Mediating Effect of Cognitive Function on the Relationship Between Geriatric Oral Health and Quality of Life Among Korean Seniors / 예방의학회지

Objectives@#Previous studies have found that the oral health of seniors can affect their physical nutrition and quality of life (QoL). Additionally, poor oral health can lead to the development of dementia, which is associated with decreased cognitive function. This study aimed to examine the impact of geriatric oral health (GOH) on the QoL of Korean seniors and the mediating effects of cognitive function. @*Methods@#We used data from the seventh Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging conducted in 2018. In total, 4049 seniors were included in our study. We analyzed the impact of GOH on QoL according to 5 mediating domains of cognitive function and control variables. To examine each path of mediating effects, bootstrapping with 5000 iterations was performed with 95% confidence intervals. @*Results@#Our findings revealed that good GOH had a positive effect on the QoL of seniors. Also, better GOH corresponded to a higher degree of cognitive function within all 5 domains: orientation, memory registration, attention/calculation, memory recall, and language and visuospatial ability. In addition, 3 domains of the 5 domains (attention/calculation, memory recall, and language and visuospatial ability) had significant mediating effects on the relationship between GOH and QoL. @*Conclusions@#This study suggests that adequate management of GOH is crucial for promoting a better QoL and a high degree of cognitive function among seniors. To prevent cognitive impairment, such as dementia, future studies should take a more targeted approach by examining data according to each cognitive domain and various socio-demographic factors.

Characteristics of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients With a Low Body Mass Index: Emphasis on the Obstruction Site Determined by Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy

Objectives@#. This study aimed to elucidate the patterns of upper airway collapse in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients with a low body mass index (BMI). @*Methods@#. We designed and conducted a retrospective cohort study. Consecutive patients diagnosed with OSA who underwent drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) were included. Patients were classified into four groups according to their BMI. Age, sex, and polysomnography data were investigated. The patterns of upper airway collapse were characterized by the structures involved (soft palate, tongue base, lateral pharyngeal wall, and epiglottis). We compared the patterns of upper airway collapse in the supine and lateral decubitus position among the four BMI groups using the chi-square test and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. @*Results@#. A total of 627 patients (male, 517; mean age, 47.6±12.8 years) were included, consisting of 45, 79, 151, and 352 patients who were underweight or lower normal-weight (defined as the low BMI group), upper normal-weight, overweight, and obese, respectively. Severity indicators of OSA, such as the overall apnea-hypopnea index and duration of SaO2 below 90%, were significantly lower in patients with a low BMI than in obese patients, while their average oxygen saturation was significantly higher. The most common obstruction site in the supine position was the tongue base in patients with a low BMI (100%), whereas this obstruction site was significantly less common in obese patients (54.8%). Tongue base obstruction was mostly relieved in the lateral position, with no discernible obstruction in 86.7% of the low BMI patients. @*Conclusion@#. Airway obstruction in OSA patients with a low BMI is mostly due to tongue base obstruction, which improves in the lateral position. These characteristics should be kept in mind when considering treatment options for this subgroup of OSA patients.

Anatomic Variations of the Frontal Recess and Frontal Sinusitis: Computed Tomographic Analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The frontal recess (FR) cells, including the frontal cell (FC), agger nasi cell (ANC), supraorbital ethmoid cell (SOC) and inter-frontal sinus septal cell (IFSSC), can interfere with the drainage system of the frontal sinus. We evaluated the relationship between the FR cells and the frontal sinusitis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All paranasal sinus CT scans performed from July 2004 through June 2005 were reviewed. Of the 675 scans reviewed, 317 patients (634 sides) were selected for data collection. Exclusion criteria included a clinical history of neoplasms, bony deformities, and extensive disease responsible for obscuring the bony anatomy. Similarly, CT scans with severe artifacts were also excluded. RESULT: FCs were present in 21.9% of the patients. According to the Bent's classification, the prevalence of each FC type was as follows; type 1 FC (13.6%), type 2 FC (3.2%), type 3 FC (1.9%) and type 4 FC (3.1%). Of the four types of FR cells, type 4 had a significant association with frontal sinusitis. The incidence of hyperpneumatized frontal sinus, ANC, SOC, IFSSC were significantly higher among patients with the FC than those without the FC (p<0.05). Patients without the ANC or with type 1 uncinate process, according to Stammberger's classification, displayed a higher frequency of frontal sinusitis (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant decrease in the frequency of frontal sinusitis among patients with hypopneumatized frontal sinus (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In our series, the frontal sinusitis was influenced by each types of FC, attachment sites of uncinate process and the degree of frontal sinus pneumatization. Therefore, these anatomic variations in the frontal recess should be appropriately addressed during the surgical management of the frontal sinusitis.

