Toru Yao

Eotaxin-1, -2, and -3 immunoreactivity and protein concentration in the nasal polyps of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis patients.

Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is characterized by the accumulation of numerous eosinophils in the sinus mucosa and nasal polyps, which are frequently difficult to control, even with surgery. The present study was designed to evaluate the expression and localization of eotaxins, which are well known to be potent and selective chemoattractants for eosinophils in CRS.

Role of interleukin-17A in the eosinophil accumulation and mucosal remodeling in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps associated with asthma.

Background: Interleukin (IL)-17A is a highly inflammatory cytokine with a robust effect on stromal cells in many tissues. Although IL-17A is known to be associated with inflammatory lung disorders by triggering an accumulation of neutrophils, the effect of IL-17A on the upper airway is still uncertain. The expression of IL-17A and its role were investigated in the nasal polyps of chronic rhinosinusitis associated with asthma. Methods: IL-17A was detected by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The cellular source of IL-17A was examined by double staining with EG2, CD4 and neutrophil elastase. The tissue remodeling of the nasal polyps was evaluated by assessing the epithelial damage and basement membrane thickness. Results: Both the immunoreactivity and mRNA of IL-17A were significantly detected in the nasal polyps in comparison with control normal sinus mucosa. The localization of IL-17A expression predominantly coincided with eosinophils and CD4-positive lymphocytes. Furthermore, the number of IL-17A-positive cells correlated with tissue eosinophils, but not with neutrophils. The degree of epithelial damage and basement membrane thickness was dependent on the number of infiltrated IL-17A-positive cells. Conclusion: The present study suggests, for the first time, that IL-17A plays an important role in the eosinophil accumulation in the nasal polyps and the remodeling of the nasal polyps of chronic rhinosinusitis associated with asthma.

Effect of resection of the posterior nasal nerve on functional and morphological changes in the inferior turbinate mucosa

Conclusions: The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of the posterior nasal nerve (PNN) resection involved the suppression of the secretogogue motor and the inhibition of neurogenic inflammation induced by parasympathetic and sensory denervation. Objective: The study was designed to clarify the underlying mechanisms of the resection of the PNN. Patients and methods: Ten patients with allergic rhinitis and non-allergic chronic rhinitis were enrolled in the study. Clinical symptoms were evaluated before and after administration of oxitropium bromide aerosol, and after the PNN resection. Biopsy specimens from the inferior turbinate mucosa obtained from five patients before and after resection of the PNN were examined. Results: The application of oxitropium bromide resulted in a significant reduction of both watery rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction, but not sneezing or postnasal drip. Resection of the PNN also significantly improved both rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction. Morphometric analysis of the density of the nasal gland showed a significant reduction, whereas no significant change was recognized in the density of the vessels. A significant reduction in the number of infiltrating neutrophils, eosinophils, and lymphocytes was recognized.

Bacteriology of recurrent exacerbation of postoperative course in chronic rhinosinusitis in relation to asthma.

OBJECTIVES Co-mobidity of asthma is known to result in a poor prognosis of post-endoscopic sinus surgery (post-ESS). Bacterial infection may play a key role in recurrent pathophysiology of sinusitis in post-ESS. METHODS Forty-two patients with CRS associated with asthma undergoing ESS were enrolled. Bacterial culture was performed from the sinus cavity at the time of acute infectious episodes. Recurrence of sinonasal disease was analyzed in terms of steroid responsiveness and peak expiratory flow (PEF). RESULTS Totally 75 aspirates were obtained during post-ESS; 2 repeat aspirates from 10 patients, 3 from 5 patients, and 4 from 2 patients. Only 6 specimens (8.0%) obtained from 5 patients (11.9%) showed no growth whereas 83 isolates were recovered from 69 specimens. Sixteen patients had at least one episode of a significant decline of PEF. All except one patient complained of symptoms and signs of upper respiratory infections prior to a depression of PEF. Positive culture was obtained in 10 out of 11 patients examined at the time of acute exacerbation of CRS. CONCLUSION Bacterial infection may play a critical role of recurrent polyps and refractory symptoms during post-ESS follow-up. Moreover, worsening of sinusitis accompanies asthma exacerbation.

