Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are lower in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis and are correlated with disease severity in Taiwanese patients

Vitamin D Levels in Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Patients With or Without Nasal Polyposis: A Systematic Review

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a large group of heterogeneous diseases characterized by extensive inflammation of the nasal mucosa and sinuses. Vitamin D (VD), as an immunoregulatory hormone, may play an important role in the pathophysiology of CRS. The purpose of this study is to review the existing literature that correlates VD levels with CRS with or without nasal polyps. A systematic manual search was conducted in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases up to July 2023. Articles from PubMed and the first 100 articles from Google Scholar were recorded for our research. Keywords used were the following: vitamin D, chronic rhinosinusitis, and nasal polyps. Among the 134 articles retrieved, only 18 were eligible. The other 116 studies were excluded as they related VD levels with other conditions (e.g., allergic rhinitis) and for other reasons. However, we identified two more eligible records through the manual research of the above-mentioned 132 studies, and finally, 20 records were included in the current review. The review concerned case-control studies, prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional studies. Based on our review, we concluded that CRS patients are correlated with the lowest VD levels, accompanied by increased severity of the disease, especially in those with nasal polyposis. Patients can benefit from appropriate VD supplementation, and serum VD levels should be included in the laboratory assessment of CRS. However, due to the heterogeneity of the individuals involved, more well-designed clinical trials as well as randomized clinical trials should be conducted for further validation of the above findings in the general population in the future.

Vitamin D and Interleukins in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Polyposis

Vitamin D is thought to play an inflammatory modulatory role in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) & it also affects the severity of inflammation so the study was focused on the evaluation of serum vitamin D & interleukins in CRSwNP. The prospective study was conducted on clinic-radiological confirmed cases. The patients were not operated prior, clubbed under primary nasal polyposis (PNP) group and the patients were operated prior, clubbed under recurrent nasal polyposis (RNP) group. The subjective and objective severity of the disease was assessed by sino-nasal outcome score (SNOT 22) & NCCT PNS & orbit. Serum levels of cytokines (IL4, IL 5, and IL 13) were quantified using the ELISA method using the Human Interleukin antibody coated ELISA kit. Measurement of vitamin D was done by using recombinant ruthenium-labelled VDBP. There was a significant difference in Vitamin D, AEC, IL 4, IL 5, IL 13 levels in the disease groups compared to control group. Low vitamin D, high SNOT & high absolute eosinophil count (AEC) count was noticed in both disease groups. Vitamin D may play a significant role in nasal polyposis formation. For the establishment of interaction, a community based larger study is required as the prevalence of low vitamin D level is high in Indian population.

Role of Vitamin D in the Clinical Course of Nasal Polyposis

Vitamin D is a lipo-soluble hormone well known for its effects on calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism. Recently, there has been growing interest in the extraskeletal effects of vitamin D. In particular, recent studies have highlighted how vitamin D plays a fundamental role in immunomodulation processes in the context of both innate and adaptive immunity, with consequent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effect in different immune-mediated pathologies, such as systemic sclerosis, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and rheumatoid arthritis; as well as in various pro-inflammatory processes affecting the airways, including chronic rhinosinusitis with (CRSwNP) or without (CRSsNP) nasal polyposis. We analyze the role of vitamin D in the genesis and progression of CRSwNP/sNP and its supplementation as a safe and valid therapeutic strategy capable of improving the clinical outcome of standard therapies.

Relationship between the Severity of Inflammatory Changes in Chronic Sinusitis and the Level of Vitamin D before and after the FESS Procedure

