Histopathological effects of intranasal phototherapy and nasal corticosteroids in allergic rhinitis in a rabbit model

Rhinophototherapy, an alternative treatment of allergic rhinitis: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Allergic rhinitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa, mediated by immunoglobulin E, affecting 1 in 6 individuals. The treatment aims at attaining symptomatic control with minimal side effects, a requirement for new alternative therapies, including phototherapy, as it has an immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory effect.

Objective

To identify the effectiveness of phototherapy in the treatment of allergic rhinitis through a meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched Web of Science, Scielo, PubMed, SCOPUS, PEDro, and LILACS databases, using the terms: “intranasal irradiation”, “phototherapy” and “allergic rhinitis”. The R software Metafor package was used for the meta-analysis and the effect size was calculated for each symptom individually.

Results

All symptoms decreased considerably after phototherapy: rhinorrhea (ES• = −1.35; p < 0.0001; I² = 91.84%), sneezing (ES• = −1.24; p <  0.0001; I² = 91.43%), nasal pruritus (ES• = −1.10; p < 0.0001; I² = 91.43%); nasal obstruction (ES• = −1.11; p < 0.0001; I² = 91.88%). The effects were more significant in perennial allergic rhinitis than in the seasonal type.

Conclusion

Considering the effect size and the statistical significance attained in our study, rhinophototherapy showed to be an effective treatment for reducing the nasal symptom scores triggered by AR.

Intranasal Antiviral Drug Delivery and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A State of the Art Review

OBJECTIVE

To provide a state of the art review of intranasal antiviral drug delivery and to discuss current applications, adverse reactions, and future considerations in the management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Embase, and Clinicaltrials.gov search engines.

REVIEW METHODS

A structured search of the current literature was performed of dates up to and including April 2020. Search terms were queried as related to topics of antiviral agents and intranasal applications. A series of video conferences was convened among experts in otolaryngology, infectious diseases, public health, pharmacology, and virology to review the literature and discuss relevant findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Intranasal drug delivery for antiviral agents has been studied for many years. Several agents have broad-spectrum antiviral activity, but they still require human safety and efficacy trials prior to implementation. Intranasal drug delivery has potential relevance for future clinical trials in the settings of disease spread prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 and other viral diseases.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Intranasal drug delivery represents an important area of research for COVID-19 and other viral diseases. The consideration of any potential adverse reactions is paramount.

Consensus on the methodology for experimental studies in allergic rhinitis

OBJECTIVES

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a symptomatic disorder of the nose induced by allergen exposure, which triggers immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated inflammation of the nasal membranes. Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common health problems and has a major effect on the quality of life.

METHODS

In this review, we aimed to provide a consensus for experimental studies on allergic rhinitis in terms of allergic rhinitis models. For this purpose, we searched for experimental studies in the PubMed, Proquest Central, and Google electronic databases over a 20-year period from the current time (1996-2016). The literature survey was performed using keywords including "allergic rhinitis", "experimental", "animal", "model", "rat", "rabbit", "guinea pig", and "mice" alone or in various combinations. The search identified a total of 285 papers, which were included in this review.

RESULTS

It is vital to select a suitable animal for an allergic model. Rodents like rats, guinea pigs, and mice can produce allergen-specific antibodies with the use of adjuvants. Rats are cheap and the vast majority of the allergen-specific antibodies are immunoglobulin E (IgE). Still, intraperitoneal sensitization is inescapable and adjuvants are required for sensitization. Rats, mice, rabbits, and guinea pigs can be utilized for this reason.

CONCLUSION

This review presented allergic rhinitis models in rats, mice, guinea pigs, and rabbits. Using these methods, researchers may perform well-designed studies.

Evaluation of Heart Functions With Detailed Echocardiogram in Patients With Septum Deviation

BACKGROUND

One of the most important reasons for nasal congestion is septum deviation. Nasal septal deviation increases airway resistance and can cause systemic problems. In this study, echocardiographic findings were compared with the normal population to see how cardiac function was affected in patients with obstructive nasal septum deviation.

METHODS

This study included a young patient group with 44 obstructive septum deviation patients and 30 healthy individuals with no nasal-related problems. Echocardiography was performed by the same cardiologist and results were compared with normal patients. The authors got permission from the ethics committee of faculty for the study (E. 116795).

RESULTS

In the patient group with septum deviation, pulmonary artery pressure was high. In addition, the size of the right heart chambers was also increased. TAPSE, pulmonary acceleration time, ejection fraction, and right ventricular outflow tract-fractional shortening were found to be lower than the normal group.

CONCLUSION

Patients with obstructive septum deviations should be evaluated early for cardiologic functions.