Crocin Inhibits the Type 2 Inflammatory Response Produced by ILC2s in Eosinophilic Nasal Polyps.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is subdivided into type 1 and type 2 inflammatory responses according to the mucosal inflammatory patterns. Crocin can reduce the level of T-helper type 2 cell (Th2) cytokines, such as interleukin-4 (IL-4), and inhibit the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the role of group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) in type 2 inflammation in eosinophilic nasal polyps and the inhibitory effect of crocin on this inflammation. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of transcription factors and the infiltration of ILC2s in tissues. An ILC2 stimulation model in vitro was constructed based on IL-33 stimulation and treated with crocin. The explant models were constructed and treated with crocin to detect the expression of type 2 inflammation-related factors. RESULTS: Significantly more GATA-binding protein-3 (GATA3)-positive cells and chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on T-helper type 2 cell (CRTH2)-positive cells, but fewer T-box expressed in T cell (T-bet)-positive cells, were found in eosinophilic nasal polyps (NPwEos). The expression levels of GATA3 and CRTH2 were significantly higher in NPwEos. Recombinant IL-33 stimulation increased the expression of GATA3, CRTH2, and type 2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) in ILC2s. In an IL-33-stimulated in vitro ILC2 culture model, crocin inhibited the type 2 inflammatory response, especially at lower concentrations (10 µM). The explant organoids of NPwEos were constructed in vitro, and Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) was used to construct the type 2 inflammation model. Crocin at 10 µM concentration inhibited type 2 inflammation induced by SEB-stimulated explants. CONCLUSION: Crocin inhibited type 2 inflammation induced by ILC2 activation at low concentrations via inhibiting the activation of NF-κB.

Incidence and prognosis of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain: a national multi-center survey of 35 566 population / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.

Distinct Inflammatory Profiles in Atopic and Nonatopic Patients With Chronic Rhinosinustis Accompanied by Nasal Polyps in Western China

PURPOSE: The role of systemic sensitization in the pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) remains elusive. This study sought to characterize the pattern of cytokines in polyp tissues from atopic and nonatopic patients with CRSwNP. METHODS: Atopic and nonatopic polyp and normal tissues were collected from 70 CRSwNP patients and 26 control subjects, respectively. The distribution of inflammatory cells (eosinophils, neutrophils, mast cells, etc.) were examined using immunohistochemistry, the mRNA levels of the transcription factors GATA-3, T-bet, RORc, and FOXP3 were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The levels of inflammatory mediators (IFN-gamma, IL-5, IL-17A, etc.) in tissue homogenates were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Moreover, the levels of inflammatory mediators in the supernatant of anti-IgE stimulated polyp tissues were measured using ELISA. RESULTS: Atopic CRSwNP patients were characterized by increased eosinophil accumulation, enhanced eosinophilic inflammation (elevated IL-5, ECP, and total IgE), and significantly increased GATA-3 mRNA levels (P<0.05), whereas both atopic and non-atopic CRSwNP patients showed decreased FOXP3 mRNA expression (P<0.05). After addition of anti-IgE stimulation, atopic CRSwNP patients produced more IL-5, IL-2, IL-10, IL-17A, and PGD2 in the supernatant of stimulated polyp tissues than nonatopic CRSwNP patients did. CONCLUSIONS: Atopic and nonatopic CRSwNP patients may possess the patterns of inflammatory response in polyp tissues.

Immunopathology features of chronic rhinosinusitis in high-altitude dwelling Tibetans.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) presents distinct inflammatory and remodeling patterns in different populations and environments. Tibetan ethnic groups live at high altitudes and in cold weather conditions. We sought to examine whether Tibetans exhibit distinct CRS pathology or characteristics. Sinonasal polyps and mucosal tissue were obtained from 14 Tibetan patients with CRS and nasal polyps (CRSwNPs), 13 patients with CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNPs), and 12 Tibetan controls. Tissue homogenates and serum samples were assayed for several T-helper (TH) cell cytokines and mediators using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay profiles were measured using quantity polymerase chain reaction. Several key inflammatory cells were examined for immunohistochemical markers. CRSwNPs were characterized by increased mediator promoting eosinophilic inflammation (interleukin [IL]-5, eosinophil cationic protein, and total immunoglobulin E) and slight synergism with expression of IL-8, IL-2sRa, IL-1beta, IL-6, and myeloperoxidase, and a predominance of eosinophils, mast cells, and neutrophils. GATA-3 transcription factor was significantly increased and Foxp3 showed a tendency to be impaired in CRSwNPs compared with controls. CRSsNPs were characterized by significantly high levels of transforming growth factor beta1, increased interferon γ, and a significant enhancement of Foxp3 and T-beta compared with CRSwNPs. There were reduced numbers of inflammatory cells but increased levels of macrophages in CRSsNPs. Compared with CRSsNPs, CRSwNPs present a severe inflammatory reaction and show a TH2 milieu with apparently impaired regulatory T cells (Treg) function and increased inflammatory cells infiltration predominated by eosinophilic and mast cells. In contrast, TH1 polarization with enhanced Treg function and increased levels of macrophages appear in CRSsNPs.

