Proteomics profiling of epithelium-derived exosomes from nasal polyps revealed signaling functions affecting cellular proliferation.

BACKGROUND: Nasal polyps are a significantly associated pathology of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) whose mechanisms of pathogenesis are not fully elucidated, especially the interaction of the polyp with its environment that allows its growth on the nasal epithelial lining. Exosomes are nanovesicles that serve important biological functions, including cell-to-cell signaling and communication. OBJECTIVE: Hence, we sought to explore the roles of the epithelial-derived exosomal proteome obtained from the human nasal epithelium in the modulation of CRS with nasal polyp (CRSwNP) pathogenesis. METHODS: We sampled exosomes from nasal lavage fluid and primary human nasal epithelial cells (hNECs) from healthy controls and patients with CRSwNP with and without coexisting asthma. The presence of exosomes was confirmed using a NanoSight assay, transmission electron microscopy and western blotting. The exosomal proteome was profiled with mass spectrometry. The Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to confirm the roles of exosomes in mediating cellular proliferation. RESULTS: The hNEC-derived exosomes from diseased epithelium contained differentially expressed proteins that were mainly involved in epithelial remodeling via pathways such as p53. An in vitro study further demonstrated that epithelial-derived exosomes from patients with CRSwNP (with and without coexisting asthma) significantly reduced the rate of proliferation of control hNECs at an effective concentration of ≥10 µg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: Exosomes secreted by hNECs from patients with CRSwNP, regardless of their coexistence with asthma, are laden with proteins that influence cell proliferation pathways, potentially leading to remodeling of the sinonasal mucosa.

Quality analysis of smart phone sleep apps in China: can apps be used to conveniently screen for obstructive sleep apnea at home?

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder with a high prevalence in China. Standard diagnosis of OSA requires polysomnography (PSG). Currently, smart phone applications (apps) are widely used as an important source of health guidance. However, the quality of the information provided by these apps has not been carefully assessed. METHODS: We searched for sleep apps available in China. We designed an evaluation scale that included scientific, functionality and usability, and accountability domains. The Scientific domain included an index of 16 items to evaluate the scientific quality of the apps for their level of adherence to PSG. The functionality and usability domain included 10 items to evaluate the functions of apps and 1 item to define whether the apps needed to connect with other devices. The accountability domain included 9 items that came from the Silberg Scale to evaluate whether the information provided by apps were trustable or not. We then calculated the sum of all domains. We also evaluated the popularity of each app. RESULTS: A total of 2379 apps were found, and 127 met the inclusion criteria. The mean total score of the apps was 14.23 ± 3.93. The mean scores of scientific basis, functionality and usability, and accountability were 5.51 ± 2.58, 2.90 ± 1.84, and 2.90 ± 1.84. The scientific scores of apps that could connect to other devices were higher than those of apps that worked alone (mean score: 5.26 vs. 4.17, P < 0.001). The functionality and usability score was correlated with the accountability score, and the coefficient of correlation was 0.304 (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Apps that could connect to other devices were more scientific and powerful than those that worked alone. Multifunctional apps were more popular and reliable. Because of the low quality of sleep apps in China, more work is necessary to create an ideal app.

Effect of Cellulose Powder on Human Nasal Epithelial Cell Activity and Ciliary Beat Frequency.

BACKGROUND: Cellulose powder (CP) has been reported as a safe and effective complementary treatment for allergic rhinitis (AR). Currently, CP has gained increasing application for clinical management worldwide, particularly in China. However, studies focusing on the effect of CP on normal human nasal epithelial cells (hNECs) and ciliary function are lacking. Here, we aimed to explore the adverse effects of CP on the activity and ciliary function of hNECs. METHODS: We biopsied ethmoid sinus or middle turbinate tissues during surgical resection from control subjects who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for diseases other than AR. Cells were isolated and passaged, followed by differentiation in an air-liquid interface (ALI). Flow cytometry and cell viability test (cell counting kit-8) were performed to detect the cytotoxicity of CP (effects on cell proliferation) on normal hNECs. By using the ALI culture model, we investigated the effects of CP on ciliary beat frequency (CBF). RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in hNEC count at high concentrations of CP (2.5 mg/mL) at days 3 and 7 (both p < 0.05). As the concentration increased, cell death increased progressively from day 3 to day 7. However, these effects were not evident at low concentrations (0.25 mg/mL, p > 0.05). High-dose CP (2.5 mg) significantly reduced the CBF (p < 0.05). At lower concentrations (0.25-2.5 mg/mL), CP initially increased but subsequently reduced the CBF of hNECs compared with control group. CONCLUSIONS: Cytotoxicity and the suppression of ciliary beat at high concentrations justify more prudent use of CP for the management of AR.