Asian Sand Dust Regulates IL-32 Production in Airway Epithelial Cells: Inhibitory Effect of Glucocorticoids

Jae Min Shin, Hwee Jin Kim, Joo Hoo Park, You Jin Hwang, Heung Man Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: Epidemiologic studies have reported that Asian sand dust (ASD) is associated with chronic inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system. Glucocorticoids (GCs) have potent anti-inflammatory properties. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of GCs on ASD-induced interleukin-32 (IL-32) expression and to identify the underlying signaling pathways in airway epithelial cells. Methods: A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was used to evaluate cytotoxicity in A549 and human primary nasal epithelial cells. Expression levels of IL-32 messenger RNA and protein were measured by Western blot, real-time polymerase chain reaction, ELISA, and immunofluorescence staining. Signaling pathways were analyzed using specific inhibitors of Akt, MAPK, or NF-κB. The effects of GCs on the expression of ASD-induced IL-32 were confirmed with ex vivo organ cultures of the nasal interior turbinate. Results: ASD (0–400 ng/mL) had no significant cytotoxic effects in A549 cells and human primary nasal epithelial cells. Expression levels of IL-32 were dose-dependently upregulated by ASD treatment in A549 cells. ASD induced phosphorylation of Akt, MAPK, and NF-κB, whereas GCs and specific inhibitors of Akt, MAPK, and NF-κB downregulated these activations and the expression of IL-32. These findings were further confirmed in human primary nasal epithelial cells and ex vivo organ cultures of the nasal interior turbinate. Conclusions: GCs have an inhibitory effect on ASD-induced IL-32 expression via the Akt, MAPK, and NF-κB signaling pathways in airway epithelial cells.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)403-412
Number of pages10
JournalAmerican Journal of Rhinology and Allergy
Volume33
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019 Jul 1

Keywords

  • Asian sand dust
  • epithelial cell
  • glucocorticoid
  • respiratory
  • signaling pathway

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Otorhinolaryngology

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