Comparing Cytology Brushes for Optimal Human Nasal Epithelial Cell Collection: Implications for Airway Disease Diagnosis and Research.

Primary nasal epithelial cells and culture models are used as important diagnostic, research and drug development tools for several airway diseases. Various instruments have been used for the collection of human nasal epithelial (HNE) cells but no global consensus yet exists regarding the optimal tool. This study compares the efficiency of two cytology brushes (Olympus (2 mm diameter) and Endoscan (8 mm diameter)) in collecting HNE cells.

Significant functional differences in differentiated Conditionally Reprogrammed (CRC)- and Feeder-free Dual SMAD inhibited-expanded human nasal epithelial cells.

Background: Patient-derived airway cells differentiated at Air Liquid Interface (ALI) are valuable models for Cystic fibrosis (CF) precision therapy. Different culture expansion methods have been established to extend expansion capacity of airway basal cells, while retaining functional airway epithelium physiology. Considerable variation in response to CFTR modulators is observed in cultures even within the same CFTR genotype and despite the use of similar ALI culture techniques.

Lack of association of the CD14/C -- 159T polymorphism with susceptibility and progression parameters in Turkish multiple sclerosis patients.

Soluble (s) CD14, being a receptor for lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) may inhibit LPS-triggered apoptosis and T lymphocyte proliferation. C to T exchange at position -159 in the promoter region of the CD14 gene might lead to higher sCD14 levels. Limited number of groups have studied whether these polymorphisms might influence the development of organ specific autoimmunity and whether higher CD14 levels are associated with increased levels of cytokines trigerring inflammatory processes.

The role of SPINK5 in asthma related physiological events in the airway epithelium.

Background: Genetic studies have shown that variants in SPINK5 may be associated with atopic diseases and asthma. However, the functional role of SPINK5 protein in asthma has not been elucidated.

Objectives: To determine the effects of SPINK5 on asthma related physiological events such as apoptosis, mucus and cytokine production by epithelial cells.