Nasal Mucosa Of Allergic Rhinitis Patients Research Articles

Downregulation of lncRNA CDKN2B-AS1 attenuates inflammatory response in mice with allergic rhinitis by regulating miR-98-5p/SOCS1 axis

Long non-coding RNA cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B antisense RNA 1 (CDKN2B-AS1) in various diseases has been verified. However, the underlying mechanism of CDKN2B-AS1 contributes to the development of allergic rhinitis (AR) remains unknown. To evaluate the impact of CDKN2B-AS1 on AR, BALB/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of normal saline containing ovalbumin (OVA) and calmogastrin to establish an AR model. Nasal rubbing and sneezing were documented after the final OVA treatment. The concentrations of IgE, IgG1, and inflammatory elements were quantified using ELISA. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunofluorescence were used to assess histopathological variations and tryptase expression, respectively. StarBase, TargetScan and luciferase reporter assays were applied to predict and confirm the interactions among CDKN2B-AS1, miR-98-5p, and SOCS1. CDKN2B-AS1, miR-98-5p, and SOCS1 levels were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) or western blotting. Our results revealed that CDKN2B-AS1 was obviously over-expressed in the nasal mucosa of AR patients and AR mice. Down-regulation of CDKN2B-AS1 significantly decreased nasal rubbing and sneezing frequencies, IgE and IgG1 concentrations, and cytokine levels. Furthermore, down-regulation of CDKN2B-AS1 also relieved the pathological changes in the nasal mucosa, and the infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells. Importantly, these results were reversed by the miR-98-5p inhibitor, whereas miR-98-5p directly targeted CDKN2B-AS1, and miR-98-5p negatively regulated SOCS1 level. Our findings demonstrate that down-regulation of CDKN2B-AS1 improves allergic inflammation and symptoms in a murine model of AR through the miR-98-5p/SOCS1 axis, which provides new insights into the latent functions of CDKN2B-AS1 in AR treatment.

Role of LINC00240 on T-helper 9 differentiation in allergic rhinitis through influencing DNMT1-dependent methylation of PU.1.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common allergic disease with increasing prevalence globally. However, the molecular mechanism underlying AR pathogenesis remains largely undefined. Peripheral blood and nasal mucosa samples obtained from patients with AR (n = 22), and ovalbumin-induced AR mouse model (n = 8 per group) were prepared for subsequent detection. qRT-PCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of LINC00240, miR-155-5p, PU.1 and other key molecules. ELISA assay and flow cytometry were employed to evaluate the secretion of IL-9 and T-helper 9 (Th9) cell ratio, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase reporter assays were employed to further elucidate the regulatory network of LINC00240/miR-155-5p/DNMT1. The methylation of PU.1 promoter was assessed by methylation-specific PCR (MSP). This signaling axis was further validated in the mouse model of AR. LINC00240 was downregulated, while miR-155-5p and PU.1 were upregulated in the peripheral blood and nasal mucosa of AR patients, as well as in AR mice. This was accompanied with the increased ratio of Th9 cells and elevated IL-9 secretion. Mechanistically, LINC00240 served as a miR-155-5p sponge, and DNMT1 was a target of miR-155-5p. In addition, DNMT1 mediated the methylation of PU.1 promoter. In vivo studies verified that LINC00240 mitigated AR progression, possibly via miR-155-5p/DNMT1/PU.1-dependent Th9 differentiation. The involvement of LINC00240 in AR pathogenesis is closely associated with Th9 differentiation through modulating DNMT1-dependent methylation of PU.1 by sponging miR-155-5p.

