Changes In Nasal Mucosa Research Articles

Evaluation of nasal mucosal changes of tracheastomized patients

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the nasal mucosa of tracheostomized patients as a result of decreased nasal airflow. Background The effect of tracheostomy on the chest is well established, but the effect on the nasal mucosa and the upper respiratory tract has not been extensively investigated. Patients and methods Thirty-one participants who underwent total laryngectomy or tracheostomy for prolonged intubation were enrolled in the study. Patients were evaluated at 2 and 6 months after tracheostomy endoscopically as regards the color, discharge, crustations, and atrophy of nasal mucosa. The Saccharine test and the methylene blue test were used to assess the mucociliary clearance. Nasal biopsy and histopathological examination with hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to confirm our findings. Results There was a significant increase in nasal discharge with histopathological increase in mucous-secreting glands by 2 months after tracheostomy and a significant decrease at 6 months postoperatively. The color of the nasal mucosa became more pink 2 months after tracheostomy with no significance, but at 6 months it became more pale with significance. There was a significant improvement in the saccharine times and methylene blue movement toward the nasopharyn × 2 months postoperatively, whereas there was a significant delay in the saccharine times and methylene blue movement at 6 months. On histopathological examination, there was a significant incidence of nasal mucosal atrophy at 6 months. Conclusion There was an increase in the number of mucous glands with their secretion along with an increase in mucociliary clearance of the nose early after tracheostomy or total laryngectomy. However, with time the reverse occurs due to the long-term effect of airflow deprivation on the nasal mucosa with increased incidence of nasal mucosal atrophy as shown by histopathological examination.

Experimental study on the effect of Yiqi Wenyang Decoction on nasal mucosa infiltration of NK cells in mice with allergic rhinitis

Objective: To observe the effect of Yiqi Wenyang Decoction on the infiltration and activation of NK cells in nasal mucosa of mouse model with allergic rhinitis (AR), and to explore the potential mechanism for effective intervention of AR with Yiqi Wenyang Decoction. Methods: Fourty-eight mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, low, medium and high dose of Yiqi Wenyang Decoction group and Cetirizine group, with 8 rats in each group. After modeling of AR, the model group was filled with 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Yiqi Wenyang Decoction groups of each dose were given different concentrations of Yiqi Wenyang Decoction water extract, while the Cetirizine group was given aqueous solution of Cetirizine. The behavior, morphological changes of nasal mucosa and infiltration of NK cells in nasal mucosa were observed. The levels of IL-4 and INF-γ in nasal lavage fluid were measured. Besides, the drug safety was observed by acute toxicity test. Results: In the respect of behavioral scoring, middle and high dose of Yiqi Wenyang Decoction group were superior to the model group (number of sneezing: q value was 7.189, 8.748, respectively; number of scratching nose: q value was 12.074, 14.560, respectively; all P<0.05). In middle and high dose of Yiqi Wenyang Decoction group, the infiltration of NK cells and nasal lavage fluid IL-4 levels were lower than those in model group (IOD: q value was 10.073, 12.322, respectively; IOD/Area: q value was 10.954, 14.073, respectively; IL-4: q value was 4.705, 6.801, respectively; all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in nasal lavage fluid of INF-γ among each group (Fv=1.166, P>0.05). In acute toxicity test, no obvious poisoning symptoms and death occurred in mice. Conclusion: Yiqi Wenyang Decoction can control the nasal symptom, reduce the local NK cell infiltration of nasal mucosa and inhibit the expression of the 2-type cytokines released by NK cells, which may be related with the potential mechanism of effective intervention of AR with Yiqi Wenyang Decoction.

Impact of Successful Choanal Atresia Repair on the Nasal Mucosa: A Preliminary Study.

