Differential Expression and Release of Activin A and Follistatin in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with and without Nasal Polyps

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis with (CRSwNP) and without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) should be regarded as distinct clinical entities based on differential inflammatory mediator and remodeling profiles. Activin A, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, plays an important role in inflammation and remodeling in the lower airways, although its expression and release in the upper airways remain undescribed.

Objective

To investigate the expression of activin A and its inhibitor follistatin in nasal tissue samples from CRSsNP and CRSwNP patients, and to monitor the spontaneous release of these molecules in a human mucosal model.

Methods

Protein levels were determined using ELISA for activin A, follistatin, TGF-β1 and indicator proteins (IL-5, ECP, IFNγ) in 13 CRSsNP, 23 CRSwNP, and 10 control samples. The spontaneous release rate and the release ratios of activin A, follistatin and TGF-β1 were determined in 9 CRSsNP and 7 CRSwNP tissue fragments cultured ex-vivo. The induction of activin A and TGF-β1 by one another was studied in 7 CRSsNP tissue fragments cultured ex-vivo.

Results

Significantly higher concentrations of activin A, follistatin, TGF-β1, and IFNγ were observed in CRSsNP compared with CRSwNP samples, whereas the concentrations of IL-5 and ECP were significantly lower. Follistatin was positively and linearly correlated with activin A in CRSsNP and CRSwNP. Activin A, follistatin and TGF-β1 were all spontaneously released by the samples, although the relative ratios released by tissue fragments from CRSsNP and CRSwNP samples were significantly different, with a higher follistatin/activin A-ratio and a follistatin/TGFß1-ratio (with less overall TGF-β1) in CRSwNP than in CRSsNP. Furthermore, TGF-β1 enhanced activin A secretion in CRSsNP tissue fragments cultured ex-vivo.

Conclusion

The differences in tissue concentrations and spontaneous release rates for activin A and follistatin in different CRS samples support the hypothesis that CRSsNP and CRSwNP are two distinct disease entities with respect to remodeling patterns.     

Effect of Lipopolysaccharide on Glucocorticoid Receptor Function in Control Nasal Mucosa Fibroblasts and in Fibroblasts from Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps and Asthma

BackgroundChronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the upper airways frequently associated with asthma. Bacterial infection is a feature of CRSwNP that can aggravate the disease and the response to glucocorticoid treatment.ObjectiveWe examined whether the bacterial product lipopolysaccharide (LPS) reduces glucocorticoid receptor (GR) function in control nasal mucosa (NM) fibroblasts and in nasal polyp (NP) fibroblasts from patients with CRSwNP and asthma.MethodsNP (n = 12) and NM fibroblasts (n = 10) were in vitro pre-incubated with LPS (24 hours) prior to the addition of dexamethasone. Cytokine/chemokine secretion was measured by ELISA and Cytometric Bead Array. GRα, GRβ, mitogen-activated protein-kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) and glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) expression was measured by RT-PCR and immunoblotting, GRα nuclear translocation by immunocytochemistry, and GRβ localization by immunoblotting. The role of MKP-1 and GILZ on dexamethasone-mediated cytokine inhibition was analyzed by small interfering RNA silencing.ResultsPre-incubation of nasal fibroblasts with LPS enhanced the secretion of IL-6, CXCL8, RANTES, and GM-CSF induced by FBS. FBS-induced CXCL8 secretion was higher in NP than in NM fibroblasts. LPS effects on IL-6 and CXCL8 were mediated via activation of p38α/β MAPK and IKK/NF-κB pathways. Additionally, LPS pre-incubation: 1) reduced dexamethasone’s capacity to inhibit FBS-induced IL-6, CXCL8 and RANTES, 2) reduced dexamethasone-induced GRα nuclear translocation (only in NM fibroblasts), 3) did not alter GRα/GRβ expression, 4) decreased GILZ expression, and 5) did not affect dexamethasone’s capacity to induce MKP-1 and GILZ expression. MKP-1 knockdown reduced dexamethasone’s capacity to suppress FBS-induced CXCL8 release.ConclusionThe bacterial product LPS negatively affects GR function in control NM and NP fibroblasts by interfering with the capacity of the activated receptor to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory mediators. This study contributes to the understanding of how bacterial infection of the upper airways may limit the efficacy of glucocorticoid treatment.     

