Inhibition Of Airway Mucus Oversecretion In Asthmatic Mice By Genistein

Objective:To study the inhibitory effect of genistein, an inhibitor of EGFR, on airway mucus overproduction in asthmatic mice.Methods:Thirty male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control group, asthmatic group and genistein group, 10 mice per group. Expression of MUC5AC mRNA and protein were detected by reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)and immunohistochemical assay respectively.Results:Compared with normal group,asthma group had significantly higher level of MUC5AC mRNA and protein(P<0.05). The MUC5AC mRNA and protein level in Greenstein group was significantly lower than that in asthma group (P<0.05). but higher than that in normal group.Conclusions:Genistein can reduce the expression of airway MUC5AC through its inhibitory effect on EGFR activity.