Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease and current treatment modalities

Main Polymorphisms in Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

Aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is a condition caused by increased bronchoconstriction in people with asthma after taking aspirin or another NSAID. Molecular analysis of the human genome has opened up new perspectives on human polymorphisms and disease. This study was conducted to identify the genetic factors that influence this disease due to its unknown genetic factors. We evaluated research studies, letters, comments, editorials, eBooks, and reviews. PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Sciences, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched for information. We used the keywords polymorphisms, aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, asthma, allergy as search terms. This study included 38 studies. AERD complications were associated with polymorphisms in ALOX15, EP2, ADRB2, SLC6A12, CCR3, CRTH2, CysLTs, DPCR1, DPP10, FPR2, HSP70, IL8, IL1B, IL5RA, IL-13, IL17RA, ILVBL, TBXA2R, TLR3, HLA-DRB and HLA-DQ, HLA-DR7, HLA-DP. AERD was associated with heterogeneity in gene polymorphisms, making it difficult to pinpoint specific gene changes. Therefore, diagnosing and treating AERD may be facilitated by examining common variants involving the disease.

[Theories of the pathogenesis of polypous rhinosinusitis and the asthmatic triad]

Polypous rhinosinusitis (PRS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, characterized by the formation and recurrent growth of polyps. Often, PRS is a manifestation of the most severe clinical symptom complex - the asthmatic triad (AT). AT is characterized by three main clinical manifestations: bronchial asthma (BA) itself, PRS, intolerance to acetylsalicylic acid, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and NA. However, not all three components of the triad are expressed equally, a variant of the dyad (BA with PRS) is possible. AT is one of the most severe variants of BA, it is more difficult to respond to conservative therapy and significantly reduces the ability of patients to work. In the world, PRS and AT are detected in 0.5-16% of the population, in Russia the number of patients is about 1.5 million people.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The analysis of the medical literature on this problem has been carried out.

RESULTS

To date, there is no consensus on the etiology and pathogenesis of the polypous process in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, therefore, many theories of the occurrence of this disease have been proposed, the main ones being: anatomical factors, osteitis, virological, bacterial, allergic, autoimmune theory and the theory of metabolic disorders of arachidonic acid. The key role in modern studies of the pathogenesis of AT is still given to the peculiarities of arachidonic acid metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

The low effectiveness of treatment and the severity of clinical manifestations encourage scientists to further investigate the etiopathogenesis of polypous rhinosinusitis and the asthmatic triad.

Clinical Applications of Aspirin as a Multi-potent Drug Beyond Cardiovascular Implications: A Proof of Concept for Anesthesiologists- A Narrative Review

To the best of our knowledge, aspirin (ASA) is known as a commonly used medication worldwide. Although the cardiovascular aspects of ASA are well-established, recently, it has been identified that ASA can yield multiple extra-cardiovascular therapeutic potencies in facing neurodegenerative disorders, various cancers, inflammatory responses, and the COVID-19 pandemic. In this review, we aimed to highlight the proven role of ASA administration in the variety of non-cardiovascular diseases, particularly in the field of anesthesiology.

The SWI/SNF complex in eosinophilic and non eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis

Introduction

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) can be classified as eosinophilic (eCRS) or non-eosinophilic (neCRS) based on infiltration type. The SWI/SNF complex may be involved in the pathophysiology of CRS.

Aim

To assess the expression of the SWI/SNF complex in both CRS groups; to correlate blood eosinophil count (BEC), and histopathology eosinophil count (HPEC) with the SWI/SNF expression level in eCRS and neCRS.

Materials and methods

The study population consisted of 96 patients (68 eCRS, 28 neCRS). Immunohistochemical staining was performed on sinonasal mucosa for assessment of SWI/SNF protein expression. Type of tissue infiltration was assessed in samples obtained from examined groups (HPEC). The diagnostic value of eCRS was 10 cells/HPF (high power field). Complete blood count was analysed in order to calculate BEC.

Results

BEC and HPEC correlated negatively with all the SWI/SNF subunits. HPEC and BEC correlated positively with clinical findings (L-M and SNOT-22), while SWI/SNF correlated negatively with clinical findings (L-M and SNOT-22).

Conclusions

The SWI/SNF was observed in both eCRS and neCRS, with lower expression in former. The meaning of its negative correlation with BEC, HPEC and clinical findings in eCRS group remains to be understood.

