Yeonsu Jeong, Jeong Jin Park, Min-Seok Rha, Hyung-Ju Cho
{"title":"Posterior pillar hypertrophy as a novel anatomical predictor of surgical success in obstructive sleep apnea.","authors":"Yeonsu Jeong, Jeong Jin Park, Min-Seok Rha, Hyung-Ju Cho","doi":"10.21053/ceo.2025-00200","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21053/ceo.2025-00200","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives.: </strong>Sleep apnea surgery is effective only for selecting patients, making it crucial to identify those who will benefit. This study aimed to introduce a novel anatomical index for selecting patients with favorable surgical outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods.: </strong>A retrospective review was conducted on patients with obstructive sleep apnea who underwent multilevel surgery by a single surgeon at a tertiary medical institution between 2012 and 2021. Anatomical parameters, endoscopic images, and pre- and postoperative polysomnography reports were analyzed. Some patients exhibited posterior pillar hypertrophy (PPH), where the palatopharyngeal muscle is thicker than normal. To assess the effects of PPH exclusively, patients were randomly selected and subjected to propensity matching.</p><p><strong>Results.: </strong>Logistic regression analysis identified tonsil grade, body mass index, and posterior pillar thickness as significant predictors of surgical success. The success rates were significantly different between the PPH(+) and normal control PPH(-) groups, with 51.9% success in the PPH(+) group compared to 40.7% in the PPH(-) group. Additionally, the PPH(+) group showed a significant increase in the apnea-hypopnea index and oxygen desaturation index postoperatively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion.: </strong>The presence of posterior pillar hypertrophy serves as an important anatomical predictor of surgical success in obstructive sleep apnea treatment. This index helps in choosing patients and planning surgeries, potentially enhancing treatment.</p><p><strong>Results.: </strong></p>","PeriodicalId":10318,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145343964","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The role of innate T cells in inflammatory disorders in asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis.","authors":"Myeong-Seok Lee, Dae Woo Kim, You Jeong Lee","doi":"10.21053/ceo.2025-00124","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21053/ceo.2025-00124","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and asthma are often comorbid and represent heterogeneous inflammatory disorders in the upper and lower airways, respectively. Type 2 inflammation driven by eosinophils and CD4 T cells has been recognized as central mediators in CRS with nasal polyp (CRSwNP) and asthma pathogenesis. However, recent evidence has highlighted the critical involvement of innate T cells, such as invariant natural killer T (iNKT), mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT), and γδ T cells in airway inflammatory disorders. Innate T cells were enriched in sinonasal tissues and contributed to mucosal inflammation through cytokine production, exhibiting functional polarization influenced by local inflammatory cues. In particular, MAIT17 and Vγ1+ γδ T cells have been associated with tissue eosinophilia and disease severity in eosinophilic CRSwNP (E-NP) patients, whereas iNKT cells displayed subset-specific distribution across eosinophilic and neutrophilic endotypes. In asthma, iNKT cells consistently contributed to disease development in murine models, whereas the roles of MAIT and γδ T cells were controversial, demonstrating both pro- and anti-inflammatory roles depending on anatomical location and disease context. This review summarizes current findings on the contribution of innate T cells to the immunopathology of CRSwNP and asthma and discusses the challenges and future directions in resolving discrepancies arising from methodological and biological variability.</p>","PeriodicalId":10318,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145285679","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Subjective and Objective Assessments of Olfactory Function in Patients Taking Anti-Obesity Medications.","authors":"Hye Jun Lee, Il-Youp Kwak, Hyun Jin Min","doi":"10.21053/ceo.2025-00238","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21053/ceo.2025-00238","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10318,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145130247","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Efficacy of Montelukast-Antihistamine Combination Therapy Compared with Antihistamine Monotherapy in Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Ji-Sun Kim, Gulnaz Stybayeva, Se Hwan Hwang","doi":"10.21053/ceo.2025-00201","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21053/ceo.2025-00201","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Allergic rhinitis (AR) impairs quality of life, and combination therapy is often required for comprehensive symptom control. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of montelukast-antihistamine combination therapy compared with antihistamine monotherapy in improving AR symptoms and quality of life.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched up to April 2025. Eligible studies compared combination therapy with montelukast plus an antihistamine against antihistamine monotherapy and reported nasal symptoms or rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) scores. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated, and subgroup analyses were conducted according to antihistamine type.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifteen studies including 2,882 subjects were analyzed. Combination therapy significantly improved daytime nasal symptoms (SMD [95% CI] = 0.44 [0.21-0.67]), nighttime nasal symptoms (SMD [95% CI] = 0.12 [0.01-0.23]), and RQLQ scores (SMD [95% CI] = 0.14 [0.00-0.27]) compared with monotherapy. Sneezing, nasal obstruction, and rhinorrhea improved significantly, while nasal itching and ocular symptoms did not. Combinations with desloratadine and levocetirizine showed greater benefits than those with loratadine or fexofenadine.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Montelukast-antihistamine combination therapy improves overall symptoms and quality of life compared with antihistamine monotherapy. The magnitude of benefit appears to vary depending on the specific antihistamine used, highlighting the potential value of individualized treatment strategies in the management of AR.</p>","PeriodicalId":10318,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145079857","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Joo-Hoo Park, Jee Won Moon, Yeong-In Jo, Hwa Eun Yang, Subin Cho, Hyeongguk Son, Hyun-Woo Yang, Il-Ho Park, Dae Jin Song
