Effect of Cellulose Powder on Human Nasal Epithelial Cell Activity and Ciliary Beat Frequency

Abstract

Background: Cellulose powder (CP) has been reported as a safe and effective complementary treatment for allergic rhinitis (AR). Currently, CP has gained increasing application for clinical management worldwide, particularly in China. However, studies focusing on the effect of CP on normal human nasal epithelial cells (hNECs) and ciliary function are lacking. Here, we aimed to explore the adverse effects of CP on the activity and ciliary function of hNECs. Methods: We biopsied ethmoid sinus or middle turbinate tissues during surgical resection from control subjects who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for diseases other than AR. Cells were isolated and passaged, followed by differentiation in an air-liquid interface (ALI). Flow cytometry and cell viability test (cell counting kit-8) were performed to detect the cytotoxicity of CP (effects on cell proliferation) on normal hNECs. By using the ALI culture model, we investigated the effects of CP on ciliary beat frequency (CBF). Results: There was a significant reduction in hNEC count at high concentrations of CP (2.5 mg/mL) at days 3 and 7 (both p < 0.05). As the concentration increased, cell death increased progressively from day 3 to day 7. However, these effects were not evident at low concentrations (0.25 mg/mL, p > 0.05). High-dose CP (2.5 mg) significantly reduced the CBF (p < 0.05). At lower concentrations (0.25–2.5 mg/mL), CP initially increased but subsequently reduced the CBF of hNECs compared with control group. Conclusions: Cytotoxicity and the suppression of ciliary beat at high concentrations justify more prudent use of CP for the management of AR.

<p>In vitro and in vivo Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Powder Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose as Nasal Mucosal Barrier</p>

“…3 A single ex-vivo study suggests that higher doses of cellulose powder may have a negative effect on the viability of the nasal epithelium and on its ciliary beat frequency. 20 The data of this experimental study hint at a possible negative effect only with the highest concentration of pHPMC. However, these concentrations were just experimental and would never be reached clinically.…”

Culture expansion of primary human nasal epithelial cells (NEC) isolated with a nasal scraping spoon

“…Previous studies have shown that the clinically used concentrations of adrenaline and lidocaine do not affect the CBF of epithelial cells collected using the nasal brush. 16,17 The nasal scraping spoon used in this current study is metallic, inexpensive, sterilizable and reusable; and allows the collection of enough high-purity cells. The fifth generation of nasal cells collected using the nasal scraping spoon had an immunofluorescent appearance that was consistent with cultured primary NEC and all cells were positive for CK-18 staining (Figure 3).…”

Proteomics profiling of epithelium-derived exosomes from nasal polyps revealed signaling functions affecting cellular proliferation

“…We also confirmed the presence of epithelial-derived exosomes by isolating hNECs from primary tissues. In our previous result, we showed that the cultured primary epithelial cells contained high percentage of epithelial cells (>95%) [25] which was suitable for downstream studies of epithelial derived exosomes. The hNECs were cultured for 2 weeks, followed by harvesting of the cell medium.…”