Quantitative assessment and correlational analysis of subjective and objective indicators in patients with allergic rhinitis.

Background: The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is mainly based on the typical medical history, clinical manifestations, and corresponding allergen test results of the patients. However, there are often clinical inconsistencies among the 3. Objective: To study the clinical characteristics of patients with allergic rhinitis from both subjective and objective aspects to determine the correlations between the quantitative assessment outcomes of subjective and objective indicators. Methods: A total of 111 patients with allergic rhinitis who visited our outpatient clinic from June 2022 to December 2022 were selected. The 22-item sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT-22) and the visual analog scale (VAS) for the severity of the disease were used to score the subjective indicators of allergic rhinitis. The objective indicators of allergic rhinitis were evaluated by serum inhalant allergens immunoglobulin E test, nasal endoscopy modified Lund-Kennedy (MLK) scoring method, and acoustic rhinometry. Results: SNOT-22 score, total VAS score for symptoms, and the VAS score for nasal itching were positively correlated with the number of positive allergens (r = 0.266, P = 0.005, r = 0.576, P < 0.001, and r = 0.271, P = 0.004, respectively). No differences were found in all subjective indicators scores between the total immunoglobulin E positive and negative groups (P > 0.05). SNOT-22 score, total VAS score for symptoms, and the VAS score for nasal congestion were positively correlated with MLK total score of nasal endoscopy (r = 0.343, P < 0.001, r = 0.438, P < 0.001, and r = 0.225, P = 0.018, respectively). Parameters of acoustic rhinometry were not correlated with the subjective indicators scores of allergic rhinitis (P > 0.05). Conclusion: A multifaceted quantitative assessment of allergic rhinitis using a combination of subjective and objective methods can help physicians make an accurate diagnosis and create reasonable treatment plans.

Analysis of swallowing and voice-related quality of life in patients after supracricoid partial laryngectomy.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the swallowing and voice function of laryngeal cancer patients after Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy(SCPL), and its influence on quality of life to provide a reference for the selection of surgical methods for laryngeal cancer patients. METHODS: Twenty-one patients who received SCPL between April 2015 and November 2021 were included. Each patient's swallowing function and quality of life were assessed through fiberoptic endoscopic examination of swallowing (FEES) and the M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI). Fundamental, jitter, shimmer, maximum phonation time (MPT), and voice handicap index-10 (VHI-10) were performed to assess voice function and voice-related quality of life. RESULTS: The results of the FEES of the 21 patients were as follows: the rates of pharyngeal residue after swallowing solid, semiliquid, and liquid food were 0%, 28.57%, and 38.09%, respectively; the rates of laryngeal infiltration after swallowing solid, semiliquid, and liquid food were 0%, 28.57%, and 4.76%, respectively; and aspiration did not occur in any of the patients. In the evaluation of swallowing quality of life, the mean total MDADI score was 92.6 ± 6.32. The voice function evaluation showed that the mean F0, jitter, shimmer, and MPT values were 156.01 ± 120.87 (HZ), 11.57 ± 6.21 (%), 35.37 ± 14.16 (%) and 7.85 ± 6.08 (s), respectively. The mean total VHI-10 score was 7.14 ± 4.84. CONCLUSION: SCPL provides patients with satisfactory swallowing and voice function. The patients in this study were satisfied with their quality of life in terms of swallowing and voice. SCPL can be used as a surgical method to preserve laryngeal function in patients with laryngeal cancer.