Long non-coding RNA MALAT1 promotes Th2 differentiation by regulating microRNA-135b-5p/GATA-3 axis in children with allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) threatens patient survival. CD4+ T cells play key roles in AR progression. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators of cell differentiation. Therefore, we investigated the molecular mechanism of the lncRNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) in AR. Expression levels of MALAT1, microRNA (miR)-135b-5p, interleukin-4 (IL-4), and GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA-3) in the nasal mucosa of AR patients were quantified. CD4+ T cells were isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy volunteers and treated with ovalbumin (OVA) and Th2 inducers. After MALAT1 and miR-135b-5p levels changed in CD4+ T cells, the proportion of IL-4-expressing cells and the levels of IL-4 and GATA-3 in OVA-induced CD4+ T cells were determined. Binding relationships among MALAT1, miR-135b-5p, and GATA-3 were predicted and verified. Rescue experiments were performed to confirm the role of the MALAT1/miR-135b-5p/GATA-3 axis in Th2 differentiation of CD4+ T cells. MALAT1, IL-4, and GATA-3 expression was upregulated, whereas miR-135b-5p expression was downregulated, in patients with AR. MALAT1 knockdown or miR-135b-5p overexpression in CD4+ T cells notably decreased the proportion of IL-4-expressing cells and downregulated GATA-3 and IL-4 expression in OVA-induced CD4+ T cells. MALAT1 and GATA-3 exhibited competitive binding toward miR-135b-5p. MALAT1 facilitated CD4+ T cell Th2 differentiation via the miR-135b-5p/GATA-3 axis. MALAT1 facilitated AR development by facilitating CD4+ T cell Th2 differentiation via the miR-135b-5p/GATA-3 axis. This study may provide guidance for clinical treatment of AR.

Knockdown of Cadherin 26 Prevents the Inflammatory Responses of Allergic Rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease with disorder of the nasal mucosa. Cadherin 26 (CDH26), an alpha integrin-binding epithelial receptor, is regulated during allergic inflammation. This study aimed to investigate whether CDH26 contributes to the severity of AR. In vivo and in vitro. We investigated the effects of CDH26 knockdown by lentivirus (LV)-mediated shRNA on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR mice and IL-13-stimulated human nasal epithelial cells (NECs). CDH26 mRNA and protein expression was significantly increased in the nasal mucosa of AR patients and mice. Intranasal instillation of LV-shCDH26 alleviated allergic symptoms and decreased the histological changes of nasal mucosa in AR mice. Furthermore, the serum levels of OVA-specific IgE, IgG, pro-inflammatory factors IL-25, IL-33, and TSLP were decreased in AR mice with CDH26 knockdown. With regard to AR-induced Th2 inflammation, LV-shCDH26 intervention effectively decreased the distribution of CD4+ /GATA3+ Th2 cells, and the mRNA expression of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in the nasal mucosa. CDH26 knockdown down-regulated the expression of β-catenin but not for E-cadherin and ZO-1 in nasal mucosa induced by AR. In vitro, CDH26 knockdown inhibited the protein expression of TSLP, GM-CSF and eotaxin in NECs, and CDH26 overexpression remarkably promoted the production of these inflammatory factors in IL-13-induced NECs. CDH26 knockdown attenuates the AR-induced inflammatory response both in vivo and in vitro. NA Laryngoscope, 133:1558-1567, 2023.

MAF bZIP Transcription Factor B (MAFB) Protected Against Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Rhinitis via the Alleviation of Inflammation by Restoring the T Helper (Th) 1/Th2/Th17 Imbalance and Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction.

PurposeThis work aimed to investigate the effects of MAF bZIP transcription factor B (MAFB) on the progression of allergic rhinitis (AR).Patients and MethodsNasal mucosa was isolated from AR patients and healthy individuals from Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University. The experimental procedures were approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University (2019PS341K) in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consents were signed by participants or a parent/legal guardian of the participants under 18 years old of age. Then, an AR mouse model with MAFB overexpression was established with 25 μg ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization on day 0, 7, 14, followed by an injection with 1×107 TU/mL lentivirus MAFB on day 19 and a nasal challenge with 500 μg OVA from day 21 to 27.ResultsThe results revealed that MAFB was down-regulated in the nasal mucosa of AR patients. The up-regulation of MAFB protected the AR mice against the OVA-induced allergic symptoms (sneezing and nasal rubbing) by alleviating the OVA-induced epithelial thicknesses, goblet cell hyperplasia, and inflammation including the eosinophil and mast cell infiltration. Moreover, MAFB facilitated the T helper (Th) 1 response and inhibited the Th2 and Th17 responses by the down-regulation of T-box transcription factor 21 and the up-regulation of GATA binding protein-3 as well as retinoid-related orphan receptor-γt in the splenocytes of AR mice. MAFB was found to repress the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into Th2 cells. Subsequently, MAFB overexpression reversed the OVA-induced enhancement of epithelial permeability, downregulation of tight junctions, and upregulation of cadherin-26, indicating the protective role of MAFB on epithelial barrier integrity.ConclusionMAFB protected against OVA-induced AR via the alleviation of inflammation by restoring the Th1/Th2/Th17 imbalance and epithelial barrier dysfunction.