A Case of a Localized Abscess in the Neck after Esophagogastroduodenoscopy / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Perforations of the upper gastrointestinal tract are uncommon complications after performing an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Perforations after an EGD procedure are likely to occur in the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus, where endoscope passage is anatomically difficult. Life-threatening complications including mediastinitis, a mediastinal abscess, pericarditis and sepsis can develop in most cases of a perforation. However, without such fatal complications, an abscess that is localized at the neck is extremely rare following an esophageal perforation. We experienced a case of a localized abscess in the neck after EGD and successfully treated the abscess without surgical management. We emphasize the importance of early detection for neck space infections caused by EGD-induced injuries.

Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of the Vocal Cord Mimicking Vocal Polyp / 대한이비인후과학회지

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is an uncommon benign fibroinflammatory mass that is composed of myofibroblastic spindle cells with acute and chronic inflammatory cells. IMT may arise within numerous organs such as lung, intestine, orbit and paranasal sinuses. However, IMT of the larynx is extremely rare. IMT can have systemic manifestations including fever of unknown origin, anemia, thrombocytosis and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The treatment of IMT is complete excision, but in some cases, additional therapy such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be required. Recently, we experienced a case of IMT which was originated from the right true vocal cord and mimicking the vocal polyp. So, we report this case with a review of the literature.

A Case of Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Nasal Cavity in an 8 Year-Old Girl / 대한이비인후과학회지

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is an extremely rare, benign neoplasm, which is composed of myofibroblastic spindle cells along with acute and chronic inflammatory cells. The etiology and pathophysiology of IMT still remains controversial. The diagnosis is made on the base of histologic evidence to exclude other diseases because of its nonspecific clinical manifestations such as fever, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Generally, three different treatment modalities are available: a complete surgical resection, oral steroid and radiation therapy. The authors treated an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the nasal cavity in an 8 year-old girl by surgical resection and we presented the case with a review of the literature.

Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma in the Nasal Cavity and Mouth Floor / 대한이비인후과학회지

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has a high incidence of metastasis to any location in the body. This tumor metastasizes to the head and neck region in 15% of cases, whereas metastasis to the sinonasal area or to the mouth floor is rare. None of the cases of the RCC that are metastatic to both sites (sinonasal area and mouth floor) has been previously described. Recently, we experienced a case of metastatic RCC involving the nasal cavity and the mouth floor that were managed by local excision and postoperative radiotherapy. Because of its unpredictable clinical behavior, a long term follow-up is essential for early detection of recurrent or residual lesion of RCC.

Prognostic Factors of Malignant Lymphoma in the Sinonasal Tract and Nasopharynx / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There were only few studies for malignant lymphoma of sinonasal tract because of its relatively low incidence. The objectives of this study were to investigate clinical features, treatment outcomes, and prognostic factors in patients with malignant lymphoma of sinonasal tract and nasopharynx. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Twenty patients diagnosed as sinonasal tract lymphoma from 1995 through 2004 were included in the retrospective analysis. RESULTS: All the patients included in this study were Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The ratio of male to female was 1.6:1, and the ages ranged from 16 to 79 years (mean, 55 years). Nasal cavity was the most frequently involved site (42.3%). NK/T cell lymphoma was the most common histologic subtype (56.3%) in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus, whereas diffuse B cell lymphoma accounted for 60% of lymphomas involving the nasopharynx. The complete response rate and 5-year survival rate for the entire group were 53.8% and 45.5%, respectively. The predictive factors for poor survival were T-cell type, advanced Ann Arbor stage, single modality treatment, presence of B symptom, high serum LDH level, high Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance scale score, and high international prognostic index (IPI) score in the univariate analysis (p<0.05). However, Ann Arbor stage and treatment modality were excluded from prognostic factors in the multivariate analysis (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The distribution of histologic subtypes was different according to the site of involvement. Histologic classification, Ann Arbor stage, B symptom, serum LDH level, ECOG performance status, treatment modality, and IPI score are important prognostic factors.

