Nasal Lavage CCL24 Levels Correlate with Eosinophils Trafficking and Symptoms in Chronic Sino-nasal Eosinophilic Inflammation

Objectives: The aim of our study was to measure CCL24 (eotaxin-2) levels in nasal lavage fluid of patients with different forms of sinonasal chronic eosinophilic inflammation to verify the relationship with nasal hypereosinophilia and symptoms.

Methods: Patients with nasal hypereosinophilia were randomly recruited and grouped in persistent allergic rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis with eosinophilia syndrome (NARES) and chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps. Non rhinitic volunteers were recruited as controls. CCL24 concentration was measured by `Quantikine Human CCL24 Immunoassay`. Differential cell counts were performed by microscopic cytological examination of nasal tissue scraped by inferior turbinate.

Results: CCL24 levels measured in patient groups were significantly higher compared to control group with the highest levels in NARES patients. Eotaxin- 2 levels were significantly correlated to severity of symptoms and to the percentage of eosinophils in nasal tissue.

Conclusions: We revealed high levels of CCL24 in all patient groups showing a significant correlation with the degree of eosinophilia and clinical symptoms. A prolonged accumulation of CCL24 inside the nasal mucosa may sustain the process of unspecific self-perpetuating eosinophil recruitment pathognomonic of these patients.