چکیده (انگلیسی):

Background: Because of the anatomical complexity and the high output of the human nose, it has been unclear
whether nasal nitric oxide (NO) serves as a reliable marker of allergic rhinitis (AR). We examined whether
nasal NO levels in the inferior turbinate (IT) surface and the middle meatus (MM) differ in symptomatic AR patients.
Methods: We measured fractional exhaled NO (FeNO) and nasal NO in normal subjects (n = 50) and AR patients
with mild symptoms (n = 16) or moderate or severe symptoms (n = 27). Nasal NO measurements were
obtained using an electrochemical analyzer connected to a catheter and an air-suction pump (flow rate 50 mL
sec).
Results: Compared to the normal subjects, the AR patients showed significantly higher nasal FeNO and nasal
NO levels in the IT area. No significant difference in the MM area was observed among the three groups. The
MM area showed higher NO levels than the IT area in all three groups. The ratio of nasal NO levels of the MM
area to the IT area (MMIT ratio) was significantly lower in the AR groups. The moderatesevere AR patients
showed significantly higher nasal NO in the IT area (104.4 vs. 66.2 ppb) and lower MMIT ratios than those in
the mild AR patients. The analysis of nasal brushing cells revealed significantly higher eosinophil cationic protein
and nitrotyrosine levels in the AR groups.
Conclusions: Nasal NO assessment in the IT area directly reflects persistent eosinophilic inflammation and
may be a valid marker to estimate the severity of AR.