Introduction The main histological features of the nasal mucosa in choanal atresia are distorted cilia, marked increase of mucous submucosal glands associated with marked reduction of goblet cell density, and lymphocytic cellular infiltration. Objective To study the nasal mucosal changes in cases of choanal atresia after successful repair compared with pre-repair mucosal histological features. Methods Tissue samples were taken from the inferior turbinate of 3 patients (1 bilateral and 2 unilateral) who were successfully operated. Then, the biopsies were subjected to histopathological, histochemical and immunohistochemical studies. After that, the results were compared with pre-repair findings in the choanal atresia side and in the normal side. Results Four biopsies (4 repaired choanal atresia sides) of the mucosa of the inferior turbinate revealed that 1 patient (who had a bilateral choanal atresia repaired), after achieving a patent choana for 8 months, had not completely recovered a normal nasal mucosa. The other 2 patients, after 18 and 23 months of achieving a patent choana, showed normal nasal cavities. Conclusion The main histological features of the nasal mucosa in choanal atresia could be reversed by surgery, making the patients regain their choanal patency, with their mucosae changing back to normal gradually with time.

The Anti-Allergic Rhinitis Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Shenqi by Regulating Mast Cell Degranulation and Th1/Th2 Cytokine Balance.

Shenqi is a traditional Chinese polyherbal medicine has been widely used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-allergic rhinitis activity of Shenqi and explore its underlying molecular mechanism. Ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis rat model was used to evaluate the anti-allergic rhinitis effect of Shenqi. The effect of Shenqi on IgE-mediated degranulation was measured using rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells. Primary spleen lymphocytes were isolated to investigate the anti-allergic mechanism of Shenqi by detecting the expression of transcription factors via Western blot and the level of cytokines (IL-4 and IFN-γ) via ELISA. In OVA-induced AR rat models, Shenqi relieved the allergic rhinitis symptoms, inhibited the histopathological changes of nasal mucosa, and reduced the levels of IL-4 and IgE. The results from the in vitro study certified that Shenqi inhibited mast cell degranulation. Furthermore, the results of GATA3, T-bet, p-STAT6, and SOCS1 expression and production of IFN-γ and IL-4 demonstrated that Shenqi balanced the ratio of Th1/Th2 (IFN-γ/IL-4) in OVA-stimulated spleen lymphocytes. In conclusion, these results suggest that Shenqi exhibits an obvious anti-allergic effect by suppressing the mast cell-mediated allergic response and by improving the imbalance of Th1/Th2 ratio in allergic rhinitis.

Evaluation of Inferior Turbinate Stroma with Ultrasound Elastography in Allergic Rhinitis Patients.

Background: Diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is primarily based on history, physical examination and allergy testing. A technique that noninvasively evaluates the soft tissue changes in the nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis patients has not been defined.Aims: To assess nasal mucosal changes and measure the submucosal fibrosis in allergic rhinitis patients with sonoelastography.Study Design:Case control study.Methods: Eighty-eight turbinates of 44 patients were included in the study. There were 23 prick test positive allergic rhinitis patients. The control group constituted 21 patients. The rhinitis quality of life questionnaire and the visual analogue scale were applied to the allergic rhinitis patients. A higher visual analogue scale score indicated more severe allergic rhinitis symptoms. Sonoelastographic measurements were made from the lateral nasal wall. The propagation speed of sound waves was recorded in m/s. The presence of asthma and the type of allergic rhinitis (seasonal or perennial) was noted.Results:Ten patients had seasonal allergic rhinitis and thirteen patients had perennial allergic rhinitis. Six patients (26.1%) had accompanying asthma along with allergic rhinitis. The median visual analogue scale score was 7 (3-9) in allergic rhinitis patients. The median symptom duration was 7 (1-24) months. The median quality of life questionnaire score was 3.39 (1.68-5.43) points. The median sonoelastography scores of allergic rhinitis patients and healthy subjects were 2.38 m/s (0.9-4.47) and 2.42 m/s (1.62-3.50), respectively. Sonoelastographic measurements of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis patients did not differ significantly (p>0.05). The presence of asthma did not have a significant impact on the elastography measurements (p>0.05). However, regression analysis revealed a significant inverse correlation (coefficients: B=0.005, standard error=0.097, beta 0=0.008) between the visual analogue scale and sonoelastography scores (p<0.05).Conclusion: Sonoelastography was not suitable as a diagnostic tool in allergic rhinitis. Reduced sonoelastography scores were measured in more symptomatic patients. Higher visual analogue scale scores could be an indicator of disease severity.

