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Background:Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is characterized by mucous overproduction and submucosal gland hyperplasia. The global protein profile of sinonasal secretions in pediatric CRS has not been studied. We hypothesized that MUC5B, a glandular mucin, would be relatively increased in CRS secretions compared to other mucins.Methods:Secretions were collected at Children’s National Health System (Children’s National) from CRS patients undergoing sinus surgery and from control patients without CRS undergoing craniofacial procedures. Proteins were extracted, digested to peptides, and analyzed by mass spectometry. Fold change significance was calculated using the QSpec algorithm. Western blot analysis was performed to validate proteomic findings.Results:In total, 294 proteins were identified. Although both MUC5B and MUC5AC were identified in a majority of samples, the relative abundance of MUC5B was found to be significantly higher (P < 0.05). Western blot data validated these findings. Other proteins with the highest significant positive-fold change in CRS samples were BP1 fold-containing family A member 1, chitinase-3-like protein 1, plastin-2, serpin 10, and BP1 fold-containing family B member 1.Conclusion:Overall, our data demonstrate an increase of MUC5B abundance in the sinus secretions of pediatric patients with CRS.

Leprosy (also known as Hansen's Disease) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae that primarily targets the peripheral nervous system; skin, muscle, and other tissues are also affected. Other than humans, nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) are the only natural hosts of M. leprae, and they are the only laboratory animals that develop extensive neurological involvement with this bacterium. Infection in the armadillo closely recapitulates many of the structural, physiological, and functional aspects of leprosy seen in humans. Armadillos can be useful models of leprosy for basic scientific investigations into the pathogenesis of leprosy neuropathy and its associated myopathies, as well as for translational research studies in piloting new diagnostic methods or therapeutic interventions. Practical and ethical constraints often limit investigation into human neuropathies, but armadillos are an abundant source of leprotic neurologic fibers. Studies with these animals may provide new insights into the mechanisms involved in leprosy that also might benefit the understanding of other demyelinating neuropathies. Although there is only a limited supply of armadillo-specific reagents, the armadillo whole genomic sequence has been completed, and gene expression studies can be employed. Clinical procedures, such as electrophysiological nerve conduction testing, provide a functional assessment of armadillo nerves. A variety of standard histopathological and immunopathological procedures including Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density (ENFD) analysis, Schwann Cell Density, and analysis for other conserved cellular markers can be used effectively with armadillos and will be briefly reviewed in this text.