MicroRNA-155-5p regulates the Th1/Th2 cytokines expression and the apoptosis of group 2 innate lymphoid cells via targeting TP53INP1 in allergic rhinitis

As a key component of innate immunity, group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) play a key role in Allergic rhinitis (AR). We previously demonstrated that both miR-155-5p and ILC2s are overexpressed in the nasal mucosa of AR patients, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. At present study, we revealed that miR-155-5p was highly expressed in ILC2s of AR patients. Moreover, miR-155-5p promoted the secretion of Th2 cytokines of ILC2s, while inhibited the secretion of Th1 cytokines and the apoptosis of ILC2s. Meanwhile, the TP53INP1 expression was poorly expressed in ILC2s of AR patients. A dual luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that TP53INP1 was a direct target of miR-155-5p, and its expression was inversely associated with miR-155-5p in ILC2s. Furthermore, TP53INP1 inhibited the secretion of Th2 cytokines of ILC2s, while promoted the secretion of Th1 cytokines and the apoptosis of ILC2s. Notably, rescue experiments demonstrated that overexpression of TP53INP1 could partially reverse the effect of miR-155-5p on ILC2s. Taken together, these findings suggested that miR-155-5p aggravated the inflammatory response of AR dominated by ILC2s via targeting TP53INP1, which may aid in the development of novel therapeutic agents for AR.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosome-Containing Linc00632 Regulates GATA Binding Protein-3 Expression in Allergic Rhinitis by Interacting with Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 to Inhibit T Helper Cell 2 Differentiation

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is regarded as one of the most common allergic disease of nasal mucosa affecting many people worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs are critical modulators affecting AR progression, whereas the pathogenesis of Linc00632 in the development of AR remains unclear. Methods: T helper cell 2 (Th2) differentiation of CD4+ T cells was measured by flow cytometry. Real-time quantitative PCR assay and Western blot were applied to determine the levels of RNA and proteins, respectively. The interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 levels were quantitatively assessed through ELISA. Subcellular fractionation was conducted to detect the cellular localization of Linc00632. RNA immunoprecipitation experiment was employed to validate the interaction relationship between Linc00632 and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2). Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was used for determination of protein-DNA interactions. Results: The expression of Linc00632 was significantly decreased by 4 times in nasal mucosa of AR patients. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosome dramatically inhibited Th2 differentiation, decreased GATA binding protein-3 (GATA-3) protein expressions and IL-4 levels by about 2 times in CD4+ T cells. Knockdown Linc00632 partially reversed the effects of exosomes on Th2 differentiation, IL-4 and IL-13 levels, and GATA-3 expression. Linc00632 overexpression could suppress Th2 differentiation of CD4+ T cells, reduced IL-4 and IL-13 levels, and GATA-3 expressions roughly 2 times. Linc00632 repressed the expression of GATA-3 by interacting with EZH2. GATA-3 overexpression partially reversed the effect of Linc00632 on Th2 differentiation of CD4+ T cells. Conclusion: Linc00632 acted as a suppression factor in Th2 differentiation by inhibiting the expression of GATA-3 via interacting with EZH2, which might provide a new insight for understanding the action mechanism of Linc00632 in AR.

Notch2 suppresses the development of allergic rhinitis by promoting FOXP3 expression and Treg cell differentiation

AimsNotch signaling is closely related to a variety of diseases, but the role of Notch2 in allergic rhinitis (AR) remain unclear. This study was performed to investigate the effects of Notch2 on the differentiation of Treg cells and on the inflammatory response of AR. Materials and methodsPeripheral blood (including 101 AR patients and 66 Controls) and nasal mucosa (including 19 AR patients and 17 Controls) were collected to detect the expression levels of Notch2, NICD2 and FOXP3. CD4+ T cells of human origin were selected to detect the effects of Notch2 on the differentiation of Treg cells and FOXP3. An AR mouse model was established, and lentiviruses overexpressing Notch2 were administered. Then, allergic symptoms, OVA-sIgE titers, nasal mucosal inflammation, Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines and splenic Treg cells were assessed. Key findingsCompared with that in the Control group, the expression of Notch2 in the AR group was decreased, and Notch2 expression was negatively correlated with the degree of allergy (P < 0.01). The expression levels of Notch2, NICD2 and FOXP3 were decreased in the nasal mucosa of AR patients. Notch2 can promote the differentiation of human Treg cells in vitro (P < 0.05), and Notch2 can directly promote FOXP3 transcription. Animal experiments showed after the upregulation of Notch2 expression, the allergic inflammatory of mice with AR was reduced, the differentiation of Treg cells was increased, and the imbalance of T cells was reversed (P < 0.05). SignificanceNotch2 promotes the differentiation of Treg cells by upregulating FOXP3 expression, thus significantly inhibiting the inflammatory response of AR.

