Value of a lateral inferior pedicle flap in Draf IIb for recurrent frontal sinus diseases: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: The Draf IIb procedure allows the widest unilateral access to the frontal sinus in a minimally invasive fashion, with efficiency and safety comparable to the Draf III. However, this technique is still associated with a high postoperative stenosis rate. The exposure of drilled bone induces osteitis predisposing to scarring and neo-osteogenesis causing ostium restenosis. We developed a novel lateral inferior pedicle flap (LIPF) to cover the exposed bone and prevent restenosis during Draf IIb. We aimed to describe our technique. METHODS: Adult patients requiring a Draf IIb for unilateral recurrent frontal sinus disease were prospectively enrolled. A LIPF technique was systematically performed. Demographics and complications were recorded. The primary outcome measure was neo-ostium patency at 12 months. In patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), the clinical control rate was evaluated at 12 months. RESULTS: 59 patients underwent the Draf IIb with LIPF technique from 2013 to 2021. 49 patients (20 women/29 men, median age of 48.0 years) completed at least 12 months of follow-up (median 41.0 months, range 12-100 months). Indications included recalcitrant CRS (n = 32), inverted papilloma (n = 9) and frontal mucocele (n = 8). Overall, the neo-ostium remained patent at 12 months in all patients, and the clinical control rate of 32 patients with recalcitrant CRS at 12 months was 100%. No main complications were recorded. CONCLUSION: The LIPF technique was associated with a high rate of success for a Draf IIb.

LINC00958 promotes bladder cancer carcinogenesis by targeting miR-490-3p and AURKA.

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer is a prevalent malignancy of the urinary system, in which long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are highly associated. We aimed to elucidate the role of LINC00958 in bladder cancer. METHODS: LINC00958 expression levels were measured using qRT-PCR. The interaction of LINC00958-miR-490-3p-AURKA was analyzed by luciferase, RIP, and RNA pull-down assays. The biological roles of LINC00958, miR-490-3p, and AURKA in bladder cancer cells were analyzed using CCK8, BrdU, and transwell assays. RESULTS: Increased expression of LINC00958 and AURKA was observed in bladder cancer tissues and cell lines. Decreased LINC00958 expression repressed bladder cancer progression and downregulation of miR-490-3p accelerated bladder cancer cell progression. Moreover, LINC00958 sponges miR-490-3p to upregulate AURKA expression, thereby promoting carcinogenesis in bladder cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that LINC00958 facilitated cell proliferation and invasion, and suppressed cell apoptosis by sponging miR-490-3p and upregulating AURKA, thus inspiring a new treatment method for bladder cancer.

Neural network L1 adaptive control of MIMO systems with nonlinear uncertainty.

An indirect adaptive controller is developed for a class of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) nonlinear systems with unknown uncertainties. This control system is comprised of an L 1 adaptive controller and an auxiliary neural network (NN) compensation controller. The L 1 adaptive controller has guaranteed transient response in addition to stable tracking. In this architecture, a low-pass filter is adopted to guarantee fast adaptive rate without generating high-frequency oscillations in control signals. The auxiliary compensation controller is designed to approximate the unknown nonlinear functions by MIMO RBF neural networks to suppress the influence of uncertainties. NN weights are tuned on-line with no prior training and the project operator ensures the weights bounded. The global stability of the closed-system is derived based on the Lyapunov function. Numerical simulations of an MIMO system coupled with nonlinear uncertainties are used to illustrate the practical potential of our theoretical results.

Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the head and neck: a SEER analysis of prognostic factors for survival.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the epidemiological characteristics of patients with lymphoepithelial carcinoma (LEC) of the head and neck and the prognostic factors. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of cases of head and neck LEC retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the log-rank test were employed to assess overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to construct Cox regression models. We established nomograms to predict OS and CSS among patients with nasopharyngeal LEC, who were divided into high- and low-risk groups based on the OS nomograms to compare the effects of treatment using the restricted mean survival time (RMST). RESULTS: The 5-year OS and CSS rates of the cohort were 70.8% and 74.8%, respectively. Advanced age, unmarried status, black race, distant metastasis, and the absence of surgical treatment were significantly associated with decreased survival rates. RMST did not differ between the combined treatment (radiotherapy and chemotherapy) and radiotherapy monotherapy groups, but chemotherapy alone displayed poor efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Head and neck LEC is associated with a favorable prognosis. Radiotherapy plays a significant role in managing patients with nasopharyngeal LEC, which is influenced by multiple prognostic factors.

