Clinical characteristics of local allergic rhinitis sensitized to house dust mites in Asia.

PURPOSE: Local allergic rhinitis (LAR) is characterized by a localized nasal allergic response without evidence of systemic atopy. LAR is an underdiagnosed entity and is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for clinicians. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of patients with LAR to house dust mites (LAR-HDM) in Korea. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of 336 adult patients with rhinitis symptoms who visited the Rhinologic Clinic at Korea University Guro Hospital from October 2019 to April 2021. Using results of the skin prick test, serologic test, and nasal provocation test, patients were classified as allergic rhinitis (AR) to HDM (AR-HDM), AR to other allergens, non-allergic rhinitis (NAR), or LAR-HDM. We excluded patients with AR to other allergens and compared the clinical characteristics of the remaining three groups. Patient demographic data were reviewed, and patients' nasal symptoms, olfactory function, serum total IgE, and severity of accompanying rhinosinusitis were evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 336 patients were examined. AR-HDM was diagnosed in 138 (41.1%) patients, AR to other allergens in 36 (10.7%) patients, NAR in 21 (42.0%) patients, and LAR-HDM in 21 (6.3%) patients. The mean age of patients with LAR-HDM was significantly higher than that of patients with AR-HDM. There were no significant differences in sex, smoking history, asthma, and family history of allergic diseases between the groups. Compared to NAR patients, there were significantly more patients with LAR-HDM who had persistent nasal symptoms. The frequency of nasal itching and sneezing was significantly higher in the LAR-HDM group than in the NAR group. The olfactory function score in the LAR-HDM group was significantly worse than that in the AR-HDM group, and the Lund-Mackay score was significantly higher in the LAR-HDM group than in the other groups. CONCLUSION: Clinical history and nasal symptoms are very similar in LAR-HDM and AR-HDM. Clinicians should take more care to differentiate them. LAR-HDM should also be considered in patients with persistent and severe nasal symptoms without systemic atopy.

Wedge resection combined with 3D-printed polycaprolactone mesh for caudal septal deviation.

BACKGROUND: Biocompatibility and stability of three-dimensional printed polycaprolactone mesh grafts for nasal surgery are proven in both animal and human models. However, their safety and durability as batten grafts for caudal septal deviation has not been documented. This study was designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of three-dimensional printed polycaprolactone mesh batten graft in septoplasty using the wedge resection technique for the correction of caudal septal deviation. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of 20 patients aged ≥ 18 years with caudal septal deviation who underwent septoplasty with wedge resection and three-dimensional printed polycaprolactone mesh graft from a tertiary medical center in South Korea, between December 1, 2019 and May 31, 2021. Those without nasal obstruction before surgery or with a short follow-up period (< 28 days) were excluded from the survey analysis. RESULTS: Of the 20 patients (mean age, 48.0 [range, 19-65] years), 17 (85.0%) were male, and three (15.0%) were female. A significant change was noted in the mean nasal obstruction symptom evaluation score (68.2 vs. 15.0, P < .001) in the 17 patients included in the analysis. Postoperative endoscopic evaluation revealed a straight septum in 19/20 (95.0%) patients, and no complications were noted in the postoperative follow-up period of up to 364 days. CONCLUSIONS: The three-dimensional printed polycaprolactone nasal mesh is safe and provides adequate support to resist the intrinsic memory of the cartilage of the caudal septum. In addition to nasal surgeries, it has great potential as a graft in other reconstructive surgeries. Trial registration Retrospectively registered.

Clinical and imaging features of ethmomaxillary sinus compared to Haller's cell.

