Search Results (46)

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a series of allergic reactions to allergens in the nasal mucosa and is one of the most common allergic diseases that affect both children and adults. Shi-Bi-Lin (SBL) is the modified formula of Cang Er Zi San (CEZS), a traditional Chinese herbal formula used for treating AR. Our study aims to elucidate the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of SBL in house dust mite-induced AR by regulating gut microflora metabolism. In vivo studies showed that nasal allergies and the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the nasal epithelium were significantly suppressed by SBL. Moreover, SBL restored the impaired nasal epithelial barrier function with an increased tight junction protein expression and reduced the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Interestingly, SBL significantly reconstituted the abundance and composition of gut microbiota in AR mice; it increased the relative abundance of potentially beneficial genera and decreased the relative abundance of harmful genera. SBL also restored immune-related metabolisms, which were significantly increased and correlated with suppressing inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, a network analysis and molecular docking indicated IL-6 was a possible target drug candidate for the SBL treatment. SBL dramatically reduced the IL-6 level in the nasal lavage fluid (NALF), suppressing the IL-6 downstream Erk1/2 and AKT/PI3K signaling pathways. In conclusion, our study integrates 16S rRNA sequencing, microflora metabolism, and network pharmacology to explain the immune mechanism of SBL in alleviating HDM-induced allergic rhinitis. Full article

Rhinosinusitis in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is categorised as a secondary, diffuse and inflammatory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). It is one of the conditions that impacts the nasal microbiota. This study aimed to compare the nasal microbiomes of patients with GPA, CRS and NSP. A total of 31 patients were included in the study (18 GPA, 6 CRS and 7 nasal septum perforation (NSP)). In all patients, SNOT 22, a nasal endoscopy (Lund–Kennedy scale) and a brush swab were performed. The metagenomic analysis was carried out based on the hypervariable V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. At the genus level, statistically significant differences were observed in two comparisons: the GPA/NSP and the GPA/CRS groups. In the GPA/NSP group, the differences were related to four genera (Actinomyces, Streptococcus, Methylobacterium-Methylorubrum, Paracoccus), while in the GPA/CRS group, they were related to six (Kocuria, Rothia, Cutibacterium, Streptococcus, Methylobacterium-Methylorubrum, Tepidimonas). Patients with GPA had lower diversity compared to CRS and NSP patients. There were no statistically significant differences found for the Staphylococcus family and Staphylococcus aureus between the three groups. Full article

This study aimed to determine shifts in microbial populations regarding richness and diversity from the daily use of a popular over-the-counter nasal spray. In addition, the finding of nasal commensal bacterial species that overlap with the oral microbiome may prove to be potential probiotics for the “gateway microbiomes”. Nasal swab samples were obtained before and after using the most popular over-the-counter (OTC) nasal spray in 10 participants aged 18–48. All participants were healthy volunteers with no significant medical histories. The participants were randomly assigned a number by randomizing software and consisted of five men and five women. The sampling consisted of placing a nasal swab atraumatically into the nasal cavity. The samples were preserved and sent to Northwestern University Sequencing Center for whole-genome deep sequencing. After 21 days of OTC nasal spray use twice daily, the participants returned for further nasal microbiome sampling. The microbial analysis included all bacteria, archaea, viruses, molds, and yeasts via deep sequencing for species analysis. The Northwestern University Sequencing Center utilized artificial intelligence analysis to determine shifts in species and strains following nasal spray use that resulted in changes in diversity and richness. Full article

