The Role of NF-κB in Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps

Biyuantong decoction improves chronic rhinosinusitis by inhibiting inflammatory cell adhesion via NF-кB pathway modulation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Biyuantong decoction (BYT), a traditional Chinese medicinal formulation, has been used for years to treat chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with good clinical results. However, the underlying mechanisms of its treatment for CRS remain to be fully elucidated.

STUDY AIM

This research investigates the molecular mechanism by which BYT ameliorates CRS and provide new perspectives for CRS treatment research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical research is conducted on CRS patients who underwent surgery, and post-operative treatments and observations were performed. The pathological alterations of CRS were inspected by H&E staining and nasal endoscopy. Flow cytometry and ELISA were employed to measure the levels of inflammatory cells and cytokines in the peripheral blood of CRS patients. The cytotoxic impacts of BYT were assessed by cell viability, cell cycle and apoptosis assays. The effects of BYT on the adhesion and invasion of inflammatory cells to endothelial cells were evaluated by hetero-adhesion and transwell assay. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze the expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) on HUVECs. The effects of BYT on NF-κB signaling pathway was analyzed by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. The chemical components of BYT was determined by UPLC-HRMS, and network pharmacology analysis was adopted to predict potential targets in the NF-κB pathway.

RESULTS

Clinical samples demonstrated that BYT treatment could effectively alleviate sinus mucosal edema and significantly decreased the recurrence rate after surgery. H&E staining disclosed obvious inflammatory cell infiltration in the sinus mucosa of CRS patients. Flow cytometry and ELISA results indicated that BYT treatment reduced the levels of eosinophils (median decrease 16.21 %) and cytokines in peripheral blood. Cell adhesion and transwell assays manifested that BYT inhibited the adhesion and invasion of U937 cells to TNF-α-induced HUVECs. Moreover, BYT counteracted the TNF-α-induced upregulation of CAMs on endothelial cells. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses confirmed that BYT reduced the expression of NF-κB-related proteins and hindered the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Network pharmacology analysis and component identification of BYT further supported the function of its compounds in synergistically modulating NF-κB signaling.

CONCLUSION

BYT enhances the clinical efficacy of CRS by suppressing inflammatory cell adhesion and infiltration into the nasal mucosa via NF-кB pathway regulation. These findings provide a robust foundation for the clinical application of BYT in CRS treatment and suggest interrupting inflammatory cell adhesion as a potential new approach.

Luteolin alleviates olfactory dysfunction in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis through modulation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway

OBJECTIVES

Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) is characterized by early, severe olfactory dysfunction and a high recurrence rate, with inadequate treatments. This article aims to elucidate the potential mechanisms by which luteolin may treat olfactory dysfunction in the context of ECRS.

METHODS

Thirty C57 BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to five groups: a control group and four experimental groups (ECRS, ECRS + Luteolin (Low, Medium, High Dose)). We conducted RNA sequencing, behavioral testing, ELISA, PCR, HE staining, Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence staining. Additionally, human olfactory epithelial Cells (HOEPCs) were treated with Luteolin, TAK-242, QNZ, and Luteolin + LPS to investigate the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

Luteolin significantly reduced IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels in the nasal lavage fluid (NLF) of ECRS mice, improving olfactory function and restoring OMP+ mature and Gap43+ immature olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). RNA sequencing revealed the involvement of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in ECRS-related olfactory dysfunction and luteolin's therapeutic effects. Luteolin reduced TLR4+ cells, P65 nuclear translocation, and decreased protein levels of IL-1β, TLR4, MyD88, p-P65, P65, and p-P38. The treatment also lowered OSNs cell apoptosis by decreasing the levels of cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9 levels, and increasing Bcl-2 protein. Antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px were elevated, while MDA levels decreased. In ECRS HOEPCs, luteolin's anti-apoptotic effects on OSNs were reversed by LPS-induced TLR4/NF-κB activation.

CONCLUSIONS

Luteolin ameliorates olfactory dysfunction associated with ECRS by modulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. This modulation results in a reduction of TH2-type inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in OSNs.

Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis linked to other hyper-IgE syndromes through defective TH17 responses

BACKGROUND

In a gene expression analysis comparing sinus mucosa samples from allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) patients with samples from non-AFRS chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp (CRSwNP) patients, the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) histatin 1 (HTN1) was found to be the most differentially downregulated gene in AFRS.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to identify the molecular etiology of the downregulated expression of HTN1.

