Effects of electroacupuncture combined with interleukin‑10 on chronic sinusitis in mice.

Electroacupuncture (EA) has been documented as a form of therapy for chronic sinusitis (CRS). The present study aimed to assess the effects of EA combined with interleukin-10 (IL-10) overexpression on CRS in mice, and to investigate the associated mechanisms. A mouse model of CRS was established by the administration of ovalbumin (OVA), and overexpression of IL-10 was induced using virus-encoded IL-10. The experimental groups were as follows: i) Control group; ii) OVA group; iii) OVA + EA group; iv) OVA + empty vector group; v) OVA + vector + EA group; vi) OVA + IL-10 group; and vii) OVA + IL-10 + EA group. Pathological changes and nasal mucus were analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and IL-10 were detected via reverse-transcription quantitative PCR and western blot analyses. The pseudostratified epithelium of the mucosa of the nasal sinus was impaired following the induction of CRS. Treatment with EA and/or IL-10 reversed the injury. Combination treatment with EA and IL-10 induced synergistic effects. No infiltration of inflammatory cells was observed in the submucosa following EA and IL-10 treatment. Compared with the control group, the expression of IFN-gamma and IL-10 in the OVA group was reduced. By contrast, EA or the overexpression of IL-10 inhibited this reduction. Furthermore, the combined application of EA and IL-10 had a significantly more potent inhibitory effect on the reduction of IFN-gamma expression, but not IL-10. Collectively, EA combined with IL-10 induced specific effects on CRS in mice, likely through the upregulation of IFN-gamma and IL-10. The current study presented mechanistic implications for the application of EA as an alternative treatment for CRS.