Mucin gene expression in reflux laryngeal mucosa: histological and in situ hybridization observations.
Objectives/Hypothesis. To determine if laryngopharyngeal reflux alters mucin gene expression in laryngeal mucosa. Methods. In situ hybridization was employed to study the expression of the 8 well-characterised mucin genes MUC1-4, 5AC, 5B, 6, and 7 in reflux laryngeal mucosa from laryngeal ventricles, posterior commissures, and vocal folds compared to control/normal laryngeal mucosa. Results. MUC1-5 genes are expressed in normal and reflux laryngeal mucosa. MUC1, 3 and 4 are expressed in respiratory and squamous mucosa whereas MUC2 and 5AC are expressed in respiratory mucosa only. MUC3, 4 and 5AC are downregulated in reflux mucosa. MUC5AC expression is significantly reduced in the 3 mucosal sites and when mucosal type was taken into account, this remains significant in combined laryngeal and ventricular mucosa only. Conclusions. MUC3, 4 and 5AC expression is downregulated in laryngopharyngeal reflux. This may be due to laryngeal mucosal metaplasia and/or alteration of mucin gene expression in the preexisting mucosa. Altered mucin gene expression might predispose laryngeal mucosa to the damaging effect of reflux.
Department of Otolaryngology, Mansoura University Hospital, Mansoura University, Egypt ; Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.
Mahmoud El-Sayed
Mel-S
Ali
Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.
David M
DM
Bulmer
Castle Hill Hospital, Castle Road, Cottingham, East Yorkshire HU16 5JQ, UK.
Peter W
PW
Dettmar
Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.
Jeffrey P
JP
Pearson