Silencing of forkhead box C1 reduces nasal epithelial barrier damage in mice with allergic rhinitis via epigenetically upregulating secreted frizzled-related protein 5.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is caused by immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated reactions to inhaled allergens, which leads to mucosal inflammation and barrier dysfunction. The transcription factor forkhead box C1 (FOXC1) has been identified to be associated with allergic inflammation. This study sought to uncover the role of FOXC1 in AR. A murine model of AR was induced by repeated intranasal ovalbumin (OVA) challenges. Results revealed that high FOXC1 expression was found in the nasal mucosal epithelium of AR mice. Nasal allergy symptoms, mucosal epithelial swelling, goblet cell hyperplasia and eosinophil infiltration in AR mice were attenuated after silencing of FOXC1. Knockdown of FOXC1 decreased the levels of T-helper 2 cytokines interleukin(IL)-4 and IL-13 in nasal lavage fluid, and serum OVA-specific IgE and histamine. Silencing of FOXC1 restored nasal epithelial integrity in AR mice by enhancing the expression of tight junctions (TJs) and adherence junction. Furthermore, knocking down FOXC1 increased tight junction expression and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) in IL-13-treated air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures of human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs). Mechanistically, silencing of FOXC1 induced DNA methylation of secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (SFRP5) promoter and increased its expression in the nasal mucosa of AR mice and IL-13-treated ALI cultures. FOXC1 overexpression transcriptionally activated DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B) in IL-13-treated ALI cultures. Knockdown of SFRP5 reversed the protection of FOXC1 silencing on epithelial barrier damage induced by IL-13. Collectively, silencing of FOXC1 reduced allergic inflammation and nasal epithelial barrier damage in AR mice via upregulating SFRP5, which may be attribute to DNMT3B-driven DNA methylation. Our study indicated that FOXC1 may represent a potential therapeutic target for AR.

[Clinical analysis of the treatment of maxillary odontogenic cyst by nasal endoscope fenestration through nasal base].

Objective:To investigate the feasibility and clinical effect of the surgical approach and method of transnasal fenestration under nasal endoscope for the treatment of maxillary odontogenic cyst. Methods:The clinical data of 23 cases with maxillary odontogenic cysts treated by nasal endoscopy through nasal fenestration were retrospectively analyzed. All cases underwent nasal endoscopy and CT examination before the operation. The mucosal membrane of the parietal wall of the cyst was excised through fenestration of the nasal base. The cyst fluid was removed by decompression, and the bony opening of the nasal base was trimmed and enlarged to the edge of the cyst. The intraoperative and postoperative effects were observed. Results:All cases were well exposed under the direct vision of nasal endoscope. The top wall of the cyst was removed to maximize the communication between the cyst cavity and the nasal floor. There were no complications such as nasolacrimal duct injury, turbinate atrophy, necrosis, and facial numbness. All patients were followed up for 6-12 months, and the clinical symptoms gradually disappeared after surgery. The inferior turbinate was in good shape, the cyst cavity was smooth, the cyst wall was determined, and no cyst recurrence was observed. Conclusion:The treatment of odontogenic cyst of maxilla under nasal endoscope through nasal fenestration is convenient. It has less trauma, fewer complications and a satisfactory curative effect, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

[Functional nasolacrimal duct decompression for chronic dacryocystitis].

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of endoscopic nasolacrimal decompression for chronic dacryocystitis. Method:22 patients with chronic dacryocystitis hospitalized at Longgang ENT hospital were participated in this study. An injection of 30% iohexol was administered to conduct lacrimal sac angiography. The injection was stopped when the agent reflux from the lacrimal duct, and a computed tomography（CT） scan of the lacrimal duct was performed immediately. Sinuses Trachea Isoftware was used to reconstruct a three-dimensional（3D） view of the lacrimal passage and its surrounding structures. The software was used to simulate the "cutting" of the lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct; the lacrimal sac and nasal lacrimal duct were removed after 1/2-3/4 circumferences to decompress the passage and expose the membranous nasolacrimal duct. CT scans were performed on ten adult frozen cadaveric heads, and the nasolacrimal duct decompression operation was simulated. Then, the bone of the nasolacrimal duct was removed, membranous nasolacrimal duct was exposed, and the capsular nasolacrimal duct was dilated. Result:①The lacrimal angiography study revealed that lacrimal duct obstruction occurred in the nasolacrimal duct segment, accounting for 72.7%（16/22） of the study cases. ② The anatomical examination showed that the outer sidewall of the nasolacrimal duct was composed of the tear groove of the maxilla, and the inner wall was composed of the descending process of the lacrimal bone. ③ In cadaveric heads, decompression of the osseous nasolacrimal duct was performed, exposing the membranous nasolacrimal duct. ④ A balloon catheter could dilate the membranous nasolacrimal duct and allow the lacrimal passage to be flushed. Conclusion:Endoscopic nasolacrimal decompression preserves the integrity of the lacrimal duct, allows drainage of the lacrimal duct, and avoids obstruction of the lacrimal duct by preventing lacrimal granulation.

[Effects of potash fertilizer on nutrient absorption by peanut and its yield and benefit].

Studies in Jianghuai hilly region showed that at definite N and P levels, applying potash fertilizer could regulate the transportation and distribution of nutrients in peanut plants, accelerate their absorption of N, P and K, increase the dry matter accumulation in their reproductive organs, and increase their yield, quality, and disease resistance. For each 100 kg pod products, the absorption of N, P and K was 3.08-5.35 kg, 0.6-1.2 kg and 3.45-6.66 kg, respectively. The K absorption was the biggest, and it was accumulated mainly in nutritive organs. The absorbed N and P were mainly accumulated in pods and other reproductive organs. The contents of N, P and K in all organs were increased with increasing potassium levels, and the amount of increased K was the biggest. The yield and economic benefit were the highest when the amount of applied potassium reached to 150-180 kg.hm-2 and N:P:K = 2:1:2. The highest pod yield was 5425.5 kg.hm-2, the highest benefit was 13,878.7 yuan.hm-2, and the ratio of output/input reached 6.75:1. The yield and economic benefit of peanut were decreased obviously when the amount of applied potassium was over 225 kg.hm-2. Thus, the prescription of N150, P75 and K150 was recommended for the balance fertilization of peanut production in this region.