Mucin gene expression in human laryngeal epithelia: effect of laryngopharyngeal reflux. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2008 Sep;117(9):688-95
Date
10/07/2008Pubmed ID
18834073DOI
10.1177/000348940811700911Scopus ID
2-s2.0-54249092323 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 57 CitationsAbstract
OBJECTIVES: We sought to document the mucin gene profile in normal human laryngeal epithelium and compare it with that in patients with reflux-attributed laryngeal injury or disease. We also investigated the effect of low pH with or without pepsin on mucin messenger RNA levels in vitro.
METHODS: Laryngeal biopsy specimens were obtained from 3 patients with clinically diagnosed laryngopharyngeal reflux and from 2 control subjects who had no signs or symptoms of reflux. Signs and symptoms were assessed by the Reflux Finding Score and the Reflux Symptom Index, respectively. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to establish the mucin gene profile. Human hypopharyngeal epithelial cells were exposed to pH 7, 5, 4, and 2 with and without pepsin (0.1 mg/mL) for 20 minutes at 37 degrees C, and expression of selected mucins was analyzed via real-time RT-PCR.
RESULTS: Mucin 1-5, 7, 9, 13, 15, 16, and 18-20 transcripts were detected in normal laryngeal epithelium, whereas mucin 6, 8, and 17 transcripts were not. Mucins 2, 3, and 5 were expressed at reduced levels in patients with reflux-attributed laryngeal injury or disease. These mucin genes were up-regulated after exposure to low pH in vitro (p < 0.005). Pepsin inhibited this up-regulation (p <0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Reflux laryngitis is associated with down-regulation of mucin gene expression.
Author List
Samuels TL, Handler E, Syring ML, Pajewski NM, Blumin JH, Kerschner JE, Johnston NAuthors
Joel H. Blumin MD Chief, Professor in the Otolaryngology department at Medical College of WisconsinNikki Johnston PhD Professor in the Otolaryngology department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Joseph E. Kerschner MD Provost, Executive Vice President, Dean, Professor in the School of Medicine Administration department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultAged
Down-Regulation
Epithelium
Female
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Gene Expression
Humans
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Hypopharynx
Larynx
Male
Mucins
Pepsin A
RNA, Messenger
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