Correlations between IL-36 family cytokines in peripheral blood and subjective and objective assessment results in patients with allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Interleukin (IL)-36 family cytokines have received increasing attention, especially in the fields of inflammation and immunity research. However, whether IL-36 family cytokine levels are correlated with the results of the assessment of allergic rhinitis (AR) and affect the severity of AR remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the correlations between IL-36 family cytokine levels and subjective and objective assessment results and to further analyze the possible mechanisms of IL-36 family cytokines in the development of AR. METHODS: An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the concentrations of the IL-36 family cytokines IL-36α, IL-36ß, IL-36γ, IL-36Ra, and IL-38 in the peripheral blood of patients with AR. The condition of patients with AR was assessed by 22-item sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT-22) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for disease severity, and serum inhalant allergen immunoglobulin E (IgE) detection. Correlations between IL-36 family cytokine levels and subjective and objective assessment results in patients with AR were analyzed. RESULTS: The concentration of IL-36α in the peripheral blood of patients with AR was the highest, and the concentration of IL-36ß was the lowest. The concentration of IL-36α was higher in juvenile patients than in adult patients, and there was a difference in the IL-36Ra level between the perennial allergen group and the seasonal allergen group. There was a positive correlation between IL-36α level and IL-36γ level, IL-36γ level and IL-36Ra level, and IL-36Ra level and IL-38 level, and IL-36ß level was positively correlated with IL-36Ra and IL-38 levels, respectively. IL-36α level was positively correlated with VAS score for nasal congestion symptom. IL-36ß level was positively correlated with the total VAS score for ocular symptoms and VAS scores for ocular itching and eye pain symptoms. However, there was no correlation between the levels of all cytokines in IL-36 family and SNOT-22 score, the number of positive inhaled allergens, or the highest positive intensity of allergen specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE). CONCLUSION: Peripheral blood IL-36 family cytokines play an important role in AR, and the concentrations of IL-36α and IL-36ß were related to the severity of symptoms in patients with AR.

Long non-coding RNA HOTTIP exerts an oncogenic function by regulating HOXA13 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The long non-coding RNA HOXA transcript at the distal tip (HOTTIP) and homeobox A13 (HOXA13) have been identified as oncogenes that play a pivotal role in tumorigenesis. However, their specific mechanisms of action in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) progression remain unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the present study, RT-qPCR was employed to quantify RNA expression in NPC cells and tissues. Flow cytometry, MTT, CCK8 and colony formation assays were utilized to assess cell apoptosis and proliferation. Transwell assay was conducted to evaluate migration and invasion while Western blotting was performed for protein expression analysis. Our findings revealed that the expression of HOTTIP was significantly upregulated in NPC cell lines. Inhibition of HOTTIP could induce apoptosis and suppress proliferation, clonogenicity, invasion and metastasis in NPC cells. Knockdown of HOTTIP led to downregulation of HOXA13 expression, which subsequently inhibited the proliferation and metastasis in NPC cells. The inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and metastasis caused by HOTTIP silencing were rescued by HOXA13 overexpression. Additionally, there was a significant positive correlation between HOTTIP and HOXA13, which were found to be elevated in NPC tissues compared to normal tissues. CONCLUSIONS: We have determined that LncRNA HOTTIP facilitates tumorigenesis by modulating the expression of HOXA13 in NPC cells. Targeting HOTTIP/HOXA13 may be a promising therapeutic strategy for NPC.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of circRNAs expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been found to have potential biological applications against tumors in humans. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic, prognostic, and clinicopathological value of circRNAs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS: The PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched for the relevant studies before October 20, 2021. Statistical analysis was performed based on STATA 15.0, Meta-DiSc 1.4, and RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: A total of 55 reports regarding 56 kinds of circRNA were studied in this meta-analysis, including 23, 38, and 26 articles on diagnosis, prognosis, and clinicopathological features, respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) of the summary receiver-operating characteristic curve (SROC) were 0.78, 0.84, and 0.87, respectively. Besides, the upregulation of oncogenic circRNAs was significantly associated with poorer overall survival (OS) (HR=2.25, p < 0.05) and disease-free interval (DFS) (HR=1.92, p < 0.05). In contrast, the elevated expression of tumor suppressor circRNAs was associated with a favorable prognosis (HR=0.50, p < 0.05). In addition, the high expression of oncogenic circRNAs was associated with the tumor size (OR=3.59, p < 0.05), degree of differentiation (OR=1.89, p < 0.05), TNM stage (OR=2.35, p < 0.05), lymph node metastasis (OR=1.85, p < 0.05), and distant metastasis (OR=3.42, p < 0.05). Moreover, the expression of tumor suppressor circRNAs was associated with improved clinicopathological features (lymph node metastasis: OR=0.25, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CircRNAs could serve as potential predictive indicators and be useful for the diagnosis, prognosis, and identification of clinicopathological features in HNSCC.