{"title":"Synergistic Exacerbation of Allergic Inflammation by Combined Exposure to Air-pollutants in a Murine Model of Allergic Rhinitis.","authors":"Joo-Hoo Park, Jee Won Moon, Yeong-In Jo, Hwa Eun Yang, Subin Cho, Hyeongguk Son, Hyun-Woo Yang, Il-Ho Park, Dae Jin Song","doi":"10.21053/ceo.2025-00170","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21053/ceo.2025-00170","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic nasal mucosal inflammation triggered by environmental allergens. Although its pathophysiology has been well studied, the effects of environmental aggravating factors-especially combined pollutant exposure-are not fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of coexposure to PM2.5, formaldehyde, and zinc on allergic inflammation in a murine model of AR and to characterize the associated immunological and histopathological responses.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Female BALB/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and challenged intranasally to induce allergic rhinitis. On days 21-24, mice were exposed to PM2.5, formaldehyde, and zinc either individually or in combination with OVA. Allergic symptoms were assessed through behavioral observation, and immune responses were evaluated by analyzing nasal and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (NALF and BALF), serum immunoglobulin levels, nasal histology, and cytokine profiles.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Combined exposure to PM2.5, formaldehyde, and zinc significantly enhanced allergic inflammation compared to single exposures. Coexposure to PM2.5 and zinc resulted in synergistic increases in total and OVA-specific immunoglobulin E(IgE) levels, eosinophilic infiltration, nasal rubbing, and Th2/Th17 cytokines in NALF and BALF. Histological analysis revealed increased mucosal remodeling and goblet cell hyperplasia following combined exposure. Other combinations, such as PM2.5 with formaldehyde, also induced additive or modestly enhanced inflammatory responses.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Coexposure to PM2.5, formaldehyde, and zinc aggravated allergic inflammation in an OVA-induced murine model, with PM2.5 + zinc showing the strongest synergistic effects. These findings highlight the importance of pollutant-pollutant interactions in allergic airway diseases and underscore the need for further studies to elucidate longterm health impacts and human relevance.</p>","PeriodicalId":10318,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144945239","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Efficacy and safety of fat graft myringoplasty combined with platelet-rich plasma for managing chronic tympanic membrane perforations: A systemic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Yun Jin Kang, Gulnaz Stybayeva, Se Hwan Hwang","doi":"10.21053/ceo.2025-00157","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21053/ceo.2025-00157","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous product derived from whole blood through the process of gradient density centrifugation. Autologous PRP has been shown to be safe and effective in promoting natural wound healing processes. This study assessed the efficacy of fat graft myringoplasty combined with PRP in tympanic membrane (TM) healing in dry TM perforation due to chronic otitis media and compared it to that of fat graft myringoplasty.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective or retrospective studies was conducted, with database searches performed through April 2025. The outcomes included the success rate (complete closure of the TM postoperatively) and changes in air-bone conduction gap (ABG) (preoperatively and postoperatively) in the audiogram.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Five studies (n = 522) were included. Fat myringoplasty with PRP resulted in greater improvement in ABGs (SMD 0.3292, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.1317; 0.5266]) and higher success rates (odds ratio (OR) 3.1289, 95% CI [1.8816; 5.2028]) compared to fat myringoplasty alone. In medium-sized perforations, combination therapy demonstrated superior outcomes in both success rate (success rate (OR 3.1790, 95% CI [1.8914; 5.3432]) and ABG (SMD 0.3569, 95% CI [0.1278; 0.5860]). However, no significant differences were observed in cases involving small perforations (success rate (OR 2.1538, 95% CI [0.1739; 26.6721]) and changes in ABG (SMD 0.2490, 95% CI [-0.1405; 0.6384])). Both liquid and gel PRP significantly improved ABGs and TM closure rates, with no significant difference between types.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study demonstrated a higher success rate and greater hearing improvement with PRP-assisted fat myringoplasty, especially in medium-sized perforations. Both liquid and gel PRP forms were effective, with no significant difference between them.</p>","PeriodicalId":10318,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144834298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Periodic Limb Movements During Sleep: A Large Multicenter Study.","authors":"Hyun Jin Min","doi":"10.21053/ceo.2025.00067","DOIUrl":"10.21053/ceo.2025.00067","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10318,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology","volume":" ","pages":"280-281"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12400144/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144788405","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Predominance of Auditory But Not Vestibular Deficits in a Mouse Model of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection.","authors":"Chi-Chieh Chang, Ying-Chang Lu, Po-Nien Tsao, Yen-Hui Chan, Yi-Shan Lee, Pei-Hsuan Lin, Cheng-Yu Hsieh, Wei-Chung Hsu, Chuan-Jen Hsu, Chun-Yi Lu, Chen-Chi Wu","doi":"10.21053/ceo.2024.00305","DOIUrl":"10.21053/ceo.2024.00305","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of this study was to investigate the auditory and vestibular consequences of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection in a C57BL/6 mouse model. This model, established via intraperitoneal inoculation, was designed to mimic clinical phenotypes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cCMV infection model was developed by intraperitoneally inoculating C57BL/6 mice with murine cytomegalovirus. Auditory and vestibular functions were evaluated using auditory brainstem response tests, as well as open field, swim, and rotarod assessments. Histologic analysis of the inner ear was also conducted.