Inhibitory Effect of 15-Deoxy-Delta(12,14)-Prostaglandin J(2) on the MUC8 Expression in the Human Airway Epithelial Cells / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Among the numerous mucin genes, MUC8 is regarded as one of the most important mucin genes which are related with upper airway disease such as a nasal polyp. 15-Deoxy-delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J(2)(15d-PGJ(2)), the most recently discovered prostaglandin, has been known to have multiple cellular functions, including anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects. However, the effect of 15d-PGJ(2) on mucin gene expression or mucin production has not yet been investigated. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 15d-PGJ(2) on interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)-induced MUC8 gene expression and mucin secretion in the cultured NCI-H292 cells and human nasal polyp epithelial cells. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The MUC8 mRNA levels were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and MUC8 mucin levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the cultured epithelial cells stimulated by IL-1beta. 15d-PGJ(2) was added 1 hour before stimulation. RESULTS: 15d-PGJ(2) attenuated the IL-1beta-induced MUC8 mRNA expression and mucin secretion with a dose-dependent pattern in both cultured NCI-H292 cells and human nasal polyp epithelial cells. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that 15d-PGJ(2) may be considered as an effective agent for the control of airway mucus hypersecretion through the down-regulation of MUC8 gene.

Roxithromycin Suppresses MUC5B/8 Mucin Genes and Mucin Production in Airway Epithelial Cells / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Macrolide antibiotics are known to inhibit mucus hypersecretion in patients with chronic airway diseases, but its action mechanism is unclear. Several reports demonstrated that macrolides significantly inhibited gene expression of MUC2, MUC4 and MUC5AC in the airway epithelial cells, but little is known about its inhibitory effect for the other important airway mucins. In upper airway tracts, MUC5B and MUC8 are other important secreted mucin genes. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the effects of roxithromycin on the IL-1beta-induced gene expression and mucin production of MUC5B and MUC8 in NCI-H292 cells and cultured human nasal polyp epithelial cells. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The effects of roxithromycin on the IL-1beta-induced MUC5B and MUC8 expression were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Roxithromycin attenuated the IL-1beta-induced MUC5B and MUC8 gene expression and mucin production with a dose-dependent pattern in NCI-H292 epithelial cells and cultured human nasal polyp epithelial cells. CONCLUSION: Roxithromycin exerts direct inhibitory effects on the gene expression of MUC5B and MUC8 in airway epithelial cells. These novel findings may explain the clinical efficacy of 14-membered macrolides in the treatment of chronic airway inflammations.

A Case of Epidermoid Cyst at Nasolabial Area

Dermoid cysts can be found anywhere in the body, particularly in areas where embryonic elements fuse together. Dermoid cysts arising in the head and neck lesion are relatively common, but that of nasolabial area has not been reported. Recently, we experienced a case of epidermoid cyst mimicking nasolabial cyst. The patient was a 49 year-old man with an anterior nasolabial swelling that has been presented for 1 year. After cyst excision, a histologic examination revealed that it was an epidermoid cyst. We report this case with the literature review.

Congenital Defect of the Vomer: Report of Three Cases

Defect or perforation of the nasal septum may arise from diverse causes such as trauma, infection, drug abuse, inhalant irritants and neoplasia. The septal defect or perforation is usually located at the anterior half of the nasal septum regardless of etiologic factors. However, posterior nasal septal defect is infrequent. Moreover, congenital vomer defect is very rare. Recently, we have experienced three cases of congenital vomer defect of the nasal septum detected during nasal endoscopy. We report these cases with review of literature.

Effect of Macrolide on the MUC4 Gene Expression in Human Airway Epithelial Cells / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mucin gene expression and mucin secretion are highly increased by inflammatory airway diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and rhinosinusitis. Macrolide antibiotics is considered one of the effective drugs inhibiting mucus secretion for chronic bronchitis and rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp. However, the anti-secretory effect of macrolide is not clear. This study was designed to investigate whether macrolide can suppress interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)-induced MUC4 gene expression and mucin secretion in the cultured human nasal polyp epithelial cells and NCI-H292 epithelial cells. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Nasal polyps were obtained from 20 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp during endoscopic sinus surgery. We observed the effect of roxithromycin on the IL-1beta-induced MUC4 gene and mucin secretion by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. RESULTS: Roxithromycin attenuated the IL-1beta-induced MUC4 mRNA expression and mucin secretion with a dose dependent pattern in both of the cultured human nasal polyp epithelial cells and NCI-H292 epithelial cells. CONCLUSION: This result suggests that roxithromycin may be considered as an effective anti-hypersecretory agent for its down-regulation of the MUC4 gene.