鼻息肉患者前列腺素E2受体的表达及意义

摘要 目的：研究EP受体在慢性鼻-鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉（chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, CRSwNP）中的表达及意义。方法：收集20例嗜酸粒细胞性CRSwNP(eosinophilic CRSwNP,ECRSwNP )、20例非嗜酸粒细胞性CRSwNP（noneosinophilic CRSwNP,non-ECRSwNP)患者息肉和14例正常对照组鼻腔钩突黏膜。免疫组织化学和Western blot技术检测各组鼻组织中四种EP受体亚型蛋白的表达;对连续切片行免疫组化染色,检测EP受体与活化的嗜酸粒细胞之间的关系;用Real-time PCR检测各组EP受体和IL-5/IL-13 mRNA的表达水平。结果：EP受体主要表达于鼻黏膜上皮、腺体和上皮下炎症细胞,EP1受体选择性表达于上皮下炎症细胞。与对照组和non-ECRSwNP相比较,ECRSwNP组中EP1 mRNA和蛋白表达均上调,而三组间EP2、EP3和EP4受体的表达无明显差异。连续切片免疫组化染色示,EP1阳性的嗜酸粒细胞占EP1阳性总细胞数的50%。息肉组织EP1 mRNA与IL-5（r=0.55; P <0.001）、IL-13（r=0.69; P<0.001）mRNA的表达水平呈正相关。结论：ECRSwNP中EP1的表达上调与大量的嗜酸粒细胞等浸润有关。EP1受体可能通过趋化和活化嗜酸粒细胞参与ECRSwNP组织炎症的发生和发展。     

Complement Defects in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis

The complement system is an important part of our immune system, and complement defects lead generally to increased susceptibility to infections and autoimmune diseases. We have studied the role of complement activity in relation with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and more specifically studied whether complement defects collectively predispose individuals for CRS or affect CRS severity. The participants comprised 87 CRS patients randomly selected from the general population, and a control group of 150 healthy blood donors. The CRS patients were diagnosed according to the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and nasal Polyps criteria, and severity was evaluated by the Sino-nasal Outcome Test-22. Serum samples were analysed by ELISA for activity of the respective pathways of complement, and subsequently for serum levels of relevant components. We found that the frequency of complement defects was significantly higher among CRS patients than among healthy control subjects. A majority of Mannan-binding lectin deficient CRS patients was observed. The presence of complement defects had no influence on the severity of subjective symptoms. Our studies show that defects in the complement system collectively may play an immunological role related to the development of CRS. However, an association between severity of symptoms and presence of complement defects could not be demonstrated.     