PURPOSE: Understanding the anatomy of the paranasal sinuses and their variations is essential to achieving safe and effective endoscopic sinus surgery. The ethmomaxillary sinus (EMS) is a relatively under-researched anatomical variation. This study investigated the prevalence, clinical features, and effect of EMS on the maxillary sinus in comparison with Haller's cells. METHODS: Patients who visited the Rhinology Clinic at our hospital for rhinologic symptoms between January 2020 and December 2020. Computed tomography (CT) scans of paranasal sinuses were obtained at 1 mm-section thickness. Using CT scans, we investigated the clinical features of EMS, measured maxillary sinus volume, and analyzed the presence of maxillary sinusitis. RESULTS: EMS was observed in 26 of the 250 patients (10.4%). The male-to-female ratio was equal. The age ranged from 18 to 83 years (mean age, 56.3). Of the patients with EMS, 65.4% were unilateral and 34.6% were bilateral. The prevalence of Haller's cells was similar to that in EMS (10.8%). In the analysis of patients with unilateral EMS, the EMS side was found to have a significantly reduced maxillary sinus volume compared to the opposite side, whereas the difference was not significant in Haller's cells. There was no significant relationship between EMS or Haller's cells and maxillary sinusitis. CONCLUSIONS: EMS can significantly affect maxillary sinus volume. Therefore, surgeons should thoroughly review PNS CT scans before paranasal sinus surgery to determine the presence and features of EMS.

Huge Nasopalatine Duct Cyst Treated by Transnasal Endoscopic Marsupialization: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Nasopalatine duct cyst (NPDC) is the most common nonodontogenic cyst originating from the epithelial remnants of the incisive canal in the maxilla. NPDC is treated with complete enucleation via a sublabial or transpalatal approach, and recently tranasnasal endoscopic marsupialization has been gradually used. However, in large and extensive cases, it is difficult to remove the cyst completely, and there is a high risk of postoperative complications, including oronasal fistula. Therefore, tranasnasal endoscopic marsupialization is recommended as an effective treatment modality. Herein, we report a case of a 49-year-old man with a very large NPDC with a maximum diameter of 58 mm. NPDC was successfully managed by transnasal endoscopic marsupialization under general anesthesia without any major problems. No postoperative complications or recurrence occurred until 12 months postoperatively. Transnasal endoscopic marsupialization for large NPDC is minimally invasive and useful.

Changing Trends in the Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Strategies for Odontogenic Sinusitis Over the Past 10 Years.

OBJECTIVES: The incidence of odontogenic sinusitis has been gradually increasing due to the recent increases in invasive dental procedures. This study aimed to describe the clinical features of present patients with odontogenic sinusitis compared to the past, confirm the importance of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), and analyze the predictive factors for ESS. METHODS: This retrospective review included all patients diagnosed with odontogenic sinusitis between January 2010 and December 2011 and between January 2019 and December 2020. The patients were classified into 2 groups (past and present) depending on the time of the first visit. The clinical characteristics and treatment modalities were compared between the two groups. In addition, among patients in the present group, we analyzed variables to identify factors contributing to the risk of undergoing ESS. RESULTS: This study included 56 patients (23 in the past group and 33 in the present group). Compared to the past group, the present group had an older mean age (P = .001) and significantly increased iatrogenic etiologies (52.1% vs 90.9%; P = .002). The proportion of patients treated with ESS also increased in the present group compared to that in the past group (39.1% vs 66.7%; P = .041). In the present group, 11 patients (33.3%) were cured with conservative treatment, while 22 patients (66.7%) underwent additional ESS. Multivariate analysis revealed that the Lund-Mackay score was the only significant predictor of ESS (odds ratio [OR]: 14.901, P = .035). CONCLUSION: The incidence of odontogenic sinusitis with iatrogenic etiologies has increased compared to the past. In addition, two-thirds of the patients in the present study underwent ESS, a significantly higher proportion than in the past. Therefore, ESS is one of the most important treatment modalities for odontogenic sinusitis, especially iatrogenic, in recent years. A severe Lund-Mackay score was associated with a significantly increased risk of ESS.