There have been a few reports confirming that vitamin D (VD3) deficiency increases inflammation in the paranasal sinuses. The work brings new information that, despite the presence of inflammation before surgery, patients with higher vitamin D levels had less inflammation, and this has been proven on three levels. We show that vitamin D levels clearly correlate with the severity of the disease in chronic sinusitis. These results have been confirmed in imaging studies (Lund MacKay scale), endoscopy (Lund-Kennedy scale) and in the SNOT 20 questionnaire. 40 patients suffering from chronic sinusitis were divided into two equal groups: group 1: with less severe radiological changes (10 or less points on the Lund-Mackay scale), group 2: with a more advanced form (>10 points). The relationship between VD3 and the severity of the disease (clinical and nasal endoscopy) was assessed. The mean VD3 level in patients in group 2 before surgery was lower (23.01 ng/mL) than in group 1 (28.02 ng/mL) (p < 0.05). They presented a higher degree of advanced changes in all the above scales, i.e., before the SNOT 20 procedure, the mean was: group 1: 30.33, group 2: 31.80 (p < NS); Lund-Kennedy: group 1: 3.21, group 2: 6.30 (p < 0.05). After surgery an increase in VD3 levels was observed in both study groups: in group 1 to the value of 37.98 ng/mL (p < 0.002) and in group 2 to 27.67 ng/mL (p < 0.004). Lower VD3 levels were found in patients with a higher stage of the disease. Reduction of inflammation increases the level of VD3 and reduces subjective and objective symptoms of chronic inflammation.

International consensus statement on allergy and rhinology: rhinosinusitis 2021

I.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

BACKGROUND: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR-RS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICAR-RS-2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidence-based findings of the document.

METHODS

ICAR-RS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidence-based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence-based reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary.

RESULTS

ICAR-RS-2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidence-based management algorithm is provided.

CONCLUSION

This ICAR-RS-2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidence-based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS.

Comparison of Blood and Tissue Eosinophil Count and Blood IgE in Patients with Chronic Sinusitis and Nasal Polyps

Background

The inflammatory mucosa of the sinus cavities is called sinusitis and is divided into various types based on its appearance and sign. Chronic rhinosinusitis is an inflammatory-infectious disease that involves the frontal, sphenoid, ethmoid, and maxillary sinuses. Chronic sinusitis is a multifactorial disease and the range of causes varies from environmental factors to genetic factors. The purpose of this study was to compare blood and tissue eosinophils and serum IgE levels in patients with chronic sinusitis with nasal polyp in Vali-e-Asr hospital in 1397.

Methods

In this descriptive-analytical study, the population under study included those with chronic sinusitis referred to Birjand Valiasr Hospital in 1397.3 cc of blood samples were taken 1 day before surgery to evaluate eosinophil counts and serum IgE levels. Also, samples taken from patients during surgery were counted, and then, 100 cells were counted, and eosinophil counts and percentages were calculated. The data were entered into the SPSS software after data collection.

Results

This study was performed on 70 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis which included 43 men (61.4%) and 27 women (38.6%) with mean age of 39.11 ± 13 13.72 years. There was no significant difference between sex of patients and mean serum IgE level (P < 0.05). The mean percentage of eosinophils in blood samples and tissues of patients with chronic sinusitis was significantly increased with the increase in CT scan (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Tissue or blood eosinophilia was not observed in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Also, the mean eosinophil percentage of blood and tissue increased significantly in patients with increased scanning computed tomography (P < 0.05).

Chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis and serum vitamin D levels

The pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is still unknown, but it is accepted that various inflammatory factors are responsible for the different CRS subtypes. Vitamin D3 has been shown to alter inflammatory mediators in some diseases and its deficiency might also be associated with CRS with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). Herein, we investigated serum vitamin D3 levels in patients with CRSwNP and its association with disease severity. In a cross-sectional study, 166 cases with CRSwNP and 172 healthy subjects were enrolled. Serum vitamin D3 levels were measured and compared in both groups. Furthermore, the relationship between serum vitamin-D3 level and the patient’s allergic status and severity of disease (clinically and based on computed tomographic imaging and nasal endoscopy) among patients with CRSwNP was assessed. Serum vitamin D3 level in the CRSwNP group was significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.0001). After controlling for possible confounding factors, an increase in vitamin D level showed a protective effect in CRSwNP (OR = 0.69 95% CI:0.62-0.76). A negative correlation was found between serum vitamin-D3 level and the Lund-Mackay score (LMS) (P < 0.0001, R = – 0.66), the Lund-Kennedy score (LKS) (P < 0.0001, R = – 0.71) and the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (P < 0.001, R = – 0.49). Serum vitamin D level in the CRSwNP group was significantly lower than the control group. Disease severity, based on imaging, endoscopic and clinical criteria, was inversely associated with serum vitamin D levels.

