In this study we investigate the expression pattern of mucin genes in the human testis and evaluate the relationship between the expression of mucin genes and impaired spermatogenesis in the human testis. Thirty human testis tissues were collected from patients undergoing diagnostic testicular biopsy to investigate the cause of infertility. One part of the tissue underwent histological observation, and the other part of the tissue was subjected to semiquantitative RT-PCR of mucin genes, that is, mucin1, 2, 3, 4, and 9. The relative amount of mucin mRNAs was calculated by densitometry using glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as an internal control. The samples were histologically diagnosed as either obstructive azoospermia with normal spermatogenesis (n = 13) or non-obstructive azoospermia with impaired spermatogenesis (n = 17). In the human testis with normal spermatogenesis, mRNA expression of mucin1, 9, 13 and GAPDH were found, but RT-PCR products of mucin 2, 3 and 4 were not detected. In the testis with impaired spermatogenesis, however, RT-PCR product of mucin1 was not found. There was no difference in the other mucin mRNA expression patterns between the testis with either normal or impaired spermatogenesis. To our knowledge, this study is the first that has detected the mRNA of mucin9 and 13 in human testis. This study also shows that mucin1 expression might be closely related to spermatogenesis. Our findings should be substantiated by more direct evidence, such as mucin protein expression and localization.
Testis/*metabolism ; *Spermatogenesis ; Mucins/*genetics ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Humans ; Glycoproteins/genetics ; Antigens, Neoplasm ; Antigens/genetics ; Adult

To study the effects of glucocorticoid on the IL-13-induced Muc5ac expression in airways of mice, and investigate its role in mucus secretion of airways, 24 pathogen-free BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 3 groups. IL-13 group received an nasal instillation of 100 microg of recombinant murine IL-13 solution on days 1, 3 and 5. In dexamethasone group, dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally 24 h before and 1 h before the first instillation of IL-13 and on 4 consecutive days (day 0 to day 5, 6 consecutive days in total), while control group was not treated with IL-13 or dexamethasone. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected and eosinophils were counted, and expression of Muc5ac mRNA and protein in lungs were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology and immunohistochemical assay respectively. Our results showed that the number of mice, with positve Muc5ac protein expression, expression of Muc5ac mRNA and eosinophils in BALF after IL-13 treatment were all significantly higher than that of control group (all P<0.01). Despite eosinophils reduced (P<0.01), the number of mice with positive Muc5ac protein expression, expression of Muc5ac mRNA afterdexamethasone treatment didn't decreas significantly as compared with that of IL-13 group. It is concluded that IL-13 can up-regulate the expression of Muc5ac mRNA and protein, which may play a pivotal role in the mucus overproduction of airways. Dexamethasone can suppress IL-13-induced eosinophilic infiltration in lung but can't inhibit the mucus overproduction.
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/cytology ; Dexamethasone/*pharmacology ; Interleukin-13/*pharmacology ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mucins/*biosynthesis ; Mucins/genetics ; Mucus/secretion ; RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis ; RNA, Messenger/genetics ; Random Allocation ; Respiratory System/*metabolism

Colonic Polyps ; genetics ; pathology ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; CpG Islands ; DNA Methylation ; Genes, APC ; Genes, ras ; Humans ; Intestinal Polyps ; genetics ; pathology ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Mucin-2 ; Mucins ; analysis ; Mutation

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological, immunophenotypic and molecular features of colorectal amphicrine carcinoma (AC). Methods: Eight cases of colorectal AC were collected at the Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital and Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing, China from 2013 to 2020. The histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular features were analyzed. The relevant literature was reviewed. Results: There were 6 males and 2 females, with an average age of 56 years (range 28-80 years). The tumor sites were as follows: 4 cases in sigmoid colon, 3 cases in rectum, and 1 case in transverse colon. Microscopically, there were three different patterns in the tumors, including nests with collagen hyperplasia, sheets of cells with scant stroma, and glandular or cribriform growth of goblet- or signet ring-like cells. The tumor cells generally had abundant cytoplasm with abundant mucin or eosinophilic granules. The nuclei were oval or irregular with fine chromatin and inconspicuous nucleoli. Mitotic figures were common. Neuroendocrine granules and mucin granules could be identified clearly under electron microscope. All cases showed frequent perineural and lymphovascular invasions, lymphatic metastasis, and advanced stage. Regarding immunohistochemical and specific stains, the tumor cells expressed more than two neuroendocrine markers, particularly CD56 and synaptophysin which were diffusely positive in 7 of the 8 cases. They also showed intracellular mucin in the amphicrine components which was positive for D-PAS. KRAS G12C or NRAS Q61 gene mutations were found in 2 patients. Among the six cases with complete follow-up, four of them died of the disease within three years of the diagnoses, while two were alive without known disease progression. Conclusions: Colorectal AC is a rare, distinct entity with both epithelial and neuroendocrine differentiation. It mainly occurs in the sigmoid colon and rectum. It typically has aggressive clinical courses, dismal prognosis and characteristic histological features and immunophenotype, which highlight the importance of recognizing this entity for clinicians and pathologists.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; Carcinoma/pathology* ; China ; Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics* ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mucins ; Prognosis