Asthma Phenotypes as a Guide for Current and Future Biologic Therapies

Asthma has been increasingly recognized as being a heterogeneous disease with multiple distinct mechanisms and pathophysiologies. Evidence continues to build regarding the existence of different cell types, environmental exposures, pathogens, and other factors that produce a similar set of symptoms known collectively as asthma. This has led to a movement from a "one size fits all" symptom-based methodology to a more patient-centered, individualized approach to asthma treatment targeting the underlying disease process. A significant contributor to this shift to more personalized asthma therapy has been the increasing availability of numerous biologic therapies in recent years, providing the opportunity for more targeted treatments. When targeted biologics began to be developed for treatment of asthma, the hope was that distinct biomarkers would become available, allowing the clinician to determine which biologic therapy was best suited for which patients. Presence of certain biomarkers, like eosinophilia or antigen-specific IgE, is important features of specific asthma phenotypes. Currently available biomarkers can help with decision making about biologics, but are generally too broad and non-specific to clearly identify an asthma phenotype or the single biologic best suited to an asthmatic. Identification of further biomarkers is the subject of intense research. Yet, identifying a patient's asthma phenotype can help in predicting disease course, response to treatment, and biologic therapies to consider. In this review, major asthma phenotypes are reviewed, and the evidence for the utility of various biologics, both those currently on the market and those in the development process, in each of these phenotypes is explored.

Effect of low salicylate diet on clinical and inflammatory markers in patients with aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease - a randomized crossover trial

Background

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is characterized by eosinophilic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyposis, and bronchial asthma, along with the onset of respiratory reactions after the ingestion of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). In addition to the therapeutic routines and surgical options available, a low dietary intake of food salicylate has been suggested as adjunctive therapy for this condition.

This study aimed to assess the influence of a short-term low salicylate diet on inflammatory markers in patients with AERD and whether that would result in symptomatic improvement.

Methods

Prospective study with randomization to either a high or low salicylate diet for 1 week, followed by cross-over to the other study arm. Participants were asked to record their dietary salicylate for each week of the study. Urinary creatinine, salicylate and leukotriene levels were measured at the time of recruitment, end of week one and end of week two and the SNOT-22 questionnaire was filled out at the same time points.

Results

A total of seven participants completed the study. There was no statistical difference in the urinary salicylate and leukotriene levels between the two diets; nevertheless, participants on low salicylate diet reported improved SNOT-22 symptoms scores (p = 0.04), mainly in the rhinologic, ear/facial, and sleep dysfunction symptom domains. In addition, these last two domains outcomes were more significant than the minimal clinically important difference.

Conclusions

A short-term low salicylate diet may not result in biochemical outcomes changes but seems to provide significant symptomatic relief for patients with AERD.

Trial registration

NCT01778465 (www.clinicaltrials.gov)

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40463-021-00502-4.

What is the contribution of IgE to nasal polyposis?

Taking a novel approach, this narrative review collates knowledge about nasal polyposis and the biological functions of IgE in several diseases (allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-exacerbated respiratory disease, and chronic spontaneous urticaria) to consider which IgE-mediated mechanisms are relevant to nasal polyposis pathology. A type 2 eosinophil-dominated inflammatory signature is typical in nasal polyp tissue of European patients with nasal polyposis, with a shift toward this endotype observed in Asian populations in recent years. Elevated polyclonal IgE is present in the nasal tissue of patients with and without allergy. It is derived from many different B-cell clones and, importantly, is functional (proinflammatory). Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins are thought to act as superantigens, inducing production of polyclonal IgE via B-cell and T-cell activation, and triggering release of inflammatory mediators. In some patients, exposure to antigens/triggers leads to production of high levels of antigen-specific IgE, which mediates cross-linking of the high-affinity IgE receptor on various cells, causing release of inflammatory mediators. The efficacy of omalizumab confirms IgE as an important inflammatory mediator in nasal polyposis. By blocking IgE, omalizumab targets the T2 inflammation in nasal polyposis, reduces nasal polyp score and improves symptoms.

