Correlation of nasal inflammation and nasal airflow with forced expiratory volume in 1 second in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis and asthma.
BACKGROUND
Allergic rhinitis and asthma are frequently associated and are characterized by TH2-dependent inflammation. Nasal and bronchial obstruction largely depend on allergic inflammation.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the relationships among nasal eosinophil counts, interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) levels, nasal airflow, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis and asthma.


METHODS
Eight men and 7 women (mean +/- SD age, 24.8 +/- 4.7 years) with perennial allergic rhinitis and asthma were evaluated. All 15 patients had a moderate-to-severe grade of nasal obstruction. Total symptom score, rhinomanometry, nasal lavage, nasal scraping, and spirometry were evaluated in all patients. Eosinophils were counted using conventional staining; IL-4 and IFN-gamma levels were measured by immunoassay in fluids recovered from nasal lavage.


RESULTS
Significant positive relationships were demonstrated between eosinophil infiltration and IL-4 levels, nasal airflow and IFN-gamma levels, FEV1 and IFN-gamma levels, and nasal airflow and FEV1 (P < .001 for all). Significant negative relationships were demonstrated between eosinophil infiltration and IFN-gamma levels, IL-4 and IFN-gamma levels, eosinophil infiltration and nasal airflow, IL-4 values and nasal airflow, nasal eosinophil counts and FEV1, and IL-4 values and FEV1 (P < .001 for all).


CONCLUSIONS
There is a close association between TH2 cytokines and eosinophil infiltration in the nose. There is also clear evidence concerning the relationships among eosinophil infiltration, IL-4 and IFN-gamma levels, and nasal airflow. Nasal eosinophil, IL-4, and IFN-gamma levels correlate with FEV1. Finally, nasal airflow is related to FEV1. These findings constitute the first evidence of a relationship between TH2-related nasal inflammation and nasal and bronchial airflow in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis and asthma.
Ciprandi
Giorgio
G
Head-Neck Department, Ospedale San Martino, Genoa, Italy. gio.cip@libero.it
Cirillo
Ignazio
I
Vizzaccaro
Andrea
A
Milanese
Manlio
M
Tosca
Maria Angela
MA
D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D004802:Eosinophilia / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D009666:Nose / Q000276:immunology*; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation / Q000276:immunology*; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology
D016207:Cytokines