All-trans retinoic acid regulates TGF-ß1-induced extracellular matrix production via p38, JNK, and NF-κB-signaling pathways in nasal polyp-derived fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND: All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a derivative of vitamin A, is known to have anti-fibrogenic effects and regulates cell proliferation and differentiation. Therefore, these abilities of ATRA may influence tissue remodeling in the upper airway. The aims of the present study were to investigate the effects of ATRA on the myofibroblast differentiation, extracellular matrix (ECM) production, cell migration, and collagen gel contraction and to determine the molecular mechanisms of ATRA in TGF-ß1-induced nasal polyp-derived fibroblasts (NPDFs). METHODS: NPDFs were isolated from nasal polyp. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay. TGF-ß1-induced fibroblasts were pretreated with ATRA. The expression levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type 1, fibronectin, phospho-mitogen-activated protein kinase, and p-p50 (nuclear factor-kappaB [NF-κB]) were measured by Western blot analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and/or immunofluorescence staining. Cell migration was analyzed with cell migration scratch assay and Transwell migration assay. Collagen contractile activity was measured using a collagen gel contraction assay. RESULTS: ATRA had no significant cytotoxic effect in NPDFs. Expression levels of α-SMA, collagen type 1, and fibronectin stimulated by TGF-ß1 were significantly downregulated in the ATRA-pretreated fibroblasts. TGF-ß1-induced cell migration and collagen gel contraction were significantly inhibited by ATRA pretreatment. ATRA also significantly inhibited phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, and p50 in TGF-ß1-induced NPDFs, but did not inhibit phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK). CONCLUSION: ATRA downregulated myofibroblast differentiation, ECM production, cell migration, and collagen gel contraction via p38, JNK-dependent NF-κB-signaling pathways in TGF-ß1-induced NPDFs. The findings suggest that ATRA could serve as a novel therapeutic agent to ameliorate nasal polyp development.

Efficacy of hyaluronic acid and hydroxyethyl starch in preventing adhesion following endoscopic sinus surgery.

Adhesion is a major complication of endoscopic sinus surgery that may lead to recurrence of chronic rhinosinusitis, necessitating revision surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of hyaluronic acid and hydroxyethyl starch (HA-HES) relative to hyaluronic acid and carboxymethylcellulose (HA-CMC) with regard to anti-adhesion effect. In this multi-center, prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled study, 77 consecutive patients who underwent bilateral endoscopic sinus surgery were enrolled between March 2014 and March 2015. HA-HES and HA-CMC were applied to randomly assigned ethmoidectomized cavities after the removal of middle meatal packing. At the 1st, 2nd and 4th weeks after surgery, the presence and grades of adhesion, edema, and infection were, respectively, examined via endoscopy by a blinded assessor. The incidence and grades of adhesion at the 2-week follow-up were significantly less in the HA-CMC group than in the HA-HES group (p < 0.05). However, with the exception of week 2, there were no significant differences in the incidence or grades of adhesion, edema, and infection between the two groups. When the primary endpoint-the presence of adhesion at the 4-week follow-up-was compared between two groups, the incidence of adhesion in HA-HES group at the 4-week follow-up was 32% and in HA-CMC was 41.3%, indicating that HA-HES was not inferior to HA-CMC in terms of anti-adhesive effect. No severe adverse reactions were noted during the study period. In conclusion, HA-HES is a safe substitutional anti-adhesion agent that has equivalent effect as HA-CMC after endoscopic sinus surgery.

A Trend in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Data from a Population-Based Study.

This is the first study reporting on the incidence and clinical aspects of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in South Korea. Using Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service data from 2011 to 2015, the monthly incidence of unilateral SSNHL and incidence according to patients' sex, age, and month of diagnosis were investigated. The monthly incidence of unilateral SSNHL increased over the 5-year study period, with a mean annual incidence of 17.76 cases/ 100,000 of the population. The incidence increased with age, with most patients presenting in their 60s. There was a slight female preponderance, with a male-to-female ratio of 1: 1.35. Most new patients were diagnosed in October, and the fewest in January. In conclusion, this large-scale study indicates that unilateral SSNHL has a higher incidence among the elderly, women, and in autumn (i.e., along with colder weather).

Transcriptome analysis and promoter sequence studies on early adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells.