Topical Vitamin D May Modulate Human Sinonasal Mucosal Responses to House Dust Mite Antigen

BACKGROUND

Respiratory epithelium is a key defense against inhaled pathogens. Vitamin D3 (VD) has been suggested to modulate airway inflammation; however, its effect on innate airway defenses, the physical barrier, mucociliary apparatus, and cytokine release remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the outcomes of VD application prior to challenge in an in vitro model of human sinonasal epithelium, through assessment of epithelial transepithelial resistance (TER), cilia beat frequency (CBF), and interleukin (IL)-6 release, and secondarily to determine whether topical VD is beneficial to patients with inflammatory sinonasal pathology.

METHODS

Primary human sinonasal epithelial cells from patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (eCRS) and healthy controls were cultured in air-liquid interface (ALI). Well-differentiated cultures from each patient were pretreated for 24 hours with 4 different VD doses. Toxicity was quantified at 24 hours in unchallenged ALI by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. Innate responses were assessed by measuring TER and CBF before and up to 24 hours after house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus challenge. IL-6 release was evaluated 24-hour postchallenge.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients (53 ± 13.5 years, 60% females, 53% eCRS) representing 120 ALI wells were assessed. VD (0, 25, 50, 150 IU/mL) released less LDH than vehicle, indicating noncytotoxicity (0.15 ± 0.02; 0.15 ± 0.00; 0.14 ± 0.02; 0.11 ± 0.01 vs 0.17 ± 0.03, P = .004). VD increased TER for eCRS wells at 5 minutes (50 IU/mL: Δ6.76 ± 3.93 vs Δ3.87 ± 2.46, P = .04) and 24 hours (50 IU/mL: Δ0.88 ± 0.49 vs Δ0.40 ± 0.42, P = .02; 150 IU/mL: Δ1.06 ± 0.58 vs Δ0.47 ± 0.46, P = .01). CBF increased at 1 hour for eCRS wells (50 IU/mL: Δ0.62 ± 0.14 vs Δ0.41 ± 0.13, P = .001; 150 IU/ml: Δ0.60 ± 0.13 vs Δ0.38 ± 0.11, P < .001). IL-6 release was similar between normal and eCRS wells.

CONCLUSION

Topical VD supplementation in eCRS patients may be beneficial for innate epithelial defenses. VD is noncytotoxic and does not adversely affect the physical barrier, mucociliary apparatus, or IL-6 release. Further studies should clarify its potential as a therapeutic agent.

Association between serum vitamin D and chronic rhinosinusitis: a meta-analysis

Introduction

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a highly heterogeneous chronic inflammation of the upper respiratory tract caused by immune dysfunction in human beings. However, the underlying etiology of this disease has not yet been well established. Several trials have revealed that serum vitamin D level abnormality might play a role in the pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Objective

The aim of present study was to perform a meta-analysis of studies to compare the serum vitamin D levels between patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and healthy controls and to evaluate the potential associations of serum vitamin D level with the occurrence of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Methods

Following the PRISMA guidelines, relevant databases incorporating Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to December 1, 2018. Funnel plot symmetry and Egger’ test were used to detect publication biases. The outcomes were presented as Weighted Mean Difference combined with 95% Confidence Intervals to estimate the difference of serum vitamin D levels between patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and controls. Higgins I² value was used to test for heterogeneity between the included studies.

Results

Out of 176 studies, only eight studies involving 337 chronic rhinosinusitis patients and 179 healthy controls met the criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. In a pooled analysis of the studies, chronic rhinosinusitis patients showed decreased serum vitamin D status (WMD = −7.80, 95% CI −13.28 to −2.31, p = 0.000). Subgroups analyses based on study location (USA vs. Non-USA), types of biomarkers (25(OH)D3 vs. 25(OH)D) and the study design methods (retrospective vs. prospective) did not reveal heterogeneity. However, phenotypes of chronic rhinosinusitis, with versus without polyposis might account for some degree of heterogeneity. Meanwhile, a lower serum vitamin D level was observed in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps patients.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that serum vitamin D level might be associated with patients with chronic rhinosinusitis as we detected a significant association between lower serum vitamin D status and chronic rhinosinusitis, especially in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps patients. However, further comprehensive studies are warranted in order to draw firm conclusions.

Vitamin D deficiency are associated with subjective disease severity in Chinese patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the serum vitamin D level in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and its correlation with the disease severity.

