Mucin Expression and Corticosteroid Efficacy in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps

Abstract

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is an upper airway respiratory disease of the sinuses which may develop resistance to corticosteroid efficacy. Corticosteroids are the main therapy of this disease and as part of their anti-inflammatory activity they are known to exert an effect in mucin expression. This review aims to describe the current state-of-the-art knowledge regarding mucin expression in CRSwNP and its possible relation with corticosteroid efficacy, by highlighting the differential expression of membranetethered versus secreted mucins in different subsets of CRSwNP with an emphasis in corticosteroid non-responder patients. In addition, this review aims to suggest potential interactions between mucins and corticosteroids that could be addressed in future research to ascertain the role of mucins in the corticosteroid resistant mechanisms of this disease. In this sense, among the different mucins, we will highlight the membrane-tethered MUC1 and its potential role in corticosteroid-resistant CRSwNP, as it is currently considered an especially relevant mucin due to its anti-inflammatory properties.