Expression of TGF, matrix metalloproteinases, and tissue inhibitors in Chinese chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: To date there is no information on the expression of mediators associated with tissue remodeling in Asian patients with chronic rhinitis with (CRSwNP) or without (CRSsNP) nasal polyps. OBJECTIVES: To study the expression of TGF-beta1, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), collagen, and regulatory T cells in Chinese patients with CRSwNP and CRSsNP. METHODS: Thirty-six male and female subjects (12 patients with CRSwNP, 12 patients with CRSsNP, and 12 control subjects), age 17 to 60 years, were recruited into the study. Samples were collected from polyp and sinusoidal mucosal, ethmoidal mucosal, or inferior turbinate in the respective groups and assessed for TGF- beta1, MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, TIMP-3, and TIMP-4 by immunoassay; collagen by histochemistry; and forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) mRNA by real-time PCR. RESULTS: Patients with CRSwNP showed significantly lower concentrations of TGF-beta1, TIMP-1, TIMP-4, FOXP3, and collagen compared with patients with CRSsNP. Although there were no significant differences between the concentrations of MMP-7 and MMP-9 in patients with CRSwNP and CRSsNP, these were significantly increased compared with control patients. MMP-2 and TIMP-2 concentrations were not significantly different in any patient group, whereas TIMP-3 was not detectable. CONCLUSION: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is characterized by a relative lack of TGF-ss expression versus CRSsNP. This finding may be causal for decreased collagen, TIMP-1/4, and FOXP3 expression in CRSwNP versus CRSsNP. TGF-ss serves as a main switch for different remodeling patterns in sinus disease.

The expression and significance of interleukin-17 and the infiltrating eosinophils in nasal polyps and nasal mucous of allergic rhinitis / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the expression of interleukin-17 and the infiltration of eosinophilic cells in nasal polyps and allergic rhinitis, and investigate the roles of IL-17 and eosinophils in the etiology of nasal polyps and allergic rhinitis.@*METHOD@#A study was conducted on 21 patients of nasal polyps, 18 ones of allergic rhinitis and 12 normal individuals. Immunohistochemical stain with the rabbit monoclonal antibodies of IL-17 was carried out. The eosinophilic cells infiltrated in different tissues were stained with HE, then counted under high power filed. The data was analyzed with ANOVA of SPSS12.0 software.@*RESULT@#Many IL-17 stained cells were found in the samples of nasal polyps and allergic rhinitis, which were significantly higher than those in normal individuals (P < 0.05). Positive cell number in tissues of allergic rhinitis was similar to that in nasal polyps, but higher than in normal individuals. As for HE staining, there was no significant deviation of numbers of eosinophilic cell in tissue between allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps,while which differed from the normal ones (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#1. IL-17 is a newly cytokine which expressed in mucosa of allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps tissue. It indicates the degree of immunological reaction and inflammatory reaction, and can be used as an index to research the mechanism of nasal polyps as well as allergic rhinitis. 2. The eosinophilic cells count was correlated with the amount of IL-17 positive cells in nasal polyps and with allergic rhinitis correlation coefficients were R = 0. 606 (P < 0 01)and R = 0.446 (P < 0.05) respectively. It seems that eosinophils, which are regulated by IL-17, play an important roles in the development of nasal polyps and allergic rhinitis.

The expression and significance of interleukin-17 and the infiltrating eosinophils in nasal polyps and nasal mucous of allergic rhinitis / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:To observe the expression of interleukin-17 and the infiltration of eosinophilic cells in nasal polyps and allergic rhinitis, and investigate the roles of IL-17 and eosinophils in the etiology of nasal polyps and allergic rhinitis.Method:A study was conducted on 21 patients of nasal polyps, 18 ones of allergic rhinitis and 12 normal individuals. Immunohistochemical stain with the rabbit monoclonal antibodies of IL-17 was carried out.The eosinophilic cells infiltrated in different tissues were stained with HE, then counted under high power filed.The data was analyzed with ANOVA of SPSS12.0 software.Result:Many IL-17 stained cells were found in the samples of nasal polyps and allergic rhinitis, which were significantly higher than those in normal individuals(P<0.05). Positive cell number in tissues of allergic rhinitis was similar to that in nasal polyps, but higher than in normal individuals. As for HE staining, there was no significant deviation of numbers of eosinophilic cell in tissue between allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps,while which differed from the normal ones(P<0.05).Conclusions:①IL-17 is a newly cytokine which expressed in mucosa of allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps tissue. It indicates the degree of immunological reaction and inflammatory reaction, and can be used as an index to research the mechanism of nasal polyps as well as allergic rhinitis.②The eosinophilic cells count was correlated with the amount of IL-17 positive cells in nasal ployps and with allergic rhinitis correlation coefficients were R=0.606(P<0.01)and R=0.446(P<0.05) respectively . It seems that eosinophils, which are regulated by IL-17, play an important roles in the development of nasal polyps and allergic rhinitis.

Clinical treatment and diagnosis of parapharyngeal space neoplasms (analysis of 62 cases) / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the diagnosis and treatment of parapharyngeal space neoplasms which are rarely seen clinically and close related to the anatomy of parapharyngeal space.@*METHOD@#A retrospective review was carried out on 62 patients with parapharyngeal space neoplasms removal from January 1995 to December 2005.@*RESULT@#Neurogenic neoplasms were the most common tumors of the parapharyngeal space neoplasms, which constituted about 49 percent of all cases. All patients were treated successfully except 2 patients who suffered from tumor recurrence and received reoperation.@*CONCLUSION@#Clinical manifestations of parapharyngeal space neoplasms were complicated and pathological types of which were diversified. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were essential for diagnosis of parapharyngeal space neoplasms. The presurgical planning was decided on the position and the pathological type of the neoplasms.