Fluticasone Propionate Suppresses Poly(I:C)-Induced ACE2 in Primary Human Nasal Epithelial Cells

Background

From the first detection in 2019, SARS-CoV-2 infections have spread rapidly worldwide and have been proven to cause an urgent and important health problem. SARS-CoV-2 cell entry depends on two proteins present on the surface of host cells, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). The nasal cavity is thought to be one of the initial sites of infection and a possible reservoir for dissemination within and between individuals. However, it is not known how the expression of these genes is regulated in the nasal mucosa.

Objective

In this study, we examined whether the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 is affected by innate immune signals in the nasal mucosa. We also investigated how fluticasone propionate (FP), a corticosteroid used as an intranasal steroid spray, affects the gene expression.

Methods

Primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) were collected from the nasal mucosa and incubated with Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists and/or fluticasone propionate (FP), followed by quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence, and immunoblot analyses.

Results

Among the TLR agonists, the TLR3 agonist Poly(I:C) significantly increased ACE2 and TMPRSS2 mRNA expression in HNECs (ACE2 36.212±11.600-fold change, p<0.0001; TMPRSS2 5.598±2.434-fold change, p=0.031). The ACE2 protein level was also increased with Poly(I:C) stimulation (2.884±0.505-fold change, p=0.003). The Poly(I:C)-induced ACE2 expression was suppressed by co-incubation with FP (0.405±0.312-fold change, p=0.044).

Conclusion

The activation of innate immune signals via TLR3 promotes the expression of genes related to SARS-CoV2 cell entry in the nasal mucosa, although this expression is suppressed in the presence of FP. Further studies are required to evaluate whether FP suppresses SARS-CoV-2 viral cell entry.

Role of intracellular zinc in molecular and cellular function in allergic inflammatory diseases

Zinc is an essential micronutrient in human body and a vital cofactor for the function of numerous proteins encoded by the human genome. Zinc has a critical role in maintaining many biochemical and physiological processes at the molecular, cellular, and multiple organ and systemic levels. The alteration of zinc homeostasis causes dysfunction of many organs and systems. In the immune system, zinc regulates the differentiation, proliferation and function of inflammatory cells, including T cells, eosinophils, and B cells, by modifying several signaling pathways such as NFκB signaling pathways and TCR signals. An adequate zinc level is essential for proper immune responses and decreased zinc levels were reported in many allergic inflammatory diseases, including atopic dermatitis, bronchial asthma, and chronic rhinosinusitis. Decreased zinc levels often enhance inflammatory activation. On the other hand, the inflammatory conditions alter the intracellular homeostasis of zinc, often decreasing zinc levels. These findings implied that there could be a vicious cycle between zinc deficiency and inflammatory conditions. In this review, we present recent evidence on the involvement of zinc in atopic dermatitis, bronchial asthma, and chronic rhinosinusitis, with insights into the involvement of zinc in the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms related to these allergic inflammatory diseases.

Prognostic factors for duration of vertigo after stapes surgery via a time-to-event analysis

BACKGROUND

Vertigo or dizziness after stapes surgery occurs sometimes, and it is generally temporary. However, while rare, it can be prolonged.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prognostic factors for duration of vertigo following stapedotomy using a time-to-event analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study included a total of 35 primary ears (26 with otosclerosis and nine with congenital stapes fixation) from 31 patients. We assessed residual rates of nystagmus and complaints of subjective vestibular symptoms using Kaplan-Meier time-to-event methods.

RESULTS

Postoperative spontaneous nystagmus was observed in 23 (65.7%) ears, and postoperative subjective vestibular symptoms were confirmed in 27 (77.1%) ears. The total mean duration of postoperative spontaneous nystagmus and subjective vestibular symptoms was 9.8 (range: 0-158) and 33.9 days (0-732), respectively. A history of stapes surgery in the opposite ear was a significant predictive factor for prolonged nystagmus and subjective vestibular symptoms (p = .0059 and p = .0146).

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

For individuals with a history of stapes surgery in the opposite ear, spontaneous nystagmus and vertigo/dizziness sensations following stapedotomy may persist for a longer duration than in those without a history of stapes surgery in the opposite ear.