Management of Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea in the Sphenoid Sinus Lateral Recess Through an Endoscopic Endonasal Transpterygoid Approach With Obliteration of the Lateral Recess.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea in the sphenoid sinus lateral recess is a rare occurrence and poses unique challenges due to limited surgical access for surgical repair. OBJECTIVE: To report our experience of surgical repair of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea in the sphenoid sinus lateral recess through an endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach with obliteration of the lateral recess. To evaluate the efficiency of this surgical procedure. METHODS: A retrospective study. Twelve cases with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea in the sphenoid sinus lateral recess were reviewed. Assisted by image-guided navigation, cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea was repaired through an endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach, with obliteration of the lateral recess. Complications and recurrence were recorded. Medical photographs were used. RESULTS: This surgical approach provided a relatively spacious corridor to dissect the sphenoid sinus lateral recess and do postoperative surveillance. The repair area completely healed in 3 months after surgery. Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea in the sphenoid sinus lateral recess was successfully repaired on the first attempt in all cases (100%). No main complications or recurrence was observed during a mean follow-up time of 40.3 months. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach gives appropriate access for the treatment of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea in the sphenoid sinus lateral recess. Multilayer reconstruction of a skull base defect with obliteration of the lateral recess is a reliable and simple method.

Management Strategies of Fibrous Dysplasia Involving the Paranasal Sinus and the Adjacent Skull Base.

OBJECTIVE: Current management of fibrous dysplasia (FD) involving the paranasal sinuses and the adjacent skull base is currently controversial. This study aims to present our experience in the management strategy of FD that involves the paranasal sinuses and the adjacent skull base. METHODS: Twenty three patients from 2006 to 2019 with monostotic fibrous dysplasia (MFD), polyostotic fibrous dysplasia (PFD), or McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) involving the paranasal sinuses and the adjacent skull base were retrospectively reviewed. This study series was divided into 3 groups based on management strategies: the observation group, the surgery group, and the optic nerve decompression group. RESULTS: The observation group included 9 patients with asymptomatic MFD with stable condition during the follow-up period of 15 to 164 months. The surgery group included 10 symptomatic patients with MFD who had personalized endoscopic endonasal surgery. The symptoms of the patients were relieved after surgery. The optic nerve decompression group included 4 patients with visual loss, who underwent endonasal endoscopic optic nerve decompression (EOND) with the aid of image-guided navigation. Their vision improved after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical observation and periodic computed tomography (CT) scan are adopted for asymptomatic patients. Surgery is indicated in symptomatic patients. Optic nerve decompression is recommended as soon as possible if the patient has visual loss, whereas prophylactic decompression is not recommended if the optic nerve is encroached by FD without visual loss. Navigation plays an important role in endoscopic surgery involving the paranasal sinuses and the adjacent skull base, especially in FD resection and optic nerve decompression.

Lipid raft-dependent activation of dual oxidase 1/H2O2/NF-κB pathway in bronchial epithelial cells.