High VCAM-1 Predicts Poor Prognosis and is Associated with Chemotherapy Resistance in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor endemic in southern China and Southeast Asia with a poor prognosis. Vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1) is highly expressed in NPC; however, it is unclear whether VCAM-1 is correlated with chemotherapy resistance and prognosis in NPC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To further explore the role of VCAM-1 in chemotherapy resistance and prognosis in NPC, we examined the expression of VCAM-1, the sensitivity of chemotherapy drugs, and clinical follow-up data from 73 patients with NPC. Then, the results of VCAM-1 expression were analyzed in response to chemotherapy drugs, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: The expression of VCAM-1 protein in NPC was significantly higher than that in chronic inflammatory tissue. No significant differences in the expression of VCAM-1 among gender, age, pathologic classification, tumor classification, lymph node status, metastasis status, and overall clinical stage were found. The periods of PFS and OS in patients with high VCAM-1 expression were significantly shorter than those in patients with low VCAM-1 expression. The sensitivity rates of NPC to eight chemotherapy drugs were different; carboplatin and docetaxel showed the highest chemotherapy sensitivity and resistance rates, respectively. The resistance rates to paclitaxel were different between the patients with high VCAM-1 expression and those with low VCAM-1 expression. CONCLUSION: Our data indicated that VCAM-1 was highly expressed in NPC. Patients with high VCAM-1 expression were more prone to shorter periods of PFS and OS. VCAM-1 could be a prognostic marker of NPC patients. The detection of VCAM-1 expression in NPC may be valuable for chemotherapy drug evaluation and management of patients with NPC in the clinic.

Predictive significance of arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase for eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (ECRSwNP) exhibits a poorer outcome compared with non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (nonECRSwNP), so it is significant to identify effective markers to differentiate ECRSwNP in guiding the treatment strategies of these patients. Although arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15) is positioned as a marker of eosinophilic inflammation, its study in differentiating ECRSwNP has not been reported. The aim of this study is to assess the potential of ALOX15 in distinguishing and predicting ECRSwNP. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), including 30 ECRSwNP and 18 nonECRSwNP patients, were enrolled. ALOX15 mRNA level was determined in polyps by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The patients' baseline characteristics were evaluated and analyzed for correlations with ALOX15. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the predictive significance of the potential predictors for ECRSwNP. RESULTS: ALOX15 mRNA level was significantly higher in ECRSwNP patients than in nonECRSwNP patients (P < 0.001). ALOX15 mRNA was significantly correlated with tissue and blood eosinophil percentages (r = 0.565, P < 0.001 and r = 0.395, P = 0.006), olfaction scores (r = 0.400, P = 0.005), total visual analogue scale (VAS) symptom scores (r = 0.383, P = 0.007), ethmoid/maxillary sinus (E/M) ratio (r = 0.463, P = 0.001), and endoscopy scores (r = 0.409, P = 0.004). Logistic regression analysis showed ALOX15 mRNA level and percentage of blood eosinophils to be predictive factors for ECRSwNP (P = 0.004 and P = 0.036, respectively). ROC curve indicated ALOX15 to have high predictive accuracy for ECRSwNP (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.909), which was further improved by combination of ALOX15 with percentage of blood eosinophils (AUC = 0.933). CONCLUSIONS: The relative ALOX15 mRNA level alone or in combination with blood eosinophils might be a reliable biomarker for predicting a diagnosis of ECRSwNP.