Effects of Syo-seiryu-to and Its Constituent Crude Drugs on Phorbol Ester-Induced Up-Regulation of IL-33 and Histamine H1 Receptor mRNAs in Swiss 3T3 and HeLa Cells

Syo-seiryu-to (SST) is a traditional herbal medicine that has been used clinically to treat allergic rhinitis (AR) in Japan. SST improves acute symptoms, such as sneezing and rhinorrhea, as well as chronic symptoms, such as nasal obstruction, in patients with AR. However, its therapeutic mechanisms remain unknown. We examined the effects of SST and eight constituent crude drugs on phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-induced gene up-regulation of IL-33 and histamine H1 receptor (H1R), which are responsible for the pathogenesis of AR. We found that SST and its crude drugs, except for Pinellia tuber, significantly and dose-dependently suppressed PMA-induced both IL-33 and H1R mRNA up-regulation in vitro. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration values of the seven crude drugs to inhibit PMA-induced IL-33 mRNA up-regulation were correlated with those related to H1R mRNA up-regulation, suggesting that they act on a common signal molecule. These results suggest that SST improves nasal congestion that is induced by IL-33-related eosinophil infiltration and inhibits sneezing and rhinorrhea that are induced by H1R-mediated histamine signaling in the nasal mucosa of AR patients through its inhibition of a common molecule in the gene expression pathways of IL-33 and H1R. The results could explain the advantages of traditional herbal medicine, in which mixing various crude drugs not only acts on a common target to enhance its pharmacological action, similar to the effect of a high concentration of a single crude extract but also has the benefit of reducing the side effects of each crude drug.

Protease-Activated Receptor-2 Decreased Zonula Occlidens-1 and Claudin-1 Expression and Induced Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction in Allergic Rhinitis

Protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2)-modulated tight junctions (TJs) have been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases. However, immunopathogenesis remains to be investigated among patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). This study sought to investigate the role of PAR-2 in the modulation of epithelial barrier function and the expression of TJs in the nasal mucosa of AR patients. The expression of TJs and PAR-2 of the nasal mucosa in AR patients and control subjects by immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and western blotting. In vitro, Primary human nasal epithelial cells (pHNECs) of AR patients were stimulated by Der p1 to analyze the correlation between PAR-2 and TJs expression. Der p1-induced pHNECs were treated with the PAR-2 agonist SLIGRL-NH2 and antagonist FSLLRY-NH2. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran 4 kDa detection was employed as an indicator of epithelial permeability. Lower expression levels of TJs in the nasal epithelium of AR patients were observed in comparison with that in control subjects. The PAR-2 level was markedly increased following treatment with 1,000 ng/mL of Der p1 for 24 hours in a cellular model of AR. The expression of PAR-2 was increased in Der p1-induced pHNECs of AR patients and correlated inversely with zonula occlidens (ZO)-1 and claudin-1. Treatment with Der p1 further downregulated TJs expression and promoted an increased epithelial permeability in Der p1-induced pHNECs. PAR-2 could downregulate the expression of ZO-1 and claudin-1, which is involved in epithelial barrier dysfunction in AR.

