• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.77 no.2
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• pp.65-72
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• 2014

Background: It is valuable to find the potential activity of regulating the excessive mucin secretion by the compounds derived from various medicinal plants. We investigated whether aqueous extract of the root bark of Morus alba L. (AMA), kuwanon E, kuwanon G, mulberrofuran G, and morusin significantly affect the secretion and production of airway mucin using in vivo and in vitro experimental models. Methods: Effect of AMA was examined on hypersecretion of airway mucin in sulfur dioxide-induced acute bronchitis in rats. Confluent NCI-H292 cells were pretreated with ethanolic extract, kuwanon E, kuwanon G, mulberrofuran G, or morusin for 30 minutes and then stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) for 24 hours. The MUC5AC mucin secretion and production were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: AMA stimulated the secretion of airway mucin in sulfur dioxide-induced bronchitis rat model; aqueous extract, ethanolic extract, kuwanon E, kuwanon G, mulberrofuran G and morusin inhibited the production of MUC5AC mucin induced by PMA from NCI-H292 cells, respectively. Conclusion: These results suggest that extract of the root bark and the natural products derived from Morus alba L. can regulate the secretion and production of airway mucin and, at least in part, explains the folk use of extract of Morus alba L. as mucoregulators in diverse inflammatory pulmonary diseases.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.75 no.5
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• pp.205-209
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• 2013

Background: We investigated whether prunetin significantly affects tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$)-induced MUC5AC mucin gene expression, production, inhibitory kappa B ($I{\kappa}B$) degradation and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) p65 translocation in human airway epithelial cells. Methods: Confluent NCI-H292 cells were pretreated with prunetin for 30 minutes and then stimulated with TNF-${\alpha}$ for 24 hours or the indicated periods. MUC5AC mucin gene expression and mucin protein production were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The effect of prunetin on TNF-${\alpha}$-induced degradation of $I{\kappa}B$ and translocation of NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 was investigated by western blot analysis. Results: We found that incubation of NCI-H292 cells with prunetin significantly inhibited mucin production and down-regulated the MUC5AC gene expression induced by TNF-${\alpha}$. Prunetin inhibited TNF-${\alpha}$-induced degradation of $I{\kappa}B$ and translocation of NF-${\kappa}B$ p65. Conclusion: This result suggests that prunetin inhibits the NF-${\kappa}B$ signaling pathway, which may explain its role in the inhibition of MUC5AC mucin gene expression and production regulated by the NF-${\kappa}B$ signaling pathway.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.38-49
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• 2021

Airway mucus secretion is an essential innate immune response for host protection. However, overproduction and hypersecretion of mucus, mainly composed of the gel-forming MUC5AC protein, are significant risk factors for patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling pathway negatively regulates MUC5AC expression; however, the underlying molecular mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we showed that TGFβ significantly reduces the expression of MUC5AC mRNA and its protein in NCI-H292 cells, a human mucoepidermoid carcinoma cell line. This reduced MUC5AC expression was restored by a TGFβ receptor inhibitor (SB431542), but not by the inhibition of NF-κB (BAY11-7082 or Triptolide) or PI3K (LY294002) activities. TGFβ-activated Smad3 dose-dependently bound to MUC5AC promoter. Notably, TGFβ-activated Smad3 recruited HDAC2 and facilitated nuclear translocation of HDAC2, thereby inducing the deacetylation of NF-κB at K310, which is essential for a reduction in NF-κB transcriptional activity. Both TGFβ-induced nuclear translocation of Smad3/HDAC2 and deacetylation of NF-κB at K310 were suppressed by a Smad3 inhibitor (SIS3). These results suggest that the TGFβ-activated Smad3/HDAC2 complex is an essential negative regulator for MUC5AC expression and an epigenetic regulator for NF-κB acetylation. Therefore, these results collectively suggest that modulation of the TGFβ1/Smad3/HDAC2/NF-κB pathway axis can be a promising way to improve lung function as a treatment strategy for asthma and COPD.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.97-105
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• 2023

Background: Hyperactivated airway mucosa cells overproduce mucin and cause severe breathing complications. Here, we aimed to identify the effects of saponins derived from Panax ginseng on inflammation and mucin overproduction. Methods: NCI-H292 cells were pre-incubated with 16 saponins derived from P. ginseng, and mucin overproduction was induced by treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Mucin protein MUC5AC was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and mRNA levels were analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Moreover, we performed a transcriptome analysis of PMA-treated NCI-H292 cells in the absence or presence of Rg5, and differential gene expression was confirmed using qPCR. Phosphorylation levels of signaling molecules, and the abundance of lipid droplets, were measured by western blotting, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy. Results: Ginsenoside Rg5 effectively reduced MUC5AC secretion and decreased MUC5AC mRNA levels. A systematic functional network analysis revealed that Rg5 upregulated cholesterol and glycerolipid metabolism, resulting in the production of lipid droplets to clear reactive oxygen species (ROS), and modulated the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor (NF)-kB signaling pathways to regulate inflammatory responses. Rg5 induced the accumulation of lipid droplets and decreased cellular ROS levels, and N-acetyl-ⳑ-cysteine, a ROS inhibitor, reduced MUC5AC secretion via Rg5. Furthermore, Rg5 hampered the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 proteins, affecting the NF-kB signaling pathway and pro-inflammatory responses. Conclusion: Rg5 alleviated inflammatory responses by reducing mucin secretion and promoting lipid droplet-mediated ROS clearance. Therefore, Rg5 may have potential as a therapeutic agent to alleviate respiratory disorders caused by hyperactivation of mucosa cells.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.294-299
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• 2010