METHODS

We used RT-PCR to compare the expression of AMPs and a fungistasis assay to evaluate the antifungal activity of sinus secretions. Using flow cytometry, we characterized the presence of TH17/TH22 cells and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling from AFRS patients, non-AFRS CRSwNP patients, and healthy controls.

RESULTS

We confirmed decreased expression of AMPs in AFRS sinus mucosa with concordant decrease in antifungal activity in sinus secretions. IL-22 and IL-22-producing T cells were deficient within sinus mucosa of AFRS patients. In vitro studies demonstrated a defect in IL-6/STAT3 signaling critical for TH17/TH22 differentiation. Epithelial cells from AFRS patients could express AMPs when stimulated with exogenous IL-22/IL-17 and circulating TH17 cell abundance was normal.

CONCLUSIONS

Similar to other hyper-IgE syndromes, but distinct from CRSwNP, AFRS patients express a defect in STAT3 activation limited to IL-6-dependent STAT3 phosphorylation that is critical for TH17/TH22 differentiation. This defect leads to a local deficiency of IL-17/IL-22 cytokines and deficient AMP expression within diseased sinus mucosa of AFRS patients. Our findings support evaluation of therapeutic approaches that enhance airway AMP production in AFRS.

Investigation and Characterization of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK Pathway and Other Signaling Pathways in Chronic Sinusitis with Nasal Polyps

BACKGROUND

The clinical outcomes of drug treatments and surgical interventions for chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs) are suboptimal, and the high recurrence rate remains a significant challenge in clinical practice. Targeted therapies such as biologics provide new perspectives and directions for treating CRSwNP.

SUMMARY

With the continuous investigation of signaling pathways, RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway and other signaling pathways including Hippo, JAK-STAT, Wnt, TGF-β, PI3K, Notch, and NF-κB were confirmed to play an important role in the progression of CRSwNP. Among them, the abnormality of RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway is accompanied by the abnormality of this apoptotic component, which may provide new research directions for targeting the components of signaling pathways to mediate apoptosis.

KEY MESSAGES

Abnormalities in signaling pathways are particularly important in studying the pathogenesis and treatment of CRSwNP. Therefore, this review summarizes the ongoing investigation and characterization of RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway and other signaling pathways in CRSwNP, which provides constructive ideas and directions for improving the treatment of CRSwNP.

Identification of hub genes associated with neutrophils in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Neutrophil infiltration plays a key role in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). However, pertinent mechanisms remain poorly elucidated. Here, we obtained the data from gene expression omnibus (GEO) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to identify and validate neutrophil-associated hub genes in CRSwNP. We found that four neutrophil-associated hub genes, namely ICAM1, IL-1β, TYROBP, and BCL2A1, were markedly upregulated and positively correlated with neutrophil infiltration levels in patients with CRSwNP. Subsequently, this was confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR. In conclusion, we identified the role of neutrophil infiltration in the pathophysiology of CRSwNP, which may be the potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of CRSwNP.

Decoding chronic rhinosinusitis: A metabolomics-based approach

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common and intractable disease in otorhinolaryngology, laying a heavy burden on healthcare systems. The worldwide researchers are making efforts to find solutions to this disease. Metabolomics has recently gained more and more traction, and might become a promising tool to unravel the complexity of CRS. This paper provides an overview of current studies on the metabolomics of various CRS subtypes.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library, up to May 25, 2023. Search strategies incorporated key terms such as "chronic rhinosinusitis" and "metabolomics" with relevant synonyms and MeSH terms. Titles and abstracts of 86 screened articles were assessed for relevance to CRS and metabolomics. Methodological robustness, data reliability, and relevance were considered for shortlisted articles.

RESULTS

After the refined process, a total of 26 articles were included in this study and sorted out by research themes, methodology and pivotal discoveries. These included studies identified the metabolic pathways and markers related to the pathophysiology in each subtype of CRS.

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolomics helps to shed light on the complexity of CRS. The mentioned findings highlight the importance of specific metabolic pathways and markers in understanding the pathophysiology of CRS. Despite that, challenges and future directions in metabolomics research for CRS would be worth being further explored.

