Effect of guaifenesin on mucin production, rheology, and mucociliary transport in differentiated human airway epithelial cells

J. C. Seagrave, H. Albrecht, Y. S. Park, B. Rubin, G. Solomon, and K. C. Kim

Experimental Lung Research, 37, 606-614, 2011

Purpose:

To elucidate the mechanism of action by which guaifenesin improves mucociliary clearance at the cellular level

Methods:

• Well-differentiated human airway epithelial cells were cultured (EpiAir cultures) at an air-water interface treated basolaterally with clinically relevant concentrations of guaifenesin in vitro

• ELISA assay was used to evaluate MUC5AC mucin secretion

• Mucociliary transport of cell debris was measured from video data

• Mucus dynamic viscoelasticity was measured with micro cone and plate rheometer

Key Findings:

Adapted from Seagrave J, et al. Effect of guaifenesin on mucin production, rheology, and mucociliary transport in differentiated human airway epithelial cells. Exp Lung Res. 2011;37(10):606-614.

• EpiAir cultures were treated with the indicated concentrations of guaifenesin for 1 or 6 hours
• Mucociliary clearance was assessed by the rate of movement of endogenous debris on the surfaces
• Significantly different from the control cultures at the same time, ∗P < 0.05 and ∗∗∗P < 0.005, respectively

Results:

Guaifenesin may improve mucociliary clearance in humans by reducing the release and/or production of mucins, thereby altering mucus rheology

• Guaifenesin suppressed mucin production from EpiAir cultured cells in a dose-dependent manner at clinically relevant concentrations

• Reduced mucin production was associated with increased mucociliary transport and decreased viscoelasticity of mucus

WebMD explains it simply: “Expectorants thin mucus.”¹ This in vitro study, in differentiated human airway epithelial cells, looked at how guaifenesin, the active ingredient in MUCINEX®, does so at the cellular level. Guaifenesin suppressed mucin production in a dose-dependent manner at clinically relevant concentrations, and reduced mucin production was associated with increased mucociliary transport and decreased mucus viscoelasticity.²

Source:

1. WebMD. Over-the-Counter Cough Medicines: A Complete Guide. https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/otc-meds

2. Seagrave, J., Albrecht, H., Park, Y. S., Rubin, B., Solomon, G., & Kim, K. C. (2011). Effect of guaifenesin on mucin production, rheology, and mucociliary transport in differentiated human airway epithelial cells. Experimental lung research, 37(10), 606–614. https://doi.org/10.3109/01902148.2011.623116