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a multifactorial infection of the nasal cavity and sinuses. In this study, nasal swabs from control donors (N = 128) and patients with CRS (N = 246) were analysed. Culture methods and metagenomics revealed no obvious differences in the composition of the bacterial communities between the two groups. However, at the functional level, several metabolic pathways were significantly enriched in the CRS group compared to the control group. Pathways such as carbohydrate transport metabolism, ATP synthesis, cofactors and vitamins, photosynthesis and transcription were highly enriched in CRS. In contrast, pathways related to lipid metabolism were more representative in the control microbiome. As S. aureus is one of the main species found in the nasal cavity, staphylococcal isolates from control and CRS samples were analysed by microarray and functional assays. Although no significant genetic differences were detected by microarray, S. aureus from CRS induced less cytotoxicity to lung cells and lower rates of glycolysis in host cells than control isolates. These results suggest the differential modulation of staphylococcal virulence by the environment created by other microorganisms and their interactions with host cells in control and CRS samples. These changes were reflected in the differential expression of cytokines and in the expression of Agr, the most important quorum-sensing regulator of virulence in S. aureus. In addition, the CRS isolates remained stable in their cytotoxicity, whereas the cytotoxic activity of S. aureus isolated from control subjects decreased over time during in vitro passage. These results suggest that host factors influence the virulence of S. aureus and promote its adaptation to the nasal environment during CRS. Full article

The oro-respiratory microbiome is impacted by inhalable exposures such as smoking and has been associated with respiratory health conditions. However, the effect of emerging toxicants, particularly engineered nanoparticles, alone or in co-exposure with smoking, is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the impact of sub-chronic exposure to carbon nanotube (CNT) particles, cigarette smoke extract (CSE), and their combination. The oral, nasal, and lung microbiomes were characterized using 16S rRNA-based metagenomics. The exposures caused the following shifts in lung microbiota: CNT led to a change from Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes and Tenericutes; CSE caused a shift from Proteobacteria to Bacteroidetes; and co-exposure (CNT+CSE) had a mixed effect, maintaining higher numbers of Bacteroidetes (due to the CNT effect) and Tenericutes (due to the CSE effect) compared to the control group. Oral microbiome analysis revealed an abundance of the following genera: Acinetobacter (CNT), Staphylococcus, Aggregatibacter, Allobaculum, and Streptococcus (CSE), and Alkalibacterium (CNT+CSE). These proinflammatory microbial shifts correlated with changes in the relative expression of lung mucosal homeostasis/defense proteins, viz., aquaporin 1 (AQP-1), surfactant protein A (SP-A), mucin 5b (MUC5B), and IgA. Microbiota depletion reversed these perturbations, albeit to a varying extent, confirming the modulatory role of oro-respiratory dysbiosis in lung mucosal toxicity. This is the first demonstration of specific oro-respiratory microbiome constituents as potential modifiers of toxicant effects in exposed lungs. Full article

Background: The nasal microbiome represents the main environmental factor of the inflammatory process in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Antibiotics and steroids constitute the mainstay of CRS therapies. However, their impact on microbial communities needs to be better understood. This systematic review summarizes the evidence about antibiotics’ and steroids’ impact on the nasal microbiota in patients with CRS. Methods: The search strategy was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. The authors searched all papers in the three major medical databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) using the PICO tool (population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes). The search was carried out using a combination of the key terms “Microbiota” or “Microbiome” and “Chronic Rhinosinusitis”. Results: Overall, 402 papers were identified, and after duplicate removal (127 papers), excluding papers off-topic (154) and for other structural reasons (110), papers were assessed for eligibility; finally, only 11 papers were included and summarized in the present systematic review. Some authors used only steroids, other researchers used only antibiotics, and others used both antibiotics and steroids. With regard to the use of steroids as exclusive medical treatment, topical mometasone and budesonide were investigated. With regard to the use of antibiotics as exclusive medical treatments, clarithromycin, doxycycline, roxithromycin, and amoxicillin clavulanate were investigated. Regarding the use of both antibiotics and steroids, two associations were investigated: systemic prednisone combined with amoxicillin clavulanate and topical budesonide combined with azithromycin. Conclusions: The impact that therapies can have on the nasal microbiome of CRS patients is very varied. Further studies are needed to understand the role of the nasal microbiome, prevent CRS, and improve therapeutic tools for personalized medicine tailored to the individual patient. Full article

