Sinonasal T-cell expression of cytotoxic mediators granzyme B and perforin is reduced in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Background: CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic cells that use granzyme B (GrB) and perforin. Defective cytotoxic function is known to play a role in dysregulated immune response as seen in chronic sinusitis, also referred to as chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, to our knowledge, in the United States, neither GrB or perforin expression has been reported in patients with CRS.

Vitamin D for the treatment of respiratory diseases: is it the end or just the beginning?

A large number of human, animal and in vitro studies have suggested that vitamin D3 (VD3) plays a critical role in inflammatory airway diseases such as asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis, and allergic rhinitis. VD3 acts upon a broad range of immune cells involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases including T-cells, dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages, and B-cells. In addition, VD3 can also regulate the functions of a number of non-immune cells including epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and smooth muscle cells.

Vitamin D3 as a novel regulator of basic fibroblast growth factor in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis.

Background: The immunopathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is largely unknown, but it is thought that different inflammatory profiles are responsible for the different CRS subtypes. 25-Hydroxyvitamin-D (25-VD3) has been shown to alter inflammatory mediators in other disease processes and 25-VD3 deficiency is associated with CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), but it is unknown if 25-VD3 levels impact local inflammation in CRS. This study investigated the correlation between plasma 25-VD3 and sinonasal mucus monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) levels in patients with CRS.

Characterization of B-cell subpopulations in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Background: Recent research suggest that B and plasma cells may play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). The purpose of this study was to subcharacterize the B cell response in the sinus mucosa of control and CRS patients.

Methods: Representative tissue samples and peripheral blood samples were obtained from controls, CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) and CRSwNP.

A systematic review of the endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

Objectives: To provide an up-to-date review of the literature on the safety and efficacy of the endoscopic technique for cerebrospinal (CSF) leak repairs.

Data Sources: PubMed, Medline/Old Medline, and Cochrane Central databases.

Review Methods: Using the above outlined data sources, studies involving the endoscopic repair of CSF leaks were reviewed independently by 2 researchers.