Role of IFN-γ and TGF-β in the Pathophysiology of Chronic Sinusitis

Authors

  • Amer Salih Khalaf Tikrit University, College of Medicine, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Salah Addin, Iraq
  • Ammar Mohammed Alwan Tikrit University, College of Medicine, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Salah Addin, Iraq
  • Amer Saleem Khalaf Tikrit University, College of Medicine, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Salah Addin, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31661/gmj.vi.3948

Keywords:

Sinusitis; Rhinosinusitis; Allergy; Cytokines; TGF-beta; IFN-y

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the role of inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and TGF-β in the pathophysiology of chronic sinusitis among Iraqi patients. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted in Salah-Al-Din Governorate from March to July 2024. We enrolled 60 clinically diagnosed chronic sinusitis patients from Tikrit Teaching Hospital and 30 healthy controls. Serum levels of IFN-γ and TGF-β were measured using sandwich ELISA. Results: The patient cohort (55% male) showed highest prevalence in age groups <20 (37%), 21-30 (25%), and 31-40 years (23%). The most frequent symptoms were nasal obstruction (98%), nasal discharge (95%), and reduced smell sensation (90%). IFN-γ and TGF-β levels were significantly elevated in patients (16.45±7.01 pg/mL and 32.27±11.38 ng/mL, respectively) compared to controls (6.95±2.34 pg/mL and 22.18±7.66 ng/mL; P<0.05). ROC analysis demonstrated IFN-γ›s stronger association with disease status (AUC 0.83) than TGF-β (AUC 0.68). A weak positive correlation was observed between the cytokines (r=0.277, P>0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest IFN-γ and TGF-β play significant roles in the inflammatory processes of chronic sinusitis, particularly among younger patients. While both cytokines were elevated in patients, IFN-γ showed greater discriminatory potential. These results contribute to understanding the immunopathological mechanisms underlying chronic sinusitis.

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Published

2025-10-28

How to Cite

Khalaf, A. S., Alwan, A. M., & Khalaf, A. S. (2025). Role of IFN-γ and TGF-β in the Pathophysiology of Chronic Sinusitis. Galen Medical Journal, e3948. https://doi.org/10.31661/gmj.vi.3948

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