Research progress of glucocorticoid resistance in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: A review

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is one of the common chronic inflammatory diseases in otolaryngology. Glucocorticoid (GC) acts as the first-line drug for the treatment of CRSwNP in clinical practice, and they play an irreplaceable role in reducing nasal mucosal inflammation and restoring the normal physiological function of the nasal mucosa. However, many patients are still insensitive to GC treatment, known as GC resistance, which leads to poor control of the disease, and the underlying mechanisms are still not fully elucidated. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the research progress of GC resistance of patients with CRSwNP in recent years.

Recent advances in mass spectrometry-based proteomics and metabolomics in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a complex and heterogeneous disease, typically diagnosed through endoscopy and computed tomography and treated with glucocorticoid or surgery. There is an urgent need to develop molecular-level diagnostic or prognostic tools to better understand the pathophysiology of CRSwNP. Proteomics and metabolomics, emerging fields, offer significant potential in elucidating the mechanisms underlying CRSwNP. Mass spectrometry, a powerful and sensitive tool for trace substance detection, is broadly applied for proteomics and metabolomics analysis in CRSwNP research. While previous literature has summarized the advancement of mass spectrometry-based CRSwNP proteomics from 2004 to 2018, recent years have seen new advances in this field, particularly about non-invasive samples and exosomes. Furthermore, mass spectrometry-based CRSwNP metabolomics research has opened new avenues for inquiry. Therefore, we present a comprehensive review of mass spectrometry-based proteomics and metabolomics studies on CRSwNP conducted between 2019 and 2022. Specifically, we highlight protein and metabolic biomarkers that have been utilized as diagnostic or prognostic markers for CRSwNP. Lastly, we conclude with potential directions for future mass spectrometry-based omics studies of CRSwNP.

Effect of 8-Hydroxyguanine DNA Glycosylase 1 on the Function of Immune Cells

Excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause an imbalance between oxidation and anti-oxidation, leading to the occurrence of oxidative stress in the body. The most common product of ROS-induced base damage is 8-hydroxyguanine (8-oxoG). Failure to promptly remove 8-oxoG often causes mutations during DNA replication. 8-oxoG is cleared from cells by the 8-oxoG DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1)-mediated oxidative damage base excision repair pathway so as to prevent cells from suffering dysfunction due to oxidative stress. Physiological immune homeostasis and, in particular, immune cell function are vulnerable to oxidative stress. Evidence suggests that inflammation, aging, cancer, and other diseases are related to an imbalance in immune homeostasis caused by oxidative stress. However, the role of the OGG1-mediated oxidative damage repair pathway in the activation and maintenance of immune cell function is unknown. This review summarizes the current understanding of the effect of OGG1 on immune cell function.

Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps

Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the body's antioxidant defense system. It plays an important role in the regulation of the immune response and can be a pathogenic factor in various diseases. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a complex and heterogeneous disease with various phenotypes and endotypes. Recently, an increasing number of studies have proposed that oxidative stress (caused by both environmental and intrinsic stimuli) plays an important role in the pathogenesis and persistence of CRS. This has attracted the attention of several researchers. The relationship between the presence of reactive oxygen species composed of free radicals and nasal polyp pathology is a key topic receiving attention. This article reviews the role of oxidative stress in respiratory diseases, particularly CRS, and introduces potential therapeutic antioxidants that may offer targeted treatment for CRS.

TNF-α Regulates the Glucocorticoid Receptor Alpha Expression in Human Nasal Epithelial Cells Via p65-NF-κb and p38-MAPK Signaling Pathways

Background

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α induces changes in the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) isoforms' expression in human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Objective

However, the underlying mechanism of TNF-α induced GR isoforms' expression in HNECs remains unclear. Here, we explored changes in inflammatory cytokines and glucocorticoid receptor alpha isoform (GRα) expression in HNECs.

Materials and Methods

To explore the expression of TNF-α in nasal polyps and nasal mucosa of CRS, fluorescence immunohistochemical analysis was employed. To investigate changes in inflammatory cytokines and GRα expression in HNECs, RT-PCR and western blotting were performed following the cells' incubation with TNF-α. Cells were pretreated with the nuclear factor-κB gene binding (NF-κB) inhibitor QNZ, the p38 inhibitor SB203580, and dexamethasone for one hour, then a TNF-α. Western blotting, RT-PCR, and immunofluorescence had been utilized for the cells' analysis and the ANOVA for the data analysis.

