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

Adenocarcinoma, Papillary ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; Cystadenoma, Mucinous ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Mucins ; classification ; genetics ; metabolism ; Pancreas ; metabolism ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; metabolism

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

OBJECTIVETo explore the roles of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway on cultured human nasal epithelial cells RPMI-2650.

METHODSRPMI-2650 cells were cultured in vitro, the growth curve was measured and the ultrastructure was observed using scanning electron microscope. When the cells were significantly confluent, they were divided into 4 groups, group A: maintained in Eagle's minimum essential media (EMEM) medium without adding any stimulators; group B: added with epidermal growth factor (EGF) 25 ng/ml; group C: added with AG1478 (EGFR selective inhibitor) 10 micromol/L followed by EGF 25 ng/ml 30 minutes later; group D: added with PD98069 (p44/42MAPK selective inhibitor) 30 micromol/L followed by EGF 25 ng/ml 30 minutes later. After incubated for 24 hours, the expression of EGFR and MUC5AC proteins in the cells of these 4 groups was studied using cytoimmunity and Western blotting.

RESULTSRPMI-2650 cells were significantly confluent after incubated for 5 to 7 days. The shape of cells was round or oval, and a large number of microvilli covered to their surface but without cilia under scanning electron microscope. The EGFR protein was expressed in the cells of group A and D, abundantly in group B, while weakly in group C. The values of comparative absorbance had significant difference between group A, B, D and group C, respectively (P < 0.01). For the MUC5AC protein, its expression was strong in the cells of group A, abundant in group B, and weak in group C and D. Significant difference of the values of comparative absorbance was analyzed between group B and group C, D, respectively (P < 0.01), while no difference between group C and group D (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe production of MUC5AC in human nasal epithelial cells RPMI-2650 is regulated via the expression and activation of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway.

Cell Proliferation ; Epithelial Cells ; metabolism ; Humans ; Mucin 5AC ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mucins ; metabolism ; Nasal Cavity ; cytology ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Tumor Cells, Cultured

OBJECTIVETo compare the immunoprofiles of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma for mucin glycoproteins (including MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC6) and cytokeratins (including CK7, CK19 and CK20), and to assess their diagnostic value.

METHODSOne hundred cases of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and 21 cases of metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma were enrolled into the study. Immunohistochemical study for MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC6, CK7, CK19 and CK20 was carried out in all cases by EnVision method.

RESULTSIn intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, the expression rates of MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC6 were 61.0%, 2.0%, 22.0% and 8.0% respectively, as compared to 57.1%, 47.6%, 19.0% and 23.8% respectively in metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma. On the other hand, the expression rates of CK7, CK19 and CK20 in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma were 73.0%, 53.0% and 15.0% respectively, in contrast to 14.3%, 90.5% and 85.7% respectively in metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma. The difference in expressions of MUC2, MUC6, CK7 and CK20 carried statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONSThe immunoprofile for mucin glycoproteins and cytokeratins provides important clues in distinguishing between intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma to liver. The immunophenotype of MUC2-/MUC6-/CK7+/CK20- indicates the diagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, while MUC2+/MUC6+/CK7-/CK20+ suggests the possibility of metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Aged ; Bile Duct Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic ; pathology ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; analysis ; Cholangiocarcinoma ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Glycoproteins ; metabolism ; Humans ; Keratins ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mucins ; metabolism ; Neoplasm Staging ; classification

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

PURPOSE: Recent discoveries suggest that aberrant DNA methylation provides cancer cells with advanced metastatic properties. However, the precise regulatory mechanisms controlling metastasis genes and their role in metastatic transformation are largely unknown. To address epigenetically-regulated gene products involved in ovarian cancer metastasis, we examined the mechanisms regulating mucin 13 (MUC13) expression and its influence on aggressive behaviors of ovarian malignancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We injected SK-OV-3 ovarian cancer cells peritoneally into nude mice to mimic human ovarian tumor metastasis. Overexpression of MUC13 mRNA was detected in metastatic implants from the xenografts by expression microarray analysis and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The DNA methylation status within the MUC13 promoter region was determined using bisulfite sequencing PCR and quantitative methylation-specific PCR. We evaluated the effects of exogenous MUC13 on cell invasion and migration using in vitro transwell assays. RESULTS: MUC13 mRNA expression was up-regulated, and methylation of specific CpG sites within the promoter was reduced in the metastatic implants relative to those in wild-type SK-OV-3 cells. Addition of a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor to SK-OV-3 cells induced MUC13 expression, thereby implying epigenetic regulation of MUC13 by promoter methylation. MUC13 overexpression increased migration and invasiveness, compared to control cells, suggesting aberrant up-regulation of MUC13 is strongly associated with progression of aggressive behaviors in ovarian cancer. CONCLUSION: We provide novel evidence for epigenetic regulation of MUC13 in ovarian cancer. We suggest that the DNA methylation status within the MUC13 promoter region may be a potential biomarker of aggressive behavior in ovarian cancer.
Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; *DNA Methylation ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; Female ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Heterografts/metabolism ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Mucins/*genetics/metabolism/physiology ; Neoplasm Invasiveness/genetics ; Ovarian Neoplasms/genetics/*metabolism/pathology ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism

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

OBJECTIVETo explore the expression and clinical significance of MUC4 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of pancreatic cancer patients.

METHODSThe expression of MUC4 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of pancreatic cancer patients were detected with reverse transcription realtime PCR.

RESULTSExpression of MUC4 mRNA was not detected in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of chronic pancreatitis patients and normal healthy people, but was observed in those of pancreatic cancer patients. The positive expression rate of MUC4 mRNA in pancreatic cancer patients was 60%, which was significantly higher than those of chronic pancreatitis patients and normal healthy people (P < 0.01). The positive expression rate of MUC4 mRNA increased with the development of clinical stage, and the positive expression rate in stage of II - IV (TNM system) was 76.92%, which was significantly higher than that of I - II stage (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSExpression of MUC4 mRNA is highly correlated with the clinical stage in pancreatic cancer patients. Detecting the expression of MUC4 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of pancreatic cancer patients may be helpful for the early diagnosis and differential diagnosis.

Adenocarcinoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Adult ; Aged ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Monocytes ; metabolism ; Mucins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Neoplasm Staging ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction