when to consider surgery is unclear....