Epicatechin Gallate Suppresses Oxidative Stress-Induced MUC5AC Overexpression by Interaction with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor

The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of epicatechin gallate (ECG), a component of green tea polyphenols, on the signal pathway for oxidative stress-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and MUC5AC overexpression in normal human nasal epithelial (NHNE) cells. Passage-2 NHNE cells were used, and ECG was administered before stimulation with exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). MUC5AC gene and protein levels were measured by real-time PCR and dot blot analysis. Western blot analysis and immunocytofluorescence study were performed for detecting the activity of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Exogenous H2O2 increases intracellular ROS generation, leading to the overexpression of MUC5AC. The phosphorylation and internalization of EGFR were associated with this ROS generation. ECG decreased the phosphorylation and internalization of EGFR at the cell surface of NHNE cells, resulting in the attenuation of exogenous H2O2-induced intracellular ROS generation and MUC5AC overexpression. ECG may be a therapeutic material against oxidative stress-induced ROS generation and mucus hypersecretion in airways.