Assessment of the effect of inflammatory changes and allergic reaction on TAS2R38 receptor expression in patients with chronic sinusitis (CRS)

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most common health complaints affecting 15% of the world's population. Recent reports confirm the participation of sensory organs in the defense process against pathogenic microorganisms. The bitter taste receptor TAS2R38 is described to play a role in the upper airway defense system. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the function of the bitter taste receptor in correlation with the severity of CRS, sensory organ disorders and allergic reaction. Material and method: The study contained 100 patients undergoing nasal surgery, divided into two groups: CRS with and without nasal polyps. The control group consisted of patients undergoing septoplasty after excluding rhinosinusitis. Sinus mucosa samples obtained during surgery were used to assess TAS2R38 expression using immunohistochemistry. The IgE level was indicated from blood samples collected from patients. The Sniffin' Sticks Test was performed. Results: CRS patients had higher expression of TAS2R38 receptor com pared to controls (p= 0.0175).A statistically significantly higher TAS2R38 H-score in nasal mucosa was found among patients with a higher inflammation process in CT scan (p = 0.001), higher IgE level (p = 0,04) and an abnormal result of the Sniffin' Sticks Test. Conclusions: Patients with CRS had significant TAS2R38 receptor overexpression correlating with the severity of inflammatory changes in CT scans, abnormal perception of smells and higher IgE level. A cumulative impact was found between the inflammatory changes, smell disfunction and the severity of subjective symptoms of CRS (according to EPOS) and the intensity of cell staining (index H-score).