Cooperative effect of Alternaria and rhinovirus on the activation of nasal polyp epithelial cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The nasal epithelium is the first barrier encountered by airborne allergens and is an active participant in airway inflammation. The aim of this study was to determine the activation mechanism of nasal epithelial cells with Alternaria and the effect of rhinovirus on the Alternaria induced activation of nasal epithelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cultured epithelial cells were stimulated by Alternaria with or without rhinovirus-16 (RV-16) infection. Release of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) into culture supernatants were measured to determine the activation of epithelial cells. Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) of the epithelial cells were analyzed using western blot analysis. Intracellular NF-kappaB and AP-1 activity were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To determine the epithelial cell activation mechanism, cytokine production was inhibited with NF-kB, AP-1, and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors. RESULTS: Exposure of epithelial cells to Alternaria enhanced the production of cytokines. Intracellular NF-kB expression and activity were significantly increased by Alternaria, but not by RV-16. AP-1 expression and activity were not influenced by Alternaria. Increased IL-6 production was significantly inhibited by transcription factor inhibitors. However, IL-8 and GM-CSF production were not inhibited by these transcription factor inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: Our in-vitro results demonstrate that Alternaria activates nasal polyp epithelial cells via NF-kB pathway and that NF-kB, AP-1, and MAPK are involved in the production of IL-6.

Clinical Value of Eosinophil Cationic Protein Level in Nasal Secretion of Allergic Rhinitis Patients / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is one of the major granule-derived proteins with cytotoxic activity derived from eosinophils. It has also been used as a marker of allergic inflammation. In this study, we measured ECP levels in nasal secretion to evaluate its effect on nasal allergic symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ECP was measured in nasal secretion and in serum of 30 symptomatic allergic rhinitis patients, 20 non-allergic rhinitis patients, and 15 normal controls. We also measured symptom scores composed of sneezing, itching, rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, and nasal blowing. RESULTS: The ECP level in the nasal secretion of allergic rhinitis was higher than those of non-allergic rhinitis and the normal control (p<0. 001). The difference of ECP levels in serum among three groups didn't have statistical significance, but there was statistically significant correlation between the ECP level in nasal secretion and the mean symptom scores in allergic rhinitis (p=0.006). CONCLUSION: The ECP level in nasal secretions seems to be a very useful parameter for monitoring and assessing the condition of nasal allergic inflammation in allergic rhinitis.