IL-17和VEGF在慢性鼻-鼻窦炎患者鼻息肉组织中的表达及相关性研究

目的:探讨慢性鼻-鼻窦炎患者鼻息肉组织中白介素-17(IL-17)、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)的表达,并分析IL-17、VEGF表达水平的相关性。方法:以我院2015年1月~2017年12月期间收治的慢性鼻-鼻窦炎患者95例为研究对象,按患者有无鼻息肉分为伴鼻息肉(观察1组)49例和不伴鼻息肉(观察2组)46例。另选取同期在我院进行治疗的鼻中隔偏曲患者40例为对照组。所有患者均进行鼻内镜手术治疗,并在术中取其较窄侧的鼻甲黏膜作为检测标本,采用免疫组化SP法检测各组织标本中的IL-17、VEGF的表达水平,并分析IL-17、VEGF表达水平的相关性。结果:观察1组患者IL-17、VEGF的阳性表达率分别为93.88%(46/49)、85.71%(42/49),均高于观察2组患者IL-17、VEGF的阳性表达率[76.09%(35/46)、65.22%(30/46)]以及对照组患者IL-17、VEGF的阳性表达率[5.00%(2/40)、2.50%(1/40)],差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05)。观察1组患者IL-17、VEGF的表达水平分别为(38.92±5.34)个/LP、(33.21±4.87)个/LP,均高于观察2组患者IL-17、VEGF的表达水平[(28.19±4.56)个/LP、(21.28±4.03)个/LP]以及对照组患者IL-17、VEGF的表达水平[(9.31±2.76)个/LP、(7.19±1.95)个/LP],差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05)。经Spearman相关性分析结果显示,观察1组患者、观察2组患者中,IL-17与VEGF的表达水平呈正相关性(P0.05)。结论:慢性鼻-鼻窦炎患者鼻息肉组织中IL-17、VEGF的表达显著升高,且IL-17与VEGF表达水平呈明显的正相关性,表明IL-17、VEGF可能共同参与鼻息肉的发生与发展过程。     

慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉患者血清OPN、BAFF、25-（OH）D3的变化及对息肉组织分型的鉴别价值探讨

摘要 目的：探讨慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉（CRSwNP）患者血清骨桥蛋白（OPN）、B细胞活化因子（BAFF）、25羟基维生素D3[25-（OH）D3]水平及其对息肉组织分型的鉴别价值。方法：选取2019年6月-2021年6月于延安大学附属医院治疗的87例CRSwNP患者为CRSwNP组,根据息肉组织嗜酸粒细胞浸润程度将其分为嗜酸性CRSwNP患者（ECRSwNP组,n=41）和非嗜酸性CRSwNP患者（nECRSwNP组,n=46）。选取同期于延安大学附属医院治疗的慢性鼻窦炎不伴鼻息肉患者（CRSsNP组,n=60）和健康体检者（对照组,n=60）。比较CRSwNP组、CRSsNP组和对照组患者血清OPN、BAFF、25-（OH）D3水平。采用多因素Logistic回归分析ECRSwNP发生的影响因素,采用受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线评估各指标对CRSwNP息肉组织分型的鉴别价值。结果：CRSwNP组、CRSsNP组血清OPN、BAFF水平高于对照组,25-（OH）D3水平低于对照组,且CRSwNP组血清OPN、BAFF水平高于CRSsNP组,25-（OH）D3水平低于CRSsNP组（P<0.05）。ECRSwNP组变应性鼻炎史、哮喘病史患者占比、外周血嗜酸粒细胞数量及比例、血清总IgE浓度、血清OPN及BAFF水平高于nECRSwNP组（P<0.05）,而血清25-（OH）D3水平低于nECRSwNP组（P<0.05）。多因素Logistic回归分析显示：外周血嗜酸粒细胞数量及比例、血清总IgE浓度、血清OPN及BAFF水平升高是ECRSwNP发生的危险因素（P<0.05）,25-（OH）D3水平升高是ECRSwNP的保护因素（P<0.05）。血清OPN、BAFF、25-（OH）D3对CRSwNP息肉组织分型单独检测的ROC曲线下面积（AUC）分别为：0.789、0.800、0.817,联合检测鉴别CRSwNP患者息肉组织分型的AUC为0.900,灵敏度、特异度分别为0.860、0.827,联合检测鉴别价值更高（P＜0.05）。结论：血清OPN、BAFF和25-（OH）D3水平在不同息肉组织分型中具有差异性,CRSwNP患者血清OPN和BAFF水平升高是ECRSwNP发生的危险因素,25-（OH）D3水平升高是保护因素,联合检测辅助临床鉴别CRSwNP息肉组织类型的价值更高。     

Deprived TLR9 Expression in Apparently Healthy Nasal Mucosa Might Trigger Polyp-Growth in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients

Background

The origin of nasal polyps in chronic rhinosinusitis is unknown, but the role of viral infections in polyp growth is clinically well established. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have recently emerged as key players in our local airway defense against microbes. Among these, TLR9 has gained special interest in viral diseases. Many studies on chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) compare polyp tissue with nasal mucosa from polyp-free individuals. Knowledge about changes in the turbinate tissue bordering the polyp tissue is limited.