The present study addressed whether dual oxidase 1 (Duox1), a predominant isoform of NADPH oxidase in bronchial epithelial cells, is also activated through assembling of Duox1 and its partners such as p47(phox) due to lipid raft (LR) clustering. By gradient ultracentrifugation to isolate LR fractions in bronchial epithelial cells, it was found that Duox1 or p47(phox) was translocated into LR fractions when stimulated by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Confocal microscopic analysis revealed that LRs were aggregated or clustered in the membrane, which were colocalized with Duox1 or p47(phox). Ceramide, a hydrolysis product of sphingomyelin, was also found colocalized with Duox1 or p47(phox) upon stimulation. In the presence of the commonly used LR disruptor, methyl-ß-cyclodextrin (MCD), or the acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) inhibitor, desipramine (DES), TNF-α-stimulated aggregation, translocation, and colocalization of LR components and Duox1 or its partners was abolished. Functionally, TNF-α-stimulated H(2)O(2) production was also blocked by MCD and DES (194.6 ± 15.4% vs. 90.6 ± 15.9% and 148.8 ± 20.4%), and the activation of the pivotal proinflammatory transcription factor, NF-κB, by TNF-α was reversed by MCD and DES as well as by small interfering RNAs of Duox1 or ASMase. Our results for the first time demonstrate that Duox1-mediated redox signaling in bronchial epithelial cells is associated with LR clustering dependent on the production of ceramide through ASMase.

Clinical Application of Low-Temperature Plasma Radiofrequency in the Treatment of Hemangioma in Nasal Cavity, Pharynx and Larynx.

OBJECTIVE: Hemangioma is a common benign tumor in the head and neck. The therapeutic effect by conventional treatment was not very satisfactory. The purpose of this study is to explore the surgical strategy of low-temperature plasma radiofrequency in the treatment of hemangioma located in the nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx. METHODS: The clinical data of 29 cases with hemangioma in nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx treated by low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation were retrospectively analyzed. The strategy of ablation before resection was performed for 16 cases of nasal capillary hemangioma. The other 13 cases of cavernous hemangioma in the pharynx and larynx were treated by the strategy of direct ablation. RESULTS: All 29 patients underwent a successful operation with minimal intraoperative bleeding and no postoperative bleeding complications. There was no nasal septum perforation, dyspnea, dysphagia, dysphonia, or other complications. The patients were followed up for more than 3 years without recurrence. CONCLUSION: Low-temperature plasma radiofrequency is a practical, minimally invasive, and accurate method for treating hemangiomas in the nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx. For capillary hemangiomas, the strategy of ablation before resection may be an effective way to reduce bleeding, and for cavernous hemangiomas, the strategy of direct ablation is a simple and efficient method.

Medial Rectus Anastomosis Under Endoscopic Endonasal Orbital Approach With Image-Guided Navigation: A New Way of Repairing a Ruptured Medial Rectus.

BACKGROUND: With the extensive development of endoscopic sinus surgery, iatrogenic medial rectus muscle injury should be treated with caution. Traditional methods to repair a ruptured medial rectus need an anterior orbitotomy approach, with more injury and difficulty in finding the posterior end of the ruptured medial rectus. OBJECTIVE: To explore a new method to repair a ruptured medial rectus. METHODS: Eight cases of iatrogenic medial rectus rupture after endoscopic sinus surgery were reviewed from July 2015 to January 2019. Assisted by image-guided navigation, the ruptured medial rectus was sutured under an endoscopic endonasal orbital approach. Two methods were designed to suture the ruptured medial rectus. Optic nerve and orbital decompression were performed in 5 cases with visual impairment. The extent of exotropia and diplopia were followed up for 5 to 33 months after surgery. RESULTS: With the help of image guidance, the posterior and anterior ends of the ruptured medial rectus of all patients were pinpointed, and operations using medial rectus anastomosis were successfully completed in 7 patients. The exotropia of these patients was corrected, and they have recovered. The vision of 2 patients recovered. There were no minor or major complications intraoperatively or postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Assisted by image-guided navigation, medial rectus anastomosis under an endoscopic endonasal orbital approach is a feasible method. The key to preventing orbital complications is strict professional training, including identification of the Onodi air cell and correct application of powered instrumentation.

