ObjectiveTo investigate the expression and pathological significance of neutrophil elastase (NE) and mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) rats. MethodsA total of 60 male specific pathogens free Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into model group and blank group, each with 30 rats. The number of goblet cells and the positive expression of NE and MUC5AC were compared between the two groups by hematoxylin-eosin staining, alcianblue-periodic acid Schiff staining and immunohistochemical staining. ResultsNo rats died accidentally during the experiment. The number of goblet cells was 57.93±7.79 in the model group and 6.80±3.19 in the blank group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (t=−44.267, P<0.05). The median (lower quartile, upper quartile) of the positive expression score of NE was 0 (0, 0) in the blank group and 2 (2, 3) in the model group, the median (lower quartile, upper quartile) of the positive expression score of MUC5AC was 0 (0, 1) in the blank group and 2 (2, 2) in the model group, and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant (P<0.05).ConclusionsThe positive expression of NE, goblet cells, MUC5AC and mucus secretion in COPD model rats increases significantly. Perhaps NE and MUC5AC can be used as target interventions to inhibit mucus hypersecretion.
Objective To explore the role of sulforaphane (SFN) on the regulation of airway mucin 5AC mucin expression in the airway epithelial cell line (A549), and the underlying mechanism. Methods The experiments were performed in culture of PMA and H2O2 induced A549 in vitro. A549 cells divided into three groups: the control group, the model group (PMA and H2O2) and the intervention groups (SFN+PMA; SFN+H2O2). The intervention group's cells were pretreated with SFN for 30 mins before exposure to stimuli (PMA or H2O2). The MUC5AC, Nrf2 and the antioxidant gene HO-1, NQO1, GCLC mRNA levels were analyzed by real time-PCR, and protein production was assayed by western blot. Results Compared with the control group, expression of MUC5AC mucin was increased after being stimulated by PMA or H2O2 (P<0.05), but it was significantly inhibited by SFN (P<0.05). SFN induced the expression of Nrf2 gene and the antioxidant gene HO-1 (compared with the control and model groups,P<0.05). Conclusion Sulforaphane involves the airway mucous hypersecretion induced by PMA and H2O2, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway may play an important role in mucin MUC5AC regulation.