SETTING

Hospital of Zhejiang University.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of collected data.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery were recruited. Demographic information including age, gender, body mass index, smoke history, atopic status and asthma was collected. Disease severity was measured by the Lund-Mackay CT score and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 score. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay preoperatively.

RESULTS

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels were significantly lower in patients with nasal polyps (CRSwNP, 38.2 ± 9.1 nmol/L; CRSsNP, 48.94 ± 12.1 nmol/L; control, 54.1 ± 17.1 nmol/L. p < 0.001), and the levels were significantly associated with the preoperative Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 score (p = 0.013), but not with the Lund-Mackay score (p = 0.126). Furthermore, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels were associated with the subjective improvement six months postoperatively (p < 0.001), CONCLUSION: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels are lower in Chinese CRSwNP patients. These 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels are associated with SNOT-22 score. Preoperative 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 level may impact on the symptom improvement after surgery.

Role of Vitamin D and Its Receptors in the Pathophysiology of Chronic Rhinosinusitis

OBJECTIVES

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a disease that represents a challenging therapeutic problem. Vitamin D and its receptors (VDR) are involved in the regulation of the immune system and may play role in CRS. Objectives of this study were to assess the relationships between the total concentration of vitamin D (25VD3) in sera, vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression, 1α-hydroxylase expression, and clinical data, including age, gender, Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), computerized tomography (CT) scan, allergy status, and vitamin D supplementation in CRS patients with (CRSwNP) and without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), and in a control group.

METHODS

The studied group comprised 52 patients with CRS without nasal polyps (sNP), 55 with CRS with nasal polyps (wNP), and 59 in the control group. The endpoints were determined by appropriate methods. We conducted immunohistochemical staining of gathered tissue from the ostiomeatal complex for determination of VDR and 1α-hydroxylase. Analytical results were compared with clinical data as already noted.

RESULTS

A decrease in VDR nuclear staining occurred in CRS patients as compared to controls. Insignificant differences were observed in 1α-hydroxylase, expression in all studied groups, while VDR and cytochrome CYP27B1 protein expression (1α-hydroxylase) correlated with clinical data.

CONCLUSIONS

The data provide evidence that indicates that vitamin D and its receptor and enzymes may play a role in CRS.

Vitamin D Concentrations and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in a Multicenter Cohort of Older Males

RATIONALE

Seasonal nadirs in 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentrations overlap with increased incidence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in winter. We hypothesized that, because lower 25(OH)D concentrations might lead to upper airway muscle dysfunction, low 25(OH)D would be associated with higher apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), a measure of OSA severity.

OBJECTIVES

To determine if lower 25(OH)D concentration is associated with greater prevalence and increased severity of OSA, independent of established OSA risk factors.

METHODS

Using unconditional logistic regression, we performed a cross-sectional analysis in the Outcomes of Sleep Disorders in Older Men study, which included in-home overnight polysomnography, serum 25(OH)D measurement, and collection of demographic and comorbidity data. The primary outcome was severe sleep apnea, as defined by AHI of 30/h or more.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Among 2,827 community-dwelling, largely white (92.2%), elderly (aged 76.4 ± 5.5 yr [mean±SD]) males, mean 25(OH)D concentration was 28.8 (±8.8) ng/ml. Subjects within the lowest quartile of 25(OH)D (6-23 ng/ml) had greater odds of severe sleep apnea in unadjusted analyses (odds ratio = 1.45; 95% confidence interval = 1.02-2.07) when compared with the highest 25(OH)D quartile (35-84 ng/ml). However, further adjustment for established OSA risk factors strongly attenuated this association (multivariable adjusted odds ratio = 1.05; 95% confidence interval = 0.72-1.52), with body mass index and neck circumference as the main confounders. There was also no evidence of an independent association between lower 25(OH)D levels and increased odds of mild (AHI = 5.0-14.9/h) or moderate (AHI = 15.0-29.9/h) sleep apnea.

CONCLUSIONS

Among community-dwelling older men, the association between lower 25(OH)D and sleep apnea was largely explained by confounding by larger body mass index and neck circumference.