Metallothionein-3 is a clinical biomarker for tissue zinc levels in nasal mucosa

OBJECTIVE

Recently, depleted tissue zinc levels were found in nasal mucosa from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in correlation with tissue eosinophilia, however, no clinical biomarkers for tissue zinc levels have been identified. Metallothionein-3 (MT3) is an intracellular zinc chelator and previous data showed MT3 mRNA levels to be reduced in CRS patients with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). In this study, we examined the correlation between MT3 expression and zinc levels in nasal mucosa and primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) to investigate whether MT3 could be a clinical biomarker for tissue zinc levels.

METHOD

Tissue was harvested from 36 patients and mounted on tissue micro-array (TMA) slides. MT3 expression and tissue zinc fluorescence intensity were measured at different areas within the mucosa (surface epithelium and lamina propria) and compared between controls, CRSwNP and CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) patients. MT3 mRNA and protein expression were examined in zinc-depleted HNECs by qPCR and immunofluorescence microscopy.

RESULTS

MT3 expression in CRSwNP was significantly decreased in both surface epithelium (p<0.001 to controls) and lamina propria (p = 0.0491 to controls). There was a significant positive correlation between tissue zinc levels and MT3 expression in nasal mucosa (r = 0.45, p = 0.007). In zinc-deplete HNECs, MT3 expression was significantly decreased at mRNA (p = 0.02) and protein level (p<0.01). There was a significant positive correlation between tissue zinc levels and MT3 expression within individual HNECs (r = 0.59, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

MT3 expression reflects intramucosal zinc levels in both nasal mucosa and HNECs indicating MT3 could be used as a clinical biomarker for monitoring intracellular zinc levels in the nasal mucosa.

Endonasal endoscopic surgery for sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma from an oncological perspective

Endonasal endoscopic surgery (EES) has been applied to the management of sinonasal (SN) tumors based on recent advances in endoscopic surgical techniques and technologies over the past three decades. EES has been mainly indicated for benign tumors and less aggressive malignant tumors. Notwithstanding this, EES has been gradually adopted for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which is the most common histology among SN malignancies. However, an analysis of the outcomes of EES for patients with SCC is difficult because most articles included SCC a wide range of different tumor histologies. Therefore, we herein review and clarify the current status of EES focusing on SCC from an oncological perspective. The oncologic outcomes and the ability to achieve a histologically complete resection are similar between endoscopic and open approaches in highly selected patients with SN-SCC. Surgical complications associated with EES are likely similar for SN-SCC compared to other sinonasal malignancies. The indications for a minimally invasive approach such as EES in the management of patients with SN-SCC should be stricter than those for less aggressive malignant tumors because of the aggressive nature of SCC. Also, it is important to achieve negative surgical margins with EES in patients with SCC. We believe that the indications for EES for SN-SCC are widening due to advances in diagnostic imaging, and endoscopic surgical techniques and technologies. However, while expanding the indications for EES for SN-SCC we must carefully confirm that the outcomes support this strategy.

[A CASE OF SEVERE ASTHMA SWITCHED TO MEPOLIZUMAB DUE TO LATE-OCCURRING UNRESPONSIVENESS TO BENRALIZUMAB]

We report the case of a 66-year-old patient with severe asthma complicated by eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS). The patient was initially treated with benralizumab, which resulted in marked improvement of asthma symptoms and reduced the peripheral blood eosinophil count to 0/μL. Additionally, oral steroids were discontinued. After 7 months of benralizumab administration, the asthma symptoms worsened and peripheral blood eosinophil count increased to 813/μL. The neutralizing antibodies to benralizumab may have resulted in the recurrence of symptoms due to eosinophilic inflammation. The nasal symptoms, on which benralizumab had an unremarkable effect, improved when treatment was switched to mepolizumab. However, the difference in effects of biologics on ECRS has not been elucidated and warrants further investigation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a case of severe asthma in which mepolizumab administration reversed the clinical deterioration of asthma, which was possibly caused by neutralizing antibodies to benralizumab.

Preoperative Pulmonary Function Testing to Predict Recurrence of Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps

Background

Although the close relationship between the upper and lower airways has been highlighted previously, little is known about the association between lung function and the recurrence of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). This study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with pulmonary function that affect CRSwNP recurrence after surgery.

Methods

We performed a series of routine pulmonary function tests for general anesthesia prior to CRSwNP surgery. The values for each parameter were compared in the presence or absence of recurrence.

