Clinical significance of eosinophilic cationic protein levels in nasal secretions of patients with nasal polyposis

Nasal polyps are characterized by eosinophilic infiltration, and frequently coexist with asthma, aspirin intolerance and allergy. Eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) is a specific eosinophil granule protein released upon activation of eosinophils. We investigated the ECP levels in nasal secretions of patients with nasal polyposis (NP) in order to correlate them with disease severity and associated diseases and to compare ECP levels between patients with and without recurrence of NP after surgical treatment. A total of 78 patients who had surgery for NP were followed up for a minimum of 18 months. The presence of asthma, allergies or aspirin intolerance was noted. Nasal secretions were obtained 1 day before the surgery and during the follow-up period after surgery. Immunoassays were used to quantify ECP in nasal secretions and serum and interleukin (IL)-5 in nasal secretions. ECP levels in nasal secretions were higher in patients with asthma or aspirin intolerance than in patients without asthma or aspirin intolerance, while no significant differences were found between allergic and non-allergic patients. ECP levels in nasal secretions correlated significantly with IL-5 levels in nasal secretions, the degree of tissue eosinophilia and computed tomographic (CT) scores. In total, 30 patients (38%) developed recurrent NP during the follow-up period. Preoperative ECP and IL-5 levels in nasal secretions were significantly higher in patients with recurrence compared to patients without recurrence. During the follow-up period, patients without recurrence demonstrated a significant reduction in the ECP levels in nasal secretions, whereas there was no significant reduction in the ECP levels of patients with recurrence. The results of this study provide evidence that ECP levels in nasal secretions of patients with NP correlate with the presence of asthma or aspirin intolerance and severity of NP determined by CT scores.     

变应性鼻炎引起嗅觉障碍的临床分析

目的分析变应性鼻炎引起嗅觉障碍的发病机制。方法选取216例变应性鼻炎患者作为实验对象,同时选取99例健康志愿者作为对照组。采用嗅棒气味嗅觉测试方法测定两组患者的嗅觉功能;采用酶联免疫吸附法检测鼻腔分泌物中嗜酸性粒细胞阳离子蛋白（eosinophil ationicprotein,ECP）及类胰蛋白酶的含量;应用鼻压计测定鼻气道阻力。结果变应性鼻炎患者鼻气道阻力与对照组比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;变应性鼻炎组患者嗅觉功能,鼻腔分泌物ECP和鼻腔分泌物类胰蛋白酶与对照组比较,差异具有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论嗜酸性粒细胞和肥大细胞的活性增加可能导致了变应性鼻炎患者的嗅觉障碍,而鼻腔阻塞可能不是引起变应性鼻炎患者嗅觉障碍的主要原因。     

Study on eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and arylsulfatase B in nasal secretions and sera from patients with nasal allergy