Vitamin D3 Deficiency and its Association with Nasal Polyposis in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis and Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Background

Currently vitamin D3 (VD3) or cholecalciferol is considered an immunomodulator that may be implicated in nasal polyposis (NP) pathophysiology.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate if deficiency of VD3 is associated with the presence of NP in patients with cystic fibrosis (CT) and patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Methods

In total, 152 adult participants were included in five phenotypic groups: CT with NP (CTwNP) (n = 27), CT without NP (CTsNP) (n = 31), CRS with NP (CRSwNP) (n = 32), CRS without NP (CRSsNP) (n = 30), and controls (n = 32). The serum levels of 25(OH)-VD3 <20 ng/mL are considered as a deficiency, 21–29 ng/mL as insufficiency, and >30 ng/mL as sufficiency. Endoscopic and imaging staging of the mucosal disease performed with the Lund-Kennedy (LK) and Lund-Mackay (LM) scoring systems, respectively. The genotype of the patients with CT and the nasal microbial colonization of the patients with CT and patients with CRS were also recorded.

Results

The patients with CTwNP had the lowest percentage of sufficiency in VD3 and the highest percentage in insufficiency among all the groups. The LM imaging scores were inversely correlated with the VD3 levels in both arms of the study (CT and CRS). Moreover, the LK endoscopic scores had a similar correlation in the CT groups; however, this was not the case with the CRS groups. The genotype of the patients with CT was not correlated with the VD3 serum levels. The patients with positive microbial colonization (mainly Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus aureus) had significantly lower VD3 serum levels in both the CT and CRS process.

Conclusion

VD3 deficiency seemed to be associated with the presence of nasal polyps in the patients with CRS and in the patients with CT in a similar manner. The lower the level of serum VD3, the more severe the mucosal disease was found in the imaging studies and the more frequent microbial colonization of the patients with CT and the patients with CRS.

Vitamin D attenuates myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix accumulation in nasal polyp-derived fibroblasts through smad2/3 signaling pathway

To investigate the potential role of vitamin D (1,25(OH)₂D₃) in preventing the development of nasal polyps, we examined the effect of vitamin D on myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix (ECM) production in TGF-β1-induced nasal polyp-derived fibroblasts (NPDFs) and elucidated the mechanisms underlying its inhibitory effect. 1,25(OH)₂D₃ significantly reduced expression levels of α-SMA, a myofibroblast marker, and fibronectin, a representative ECM component, in a dose-dependent manner in TGF-β1-induced NPDFs. 1,25(OH)₂D₃ suppressed activated Smad2/3 in time-course. Up-regulation of α-SMA, fibronectin and phosphorylation of Smad2/3 by TGF-β1 was unaffected by 1,25(OH)₂D₃ in NPDFs after vitamin D receptor-specific siRNA transfection. We confirmed that the Smad2/3-specific inhibitor SIS3 inactivated Smad2/3 and reduced α-SMA and fibronectin expression. Furthermore, acetylation of histone H3 was compromised by 1,25(OH)₂D_3, leading to inhibition of collagen 1A1, collagen 1A2 and α-SMA gene expression. Treatment with 1,25(OH)₂D₃ also significantly suppressed TGF-β1-enhanced contractility and motility in a contraction assay and Transwell migration assay. Finally, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ had a similar effect in ex vivo organ cultures of nasal polyps. Taken together, our results suggest that 1,25(OH)₂D₃ might be an effective therapy for nasal polyps by reducing myofibroblast differentiation and ECM production mediated by Smad2/3-dependent TGF-β1 signaling pathways in NPDFs.