Programmed cell death protein 1 and its ligands regulate immune balance in allergic rhinitis

Objective: To explore the expression and significance in regulating immune balance of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligands PD-L1, PD-L2 in allergic rhinitis (AR). Methods: Eighty-two patients who received outpatient treatment due to high nasal reaction symptoms or were hospitalized due to nasal septum deviation and underwent nasal septum correction surgery in Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from May 2018 to May 2019 were enrolled, including 42 males and 40 females, with the age ranging from 14 to 38 years old. Blood, inferior turbinate nasal mucosal tissue and relevant clinical data were collected. Patients were divided into AR group and control group due to clinical manifestation, skin prick test and detection of specific IgE (sIgE) in serum. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of PD-1 and its ligands in nasal mucosa of the two groups. Flow cytometry was used to detect the proportions of PD-1(+)CD4(+)T cells, PD-L1(+) myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs), PD-L2(+)mDCs and Th2 cells in peripheral blood of the two groups. The expression levels of total IgE, sPD-1, sPD-L1 and sPD-L2 in serum of the two groups were detected by ELISA. The measurement data of normal distribution or normal distribution after the logarithm conversion to Ln were compared by t test. Pearson correlation or Spearman correlation was used to analyze the correlation among the indicators. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The expression of PD-1 and its ligands on the surface of immune cells in the nasal mucosa of the AR group was significantly higher than that of the control group. The ratio of PD-1(+)CD4(+)T cells, PD-L1(+)mDCs and Th2 cells in peripheral blood of AR group was significantly higher than that of the control group ((15.24±6.45)% vs (8.71±5.33)%, (8.79±2.01)% vs (5.74±2.90)%, (7.89±1.95)% vs (2.52±1.34)%, all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the ratio of PD-L2(+)mDCs between the two groups. Correlation analysis found that the proportion of PD-1(+)CD4(+) T cells was positively correlated with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score of AR, total IgE concentration and the serum sIgE concentration (r value was 0.501, 0.541, 0.608, respectively, all P<0.05). The proportion of PD-L1(+)mDCs was positively correlated with the VAS score of AR and the serum sIgE concentration (r value was 0.604, 0.563, respectively, all P<0.05). The proportion of Th2 cells in peripheral blood was positively correlated with the proportion of PD-L1(+)mDCs and PD-1(+)CD4(+)T cells (r value was 0.538, 0.623, respectively, all P<0.05). Serum total IgE, sPD-1 and sPD-L1 in the AR group were significantly higher than those in the control group ((6.34±1.38) ng/ml vs (4.89±1.10) ng/ml, (4.40±1.01) pg/ml vs (3.79±1.21) pg/ml, (3.88±0.25) pg/ml vs (3.57±0.23) pg/ml, all P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in sPD-L2 levels between the two groups. Correlation analysis showed that sPD-L1 was positively correlated with total IgE and sIgE concentration (r values was 0.32, 0.45, respectively, all P<0.05). Conclusions: PD-1 and PD-L1 are highly expressed on the surface of immune cells in peripheral blood and nasal mucosa of AR patients, and sPD-1 and sPD-L1 expression levels in peripheral blood of AR patients are increased. The PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway promote AR inflammatory response by inducing Th2 type immune response.

DMBT1 has a protective effect on allergic rhinitis

ObjectiveDeleted in malignant brain tumors 1 (DMBT1) is a secreted scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) protein, predominantly expressed in nasal mucosal epithelial cells. In previous experiments, we found large amounts of DMBT1 present in the nasal cavity mucosa of allergic rhinitis (AR) patients. However, the exact role of DMBT1 in AR remains unclear. This study is to investigate the mechanism through which DMBT1 exerts its effects on AR progression. MethodDMBT1 levels in the nasal lavage (NL) fluid and the nasal mucosa in AR and control groups were determined by ELISA and IHC. Next, mice were sensitized with ovalbumin; intranasal administrations of recombinant DMBT1 were then performed. DMBT1 in the nasal mucosa of mice were determined by IHC and WB. Nasal symptoms were estimated. IL-4 and IL-5 in BAL fluid and eosinophils infiltration in the nasal cavity were measured through ELISA and HE staining, respectively. ResultsDMBT1 levels were found to be significantly higher in the NL fluid and nasal mucosa of AR patients and AR mice, compared to control groups (p < 0.01). Levels of IL-4 and IL-5 in BAL and infiltration of eosinophils into the nasal mucosa were significantly increased in AR mice, compared to control mice (p < 0.01). rDMBT1 significantly reduced the number of nasal sneezing and rubbings in AR mice (p < 0.01). It also inhibited the eosinophil infiltration in the nasal mucosa and significantly decreased the production of IL-4 and IL-5 in BAL (p < 0.01). ConclusionThis study demonstrated that rDMBT1 alleviates AR progression in mice via inhibiting IL-4 and IL-5 production and eosinophils infiltration in the nasal cavity.