Recently four tissue toxic proteins namely major basic protein (MBP), eosinophil peroxidase (EPO), eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) were found in eosinophilic leucocytes. Although the characteristics of these proteins concerning tissue damage in the local site of type I allergic reaction have been investigated mainly in lower respiratory tract, the actual clinico-pathological roles of these proteins in nasal allergy are not clarified. Contrary, eosinophils also have histaminase, arylsulfatase, phospholipase D, which are considered to act on a negative feedback mechanism in allergic reaction through inactivation of chemical mediators. Therefore, estimation of ECP and simultaneously arylsulfatase B in nasal secretion and the sera from patients with nasal allergy may clarify the dynamics of clinico-pathological state, especially in the late phase of allergic reaction in each patients. ECP concentrations in the nasal secretions from 22 patients and in the sera from 12 patients with nasal allergy were measured by RIA method. The activities of arylsulfatase B in the nasal secretions and the sera were also estimated in the same specimens as ECP by measuring its hydrolytic activity using p-nitro cathecol sulfate as a substrate. The results obtained were as follows; 1) There was a significant correlation between ECP concentrations in the nasal secretions and the severities of clinical symptoms, especially the degree of nasal obstruction. ECP concentrations also significantly correlated to the score of eosinophilic leucocytes in the nasal smears. 2) The serum ECP concentrations significantly correlated to the number of eosinophilic leucocytes in the peripheral blood, and also showed slight tendency of correlation to the severity of clinical symptoms.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Role of local immunoglobulin E specific for Alternaria alternata in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: The role of fungal pathogens in the etiology of nasal polyposis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether there was a correlation between the presence of Alternaria-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E antibodies, eosinophilic inflammation, and the development of nasal polyps. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. METHODS: Serum and nasal tissue homogenates from 21 patients with manifestations of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps were compared with specimens from 13 chronic sinusitis patients without polyps and 8 healthy controls. The Phadia ImmunoCAP and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to quantify levels of total IgE and Alternaria-specific (IgE, IgG, and IgA) antibodies. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and tryptase levels were measured in tissue homogenates, whereas the inflammatory response was evaluated using tissue eosinophil counts in tissue samples. RESULTS: Serum analysis revealed no difference in the levels of total IgE and Alternaria-specific IgE, IgG, and IgA antibodies between the study groups. In contrast, the levels of Alternaria-specific IgE in tissue with polyps were significantly higher than in nonpolyp tissue. Increases in total tissue IgE paralleled increased levels of Alternaria-specific IgG and IgA antibodies in chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps as compared with control groups. A positive correlation was found between Alternaria-specific IgE and ECP in tissue. Increased mean levels of ECP corresponded to increased eosinophil counts in the group of patients with polyps. CONCLUSIONS: Alternaria-specific IgE and eosinophilic inflammation in nasal tissue correlates with the incidence of nasal polyps irrespective of specific IgE antibodies in serum. Together, the correlation between the local immune responses and the eosinophilic inflammation in nasal polyps suggests a possible role of Alternaria in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis.     

JESREC score and mucosal eosinophilia can predict endotypes of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Objective

Recently, JESREC score and mucosal eosinophil count have been used to diagnose eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) in Japan. However, it remains unknown whether the subtypes of CRS diagnosed by these criteria have different endotypes. In the present study, we investigated whether JESREC score and mucosal eosinophil count were appropriate for classification of CRS subgroups into endotypes.

Effect of nasal antifungal therapy on nasal cell activation markers in chronic rhinosinusitis

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of nasal antifungal treatment on eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and tryptase levels in samples of nasal lavage fluid from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps. DESIGN: Prospective double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Tertiary surgical center. PATIENTS: Subjects with severe chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps. Of 120 screened patients, 76 were eligible. Six patients withdrew because of minor adverse events, and 10 dropped out for other reasons. In total, 60 patients completed the study according to the study protocol. INTERVENTIONS: Nasal treatment with amphotericin B or saline control for 8 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Nasal lavages were performed before and after treatment. Fungal elements were assessed by culture and with different polymerase chain reaction assays. Levels of ECP and tryptase were determined by fluorescent enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: No correlation between cell activation markers and fungus detection was observed before treatment (all P>.20). Nasal amphotericin B treatment had no effect on levels of ECP (P = .17) or tryptase (P = .09) in nasal lavage samples. Moreover, successful fungus eradication, defined as fungus detection before but not after treatment, did not influence nasal ECP or tryptase levels (all P>.40). CONCLUSION: Neither topical amphotericin B therapy nor fungal state before and after treatment had any significant influence on activation markers of nasal inflammatory cells in chronic rhinosinusitis.     