Results

Sixty-nine patients with CRSwNP were included. The percent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (%FEV₁) in the recurrent group was significantly lower than that in the non-recurrent group (P = .005). A multivariable logistic regression model revealed that %FEV₁ was a positive predictor of recurrence (odds ratio: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.92-0.99, P = .023). There were no significant differences in the other pulmonary functions between the two groups.

Conclusions

We found that %FEV₁ may be a predictor of CRSwNP recurrence after surgery. As %FEV₁ is a pulmonary function test that is routinely performed before surgery, this parameter is readily applicable. Moreover, as %FEV₁ appears to have the potential to reveal concealed asthma, %FEV₁ might be a particularly useful tool for the prediction of CRSwNP recurrence after surgery.

Short-Term Hearing Prognosis of Ossiculoplasty in Pars Flaccida Cholesteatoma Using the EAONO/JOS Staging System

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic factors for short-term hearing outcomes of ossiculoplasty for primary pars flaccida cholesteatoma according to the European Academy of Otology and Neurotology/Japanese Otological Society (EAONO/JOS) and 2015 JOS staging systems.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 34 patients with primary pars flaccida cholesteatoma who underwent one-stage tympanomastoidectomy with partial ossicular reconstruction using double cartilage block were included in the study. The postoperative pure-tone average air-bone gap (PTA-ABG) was calculated, and two criteria of successful hearing outcomes were defined as ≤10 and ≤20 dB. Patients were classified according to the EAONO/JOS and 2015 JOS staging systems. Cochran-Armitage test was used to statistically analyze staging, and Fisher's exact test was used to analyze other factors.

RESULTS

Successful hearing outcome with postoperative PTA-ABG ≤10 and ≤20 dB occurred in 23.5% and 55.9% of cases, respectively. When postoperative PTA-ABG ≤20 dB was defined as successful, the success rate significantly decreased with increase in EAONO/JOS stage, and S0 pathological status of the stapes (no involvement) was a significantly favorable predictive factor. When postoperative PTA-ABG ≤10 dB was regarded as successful, the significantly favorable predictive factors were S0 pathological status of the stapes and development of mastoid cells with MC2-3 (better developed cells).

CONCLUSION

Favorable prognostic factors for hearing outcomes of tympanomastoidectomy with partial ossicular reconstruction for primary pars flaccida cholesteatoma were low stage following the EAONO/JOS staging system and no stapes involvement and better development of mastoid cells following the 2015 JOS staging system.

CS-09 PROPOSAL OF A NEW CLASSIFICATION FOR DETERMINING THERAPEUTIC STRATEGY ACCORDING TO THE PROGRESSION OF OLFACTORY NEUROBLASTOMA

INTRODUCTION

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a rare type of malignancy that infiltrates and propagates from the nasal cavity to the anterior skull base and into the cranium. Various treatment strategies have been used at different institutions and time of treatment. Although the staging system proposed by Kadish is commonly adopted has not proven useful for predicting prognosis or choosing among treatment strategies. Factors to be considered have increased accordingly, for example, whether to perform ESS alone or in combination with craniotomy, whether to try preserving the olfactory sense and whether to use neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In this study, we reviewed ONB cases treated at our institution to propose a new classification system to help determine treatment strategies.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients treated at Hokkaido University were included. Stages of craniocaudal progression were defined as Nasally/Paranasally localized (NP), Frontal Base progression (FB), and Brain invasion (BI). Stages of lateral progression were defined as Midline (M) or Lateral extension (L), and Unilateral (U) or Bilateral (B).

RESULTS

Between 2008 and 2016, patients at the BI stage were proactively treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and achieved long-term survival (mean overall survival, 64.2 months). However, no standard way of choosing among treatment options was established. M-stage patients underwent concurrent craniotomy. From 2017 onwards, 5 patients were treated according to the new classification system. All were FB-M cases, including 4 cases of B disease, in which ESS alone followed by radiotherapy was used. One patient in the FB-M-U category underwent unilateral resection and the olfactory sense was preserved. In general, the treatment with ESS alone appeared to be preferred for M disease, and surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was advisable for BI cases.

CONCLUSION

The result suggests that the new classification system is helpful to decide the treatment strategy according to the progression of ONB.

Make-Up Therapy for Patients With Facial Nerve Palsy

Objectives:

To investigate the effectiveness of make-up therapy for patients with facial nerve palsy.

Methods:

Seven female patients with facial nerve palsy who received specialist make-up therapy were enrolled. The objective of the make-up therapy was to obtain a symmetrical facial appearance.