The Protective Effects of Maresin 1 in the OVA-Induced Asthma Mouse Model

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that cannot be cured. Maresin 1 (MaR1) is a specific lipid synthesized by macrophages that exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory effects in various inflammatory diseases. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of MaR1 on allergic asthma using an ovalbumin- (OVA-) induced asthma model. Thirty BALB/c mice were randomly allocated to control, OVA, and MaR1 + OVA groups. Mice were sacrificed 24 hours after the end of the last challenge, and serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung tissue were collected for further analysis. Western blotting was used to measure the protein level of IκBα, the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, and the expression of NF-κB downstream inflammatory cytokines. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions (qRT-PCRs) were used to evaluate the expression levels of COX-2 and ICAM-1 in lung tissues. We found that high doses of MaR1 were most effective in preventing OVA-induced inflammatory cell infiltration and excessive mucus production in lung tissue, reducing the number of inflammatory cells in the BALF and inhibiting the expression of serum or BALF-associated inflammatory factors. Furthermore, high-dose MaR1 treatment markedly suppressed the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, the degradation of IκBα, and the expression of inflammatory genes downstream of NF-κB, such as COX-2 and ICAM-1, in the OVA-induced asthma mouse model. Our findings indicate that MaR1 may play a critical role in OVA-induced asthma and may be therapeutically useful for the management of asthma.

Level of sex hormones and their association with acetylsalicylic acid intolerance and nasal polyposis

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis may be associated with nasal polyposis. Recurrence of disease is often observed and may be due to an intolerance of acetylsalicylic acid. Sex hormones are known to modulate allergic reactions and inflammation. Whether they may be involved in the development and progression of nasal polyposis has not been investigated yet.

AIM

Examine the relationship between levels of sex hormones and nasal polyposis.

METHODS

Hormonal levels (estradiol, testosterone and progesterone) in patients with nasal polyposis (n = 26) with or without acetylsalicylic acid-intolerance were determined and compared to hormonal levels in patients with septal deviation (n = 35). Cone-beam computed tomography scans were analysed by using scores as defined by Lund and Mackay and by Kennedy.

RESULTS

Our results show a 5 times greater odds (p = 0.01) for developing nasal polyposis in the presence of lowered estradiol plasma levels than in the presence of normal / elevated levels. When analyzing females and males separately, a 6 times greater odds for females to develop nasal polyposis in the presence of lowered estradiol plasma levels was calculated (p = 0.02). Thus, females are more likely to develop nasal polyposis when they have lowered estradiol levels than males. In addition, female patients showed an increased risk for developing ASA intolerance (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Variation of sex hormones may be involved in nasal polyposis. Further studies including more patients to validate the presented results are required.

SIGNIFICANCE

Retrospective clinical investigation suggesting a correlation between varying sex hormones and nasal polyposis.

Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps and Asthma

Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) characterized by a type 2 immune signature often have severe and recurrent disease. Lower airway conditions such as asthma are common comorbidities and share similar pathophysiology. CRSwNP with asthma is characterized by tissue eosinophilia and high local IgE levels. Clinically, CRSwNP with comorbid asthma is associated with more severe sinonasal symptoms and worse quality of life, and it is more difficult to treat both medically and surgically. Asthma in the presence of nasal polyposis is also more difficult to control, being more exacerbation prone, with increased airway obstruction and more extensive eosinophilic inflammation. Aspirin/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is a recognized phenotype of CRSwNP with comorbid asthma. Patients with CRSwNP with comorbid AERD are among those with the most severe and difficult-to-treat disease, and tend to have severe NP. The shared pathophysiology of the upper and lower airways has important implications for both the diagnosis and management of respiratory comorbidities. However, in clinical practice, the nose and lungs are often treated as separate entities. The underlying systemic inflammatory link between CRSwNP and asthma provides a compelling rationale for systemic treatment with novel biologics targeting shared underlying type 2 inflammatory pathways.

AERD Associated Nasal Polyposis: Efficacy of Postoperative Antileukotriene Therapy in Comparison with Aspirin Desensitization. A Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION

AERD (aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease) is a severe form of an inflammatory disease of the upper airway system. Therapy remains challenging due to a complex underlying pathophysiology.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of postoperative antileukotriene therapy concerning recurrence of nasal polyposis in patients with AERD and to compare it with AD (aspirin desensitization) over time.

METHODS

In this retrospective study we analyzed AERD patients (N = 61) after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Patients were treated at our institution postoperatively with topical mometasone (control group, N = 22), leukotriene-receptor-antagonists (montelukast [MT], N = 18) or underwent an aspirin desensitization (N = 21). Subjective parameters as assessed by SNOT (sinonasal outcome test) questionnaire and endoscopic endonasal examination (polyposis grading) were evaluated throughout a follow-up period of 6-9 and >12 (long-term) months after surgery.