Local IgE and inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis of asthmatics and non-asthmatics

The aim of the study was to show the difference in the pattern of inflammation, and Th1/Th2 polarization between asthmatic and non-asthmatic patients with CRS, specifically eosinophil activation, local IgE levels in the sinus fluid and tissue, and the severity of inflammation were measured. The maxillary sinus lavages, mucosal biopsies and bacteriological swabs were taken in 17 asthmatic and 36 non-asthmatic adult patients with CRS. The concentrations of IgE, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and tryptase were analyzed and IgE+ cells, eosinophils, lymphocytes and plasma cells were counted. The granulocyte activation markers and IgE in sinus lavages, and the inflammatory and IgE+ cells counts were significantly higher in the asthmatics with the greatest difference in ECP and IgE concentrations. The tryptase concentrations did not differ, but only in the asthmatics they correlated significantly with the IgE concentrations and IgE+ cells count. Asthmatic patients present a distinct subgroup among the patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The levels of the cellular markers and IgE in the sinus fluid differ from those of non-asthmatic patients with CRS. The activation of granulocytes (especially eosinophils), local IgE concentrations and the inflammatory cells infiltration are significantly higher in the asthmatics.     

Humoral mucosal immunity in allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND: Mucosa-immunologic aspects are gaining an increasing awareness in the pathophysiology of type I allergies. Humoral mucosal immune responses are dominated by secretory IgA, but there is evidence for a relevant role of IgG in nasal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. OBJECTIVE: was to measure allergen-specific immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG) in nasal secretions as an expression of a humoral mucosal immune response in allergic rhinitis. For tissue eosinophilia we studied nasal Eosinophilic Cationic Protein (ECP) and for mast cell activation nasal tryptase. METHODS: Nasal secretions of 40 patients suffering from allergic rhinitis were analyzed for allergen-specific IgA, IgG, and IgE, and for ECP and tryptase. Patients were highly sensitized against the major allergens of house dust mites, timothy, and birch pollen. 43 non-atopic individuals served as controls. In order to study possible effects of the actual pollen season on the studied parameter we secondly compared patients allergic to seasonal allergens co- (n = 28) and extra-seasonally (n = 41). In order to determine a possible influence of allergen-specific IgA in eosinophilic degranulation we additionally studied 5 patients after nasal allergen challenge. RESULTS: In allergic rhinitis we found significantly increased levels of allergen-specific immunoglobulins of all studied subclasses and allergens in nasal secretions. Comparison of nasal ECP and tryptase showed significantly increased concentrations in allergic individuals as well. Co-seasonally we found elevated allergen-specific IgE, ECP, and tryptase but lower concentrations of allergen-specific IgA and IgG. There was no association between late phase eosinophilia and IgA concentrations after local allergen challenge. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of allergen-specific immunoglobulins in nasal secretions is interpreted as a local humoral mucosal immune response. The physiologic role of local allergen-specific immunoglobulins is not clear to date. Involvement in degranulation of eosinophils or mast cells, like suggested before, seems unlikely.     

Relationship between nasal septal deformity,symptoms and disease severity in chronic rhinosinusitis

The objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction of nasal septal deformity (NSD), including the contribution of septal spurs, with the severity of subjective symptoms, impairment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and sinus mucosal hyperplasia in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). One hundred seventeen patients with CRS were assigned to three groups with mild, moderate or severe NSD, according to the measured nasal septal angle, including the presence of contact septal spurs. All CRS patients completed the visual analog scale (VAS) symptom severity score and the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) questionnaire. Symptoms scores, SNOT-22 and Lund–Mackay (LM) scores among the three NSD groups were compared. Related anatomy from the study group was compared with 100 control patients. VAS score for postnasal discharge in CRS patients was significantly higher in patients with mild NSD. There was a significantly higher LM score in CRS patients with severe NSD, compared to those with mild (P = 0.001) or moderate NSD (P = 0.005). CRS patients with a contact spur demonstrated a significantly higher LM score (P = 0.006) compared to those without a contact spur, and no differences in VAS symptom scores or HRQoL scores. There was a similar prevalence of septal deformities in CRS patients and in the non-ENT population. Our results support the conclusion that in patients with CRS, associated NSD or contact septal spur do not contribute significantly to CRS symptom severity or HRQoL impairment, but may have an impact on sinus mucosal hyperplasia.     

