Consensus on the methodology for experimental studies in allergic rhinitis

A rat model of adenoid hypertrophy constructed by using ovalbumin and lipopolysaccharides to induce allergy, chronic inflammation, and chronic intermittent hypoxia

BACKGROUND

Adenoid hypertrophy (AH) is a common pediatric disease that significantly impacts the growth and quality of life of children. However, there is no replicable and valid model for AH.

METHODS

An AH rat model was developed via comprehensive allergic sensitization, chronic inflammation induction, and chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). The modeling process involved three steps: female Sprague-Dawley rats (aged 4-5 weeks) were used for modeling. Allergen sensitization was induced via intraperitoneal administration and intranasal provocation using ovalbumin (OVA); chronic nasal inflammation was induced through intranasal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration for sustained nasal irritation; CIH akin to obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome was induced using an animal hypoxia chamber. Postmodel establishment, behaviors, and histological changes in nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) and nasal mucosa were assessed. Arterial blood gas analysis and quantification of serum and tissue levels of (interleukin) IL-4 and IL-13, OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), IL-17, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were conducted for assessment. The treatment group received a combination of mometasone furoate and montelukast sodium for a week and then was evaluated.

RESULTS

Rats exhibited notable nasal symptoms and hypoxia after modeling. Histopathological analysis revealed NALT follicle hypertrophy and nasal mucosa inflammatory cell infiltration. Elevated IL-4, IL-13, IL-17, OVA-sIgE, ECP, and TNF-α levels and reduced TGF-β levels were observed in the serum and tissue of model-group rats. After a week of treatment, the treatment group exhibited symptom and inflammatory factor improvement.

CONCLUSION

The model effectively simulates AH symptoms and pathological changes. But it should be further validated for genetic, immunological, and hormonal backgrounds in the currently used and other strains and species.

The Role of Substance P Receptor Antagonists in Allergic Rhinitis: Ovalbumin-Induced Rat Model

OBJECTIVE

Substance P is a peptide from the tachykinin family, which is found in peripheral and central nervous systems, causing vasodilation and increased secretion in the nasal mucosa. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the experimental model of allergic rhinitis will cause allergic changes in the larynx and to compare the effects of aprepitant, a substance P antagonist, on nasal symptoms in allergic rhinitis, and histopathological changes in the nasal and laryngeal mucosa with antihistamine and leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA).

STUDY DESIGN

An experimental animal study.

METHOD

The study was carried out on 34 healthy 8-12 weeks old female Sprague Dawley rats in 5 groups. The rats in which an experimental allergic rhinitis model was created with ovalbumin were scored by observing their nasal symptoms, and nasal and laryngeal mucous membranes included in the study were evaluated histopathologically after medications.

RESULTS

As a result of the analysis of the data obtained from the study, antihistamine and LTRA significantly reduced the symptoms of nose scratching and sneezing, while aprepitant did not affect nasal symptoms. In the histopathological examination of the larynx, effects that would make a significant difference were found in the allergy group when compared to the control group. On the larynx, aprepitant reduced pseudostratification significantly compared to the allergy group.

CONCLUSION

Aprepitant provides histopathological changes in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, but does not have sufficient effect on nasal symptoms. The effect of aprepitant on the larynx has not been clearly demonstrated.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 133:2891-2897, 2023.

Structural, functional and behavioral impact of allergic rhinitis on olfactory pathway and prefrontal cortex

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis (AR) has been identified as a cause of olfactory dysfunction. Beyond the classic symptoms, AR has been associated with altered sleep patterns, a decline in cognitive performance and higher likelihood of depression and anxiety. The olfactory pathway has been postulated to be a possible link between nasal inflammation and central nervous system (CNS) modifications. Thus, we aimed to investigate the structural, functional and behavioral changes in the olfactory pathway and related areas in an animal model of AR.

METHODS

AR was induced in adult Wistar rats by ovalbumin sensitization and challenge. Following olfactory and behavioral tests we investigated the synaptic structure of the olfactory bulb (OB), anterior olfactory nuclei (AON), piriform cortex and prefrontal cortex (PFC), by immunofluorescence detection of synaptophysin (Syn) and glutamatergic, GABAergic and dopaminergic neuronal markers.