Results

The TNF-α fluorescence intensity was mainly distributed in nasal epithelial cells of nasal tissues. TNF-α prominently inhibited the expression of GRα mRNA from 6 to 24 h in HNECs. GRα protein was decreased from 12 to 24 h. Treatment with QNZ, SB203580, or dexamethasone inhibited the TNF-α and interleukin (IL)-6 mRNA expression and increased the GRα levels.

Conclusion

TNF-α induced changes in the GR isoforms' expression in HNECs, and it was mediated through p65-NF-κB and p38-MAPK signal transduction pathways, which could be considered a promising neutrophilic CRS treatment.

Antifibrosis Efficacy of Apo-9-Fucoxanthinone-Contained Sargassum horneri Ethanol Extract on Nasal Polyp: An In Vitro and Ex Vivo Organ Culture Assay

Sargassum horneri is a seaweed species with diverse bioactivities. However, its antifibrotic effects during nasal polyp (NP) formation are not clearly understood. Therefore, we investigated the inhibitory effect of S. horneri on fibrosis progression in NP-derived fibroblasts (NPDFs) and NP tissues ex vivo. NPDFs were stimulated with TGF-β1 in the presence or absence of S. horneri ethanol extract (SHE). The extracellular matrix (ECM) protein production levels, myofibroblast differentiation (α-smooth muscle actin, α-SMA), and phosphorylation of Smad 2/3 and -ERK in TGF-β1-stimulated NPDFs were investigated using western blotting. Further, the contractile activity of SHE was assessed by performing a collagen gel contraction assay. The expression levels of collagen-1, fibronectin, and α-SMA were investigated in NP organ cultures treated with SHE. TGF-β1 stimulated ECM protein expression, myofibroblast differentiation, and collagen contractile activity while these were attenuated by pretreatment with SHE. We also found antifibrotic effect of SHE on ex vivo NP tissues. The antifibrotic effects of SHE were modulated through the attenuation of Smad 2/3 and ERK signaling pathways in TGF-β1-stimulated NPDFs. In conclusion, SHE inhibited ECM protein accumulation and myofibroblast differentiation during NP remodeling. Thus, SHE may be helpful as a treatment for NP recurrence after endoscopic sinus surgery.

Untargeted metabolomic profiling identifies disease-specific and outcome-related signatures in chronic rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND

Although metabolomics provides novel insights into disease mechanisms and biomarkers, the metabolic alterations in local tissues affected by chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine the metabolomic profiles of sinonasal tissues associated with different types of CRS and their treatment outcomes.

METHODS

Untargeted metabolomic profiling was performed on sinonasal tissues obtained from patients with eosinophilic CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), noneosinophilic CRSwNP or CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), and controls. The mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines in nasal tissues were detected by quantitative RT-PCR. Nasal polyp tissues were cultured ex vivo and treated with glutathione.

RESULTS

Distinct metabolomic profiles were observed for the CRS subtypes. Eosinophilic CRSwNP had profoundly enhanced unsaturated fatty acid oxidization, which correlated with mucosal eosinophil numbers and IL-5 mRNA levels. Noneosinophilic CRSwNP was characterized by uric acid accumulation. Increased uric acid levels were positively correlated with mucosal neutrophil numbers and IFN-γ, IL-17A, IL-1β, and IL-8 mRNA levels. Disrupted purine metabolism was specifically detected in CRSsNP. Reduced levels of amino acid metabolites were found in eosinophilic CRSwNP and CRSsNP, and were inversely associated with mucosal total inflammatory cell numbers and inflammatory cytokines. Compared to non-difficult-to-treat CRS, difficult-to-treat CRS had higher glutathione disulfide levels, which were positively correlated with IL-8 mRNA levels. Glutathione treatment reduced IL-8 mRNA expression in cultured nasal polyp tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

Specific metabolic signatures are associated with different types of CRS, inflammatory patterns and disease outcomes, which may provide novel insights into pathophysiological mechanisms, subtype-specific biomarkers, and treatment targets of CRS.