慢性鼻窦炎手术前后ECP、EGF、IL-6的水平变化及临床意义

目的 探究慢性鼻窦炎(CRS)鼻息肉患者鼻内镜手术(ESS)前后患者鼻腔分泌物中嗜酸性粒细胞阳离子蛋白(ECP)、表皮生长因子(EGF)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)的变化,分析它们在术腔创伤愈合中的意义。 方法 选取行ESS的163例CRS鼻息肉患者作为研究对象,另选同期健康体检者50例作为对照组。所有患者术前及术后1、6、12周行鼻内镜检查并采集鼻腔分泌物,采用酶联免疫荧光分析技术检测鼻腔分泌物中ECP、EGF、IL-6的浓度。 结果 与对照组相比,术前ECP、EGF、IL-6含量显著升高(P<0.05)。术后1周ECP、EGF、IL-6含量显著低于对照组、术前(P<0.05)。术后6周ECP、EGF、IL-6含量显著高于对照组、术前、术后1周(P<0.05)。术后12周ECP、EGF、IL-6含量显著低于术前及术后6周(P<0.05),显著高于术后1周(P<0.05),与术前相比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。线性回归分析结果表明,术前ECP、EGF、IL-6含量影响术后6周和术后12周患者术腔创伤愈合情况(P<0.05)。 结论 CRS鼻息肉患者术前ECP、EEG、IL-6含量显著升高,且在术后创伤愈合过程中的动态变化与术后上皮修复过程可能有相关性,术前ECP、EEG、IL-6含量是影响鼻黏膜术后上皮修复的指标。     

Concentrations of chemical mediators in nasal secretions after nasal allergen challenges in atopic patients

By using a microsuction technique, a quantitative determination of chemical mediators in nasal secretions was performed in 18 hay-fever patients and in a control group of 10 healthy volunteers. The authors then compared these quantitative data for mediators with objective nasal findings counting the number of sneezes, passive anterior rhinomanometry (PAR) and nasal inspiratory peak flow. A sampling protocol was designed with a follow-up of 3 days after nasal allergen challenge (NAC) in order to investigate both early and late allergic reactions. Median baseline concentrations of five major mediators were obtained: histamine, 19 ng/g; leukotriene C4 (LTC4), 5.7 ng/g. tryptase, 0; prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), 477 pg/g; eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), 105 ng/g. Significant increases in histamine (214 ng/g) , LTC4 (20 ng/g) and tryptase (28 μU/g) were found, but a significant decrease occurred in ECP (47 ng/g) and PGD (226 pg/g) immediately after NAC in the patients studied. Most ECP concentrations (94%) increased slowly 1 h after NAC and reached a significantly higher level 24 h later. In evaluating nasal symptoms, sneezes were present in a high percentage of cases (76%) during the early phase but were uncommon during the late phase (29%). Total nasal obstruction occurred in 94% during the early phase. In contrast, unilateral nasal obstruction presented in 82% during the late phase, whereas total nasal obstruction was present only in 41%. The most common type of late phase nasal obstruction shown by PAR was alternating nasal obstruction.     

Concentrations of chemical mediators in nasal secretions after nasal allergen challenges in atopic patients

