Abstract
BackgroundOne of the molecular mechanisms involved in upper airway-related diseases is epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Olea europaea (OE) has anti-inflammatory properties and thus, great potential to prevent EMT. This study aimed to investigate the effect of OE on EMT in primary nasal human respiratory epithelial cells (RECs).MethodsRespiratory epithelial cells were isolated and divided into four groups: control (untreated), treated with 0.05% OE (OE group), EMT induced with 5 ng/ml of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ1 group) and treated with 5 ng/ml TGFβ1 + 0.05% OE (TGFβ1 + OE group). The effects of OE treatment on growth kinetics, morphology and protein expression in RECs were evaluated. Immunocytochemistry analysis was performed to quantitate the total percentage of E-cadherin and vimentin expression from day 1 to day 3.ResultsThere were no significant differences between untreated RECs and OE-treated RECs in terms of their morphology, growth kinetics and protein expression. Induction with TGFβ1 caused RECs to have an elongated spindle shape, a slower proliferation rate, a higher expression of vimentin and a lower expression of E-cadherin compared with the control. Cells in the TGFβ1 + OE group had similar epithelial shape to untreated group however it had no significant differences in their proliferation rate when compared to TGFβ1-induced RECs. Cells treated with TGFβ1 + OE showed significantly reduced expression of vimentin and increased expression of E-cadherin compared with the TGFβ1 group (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe ability of OE to inhibit EMT in RECs was shown by TGFb1-induced EMT REC morphology, growth kinetics and protein expression markers (E-cadherin and vimentin) upon treatment with OE and TGFβ1. Therefore, this study could provide insight into the therapeutic potential of OE to inhibit pathological tissue remodelling and persistent inflammation.
Highlights
One of the molecular mechanisms involved in upper airway-related diseases is epithelial-tomesenchymal transition (EMT)
Olea europaea (OE) increases respiratory epithelial cells (RECs) proliferation The MTT assay was performed to examine the effects of OE on normal human RECs
There was a significant concentration-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation starting from 0.4% OE, with an inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) of 0.69% (Fig. 1a)
Summary
One of the molecular mechanisms involved in upper airway-related diseases is epithelial-tomesenchymal transition (EMT). Chronic rhinosinusitis is a pathological disease due to inflammation of the sinonasal tract caused by infection or trauma This long-term chronic inflammation will cause pathological changes in the mucosal epithelial layer, causing sinus ostium obstruction and symptoms such as nasal discharge, facial pain and even reduction of olfactory function [1,2,3]. This debilitating disease affects about 10.9% of the world’s population [3] and significantly reduces the patient’s quality of life [4]. Prolonged exposure and reaction to these pathological agents may lead to chronic inflammation and tissue remodelling
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
