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MUC5AC and a Glycosylated Variant of MUC5B Alter Mucin Composition in Children With Acute Asthma.

Authors :
Welsh, Kathryn G.
Rousseau, Karine
Fisher, Gemma
Bonser, Luke R.
Bradding, Peter
Brightling, Chris E.
Thornton, David J.
Gaillard, Erol A.
Source :
CHEST. Oct2017, Vol. 152 Issue 4, p771-779. 9p.
Publication Year :
2017

Abstract

<bold>Background: </bold>Diffuse airway mucus obstruction is an important feature of severe and fatal asthma. MUC5AC and MUC5B are the principal gel-forming mucins found in airway mucus. The mucin composition of airway mucus likely affects its functional properties.<bold>Methods: </bold>We quantified the principal airway mucins MUC5AC and MUC5B in the sputum of age-matched children with acute and stable asthma and healthy control subjects by using Western blotting.<bold>Results: </bold>Sputum samples from 38 children (13 with acute asthma, 15 with stable asthma, 10 control subjects) were obtained. Sputum MUC5AC concentrations were 7.6 μg/mL in control subjects, 22.4 μg/mL in those with stable asthma (P = .17), and 44.7 μg/mL in those with acute asthma (P < .05). MUC5B concentrations showed less variation, with 238.5, 208.4 and 165.9 μg/mL in control subjects, those with stable asthma, and those with acute asthma, respectively. The greater MUC5AC concentration in those with acute asthma resulted in a significantly altered MUC5B:MUC5AC ratio between control subjects and those with acute asthma (P < .05). Significant differences in MUC5B glycoforms were present between the groups, with the low-charge-only glycoform being found uniquely in those with acute asthma.<bold>Conclusions: </bold>Increased MUC5AC and the presence of a low-charge-only MUC5B glycoform significantly altered mucin composition in children with acute asthma. These changes may be important contributory factors to the airway mucus obstruction observed during acute asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00123692
Volume :
152
Issue :
4
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
CHEST
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
125337609
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2017.07.001