By using a microsuction technique, a quantitative determination of chemical mediators in nasal secretions was performed in 18 hay-fever patients and in a control group of 10 healthy volunteers. The authors then compared these quantitative data for mediators with objective nasal findings counting the number of sneezes, passive anterior rhinomanometry (PAR) and nasal inspiratory peak flow. A sampling protocol was designed with a follow-up of 3 days after nasal allergen challenge (NAC) in order to investigate both early and late allergic reactions. Median baseline concentrations of five major mediators were obtained: histamine, 19 ng/g; leukotriene C4 (LTC4), 5.7 ng/g. tryptase, 0; prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), 477 pg/g; eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), 105 ng/g. Significant increases in histamine (214 ng/g) , LTC4 (20 ng/g) and tryptase (28 μU/g) were found, but a significant decrease occurred in ECP (47 ng/g) and PGD (226 pg/g) immediately after NAC in the patients studied. Most ECP concentrations (94%) increased slowly 1 h after NAC and reached a significantly higher level 24 h later. In evaluating nasal symptoms, sneezes were present in a high percentage of cases (76%) during the early phase but were uncommon during the late phase (29%). Total nasal obstruction occurred in 94% during the early phase. In contrast, unilateral nasal obstruction presented in 82% during the late phase, whereas total nasal obstruction was present only in 41%. The most common type of late phase nasal obstruction shown by PAR was alternating nasal obstruction.     

Impact of allergy on phenotypic and endotypic profiles of nasal polyposis

ObjectivesTo assess the impact of allergy on clinical presentations (phenotypes) and inflammatory patterns (endotypes) of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).MethodsA single-center prospective study was conducted over an 18-month period. Fifty-seven patients with refractory CRSwNP were included. The diagnosis of allergy was based on concordant skin prick tests and symptoms. Phenotypes were determined on symptom severity score, polyp size classification and Lund-Mackay CT staging. Inflammatory endotypes were determined on biomarker analysis (IgE, IgA, IL-5, IL-9, ECP, EDN) in blood and nasal secretions. Eosinophil counts were obtained in blood, nasal secretions and polyps.ResultsPhenotype and endotype profiles were comparable in patients with (n = 15) or without (n = 42) allergy. Only asthma with high total IgE blood concentration showed association with allergy.ConclusionsThe present results suggest that allergy is not directly involved in the clinical expression and specific inflammatory pathways of CRSwNP. New therapies target inflammation signaling pathways, and identifying accurate blood and tissue biomarkers will be the line of research most likely to improve treatment of CRSwNP.     

Structured histopathology and laboratory evidence in nasal polyposis with different pathogenesis

PurposeNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD), intrinsic asthma, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) and odontogenic sinusitis may be associated with nasal polyps. The aim of the study was to compare circulating inflammatory cells and structural histopathology of these groups of nasal polyposis.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 71 patients with nasal polyps stratified according to the above-mentioned pathogenesis. All patients underwent preoperative laboratory investigations and primary endoscopic sinus surgery. Surgical specimens were submitted to structured histopathological evaluation.ResultsThe median tissue eosinophil count (cells/HPF) was significantly different between the considered groups of nasal polyposis (p=0.0004). The median of NERD sub-cohort was significantly higher than intrinsic asthma (p=0.0030), odontogenic CRS (p=0.0001) and EGPA ones (p=0.0094). Eosinophilic aggregates positive rate was significantly higher in NERD sub-cohort than in odontogenic CRS (p=0.0072), EGPA (p=0.0497) and asthma (p=0.0188) ones. EGPA sub-cohort had a higher neutrophil infiltrate positive rate than NERD (p=0.0105) and intrinsic asthma ones (p=0.0040). Odontogenic CRS sub-cohort had a higher neutrophil infiltrate positive rate than NERD (p=0.0140) and asthma ones (p=0.0096). EGPA sub-cohort had a higher presence of fibrosis than NERD (p=0.0237) and odontogenic CRS sub-cohort (p=0.0107). Odontogenic sub-cohort had a lower sub-epithelial edema positive rate than NERD (p=0.0028) and asthma (p=0.0149) ones.ConclusionsStructural histopathology may identify nasal polyps histotypes with different morphological patterns. The identified histopathological features can facilitate the recognition of rational therapeutic and follow-up approaches that consider the tissue modifications associated with the response to drugs and surgery.     