Objectives

To analyse the role of TLR9 mediated microbial defense in tissue bordering the polyp.

Methods

Nasal polyps and turbinate tissue from 11 patients with CRSwNP and turbinate tissue from 11 healthy controls in total were used. Five biopsies from either group were analysed immediately with flow cytometry regarding receptor expression and 6 biopsies were used for in vitro stimulation with a TLR9 agonist, CpG. Cytokine release was analysed using Luminex. Eight patients with CRSwNP in total were intranasally challenged with CpG/placebo 24 hours before surgery and the biopsies were collected and analysed as above.

Results

TLR9 expression was detected on turbinate epithelial cells from healthy controls and polyp epithelial cells from patients, whereas TLR9 was absent in turbinate epithelial cells from patients. CpG stimulation increased the percentage cells expressing TLR9 and decreased percentage cells expressing VEGFR2 in turbinate tissue from patients. After CpG stimulation the elevated levels of IL-6, G-CSF and MIP-1β in the turbinate tissue from patients were reduced towards the levels demonstrated in healthy controls.

Conclusion

Defects in the TLR9 mediated microbial defense in the mucosa adjacent to the anatomic origin of the polyp might explain virus induced polyp growth. CpG stimulation decreased VEGFR2, suggesting a role for CpG in polyp formation. The focus on turbinate tissue in patients with CRSwNP opens new perspectives in CRSwNP-research.     

Profiling of Serum and Urinary MicroRNAs in Children with Atopic Dermatitis

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disease in children characterized by dermatitis and pruritus. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown as great potential biomarkers for disease fingerprints to predict prognostics. We aimed to identify miRNA signature from serum and urine for the prognosis of AD patient by genome-wide miRNA profiling analysis.

Methods

Serum and urine from 30 children with AD and 28 healthy children were collected and their genome-wide miRNA expression profiles were measured by TaqMan-based array and confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. Inflammatory factors in serum were detected by Antibody Array System.

Results

miR-203 and miR-483-5p were significantly up-regulated in serum of children with AD compared with healthy children. The level of miR-483-5p in serum was significantly associated with other atopic conditions, such as rhinitis and/or asthma. However, miR-203 was markedly decreased in urine of children with AD compared with healthy children. Down-regulated miR-203 in urine was significant associated with abnormal level of serum IgE in AD patients. 7 inflammatory factors in serum were altered in children with AD compared with healthy children. Up-regulated miR-203 in serum was significantly associated with increased sTNFRI and sTNFRII.

Conclusions

Up-regulated miR-483-5p in serum may be indicative of other atopic conditions in children with AD. Down-regulated miR-203 in urine may serve as a biomarker for the severity of inflammation in children with AD.     

Screening for Staphylococcal Superantigen Genes Shows No Correlation with the Presence or the Severity of Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyposis

Background

Staphylococcus aureus secretes numerous exotoxins which may exhibit superantigenic properties. Whereas the virulence of several of them is well documented, their exact biological effects are not fully understood. Exotoxins may influence the immune and inflammatory state of various organs, including the sinonasal mucosa: their possible involvement in chronic rhinosinusitis has been suggested and is one of the main trends in current research. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of any of the 22 currently known staphylococcal exotoxin genes could be correlated with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We conducted a prospective, multi-centred European study, analysing 93 Staphylococcus aureus positive swabs taken from the middle meatus of patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis, with or without nasal polyposis, and controls. Strains were systematically tested for the presence of the 22 currently known exotoxin genes and genotyped according to their agr groups. No direct correlation was observed between chronic rhinosinusitis, with or without nasal polyposis, and either agr groups or the presence of the most studied exotoxins genes (egc, sea, seb, pvl, exfoliatins or tsst-1). However, genes for enterotoxins P and Q were frequently observed in nasal polyposis for the first time, but absent in the control group. The number of exotoxin genes detected was not statistically different among the 3 patient groups.