Effect of Blocking the OX40/OX40L Signaling Pathway by siRNA Interference on Animal Experimental Study of Allergic Rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: The identification of new approaches and intervention targets for the treatment of AR is urgently needed. We aimed to investigate the effect of blocking the OX40/OX40L signaling pathway by small interfering RNA (siRNA) on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR in a mouse model. METHODS: After establishment of the AR model, the mice were interfered by siRNA-OX40L (experimental group), siRNA-C (negative control group), or PBS (control group). Nose scratching, sneezing and nasal discharge were observed. OX40L mRNA and protein and the IL-5, TNF-α, regulatory T cell (Treg) -specific marker Foxp3, and eosinophil (EOS) levels were analyzed. RESULTS: The numbers of nose scratching and sneezing were significantly lower in the siRNA-OX40L-treated group (p <0.05). After the intervention of siRNA-OX40L, OX40L mRNA and protein levels were significantly inhibited (p <0.05), but the Foxp3 level was significantly increased in the experimental group (p <0.05). The IL-5 and TNF-α levels were significantly lower in the experimental group (p <0.05), and the reduction was more evident for the Th2-type cytokine IL-5 than for the Th1-type cytokine TNF-α. Few or no EOSs were found in the nasal mucosal epithelium of the experimental group (p <0.05), whereas EOS infiltration was significant in the other two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Blockage of the OX40/OX40L signaling pathway with siRNA-OX40L interference can inhibit allergic reactions and relieve allergic symptoms in AR mice. The underlying mechanism may be related to correcting Th2 immune deviation, inducing immune tolerance, and promoting Treg production.

Expression of FANCD2 is associated with prognosis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

The relationship between Fanconi anemia complementation group D2 (FANCD2) and early diagnosis, pathogenesis, recurrence, and prognosis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) was investigated in a retrospective case-control study. The clinicopathological data of patients with NPC were collected. The results showed that FANCD2 was significantly higher in poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma than in moderately and well differentiated carcinoma. FANCD2 was significantly lower in recurrent NPC tissues than in NPC tissues before treatment. FANCD2 was markedly higher in T1-2, stage I-II NPC tissues with a duration of disease shorter than 6 months than in T3-4, stage III-IV NPC tissues with a duration of disease longer than 6 months. Moreover, compared with patients with cervical lymph node metastases, FANCD2 was elevated in tissues from patients without cervical lymph node metastases. Furthermore, the NPC patients in the high-FANCD2-expression group exhibited a higher recurrence rate than the patients in the low-FANCD2-expression group. Finally, the disease-free survival rate of the high-expression group was significantly lower than it was in the low-expression group. Therefore, FANCD2 is associated with the occurrence, differentiation, and cervical lymph node metastasis of NPC. With the development of NPC, FANCD2 is down-regulated. FANCD2 may be a molecular marker for the early diagnosis and prognosis of NPC.

Silencing of FANCD2 enhances the radiosensitivity of metastatic cervical lymph node-derived head and neck squamous cell carcinoma HSC-4 cells.