Let-7a microRNA functions as a potential tumor suppressor in human laryngeal cancer.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenously expressed non-coding RNAs, which are involved in the gene expression regulation. Lethal-7a (let-7a) is a founding member of miRNA family and recently it was found to be associated with several cancers, such as lung and colon cancers. In the present study, we found that let-7a miRNA expression was significantly downregulated both in human laryngeal squamous cancer tissues and in Hep-2 cells, a laryngeal cancer cell line, as compared with adjacent normal tissues and BEAS-2B cells, respectively. Moreover, we found that let-7a expression levels were significantly further decreased in non-differentiated (G3) cancer tissues as compared with moderately and well differentiated cancer tissues (G2 and G1), although no significant difference in let-7a expression levels between the cancer specimens with different T stages or specimens from patients with different lymph node metastasis status was revealed. In Hep-2 cells, let-7a mimics transfection markedly suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis of Hep-2 cells under the treatment of diamminedichloroplatinum or not and downregulated RAS and c-MYC protein expression without affecting the mRNA levels. In parallel, RAS and c-MYC protein levels were found significantly upregulated only in cancer tissues with downregulated let-7a expression. Thus, we propose that let-7a may be a tumor suppressor in laryngeal cancer by inhibiting cell growth, inducing cell apoptosis and downregulating the oncogenes expression.

Navigation-assisted, endonasal, endoscopic optic nerve decompression for the treatment of nontraumatic optic neuropathy.

BACKGROUND: Many authors have reported on therapeutic strategies for traumatic optic neuropathy and their experience with endonasal endoscopic optic nerve decompression for traumatic optic neuropathy. However, to our knowledge, few have described the therapeutic strategies for nontraumatic optic neuropathy and navigation-assisted endoscopic optic nerve decompression as a treatment for nontraumatic, compressive optic neuropathy. The aim of this study was to examine the advantages in treating nontraumatic optic neuropathy with the minimally invasive, image-guided, navigation-assisted, endonasal endoscopic optic nerve decompression. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 20 patients (21 eyes) diagnosed with nontraumatic optic neuropathy, undergoing an endonasal endoscopic approach to relieve space-occupying lesions and decompress the optic nerve under image-guided navigation. This article describes our research on the therapeutic strategies for nontraumatic optic neuropathy patients, with special focus on the advantages of navigation-assisted, endonasal, endoscopic optic nerve decompression for the treatment of nontraumatic optic neuropathy. Medical photographs were used to estimate the status of the patients. RESULTS: In 18 of the 20 cases, space-occupying lesions were completely resected. In two cases, they were partially resected. All 20 cases (21 eyes) underwent image-guided, navigation-assisted, endonasal endoscopic optic nerve decompression. Visual acuity improved in 20 eyes (95.2%) and remained stable in one eye. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Optic nerve decompression is the main treatment strategy for nontraumatic optic neuropathy, to relieve space-occupying lesions and decompress the optic nerve, and to retain and/or improve visual acuity. Image-guided navigation can help doctors pinpoint the optic nerve when facing anatomical deformation caused by a space-occupying lesion. Navigation-assisted, endonasal endoscopic optic nerve decompression is a feasible, safe, practical, and minimally invasive approach.

Effect of α-receptor blockers on lower urinary tract symptoms, sexual function and quality of life in young and middle-aged men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The purpose of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of two common α1-receptor blockers, alfuzosin and tamsulosin, on lower urinary tract symptoms, sexual function, and quality of life in young and middle-aged people with benign prostatic hyperplasia. We recruited 80 young and middle-aged patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and divided them into two groups that received either the non-selective α1-receptor blocker alfuzosin or the selective α1A-receptor blocker tamsulosin for 18 consecutive days. After intervention, maximum urinary flow, bladder compliance, maximum detrusor pressure, maximum urethral pressure, 72 h urination frequency and urination frequency at night, average urinary volume, residual urinary volume, urinary symptom distress score were significantly better in the tamsulosin group than in the alfuzosin group. Also, sperm density, sperm motility, sperm activity, and sperm DNA fragmentation index were significantly better in the tamsulosin group compared to the alfuzosin group. Finally, international index of erectile function-5 scores, increased libido and erection, retrograde ejaculation, and the quality of life were significantly better in the tamsulosin group compared to the alfuzosin group. Overall, tamsulosin effectively relieved the lower urinary tract symptoms, improved semen quality, and increased sexual life and quality of life in young and middle-aged patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