Conclusions/Significance

Unlike many previous studies have been suggesting, we did not find any evident correlation between staphylococcal exotoxin genes and the presence or severity of chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyposis.     

芪菊袋泡茶在慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉功能性鼻内镜术后的临床疗效

目的:评估芪菊袋泡茶对功能性鼻内镜术(FESS)术后的临床疗效。方法:采用随机数字表法将纳入观察的FESS术后患者分为两组,对照组为常规处理,治疗组在常规处理的基础上给予芪菊袋泡茶雾化吸入及饮用:术后6h开始予芪菊袋泡茶治疗,以芪菊袋泡茶一袋配30 mL饮用水,作雾化吸入,另予一袋配100 mL饮用水泡服,每天2次,雾化联合饮用共1周。雾化疗程结束后,则以每次2袋,每天2次泡服,再饮用2周,并随访12周。比较两组间鼻窦炎相关症状(包括鼻塞、头痛、面痛、嗅觉障碍、鼻涕)评分、鼻腔粘膜改变和术腔上皮化程度、术后咽喉部症状(包括咽痛、异物感、排痰、咳嗽)评分。结果:术后2、4、8、12周,治疗组鼻窦炎相关症状总评分与对照组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05);治疗组在术后4、8、12周鼻腔粘膜评分、上皮化程度较对照组显著改善,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);治疗组在术后1d、3d咽喉部症状总评分、咽痛和异物感症状评分显著较对照组改善,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:芪菊袋泡茶在慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉FESS术后能取得良好的临床疗效,明显改善术后症状,值得临床推广。     

鼻内镜术与鼻息肉摘除术对鼻窦炎合并鼻息肉患者的鼻腔通气功能、嗅觉功能和生活质量的影响

目的:探讨鼻内镜术与鼻息肉摘除术对鼻窦炎合并鼻息肉患者的鼻腔通气功能、嗅觉功能和生活质量的影响。方法:选取2016年1月-2017年8月期间我院收治的94例鼻窦炎合并鼻息肉患者。根据数表法将患者随机分为对照组(n=47)与研究组(n=47),其中对照组患者行传统鼻息肉摘除术,研究组则行鼻内镜术。观察两组患者临床疗效、临床指标及并发症发生情况,比较两组患者术前、术后6个月鼻腔通气功能、嗅觉功能和生活质量评分。结果:研究组临床总有效率为91.49%(43/47),高于对照组的65.96%(31/47)(P0.05)。研究组患者手术时间、术后住院时间、术中出血量均低于对照组(P0.05)。两组患者术后6个月鼻腔通气功能、嗅觉功能评分均较术前降低,且研究组低于对照组(P0.05)。两组患者术后6个月躯体功能(PF)、躯体角色(RP)、躯体疼痛(BP)、总体健康(GH)、情感角色(RE)以及心理健康(MH)均较术前升高,且研究组高于对照组(P0.05)。研究组头晕、头痛、流脓涕、鼻塞、复发等并发症发生率均低于对照组(P0.05)。结论:鼻窦炎合并鼻息肉患者采用鼻内镜术治疗,疗效确切,可显著改善患者临床指标、生活质量,对患者鼻腔通气功能、嗅觉功能均有促进作用,且术后并发症少,值得临床推广。     

Correlation of Computed Tomography with Pathological Features in Angiomatous Nasal Polyps

Background

Angiomatous nasal polyps (ANPs), also known as angiectatic polyps, have rarely been reported in the literature. ANPs are characterized by extensive vascular proliferation and ectasia. ANPs can grow rapidly and exhibit aggressive clinical behavior that could simulate malignancy preoperatively, and they are easily confused with other diseases. In the present study, we analyzed the correlation between the computed tomography (CT) findings of nasal angiomatous polyps and their pathological features.

