Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 28, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancing Allergic Rhinitis Research with Multicolor Immunofluorescence
Published on: September 22, 2023
Age-associated changes in chronic rhinosinusitis endotypes
Gwanghui Ryu1, Hun-Jong Dhong2, Minsu Park3
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea.
Background:
Immunologic function in innate and adaptive immunity changes with the ageing process. Thus, age-related cytokine profiles in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) need to be investigated for precision medicine.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to characterize age-related changes in immunologic profiles according to CRS subtypes.
Methods:
Subjects in control (n = 29), CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP, n = 86), and CRS with nasal polyps (eosinophilic NP: ENP, n = 81; non-eosinophilic NP: NENP, n = 113) were enrolled in this study. Twenty markers for type 1/2/3 inflammation and other inflammatory processes were measured in homogenates of sinonasal tissues and statistically analysed.
Results:
In control tissues, type 2/3 and proinflammatory mediators showed an inverse correlation with age. CRSsNP and NENP showed an age-related increase in type 2 cytokines and a decline in type 3 cytokines. Interestingly, the age-related decrease in type 3 mediators was associated with those of CT scores in NENP. ENP showed an age-related increase in type 3 cytokines with type 2 mediators sustained at high levels. Smokers with ENP demonstrated age-associated increases in type 1/2/3 mediators as well as CT scores. These age-related patterns in each CRS were confirmed by statistically adjusting atopy status, smoking history, and disease duration.
Conclusion:
Age-associated cytokine changes differed among CRS subtypes and control tissues. CRSsNP and NENP demonstrated a decline in type 3 mediators and increase in type 2 mediators, whereas type 3 mediators increased with age in ENP.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
01:29Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract
Nose and nasal cavity
The nose and nasal cavity represent the main external openings of the respiratory tract....
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:16Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...