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Ebolavirus ; genetics ; pathogenicity ; Gene Transfer Techniques ; Genetic Vectors ; therapeutic use ; Glycoproteins ; genetics ; HEK293 Cells ; Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola ; genetics ; pathology ; virology ; Humans ; Inflammation ; genetics ; pathology ; virology ; Mucins ; genetics ; Transfection ; Viral Envelope Proteins ; genetics

OBJECTIVE: To detect the mucin gene (MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC5B, MUC18 and MUC19) expression in the nasal polyps, allergic rhinitis (AR) and the normal nasal mucosa in human. To investigate the role and clinical significance of mucin gene in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps and AR patients. METHOD: We obtained samples from 35 cases of nasal polyps, 18 cases of AR inferior turbinate and 18 cases of simple nasal septum deviation inferior turbinate. Specimens were analyzed with RT-PCR and Real-time FQ-RT-PCR. RESULT: The results of RT-PCR and FQ-RT-PCR showed that the expression of MUC5AC, MUC5B in nasal polyps and AR patients was significantly higher than that in normal mucosa (P<0.05). The expression of MUC5AC, MUC5B in nasal polyps was not significantly different from that in AR patients (P>0.05). The expression of MUC2, MUC18 in nasal polyps and AR was not significantly different from that in normal mucosa (P>0.05). And the results of RT-PCR for MUC19 expression in AR was higher than that in nasal polyps group and normal group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION MUC5AC and MUC5B are highly expressed in epithelium of human nasal polyps and AR, and they take part in mucus over-secretion in nasal polyps and AR. The expression of MUC19 in AR was higher than that in nasal polyps group and normal group. It indicates that the secretion of MUC19 in allergic rhinitis was on high level. There was no difference of the expression of MUC2 and MUC18 in nasal polyps group, AR group and in normal group.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mucin 5AC ; genetics ; Mucin-2 ; genetics ; Mucin-5B ; genetics ; Mucins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Nasal Mucosa ; metabolism ; pathology ; Nasal Polyps ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rhinitis ; genetics ; metabolism ; Young Adult

Pigs are increasingly recognized as "natural" hosts of infection by human respiratory viruses because of their similarities to humans in terms of lung physiology, airway morphology, cell types, and distribution of cell receptors in the respiratory tract. We wished to explore the mechanisms of infection by respiratory viruses and screening of drug that could be used to treat respiratory-system diseases. Hence, we developed a model of well-differentiated porcine airway epithelial cells (PAECs) derived from pig-lung tissue and cultured them with serum-free medium under an air-liquid interface condition in vitro. We identified the PAEC model using scanning electron microscopy, electrophysiology, and immunohistology. To evaluate application of gene therapy of adeno-associated virus (AAV)6 on the PAEC model, we generated recombinant adeno-associated virus 6-green fluorescent protein (rAAV6-GFP) using the three-plasmid transfection method and infected PAECs from the apical surface with rAAV6-GFP. Results demonstrated that the PAEC model comprised a multilayer epithelial structure containing ciliated mucous secretory cells, with basal cells located directly beneath the multilayer. rAAV6-GFP could infect PAECs from the apical surface and efficiently transduce PAECs to mediate the long-term expression of the exogenous gene. Establishment of a model of well-differentiated PAECs in vitro could lay a solid foundation for the study of infection by respiratory pathogens, as well as the screening and gene therapy of agents used to treat diseases of the respiratory system.
Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; Dependovirus ; genetics ; Epithelial Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Green Fluorescent Proteins ; genetics ; HEK293 Cells ; Humans ; Lung ; cytology ; Membrane Potentials ; Mucins ; metabolism ; Swine ; Transduction, Genetic ; Tubulin ; metabolism

