ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of aquaporin 5(AQP5) on proliferation and migration of ectopic endometrial epithelial cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>AQP5 shRNA interference fragments were designed and transfected into ectopic endometrial epithelial cells stably by lentivirus technology. Fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the AQP5 mRNA and protein expression, respectively. The cell proliferation and migration were determined by using MTT method and Transwell system, respectively. Levels of phosphorylated AKT(p-AKT) and total AKT were examined by Western blotting. The nude mice model of endometriosis was constructed and the endometrial cell nodule formation was observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>AQP5 shRNA transfection inhibited cell proliferation and migration compared with control group (both P<0.05). The activation of AKT in AQP5 shRNA transfected cells was lower than that in control cells (P<0.01). Compared to control group, the endometrial cells nodule formation was suppressed in mice inoculated with AQP5 shRNA-silencing ectopic endometrial epithelial cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Down-regulation of AQP5 expression can suppress the proliferation and migration of ectopic endometrial epithelial cells and endometrial cell nodule formation in nude mice, in which AKT pathway may be involved.</p>