ObjectiveTo observe the expression of Toll-interacting protein (Tollip) in appendix and analyze its significance during acute inflammation.MethodsThirty-three patients with acute appendicitis were included in the present study and 6 subjects with non-inflammatory appendixes were taken as controls (without inflammatory changes).The pulse rate,body temperature (BT),white blood cell (WBC) count and neutrophil (NEUT) count were observed one hour before appendectomy.Based on H-E staining and pathological examination,the appendix samples were divided into four groups:non-inflammatory appendix (A),simple appendicitis (B),suppurative appendicitis (C) and gangrenous appendicitis (D).The expression of Tollip protein (the localization,qualitative and semiquantitative analysis) was analyzed using immunohistochemistry and digital image analysis.The correlation of Tollip with pusle rate,BT,WBC and NEUT was also analyzed.ResultsSignificant differences in BT,WBC and NEUT were found between different pathological groups (P<0.05).Tollip protein was mainly expressed in the epithelium mucosa and glandular epithelium of appendix,but was not detected in the neutrophils.During the development of appendiceal inflammation (non-inflammatory appendix to simple appendicitis,to suppurative appendicitis,then to gangrenous appendicitis),the expression of Tollip protein gradually increased and was significantly correlated with WBC (P<0.05).ConclusionDuring the development and progression of acute appendicitis,Tollip expression is up-regulated in appendix tissues and is closely correlated with systemic responses of inflammation,such as the increase of WBC.