Fanconi anemia complementation group D2 (FANCD2) is involved in the key steps of the Fanconi anemia (FA) pathway, which plays a role in the repair of DNA crosslink damage. However, the role of FANCD2 during radiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is unclear. In this study, the HNSCC cell line HSC-4 was used. Western blotting was used to evaluate the expression of the FANCD2 in HSC-4 cells. We investigated the impact of FANCD2 on the radiosensitivity of HSC-4 cells in vitro and in vivo. TUNEL, western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze the apoptosis and proteins involved in apoptosis-related pathways after radiotherapy to investigate the relevant mechanism. The present study showed that shRNA interference could effectively and stably silence FANCD2 expression in HSC-4 cells. In vitro, the silencing of FANCD2 inhibited cell proliferation, decreased the survival rate, increased apoptosis and induced S phase arrest in HSC-4 cells after radiotherapy. In vivo, the silencing of FANCD2 could prolong the tumor-forming time and slow tumor growth. In addition, the tumor volume was significantly reduced, the weight was deceased, and the tumor inhibition rate was increased after radiotherapy. TUNEL showed that the silencing of FANCD2 significantly increased apoptosis in HSC-4 cells induced by radiotherapy. Both in vitro and in vivo esperiments revealed that the expression of the Bax and p-p38 proteins in HSC-4 cells, in which FANCD2 had been silenced, was increased after radiotherapy, whereas the expression of the p38 and Bcl2 proteins was decreased. Our results suggested that the silencing of FANCD2 enhanced the radiosensitivity of HSC-4 cells, and its mechanism involves the activation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway and the regulation of the expression of Bax and Bcl2 proteins. This study provides a novel candidate target for HNSCC therapy.

The role of dendritic cells in immune regulation of nasal polyps.

Nasal polyps (NPs) are caused by a variety of immune cells and inflammatory cells. However, as the most potent antigen-presenting cells in the immune system, the role of dendritic cells (DCs) in NPs is still unclear. In the present research, we studied the role of DCs in immune regulation of NPs. Thirty patients with NPs, who served as the experimental group, received systemic and local glucocorticoids for 4-7 d, and specimens were collected prior to hormone treatment and during surgery. Normal middle turbinate mucosa tissues from 18 patients who underwent nasal septum surgery were collected as controls. The expression levels of CD83, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and eosinophils (EOS) in NP tissues before and after glucocorticoid therapy and in control middle turbinate mucosa tissues were studied. After glucocorticoid therapy, the expression levels of CD83, TNF-α, IL-4 and EOS decreased significantly. In addition, the expression of IL-4 was lower than that of TNF-α, reversing the Th2 cytokine-dominant condition. CD83 and EOS showed a positive correlation. DCs participated in the development and progression of NPs and could promote the generation of Th2 cytokines. After interference by glucocorticoid therapy, DCs could inhibit the expression of Th2 cytokines and induce secretion of Th1 cytokines. DCs and EOS thus might both play roles in promoting the development and progression of NPs, but the underlying mechanism requires further study.

Scalp junctional nevus with malignant transformation (melanoma) metastatic to parotid lymph node region, cervical lymph nodes and the back: a case report and review of literature.

Parotid malignancy may occur as a primary neoplasm of the salivary tissue or as metastatic involvement of the parotid lymph nodes. Primary tumors of squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma involving the skin of the head and neck have the potential to spread to lymph nodes of the parotid gland. Metastatic malignant melanoma to the back was exceptionally rare and no such reports have been noted in the literature. We reported an exceptional case of intraparotid lymph nodes metastasis of the right scalp junctional nevus with malignant transformation to malignant melanoma in a 48-year-old man. The patient presented with a mass in the parotid gland area, which was misdiagnosed as a primary parotid tumor and surgical removal was performed. Unfortunately, recurrence with newly developed metastatic lesions in the back and cervical lymph nodes occurred 1 year after initial surgical management. This case is presented highlighting the unusual features of metastatic junctional nevus with malignant transformation to malignant melanoma of intraparotid lymph nodes, cervical lymph nodes and the back, which should help us to reduce misdiagnosis and obtain the best results.

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) in the paraglottic space: report of a case and review of literature.

Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy is also known as Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) and is characterized by painless bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. In the present case report, a 67-year-old Chinese woman presented with a 3-month history of progressive voice hoarseness, progressive dyspnea on exertion and a foreign body sensation. MRI revealed a lesion involving the right side of the paraglottic space. The lesion was totally resected. Based on the histologic features and immunoreactivity for the S-100 protein and CD68, a diagnosis of RDD was made. We described an extremely unique case of RDD that was observed in the paraglottic space and discussed its clinical and histopathologic features, differential diagnoses and treatment options.

