In vitro safety evaluation of a povidone-iodine solution applied to human nasal epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND

Nasal topical treatments can provide an effective method of disease control for patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, some frequently used formulations lack adequate evaluation on their safety. This study investigated the effect of 0.5% povidone-iodine (Nasodine) on the sinonasal epithelial barrier and ciliated human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) in vitro.

METHODS

Nasodine was applied to air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures of primary HNECs from CRS patients. Epithelial barrier structure was assessed by measuring the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), paracellular permeability, and immunolocalization of the zona occludens-1 (ZO-1) tight junction protein. Toxicity and ciliary beat frequency (CBF) were also studied.

RESULTS

Nasodine was not toxic and did not have detrimental effects on the paracellular permeability or CBF. Nasodine did not show a significant reduction in TEER with a 5-minute exposure; however, with a 30-minute exposure there was a significant reduction in TEER at 1 hour and at 4 hours after exposure.

CONCLUSION

Application of Nasodine to HNEC-ALI cultures in vitro for up to 30 minutes was not toxic and did not affect the paracellular permeability or CBF.