Objective To evaluate the expression and roles of matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase(TIMPs), transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1) and albumin in chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps(CRSsNP) and with nasal polyps(CRSwNP) in northern China. Methods CRSwNP tissue specimens of 95 cases, sinus mucosa of 33 CRSsNP cases and 24 cases of control were collected and analyzed in the present study. ELISA was used to measure MMP-1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, TIMP-1, 2, 3, 4, TGF-β1 and albumin in homogenization of nasal mucosa and polyp tissue. Results MMP-7, 8 and 9 in CRSwNP tissue were significantly higher than those in control tissue. MMP-8 in nasal polyp tissue of neutrophilic CRSwNP(Neu CRSwNP) was significantly higher than that of eosinophilic CRSwNP(Eos CRSwNP). TIMP-1 in CRSsNP tissue was significantly higher than that in CRSwNP and control tissue, TIMP-2 in CRSsNP and CRSwNP tissue was significantly higher than that in control tissue. There were no significant difference in TGF-β1 among the three groups. But albumin in CRSwNP tissue was significantly higher than that in CRSwNP and control tissue. Conclusion Different MMPs and TIMPs may play different roles in the remodeling of CRSsNP and CRSwNP.