Inhibitory Effect of Pycnogenol® on Airway Inflammation in Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Rhinitis.

The supplement Pycnogenol® (PYC) has been used for the treatment of several chronic diseases including allergic rhinitis (AR). However, the in vivo effects on allergic inflammation have not been identified to date. To investigate the treatment results of PYC on allergic inflammation in a rat model of allergic rhinitis. Animal experimentation. Allergic rhinitis was stimulated in 42 rats by intraperitoneal sensitization and intranasal challenge with Ovalbumin. The animals were divided into six subgroups: healthy controls, AR group, AR group treated with corticosteroid (dexamethasone 1 mg/kg; CS+AR), healthy rats group that were given only PYC of 10 mg/kg (PYC10), AR group treated with PYC of 3mg/kg (PYC3+AR), and AR group treated with PYC of 10 mg/kg (PYC10+AR). Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (Ig-E) levels of serum were measured. Histopathological changes in nasal mucosa and expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-1β were evaluated. The levels of the IL-4 were significantly decreased in the PYC3+AR, PYC10+AR and CS+AR groups compared with the AR group (p=0.002, p<0.001, p=0.006). The production of the IFN-γ was significantly decreased in the PYC3+AR and PYC10+AR groups compared with the AR group (p=0.013, p=0.001). The administration of PYC to allergic rats suppressed the elevated IL-10 production, especially in the PYC3+AR group (p=0.006). Mucosal edema was significantly decreased respectively after treatment at dose 3 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg PYC (both, p<0.001). The mucosal expression of TNF-α has significantly decreased in the PYC3+AR and PYC10+AR groups (p=0.005, p<0.001), while the IL-1β expression significantly decreased in the CS+AR, PYC3+AR, and PYC10+AR groups (p<0.001, p=0.003, p=0.001). PYC has multiple suppressive effects on allergic response. Thus, PYC may be used as a supplementary agent in allergic response.

Inhibitory effect of baicalin on allergic response in ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis guinea pigs and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human mast cells.

Baicalin, a flavonoid compound purified from the dry roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, has generally been used for the treatment of various allergic diseases. However, there is little information about the anti-inflammatory effects of baicalin for allergic rhinitis. This study aims to investigate the anti-allergic effect of baicalin on allergic response in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis guinea pigs and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human mast cells. Using in vivo models, we evaluated the effect of baicalin on allergic rhinitis symptoms via recording the number of nasal rubs and sneezes. The levels of histamine, OVA-specific immunoglobulin E(IgE), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and inflammatory cytokines were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The histological changes of nasal mucosa were observed by light microscope after HE staining. In vitro, the release of histamine and β-hexosaminidase of compound 48/80-induced human mast cells were measured by ELISA and PNP-NAG colorimetry, respectively. The productions of inflammatory cytokines of LPS-stimulated human mast cells were determined using ELISA. Western blot was used to test the protein expression of JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT5, p-STAT5, IKKβ, p-IKKβ, IκBα, p-IκBα and NF-κB (p65) of LPS-stimulated human mast cells. The oral administration of baicalin at doses of 50 and 200mg/kg improved allergic rhinitis symptoms and the histological changes of nasal mucosa and decreased the serum levels of histamine, ECP, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and OVA-specific IgE in OVA-induced allergic rhinitis guinea pigs. In vitro, baicalin suppressed the release of histamine and β-hexosaminidase in compound 48/80-induced human mast cells. In addition, baicalin also inhibited the productions of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α and suppressed the phosphorylation of JAK2, STAT5, IKKβ, IκBα and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB (p65) subunit in LPS-stimulated human mast cells. These results suggest that baicalin can effectively prevent allergic response in OVA-induced allergic rhinitis guinea pigs and inhibit inflammatory response via blocking JAK2-STAT5 and NF-κB signaling pathways in LPS-stimulated human mast cells. Considered together,the results show that baicalin may be a useful drug in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Effect of Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation Treatment on Nasal Ciliary Motility: A Study with Phase-Contrast Microscopy.