Results:

Overall score for the Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE) scale was significantly improved after make-up therapy. There was a tendency for symptoms of depression to be improved among patients after make-up therapy.

Conclusion:

Make-up therapy to improve the symmetry of facial appearance could afford a noninvasive and low-cost treatment for patients with facial nerve palsy, especially in terms of patient quality of life and psychological condition.

Sirtuin-1 Controls Poly (I:C)-Dependent Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Activation in Primary Human Nasal Epithelial Cells

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 is thought to be involved in the etiopathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps and cleaves collagen IV, causing hyperpermeability of the basement membrane within mucosal tissue. It is known that MMP-9 expression is negatively affected by sirtuin (SIRT)-1 in human monocytotic cells, retinal endothelial cells, and epithelial carcinoma cells. However, it is unknown which factors affect MMP-9 expression and activity in human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs). To examine factors affecting MMP-9 expression and activity in HNECs, HNECs were stimulated with Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, followed by quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence, and zymography to examine MMP-9 expression and activity. MMP-9 expression was evaluated in sinonasal tissue of control subjects without CRS, and patients with CRS without nasal polyps and those with CRS with nasal polyps, in relation to the expression of SIRT1 using a tissue microarray. The effect of SIRT1 stimulation/inhibition on MMP-9 expression in HNECs was also tested. TLR3 agonists increased MMP-9 mRNA expression (473 fold, P = 0.0198) and activity (20.4-fold, P < 0.05). SIRT1 activation or inhibition reciprocally affected MMP-9 expression in the presence of TLR3 agonists. MMP-9 and SIRT1 expression within the epithelial layer of sinonasal tissue was inversely correlated only in patients with CRS but not in control subjects. TLR3 agonists increased MMP-9 expression and activity in HNECs, and the effect was abolished in the presence of SIRT1 activation. SIRT1 and MMP-9 expression was inversely correlated in CRS tissue, supporting SIRT1 as a possible therapeutic target for nasal polyp formation.

Spontaneous Regression of Swollen Submandibular Glands in IgG4-Related Disease

Background

IgG4-related disease is a new clinical entity frequently associated with swelling of the submandibular glands (SMGs). The long-term outcome of SMG swelling without steroid therapy remains unknown.

Objective

To examine whether swollen SMGs spontaneously regress without steroid therapy in the context of IgG4-related disease and to identify biomarkers that can predict the spontaneous regression of SMG swelling.

Methods

The SMG volume of 49 patients diagnosed with IgG4-related disease was calculated by measuring the axial and coronal planes of computed tomography scans. The change in SMG volume over time was measured and examined by treatment regimen, clinical data, and serum complement level.

Results

We found 28 of 49 (57%) IgG4-related disease patients to have swollen SMGs, with 15 of 20 (75%) of the swollen SMGs regressing without steroid therapy. The time required for the SMGs swelling to regress was significantly shorter in the steroid therapy group than in the no-steroid therapy group. Serum complement components at the initial visit were significantly lower in the regressed SMG group than in the nonregressed SMG group.

Conclusion

We observed 75% of swollen SMGs spontaneously regressed in patients with IgG4-related disease. The time required for the swollen SMGs to regress was longer in patients without steroid therapy than in those with steroid therapy. Serum complement level could be used as a predictor for the spontaneous regression of swollen SMGs in patients with IgG4-related disease.

Evaluation of Vertical Semicircular Canal Function in Patients With Vestibular Schwannoma

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to investigate vertical semicircular canal function in patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS) by video head impulse test (vHIT).

Methods:

Fifteen patients with VS who had not received any treatment, including surgery or stereotactic radiotherapy, before vHIT examination were enrolled. Vestibulo-ocular reflex gain and catch-up saccade in vHIT were evaluated.

Results:

Dysfunction of anterior and posterior semicircular canals was detected by vHIT in 26.7% and 60.0%, respectively. Six patients (40.0%) demonstrated abnormalities referable to both vestibular nerve divisions. Abnormalities referable to the superior vestibular nerve were identified in 3 patients (20.0%), while 3 patients (20.0%) demonstrated a pattern indicative of inferior vestibular nerve involvement. Anterior semicircular canal vHIT produced fewer abnormalities than did either horizontal or posterior semicircular canal vHIT.