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic left many intriguing mysteries. Retrospective vulnerability trends tie as strongly to odd demographics as to exposure profiles, genetics, health, or prior medical history. This article documents the importance of nasal microbiome profiles in distinguishing infection rate trends among differentially affected subgroups. (2) Hypothesis: From a detailed literature survey, microbiome profiling experiments, bioinformatics, and molecular simulations, we propose that specific commensal bacterial species in the Pseudomonadales genus confer protection against SARS-CoV-2 infections by expressing proteases that may interfere with the proteolytic priming of the Spike protein. (3) Evidence: Various reports have found elevated Moraxella fractions in the nasal microbiomes of subpopulations with higher resistance to COVID-19 (e.g., adolescents, COVID-19-resistant children, people with strong dietary diversity, and omnivorous canines) and less abundant ones in vulnerable subsets (the elderly, people with narrower diets, carnivorous cats and foxes), along with bioinformatic evidence that Moraxella bacteria express proteases with notable homology to human TMPRSS2. Simulations suggest that these proteases may proteolyze the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in a manner that interferes with TMPRSS2 priming. Full article

Musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) are characterized as injuries and illnesses that affect the musculoskeletal system. MSDs affect every population worldwide and are associated with substantial global burden. Variations in the makeup of the gut microbiota may be related to chronic MSDs. There is growing interest in exploring potential connections between chronic MSDs and variations in the composition of gut microbiota. The human microbiota is a complex community consisting of viruses, archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes, both inside and outside of the human body. These microorganisms play crucial roles in influencing human physiology, impacting metabolic and immunological systems in health and disease. Different body areas host specific types of microorganisms, with facultative anaerobes dominating the gastrointestinal tract (able to thrive with or without oxygen), while strict aerobes prevail in the nasal cavity, respiratory tract, and skin surfaces (requiring oxygen for development). Together with the immune system, these bacteria have coevolved throughout time, forming complex biological relationships. Changes in the microbial ecology of the gut may have a big impact on health and can help illnesses develop. These changes are frequently impacted by lifestyle choices and underlying medical disorders. The potential for safety, expenses, and efficacy of microbiota-based medicines, even with occasional delivery, has attracted interest. They are, therefore, a desirable candidate for treating MSDs that are chronic and that may have variable progression patterns. As such, the following is a narrative review to address the role of the human microbiome as it relates to MSDs. Full article

Maintaining a diverse and well-balanced nasal and oral microbiota is vital for human health. However, the impact of indoor microbiome and metabolites on nasal and oral microbiota remains largely unknown. Fifty-six children in Shanghai were surveyed to complete a questionnaire about their personal and environmental characteristics. The indoor microbiome and metabolites from vacuumed indoor dust were profiled via shotgun metagenomics and untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS). The nasal and oral microbiota in children was characterized using full-length 16S rRNA sequencing from PacBio. Associations between personal/environmental characteristics and the nasal/oral microbiota were calculated using PERMANOVA and regression analyses. We identified 6247, 431, and 342 microbial species in the indoor dust, nasal, and oral cavities, respectively. The overall nasal and oral microbial composition showed significant associations with environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure during pregnancy and early childhood (p = 0.005 and 0.03, respectively), and the abundance of total indoor flavonoids and two mycotoxins (deoxynivalenol and nivalenol) (p = 0.01, 0.02, and 0.03, respectively). Notably, the abundance of several flavonoids, such as baicalein, eupatilin, isoliquiritigenin, tangeritin, and hesperidin, showed positive correlations with alpha diversity and the abundance of protective microbial taxa in nasal and oral cavities (p < 0.02), suggesting their potential beneficial roles in promoting nasal/oral health. Conversely, high carbohydrate/fat food intake and ETS exposure diminished protective microorganisms while augmenting risky microorganisms in the nasal/oral cavities. Further, potential microbial transfer was observed from the indoor environment to the childhood oral cavity (Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus mitis, and Streptococcus salivarius), which could potentially increase virulence factors related to adherence and immune modulation and vancomycin resistance genes in children. This is the first study to reveal the association between the indoor microbiome/metabolites and nasal/oral microbiota using multi-omic approaches. These findings reveal potential protective and risk factors related to the indoor microbial environment. Full article

