Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Production and Tissue Eosinophilia in Chronic Rhinitis

Abstract

Introduction Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a strong proinflammatory cytokine that takes part in allergic nasal inflammation as an eosinophil colony-stimulating factor. However, the role of GM-CSF in non-allergic rhinitis has not been fully explored. Objectives The aim of this investigation was to assess the concentration of GM-CSF in nasal secretions of patients with non-allergic rhinitis with eosinophilia syndrome (NARES) in comparison to patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) and healthy subjects, as well as to assess the relationship with the degree of eosinophilic inflammation and clinical characteristics of the patients. Methods Fourteen patients with diagnosis of NARES, 14 PAR patients, and 14 healthy subjects were included in this cross-sectional study. All patients underwent symptom score assessment, nasal endoscopy, allergy testing, and cytological evaluation. The concentration of GM-CSF in nasal secretions of all participants was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results We found significantly higher levels of GM-CSF in patients with NARES than in the control group (p = 0.035). The percent of eosinophils in nasal mucosa was higher in NARES patients in comparison to patients with PAR (p < 0.001) and control patients (p < 0.0001). We found positive correlations between GM-CSF levels and eosinophil counts only in NARES patients. Conclusion The concentrations of GM-CSF in nasal secretions correlate well with eosinophil counts in the nasal mucosa of NARES patients. These facts indicate a possible role of GM-CSF as a favorable marker for assessment of nasal disease severity and the degree of chronic eosinophilic inflammation in the nasal mucosa.

Formononetin ameliorates IL‑13‑induced inflammation and mucus formation in human nasal epithelial cells by activating the SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway

“…Previous studies have reported high concentrations of GM-CSF in patients with nasal allergy, which was also found to be associated with aggravated rhinorrhea ( 48 , 49 ). A more recent study also demonstrated the value of GM-CSF in assessing chronic rhinitis due to its positive correlation with eosinophilic inflammation ( 50 ). The results of the present study revealed high levels of both GM-CSF and eotaxin in IL-13-stimulated JME/CF15 cells, while treatment with formononetin was demonstrated to effectively suppress GM-CSF and eotaxin levels.…”

Expression of proteins associated with airway fibrosis differs between children with allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis

“…37 Previously, GM-CSF expression in nasal secretions from AR patients was significantly increased or normal, when compared to healthy controls. 38,39 Periostin mRNA and protein levels were upregulated in AR and were associated with AR and asthma comorbidity. 40,41 Interestingly, Korean children with AR did not have significantly altered periostin levels compared to healthy controls.…”

<p>Therapeutic Effect of C-C Chemokine Receptor Type 1 (CCR1) Antagonist BX471 on Allergic Rhinitis</p>

“…VCAM-1 and GM-CSF serve as important players in eosinophilic recruitment in allergic inflammation. 8,43 It was indicated previously that the TNF-α activated NF-kB protein pathway triggers expression of VCAM-1 in inflammatory response, and NF-kB regulates expression of GM-CSF and IL-1β. 44,45 The findings of present study corroborates with results from a previous study showing a downregulation of VCAM-1, GM-CSF, and IL-1β expression in BX471-treated group ( Figure 5).…”