Figure 6.

ROS-induced MUC5AC expression and GC metaplasia is mediated by EGF. Human NHBE cells were exposed to PBS or X/XO for three consecutive days in the presence or absence of catalase, PI, GM6001, or functionally blocking anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (RAb). (A) MUC5AC mRNA (top); MUC5AC/actin ratios (bottom). (B) MUC5AC protein was assessed by ELISA and expressed as changes above PBS control. (C) Percentage of MUC5AC-positive cells. *P < 0.05 compared with PBS. **P < 0.05 compared with X/XO (n = 3 different lung donors).