Vit D deficiency is a possible risk factor in ARS

Vitamin D deficiency is effective in the development of acute rhinosinusitis and prolongation of inflammation by increasing inflammation in the sinonasal epithelium. Vitamin D deficiency is important in the development of bone barriers that prevent the complication of acute rhinosinusitis. Although Vitamin D levels may be a variable risk factor for various respiratory tract disorders, there are limited data on the role in sinonasal infections. Our aim was to investigate the association of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25OHD) levels with acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) and preseptal cellulitis complications. The type of the study is prospective case-control study. Fifteen patients in the pediatric age group with ARS-induced preseptal cellulitis complication were identified as Group 1, fifteen patients with ARS and without complication were identified as Group 2, and fifteen healthy volunteers were identified as Group 3. Serum 25OHD levels (nmol/l) were measured in addition to routine blood tests at the first admission of patients participating in the study. Statistical analysis was performed between groups. The ages of the cases ranged from 1 to 14 years with a mean of 5.62 ± 3.42 years. 55.6% of the cases (n = 25) were male; 44.4% (n = 20) were female children. As a result of classification in which vitamin D levels were compared with normal values, there was a statistically significant difference according to the presence of ARS (Group-1 and Group 2) and absence of ARS (Group-3) (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was also found between Group 1 and Group-3 (p < 0.05). Statistically significant difference between Group 1 and Group 3 suggests that lack of vitamin D predisposes to the complication of preseptal cellulitis. Comparison of Group 1 and 2 with Group 3 (normal subjects) suggests that Vit D has a protective effect against developing sinusitis.

The relationship between serum vitamin D and chronic rhinosinusitis: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

An exciting development in upper respiratory tract disease is the pathophysiology of vitamin D (VD3). There now is substantial literature to indicate that VD3 acts as an immunomodulator of adaptive and innate immunity locally within the respiratory epithelium. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) places a relatively large socioeconomic burden on developed nations, yet remains a difficult disease to treat. VD3, therefore, has become an area of clinical interest because it may provide an adjunctive drug therapy option in CRS, thereby potentially improving the quality of life of these patients.

OBJECTIVE

A systematic review of the relationship among serum VD3 levels, CRS phenotype, and disease severity by using outcome assessments.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed by using the PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Studies that measured serum VD3 levels and correlated the measurements to any subtype of CRS (with or without nasal polyps) were included for qualitative analysis.

RESULTS

Seven articles were included (four prospective and three retrospective studies), with a total of 539 patients. There were significantly lower VD3 levels in the polypoid phenotypes of CRS compared with controls. Low VD3 levels were often associated with an increased degree of inflammation.

CONCLUSION

The available evidence indicated that there is a significant relationship between low VD3 levels and polypoid CRS phenotypes. The association between VD3 levels and disease severity and VD3 potential for drug therapy remains unclear, which warrants further research in the area.

Is Nasal Polyposis Related to Levels of Serum Vitamin D and Vitamin D Receptor Gene Expression?

BACKGROUND Nasal polyposis (NP) is the most frequent cause of nasal masses. Despite considerable research on the subject, its etiology has not been fully elucidated, and effective treatment methods have not been developed. Some etiological factors causing low or high expression of genes in genetically predisposed individuals may play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. The purpose of this study was to assess the relation between levels of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene expression and serum vitamin D with NP. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 46 subjects with NP (NP group) and 40 volunteers (control group). Nasal polyp tissue samples were taken from the NP group and nasal mucosa samples were taken from the control group. Levels of VDR gene expression in the tissue samples were assessed using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. RESULTS Mean serum 25(OH)D levels were 13.38±14.08 ng/ml in the NP group and 10.57±6.44 ng/ml in the control group (p=0.249). VDR gene expression was present in 17.5% of the NP group and 3.3% of the control group, and the difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant (likelihood ratio χ²=3.887; p=0.049). CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to assess levels of VDR gene expression in subjects with NP. Our results suggest that VDR gene expression may be associated with the pathogenesis or progression of NP.

Plasma vitamin D levels of patients with allergic rhino-conjunctivitis with positive skin prick test

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhino-conjunctivitis (ARC) and allergic rhinitis are inflammatory diseases that develop through immunoglobulin E in the rhino-ocular mucosa due to allergy. The main symptoms are runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy nose, and conjunctivitis.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to evaluate plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in patients with ARC.

STUDY DESIGN

This study was planned as a prospective and cross sectional study. This study was performed in a tertiary referral center.

METHODS

This observational study involved 42 patients with ARC and 35 consecutive, age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. Patients in both groups underwent skin-prick test. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of all subjects were quantified with electrochemiluminescence technique. Results were compared between the groups and p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS

Group one included 42 ARC patients (15 male, 27 female, ages between 12 and 43, average age 25.7 ± 8.6); group two included 35 healthy people (15 male, 20 female, ages between 12 and 44, average age 26.9 ± 9.1). Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of the subjects with ARC group (7.33 ± 3.61 ng/mL, standard error mean: 0.55, range 3.17-13.68 ng/mL) were significantly lower than the control group (13.37 ± 5.42 ng/mL, standard error mean: 0.91, range 6.84-25.92 ng/mL) (p = 0.010, Independent-Samples test).

