Hub genes, diagnostic model, and predicted drugs related to ferroptosis in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Significant progress has been made in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, the relationship between chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and ferroptosis, as well as its underlying molecular mechanism, remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between CRSwNP and ferroptosis and identify key gene associated with ferroptosis that could impact the diagnosis and treatment of CRS. To achieve this, gene expression profiles containing CRSwNP and CRSsNP samples were obtained from the GEO database. In addition, from the FerrDb V2 database, we acquired 2 sets of genes that are connected with ferroptosis, giving us a combined number of 260 genes associated with this particular biological process. Differential analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were performed on nasal tissue samples from GSE36830, leading to the identification of 1 key gene related to ferroptosis and CRS. Using stepwise regression and logistic regression analysis, we constructed a diagnostic model for CRS using ALOX15. The AUC value demonstrates that the model exhibits a strong diagnostic performance. Furthermore, the connection between immune cell infiltration in the samples and hub gene was explored, suggesting the potential significance of the hub gene in the immune response to CRS. Finally, Five drugs targeting a central gene were identified from the DrugBank database, and a few of them have exhibited efficacy in the treatment of CRS or associated ailments. In conclusion, this model holds potential for supporting the diagnosis of CRS patients, while the central gene identified may contribute to a better understanding of CRS development and drug treatment.