Effect of nimesulide on the growth of human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of nimesulide on the growth of human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of NIM on Hep-2 cell proliferation was measured by the MTT assay. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the cell cycle and apoptosis in Hep-2 cells. A Western blot analysis was used to detect changes in the protein expression levels of COX-2, Survivin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in Hep-2 cells. A Hep-2 tumor xenograft model was established in nude mice to observe tumor growth. The changes in the xenograft tumors were observed after hematoxylin/eosin staining. The expression levels of COX-2, Survivin and PCNA proteins and mRNA were measured by immunohistochemical analysis and RT-PCR, respectively. RESULTS: NIM had time- and dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the proliferation of Hep-2 cells. NIM could prevent the progression of the cell cycle. After NIM treatment, COX-2, Survivin and PCNA protein levels were reduced in the Hep-2 cells. The volume and weight of the xenograft tumors in the NIM treatment group were significantly reduced. The NIM treatment group also exhibited significantly reduced expression levels of COX-2, Survivin and PCNA at both the protein and mRNA levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that NIM has significant inhibitory effects on the growth of Hep-2 cells and xenograft tumors in nude mice. Selective COX-2 inhibitors could potentially become part of a comprehensive treatment for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Additional research and development will provide new and broader prospects for the prevention and treatment of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

[Role and mechanism of the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and tumor necrosis factor α in upper and lower respiratory tract inflammation in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role and mechanism of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma(AS). METHODS: The rat models of AR and AS were made by injecting ovalbumin. The infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells were detected by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and toluidine blue staining respectively, and the expression of MMP-9 and TNF-α in nasal mucosa and lung tissue were examined by immunohistochemical staining (SP method). The relationship of their expression with upper and lower respiratory tract inflammation was analyzed. SPSS 13.0 software was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The numbers of MMP-9 positive inflammatory cells in nasal mucosa and lung tissue of AR were (154.8 ± 12.0) and (124.0 ± 8.2), (43.2 ± 7.6) and (34.5 ± 5.0) in the control groups, the difference was significant (t value were 24.260, 29.525 respectively, all P < 0.05). The numbers of MMP-9 positive inflammatory cells in nasal mucosa and lung tissue of AS were (149.9 ± 11.7) and (120.1 ± 7.3), (48.6 ± 7.6) and (39.1 ± 5.2) in control groups, the difference was significant (t value were 22.929 and 28.530 respectively, all P < 0.05). The numbers of TNF-α positive inflammatory cells in nasal mucosa and lung tissue of AR were (188.8 ± 17.0), and (134.8 ± 7.9), (57.6 ± 23.3) and (40.3 ± 8.2) in control groups, the difference was significant (t value were 13.836 and 26.220, all P < 0.05). The numbers of TNF-α positive inflammatory cells in nasal mucosa and lung tissue of AS were (179.2 ± 15.4) and (153.5 ± 10.1), (70.5 ± 33.1) and (33.8 ± 14.0) in control groups, the difference was significant (t value were 9.412 and 21.858, all P < 0.05). There was a correlation between the expression of MMP-9 and TNF-α in nasal mucosa and lung tissue of AR (r values were 0.893 and 0.700 respectively, P values were 0.001 and 0.024, respectively) and AS (r values were 0.692 and 0.644 respectively, P values were 0.027 and 0.044 respectively) groups. CONCLUSIONS: The inflammation is similar between AR and AS. The MMP-9 and TNF-α may play an important role in the pathogenesis of upper and lower respiratory tract inflammation.

[Effect of TNF-alpha and MMP-9 in the infiltration of eosinophil granulocyte in nasal polyps].