CONCLUSIONS

We found lower plasma vitamin D levels in patients with ARC when compared with the control group.

Vitamin D and respiratory tract infections in childhood

BACKGROUND

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) remain among of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality among children. Several studies have associated vitamin D deficiency with an increased risk of RTIs, and vitamin D supplementation has been proposed as a possible preventive measure against RTIs in children. The main aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence from the literature about the link between vitamin D and RTIs in children.

DISCUSSION

Several recent studies have shown that vitamin D has different immunomodulatory properties associated with the risk of RTIs in childhood. In this regard, it is very important to understand the definition of deficiency and insufficiency of vitamin D and when and how to treat this condition. Unfortunately, there is no consensus, although a level of at least 10 ng/mL 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25[OH]D) is thought to be necessary to promote bone mineralization and calcium homeostasis, and a concentration between 20 ng/mL and 50 ng/mL is considered adequate to provide an immunomodulatory effect. Available data support a role for vitamin D deficiency in the risk of pediatric tuberculosis, recurrent acute otitis media, and severe bronchiolitis, whereas further studies are needed to confirm an association in children with recurrent pharyngotonsillitis, acute rhinosinusitis and community-acquired pneumonia.

CONCLUSIONS

Maintenance of adequate vitamin D status may be an effective and inexpensive prophylactic method against some RTIs, but the supplementation regimen has not been clearly defined. Further clinical trials are needed to determine the 25(OH)D concentrations associated with an increased risk of RTIs and optimal vitamin D supplementation regimen according to the type of RTI while also taking into consideration vitamin D receptor polymorphisms.

Association of Vitamin D Status and Acute Rhinosinusitis: Results From the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2006

Although vitamin D status may be a modifiable risk factor for various respiratory ailments, limited data exists regarding its role in sinonasal infections. Our goal was to investigate the association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels with acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) in a large, nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized individuals from the United States. In this cross-sectional study of individuals ≥ 17 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2006, we used multivariable regression analysis to investigate the association of 25OHD levels with ARS, while adjusting for season, demographics (age, sex, race, and poverty-to-income ratio), and clinical data (smoking, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, and neutropenia). A total of 3921 individuals were included in our analyses. Median 25OHD level was 22 (interquartile range 16-28) ng/mL. Overall, 15.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 14.4-17.7) of participants reported ARS within the 24 hours leading up to their survey participation. After adjusting for season, demographics, and clinical data, 25OHD levels were associated with ARS (odds ratio 0.88, 95% CI 0.78-0.99 per 10 ng/mL). When vitamin D status was dichotomized, 25OHD levels < 20 ng/mL were associated with 33% higher odds of ARS (odds ratio 1.33, 95% CI 1.03-1.72) compared with levels ≥ 20 ng/mL. Our analyses suggest that 25OHD levels are inversely associated with ARS. Randomized, controlled trials are warranted to determine the effect of optimizing vitamin D status on the risk of sinonasal infections.

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. Given that VD3 has known effects on the immune system, it seems logical that supplementation with VD3 would prove efficacious in the treatment of these three diseases. While many studies, most of which are observational, have suggested that VD3 deficiency is associated with more severe disease, VD3 supplementation trials in humans have resulted in varied outcomes in terms of efficacy. In this review article we will discuss the role of VD3 in these three commonly associated respiratory diseases. We will explore the literature describing associations of VD3 deficiency with patient outcomes, cells in the respiratory microenvironment susceptible to VD3 regulation, conflicting results of VD3 supplementation trials, and potential gaps in our knowledge that may be limiting the widespread use of VD3 for the treatment of respiratory diseases such asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled '17th Vitamin D Workshop'.

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.

METHODS

Study subjects undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for CRS were prospectively enrolled from January 2012 to August 2014. Control subjects included patients undergoing ESS for noninflammatory pathology. Blood and sinonasal mucus were collected at the time of ESS. Plasma 25-VD3 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and mucus levels of MCP-1, RANTES, and bFGF by cytometric bead array (CBA).

