Potential markers for allergic rhinitis evaluation

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis is the result of a permanent/intermitent inflammation of the nasal mucosa, exposed to certain alergens. An immunological reaction is the fundamental cause – a type I hypersensitivity reaction, followed by local inflammatory response and immune cell pooling (eosinophiles, basophiles, Th cells, mast cells) in the nasal mucosa. Matrix metaloproteinases are tissue proteases that degrade extracellular matrix and basilar membrane and modulate immune responses. Our article reviews the part metalloproteinases play in the changes suffered by the nasal mucosa in chronic allergic rhinitis (fibrosis, metaplasia, edema, inflammatory cell infiltration).