Nasal polyps show decreased mucociliary transport despite vigorous ciliary beating.

OBJECTIVE: Mucociliary transport function in the airway mucosa is essential for maintaining a clean mucosal surface. This function is impaired in upper and lower airway diseases. Nasal polyps are a noticeable pathological feature that develop in some of the patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Like ordinary nasal mucosae, nasal polyps have a ciliated pseudostratified epithelium with vigorous ciliary beating. We measured ex vivo Mucociliary Transport Velocity (MCTV) and Ciliary Beat Frequency (CBF) and explored the expressions of Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) proteins in nasal polyps in comparison with turbinate mucosae. METHODS: Inferior turbinates and nasal polyps were surgically collected from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Ex vivo MCTV and CBF were measured using a high-speed digital imaging system. Expressions of PCP proteins were explored by fluorescence immunohistochemistry and quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: The MCTV of nasal polyps was significantly lower than that of the turbinates (7.43 ±â€¯2.01 vs. 14.56 ±â€¯2.09 µm/s; p = 0.0361), whereas CBF did not differ between the two tissues. The MCTV vector was pointed to the posteroinferior direction in all turbinates with an average inclination angle of 41.0 degrees. Immunohistochemical expressions of Dishevelled-1, Dishevelled-3, Frizzled3, Frizzled6, Prickle2 and Vangl2 were lower in the nasal polyps than in the turbinates. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that Frizzled3 was localized along the cell junction on the apical surface. The expression levels of mRNAs for Dishevelled-1, Dishevelled-3 and Frizzled3 in the nasal polyps were also decreased in comparison with the turbinates. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that muco ciliary transport in nasal polyps is impaired although vigorous ciliary beating is maintained, and that the impairment may be caused by a decrease in Dishevelled/Frizzled proteins and resultant PCP disarrangement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

The influence of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) on chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

BACKGROUND: Inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) modulate the inflammatory process, and may facilitate the formation of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). This study aimed to observe if IAPs were differently expressed between patients with CRSwNP and controls, and to correlate the expression of IAPs with some inflammatory markers, as with the response to nasal corticosteroids in patients with CRSwNP. METHODOLOGY: We obtained nasal biopsies from patients with CRSwNP (n=27) and controls (n=16). qRT-PCR measured the expression of IAPs and caspases, while Luminex assay measured the concentration of cytokines. Unpaired parametric tests and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: We observed lower expression of IAP genes (XIAP, BIRC2/IAP1, and BIRC3/IAP2) in CRSwNP patients compared to controls, and we identified that patients with bad response to corticosteroids presented lower levels of BIRC2/IAP1, XIAP, BCL2, CASP9, and IL-17, and higher levels of CASP7 and TGF-B. CONCLUSIONS: IAPs expression was downregulated in CRSwNP, and was associated with poorer response to nasal corticosteroids. The present findings suggest the importance of IAPs as a link between environment and the host inflammatory responses, and this pathway could be explored as a potential new target therapy for patients with CRSwNP.

Three-dimensional cell culture for the study of nasal polyps.

OBJECTIVES: Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures have many applications such as stem cell biology research, new drug discovery, cancer, and Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP). This disease is characterized by a significant impact on quality of life and productivity. The diversity of factors that act in the progression of CRSwNP point to the creation of a cell culture model that allows the integration of different cell types with extracellular matrix. This work aimed to create a cell culture model in 3 dimensions (spheroids) for the study of Nasal Polyposis. METHODS: Nasal polyp tissue from patients diagnosed with CRSwNP was mechanically dissociated using tweezers and a scalpel and the solution containing cells and small aggregates of nasal polyps was transferred to a Petri dish containing 5 mL of culture medium at the concentration of 106 cells/mL. RESULTS: The spheroids were cultivated for 20 days, fixed and analyzed using confocal microscopy. In a 3D culture environment, the spheroids were formed both by clustering cells and from small tissue fragments. In the cultures analyzed, the ciliary beat was present from the dissociation of the cells up to 20 days in culture. CONCLUSION: Our findings also point to these characteristics showing the environment generated in our study, the cells remained differentiated for a longer time and with ciliary beating. Thus, this work shows that nasal polyp-derived cells can be maintained in a 3D environment, enabling better strategies for understanding CRSwNP in situations similar to those found in vivo. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Laboratory studies.