RESULTS

We detected a significant decrease in Syn in the glomerular layer (GL) of OB and in the PFC of the AR group. Additionally, the optical density of GAD67 and VGLUT2 was reduced in the OB, AON and PFC, compared to controls. The behavioral tests demonstrated olfactory dysfunction and reduced male aggressiveness in AR rats, but we did not find any difference in the cognition and anxiety-like behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed olfactory dysfunction in a rat model of AR and we identified modifications in synaptic activity by reduction of Syn optical density in the GL of the OB and in the PFC. This was accompanied by structural changes in glutamatergic and GABAergic activity in essential components of the olfactory pathway and PFC.

Efficacy of intranasal fluticasone propionate and budesonide in management of allergic rhinitis—a prospective comparative study

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) or Hay fever is a chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa induced by IgE-mediated hypersensitivity due to exposure of various allergens. AR occurs as a response against these inhaled allergens that cause inflammation of nasal mucosal membranes. In this study, a reliable treatment for allergic rhinitis with maximum effectiveness and minimal side effects was assessed. This study compared the effectiveness of intranasal Fluticasone propionate (FUP) and intranasal Budesonide (BUD) in reducing the eosinophil count and in improving the nasal and ocular symptoms. This prospective study was conducted on 62 cases of allergic rhinitis and patients with mild-to-moderate allergic rhinitis were selected for the study. They were randomly divided into two groups; group I consists of 30 patients who received intranasal Fluticasone propionate aqueous spray, total daily dose of 200 μg (50 μg/spray) as 2 sprays in each nostril administered once daily, whereas the group II consists of 32 patients who received intranasal Budesonide aqueous spray, total daily dose of 400 μg/day (100 μg/spray) as 1 spray in each nostril administered twice daily.

Results

Analysis on patient-based symptom scores revealed that both the groups showed statistically significant reduction in symptoms. Fluticasone propionate was found to be significantly more effective (P < 0.05) than Budesonide in reducing sneezing, nasal itching and majority of symptoms of individual symptom scores. Budesonide showed somewhat similar effect in reducing nasal blockage at 4 weeks of treatment.

Conclusion

Clinically, both the drugs showed statistically significant improvement when compared to baseline, but Fluticasone propionate was superior at reducing nasal symptoms, ocular symptom and eosinophil count.

Protective role of lycopene in experımental allergic rhinitis in rats

OBJECTIVE

We investigate whether lycopene has a protective effect in an experimental rat model of allergic rhinitis.

METHODS

Experimental animals (65 rats) were randomized to 7 groups (Sham-Control, Lycopene 10 mg/kg/day, Lycopene 20 mg/kg/day, Intranasal lycopene drops, Intranasal steroid, Corn oil, Allergic Rhinitis). Rats were sensitized by administering of ovalbumin intraperitoneally and intranasally. In addition to ovalbumin; lycopene, corn oil and steroids were given to the relevant groups. Nasal symptom scores of the rats were recorded throughout the study. At end of the study, after intracardiac blood sample collection, all rats were sacrificed, and nasal tissues were examined histopathologically. Serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and ovalbumin (OVA) specific IgE were studied from all rats before and after the study.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in OVA specific IgE values measured before and after the study in all groups except the sham group. In serum total IgE values; there was a statistically significant increase after treatment in allergic rhinitis, corn oil, lycopene 10 mg and intranasal lycopene drops group, but other groups did not show any significant change. Histopathological study with hematoxylin-eosin staining and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) expression found that lycopene suppresses inflammation with both nasal administration and increased dose. Nasal symptom scores were observed to decrease significantly in all lycopene and steroid groups compared to allergic rihinits and corn groups.

CONCLUSION

It was determined that lycopene were effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, and this effect was found to be stronger with increasing doses of lycopene.

Therapeutic effects of melatonin on an ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis model in rats

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of melatonin in an experimental AR model.

METHODS

Thirty-two Wistar rats were randomised into four groups (n = 8 each). The experimental AR model was established in the saline (SF), ethanol, and melatonin groups via intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections and intranasal application of ovalbumin. The SF, ethanol, and melatonin groups received daily i.p. saline, 2% ethanol dissolved in saline, and 10 mg/kg melatonin dissolved in 2% ethanol and saline. The control group received the same amount of i.p. and intranasal saline. Total nasal symptom scores were recorded in all rats on days 1 (baseline), 15, 20, 25, and 30. Serum ovalbumin-specific IgE, IL-13, and melatonin levels were measured on days 1 (baseline), 15, and 30. The nasal mucosa of all rats was scored histopathologically.