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study successfully established a cCMV infection model in C57BL/6 mice. Auditory deficits of varying severity and laterality were observed, mirroring the clinical spectrum seen in humans. In contrast, vestibular function was minimally affected and did not correlate with auditory deficits. Histopathologic examination revealed predominant damage to spiral ganglion neurons, while the vestibular organs remained relatively intact.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our optimized mouse model effectively recapitulates the inner ear manifestations of human cCMV infection. The predominance of auditory over vestibular deficits provides valuable insights for developing targeted therapeutic interventions for cCMV-related inner ear sequelae.</p>","PeriodicalId":10318,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology","volume":" ","pages":"242-253"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12400146/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143522751","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Radioresistance Mechanisms in Head and Neck Cancer.","authors":"Quoc Khanh Nguyen, Bon Seok Koo","doi":"10.21053/ceo.2025-00029","DOIUrl":"10.21053/ceo.2025-00029","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Head and neck cancer (HNC) is not only one of the deadliest malignant tumors but also significantly impacts patient quality of life because of its proximity to numerous critical organs. Radiotherapy is commonly used to treat HNC due to its effectiveness in targeting cancer cells while sparing adjacent organs. However, the emergence of radioresistance severely limits the efficacy of radiotherapy, frequently leading to poor prognosis and treatment failure. Consequently, an enhanced understanding of the underlying mechanisms of radioresistance could facilitate the development of novel treatment strategies aimed at reducing recurrence rates and improving survival outcomes. In this review, we summarize the primary mechanisms implicated in radioresistance in HNC from both cancer cell-intrinsic and tumor microenvironment perspectives. Furthermore, we discuss currently available radiation-sensitizing approaches to overcome radioresistance in HNC.</p>","PeriodicalId":10318,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology","volume":" ","pages":"210-224"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12404286/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143983928","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jungho Ha, Siung Sung, Jongmoon Jang, Young Sun Kim, Seongjun So, Jeong Hyeon Yun, Yun-Hoon Choung, Jeong Hun Jang
{"title":"Sarpogrelate Delivered via Osmotic Pump Improves Residual Hearing Preservation After Cochlear Implantation.","authors":"Jungho Ha, Siung Sung, Jongmoon Jang, Young Sun Kim, Seongjun So, Jeong Hyeon Yun, Yun-Hoon Choung, Jeong Hun Jang","doi":"10.21053/ceo.2024.00354","DOIUrl":"10.21053/ceo.2024.00354","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study evaluated the effects of sarpogrelate, a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 2A receptor antagonist, on the preservation of residual hearing and modulation of inflammatory responses following cochlear implantation (CI) in an animal model.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The damaging effects of CI were simulated in male albino guinea pigs using a dummy electrode. Animals were allocated to three groups: control (n=12, dummy electrode insertion only), SPG-1004 (n=7, low-capacity pump delivering sarpogrelate), and SPG-2004 (n=6, high-capacity pump delivering sarpogrelate). Sarpogrelate was administered via osmotic pumps at two different volumes, and its effects on hearing thresholds, histological outcomes, and expression of inflammation-related genes were assessed. Hearing was evaluated using auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds measured at baseline (preoperatively) and at 1, 7, and 30 days postoperatively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Administration of sarpogrelate via an osmotic pump resulted in significant hearing preservation across all tested frequencies at 1 month post-surgery (P<0.05) compared with the control group, which underwent dummy electrode insertion only. Histological analysis revealed that cochlear fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration were markedly reduced in the sarpogrelate-treated groups, especially in the group receiving the higher pump volume. Gene expression analysis supported these findings by showing a significant reduction in inflammation-related markers in the sarpogrelate-treated groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Sarpogrelate exhibited a protective effect against the loss of residual hearing after CI, likely due to its anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties. In addition, the osmotic pump enabled controlled, sustained delivery of the drug over time. These findings indicate that administering sarpogrelate via an osmotic pump represents a promising pharmacological strategy for improving postoperative outcomes in CI patients by preserving residual hearing.</p>","PeriodicalId":10318,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology","volume":" ","pages":"254-263"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12400143/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143647517","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}