Povidone iodine suppresses LPS-induced inflammation by inhibiting TLR4/MyD88 formation in airway epithelial cells

Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) is an antiseptic and a disinfectant with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against various pathogens. However, it is unclear whether PVP-I nasal instillation can suppress mucosal inflammation in non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) mice. This study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory effects and underlying molecular mechanism of PVP-I on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated airway epithelial cells and investigate whether nasal instillation of PVP-I can suppress mucosal inflammation in non-eosinophilic CRS mice. Inflammation-related molecules in the nasal epithelial cells and non-eosinophilic CRS mice were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunoprecipitation, and histopathological analysis. PVP-I blocked expressions of various inflammation-related molecules, such as NLRP3, NF-κB-p65, caspase-1, and IL-1β. Translocation of NF-κB to the nucleus, and assembly of NLRP3/ASC complexes in the nasal epithelial cells and non-eosinophilic CRS mice were also restricted. Notably, PVP-I strongly blocked the receptor co-localization of TLR4 and MyD88 in the epithelial cells of nasal mucosa. We demonstrated that PVP-I significantly attenuated inflammatory molecules and cytokines via blocking the formation of TLR4 and MyD88 complexes during LPS-induced mucosal inflammation in non-eosinophilic CRS.

Novel roles of lipopolysaccharide and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in inflammatory response to liver injury in Budd-Chiari syndrome

BACKGROUND

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is an uncommon disorder characterized by obstruction of hepatic venous outflow. To date, the exact mechanism underlying hepatic injury derived from the hepatic venous outflow obstruction in BCS remains largely unknown.

AIM

To assess the role of NF-κB-mediated inflammation in BCS-induced liver injury in humans and rats.

METHODS

A total of 180 rats were randomly assigned into nine groups, including four BCS model groups (1, 3, 6 and 12 wk), four sham-operated groups (1, 3, 6 and 12 wk), and a control group. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels in each group were detected by the Tachypleus Amebocyte Lysate assay. The mRNA and protein levels of TLR4, NF-κB, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon (IFN)-γ were quantified. In addition, 60 patients with BCS and 30 healthy controls were enrolled, and their blood samples were analyzed.

RESULTS

Hepatic and plasma LPS levels were significantly increased in rats. The mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-2 and IFN-γ) in liver tissues were significantly higher in the BCS model groups compared with the other two groups. In addition, the model groups (1, 3, 6 and 12 wk after BCS induction) showed significant differences in the levels of LPS, TLR4, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-2 and IFN-γ. Notably, there was a significant correlation between the LPS concentrations and mRNA and protein levels of TLR4, NF-κB and inflammatory cytokines. Importantly, it was revealed that the levels of LPS, TLR4, NF-κB and inflammatory cytokines were significantly greater in chronic BCS patients than healthy controls and acute BCS patients.

CONCLUSION

LPS level is markedly elevated in BCS, in turn activating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, leading to induction of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-2 and IFN-γ) in response to BCS-induced liver injury.

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.

YAP Promotes Cell Proliferation and Epithelium-Derived Cytokine Expression via NF-κB Pathway in Nasal Polyps

Background

Hippo-Yes-associated protein (YAP) pathway plays an important role in epithelial cell proliferation and inflammation development in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

Objective

This study intends to investigate the role of YAP and the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway in cell proliferation and the expression of epithelium-derived cytokines in nasal polyps (NP).

Methods

The expression levels of YAP, TEA domain family member 1 (TEAD1), Ki-67, and NF-κB as well as interleukin (IL-) 33, IL-25 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in sinonasal mucosa, primary nasal epithelial cells (NPECs), and human nasal epithelial RPMI 2650 cells were detected. NPECs were cultured and treated with verteporfin (VP), YAP shRNA or BAY 11–7082.

Results

The hippo pathway effector YAP, Ki-67, p65 NF-κB, and cyclin D1 were significantly increased in NP compared with control mucosa, which was accompanied by overexpression of IL-33, IL-25, and TSLP. Pharmaceutical inhibition of YAP by VP suppressed cell proliferation of RPMI 2650 cells by blocking cell cycle progression at G0/G1 without inducing obvious cell apoptosis. Furthermore, lentiviral transfection-mediated knockdown of hippo pathway activity reduced the expression of IL-33, IL-25, TSLP as well as p65 NF-κB in RPMI 2650 cells. Downregulation of NF-κB pathway with BAY 11–7082 in NPECs could decrease the mRNA level of TSLP, IL-33 and IL-25 accordingly.