To identify regulatory molecules which play key roles in the development of obesity, we investigated the transcriptional profiles in 3T3-L1 cells at early stage of differentiation and analyzed the promoter sequences of differentially regulated genes. One hundred and sixty-one (161) genes were found to have significant changes in expression at the 2nd day following treatment with differentiation cocktail. Among them, 86 transcripts were up-regulated and 75 transcripts were down-regulated. The 161 transcripts were classified into 10 categories according to their functional roles; cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, immune, defense response, metabolism, protein modification, protein metabolism, regulation of transcription, signal transduction and transporter. To identify transcription factors likely involved in regulating these differentially expressed genes, we analyzed the promoter sequences of up- or -down regulated genes for the presence of transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs). Based on coincidence of regulatory sites, we have identified candidate transcription factors (TFs), which include those previously known to be involved in adipogenesis (CREB, OCT-1 and c-Myc). Among them, c-Myc was also identified by our microarray data. Our approach to take advantage of the resource of the human genome sequences and the results from our microarray experiments should be validated by further studies of promoter occupancy and TF perturbation.

Effect of exercise on hepatic gene expression in an obese mouse model using cDNA microarrays.

To understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the effect of exercise training, we examined hepatic transcriptional profiles using cDNA microarrays in exercise-trained and untrained mice with diet-induced obesity. C57BL/6J male mice (n = 10/group) were fed with a normal diet, high-fat diet (HFD), or HFD with exercise training for 12 weeks. The expression level of approximately 10,000 transcripts in liver tissues from each group was assessed using cDNA microarray analysis. Exercise training improved lipid profiles and hepatic steatosis and decreased body fat mass induced by the HFD. Seventy-three genes were differentially expressed in the HFD- and/or HFD with exercise training-treated groups, compared with the normal diet- and HFD-fed groups, respectively. Interestingly, the expression profiles involved in metabolism, such as elongation of very long chain fatty acids-like 2, lipin, and malic enzyme, were changed by exercise training. In addition, expression of genes altered by exercise training related to defense and stress response, including metallothionein 1 and 2 and heat shock protein, showed interesting findings. Our study showed beneficial effects of exercise training in preventing the development of obesity and metabolic disorders in mice with diet-induced obesity.

Protective effects of dietary soy isoflavones against UV-induced skin-aging in hairless mouse model.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the anti-aging effects of dietary isoflavones on photoaged hairless mouse skin. METHODS: Female hairless mice were administered soy isoflavone extract orally and irradiated with UV light for four weeks. The effects of the isoflavones on the skin appearance, collagen deposition and epidermal thickness in the UV-damaged mouse skin were measured using bioengineering and histochemical methods. In addition, the influence of the isoflavones on the collagen metabolism in the UVB-irradiated human skin fibroblasts was also investigated. RESULTS: In the isoflavone treated group, the skin had a better appearance and less wrinkling than that of the control group. Additionally, the amount of collagen deposition was higher in the isoflavone group. In the human fibroblast cells, the amount of procollagen de novo synthesized did not increase after isoflavone treatment and/or UV irradiation. However, the increase in the expression of the metalloproteinases (MMPs) as a result of UV irradiation was suppressed by the isoflavone treatment. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that isoflavones had an anti-aging effect on the UV-damaged hairless mice model, which is partly due to the inhibitory effects on UV-induced MMP-1 expression and the subsequent collagen degradation.

Ginsenoside F1 protects human HaCaT keratinocytes from ultraviolet-B-induced apoptosis by maintaining constant levels of Bcl-2.

Ginsenosides, the major active ingredients of ginseng, show a variety of biomedical efficacies such as antiaging and antioxidation. Here, we investigate the protective activity of the ginsenoside F1, an enzymatically modified derivative of ginsenoside Rg1, against ultraviolet-B-induced damage in human HaCaT keratinocytes. Ginsenoside F1 significantly reduced ultraviolet-B-induced cell death and protected HaCaT cells from apoptosis caused by ultraviolet B irradiation. Furthermore, ginsenoside F1 prevented ultraviolet-B-induced cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase in HaCaT cells. In search of the molecular mechanism responsible for the antiapoptotic effect of ginsenoside F1, we find that protection from ultraviolet-B-induced apoptosis is tightly correlated with ginsenoside-F1-mediated inhibition of ultraviolet-B-induced downregulation of Bcl-2 and Brn-3a expression.