To investigate the efficacy of nasal ciliary motility after radiofrequency ablation treatment in patients with isolated inferior turbinate hypertrophy and to clarify how long until normal ciliary function is restored. Prospective, single-group, pretest-posttest design. Academic tertiary care medical center. This study involved 34 adult patients affected by nasal obstruction due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy who underwent radiofrequency ablation treatment between June and December 2014. Diagnosis was assessed according to clinical history, nasal endoscopy, and active anterior rhinomanometry. Cytologic samples were collected by nasal scraping before surgery and 1, 2, and 3 months after surgery. Ciliary motility was evaluated by nasal cytology with phase-contrast microscopy. Functional aspects of nasal mucosa were studied, with a focus on 3 parameters: (1) nasal mucociliary clearance, assessed by saccharin nasal transit time test; (2) percentage of ciliated cell motility, measured as the ratio between cells with motility and cells without motility; and (3) efficacy of ciliary motility, measured as the ratio between cells with valid motility and cells with hypovalid motility. Ciliary motility and ciliary efficacy showed a significant reduction after 1 and 2 months from surgery, returning to normal values within 3 months. No significant changes in saccharin nasal transit time were recorded during the follow-up. The outcomes of this study suggest that radiofrequency ablation treatment causes ciliary motility changes of nasal mucosa that are completely restored after at least 3 months after surgery. These cytologic abnormalities do not affect nasal functionality.

Specific features of clinical and immunological progression of non­allergic rhinitis with eosinophilic syndrome

The objective of the research is to identify clinical, immunological and morphological features of non-allergic rhinitis with eosinophilic syndrome (NARES) and to study NARES prevalence in patients with chronic rhinitis. 167 patients with the clinical picture of chronic rhinitis were involved in the study. It was established that NARES frequency constitutes 6.0% of all rhinitises and 17.7% of hinitis with eosinophilia. The clinical picture of NARES does not differ from that of allergic and non­allergic rhinitises. The research of the immune status of patients revealed the absence of atopy, availability of eosinophilic cells at the rate of above 20% of the total amount of cells in the nasal secretion, high level of immunoglobulins IgG, IgA, sIgA in nasal secretion. Specific morphological changes in nasal mucosa of patients with NARES have been revealed.

Sinupret® oral drops protect against respiratory epithelium atrophy in experimental acute rhinitis

More than 90 % of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infections are caused by viruses, with a risk of developing subsequent bacterial infections in some patients. The risk of development of microbial complications depends on the degree of viral damage of the structure of the respiratory mucosa and its functions. The objective of this work was to study the effect of Sinupret oral drops on nasal mucosa atrophic changes in a rat model of experimental rhinitis. 60 female rats Wistar were allocated for the experimental study. To study the effect of phytopreparation on atrophy of the nasal epithelium the animals were divided into 3 groups. The 1-st group (n = 20) was without experimental acute rhinitis. The 2-nd group (n = 20) was with experimental acute rhinitis and without treatment with Sinupret®. The 3-rd group (n = 20) with experimental acute rhinitis and treatment with Sinupret®. Experimental rhinitis was induced by placing rats in a swimming pool with cold water, followed by a draught of cool air. The effect of oral Sinupret treatment on histopathological changes in nasal mucosa was assessed on 3 and 14 days post challenge. The results were analyzed using normal or modified Student’s t-test for independent groups. Histological evaluation demonstrated that Sinupret® oral drops applied during acute rhinitis attenuate atrophic and destructive changes of the ciliated epithelium. Oral administration of the herbal medicinal product Sinupret oral drops weakens atrophy of the nasal mucosal ciliated epithelium in a rat model of acute rhinitis.

Anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin on mast cell-mediated allergic responses in ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis mouse

Curcumin has commonly been used for the treatment of various allergic diseases. However, its precise anti-allergic rhinitis effect and mechanism remain unknown. In the present study, the effect of curcumin on allergic responses in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis mouse was investigated. We explored the effect of curcumin on the release of allergic inflammatory mediators, such as histamine, OVA-specific IgE, and inflammatory cytokines. Also, we found that curcumin improved rhinitis symptoms, inhibited the histopathological changes of nasal mucosa, and decreased the serum levels of histamine, OVA-specific IgE and TNF-α in OVA-induced allergic rhinitis mice. In addition, curcumin suppressed the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8. Moreover, curcumin significantly inhibited PMA-induced p-ERK, p-p38, p-JNK, p-Iκ-Bα and NF-κB. These findings suggest that curcumin has an anti-allergic effect through modulating mast cell-mediated allergic responses in allergic rhinitis, at least partly by inhibiting MAPK/NF-κB pathway.

Electron microscopic features of nasal mucosa treated with topical and circumostial injection of mitomycin C: implications in dacryocystorhinostomy.

To evaluate the ultrastructural effects of topical and circumostial injection of mitomycin C (COS-MMC) on nasal mucosa and compare them with the controls. The study also aimed at classifying the subcellular effects in detail. The nasal mucosa of 6 patients were subjected to 0.02% of mitomycin C for 3 minutes (3 patients) and 0.02% COS-MMC (3 patients) as per standard protocol, during endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. Normal nasal mucosa from untreated areas (2 each from topical and COS-MMC groups) were taken as controls after harvesting the treated areas. Full thickness tissues (5 mm × 5 mm) were collected for transmission electron microscopy, and ultrastructural effects were evaluated. Both topical and COS-MMC showed significant and distinct ultrastructural changes involving the epithelial, glandular, vascular, and fibrocollagenous tissues compared with the controls. There were profound changes within fibroblasts with intracellular edema, pleomorphic and vesicular mitochondria, dilated smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, and chromatin condensation. In addition, COS-MMC samples showed subepithelial hypocellularity with limited disorganization of structure. The changes in both the MMC groups were restricted to treated areas only. Both topical and COS-MMC show profound changes in nasal mucosa with more marked changes in COS-MMC group. These changes being limited in nature may help in enhancing the success of dacryocystorhinostomy by preventing cicatricial changes of the ostium, especially in high-risk cases such as revision and post-traumatic dacryocystorhinostomy.

Nasal cytological changes as late effects of radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer.

Radiation therapy is a cornerstone in nasopharyngeal cancer treatment. However, it can induce acute and long-term adverse effects, such as acute mucositis and late submucosal fibrosis. Late toxicities could not only affect submucosa but also mucosal cells, determining long-term cytological changes. Evaluation of delayed nasal cytological alterations in patients who underwent radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In this case-control study, we analyzed 30 healthy subjects and 30 patients treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy for NPC between 2003 and 2011, with a median follow-up of 59 months. All subjects underwent symptoms anamnestic evaluation (rhinorrea, nasal obstruction), endoscopic fiber optic nasal examination, skin-prick tests, and nasal scraping for cytological exam. A higher percentage of rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, mucosal hyperemia, and presence of nasopharyngeal secretions at fiber optic endoscopic exam was found in radiated subjects (p < 0.05). Nasal cytology analysis demonstrated a higher percentage of neutrophilic inflammation and squamous cell metaplasia and mucous cell metaplasia in treated patients (p < 0.05). No cytological atypia was seen. No statistically significant correlation between nasal cytological changes and objective findings, patients' age, tobacco smoking, and gastroesophageal reflux has been found in the radiotherapy group (p > 0.05). Radiation therapy induces late nasal mucosal changes, which may be related to clinical consequences, such as abundant mucus production and its consequent endonasal stagnation. In the future, detailed knowledge of cytological changes in patients' nasal mucosa could represent a key prerequisite for the choice of effective interventions for late radiation-induced rhinitis.