Transcriptome Analysis Identifies Doublesex and Mab-3 Related Transcription Factor (DMRT3) in Nasal Polyp Epithelial Cells of Patients Suffering from Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD).

BACKGROUND: Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is a syndrome characterised by chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyps, asthma and aspirin intolerance. An imbalance of eicosanoid metabolism with anover-production of cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) has been associated with AERD. However, the precise mechanisms underlying AERD are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To establish the transcriptome of the nasal polyp airway epithelial cells derived from AERD patients to discover gene expression patterns in this disease. METHODS: Nasal airway epithelial cells were isolated from 12 AERD polyps and 8 AERD non-polyp nasal mucosa samples as controls from the same subjects. Utilising the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform, RNA samples were sequenced. Potential gene candidate DMRT3 was selected from the differentially-expressed genes for validation. RESULTS: Comparative transcriptome profiling of nasal epithelial cells was accomplished in AERD. A total of 20 genes had twofold mean regulation expression differences or greater. In addition, 8 genes were upregulated, including doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor 3 (DMRT3), and 12 genes were downregulated. Differentially regulated genes comprised roles in inflammation, defence and immunity. Metabolic process and embryonic development pathways were significantly enriched. Enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) results of DMRT3 in AERD patients were significantly upregulated compared to controls (p = 0.03). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) of AERD nasal polyps localised DMRT3 and was predominantly released in the airway epithelia. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that DMRT3 could be potentially involved in nasal polyp development in AERD patients. Furthermore, several genes are downregulated, hinting at the dedifferentiation phenomenon in AERD polyps. However, further studies are imperative to confirm the exact mechanism of polyp formation in AERD patients.

Increased expression of pendrin in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps / Expressão aumentada de pendrina na rinossinusite crônica eosinofílica com pólipos

Abstract Introduction: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is a heterogeneous disease and appropriate diagnostic algorithms in individual cases are necessary for effective medical treatment. Objective: The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between the pendrin expression of nasal polyps and clinical and pathological characteristic features of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis. Methods: A total of 68 patients were classified into eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis or non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis groups according to the degree of eosinophilic infiltration into the nasal polyps. Clinical, hematological, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed and statistically compared between both groups. Results: Thirty-eight were classified into eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis and 30 into non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis groups. There were no significant differences in age distribution, sex ratio, prevalence of asthma, or any other complications between the groups. The mean Lund-Mackay score and the number of serum eosinophils was significantly higher in the eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis than in the non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis groups. The pendrin expression was more frequently detected in the epithelial surface layer of nasal polyps in the eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis than in the non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis groups. In addition, mucin 5AC was more widely expressed in the eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis than in the non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis. Conclusion: Increased expression of pendrin and mucin 5AC in the nasal polyps would be associated with development of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis. This finding could allow the development of a novel therapeutic agent targeted specifically to patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis.

Resumo Introdução: A rinossinusite crônica com pólipos nasais é uma doença heterogênea e algoritmos diagnósticos apropriados em casos individuais são necessários para um tratamento médico eficaz. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi esclarecer a relação entre a expressão da pendrina de pólipos nasais e propriedades clínicas e patológicas características da rinossinusite crônica eosinofílica. Método: Um total de 68 pacientes foram classificados como tendo rinossinusite crônica eosinofílica ou rinossinusite crônica não eosinofílica de acordo com o grau de infiltração eosinofílica nos pólipos nasais. Análises clínicas, hematológicas e imunohistoquímicas foram realizadas e comparadas estatisticamente entre os dois grupos. Resultados: Entre os pacientes, 38 apresentavam rinossinusite crônica eosinofílica e constituíram o grupo 1; 30 tinham rinossinusite crônica não eosinofílica e constituíram o grupo 2. Não houve diferenças significantes na distribuição etária, razão entre os sexos, prevalência de asma ou qualquer outra complicação entre os grupos. O escore médio de Lund-Mackay e o número de eosinófilos séricos foram significantemente maiores no grupo com rinossinusite crônica eosinofílica do que no grupo com rinossinusite crônica não eosinofílica. A expressão da pendrina foi mais frequentemente detectada na camada epitelial superficial dos pólipos nasais na rinossinusite crônica eosinofílica do que no grupo com rinossinusite crônica não eosinofílica. Além disso, mucina 5AC foi mais amplamente expressa na rinossinusite crônica eosinofílica do que na rinossinusite crônica não eosinofílica. Conclusão: O aumento da expressão da pendrina e mucina 5AC nos pólipos nasais estaria associado ao desenvolvimento de rinossinusite crônica eosinofílica. Esse achado pode permitir o desenvolvimento de um novo agente terapêutico voltado especificamente para pacientes com rinossinusite crônica eosinofílica.