Conclusion

Inhibition of hippo pathway suppressed nasal epithelial cell proliferation and declined the expression of epithelium-derived cytokines via the NF-κB pathway in NPECs.

miR-1287-5p upregulation inhibits the EMT and pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-induced human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs)

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis is an intractable symptom that influences daily lives of patients. miR-1287-5p was discovered to play a suppressive role in cervical cancer and HBV-related infection.

PURPOSE

This study investigated the potential role of miR-1287-5p in the in-vitro model of chronic rhinosinusitis.

METHODS

GSE169376 dataset was analyzed and differential miRNAs in nasal mucosa tissues in the chronic rhinosinusitis group were screened out. LPS was used to treat HNECs for 12h, 24h and 48h. Cells underwent LPS treatment after SNAI1 downregulation, miR-1287-5p upregulation or pretreatment of the HMGB1 inhibitor, Glycyrrhizin. RT-PCR was used to measure the RNA expression of miR-1287-5p, SNAI1 and HMGB1. ELISA was used for the detection of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α changes. Targetscan and starBase were used to predict the targets (SNAI1 and HMGB1) of miR-1287-5p. Dual-luciferase reporter assays were applied to validate this. Western blot was used to analyze the protein changes of Snai1, Vimentin, E-cadherin and HMGB1.

RESULTS

miR-1287-5p was downregulated in the chronic rhinosinusitis group and decreased after LPS treatment in HNECs. The upregulation of miR-1287-5p inhibited IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and EMT. miR-1287-5p targeted and inhibited SNAI1 and HMGB1. SNAI1 downregulation led to inhibition in EMT while loss of HMGB1 contributed to the decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines. Knockdown of SNAI1 decreased HMGB1, resulting in the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines while HMGB1 inhibitor reduced SNAI1 and thus suppressed the EMT process.

CONCLUSION

miR-1287-5p downregulation was associated with chronic rhinosinusitis and its upregulation inhibited the EMT and inflammation in LPS-induced HNECs through Snai1/HMGB1 pathway.

The impact of Sambucus nigra L. extract on inflammation, oxidative stress and tissue remodeling in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide-induced subacute rhinosinusitis

Rhinosinusitis is a common disorder related to inflammation of paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity mucosa. Herbal medicines could be an option in the treatment of rhinosinusitis due to their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. The study aims to investigate the effect of intranasal Sambucus nigra L. subsp. nigra (SN) extract against inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue remodeling in nasal and sinus mucosa, but also in serum, lungs, and brain, in Wistar rat model of subacute sinonasal inflammation induced by local administration of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), from Escherichia Coli. The cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde) in nasal mucosa, blood, lungs, and brain were analyzed. In addition, a histopathological examination was performed, and NF-kB, MMP2, MMP9, TIMP1 expressions were also evaluated in nasal mucosa. Both doses of LPS increased the production of cytokines in all the investigated tissues, especially in the nasal mucosa and blood (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05), and stimulated their secretion in the lungs, and partially in the brain. Malondialdehyde increased in all the investigated tissues (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). In parallel, upregulation of NF-kB and MMP2 expressions with downregulation of TIMP1, particularly at high dose of LPS, was observed. SN extract reduced the local inflammatory response, maintained low levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. In lungs, SN reduced all cytokines levels while in the brain, the protective effect was noticed only on IL-6. Additionally, SN diminished lipid peroxidation and downregulated NF-kB in animals exposed to a low dose of LPS, with increased TIMP1 expression, while in animals treated with a high dose of LPS, SN increased NF-kB, MMP2, and MMP9 levels. In conclusion, SN extract diminished the inflammatory response, reduced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and, influenced MMPs expressions, suggesting the benficial effect of SN extract on tissue remodeling in subacute rhinosinusitis and on systemic inflammatory response.

Critical Points on the Use of Biologicals in Allergic Diseases and Asthma

Improved understanding of the contribution of immune-inflammatory mechanisms in allergic diseases and asthma has encouraged development of biologicals and small molecules specifically targeting the innate and adaptive immune response. There are several critical points impacting the efficacy of this stratified approach, from the complexity of disease endotypes to the effectiveness in real-world settings. We discuss here how these barriers can be overcome to facilitate the development of implementation science for allergic diseases and asthma.