Methods

We evaluated CT findings and pathological features of 31 surgically proven ANPs.

Results

The study population included 16 males and 15 females aged between 27 and 81 years (mean age, 53.5 years). On CT, the masses were heterogeneous; they had a soft tissue density and filled the maxillary and/or nasal cavities. Calcifications were found in 2 of the 31 cases. The lesions showed a clear boundary (15/31). The low-density shading on CT was related to the inflammatory, necrotic, and cystic changes, and the high-density shading on CT was related to hemorrhagic areas of the mass. On contrast-enhanced CT, the center of the lesions was non-enhanced with peripheral intensification due to occlusion or compression of feeder vessels of the polyp center, and the inflammatory cells and neovascularization around the edge of the mass. The most common site of maxillary wall erosion was the medial wall (21/31), followed by the posterior lateral wall (3/31), upper wall (2/31), and septum (3/31). Of these, the nasal cavity and/or maxillary sinus were enlarged in 28 cases. These findings were associated with the chronic progress of nasal angiomatous changes.

Conclusions

CT of ANPs may demonstrate benign bone changes associated with the lesions and may also reflect the fact that ANPs do not invade peripheral soft tissue. CT demonstrated these lesions consistently and provided information useful for surgical planning.     

Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy with Monomeric Allergoid in a Mouse Model of Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a widespread and difficult to treat allergic skin disease and is a tough challenge for healthcare. In this study, we investigated whether allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) with a monomeric allergoid obtained by succinylation of ovalbumin (sOVA) is effective in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis. An experimental model of AD was reproduced by epicutaneous sensitization with ovalbumin (OVA). ASIT was performed with subcutaneous (SC) administration of increasing doses of OVA or sOVA. The levels of anti-OVA antibodies, as well as cytokines, were detected by ELISA. Skin samples from patch areas were taken for histologic examination. ASIT with either OVA or sOVA resulted in a reduction of both the anti-OVA IgE level and the IgG1/IgG2a ratio. Moreover, ASIT with sOVA increased the IFN-γ level in supernatants after splenocyte stimulation with OVA. Histologic analysis of skin samples from the sites of allergen application showed that ASIT improved the histologic picture by decreasing allergic inflammation in comparison with untreated mice. These data suggest that ASIT with a succinylated allergen represents promising approach for the treatment of AD.     

Involvement of B2 Receptor in Bradykinin-Induced Proliferation and Proinflammatory Effects in Human Nasal Mucosa-Derived Fibroblasts Isolated from Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the sinonasal mucosa either accompanied by polyp formation (CRSwNP) or without polyps (CRSsNP). CRSsNP accounts for the majority of CRS cases and is characterized by fibrosis and neutrophilic inflammation. However, the pathogenesis of CRS, especially CRSsNP, remains unclear. Immunohistochemistry of CRSsNP specimens in the present study showed that the submucosa, perivascular areas, and the mucous glands were abundant in fibroblasts. Therefore, we investigated the effects bradykinin (BK), an autacoid known to participate in inflammation, on human CRSsNP nasal mucosa-derived fibroblasts (NMDFs). BK increased CXCL1 and -8 secretion and mRNA expression with EC₅₀ ranging from 0.15~0.35 μM. Moreover, BK enhanced cell proliferation and upregulated the expressions of proinflammatory molecules, including cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and -2. These functionally caused an increase in monocyte adhesion to fibroblast monolayer. Using pharmacological intervention and BKR siRNA knockdown, we demonstrated that the BK-induced CXCL chemokine release, cell proliferation and COX and CAM expressions were mainly through the B2 receptor (B2R). Accordingly, the B2R was preferentially expressed in the NMDFs than B1R. The B2R was highly expressed in the CRSsNP than the control specimens, while the B1R and kininogen (KNG)/BK expression slightly increased in the CRSsNP mucosa. Collectively, we report here for the first time that fibroblasts, KNG/BK, and BKRs are overexpressed in CRSsNP mucosa and BK upregulates chemokine expression, proliferation, and proinflammatory molecule expression in NMDFs via B2R activation, which lead to a functional increase in monocyte-fibroblast interaction. Our findings reveal a critical role of fibroblast, KNG/BK, and BKRs in the development of CRSsNP.     

