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

## TL;DR

This study found that the cytokines IFN-γ and TGF-β are elevated in chronic sinusitis patients, with IFN-γ being more strongly linked to the condition.

## Contribution

The study identifies IFN-γ as a more significant biomarker than TGF-β for chronic sinusitis in an Iraqi population.

## Key findings

- IFN-γ and TGF-β levels were significantly higher in chronic sinusitis patients compared to healthy controls.
- IFN-γ showed stronger discriminatory power for chronic sinusitis than TGF-β (AUC 0.83 vs. 0.68).
- A weak positive correlation was observed between IFN-γ and TGF-β levels in patients.

## Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the role of inflammatory
cytokines IFN-γ and
TGF-β in the pathophysiology of chronic sinusitis among Iraqi patients.

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.

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; P0.05). 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, P0.05).

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.