Glycyrrhizin inhibits human neutrophil elastase-induced mucin 5AC overproduction in human bronchial epithelial cells.
10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2014.03.005
- Author:
Qingrong XIAO
1
;
Xiangdong ZHOU
Author Information
1. Department of Respiration, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Bronchi;
cytology;
Cell Line;
Epithelial Cells;
metabolism;
Glycyrrhizic Acid;
pharmacology;
Humans;
I-kappa B Proteins;
metabolism;
Leukocyte Elastase;
metabolism;
Mucin 5AC;
biosynthesis;
NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha;
Phosphorylation;
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction;
Signal Transduction;
Transcription Factor RelA;
metabolism;
p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases;
metabolism
- From:
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences)
2014;39(3):252-257
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of glycyrrhizin (Gly) on human neutrophil elastase (HNE)- induced mucin (MUC) 5AC overproduction in human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE), and the potential signaling pathway involved in this process.
METHODS:The cultured cells were divided into 3 groups: a control group, cultured in serum-free DMEM medium; an HNE group, pretreated with HNE alone; and a Gly group, incubated with HNE and Gly. After stimulation with a variety of Gly concentrations, the cytotoxicity was assessed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium method. The mRNA expressions of p38, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65, inhibitory κBα (IκBα) and MUC5AC were detected by real-time PCR. The phosphorylation levels of p38 (p-p38), NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65) and IκBα (p-IκBα) were measured by Western blot while the levels of MUC5AC protein were analyzed by emzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence.
RESULTS:Compared with the control group, the expression levels of MUC5AC mRNA and protein in the HNE group were both significantly increased. There was a significant increase in p-p38 and p-NF-κB p65, while the production of IκBα was much lower than that in the control group. Gly significantly inhibited the increase of MUC5AC, p38 and NF-κB p65, but increased the activity of IκBα.
CONCLUSION:Glycyrrhizin can inhibit MUC5AC overproduction via p38-NF-κB p65/IκBα signaling pathway.