Choanal atresia: Histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructure study of the nasal mucosa

ObjectivesTo study the nasal mucosal changes in cases with choanal atresia at the light and electron microscope and to compare the results with the normal side in unilateral cases. Study designCross sectional study. SettingTertiary University hospital, departments of Otolaryngology and pathology. MethodsSixteen patients diagnosed to have choanal atresia (seven bilateral and nine unilateral); ranging in age from 3 days to 9 years; were included in this study. During surgical repair, a biopsy of the inferior turbinate mucosa was taken. Biopsy from patent side in unilateral choanal atresia was also taken (as a control). Then biopsies were subjected to histopathological, histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructure studies. ResultsThe nasal mucosa in choanal atresia side (weather unilateral or bilateral) showed distorted cilia, marked increase of mucous submucosal glands associated with marked reduction of goblet cell density and lymphocytic cellular infiltration. The patent side (control) showed normal respiratory epithelium with obviously noted intra-epithelial goblet cells. Submucosal glands were less in number and activity than in the atretic side. ConclusionsChoanal atresia showed a condition of the nasal mucous membrane with characteristic excessive nasal tenacious secretion; mostly actively secreted besides some effect of lack of drainage due to interrupted cilia. Further studies are required to evaluate the impact of atresia repair on detected features.

Determination of oxidative stress and effect of erdosteine on rhinitis medicamentosa in a rat model

We aimed to determine the presence of oxidative stress in rhinitis medicamentosa (RM) and to evaluate the effect of erdosteine (ED) on mucosal changes in a rat model. Twenty-four male rats were used in this experimental study. Three groups were created. Group 1 (n=8) was the control group. Two puffs of 0.05% oxymetazolin were sprayed into the nasal cavities of the remaining rats (n=16) three times daily for eight weeks. One of these 16 rats was scarified at the end of the eight weeks and examined to confirm the presence of RM. Seven of the remaining 16 rats were killed, and venous blood samples were taken (Group 2). Group 3 (n=8) received 10mg/kg of an ED suspension orally for seven days. All rats were put on formalin for light microscopy. The total antioxidant status (TAS) was similar in all groups (p=0.073). The total oxidative status (TOS) of the RM group was significantly higher than that of the control group and RM+ED group (Group 3) (p=0.003 and p=0.011, respectively). The pathological recovery of the nasal mucosa of the rats was similar in the RM+ED and control groups. The TOS was high in this RM rat model, and oxidative stress was associated with RM. ED significantly ameliorated nasal mucosal changes induced by RM, suggesting that oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathophysiology of this condition.

(658) - Nasal Mucosal Changes during Continuous Flow (CF)- LVAD Support

(658) - Nasal Mucosal Changes during Continuous Flow (CF)- LVAD Support

Influence of estradiol administration on estrogen receptors of nasal mucosa: an experimental study on guinea pigs

IntroductionSome clinical trials revealed a correlation between increased serum estrogen and nasal symptoms or inflammatory changes in nasal mucosa. Estrogen receptors tend to be controlled by a negative feedback, to avoid a deleterious stimulus over several body functions while in hyperestrogenic periods. This study proposes a hypothesis where mechanisms regulating expression of estradiol receptors in nasal mucosa are absent in some patients, and their concentration remains steady even in periods of high serum hormonal concentration, potentially leading to local estrogenic symptoms in nasal mucosa. Study designThis was an experimental prospective study. AimTo determine whether estrogen levels induce the reduction of the number of estrogen receptors in the nasal mucosa. MethodsIn the present study, 30 adult male guinea pigs were subjected to a biopsy of the middle nasal turbinate and received 0.5mL of estradiol cypionate intraperitoneally for 30 consecutive days. Afterwards, samples from contralateral middle turbinate were obtained. Immunohistochemical analysis of estrogen receptors were performed pre- and post-treatment. ResultsThe post-treatment group showed reduction of receptor expression when compared to the pre-treatment group. (p=5.2726-5). ConclusionA reduction in the expression of the nasal estrogen receptor was observed after 30 days of estradiol administration.© 2014 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Effects of topical nasal steroids and diclofenac on the nasal mucosa during hyperbaric oxygen therapy: a double-blind experimental study

