Conclusions. Proteases in fungi interact with nasal epithelial cells and enhance the production of inflammatory cytokines in vitro. These cytokines induced the migration of eosinophils and neutrophils. Protease-activated receptors (PARs) might also play a role in the process of epithelial cell activation. Objective. The nasal epithelium is the first barrier encountered by airborne allergens and an active participant in airway inflammation. Fungi have been increasingly recognized as important pathogens in sinusitis and consist of several allergenic proteins. Materials and methods. Nasal polyp epithelial cells were obtained from patients and stimulated with Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium. Interleukin-8 (IL-8), granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and regulated on activation normal T expressed and secreted (RANTES) were measured to determine the activation of epithelial cells. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test (RT-PCR) for PAR mRNA expression in nasal epithelial cells was performed. Eosinophil and neutrophil migration was induced with nasal polyp epithelial cells conditioned media (HPECM). Results. Fungi enhanced the production of chemical mediators from nasal epithelial cells. When nasal epithelial cells were activated with fungi, PAR2 and PAR3 mRNAs were more strongly expressed than in nonactivated cells. Eosinophil migration was induced by RANTES and eotaxin, and neutrophil migration was induced by IL-8 in HPECM.

Background: Urinary crystals are the most diverse forms of urine sediments. Reference images for typical urinary crystals are common, however, but images for interpreting atypical urinary crystals are very rare. The authors reviewed various forms and solubility tests of urine crystals to interpret atypical crystals found in clinical specimens.Methods: We reviewed textbooks on urinary crystals and articles published in PubMed. Some atypical crystals were confirmed using a solubility test.Results: The classification, shape, chemical structure, and solubility of the crystals were summarized. In the solubility test, some crystals showed different results; therefore, a new solubility test was proposed based on the literature review. We presented various types of calcium oxalates.Conclusions: These review articles will be helpful in the examination of atypical crystals found in clinical specimens. The solubility test requires additional studies to discriminate the inconsistent results between the authors.