Filaggrin Gene Mutation c.3321delA Is Associated with Various Clinical Features of Atopic Dermatitis in the Chinese Han Population

Background

We confirmed that the filaggrin gene mutation c.3321delA is associated with atopic dermatitis in our previous genome wide association study of the Chinese Han population. c.3321delA is the most common filaggrin gene mutation in Chinese atopic dermatitis patients but is not present in European populations.

Objective

To investigate the genetic model for the c.3321delA mutation and to determine the correlation between c.3321delA and atopic dermatitis clinical phenotypes in the Chinese Han population.

Method

The filaggrin gene mutation c.3321delA was sequenced in 1,080 atopic dermatitis patients and 908 controls from the Chinese population. The χ² test, ANOVA,nonparametric tests and logistic regression were used to investigate the relationship between the c.3321delA genotype and atopic dermatitis clinical phenotypes in the Chinese Han population.

Results

Analyses of the genetic model revealed that the additive model best described the c.3321delA mutation (P = 3.09E-11, OR = 3.43, 95%CI = 2.38–4.96). Stratified analyses showed that the c.3321delA allele frequency distribution is significantly associated with concomitant skin xerosis (P = 1.68E-03, OR = 2.13,95%CI = 1.32–3.46), palmar hyperlinearity (P = 3.64E-17, OR = 4.0,95%CI = 2.86–5.70), white dermatographism (P = 4.25E-03, OR = 1.82,95%CI = 1.22–2.71), food intolerance (P = 1.51E-03, OR = 1.76,95%CI = 1.23–2.50) and disease severity ( P = 9.67E-05).

Conclusion

Our study indicates that the filaggrin gene mutation c.3321delA is associated with clinical phenotypes of atopic dermatitis in the Chinese Han population, which might help us gain a better understanding on the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis.     

Genetic Variation in the Epidermal Transglutaminase Genes Is Not Associated with Atopic Dermatitis

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder where epidermal barrier dysfunction is a major factor in the pathogenesis. The identification of AD susceptibility genes related to barrier dysfunction is therefore of importance. The epidermal transglutaminases (TGM1, TGM3 and TGM5) encodes essential cross-linking enzymes in the epidermis.

Objective

To determine whether genetic variability in the epidermal transglutaminases contributes to AD susceptibility.

Methods

Forty-seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TGM1, TGM3 and TGM5 gene region were tested for genetic association with AD, independently and in relation to FLG genotype, using a pedigree disequilibrium test (PDT) in a Swedish material consisting of 1753 individuals from 539 families. In addition, a German case-control material, consisting of 533 AD cases and 1996 controls, was used for in silico analysis of the epidermal TGM regions. Gene expression of the TGM1, TGM3 and TGM5 gene was investigated by relative quantification with Real Time PCR (qRT-PCR). Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis was performed to detect TG1, TG3 and TG5 protein expression in the skin of patients and healthy controls.

Results

PDT analysis identified a significant association between the TGM1 SNP rs941505 and AD with allergen-specific IgE in the Swedish AD family material. However, the association was not replicated in the German case-control material. No significant association was detected for analyzed SNPs in relation to FLG genotype. TG1, TG3 and TG5 protein expression was detected in AD skin and a significantly increased TGM3 mRNA expression was observed in lesional skin by qRT-PCR.

Conclusion

Although TGM1 and TGM3 may be differentially expressed in AD skin, the results from the genetic analysis suggest that genetic variation in the epidermal transglutaminases is not an important factor in AD susceptibility.