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with (CRSwNP) or without (CRSsNP) nasal polyps is a prevalent and heterogeneous disorder existing as a spectrum of clinical conditions with complex underlying pathomechanisms. CRS comprises a broad syndrome characterized by multiple immunological features involving complex interactions between the genes, the microbiome, host- and microbiota-derived exosomes, the epithelial barrier, and environmental and micromilieu exposures. The main pathophysiological feature is an epithelial barrier disruption, accompanied by microbiome alterations and unpredictable and multifactorial immunologic overreactions. Extrinsic pathogens and irritants interact with multiple epithelial receptors, which show distinct expression patterns, activate numerous signaling pathways, and lead to diverse antipathogen responses. CRSsNP is mainly characterized by fibrosis and mild inflammation and is often associated with Th1 or Th17 immunological profiles. CRSwNP appears to be associated with moderate or severe type 2 (T2) or Th2 eosinophilic inflammation. The diagnosis is based on clinical, endoscopic, and imaging findings. Possible CRS biomarkers from the peripheral blood, nasal secretions, tissue biopsies, and nasally exhaled air are studied to subgroup different CRS endotypes. The primary goal of CRS management is to maintain clinical control by nasal douching with isotonic or hypertonic saline solutions, administration of nasal and systemic steroids, antibiotics, biologic agents, or, in persistent and more severe cases, appropriate surgical procedures. Full article

Background: The respiratory microbiome is dynamic, varying between anatomical niches, and it is affected by various host and environmental factors, one of which is lifestyle. Few studies have characterized the upper respiratory tract microbiome profile according to lifestyle. We explored the association between lifestyles and microbiota profiles in the upper respiratory tract of healthy adults. Methods: We analyzed nasal samples from 110 healthy adults who were living in Santiago, Chile, using 16S ribosomal RNA gene-sequencing methods. Volunteers completed a structured questionnaire about lifestyle. Results: The composition and abundance of taxonomic groups varied across lifestyle attributes. Additionally, multivariate models suggested that alpha diversity varied in the function of physical activity, nutritional status, smoking, and the interaction between nutritional status and smoking, although the significant impact of those variables varied between women and men. Although physical activity and nutritional status were significantly associated with all indexes of alpha diversity among women, the diversity of microbiota among men was associated with smoking and the interaction between nutritional status and smoking. Conclusions: The alpha diversity of nasal microbiota is associated with lifestyle attributes, but these associations depend on sex and nutritional status. Our results suggest that future studies of the airway microbiome may provide a better resolution if data are stratified for differences in sex and nutritional status. Full article

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) has long been considered a benign, chronic inflammatory, and hyperplastic disease. Recent studies have shown that autoimmune-related mechanisms are involved in the pathology of nasal polyps. Activated plasma cells, eosinophils, basophils, innate type 2 lymphocytes, mast cells, and proinflammatory cytokine in polyp tissue indicate the mobilization of innate and adaptive immune pathways during polyp formation. The discovery of a series of autoantibodies further supports the autoimmune nature of nasal polyps. Local homeostasis dysregulation, infection, and chronic inflammation may trigger autoimmunity through several mechanisms, including autoantigens overproduction, microbial translocation, molecular mimicry, superantigens, activation or inhibition of receptors, bystander activation, dysregulation of Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs), epitope spreading, autoantigens complementarity. In this paper, we elaborated on the microbiome-mediated mechanism, abnormal host immunity, and genetic changes to update the role of autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Full article