15-Lipoxygenase 1 in nasal polyps promotes CCL26/eotaxin 3 expression through extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation.

BACKGROUND: 15-Lipoxygenase 1 (15LO1) is expressed in airway epithelial cells in patients with type 2-high asthma in association with eosinophilia. Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is also associated with type 2 inflammation and eosinophilia. CCL26/eotaxin 3 has been reported to be regulated by 15LO1 in lower airway epithelial cells. However, its relation to 15LO1 in patients with CRSwNP or mechanisms for its activation are unclear. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate 15LO1 and CCL26 expression in nasal epithelial cells (NECs) from patients with CRSwNP and healthy control subjects (HCs) and determine whether 15LO1 regulates CCL26 in NECs through extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation. METHODS: 15LO1, CCL26, and phosphorylated ERK were evaluated in NECs from patients with CRSwNP and HCs. 15LO1/CCL26 and CCL26/cytokeratin 5 were colocalized by means of immunofluorescence. IL-13-stimulated NECs were cultured at an air-liquid interface with or without 15-lipoxygenase 1 gene (ALOX15) Dicer-substrate short interfering RNAs (DsiRNA) transfection, a specific 15LO1 enzymatic inhibitor, and 2 ERK inhibitors. Expression of 15LO1 and CCL26 mRNA and protein was analyzed by using quantitative RT-PCR, Western blotting, and ELISA. RESULTS: 15LO1 expression was increased in nasal polyp (NP) epithelial cells compared with middle turbinate epithelial cells from patients with CRSwNP and HCs. 15LO1 expression correlated with CCL26 expression and colocalized with CCL26 expression in basal cells of the middle turbinate and NPs from patients with CRSwNP. In primary NECs in vitro, IL-13 induced 15LO1 and CCL26 expression. 15LO1 knockdown and inhibition decreased IL-13-induced ERK phosphorylation and CCL26 expression. ERK inhibition (alone) similarly decreased IL-13-induced CCL26. Phosphorylated ERK expression was increased in NECs from CRSwNP subjects and positively correlated with both 15LO1 and CCL26 expression. CONCLUSIONS: 15LO1 expression is increased in NP epithelial cells and contributes to CCL26 expression through ERK activation. 15LO1 could be considered a novel therapeutic target for CRSwNP.

Increased expression of pendrin in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is a heterogeneous disease and appropriate diagnostic algorithms in individual cases are necessary for effective medical treatment. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between the pendrin expression of nasal polyps and clinical and pathological characteristic features of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis. METHODS: A total of 68 patients were classified into eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis or non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis groups according to the degree of eosinophilic infiltration into the nasal polyps. Clinical, hematological, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed and statistically compared between both groups. RESULTS: Thirty-eight were classified into eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis and 30 into non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis groups. There were no significant differences in age distribution, sex ratio, prevalence of asthma, or any other complications between the groups. The mean Lund-Mackay score and the number of serum eosinophils was significantly higher in the eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis than in the non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis groups. The pendrin expression was more frequently detected in the epithelial surface layer of nasal polyps in the eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis than in the non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis groups. In addition, mucin 5AC was more widely expressed in the eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis than in the non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis. CONCLUSION: Increased expression of pendrin and mucin 5AC in the nasal polyps would be associated with development of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis. This finding could allow the development of a novel therapeutic agent targeted specifically to patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis.

Systemic expression of inflammatory mediators in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps with and without Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease.