We aimed to evaluate nasal mucosal changes and efficiency of nasal steroids and diclofenac on nasal mucosa during hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment. Forty adult Albino-Wistar rats were randomized into four groups. Group 1 (control group) (n = 10) not exposed to hyperbaric or enhanced oxygen concentrations; group 2 (HBO group) (n = 10) underwent only HBO treatment; group 3 (n = 10) received HBO and intranasal mometasone furoate (10 μl/day); group 4 (n = 10) treated with HBO and diclofenac sodium (10 mg/kg/day ip). Specimens of nasal mucosa were collected after sacrificing and dissection of animals. The specimens were processed for light microscopic evaluation, and then evaluated histopathologically for fibroblastic proliferation and inflammation. Regarding the scores of inflammation, the level of inflammation in the control group was significantly less severe than the other groups (p < 0.05). Evaluation of the fibrosis scores showed that the scores of both groups 2 and 4 were significantly increased (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between groups 2, 3, and 4 as for fibrosis and inflammation (p > 0.05). Chronic HBO treatment induced mild inflammation of the nasal mucosa. These effects cannot be prevented adequately by administration of nasal steroids and diclofenac.

Effects of passive smoking on adult nasal respiratory mucosa

The present study aimed to investigate nasal mucosal changes in response to passive exposure to cigarette smoke. The study included 20 women aged 35-51 years who were scheduled for non-rhinological surgical procedures, and who had at least 10 years' prolonged passive exposure to household cigarette smoke. During surgery, two 1-mm3 biopsies of nasal mucosa were taken from the lower border of the inferior turbinate. Specimens were processed and examined with light and transmission electron microscopy. Examination of the nasal mucosa showed several histopathological changes. The severity of structural changes increased with duration of smoke exposure. No allergic or neoplastic changes were seen. Passive exposure to cigarette smoke has a deleterious effect on the nasal respiratory mucosa. Prolonged passive smoke exposure may also induce other, significant changes not detected in the present study.

Comparison of the efficacy of KOB03, ketotifen, and montelukast in an experimental mouse model of allergic rhinitis

KOB03 is a polyherbal medicine derived from an oriental prescription traditionally used to treat allergic diseases. In the present study, we compared the efficacy of KOB03 with modern drugs such as ketotifen and montelukast in an experimental mouse model of allergic rhinitis (AR). Ketotifen is a H1 receptor antagonist and montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist. Mice were treated with KOB03, ketotifen or montelukast in an established AR mouse model using ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized/challenged BALB/c mice. The treatment of KOB03 had inhibitory effects on symptom scores, serum levels of OVA-specific IgE, histamine, leukotriene C4, IL-4, TNF-α, and IL-1β in AR mice, and the histolopathological changes of nasal mucosa with mucin release and inflammation. AR mice treated with KOB03 had significantly lower serum levels of OVA-specific IgE, LTC4, IL-4, and IL-1β than mice treated with ketotifen, whereas they only had significantly lower serum levels of OVA-specific IgE and IL-4 than those treated with montelukast. In addition, the histolopathological changes of nasal mucosa with eosinophil infiltration were significantly lower in the KOB03-treated mice than those in the ketotifen and montelukast-treated group. These results suggest that KOB03 has therapeutic potential for treating AR like other modern medicines.