ADRB2 suppresses IL-13-induced allergic rhinitis inflammatory cytokine regulated by miR-15a-5p.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common hypersensitive disease that troubles patients a lot. Nasal epithelial cells (NECs), as the outmost protection of inhalation, play an important role in AR allergic response. Adrenoceptor beta 2 (ADRB2) is an important gene in inflammatory response, which has become the hot spot for AR development and treatment in recent years. MiR-15a-5p has been proved to be involved in AR immune response as the upstream regulator of ADRB2. Human primary NECs were isolated and stimulated by IL-13. qRT-PCR assay was used to detect the RNA level of target genes. ELISA and Western blotting were applied to detect target protein levels. Luciferase reporter assay and biotin pull-down assay were performed to test molecules interaction. ADRB2 was highly expressed in nasal mucosa of AR patients and was positively correlated with IL-13 stimulation, and knockdown of ADRB2 inhibited IL-13-induced expression of GM-CSF, eotaxin, and MUC5AC in NECs. ADRB2 was directly targeted by miR-15a-5p, and miR-15a-5p inhibited IL-13-induced expression of GM-CSF, eotaxin, and MUC5AC in NECs. ADRB2 mediated the effect of miR-15a-5p on the regulation of nasal epithelial immune responses. ADRB2 is negatively regulated by miR-15a-5p, which inhibits IL-13-induced nasal epithelial inflammatory responses.

Identification and Functional Profiling of Differentially Expressed Long Non-Coding RNAs in Nasal Mucosa with Allergic Rhinitis.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proved to play important roles in a variety of human immune diseases. However, their pathological effects on the development of allergic rhinitis (AR) have not been clearly understood. The aim of this study was to determine the expression profile of lncRNAs in nasal mucosa of AR patients by lncRNA microarray and to predict potential roles of specific lncRNAs in the pathogenic mechanisms of AR by analysis of lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network, Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway. The lncRNA microarray analysis showed that a total of 2,259 lncRNAs (1,033 up-regulated and 1,226 down-regulated) and 704 mRNAs (157 up-regulated and 547 down-regulated) were significantly differentially expressed in the nasal mucosa samples from 4 AR patients as compared to those from 4 non-allergic subjects (fold change > 2; P < 0.05). In addition, the lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network contained 143 network nodes including 76 lncRNAs and 67 mRNAs, in which 117 significant correlation pairs presented as positive, and 108 pairs presented as negative. The results from GO and pathway analysis indicated that the lncRNAs-coexpressed mRNAs were enriched in several biological processes and cellular signaling pathways related to AR development, such as positive regulation of interleukin-13 secretion, Fc epsilon RI signaling pathway and NF-kappa B signaling pathway. To summary, our study provides important information on the molecular mechanisms and biological functions of these AR-related lncRNAs, which could be utilized for developing novel therapeutic strategies for AR.

Contribution of Neurogenic and Allergic Ways to the Pathophysiology of Nonallergic Rhinitis

Background: A neuroallergic interaction was reported in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR), but the pathophysiology of nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) is poorly understood. We aimed to explore the contribution of neuroallergic mechanisms to the pathogenesis of NAR. Methods: Subjects were divided into three groups – NAR patients (n = 25), AR patients (n = 16) and the control group (n = 10) – and were assessed using the nasal provocation test (NPT) with house dust mite. Total symptom scores, nasal inspiratory peak flow and nasal lavage were performed before and after NPT. Nasal brushing and scraping was done after NPT. Results: NPT was positive in NAR (52%) and AR (100%) patients and negative in all controls. After NPT, total symptom scores increased in both rhinitis groups. Post-NPT values of nasal inspiratory peak flow decreased only in AR patients. NAR patients showed a similar inflammatory cell profile in the nasal smears to AR patients which was different in controls. There were more tryptase- and immunoglobulin E (IgE)-positive cells in the nasal mucosa of AR patients, and more substance-p-positive cells were observed in NAR patients compared with controls. However, IgE- and tryptase-positive cells in NAR patients and substance-p-positive cells in AR patients were detectable in nasal mucosa, but rarely in the controls. Comparing the values before and after NPT, tryptase significantly increased in the nasal lavages of AR and NAR patients, while house dust mite-specific IgE did not change. Conclusions: We showed the existence of a common pathophysiological mechanism with different contributions in AR and NAR. We conclude that the difference in dominance of neuroallergic ways may determine the major phenotype of rhinitis.