RESULTS

The total nasal symptom scores and serum ovalbumin-specific IgE values of the SF, ethanol, and melatonin groups were significantly higher on day 15 than those of the control group. On day 30, the scores and serum ovalbumin-specific IgE values of the melatonin group were similar to those of the control, whereas the SF and ethanol groups had statistically higher scores. The histological scores of the SF and ethanol groups were significantly higher than those of the control and melatonin groups, but no significant difference was found between the melatonin and control groups.

CONCLUSION

Melatonin reduced total nasal symptom scores and serum ovalbumin-specific IgE levels and improved histological inflammation parameters in the ovalbumin-induced rat experimental AR model.

Effect and mechanism of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in treating allergic rhinitis in mice

A model of allergic rhinitis (AR) in BALB/c mice was established and evaluated to provide experimental subjects for further research. Preparation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs), including isolation, expansion culture, passaging, cryopreservation, and preparation of cell suspensions, provided materials for experimental research and clinical treatment. The mouse AR model was established by ovalbumin (OVA) intraperitoneal injection and the nasal stimulation induction method, and the model had a good effect and high repeatability. GFP-labeled hUCMSCs had good effects and were stable cells that could be used for tracking in animals. Transplantation of hUCMSCs by intraperitoneal and tail vein injections had a specific effect on the AR model of mice, and tail vein injection had a better effect. Tracking of hUCMSCs in vivo showed that the three groups of mice had the greatest number of hUCMSCs in the nose at week 2. The mouse AR model was used to evaluate the efficacy of hUCMSC transplantation via multiple methods for AR. The distribution of hUCMSCs in vivo was tracked by detecting green fluorescent protein (GFP), and the treatment mechanism of hUCMSCs was elucidated. This study provides technical methods and a theoretical basis for the clinical application of hUCMSCs.

The Development of Spectrophotometric and Validated Stability- Indicating RP-HPLC Methods for Simultaneous Determination of Ephedrine HCL, Naphazoline HCL, Antazoline HCL, and Chlorobutanol in Pharmaceutical Pomade Form

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis, acute nasal congestion and sinusitis are one of the most common health problems and have a major effect on the quality of life. Several medications are used to improve the symptoms of such diseases in humans. Pharmaceutical pomade form containing Ephedrine (EPD) HCl, Naphazoline (NPZ) HCl, Antazoline (ANT) HCl, and Chlorobutanol (CLO) is one of them.

OBJECTIVE

For these reasons, this study includes the development of spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods for the determination of EPD HCl, NPZ HCl, ANT HCl, and CLO active agents in the pharmaceutical pomade.

METHOD

In the spectrophotometric method, third-order derivative of the amplitudes at 218 nm n=5 and the first-order derivative of the amplitudes 254 nm n=13 was selected for the determination of EPD, ANT, respectively while NPZ was determined by the second derivative at 234 nm and n=21. Colorimetric detection was applied for assay analysis of CLO at 540 nm. Furthermore, a reverse phase high performance liquid chromatographic (RP- HPLC) method has been developed and optimized by using Agilent Zorbax Eclipse XDB C18 (75 mm x 3.0 mm, 3.5μm) column. The column temperature was 40°C, binary gradient elution was used and the mobile phase consisted of 15 mM phosphate buffer in distilled water (pH 3.0) and methanol, and the flow rate was 0.6 mL min^-1 and the UV detector was detected at 210 nm. The linear operating range was obtained as 11.97-70, 0.59-3, 2.79-30, and 2.92-200 μg mL^-1 for EPD HCl, NPZ HCl, ANT HCl, and CLO respectively.

RESULTS

The LOD values were found to be 3.95, 0.19, 0.92 and 0.96 μg mL^-1 for EPD HCl, NPZ HCl, ANT HCl, and CLO in the spectrophotometric method, respectively. The linear ranges in the RP-HPLC method were 8.2-24.36 μg mL^-1, 0.083 - 0.75 μg/mL, 2.01-7.5 μg mL^-1 and 2.89-24.4 μg mL^-1 for EPD HCl, NPZ HCl, ANT HCl, and CLO, respectively. The LOD values in the validation studies were 2.7, 0.025, 0.66 and 0.86 μg mL^-1 for EPD HCl, NPZ HCl, ANT HCl, and CLO in RP-HPLC method respectively.

CONCLUSION

The results of the spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods were compared and no differences were found between the two methods.