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression and significance of TNF-alpha, MMP-9 and their relationship with the infiltration of eosinophil granulocyte in nasal polyps. METHOD: The expression of TNF-alpha and MMP-9 was determined in tissues of nasal polyps from 30 patients(nasal polyps group) and in inferior turbinate mucosa tissues from 10 patients(control group) by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical technique, and the number of eosinophil granulocyte was counted in the same tissue by HE staining. Their correlations with each other were also analyzed in the tissue of nasal polyps. RESULT: The number of TNF-alpha and MMP-9 positive cells and TNF-alpha positive blood vessels in nasal polyps were more than that in control group (P < 0.05). The number of both TNF-alpha positive cells and blood vessels had positive relationships with the number of eosinophil granulocyte, but there was only positive relationship between the number of MMP-9 positive cells and eosinophil granulocyte (P < 0.05). At the same time there was a positive relationship between the number of TNF-alpha and MMP-9 positive cells (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: TNF-alpha and MMP-9 may play an important role in the pathological mechanism of nasal polyps. TNF-alpha may induce the expression of MMP-9 and promote the migration of eosinophil granulocyte.

[Expression and significance of COX-2 and S-100 positive dendritic cell in laryngeal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and S-100 positive dendritic cell in laryngeal carcinoma tissue and their clinical significance. METHOD: Sixty-five samples of laryngeal carcinoma and thirty-four biopsies of adjacent noncancerous tissue were obtained. Immunohistochemical technique (SP method) was used to detect the expression of COX-2 and S-100 positive dendritic cell, and the relationship of their expression with clinical pathological parameters and prognosis was analyzed. RESULT: The rates of COX-2 expression were 63.08% (41/65)and 14.70% (5/34) in laryngeal carcinoma and control group, respectively. The difference was significant (P < 0.05). The positive expression of COX-2 was correlated with T and clinical stage in laryngeal carcinoma(all P < 0.05). The rates of S-100 positive dendritic cell expression were 61.54% (40/65)and 0 in laryngeal carcinoma and control group, respectively. The difference was significant (P < 0.05). S-100 positive dendritic cells showed significant differences between early and late clinical stage and lymph node metastasis (all P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients with positive expression of COX-2 and S-100 positive dendritic cell had worse disease-free and overall survival (P < 0.05). Cox regression analysis showed that S-100 positive dendritic cell was indicated as an independent prognostic factor for survival(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: COX-2 and S-100 positive dendritic cell are highly expressed in laryngeal carcinoma tissue. It suggests that the expression of COX-2 and S-100 positive dendritic cell is related to the process of carcinogenesis and may be the important indicators in laryngeal carcinoma for prognosis.

[Expression and clinical significance of Ang-2 and MMP-7 in laryngeal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression and clinical significance of Ang-2 and MMP-7 protein in laryngeal carcinoma tissue. METHOD: Immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the expression of Ang-2 and MMP-7 protein in 65 tissues of laryngeal carcinoma and 34 biopsies of adjacent non- cancerous tissue. The relationship between the expression of Ang-2 and MMP-7 and invasion, metastasis or prognosis in laryngeal carcinoma tissue was analyzed. RESULT: The positive rates of Ang-2 and MMP-7 were significantly higher in laryngeal carcinoma tissue than those in adjacent non-cancerous tissue (P < 0.05). The level of Ang-2 and MMP-7 expression had no significant correlations with the age and course as well as the smoking, drinking, histological differentiation of carcinoma and clinical classification (P > 0.05). While the expression of Ang-2 significantly differed between patients with different T stage and clinical stage (P < 0.05), and the expression of MMP-7 was notably correlated with the T stage, clinical stage and lymph node metastases (P < 0.05). There was a correlation between the expression of Ang-2 and MMP-7 (P < 0.05). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients with positive expression of Ang-2 had worse overall survival (P < 0.05). However, MMP-7 expression was not related to overall survival or disease-free survival (all P > 0.05). Cox regression analysis indicated that Ang-2 and MMP-7 expression were independent prognostic factors of laryngeal carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Overexpression of Ang-2 and MMP-7 was observed in laryngeal carcinoma and they might be served as an objective indicator for biological behaviour and prognosis.