The expression of MUC5AC in patients with rhinosinusitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Abstract Background To understand the connection between Muc5AC expression and the likelihood of rhinosinusitis, with the goal of providing insights into its prospective use as a biomarker. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases for studies up to November 2023 to conduct a literature review. After screening and quality assessment, eligible studies meeting the criteria were included. Muc5AC expression and rhinosinusitis association was analyzed by STATA 14.0. Results Including weighted mean difference and 95% confidence interval, were reported. The meta‐analysis included 16 studies with 1448 rhinosinusitis patients. MUC5AC expression was significantly up‐regulated in both chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP; WMD: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.41–0.63) and chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP; WMD: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.28–0.56) patients compared to controls. IHC positive area analysis corroborated these findings, with elevated MUC5AC levels in CRSwNP (WMD: 25.61; 95% CI: 22.41–28.81) and CRSsNP (WMD: 39.74; 95% CI: 25.6–53.88) patients. Subgroup analysis based on tissue type (nasal tissue fluid and sinus mucosa) consistently supported the overall results. Conclusion Our meta‐analysis robustly demonstrates a significant association between elevated MUC5AC expression and rhinosinusitis risk. This finding underscores the potential of MUC5AC as a molecular marker, providing valuable insights for future research and potential therapeutic interventions in rhinosinusitis management. Systematic review registration CRD42024518932.

Keywords

• expression
• meta‐analysis
• MUC5AC
• rhinosinusitis
• systematic review