The abnormal expression of MUC15, a novel cell membrane-associated mucin, has been reported to predict poor survival in several cancers. The aim of the present study was to examine the expression of MUC15 in glioma and its correlation with clinicopathological features, including the survival of patients with glioma. The mRNA expression level of MUC15 was determined by RT-PCR, quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting in seven normal brain tissues and seven glioma tissues, respectively. The protein expression level of MUC15 was immunohistochemically detected in paraffin-embedded samples of 317 glioma tissues and 115 noncancerous brain tissues. The association of MUC15 expression levels with the clinicopathologic features and the prognosis was analyzed. The results showed that both mRNA and protein levels of MUC15 were significantly increased in glioma as compared with those in noncancerous brain tissue. Moreover, MUC15 overexpression was positively correlated with the advanced clinical stages of glioam patients (P<0.01). Furthermore, MUC15 expression levels were significantly correlated with the progression of glioma (P<0.001). Survival analysis indicated that glioma patients with higher MUC15 expression had a significantly shorter overall and 5-year survival time than those with low MUC15 expression. Multivariate analysis suggested that MUC15 overexpression was an independent factor for prognosis (hazard risk: 3.216; P=0.009). It was concluded that MUC15 is overexpressed in glioma tissues. Its overexpression correlates with tumor progression and it is a potentially unfavorable prognostic factor for patients with glioma.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; Brain Neoplasms ; Disease-Free Survival ; Female ; Glioma ; genetics ; pathology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mucins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Prognosis ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Mucin-hypersecreting bile duct tumor is rare, and has an unusual histologic characteristic of having various degrees of cellular atypia ranging from dysplasia to invasive carcinoma in the same specimen. To gain insight into the role of p16, p14 and p53 in the carcinogenic process of bile duct tumor, we analyzed the expression status of these proteins in mucin-hypersecreting bile duct tumor. METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining of p16, p14 and p53 were performed in 34 paraffin embedded tissues obtained from 22 patients of mucin-hypersecreting bile duct tumor. RESULTS: Thirty-four specimens were categorized into low-grade dysplasia (9), high-grade dysplasia (4), carcinoma in situ (CIS, 11) and invasive carcinoma (10) based on the degree of cytologic and structural atypia. p53 overexpressions were found in 6 (17.6%, 3 in CIS, 3 in invasive carcinoma) and more frequently observed in the advanced histologic stages (p<0.05). Loss of p16 staining was found only in 2 (6%) of low-grade dysplasia specimen. Loss of p14 staining was found in 21 (61.7%, 7 in low-grade dysplasia, 2 in high-grade dysplasia, 8 in CIS, and 4 in invasive carcinoma) and was frequently observed in low-grade and high-grade dysplasia compared to p53 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In mucin-hypersecreting bile duct tumor, p14 and p53 may play a role in the early and advanced stage of carcinogenesis, respectively. Further study regarding genetic and epigenetic alterations in p14 and p53 gene may be needed.
Adult ; Aged ; Bile Duct Neoplasms/*genetics/secretion ; Carcinoma/*genetics ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16/*genetics/secretion ; English Abstract ; Female ; *Genes, p16 ; *Genes, p53 ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mucins/*secretion ; *Mutation ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p14ARF/*genetics

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) has been used in acute colitis treatment. However, it is unclear whether the LGG prevents chronic colitis. The aim of this study was to examine the prophylactic effect of LGG on animal colitis, cytokine secretion, and mucin gene expression. METHODS: BALB/c mice (n=64) were exposed to 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 7 days followed by 10 days recovery period and repeatedly exposed for 4 days. Then, the mice were devided into three group; group of oral LGG adminstration throughout the recovery and repeated colitis period; PBS group of PBS administration; control group. Colon length, histologic score, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels, mucin gene expressions were determined at each period. RESULTS: In acute colitis period, the LGG group showed higher levels of disease activity index (DAI), histologic score, TNF-alpha, IL-10, but shorter colon length, lower levels of mucin gene expressions than the control group. However, in repeated colitis period, the LGG group showed markedly lower levels of DAI and IL-10 but significantly longer colon length than PBS group (p<0.05). There was no difference in the mucin gene expression. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that LGG prevents chronic murine colitis. It may be associated with cytokine modulation and competitive inhibition of pathogenic bacteria. However, it may not be related with gene expression.
Animals ; Colitis/*prevention & control ; Cytokines/*metabolism ; English Abstract ; Gene Expression/*drug effects ; *Lactobacillus ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mucins/*genetics/metabolism ; Probiotics/*therapeutic use