Heme oxygenase-1 expression in chronic rhinosinusitis with eosinophilic infiltration

OBJECTIVES Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with eosinophilic infiltration is a type of intractable rhinosinusitis often associated with asthma. The oxidants are well known to induce aggravate asthma. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a cytoprotective enzyme against oxidant, has been extensively studied in airway diseases. However, no study that observed HO-1 in both epithelial and subepithelial tissues of CRS has been reported. METHODS Part of each specimen derived from the nasal polyps of CRS with and without eosinophilic infiltration was promptly fixed for hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical analysis for HO-1 and macrophages. RESULTS We found that the expression of HO-1 in the epithelial layers of CRS without eosinophilic infiltration was significantly enhanced as compared with that of CRS with eosinophilic infiltration. On the other hand, the number of macrophages with HO-1 positive reactions was significantly greater in CRS with eosinophilic infiltration compared with CRS without eosinophilic infiltration. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that both a reduction of HO-1 expression in epithelial cells and an increase of infiltration of macrophages positive for HO-1 are related to the epithelial damage of CRS with eosinophilic infiltration.

A randomized prospective study of oral levofloxacin vs intravenous flomoxef prophylaxis in postoperative infection after endoscopic sinus surgery

OBJECTIVE The clinical efficacy and cost effectiveness of oral antimicrobial prophylaxis with levofloxacin (LVFX) on endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ninety-three patients undergoing ESS were prospectively enrolled in the present study. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups, LVFX and flomoxef (FMOX). Two hundred milligrams of LVFX was orally given 2 hours before the start of surgery and 6 hours after the end of surgery, which was followed by the administration of 200 mg every 12 hours for 2 days. One gram of FMOX was dissolved in 100 ml of physiological saline and given intravenously at the induction of anesthesia and 6 hours after the end of surgery, followed by infusion twice daily for 2 days. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences between 2 groups in terms of age, sex, systemic complications, surgical procedures, the duration of the operation, the length of hospitalization, the amount of blood loss, body temperature, or the number of white blood cells or C-reactive protein. Although no statistical significance was observed in the bacterial resistance between the two antibiotics, LVFX seems to show a low rate of resistance pattern change as compared to FMOX. The present study demonstrated that no patients treated with LVFX or FMOX were afflicted with postsurgical infection. CONCLUSION Oral administration of LVFX is a simple, cost-effective and safe alternative to intravenous prophylaxis in ESS based on clinical efficacy and bacteriological study.

Effectiveness of Glucocorticosteroidfor PostoperativeRecurrence of Nasal Polyps inChronic Rhinosinusitis associatedwith Asthma

Backgrounds: Asthma co-mobidity is known to be associated with a poor prognosis for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Systemic and topical glucocorticosteroid has been proved to be effective for recurrent nasal polyps after surgery. Methods: We evaluated the steroid responsiveness and bacterial culture in 42 patients with CRSwNP associated with asthma during postoperative follow-up. Results: Seventeen patients controlled by topical glucocorticosteroid therapy did not require systemic glucocorticosteroids (non-users). The remaining 25 patients showed recurrence of nasal polyps in spite of basal medication of topical corticosteroids and required oral corticosteroids. Eight patients were considered to be steroid non-responders. On the other hand, 17 patients responded to a short-term intake of oral corticosteroids (steroid responders). There was a statistically significant difference in the detection rate of pathogens from the sinus during acute exacerbations between steroid responders and non-users of steroids. There was a significant difference in symptomatic scores only between steroid non-responders and non-users of steroids, whereas the other parameters showed no significant differences. Conclusion: Bacterial infection plays a critical role in recurrent polyps and refractory symptoms as well as in the poor response to glucocorticosteroids during postoperative followup. Keywords: Chronic

Bacterial contamination of multiple-use atomizers commonly used in Japan.

Before performing transnasal fiberscopy to observe the nasal cavity, pharynx and larynx in outpatient clinics, nasal anesthetics and vasoconstrictive agents are routinely sprayed into the nares in order to improve patients’ comfort. Bacterial contamination of the nozzles of Venturi principle atomizer barrels and their solutions after being used for multiple patients over a long-term period without cleaning is controversial. We evaluated the potential risk of atomizer-associated cross-infection by using atomizers commonly available in Japan that use compressed air to atomize medication. Eighteen of the 23 samples (78.3%) from the external nozzle tips of the atomizers resulted in positive bacterial cultures. These detected bacteria are suggested to be colonized in the nares and to cause bacterial contamination of the atomizer. Of the 25 samples obtained from the spray of the drug solutions, 11 samples showed positive bacterial culture, whereas 16 control samples produced no growth of bacteria. The present study demonstrated that the atomizer widely used in the outpatient ENT clinics in Japan has a potential risk of causing cross-infection of patients.