Conclusions:

Dysfunction of the semicircular canals, including the vertical canals, in patients with VS was detected by vHIT. The anterior semicircular canal was less frequently involved than the horizontal or posterior semicircular canal. The examination of the vertical canals by vHIT is useful in the evaluation of vestibular function in patients with VS.

Prospective predictors of exacerbation status in severe asthma over a 3-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

A predisposition to exacerbations is being recognized as a distinct phenotype with "previous exacerbations" representing the strongest clinical factor associated with future exacerbation. Thus, to identify additional novel biomarkers associated with asthma exacerbations, "past exacerbation status" must be included as a confounding factor.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to characterize the clinical and biomarker features associated with asthma exacerbations in severe asthma.

METHODS

We evaluated clinical parameters from 105 severe asthmatics yearly for 3 years, as well as their exacerbation status. We classified the subjects into 3 groups: (i) consistent non-exacerbators (CNE, subjects who did not experience any exacerbation over the 3-year period); (ii) consistent frequent exacerbators (CFE, subjects with frequent exacerbation, defined as those who had 2 or more exacerbations within 1 year, throughout the 3-year period); and (iii) intermittent exacerbators (IE). We conducted multivariate analysis for comparisons among the groups for multiple factors, including several Th2-related biomarkers, in addition to the "past exacerbation status."

RESULTS

Thirty-nine subjects were classified as CNE, 15 as CFE, and 51 as IE. Frequent exacerbations in the previous year predicted exacerbations for the following year (P < .001). Among the several Th2-related biomarkers, only FeNO was associated with exacerbation status. When we analysed the data after the second visit, the impact of FeNO on predicting future exacerbation remained significant, even after considering the exacerbation status during the first year (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Measurement of FeNO has a significant potential to predict future asthma exacerbation, which is independent of the "past exacerbation history."

Genetic mutation analysis of the malignant transformation of sinonasal inverted papilloma by targeted amplicon sequencing

BACKGROUND

The mechanism underlying the malignant transformation of inverted papilloma (IP) has not yet been elucidated.

METHODS

To clarify the genes responsible for the malignant transformation, we analyzed 10 cases of IP, 8 of IP with dysplasia, and 11 of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by targeted amplicon sequencing.

RESULTS

The number of mutant genes increased in the order of IP < dysplasia < SCC. Significant differences were observed in the mutation rates of three genes (KRAS, APC and STK11) in particular. TP53 was altered frequently in each group and might be involved in malignant transformation based on to the site of the mutation. A comparison of the genetic variants by region of IP tissue among patients with IP alone, and those with dysplasia or SCC revealed significant differences in the mutation rate of the KRAS gene.

CONCLUSION

Identification of genetic mutations in KRAS is effective for predicting the malignant transformation of IP.

Anti-mumps IgM antibody positive rate with sudden sensorineural hearing loss using second-generation enzyme immunoassay: A retrospective, multi-institutional investigation in Hokkaido, Japan

OBJECTIVE

Although elevated anti-mumps IgM antibody levels were reported in 5.7%-7.2% of Japanese patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), there were several reports of false-positive cases, such as the continually IgM positive case and the IgM positive case in normal adults. To improve specificity, the new enzyme immuno assay (EIA) anti-mumps IgM antibody measurement kit was introduced in December 2009. This study re-examined the frequency of anti-mumps IgM antibody test positivity with SSNHL using the new measurement kit and compared the results with those from a previous report that used old kit.

METHODS

This is a retrospective multi-institutional study involving patients diagnosed with SSNHL who exhibited the anti-mumps IgM antibody. We compared the positive rate of anti-mumps IgM antibody and the annual average number of mumps cases per sentinel in Hokkaido between the patients in the present study and patients previously evaluated.

RESULTS

Overall, 100 patients with SSNHL were enrolled. One case (1.0%) was positive for anti-mumps IgM antibody. Of the 69 patients evaluated in the previous study, 5 cases (7.2%) were positive for anti-mumps IgM antibody. The positive rate of the anti-mumps IgM antibody in the present cases was significantly lower than that previously reported (p=0.042). The annual average number of mumps cases per sentinel in Hokkaido of the present and previous surveillance period was 34.47 and 42.77, respectively; no significant difference was seen in these data (p=0.4519).

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed that 1.0% of SSNHL was positive for the anti-mumps IgM antibody using the new EIA-IgM measurement kit. After the introduction of the new EIA-IgM measurement kit, anti-mumps IgM antibody positive rate with SSNHL significantly decreased, indicating that the proportion of asymptomatic mumps among etiology of SSNHL may be lower than those previously reported.

