The sample size was relatively small

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 122 views

Metalloproteinase-9 Matrix Expression in Nasal Polyps: A Descriptive Study at H. Adam Malik Medan Hospital

Introduction

Nasal polyps are a chronic and debilitating condition that affects the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses, causing inflammation, tissue remodeling, and extracellular matrix fibrosis. The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role in supporting and surrounding mucosal cells, and its changes can lead to physiological alterations in these cells. Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is an enzyme that can degrade almost all ECM components, making it a potential target for the treatment of nasal polyps. This descriptive study aimed to investigate the expression of MMP-9 in nasal polyps at H. Adam Malik Medan Hospital.

Background

Nasal polyps are a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The exact cause of nasal polyps is still unknown, but it is believed to be related to inflammation, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors. The condition is characterized by the growth of polypoid tissue in the nasal cavity, which can cause symptoms such as nasal obstruction, loss of smell, and facial pain. The histopathological types of nasal polyps include allergic polyps, non-allergic polyps, and mixed polyps.

Methodology

This descriptive study was conducted at H. Adam Malik Hospital, Medan, from July 2013 to January 2015. A total of 33 cases of nasal polyps were analyzed, and the expression of MMP-9 on the nasal polyp tissue was examined through an immunohistochemical examination at the USU FK Anatomy Pathology Department. The results were then analyzed to determine the relationship between MMP-9 expression and the histopathological types and stages of nasal polyps.

Results

The results of this study showed that 66.7% of cases of nasal polyps occurred in men, while 60.6% occurred in the age group ≥40 years. The most common histopathological type of polyps was type 1 (allergic polyps) with a percentage of 69.7%, and as many as 54.5% of cases were found in stage 2. MMP-9 expression was detected as positive (overexpression) in 51.5% of cases of nasal polyps. MMP-9 expression was also found to be higher in type 1 nasal polyps (allergic polyps) with a percentage of 39.4%, and in stage 3 nasal polyps with a percentage of 33.3%.

Discussion

The results of this study indicate that the expression of MMP-9 in nasal polyps tends to be higher, especially in cases of allergic and stage 3 polyps. This shows the possibility of an important role in the development and pathogenesis of nasal polyps. MMP-9 can degrade ECM, which can cause changes in the structure and function of the nasal mucosa. Decreased ECM can cause tissue swelling and nasal obstruction, which is a typical symptom of nasal polyps. In addition, the MMP-9 also plays a role in the inflammatory process by triggering the release of inflammatory mediators, which can worsen the condition of nasal polyps.

Conclusion

This study shows that the positive MMP-9 expression of nasal polyps, with a higher level of expression in allergic and stage 3 polyps. This finding shows the potential of MMP-9 as a new therapy target for the treatment of nasal polyps. Further research is needed to examine the role of MMP-9 specifically in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps and to evaluate the effectiveness of MMP-9 inhibitors as potential therapy.

Implications

The findings of this study have implications for the treatment of nasal polyps. MMP-9 inhibitors may be a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of nasal polyps, especially in cases of allergic and stage 3 polyps. Further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of MMP-9 inhibitors and to explore their potential as a new therapy target for the treatment of nasal polyps.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. The sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted at a single hospital. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings of this study and to explore the role of MMP-9 in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps.

Future Directions

This study highlights the potential of MMP-9 as a new therapy target for the treatment of nasal polyps. Further research is needed to explore the role of MMP-9 in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps and to evaluate the effectiveness of MMP-9 inhibitors as potential therapy. This may involve conducting larger-scale studies to confirm the findings of this study and to explore the potential of MMP-9 inhibitors as a new therapy target for the treatment of nasal polyps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) Matrix Expression in Nasal Polyps

Q: What is Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)?

A: MMP-9 is an enzyme that can degrade almost all extracellular matrix (ECM) components. It plays a crucial role in tissue remodeling, inflammation, and the development of various diseases, including nasal polyps.

Q: What is the role of MMP-9 in nasal polyps?

A: MMP-9 can degrade ECM, which can cause changes in the structure and function of the nasal mucosa. Decreased ECM can cause tissue swelling and nasal obstruction, which is a typical symptom of nasal polyps. In addition, the MMP-9 also plays a role in the inflammatory process by triggering the release of inflammatory mediators, which can worsen the condition of nasal polyps.

Q: What are the histopathological types of nasal polyps?

A: The histopathological types of nasal polyps include allergic polyps, non-allergic polyps, and mixed polyps. Allergic polyps are the most common type, accounting for approximately 69.7% of cases.

Q: What is the relationship between MMP-9 expression and the histopathological types of nasal polyps?

A: MMP-9 expression is higher in type 1 nasal polyps (allergic polyps) with a percentage of 39.4%. This suggests that MMP-9 may play a more significant role in the development and pathogenesis of allergic polyps.

Q: What is the relationship between MMP-9 expression and the stages of nasal polyps?

A: MMP-9 expression is higher in stage 3 nasal polyps with a percentage of 33.3%. This suggests that MMP-9 may play a more significant role in the development and pathogenesis of advanced nasal polyps.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the treatment of nasal polyps?

A: MMP-9 inhibitors may be a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of nasal polyps, especially in cases of allergic and stage 3 polyps. Further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of MMP-9 inhibitors and to explore their potential as a new therapy target for the treatment of nasal polyps.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted at a single hospital. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings of this study and to explore the role of MMP-9 in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps.

Q: What are the future directions for research on MMP-9 and nasal polyps?

A: Further research is needed to explore the role of MMP-9 in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps and to evaluate the effectiveness of MMP-9 inhibitors as potential therapy. This may involve conducting larger-scale studies to confirm the findings of this study and to explore the potential of MMP-9 inhibitors as a new therapy target for the treatment of nasal polyps.

Q: What are the potential benefits of targeting MMP-9 in the treatment of nasal polyps?

A: Targeting MMP-9 may help to reduce the severity of nasal polyps and improve the quality of life for patients with this condition. By inhibiting MMP-9, it may be possible to reduce the degradation of ECM and prevent the development of nasal polyps.

Q: What are the potential risks and side effects of targeting MMP-9 in the treatment of nasal polyps?

A: The potential risks and side effects of targeting MMP-9 are not yet fully understood. Further research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of MMP-9 inhibitors in the treatment of nasal polyps.