Endoscopic Resection of Sinonasal Malignant Tumors / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic surgery largely replaced the traditional external approach in the treatment of sinonasal inflammatory diseases and most benign tumors. However, there is much debate about its applicability to resection of sinosal malignancy. In this study, we demonstrate the efficacy of the endonasal endoscopic approach in the treatment of highly selected sinonasal malignant tumors. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and radiologic findings of 11 patients who had underwent transnasal endoscopic excision for sinonasal malignancy from 1998 to 2003. All patients were treated with curative intent. RESULTS: The mean age was 60.6 (31-75 years) years and the mean follow-up period was 69 months (52-112 months). Eight cases consisted of T1 and three cases were T2. The pathologic diagnosis was malignant melanoma (4 cases), plasmacytoma (2 cases), adenoid cystic carcinoma, olfactory neuroblastoma, cylindrical cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and neuroendocrine carcinoma. In ten cases, the tumor was removed by transnasal endoscopic excision with adequate free margin of normal mucosa. In one case, Caldwell-Luc operation was combined with the endoscopic excision. During the follow-up, only one case of malignant melanoma had recurred at the lateral neck and retropharyngeal lymph node, but the other ten cases have kept up well without recurrence of primary tumor and significant complication. CONCLUSION: Considering oncological results and surgery-related morbidities, transnasal endoscopic resection can be used as a good modality in the highly selected early T stage of sinonasal malignancies.

Effects of Anti-Inflammatory Drugs on the Interleukin-1 beta-Induced Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression in Human Airway Epithelial Cells / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a key molecule in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, which are important inflammatory mediators in human airway inflammatory diseases. This study was designed to investigate the effects of several COX inhibitors on the interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)-mediated COX-2 expression in human airway epithelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We observed the effects of anti-inflammatory drugs such as budesonide, triamcinolone, dexamethasone, NS-398, indomethacin, salicylate and resveratrol on the IL-1beta-induced COX-2 expression in cultured human airway NCI-H292 epithelial cells. The levels of COX-2 mRNA and COX-2 protein were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. RESULTS: NS398, reveratrol and three corticosteroids strongly suppressed the IL-1beta-mediated COX-2 expression. However, indomethacin and salicylate did not inhibit or inhibited only weakly. CONCLUSION: The extent of IL-1beta-induced supression of COX-2 expression in the cultured human airway NCI-H292 epithelial cells depended on the kinds of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Interleukin-1beta-Mediated MUC5AC Gene Expression and Mucin Secretion via PKC-ERK/p38-COX-2-PGE2 in Human Airway Epithelial Cells / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mucus hypersecretion is a major problem in inflammatory airway disease. Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory airway diseases. This study was designed to investigate the signal transduction mechanism and the relationship between cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and the IL-1beta-mediated MUC5AC secretion. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In cultured human airway NCI-H292 epithelial cells, the IL-1beta-mediated MUC5AC gene expression and mucin secretion were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunoassay. To identify the signal transduction pathway of the IL-1beta-mediated MUC5AC expression, we used specific inhibitors. RESULTS: IL-1beta induced COX-2 and MUC5AC expression at the mRNA and protein levels. Mucin secretion was blocked by NS398 and resveratrol, selective COX-2 inhibitors. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) directly induced MUC5AC expression at both mRNA and protein levels in a dose-dependent manner. Cells activated by IL-1beta showed increased extracellular-regulated protein kinase (ERK) 1/2 and p38 phosphorylation. IL-1beta-induced MUC5AC gene expression and mucin secretion were blocked by PD98059, the MEK/ ERK inhibitor and SB203580, the p38 inhibitor. Furthermore, inhibition of both mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) reduced the IL-1beta-induced COX-2 expression and PGE2 synthesis. Ro31-8220, the PKC inhibitors prevented the IL-1beta-induced COX-2 expression and mucin secretion. Also Ro31-8220 inhibited the IL-1beta-mediated MAPKs phosphorylation. CONCLUSION: IL-1beta-induced MUC5AC gene expression and mucin secretion are regulated through the sequential activation of PKC-ERK/ p38-COX-2-PGE2 in the human airway NCI-H292 epithelial cells.

Primary Nasopharyngeal Chordoma: A Case Report / 대한이비인후과학회지

Chordomas arise mainly in the sacrococcygeal region, and to a lesser extent, in the spheno-occipital region. When occurring in the latter region, they may protrude into nasopharynx and rarely into the sinonasal tract, mainly sphenoid sinus. Histologically, the vacuolated physaliphorous cell is pathognomonic. This tumor is histologically benign but locally aggressive and often far advanced at the time of presentation. The current treatment is applying surgical excision with/without postoperative radiation. Since its first report in 1987, there have a several reports of primary nasopharyngeal chordoma throughout the world. In Korea, one case of sphenoidal chordoma was reported in 1993, but there had been no report of primary nasopharyngeal chordoma. We report a recent case of primary nasopharyngeal chordoma we have treated by transnasal endoscopic surgical excision and present a review of the literature.