BACKGROUND: Systemic reactions are related to the pathogenesis of Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD). With this work we wanted to study the changes in the systemic levels of inflammatory mediators in both baseline and after oral aspirin challenge in patients with and without AERD. METHODS: Patients with nasal polyposis and asthma with AERD (n=20) and without (n=18) were orally challenged with aspirin in a single-blind placebo controlled study. Serum samples and urine were collected before and 6h after placebo and aspirin oral challenges. Serum levels of inflammatory mediators were assayed by using the Luminex technology and ELISA. The concentrations of 9-alpha, 11-beta prostaglandin F2, and leukotriene E4 (uLTE4) were measured in urine samples by ELISA. The expression of T-cell surface markers was analyzed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated before and after the challenges. RESULTS: AERD patients showed significantly higher baseline levels of s-IL-5R-alpha, uLTE4 and percentage of CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(pos) and CD4(+)CD45RA(-)CD45RO(+) but decreased levels of TGF-ß1 and number of CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(neg) cells. Aspirin challenge induced the release of uLTE4, IL-6 and increased the number of CD4(+)CD45RA(-)CD45RO(+) memory T-cells only in AERD patients but failed to reduce the levels of sCD40L as observed in non-AERD subjects. Further, IL-8 and sIL-5R-alpha levels directly correlated with the PD20ASA and the effects of aspirin on IL-6 and number of memory T-cells was more pronounced in subjects showing more strong reaction (bronchial and nasal). CONCLUSIONS: AERD patients have a differential baseline inflammatory pattern that supports the role inflammation as underlying mechanism of the disease. Systemic response to oral aspirin challenge was related to an increase in serum IL-6 and the number of circulating memory T-cells in AERD patients.

Epithelium and stroma from nasal polyp mucosa exhibits inverse expression of TGF-ß1 as compared with healthy nasal mucosa.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate TGF-ß1 expression in polypoid mucosa (epithelium and stroma) of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). METHODS: Cross-sectional study with two groups: 17 patients with nasal polyposis and 11 controls. Polyps and normal nasal mucosa were processed by immunohistochemical methods for TGF-ß1 visualization. Then, the percentage of TGF-ß1 expression in stroma and epithelium was objectively quantified using UT Morph software. RESULTS: A lower percentage of positive expression was found in the epithelium of CRSwNP patients (32.44%) versus normal controls (55.91%) (p < 0.05), and a higher percentage of positive expression in the stroma of CRSwNP patients (23.24%) versus controls (5.88%) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The lower percentage of TGF-ß1 expression in the nasal epithelium of CRSwNP patients may have an impact on epithelium-directed topical treatments employed in this patient population.

Expression of RANTES, eotaxin-2, ICAM-1, LFA-1 and CCR-3 in chronic rhinosinusitis patients with nasal polyposis.

PURPOSE: To compare gene expression of the chemokines RANTES and eotaxin-2, its receptor, CCR-3, adhesion molecule ICAM-1 and its receptor LFA-1 in eosinophilic polyps and in control normal nasal mucosa. METHODS: Gene expression was quantified by Real Time PCR in polyps (n=35) and in healthy nasal mucosa (n=15). RESULTS: Eosinophilic polyps showed a higher expression of eotaxin-2 and RANTES, but not of CCR-3, ICAM-1 or LFA-1 compared to control nasal mucosa. CONCLUSION: Eosinophilic polyps present greater expression of eotaxin-2 and RANTES, but not of CCR-3, ICAM-1 or LFA-1 compared to control nasal mucosa.

Expression of RANTES, eotaxin-2, ICAM-1, LFA-1 and CCR-3 in chronic rhinosinusitis patients with nasal polyposis / Expressão de RANTES, eotaxina-2, ICAM-1, LFA-1 e CCR-3 em pacientes com rinossinusite crônica associada à polipose nasossinusal

PURPOSE: To compare gene expression of the chemokines RANTES and eotaxin-2, its receptor, CCR-3, adhesion molecule ICAM-1 and its receptor LFA-1 in eosinophilic polyps and in control normal nasal mucosa. METHODS: Gene expression was quantified by Real Time PCR in polyps (n=35) and in healthy nasal mucosa (n=15). RESULTS: Eosinophilic polyps showed a higher expression of eotaxin-2 and RANTES, but not of CCR-3, ICAM-1 or LFA-1 compared to control nasal mucosa. CONCLUSION: Eosinophilic polyps present greater expression of eotaxin-2 and RANTES, but not of CCR-3, ICAM-1 or LFA-1 compared to control nasal mucosa.

OBJETIVO: Comparar a expressão gênica das quimiocinas RANTES e eotaxina-2, do seu receptor CCR-3, da molécula de adesão ICAM-1 e do seu receptor LFA-1 entre pólipos nasais eosinofílicos (PE) (n=35) e mucosa nasal controle (n=15). MÉTODOS: Quantificou-se a expressão gênica dos mediadores citados pela técnica de PCR em tempo real em PEs e em mucosas de concha média de pacientes sem doenças nasais ou alteração endoscópica. RESULTADOS: Pólipos eosinofílicos apresentam maior expressão de eotaxina-2 e RANTES, mas não de CCR-3, ICAM-1 e LFA-1, quando comparados as mucosas nasais controles. CONCLUSÃO: Pólipos eosinofícios apresentaram maior expressão de eotaxin-2 and RANTES, mas não de CCR-3, ICAM-1 ou LFA-1,comparada à mucosa nasal controle.