In this study, we tried to investigate whether platycodin D significantly affects MUC5AC mucin production and gene expression induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF), phorbol ester (PMA) and tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$ (TNF-$\alpha$) from human airway epithelial cells. Confluent NCI-H292 cells were pretreated with varying concentrations of platycodin D for 30 min and then stimulated with EGF, PMA and TNF-$\alpha$ for 24h, respectively. MUC5AC mucin gene expression and mucin protein production were measured by RT-PCR and ELISA. The results were as follows: (1) Platycodin D was found to inhibit the production of MUC5AC mucin protein induced by EGF, PMA, and TNF-$\alpha$, respectively. (2) It also inhibited the expression of MUC5AC mucin gene induced by the same inducers. These results suggest that platycodin D can regulate mucin gene expression and production of mucin protein, by directly acting on human airway epithelial cells.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.396-401
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• 2010

We conducted this study to investigate whether baicalin, baicalein or schizandrin significantly affect MUC5AC mucin production induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF) or phorbol ester (PMA) in human airway epithelial cells. Confluent NCI-H292 cells were pretreated with varying concentrations of baicalin, baicalein or schizandrin for 30 min and then stimulated with EGF or PMA for 24 h, respectively. MUC5AC mucin protein production was measured by ELISA. The results were as follows: (1) Baicalin was found to inhibit the production of MUC5AC mucin protein induced by both EGF and PMA. (2) Baicalein, the aglycone of baicalin, also inhibited MUC5AC mucin production. (3) Schizandrin, derived from Schizandrae Fructus, inhibited MUC5AC mucin production by the same inducers. These results suggest that baicalin, baicalein and schizandrin can regulate the production of mucin protein by directly acting on human airway epithelial cells.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.320-323
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• 2011

We conducted this study to investigate whether berberine signifi cantly affects MUC5AC mucin gene expression and mucin production induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF), phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) from human airway epithelial cells. Confl uent NCI-H292 cells were pretreated with varying concentrations of berberine for 30 min and then stimulated with EGF, PMA or TNF-${\alpha}$ for 24 h. MUC5AC mucin gene expression and mucin production were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Berberine was found to inhibit the expression of MUC5AC mucin gene induced by EGF, PMA or TNF-${\alpha}$. Berberine also inhibited the production of MUC5AC mucin protein stimulated by the same inducers. This result suggests that berberine can regulate the expression of mucin gene and production of mucin protein, by directly acting on human airway epithelial cells.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.303-310
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• 2021

In the present study, kaempferol, a flavonoidal natural compound found in Polygonati Rhizoma, was investigated for its potential effect on the gene expression and production of airway MUC5AC mucin. A human respiratory epithelial NCI-H292 cells was pretreated with kaempferol for 30 min and stimulated with epidermal growth factor (EGF) or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), for the following 24 h. The effect on PMA-induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway or EGF-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was investigated. Kaempferol suppressed the production and gene expression of MUC5AC mucins, induced by PMA through the inhibition of degradation of inhibitory kappa Bα (IκBα), and NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. Also, kaempferol inhibited EGF-induced gene expression and production of MUC5AC mucin through regulating the phosphorylation of EGFR, phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 (p44/42), and the nuclear expression of specificity protein-1 (Sp1). These results suggest kaempferol regulates the gene expression and production of mucin through regulation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, in human airway epithelial cells.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.70 no.3
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• pp.218-223
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• 2011

Background: We investigated whether curcumin and genistein affect the MUC5AC mucin production from human airway epithelial cells that is induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$). Methods: Confluent NCI-H292 cells were pretreated with each agent for 30 min and then stimulated with PMA or TNF-${\alpha}$ for 24 hours. MUC5AC mucin production was measured by an ELISA. Results: (1) Curcumin dose-dependently inhibited the production of MUC5AC mucin that was induced by PMA or TNF-${\alpha}$; (2) Genistein inhibited PMA-induced MUC5AC mucin production. However, it did not decrease TNF-${\alpha}$-induced MUC5AC mucin production. Conclusion: These results suggest that curcumin and genistein inhibit the production of airway mucin induced by PMA.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.69 no.5
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• pp.348-353
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• 2010

Background: In this study, we tried to investigate whether carbenoxolone, prunetin, and silibinin affect tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$-induced MUC5AC mucin production and gene expression from human airway epithelial cells. Methods: Confluent NCI-H292 cells were pretreated with each agent (carbenoxolone, prunetin, and silibinin) for 30 min and then stimulated with TNF-${\alpha}$ for 24 hours. The MUC5AC mucin gene expression and mucin protein production were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Results: Carbenoxolone, prunetin and silibinin inhibited the production of MUC5AC mucin protein induced by TNF-${\alpha}$; the 3 compounds also inhibited the expression of MUC5AC mucin gene induced by TNF-${\alpha}$. Conclusion: This result suggests that carbenoxolone, prunetin and silibinin can inhibit mucin gene expression and production of mucin protein induced by TNF-${\alpha}$, by directly acting on airway epithelial cells.