[Experience of Fusion image guided system in endonasal endoscopic surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To review endonasal endoscopic surgeries aided by Fusion image guided system, and to explore the application value of Fusion image guided system in endonasal endoscopic surgeries. METHOD: Retrospective research. Sixty cases of endonasal endoscopic surgeries aided by Fusion image guided system were analysed including chronic rhinosinusitis with polyp (n = 10), fungus sinusitis (n = 5), endoscopic optic nerve decompression (n = 16), inverted papilloma of the paranasal sinus (n = 9), ossifying fibroma of sphenoid bone (n = 1), malignance of the paranasal sinus (n = 9), cerebrospinal fluid leak (n = 5), hemangioma of orbital apex (n = 2) and orbital reconstruction (n = 3). RESULT: Sixty cases of endonasal endoscopic surgeries completed successfully without any complications. Fusion image guided system can help to identify the ostium of paranasal sinus, lamina papyracea and skull base. Fused CT-CTA images, or fused MR-MRA images can help to localize the optic nerve or internal carotid arteiy . Fused CT-MR images can help to detect the range of the tumor. It spent (7.13 ± 1.358) minutes for image guided system to do preoperative preparation and the surgical navigation accuracy reached less than 1mm after proficient. There was no device localization problem because of block or head set loosed. CONCLUSION: Fusion image guided system make endonasal endoscopic surgery to be a true microinvasive and exact surgery. It spends less preoperative preparation time, has high surgical navigation accuracy, improves the surgical safety and reduces the surgical complications.

A novel endoglin mutation in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia type 1: a case report.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by aberrant vascular development. Mutations in two genes, endoglin (ENG) and activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ACVRL1) are associated with HHT. The present case study revealed the molecular diagnosis in a family exhibiting the clinical features of HHT disease. The coding exon and flanking intronic regions of the ENG and ACVRL1 genes were sequenced and a novel mutation in exon 10 of ENG was observed in the family. The mutation (c.1426C>T) in exon 10 of the ENG gene caused a G476X mutation, which results in a premature stop codon and a truncated ENG protein. This finding demonstrated a novel mutation in the ENG gene in a Chinese family, which suggested that a truncated ENG protein may cause HHT. The present study established a genetic test to confirm the clinical diagnosis in individuals and provide an opportunity for early detection and management of the disease.

Resection of a large benign pharyngo-oesophageal submucous mesenchymoma via laterocervical approach.

Two rare cases of benign submucosal pharyngo-oesophageal mesenchymoma are presented in this paper. One patient was treated by tumour removal via a combined thoracic and laterocervical approach and the other by resection through a laterocervical approach. The paper discusses the pathology and diagnosis of benign mesenchymomas. The authors suggest that for large tumours located in the pharynx and extending down the oesophagus without adhesion to the oesophageal wall, the laterocervical approach can avoid complications associated with the thoracic approach. The new technique caused less tissue damage and provided a quicker recovery and shorter hospitalization.

[3D computed tomographic analysis of frontal recess region].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to observe the three-dimensional (3D) CT imaging features of the frontal recess region with 3D reconstruction, and obtain the real image of the important anatomical structures of the region to conduct surgery. METHOD: Five patients were undergone spiral CT by 16 line high speed spiral CT, and multiplanar reconstruction images using standard 3D reconstruction protocol on a computer workstation. The structure of the frontal recess, the agger nasi cell and adhere style of the uncinate process were observed. The parameter of the important anatomic structure of frontal recess was measured precisely. RESULT: After the reconstruction, we get the 3D model very close to the true state of the nasal cavity--sinuses cell, in which parts of the frontal recess can clearly identify the agger nasi cell, frontal cell and other important structures. In this patient, the height, width and depth of the agger nasi and frontal sinus were 12.3 mm, 12.1 mm, 38.5 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study tried to develop the standardized techniques and measurements from 3D reconstructed images of the frontal sinus and to ascertain the usefulness of the frontal sinus in identification of patients. The results in better preoperative patient counselling and in predicting postoperative improvement in clinical status.

