The Anti-inflammatory Effect of Macrolide Antibiotics in Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a common disorder of chronic inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. It is associated with significant symptoms and impairment of the quality of life of sufferers. Despite recent advances in the medical and surgical management of chronic rhinosinusitis, there remains a population of patients who fail to obtain relief from their symptoms. Chronic inflammation of the mucosa of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is one of the hallmarks of chronic rhinosinusitis. This inflammation is demonstrated by an increased number of chronic inflammatory cells, elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, increased expression of adhesion molecules and metaplastic changes in the epithelium. The current medical treatments for chronic sinusitis aim to reduce this inflammation and consequently improve symptoms. In recent years, evidence has emerged that macrolide antibiotics have an antiinflammatory effect that is separate from their anti-bacterial effect. This effect was first described in the treatment of diffuse panbronchiolitis, a disorder of chronic inflammation of the lower respiratory tract. Following the success of macrolides in treating this condition it was trialed in chronic rhinosinusitis. Several open-label trials have subsequently demonstrated a beneficial effect. Laboratory studies have investigated the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect of macrolides. These have shown that macrolides effect cytokine production, inflammatory cell apoptosis, expression of adhesion molecules, neutrophil oxidative burst, bacterial virulence and mucociliary function. In this thesis we report a series of experiments designed to further investigate the mechanism of action and clinical effect of macrolides. In vitro studies using whole sections of chronic rhinosinusitis mucosa cultured for 24 hours in macrolide, prednisolone or control showed that macrolide and prednisolone produced significant