Expression and Roles of MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-13, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 in Allergic Nasal Mucosa

PurposeAllergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma share many characteristics, but structural changes are observed far less often in AR. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) constitute a family of Zn-dependent endopeptidases that can decompose the extracellular matrix and basement membrane, and regulate cell infiltration. We analyzed the expression of MMPs and their inhibitors, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), in allergic nasal mucosa after nasal allergen challenge (NAC) and determined their relationship to inflammatory cells.MethodsNasal mucosa specimens were obtained at surgery performed for hypertrophied turbinates. We performed NAC with house dust mite (HDM) allergen disks and control disks, and took biopsies at 30 minutes, 6 hours, and 12 hours after NAC. Cells expressing MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-13, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2, as well as eosinophils and mast cells, were analyzed immunohistochemically. The MMPs and TIMPs in allergic nasal mucosa were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.ResultsAt 30 minutes post-NAC, HDM-exposed nasal mucosa exhibited significantly more MMP-2+, MMP-9+, MMP-13+, TIMP-1+, and TIMP-2+ cells compared with control mucosa, and the numbers of MMP-9+ and TIMP-1+ cells correlated strongly with the number of mast cells. At 6 hours post-NAC, the numbers of MMP+ and TIMP+ cells did not differ significantly between HDM-exposed mucosa and control mucosa, but the ratios of MMP+ cells to TIMP+ cells were higher in HDM-exposed mucosa. At 12 hours post-NAC, the number of MMP-13+ cells tended to be higher in HDM-exposed mucosa and was strongly correlated with the number of eosinophils. Quantitatively, the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-13 were significantly higher than the MMP-9 level, and the TIMP-2 level was significantly higher than the TIMP-1 level in allergic nasal mucosa.ConclusionsWe demonstrated increased expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-13 in allergic nasal mucosa, high MMPs-to-TIMP-1 ratios, and a strong correlation between MMP-9 and mast cells and between MMP-13 and eosinophils. The imbalance between MMPs and TIMPs may contribute to the migration of inflammatory cells such as eosinophils and mast cells to the nasal mucosa of AR patients, suggesting a possible active role of MMPs in AR.

Decreased Expression of FOXP3 in Nasal Polyposis

PurposeThe pathogenesis of nasal polyposis (NP) is unclear. Eosinophils and mast cells are considered to play important roles in this process. In addition, the levels of Th2-type cells are increased, irrespective of the atopic status of the patient with NP. In this context, we and others have shown high levels of thymus and activation-related chemokine/CCL17, macrophage-derived chemokine, eotaxin, and RANTES in patients with NP. Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) plays a key role in CD4+CD25+ regulatory T-cell function and represents a specific marker for regulatory T cells (Tregs). Decreased expression of FOXP3 has been reported in allergic diseases. The present study was designed to evaluate the presence and potential roles of Tregs, defined by the expression of FOXP3 protein, in NP.MethodsUsing immunohistochemistry, we estimated the numbers of FOXP3+ cells in the epithelium and lamina propria of the NPs of 17 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with NP and the nasal mucosa of 15 patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). The number of FOXP3+ cells in NPs was compared with that in the nasal mucosa of patients with AR, and the numbers of FOXP3+ cells in atopic and non-atopic NP were also compared.ResultsThe number of FOXP3+ cells in the lamina propria of patients with NP was significantly lower than that in the nasal mucosa of the AR patients (2.79 vs. 5.99, P=0.008). There was no statistically significant difference noted for the numbers of FOXP3+ cells between the epithelium of the NP and the nasal mucosa (3.60 vs. 2.39, P=0.180). Furthermore, the numbers of CD4+FOXP3+ cells were lower in NPs than in the allergic nasal mucosa. There was no difference in the number of FOXP3+ cells between the atopic and non-atopic NP patients.ConclusionsFewer Tregs (i.e., decreased FOXP3 expression) are found in NPs than in the nasal mucosa of AR patients. As the severity of eosinophilic, Th2-type inflammation and the levels of inflammatory mediators are much higher in NPs than in the nasal mucosa of AR patients, an inverse co-relationship may exist between these parameters and the number of Tregs. The deficiency of Tregs in NP may account for the more pronounced Th2-type inflammation seen in these patients.

