Activation of NF-κB in bronchial epithelial cells from children with asthma

VernacularTitle:核因子-κB在哮喘患儿支气管上皮细胞的活化
From: Chinese Medical Journal 2001;114(9):909-911
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Objectives　To determine whether nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is activated in epithelial cells from children with asthma and to understand the role of NF-κB in airway inflammation in asthma. Methods　Bronchial mucosa specimens were obtained from 9 children with asthma and 6 control subjects. NF-κB expression in epithelial cells were detected by immunohistochemical examination, and NF-κB-DNA binding was measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Results　Nuclear expression of NF-κB in epithelial cells was observed in the 9 asthmatic children. NF-κB-DNA binding was found in 4 asthmatic children (EMSA was performed in 6 asthmatic children). In contrast, both nuclear expression and NF-κB-DNA binding were absent in the 6 control subjects. Conclusion　These results indicated that NF-κB is activated in epithelial cells from asthmatic children and the NF-κB activation may be the basis for the increased expression of many inflammatory genes and for airway inflammation in asthma.