Figure 5.

Effects of ceramide nanoliposomes (CNL) on goblet cell hyperplasia. (A,B) OVA-sensitized mice were challenged with OVA-free PBS or OVA. OVA-challenged asthmatic mice were treated with 30 µg/animal ceramide-free Ghost or CNL. Lung tissue sections were stained with MUC5AC antibody. Representative images of the immunohistochemistry on airway epithelia are shown and arrows show goblet cells (A). The ratios of goblet cells to total epithelial cells were determined (B). Data are shown as mean ± S.E. (n = 10). * p < 0.05 compared to the Ghost group. (C) Human lung epithelial A549 cells (4000 cells/well) were treated with the indicated concentration of Ghost or CNL for up to 48 h. Cell viability was determined using a CellTiter-Glo luminescent cell viability assay. Data are shown as mean ± S.E. (n = 4). Dose- and time-matched statistical analysis were performed. *** p < 0.001 compared to the Ghost 3 µM group. ### p < 0.001 compared to the Ghost 10 µM group. (D) A549 cells were treated with 10 µM Ghost or CNL for 6 h followed by stimulation with 100 ng/mL EGF for the indicated periods. Proteins were subjected to immunoblot analysis. Results are representative of three independent experiments. (E) Intensity of the immunoblots were quantified and phospho-Akt/β-actin values were calculated. The values are shown as percentages relative to Ghost 0 min group. Data are shown as mean ± S.E. (n = 3). * p < 0.05 compared to Ghost group.