Activation of platelet-adherent basophils in chronic rhinosinusitis with alcohol hypersensitivity

Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2022 Apr;128(4):443-450. doi: 10.1016/j.anai.2022.01.013. Epub 2022 Jan 19.

Abstract

Background: Alcohol hypersensitivity (AH), an exacerbation of respiratory symptoms in response to alcohol consumption, is common in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease and other forms of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). We speculated that these reactions relate to the activation of innate immune cells including basophils and, in particular, platelet-adherent basophils by polyphenolic compounds contained within eliciting alcoholic beverages.

Objective: We investigated the absolute numbers of these cells in patients with AH and the ability of relevant polyphenolic compounds to cause cellular activation.

Methods: Data were collected from 412 consecutive adults presenting to a tertiary care sinonasal clinic in whom the presence of AH was elicited. The CRS phenotype was determined and results from complete blood cell count and differential were analyzed. A subset of patients was invited to donate blood samples that were used to explore the ability of relevant compounds associated with alcohol consumption to activate platelet-nonadherent and platelet-adherent basophils. Activation was quantified by flow cytometry as up-regulated expression of CD63 and as secretion of lipid metabolites.

Results: Of the 412 patients enrolled, 69 (16.7%) endorsed having AH. Significantly higher platelet counts were seen in patients reporting AH. Red wine extract and several polyphenolic compounds produced basophil activation and this was primarily observed among platelet-adherent basophils. Platelet activation was further established as the release of thromboxane B2.

Conclusion: The presence of AH is associated with significantly higher platelet levels and compounds present in alcoholic beverages can directly mediate both their activation and the activation of platelet-adherent basophils.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Asthma, Aspirin-Induced*
  • Basophils
  • Blood Platelets
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity*
  • Sinusitis* / metabolism
  • Tetraspanin 30

Substances

  • Tetraspanin 30