[Computed tomographic images analysis of frontal recess anatomy based on three-dimension reconstruction].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the CT three-dimensional imaging features of the frontal recess region with advanced three-dimensional reconstruction, and develop the real image of the important anatomical structures around the region to conduct surgery. METHOD: Thirty patients were undergone spiral CT by 16 line high speed spiral CT, and multiplanar reconstruction images using standard three-dimensional reconstruction protocol on a computer workstation. The structure of the frontal recess, the agger nasi cell and adhere style of the uncinate process were observed. The parameter of the important anatomic structure of frontal recess was measured precisely. RESULT: After the reconstruction, we get the three-dimensional model very close to the true state of the nasal cavity-sinuses cell, in which parts of the frontal recess can clearly identify the agger nasi cell, frontal cell and other important structures. In these patients, the height, width and depth of the agger nasi and frontal sinus were (9.45 ± 3.60)mm, (8.08 ± 3.37)mm, (26.98 ± 6.82)mm and (26.86 ± 9.45)mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study tried to develop the standardized techniques and measurements from three-dimensional reconstructed images of the frontal sinus and to ascertain the usefulness of the frontal sinus in identification of patients. The project results in better preoperative patient counselling and in predicting postoperative improvement in clinical status.

Clara cell 10-kDa protein gene transfection inhibits NF-κB activity in airway epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Clara cell 10-kDa protein (CC10) is a multifunctional protein with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Induction of CC10 expression by gene transfection may possess potential therapeutic effect. Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) plays a key role in the inflammatory processes of airway diseases. METHOD/RESULTS: To investigate potential therapeutic effect of CC10 gene transfection in controlling airway inflammation and the underlying intracellular mechanisms, in this study, we constructed CC10 plasmid and transfected it into bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B cells and CC10 knockout mice. In BEAS-2B cells, CC10's effect on interleukin (IL)-1ß induced IL-8 expression was explored by means of RT-PCR and ELISA and its effect on NF-κB classical signaling pathway was studied by luciferase reporter, western blot, and immunoprecipitation assay. The effect of endogenous CC10 on IL-1ß evoked IL-8 expression was studied by means of nasal explant culture. In mice, CC10's effect on IL-1ß induced IL-8 and nuclear p65 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry. First, we found that the CC10 gene transfer could inhibit IL-1ß induced IL-8 expression in BEAS-2B cells. Furthermore, we found that CC10 repressed IL-1ß induced NF-κB activation by inhibiting the phosphorylation of IκB-α but not IκB kinase-α/ß in BEAS-2B cells. Nevertheless, we did not observe a direct interaction between CC10 and p65 subunit in BEAS-2B cells. In nasal explant culture, we found that IL-1ß induced IL-8 expression was inversely correlated with CC10 levels in human sinonasal mucosa. In vivo study revealed that CC10 gene transfer could attenuate the increase of IL-8 and nuclear p65 staining in nasal epithelial cells in CC10 knockout mice evoked by IL-1ß administration. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that CC10 gene transfer may inhibit airway inflammation through suppressing the activation of NF-κB, which may provide us a new consideration in the therapy of airway inflammation.

[Expression and clinical significance of calcium-activated chloride channel and mucins in nasal mucosa with allergic rhinitis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of human calcium-activated chloride channel 1 (hCLCA1) and mucin MUC5AC in allergic rhinitis. METHOD: The expression of hCLCA1 and MUC5AC were determined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical assay in nasal mucosa on 20 patients with allergic rhinitis and 7 normal persons. RESULT: The expression of hCLCA1mRNA in allergic rhinitis group was positive, whereas in normal control group was absent (P<0.01). The expression of MUC5AC mRNA and MUC5AC protein in the allergic rhinitis group were higher than that in the control, respectively (both P<0.01). The increased expression of hCLCA1mRNA in allergic rhinitis group were well correlated with the expression of MUC5ACmRNA and MUC5AC protein and the correlation coefficients were 0.752 and 0.694(both P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Upregulation of hCLCA1 mRNA expression may play a pivotal role in mucus overproduction in allergic rhinitis group. The inhibition of HCLCA1 expression may provide a new strategy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.