Rhinosectan® spray (containing xyloglucan) on the ciliary function of the nasal respiratory epithelium; results of an in vitro study

Abstract

Background: To assess the efects of Rhinosectan® spray, a medical device containing xyloglucan, on nasal ciliary function (in MucilAir Nasal cells). Methods: MucilAir Nasal, a three-dimensional organotypic airway tissue model (with diferent cell types), was treated with Rhinosectan® (30 µl) or with a control (saline solution). The efects of Rhinosectan® were evaluated at 15 and 60 min post-exposure by: measurement of the cilia beating frequency (Hz), mucin detection (Enzyme-Linked Lectin Assay ELLA), mucociliary clearance (µm/s) and phagocytosis assay (fuorescence). Results: Exposure of MucilAir to Rhinosectan® did not alter the cilia beating frequency at 15 and 60 min post-exposure (diluted and undiluted). Exposure to Rhinosectan® (undiluted) during 60 min increased mucociliary clearance (93.3±2.1 µm/s vs. 80.9±1.8 µm/s; p<0.01) and phagocytic activity (1.89-fold increase) in comparison with saline solution. Moreover, a signifcant decrease in mucin concentration was observed after 15 min of exposure (171.4 ng/ml vs. 306.5 ng/ml; p<0.01) and at 60 min post-treatment (242.7 ng/ml vs. 339 ng/ml; p<0.05). Conclusions: The application of Rhinosectan® to nasal epithelial cells does not impair ciliary movement, enhances mucociliary clearance and facilitates phagocytosis while reducing mucin secretion, which are optimal properties for the management of rhinitis and associated conditions. Keywords: Xyloglucan, Rhinitis, Nasal obstruction, Rhinosinusitis, Barrier properties, Ciliary function, Mucociliary clearance, Mucin secretion, Allergy, Preventive measures, Medical devices