Regulation of IL-1beta-Mediated MUC2 Gene and Mucin in Human Airway Epithelial Cells / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mucin secretion is regulated by the mucin genes (MUC) in the respiratory, gastrointestinal and reproductive system. Inflammation induces mucin hypersecretion in the human body. This study demonstrates the effects of IL-1beta on the regulation of mucin protein expression as well as the MUC2 gene in cultured airway epithelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Analysis of MUC2 gene was done by RT-PCR and the protein analysis was done by a flow cytometric analysis and an immunoassay method using cultured human airway epithelial cells, and NCI-H292 cells. RESULTS: The expression of MUC2 mRNA and protein induced by IL-1beta increased in a dose-and time-dependent manner. The maximum mRNA level of the MUC2 gene was approximately 3-fold, compared to that of the control cell. The IL-1beta-mediated MUC2 protein started at 6 hours of exposure to IL-1beta (20 ng/ml) and the maximum level was 12 hours. The MUC2 protein data of flow cytometric analysis corresponded to that of immunoassay analysis. The expression of MUC2 gene was suppressed by actinomycin D, but not attenuated by cycloheximide. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the IL-1beta-mediated MUC2 gene and protein expression were increased in a dose- and time-dependent pattern and regulated by transcriptional step.

IL-1beta-Mediated Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression through Activation of PKC-MEK / ERK in Human Airway Epithelial Cells / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays an important role in the biosynthesis of prostaglandin, which is an important inflammatory mediator in human airway inflammatory disease. We observed that interleukin-1beta(IL-1beta) induces COX-2 gene expression and protein production in NCI-H292 cells in the previous experiment and designed this study to investigate the signal transduction pathway of the IL-1beta-mediated COX-2 expression in human airway epithelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In the cultured human airway NCI-H292 epithelial cells, the IL-1beta-mediated COX-2 gene and protein expression were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. To identify the signal transduction pathway of the IL-1beta-mediated COX-2 expression, we used specific inhibitors. RESULTS: PD98059, MEK/ERK inhibitor suppressed IL-1beta-mediated COX-2 gene and protein expression, but SB203580, p38 inhibitor did not suppress it. Ro31-8220, PKC inhibitor attenuated IL-1beta-mediated COX-2 gene and protein expression. Ro31-8220 suppressed ERK phosphorylation, but did not inhibit phosphorylation of p38 and JNK. PKC were involved at upstream of ERK in the IL-1beta-mediated COX-2 expression. PI3K inhibitor, LY294002 and tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein did not suppress COX-2 expression. CONCLUSION: IL-1beta-induced COX-2 gene and protein expression is up-regulated through activation of PKC-MEK/ERK cascade in human airway NCI-H292 epithelial cells.

Interleukin-1 beta Induces MUC2 Gene Expression and Mucin Secretion via Activation of PKC-MEK/ERK,and PI3K in Human Airway Epithelial Cells

Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta), a proinflammatory cytokine, is related with inflammatory diseases and it up-regulates MUC2 gene expression and mucin secretion. This study was designed to investigate the signal transduction pathway of the IL-1 beta-mediated MUC2 gene expression and mucin secretion in human airway epithelial cells. In cultured human airway NCI-H292 epithelial cells, the steady state of the mRNA level of MUC2 gene expression and mucin secretion induced by IL-1 were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), enzyme immunoassay, and immunoblot analysis. To observe the signal pathway of the IL-1 beta-mediated MUC2 gene expression and mucin secretion, we used several specific inhibitors. PD98059 (MEK/ERK inhibitor) suppressed IL-1 beta-mediated MUC2 gene expression and mucin secretion, while SB203580 (p38 inhibitor) did not. Ro31-8220 (PKC inhibitor) inhibited IL-1 beta-mediated MUC2 gene expression and mucin secretion. It inhibited ERK phosphorylation, but did not inhibit p38 phosphorylation. LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor) also suppressed MUC2 expression, but did not inhibit any MAPKs phosphorylation. These results suggest that the IL-1 -mediated MUC2 gene expression and mucin secretion in NCI-H292 cells are regulated through activation of the PKC-MEK/ERK pathway, and that PI3K is also involved in the IL-1 beta-mediated MUC2 gene expression and mucin secretion.