High Mobility Group Box-1 Protein and Interleukin 33 Expression in Allergic Rhinitis

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by an inflammatory reaction. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein and interleukin (IL)-33 are damage-associated molecular pattern molecules and have many characteristics similar to pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, the role of IL-33 and HMGB1 in AR remains unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the role of HMGB1 and IL-33 in AR. METHODS: Twenty patients with AR (AR group) and 10 normal controls (normal group) were enrolled in this study. HMGB1 and IL-33 expression were analyzed by immunohistochemistry in epithelial cells of the inferior turbinate mucosa samples. Then, the human nasal mucosa epithelial cells (HNECs) were cultured in vitro, and the house dust mite allergen (Derp1) was used to stimulate the cells. Quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA assay were performed to detect HMGB1 and IL-33 expression in HNECs. RESULTS: The expression of HMGB1 and IL-33 in the nasal mucosa was higher in the AR group than in the normal group, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). In HNECs of AR, the expression of both HMGB1 and IL-33 in stimulated groups was higher than that in non-stimulated groups. The differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). In addition, they increased gradually with the prolonging time and the concentration of the added Derp1. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of HMGB1 and IL-33 were both increased in AR. HMGB1 and IL-33 may have a close relationship in AR.