RESULTS

Endoscopic endonasal examinations 6-9 months after sinus surgery showed a good disease control in all 3 groups with significant reduction in polyp grading in the AD group. After a follow-up period of more than 12 months, MT and AD patients had significantly less polyp recurrences as compared to the topical treatment group. Subjective sinonasal symptoms revealed that hyposmia and nasal obstruction were prominent factors in all 3 groups throughout the follow-up period. MT group showed significant improvement in sinonasal symptoms over time.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative treatment with leukotriene-receptor-antagonists and aspirin desensitization both significantly reduce nasal polyp recurrence. MT has a positive effect on subjective sinonasal outcomes and patients' quality of life over time.

Dietary salicylates in herbs and spices

The aim of this study was to determine dietary salicylate content in selected culinary herbs and spices, using the RP-HPLC method with fluorescence detection. The highest concentrations of salicylates were found in dried basil and cumin, followed by dried oregano and cloves. Our research contributes to the global database of salicylate content in food products.

Alternating Current Iontophoresis for Control of Postoperative Pain

Control of early postoperative pain entails the use of various medications including acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, tramadol, and opioids. However, these medications should be carefully administered in patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease because some medications may trigger adverse reactions after maxillofacial surgeries. The goal of postoperative pain control in patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease is to eliminate pain without complications. Local anesthesia is an efficient tool for the control of postoperative pain after maxillofacial surgeries. We utilized a transdermal drug delivery system, iontophoresis by alternating current, in order to develop an alternative technique for administering local anesthetic to control postoperative pain in 2 patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease. A visual analogue scale was used to objectively measure the severity of pain. A 55-year-old woman who underwent mandibular wisdom tooth extraction and an 18-year-old woman who underwent sagittal split ramus osteotomy of the mandible both complained of pain multiple times. After application of iontophoresis, the visual analogue scale score was reduced to zero and postoperative pain could be controlled. There were no adverse events such as bronchospasm or skin irritation after the application of iontophoresis by alternating current.

The Role of Leukotrienes as Potential Therapeutic Targets in Allergic Disorders

Leukotrienes (LTs) are lipid mediators that play pivotal roles in acute and chronic inflammation and allergic diseases. They exert their biological effects by binding to specific G-protein-coupled receptors. Each LT receptor subtype exhibits unique functions and expression patterns. LTs play roles in various allergic diseases, including asthma (neutrophilic asthma and aspirin-sensitive asthma), allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and anaphylaxis. This review summarizes the biology of LTs and their receptors, recent developments in the area of anti-LT strategies (in settings such as ongoing clinical studies), and prospects for future therapeutic applications.

Epithelial Squamous Metaplasia and Dysplasia in Inflammatory Nasal Polyps: An Observational Study

Nasal polyposis (NP) is characterized by polypoid outgrowths of chronically inflamed respiratory mucosa. The presence of squamous metaplasia and dysplasia on the mucosal surface of nasal polyps (NPs) represents different manifestations of epithelial atypia. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the presence of epithelial squamous metaplasia and dysplasia in ethmoidal NPs. This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data involved 212 patients with NP undergoing endoscopic ethmoidectomy. To evaluate possible etiological factors for epithelial atypia, the patients in whom we histopathologically detected the presence of epithelial atypia were compared with patients with "normal" NPs in accordance with the following characteristics as found in the patients' medical records: gender, age, main symptoms, preoperative extent of sinus disease on computed tomography, atopic status, aspirin sensitivity, cigarette smoking, and occupational exposure to different noxious factors. Epithelial atypia were detected histopathologically in 44 (20.7%) NP patients, whereas features of "true" dysplasia were found in only 1 (0.5%) patient. The presence of atypia was more frequent in males than in females (P = .008). The association with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease and with long-term occupational exposure to different noxious chemicals, especially in workers exposed to salts of heavy metals, was more frequent in NP patients with epithelial atypia than in patients without atypia (P = .023; P = .006, respectively). Our results suggest epithelial atypia in NPs are associated with aspirin sensitivity and occupational exposure to different noxious chemicals. Although extremely rare, epithelial dysplasia may occasionally be noted in NPs, a fact potentially useful for both rhinologists and pathologists.

Efficacy of hypertonic (2.3%) sea water in patients with aspirin-induced chronic rhinosinusitis following endoscopic sinus surgery

BACKGROUND

Aspirin-induced chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a severe progressive persistent disease, usually associated with nasal polyps (NPs).

AIM/OBJECTIVE

To compare effect of hypertonic (2.3% NaCl) sea water and isotonic 0.9% NaCl on symptoms and endoscopic findings in those patients in the period of 1 month after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This prospective, randomized study included 30 patients with aspirin-induced CRS undergoing ESS. Patients were divided into two groups of 15 subjects and one of the two nasal irrigation solutions was administered in each group. Intensity of 5 symptoms (nasal obstruction, nasal discharge/postnasal drip, facial pain/pressure, headache and trouble sleeping) and endoscopic findings were assessed during the 1st, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th days after the nasal packs removal.

