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

BACKGROUND: To assess the effects 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 different cell types), was treated with Rhinosectan(®) (30 µl) or with a control (saline solution). The effects 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 (fluorescence). 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 significant 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.