Characterization of clusters:
In cluster-1 (9 CRS cases) , no significant differences were
detectable between the chemokine levels. Regarding the additional
parameters, MPO was significantly elevated compared to two or more
clusters, IL-22 was significantly higher than in three or more
clusters, and IFN-γ (not included in the cluster analysis) was present
in cluster-1 (neutrophilic type 1-biased pattern).
- In cluster-2 (11 CRS cases) , the MCP-3/CCL7 (expressed in
type1/ type 2) level was significantly higher than in three or more
other clusters. The neutrophilic additional parameter IL-17 (not
included in the cluster analysis) was present (mixed type 1
-> type 2-inflammatory pattern).
- In cluster-3 (8 CRS cases) , the IP-10/CXCL10 (expressed by
type 1), MCP-3/CCL7, and MIP-1α/CCL3 (type 1/ type 2) levels were
significantly higher than 5 or more other clusters. The TARC/CCL17)
and eotaxin/CCL11 (type 2) levels were significantly higher than in
two or more other clusters (mixed type 1- > type
2-inflammatory pattern).
- In cluster-4 (13 CRS cases) , the levels of type 2-related
chemokines TARC/CCL17 and eotaxin/CCL11 were significantly higher than
in two or more other clusters. Other chemokines revealed no
significant differences. The neutrophilic type 1-biased pattern of the
additional parameters was significantly elevated (MPO > 3
other clusters; IL-22 > 2 other clusters), and IL-17,
IFN−γ , and TNFα (not included in the cluster analysis) were present
in cluster-4 (type 1- > type 2-inflammatory
pattern ).