RESULTS

We found significantly lower total symptom score (TSS) during the 7th (p = .009), 14th (p = .003), 21st (p < .001) and the 28th day (p = .001), lower total endoscopic score (TES) on the 21st (p = .002) and 28th day (p = .001), lower nasal obstruction, facial pain/pressure, headache and trouble sleeping, and lower nasal mucosal edema, nasal secretion and nasal crusting in patients treated by hypertonic sea water.

CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE

Hypertonic sea water should be recommended douching solution in the early postoperative care of patients with aspirin-induced CRS.

The Effect of Antileukotrienes on the Results of Postoperative Treatment of Paranasal Sinuses in Patients with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

BACKGROUND

Based on endoscopic examination, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is divided into chronic inflammation with (CRSwNP) or without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). On the basis of the pathomechanism of inflammation, CRS is divided into endotypes. Eosinophilic CRSwNP with coexisting bronchial asthma and hypersensitivity to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is a real therapeutic challenge.

AIM

Comparative analysis of the results of treatment of patients with CRSwNP, bronchial asthma, or hypersensitivity to NSAIDs (NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease, NERD), using antileukotrienes (leukotriene receptor antagonists, LTRAs) or intranasal glucocorticoids or both drugs together after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

33 patients (11 male, 33%) with NERD divided into three groups treated with LTRAs or intranasal glucocorticoids or both drugs together were assessed in terms of general well-being, state of pathological changes, and olfactory disorders using the following tools: Sino-Nasal Outcome Test, Visual Analogue Scale, Brief Identification Smell Test, and Lund-Kennedy score before and at 12 months after surgery. CT assessments were made prior to surgery using the Lund-MacKay scale.

RESULTS

Comparable efficacy of treatment with nasal steroids and antileukotrienes was found after 12 months of observation of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest comparable efficacy of treatment with nasal steroids and antileukotrienes in patients with NERD after ESS. Treatment with montelukast and mometasone has not been shown to be superior to both drugs administered separately.

Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Management

The correlation between aspirin sensitivity, asthma, and nasal polyposis was recognized in the early 20th century. Today, this classic triad of symptoms, eponymously named Samter’s Triad, is known as aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). Aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease affects approximately 0.3–0.9% of the general population in the USA and approximately 7% of asthmatic patients. The management of AERD is challenging as no single modality has proven to have high rates of symptom control. Consequently, disease management typically involves a multimodality approach across both medical and surgical disciplines. This review describes the epidemiology of AERD and the current state-of-the-art as it relates to the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms of this disease process. A significant proportion of the review is focused on the appropriate diagnostic workup for AERD patients including the utility of aspirin provocation testing. The spectrum of medical treatments, including aspirin desensitization and recently introduced immunotherapies, are discussed in detail. Furthermore, surgical approaches to disease control, including advanced endoscopic techniques, are reviewed and treatment outcomes presented.

Cortactin expression in nasal polyps of Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD) patients

PURPOSE

The term aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) refers to a combination of asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), and acute respiratory tract reactions to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. AERD has now been included among the CRSwNP endotypes, and is considered one of the most aggressive in terms of disease recurrence. Cortactin is a multi-domain protein with a part in several cellular mechanisms involving actin assembly and cytoskeleton arrangement. Cortactin seems to have a role in inflammatory responses and to be implicated in human airway secretion and contraction mechanisms. The novel aim of the present study was to examine cortactin expression in nasal polyps of a consecutive cohort of AERD patients and in nasal mucosa of a control group of patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cortactin expression was assessed immunohistochemically in nasal polyps from 18 consecutive AERD patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery and in nasal mucosa of 19 patients without chronic rhinosinusitis.

RESULTS

Concomitant allergy was found in 11 AERD patients, most of them male (8 cases; p = 0.02). Cortactin expression in nasal polyps was definitely high (+3) in 17 out of 18 cases, in both epithelial cells (cytoplasmic and membranous immunoreactivity) and activated fibroblasts. A higher cortactin expression was seen in female than in male AERD patients (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Given this preliminary evidence of cortactin upregulation in the polyps of AERD patients, prospective studies could further investigate the role of cortactin in the biology of AERD, and the potential role of cortactin-targeted approaches in integrated AERD treatments.