Evaluation of Vestibular Functions in Patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is an idiopathic, multisystem autoimmune disorder characterized by bilateral, diffuse granulomatous uveitis associated with neurological, audiovestibular, and dermatological manifestations. The purpose of this study is to investigate vestibular functions in patients with VKH disease. A total of 43 patients with VKH disease in Hokkaido University Hospital were enrolled in this study. Subjective symptoms such as dizziness or vertigo and the results of various vestibular examinations including nystagmus testing, caloric testing, and vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing were investigated. Eight of 42 patients (19.0%) complained of subjective vestibular symptoms. On the other hand, 12 of 28 patients (42.9%) showed nystagmus, and 7 of 15 patients (46.7%) showed unilateral or bilateral weakness in the caloric test. VEMP testing was performed for 16 patients. Seven (43.8%) and 8 (50.0%) patients were evaluated as abnormal in cervical VEMP and ocular VEMP testing, respectively. The rate of detection of nystagmus was significantly higher than that of subjective symptoms. As vestibular dysfunction in patients with VKH disease cannot be detected through history taking alone, nystagmus testing, caloric testing, and VEMP testing should be performed to evaluate vestibular functions associated with VKH disease. It is considered that abnormal VEMP findings are associated with otolith organ dysfunction.

Role of microRNA-296-3p in the malignant transformation of sinonasal inverted papilloma

Inverted papilloma (IP) is a benign tumor occurring in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. It is reported that 5-15% of IPs undergo malignant transformation into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and the role of microRNAs (miRNA/miR) in this process remains to be elucidated. In the present study, whole miRNA profiles using samples of IP and SCC were investigated, in order to detect the function of miRNA in the carcinogenesis of IP. Samples from IPs (n=5) and SCC lesions (n=5), which arose from IPs, were used for miRNA analysis. A total of 200 miRNAs exhibited a >2-fold differential expression between IP and SCC. miR-296-3p was markedly upregulated in SCC with a 23-fold difference. Computational analysis indicated that miR-296-3p targeted PTEN, which regulates the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway and PTEN is involved in the carcinogenesis of SCC. miR-296-3p directly regulated PTEN expression in head and neck cancer cells, with PTEN protein levels decreased in 4/19 the SCCs (21.0%), as compared with those in the IPs (76.4%). Positive p21 staining was observed in 64.7% of IPs; this was a significantly increased rate compared with that for SCCs (26.3%, P=0.0086). The results of the present study indicated that there were marked changes in the miRNA expression signature during the malignant transition. miR-296-3p may serve an important role in the malignant transformation of IPs via the regulation of PTEN, combined with the subsequent inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and may be a novel agent for cancer prevention.

A Retrospective Study of G-Tube Use in Japanese Patients Treated with Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Hypopharyngeal Cancer

OBJECTIVE

Late toxicity after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), such as dysphagia, in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck has received a good deal of attention recently. The gastrostomy tube (G-tube) dependence rate 1 year after CCRT was reported to be 16.7-42.9% in Western countries. We evaluated swallowing outcomes after CCRT in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC) treated in our hospital and compared them with previous reports.

METHODS

We reviewed 96 consecutive patients with a HPC treated by radiotherapy with intravenous or intra-arterial chemotherapy between 2006 and 2013 at Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan.

RESULTS

At 1 month after CCRT, 13 patients (13.7%) used a G-tube, whereas 5/91 (5.5%) and 4/81 (4.9%) used a G-tube at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Two patients used a G-tube at 12 and 24 months after CCRT (G-tube use rate: 2.8% at 12 months, and 3.2% at 24 months). The variables female, posterior wall primary, stage IV, ECOG performance status of 2, and smoking status were significantly associated with G-tube use at 12 months after CCRT, whereas the route of cisplatin administration was not related to G-tube use (p = 0.303).

CONCLUSIONS

The G-tube use rate up to 1year could be lower in Japanese patients than in Western patients according to previous reports. In particular, Japanese patients resume oral intake sooner than Western patients. Further study of the incidence of dysphagia after CCRT by ethnicity is required to clarify the differences in dysphagia after CCRT.

