Mucin gene expression in human laryngeal epithelia: effect of laryngopharyngeal reflux - PubMed (original) (raw)

Comparative Study

. 2008 Sep;117(9):688-95.

doi: 10.1177/000348940811700911.

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Comparative Study

Mucin gene expression in human laryngeal epithelia: effect of laryngopharyngeal reflux

Tina L Samuels et al. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2008 Sep.

Abstract

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.

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