Increased expression of alpha 7nAChR in chronic rhinosinusitis: The intranasal cholinergic anti-inflammatory hypothesis

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2016

Authors

Cerejeira, R (Author) Other; Fernandes, S (Author) Other; Carla Pinto Moura (Author) FMUP

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: AURIS NASUS LARYNX

Vol. 43

Pages: 176-181

ISSN: 0385-8146

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 5 Citations

Scopus - 6 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00K-7A3

DOI: 10.1016/j.anl.2015.08.011

Abstract (EN): Objective: Chronic rhinosinusitis results from a dysfunctional host-environment interaction at the site of interface, in the nose and paranasal sinuses. A parasympathetic-mediated anti-inflammatory reflex is known to have a pivotal role in the control of damage induced by immune response to injury and infection; acetylcholine released by peripheral nerves interacts with nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha 7 - alpha 7nAChR - of innate immune cells, inhibiting pro-inflammatory signalling. This work aims to investigate whether cholinergic function is implicated in chronic rhinosinusitis. Methods: a7nAChR mRNA and protein levels were measured in nasal biopsy specimens of 14 patients with CRSwNP, 8 with CRSsNP and 10 control subjects, undergoing surgery. Results: Gene expression levels of a7nAChR did not differ between groups; protein expression was significantly higher in CRSwNP than in CRSsNP (p = 0.041), and both of these patient groups showed significant higher levels than controls (CRSwNP vs Controls - p = 0.001; CRSsNP vs Controls - p = 0.041). Conclusion: Elevated a7nAChR protein levels suggest that the cholinergic system is involved in the inflammatory response of chronic rhinosinusitis. This can shed light on both, the disease pathophysiology and the development of future treatment options.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 6