Sinupret Activates CFTR and TMEM16A-Dependent Transepithelial Chloride Transport and Improves Indicators of Mucociliary Clearance

INTRODUCTION: We have previously demonstrated that Sinupret, an established treatment prescribed widely in Europe for respiratory ailments including rhinosinusitis, promotes transepithelial chloride (Cl(−)) secretion in vitro and in vivo. The present study was designed to evaluate other indicators of mucociliary clearance (MCC) including ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and airway surface liquid (ASL) depth, but also investigate the mechanisms that underlie activity of this bioflavonoid. METHODS: Primary murine nasal septal epithelial (MNSE) [wild type (WT) and transgenic CFTR(−/−)], human sinonasal epithelial (HSNE), WT CFTR-expressing CFBE and TMEM16A-expressing HEK cultures were utilized for the present experiments. CBF and ASL depth measurements were performed. Mechanisms underlying transepithelial Cl(−) transport were determined using pharmacologic manipulation in Ussing chambers, Fura-2 intracellular calcium [Ca(2+)](i) imaging, cAMP signaling, regulatory domain (R-D) phosphorylation of CFTR, and excised inside out and whole cell patch clamp analysis. RESULTS: Sinupret-mediated Cl(−) secretion [ΔI(SC)(µA/cm(2))] was pronounced in WT MNSE (20.7+/−0.9 vs. 5.6+/−0.9(control), p<0.05), CFTR(−/−) MNSE (10.1+/−1.0 vs. 0.9+/−0.3(control), p<0.05) and HSNE (20.7+/−0.3 vs. 6.4+/−0.9(control), p<0.05). The formulation activated Ca(2+) signaling and TMEM16A channels, but also increased CFTR channel open probability (Po) without stimulating PKA-dependent pathways responsible for phosphorylation of the CFTR R-domain and resultant Cl(−) secretion. Sinupret also enhanced CBF and ASL depth. CONCLUSION: Sinupret stimulates CBF, promotes transepithelial Cl(−) secretion, and increases ASL depth in a manner likely to enhance MCC. Our findings suggest that direct stimulation of CFTR, together with activation of Ca(2+)-dependent TMEM16A secretion account for the majority of anion transport attributable to Sinupret. These studies provide further rationale for using robust Cl(−) secretagogue based therapies as an emerging treatment modality for common respiratory diseases of MCC including acute and chronic bronchitis and CRS.