Luteolin inhibited the gene expression, production and secretion of MUC5AC mucin via regulation of nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway in human airway epithelial cells.

Luteolin, a flavonoidal compound derived from Lonicera japonica Thunb. and Chrysanthemum indicum L., has been reported to show anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-carcinogenic effects. In this study, we investigated whether luteolin significantly affects the secretion, production and gene expression of airway mucin. Confluent NCI-H292 cells were pretreated with luteolin for 30 min and then stimulated with EGF (epidermal growth factor) or PMA (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate) for 24 h or the indicated periods. The MUC5AC mucin gene expression was measured by RT-PCR. Production and secretion of MUC5AC mucin protein were measured by ELISA. To elucidate the action mechanism of luteolin, effect of luteolin on PMA-induced NF-κB signaling pathway was investigated by western blot analysis. The results were as follows: (1) Luteolin inhibited the secretion of MUC5AC mucin protein induced by EGF or PMA; (2) Luteolin inhibited the production of MUC5AC mucin protein and the expression of MUC5AC mucin gene induced by EGF or PMA; (3) Luteolin inhibited PMA-induced phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitory kappa Bα (IκBα); (4) Luteolin inhibited PMA-induced phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65. This result suggests that luteolin can regulate the secretion, production and gene expression of mucin by acting on airway epithelial cells via regulation of NF-kB signaling pathway.