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Effects of topical amphotericin B on expression of cytokines in nasal polyps
1Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, South Korea. hsseung@cu.ac.kr
Objective:
Although chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most frequently reported chronic diseases its etiology is not well understood. Recently, fungi have been proposed to influence the chronicity of rhinosinusitis. If fungi do play an important role then topical antifungal treatment may improve the inflammatory process of CRS. Therefore, in this study we measured inflammatory cytokine levels in nasal polyps after intranasal antifungal irrigation.
Material And Methods:
Nasal polyps were collected before and 4 weeks after treatment with 100 mg/l topical amphotericin B (n = 16), 50 mg/l topical amphotericin B (n = 14) or normal saline (n = 11). The cytokine--IL-5, IL-8, interferon-gamma, RANTES--protein content of polyp homogenates were determined by means of ELISA.
Results:
Nasal polyps were found to contain large amounts of cytokines (IL-5, IL-8 and RANTES) compared with normal inferior turbinates. After 4 weeks of treatment with topical agents, IL-5 levels tended to decrease in comparison with those of the other cytokines, but this difference was not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
Topical amphotericin B treatment and nasal saline irrigation both influence the expression of nasal polyp cytokines. Topical nasal irrigation may influence the inflammatory process of CRS.
Insights
Topical antifungal treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) showed potential in reducing inflammatory cytokines in nasal polyps. Further research is needed to confirm the efficacy of amphotericin B in managing CRS inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent chronic disease with poorly understood origins.
- Fungal presence is increasingly implicated in the chronicity and inflammation of CRS.
- Targeting fungal elements with topical antifungals may offer a therapeutic strategy for CRS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of intranasal antifungal irrigation on inflammatory cytokine levels in nasal polyps.
- To assess the potential of topical amphotericin B in modulating the inflammatory milieu of CRS.
Main Methods:
- Nasal polyps were obtained from patients before and after 4 weeks of treatment.
- Treatment groups included topical amphotericin B (100 mg/l and 50 mg/l) and normal saline irrigation.
- Cytokine levels (IL-5, IL-8, interferon-gamma, RANTES) in polyp homogenates were quantified using ELISA.
Main Results:
- Nasal polyps exhibited elevated levels of IL-5, IL-8, and RANTES compared to normal turbinates.
- A trend towards decreased IL-5 levels was observed after topical treatment, though not statistically significant.
- Both amphotericin B and saline irrigation influenced nasal polyp cytokine expression.
Conclusions:
- Topical amphotericin B and nasal saline irrigation impact cytokine expression in nasal polyps.
- Intranasal irrigation strategies may play a role in managing the inflammatory processes associated with CRS.
- The study suggests a potential benefit of topical antifungal therapy in CRS, warranting further investigation.