RESULTS

A total of 57 patients were enrolled and categorized as CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) (n = 31), CRSwNP (n = 14), and controls (n = 12). No significant correlation was found between MCP-1 and 25-VD3. There was a significant negative correlation between 25-VD3 and RANTES (r = -0.612; p = 0.026) and bFGF (r = -0.578; p = 0.039) in CRSwNP patients; however, there was no significant correlation in CRSsNP patients.

CONCLUSION

This data suggests that 25-VD3 may play a role in regulation of RANTES and bFGF expression in CRSwNP. This may occur through regulation of NP fibroblasts or other immune cells. Further investigation is warranted to better elucidate the role of RANTES, bFGF, and 25-VD3 in CRSwNP.

Expression and Regulation of Interleukin-9 in Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Background

The pathogenesis of human chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) remains controversial. Recent evidence has suggested that interleukin (IL)-9 is vital in eliciting inflammatory response, stimulating cell proliferation and preventing apoptosis, through binding to the IL-9 receptor (IL-9R). However, little is known about the roles of both molecules in the etiology of CRS. Therefore, this study aimed to assess IL-9 and IL-9R expression and determine their rolesin the pathophysiology of CRS.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was used to assess IL-9 and IL-9R immunolabeling. In addition, Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used for IL-9 and IL-9R protein and mRNA level quantitation, respectively, in CRS and control subjects. Furthermore, the effects of various stimulators at different concentrations and time on IL-9 were evaluated using nasal explant cultures.

Results

IL-9 and IL-9R were overexpressed in CRS, especially in CRS with nasal polyps. Interestingly, IL-9 expression was closely related to that of IL-9R. In addition, IL-9 mRNA levels were increased by treatment with IL-4, IL-17A, IL-1beta, and the IL-4 and transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1 combination, but suppressed by interferon gamma and IL-27.

Conclusion

IL-9 and IL-9R were overexpressed in CRS at both protein and mRNA levels. In addition, IL-4, IL-17A, IL-1beta, and the IL-4 and TGF-beta1 combination contributed to increased IL-9 levels. Our findings indicate that IL-9 may play a proinflammatory role after IL-9R binding to induce mucosal epithelial cell growth, gland epithelial cell proliferation, and inflammatory cell infiltration in CRS. Future studies are required to further define the role of IL-9 in CRS etiology.

Vitamin D decreases the secretion of eotaxin and RANTES in nasal polyp fibroblasts derived from Taiwanese patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Eosinophils are important inflammatory cells involved in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Vitamin D and its derivatives, in addition to their classic role as regulators of electrolytes homeostasis, have modulatory effects in immunological and inflammatory responses. Such properties suggest that vitamin D might also play a role in inflammatory airway diseases such as CRSwNP. In this study, we investigated the effect of vitamin D derivatives (calcitriol and tacalcitol) on the secretion of eotaxin and Regulated on Activation, Normal T Cell Expressed and Secreted (RANTES), the two major eosinophil chemoattractants, in fibroblasts derived from the polyps of Taiwanese CRSwNP patients. Patients diagnosed with eosinophilic CRSwNP but without malignancies or asthma and undergoing elective endoscopic sinus surgery were recruited. Three primary fibroblast cultures were established using the polyp specimens obtained from these patients. The third to eighth passages of the fibroblasts were used for in vitro studies. Nasal polyp-derived fibroblasts were stimulated with IL-1β (10 ng/mL) for 24 hours, followed by replacement with media alone or with calcitriol or tacalcitol (10 μM) and incubation for another 24 hours. After the treatments, the levels of secreted eotaxin and RANTES were evaluated by ELISA assays. The results showed that IL-1β could substantially stimulate the secretion of eotaxin (p < 0.01) and RANTES (p < 0.01) in nasal polyp-derived fibroblasts. More importantly, this stimulatory effect was significantly suppressed by adding calcitriol (p ≤ 0.002 for eotaxin and p ≤ 0.008 for RANTES) or tacalcitol (p ≤ 0.009 for eotaxin and p ≤ 0.02 for RANTES). Therefore, the inhibitory effect of vitamin D derivatives on eotaxin and RANTES secretion might shed light not only on the disease mechanism, but also on the potential use of vitamin D in pharmacotherapy of Taiwanese patients with CRSwNP.