嗜酸性粒细胞与慢性鼻-鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉的相关性研究进展

慢性鼻窦炎（chronic rhinosinusitis,CRS）是鼻腔黏膜和鼻窦黏膜的慢性炎性疾病,根据有无鼻息肉可分为慢性鼻-鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉（chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps,CRSwNP）和慢性鼻-鼻窦炎（chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps,CRSsNP）。鼻息肉组织常见有嗜酸性粒细胞(eosinophils,EOS) 浸润增多,根据嗜酸性粒细胞的浸润程度可将CRSwNP分为两个亚型：嗜酸粒细胞型慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉(eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, ECRSwNP)和非嗜酸粒细胞型慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉 (nonesinophilc chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps,nonECRSwNP);将慢性鼻窦炎分为：嗜酸粒细胞型慢性鼻窦炎（eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis, ECRS)和非嗜酸粒细胞型慢性鼻窦炎(non eosinophilic,NECRS)。嗜酸性粒细胞在鼻息肉形成、发展机制中的作用多年来一直备受学者们关注。随着研究的不断深入,嗜酸性粒细胞在鼻窦炎鼻息肉炎症趋化、息肉形成、分型和预后中的作用得到越来越多的重视。     

Zellzahl und Entzündungsparameter im peripheren Blut bei chronischer Rhinosinusitis

Objective

The aim of this study was to verify whether the following peripheral blood cell count and inflammation-based markers differ between various types of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS): neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), as well as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C?reactive protein (CRP) levels.

Materials and methods

In all, 386 patients had complete peripheral blood count, ESR, CRP and nasal cytology. The severity of CRS symptoms was assessed using three-stage Lund–Mackay computed tomography (CT) scores. The participants were stratified based on the results of nasal cytology and by the presence of nasal polyps (NP). The inflammation-based markers were calculated by dividing the cell numbers of the different cell types by numbers of the other cell types.

Results and conclusions

Blood leukocyte and neutrophil counts were higher in neutrophilic CRS. Differences between patients with CRS with nasal polyps (NP) and CRS without NP were significant for blood leukocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, CRP, NLR and MLR values. In CRS with NP, peripheral blood leukocyte, neutrophil, monocyte and eosinophil counts, as well as CRP, NLR and MLR values were higher than in CRS without NP. Our results show that all individuals with CRS could benefit from the analysis of blood counts and inflammation-based markers at the beginning of their evaluation. High levels of inflammation-based markers might guide the clinician towards planning more radical CRS therapy and use of systemic anti-inflammatory medication.

     

The intranasal Schirmer test: a preliminary study to quantify nasal secretion

Adequate secretion of the nasal mucosa is essential for normal nasal physiology. A “dry” nose is a frequent complaint of ENT patients. Measurement of secretion is currently impossible because of the absence of a recognized test. The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of an intranasal Schirmer test in a large number of patients and to define standard values for nasal secretion. The test population comprised 159 healthy, non-smoking volunteers and 30 healthy smoking volunteers. All subjects were examined by nasal endoscopy for anatomic or mucosal disease. A Schirmer test strip was placed on both sides of the mucosa of the anterior nasal septum by anterior rhinoscopy. After 10 min in standardized conditions, the strip was removed and the wetted distance was measured. Active anterior rhinomanometry (ARR) and acoustic rhinometry (AR) were later performed. In the non-smoking group (n = 159), the median wetting distance of the test strip was 10.3 mm (range 3.6–35.0 mm). Age, gender, nasal geometry, and flow (according to ARR and AR) had no significant influence on nasal secretion. The test for normal distribution was negative. In the smoking group (n = 30), the median wetting distance was 8.4 mm (range 2.5–28.0 mm), significantly shorter than the wetting distance in the non-smoking group (p < 0.05). The Schirmer test offers a practical method to quantify mucosal humidification. The test is inexpensive and well tolerated by patients. In healthy people, wetting distances from 6 to 18 mm are considered normal.     