IL‐32 up‐regulation is associated with inflammatory cytokine production in allergic rhinitis

IL-32 is a described pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by T lymphocytes, natural killer cells, monocytes, and epithelial cells. However, the specific mechanism of IL-32 on allergic rhinitis (AR) has not been elucidated. Here, we report a significant increase of IL-32 protein and mRNA in the nasal mucosa of AR patients. In addition, in nasal mucosa tissue from AR patients, the level of IL-32 production correlated with inflammation, IL-1β, IL-18, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). In an AR animal model, IL-32 significantly increased IgE and inflammatory cytokine levels. IL-32 expression was induced by recombinant human GM-CSF via activation of caspase-1 in eosinophils. In addition, depletion of IL-32 prevents the production of inflammatory cytokines in eosinophils. In conclusion, IL-32 is an important cytokine involved in the inflammation of AR. The regulation of IL-32 expression may form the basis of a new strategy for the treatment of AR.

Quantitative expression of osteopontin in nasal mucosa of patients with allergic rhinitis: effects of pollen exposure and nasal glucocorticoid treatment

BackgroundOsteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional cytokine that has been primarily investigated in Th1 diseases. Recently, it has also been implicated in Th2-mediated allergic diseases, such as asthma. The expression of OPN in allergic rhinitis (AR) is currently unknown, as is the effect of intranasal glucocorticosteroids (GCs) on that expression.MethodsSubjects with AR were randomised to receive treatment with fluticasone propionate (FP) (n = 12) or a placebo (n = 16) over the grass pollen season and nasal biopsies were taken prior to, and during the season. OPN expression in the nasal mucosa was examined with immunohistochemistry. Healthy non-AR controls (n = 5) were used as a comparator.ResultsOPN expression was detected in epithelial cells, subepithelial infiltrating/inflammatory cells and cells lining the vessels and glands of all subjects. Comparison of the pre- and peak-pollen season biopsy sections in placebo treated patients revealed no increase in OPN expression during the grass pollen season (5.7% vs 6.4%). Treatment with a local glucocorticosteroid did not alter the expression of OPN during pollen exposure (6.2% vs 6.7%).ConclusionOPN has been increasingly associated with the pathogenesis of various Th2-mediated diseases. However, our finding that the OPN expression in the nasal mucosa of AR patients is not significantly affected by allergen exposure and is comparable to that of the healthy controls, suggests that intracellular OPN is not directly involved in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis.

The expression of osteopontin and its association with Clara cell 10 kDa protein in allergic rhinitis

Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional protein that has recently been linked to allergic diseases. Clara cell 10 kDa protein (CC10) is another protein linked to allergy, and has been suggested to have an inhibitory role in inflammatory airway diseases. At this time, it is not known whether OPN is involved in allergic rhinitis (AR) or if there is any association between CC10 and OPN in AR. To study the expression of OPN and its potential association with CC10 in AR. The expression of CC10 and OPN in nasal mucosa of AR patients was investigated. AR animal models were established by using wild-type and CC10-knockout mice. In some experiments, human recombinant CC10 protein was given to AR mice during either sensitization or challenge. The phenotypic changes were examined by histology and real-time RT-PCR. The direct effect of CC10 on the OPN expression in spleen mononuclear cells and on the OPN-induced inflammatory cytokine expression in BEAS-2B cells was measured through in vitro cell culture. OPN expression was up-regulated, with a concomitant down-regulation of CC10, in AR patients, showing a significant negative correlation between their expression. Compared with control mice sensitized with PBS, the OPN expression was significantly increased in AR mice; such an increase was more prominent in CC10-knockout mice, compared with wild-type. Administration of CC10 during both sensitization and challenge could markedly ameliorate Th2-skewed inflammation and OPN expression in nasal mucosa. CC10 administration at the sensitization phase could also reduce spleen OPN expression. The in vitro study showed that CC10 directly down-regulated the OPN expression in spleen mononuclear cells stimulated with OVA and suppressed the OPN-induced expression of Th2 cytokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines in BEAS-2B cells. In the context of allergic airway responses, CC10 can inhibit OPN expression and suppress the Th2-promoting function of OPN, resulting in CC10's inhibitory biological effects.