Expresión de óxido nítrico sintetasa en mucosa sinusal de pacientes portadores de sinusitis crónica versus controles / Expression of nitric oxide synthase in sinus mucosa of chronic sinusitis patients vs controls

Introducción: El óxido nítrico producido en las cavidades paranasales juega un importante rol en la fisiología nasal ya que aumenta la frecuencia del batido ciliar, optimiza el barrido mucociliary tiene un efecto bacteriostático y virustático. Diversos estudios muestran que el óxido nítrico nasal exhalado en pacientes con rinosinusitis crónica es significativamente más bajo que en sujetos sanos. Esto podría estar determinado por una alteración en la difusión del óxido nítrico a través de los ostia de drenaje obstruidos o por una menor producción de óxido nítrico por parte de los portadores de rinosinusitis crónica. En este último caso, esto podría corresponder al evento primario en la etiopatogenia de la rinosinusitis crónica. Objetivos: Estudiar y comparar cualitativamente con técnica de inmunohisto-química la expresión de las isoformas e-NOS e I-NOS de la óxido nítrico sintetasa en mucosa sinusal de pacientes con rinosinusitis crónica y pacientes controles, sin patología rinosinusal infecciosa o alérgica. Material y método: Para responder a esta interrogante se realizó un estudio comparativo de casos y controles, con el objetivo de cuantificar con técnica de inmunohistoquímica la expresión de las isoformas endotelial e inducible de la óxido nítrico sintetasa en mucosa sinusal de pacientes con rinosinusitis crónica y pacientes controles sin patología rinosinusal infecciosa o alérgica. Resultados: Ingresan al estudio un total de 11 pacientes. Seis de ellos son el grupo control y 5 con sinusitis crónica. Ambos grupos presentan resultados similares. Conclusión: Los resultados no muestran ninguna diferencia en la expresión de óxido nítrico sintetasa, tanto en su isoforma endotelial como inducible, en la mucosa sinusal de pacientes portadores de rinosinusitis crónica comparado con sujetos sanos.

Introduction. Nitric oxide produced in the paranasal sinuses plays an important role in nasal physiology because it increases ciliary beat frequency, improves mucociliary clearance and has a bacteriostatic and virustatic effect. Several studies have shown that exhaled nasal nitric oxide was substantially lower in chronic sinusitis patients, compared to healthy subjects. This could be determined by altered nitric oxide diffusion through obstructed drainage ostia, or by chronic sinusitis patients having lower nitric oxide production. Aims. To qualitatively compare by immunocytochemistry the expression of the iNOS and eNOS isoforms of nitric oxide synthase in the sinus mucosa of chronic sinusitis patients and control subjects. Materials and methods. A case-control comparative study was carried out in order to compare by immunocytochemistry the expression of inducible and epithelial isoforms of nitric oxide synthase in nasal mucosa of chronic sinusitis patients and control subjects, with no infectious or allergic rhinosinusal pathology. Results. The results show no difference in the expression of the inducible or epithelial isoform of nitric oxide synthase in the nasal mucosa of chronic sinusitis patients as compared to healthy subjects.

A clinical and pathologic study of chronic sinusitis: the role of the eosinophil.

Evidence exists that the eosinophil plays an important role in mediating injury to bronchial epithelium in chronic asthma. Here, the role of the eosinophil in chronic inflammatory disease of the paranasal sinuses was studied with tissue from patients who underwent surgery for chronic sinusitis. Paranasal tissue from patients with chronic asthma and/or allergic rhinitis was extensively infiltrated with eosinophils. Immunofluorescent studies demonstrated a striking association between the presence of extracellular deposition of major basic protein and damage to sinus mucosa. The histopathology of paranasal respiratory epithelium appeared similar to that described in bronchial asthma. These findings suggest that the eosinophil acts as an effector cell in chronic inflammatory disease of paranasal respiratory epithelium. Thus, sinus disease in patients with asthma may be due to the same mechanisms that cause damage to bronchial epithelium.