Expression of p53, p16, cyclin D1, epidermal growth factor receptor and Notch1 in patients with temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of p53, p16, cyclin D1, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Notch1 in temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma (TBSCC) tissue samples by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and to evaluate the association between these biomarkers and clinicopathological features.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective, single-institution review of 30 TBSCC patients treated with curative intent between April 2006 and March 2015. All tissue samples were obtained from pretreatment biopsy specimens or surgical specimens and using IHC staining.

RESULTS

Ten patients were categorized as T1, seven as T2, five as T3 and eight as T4. Nine patients had clinically positive lymph node metastasis. The positive expression of p53 and EGFR was significantly associated with T classification (P = 0.042 and P = 0.0039). EGFR expression was significantly more frequent in patients with positive lymph node metastasis compared with patients without node involvement (P = 0.017). In the analysis of the association between protein expression by IHC staining and prognosis, the positive expression of EGFR and Notch1 was significantly correlated with poor survival outcomes in TBSCC (P = 0.015 and P = 0.025) CONCLUSION: Overexpression of p53 and EGFR may be valuable biomarkers for identifying individuals at high risk of developing tumors in TBSCC. Furthermore, the positive expression of EGFR was significantly associated with poor survival outcome. Anti-EGFR therapy has potential for use as the treatment modality of choice for advanced-stage TBSCC as well as other head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

Preoperative Staging and Surgical Approaches for Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma

Objectives:

We sought to determine the value of preoperative staging by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment in the surgical management of sinonasal inverted papillomas (IPs).

Methods:

Preoperative MRI staging was used to assess 22 patients with IPs. In addition to the Krouse staging system, T3 cases were categorized as subgroup T3-B if tumors extended into the frontal sinus or the supraorbital recess; otherwise, they were categorized as T3-A. Standard endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) was the first choice for T1 and T2 cases. Endoscopic approaches, including ESS combined with endoscope-assisted transantral approach and endoscopic medial maxillectomy, were considered in T3-A cases, and external approaches were considered in T3-B cases. Patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year after surgery.

Results:

Preoperative MRI staging and postoperative staging were coincident in 21 of the 22 patients (95%). All 8 T2 cases were treated by an endoscopic approach. Of 10 T3-A cases, 9 (90%) were treated by an endoscopic approach and 1 (residual case) was treated by an external approach. All 3 of the T3-B cases underwent an external approach. One T4 case with malignant transformation underwent an external approach followed by radiotherapy. After a median follow-up period of 22 months, none of the 22 patients had had a recurrence. No major complications were observed after endoscopic approaches, but epiphora or hemorrhage requiring transfusion occurred in 3 of the 5 patients (60%) who underwent external approaches.

Conclusions:

Preoperative staging of IP by MRI is useful for selecting cases that can be managed by endoscopic approaches, resulting in lower rates of tumor recurrence and morbidity.

The Short- and Long-Term Outcome of Intratympanic Steroid Therapy as a Salvage Treatment for Acute Low-Tone Sensorineural Hearing Loss without Episodes of Vertigo

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the hearing outcomes of intratympanic steroid (ITS) treatment for patients with acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss (ALHL) after failure of initial therapy and to investigate the recurrence and progression to definite Ménière's disease (MD) during a long-term follow-up.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 90 patients with refractory ALHL who were followed up for at least 1 year between January 2000 and April 2014. Patients who responded poorly to initial medical treatment received intratympanic dexamethasone injections (ITS group) or isosorbide administration for 4 weeks (diuretic group) as salvage treatment options according to their choice of management. The control group did not receive ITS or the diuretic, due to their refusal of both medical treatments. The hearing outcomes were evaluated 1 month, 1 year and 5 years after the completion of the second-line therapy, and the rates of recurrence and progression to MD were measured during a follow-up period of at least 1 year.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients in the ITS group, 39 patients in the diuretic group and 24 patients in the control group were enrolled. Of these, 12 patients in the ITS group, 15 patients in the diuretic group and 12 patients in the control group were followed up for over 5 years. We found that the recovery rates and the audiometric functional values after 1 month and 1 year in the ITS group were significantly higher than those in the diuretic and control groups. However, there were no significant differences in the recovery rates or the audiometric functional values after 5 years, or in the rates of recurrence and progression to MD between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Salvage ITS therapy can provide a relatively good short-term hearing outcome for ALHL patients who have persistent hearing loss despite conventional treatment. However, both recurrence and progression to MD after treatment were observed in some patients during the long-term follow-up.