Epithelial integrity and function must be maintained in a dynamic healthy equilibrium, keeping unaltered the oxidative and inflammatory conditions and the microbiome of the cutaneous layers. Beside the skin, other mucous membranes can be injured, such as the nasal and anal ones, because of the contact with the external environment. Here, we detected the effects of RIPACUT^®, a combination of Iceland lichen extract, silver salt and sodium hyaluronate that individually act in diverse biological ways. The findings we obtained on keratinocytes, nasal and intestinal epithelial cells reveal that this combination showed a marked antioxidant activity, further assessed by the DPPH assay. Additionally, by analyzing the release of the IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines, we proved the anti-inflammatory effect of RIPACUT^®. In both cases, the main preserving action was due to Iceland lichen. We also observed a notable antimicrobial activity mediated by the silver compound. These data suggest that RIPACUT^® could signify the basis for an attractive pharmacological approach to maintaining healthy epithelial conditions. Interestingly, this may be extended to the nasal and anal areas where it protects against oxidative, inflammatory and infectious insults. Thus, these outcomes encourage the creation of sprays or creams for which sodium hyaluronate can guarantee a surface film-forming effect. Full article

Allergic rhinitis and asthma are major public health concerns and economic burdens worldwide. However, little is known about nasal bacteriome dysbiosis during allergic rhinitis, alone or associated with asthma comorbidity. To address this knowledge gap we applied 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing to 347 nasal samples from participants with asthma (AS = 12), allergic rhinitis (AR = 53), allergic rhinitis with asthma (ARAS = 183) and healthy controls (CT = 99). One to three of the most abundant phyla, and five to seven of the dominant genera differed significantly (p < 0.021) between AS, AR or ARAS and CT groups. All alpha-diversity indices of microbial richness and evenness changed significantly (p < 0.01) between AR or ARAS and CT, while all beta-diversity indices of microbial structure differed significantly (p < 0.011) between each of the respiratory disease groups and controls. Bacteriomes of rhinitic and healthy participants showed 72 differentially expressed (p < 0.05) metabolic pathways each related mainly to degradation and biosynthesis processes. A network analysis of the AR and ARAS bacteriomes depicted more complex webs of interactions among their members than among those of healthy controls. This study demonstrates that the nose harbors distinct bacteriotas during health and respiratory disease and identifies potential taxonomic and functional biomarkers for diagnostics and therapeutics in asthma and rhinitis. Full article

Background: Antibiotic eye drops are frequently used in clinical practice. Due to the anatomical connection via the nasolacrimal duct, it seems possible that they have an influence on the nasal/pharyngeal microbiome. This was investigated by using two different commonly used antibiotic eye drops. Methods: 20 subjects were randomized to four groups of five subjects receiving eye drops containing gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, or, as controls, unpreserved povidone or benzalkonium chloride-preserved povidone. Nasal and pharyngeal swabs were performed before and after the instillation period. Swabs were analyzed by Illumina next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based 16S rRNA analysis. Bacterial culture was performed on solid media, and bacterial isolates were identified to the species level by MALDI-TOF MS. Species-dependent antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using single isolates and pools of isolates. Results: Bacterial richness in the nose increased numerically from 163 ± 30 to 243 ± 100 OTUs (gentamicin) and from 114 ± 17 to 144 ± 45 OTUs (ciprofloxacin). Phylogenetic diversity index (pd) of different bacterial strains in the nasal microbiome increased from 12.4 ± 1.0 to 16.9 ± 5.6 pd (gentamicin) and from 10.2 ± 1.4 to 11.8 ± 3.1 pd (ciprofloxacin). Unpreserved povidone eye drops resulted in minimal changes in bacterial counts. Preservative-containing povidone eye drops resulted in no change. A minor increase (1–2-fold) in the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was observed in single streptococcal isolates. Conclusions: Antibiotic eye drops could affect the nasal microbiome. After an instillation period of seven days, an increase in the diversity and richness of bacterial strains in the nasal microbiome was observed. Full article