Clinical characteristics and surrogate markers of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis in Southern China

The surrogate markers for subclassifying eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) and non-ECRS remain elusive. We herein performed a cross-sectional study to assess the clinical implication of clinical symptoms, CT findings, blood eosinophil (EOS) examination based on histological examination of tissue eosinophilia in 105 adult CRS patients (including 72 with nasal polyps and 33 without nasal polyps) in southern China. We found the mean score of smell loss was significantly higher in ECRS subgroup than those in non-ECRS subgroup (p < 0.05), whereas the average ethmoid osteitis index in non-ECRS subgroup was significantly higher than that in ECRS subgroup (p < 0.05). Moreover, we found both the mean blood EOS number and ratio were significantly higher in ECRS subgroup than those in non-ECRS subgroup (p < 0.05). By applying receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, we found blood EOS number had a sensitivity of 84.9 % and specificity of 84.4 % [area under the curve (AUC): 0.873] at the cutoff level of 0.16 × 10⁹/L, and blood EOS ratio had a sensitivity of 89.0 % and specificity of 84.4 % (AUC: 0.863) at the cutoff level of 2.05 % in this cohort. Our findings indicated that smell loss score, ethmoid osteitis index and blood EOS number and ratio may be used for the differential diagnosis of ECRS as the surrogate markers.     

鼻息肉组织及上皮细胞的形态学特征与嗜酸粒细胞阳离子蛋白的表达

目的:研究鼻息肉组织及其上皮细胞的形态学特征,检测嗜酸粒细胞阳离子蛋白(ECP)在其中的表达,探讨其发病机制及病理特点、ECP的作用。方法:慢性鼻-鼻窦炎不伴鼻息肉(鼻窦炎组)5例,慢性鼻-鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉(鼻息肉组)5例,正常下鼻甲黏膜(对照组)5例,标本均分成2份,一份放入4%的戊二醛液中固定,常规电镜制片;另一份放入10%甲醛中固定,石蜡包埋行ECP原位杂交检测。结果:电镜下见鼻息肉组黏膜上皮排列紊乱,基底膜增厚,纤毛排列不整齐,倒伏,其中基底层有脱颗粒现象,鼻窦炎组上皮层破坏、基底膜水肿;对照组上皮层连续,基底层排列整齐。鼻窦炎组、鼻息肉组ECP阳性表达于上皮层、黏膜下层及血管周,呈棕褐色,但鼻窦炎组表达较鼻息肉组低。结论:鼻息肉组织及上皮细胞内有活化的嗜酸粒细胞,脱颗粒现象,鼻息肉组织中ECP高表达,说明鼻窦炎和(或)鼻息肉组织中有活跃的炎症反应,引起组织上皮损伤和脱落,最终形成鼻息肉。     

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B induced expression of IL-17A in nasal epithelial cells and its association with pathogenesis of nasal polyposis

Interleukin (IL)-17A is a highly inflammatory cytokine and is known to be produced by Th17 cells. The importance of IL-17A expression in nasal epithelial cells is not well understood. The goal of this study is to explore the expression of IL-17A in nasal epithelial cells in vivo and in vitro. IL-17A and staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) were detected by immunofluorescence (IF) in nasal epithelial cells of control mucosa (n = 10) and nasal polyps (n = 20). Expression of IL-17A, RORC, IL-6, and TGF-β1 was also measured by RT-PCR in the tissue of control nasal mucosa (n = 10) and nasal polyps (n = 20). IL-17A expression was evaluated in the human nasal epithelial cells after SEB stimulation. Finally, IL-17A expression was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and IF following intranasal SEB instillation in mice. Expression of IL-17A in nasal epithelial cells was higher in nasal polyps compared to control mucosa. There was a significant correlation between IL-17A and SEB detection in nasal polyps using IF. SEB increased IL-17A expression in human nasal epithelial cells, and in epithelial cells of SEB instilled mice. In conclusion, SEB exposure of nasal epithelial cells induces the enhanced expression of IL-17A. SEB may be involved in pathogenesis of nasal polyps by enhancing IL-17A expression in epithelial cells in nasal polyps.