Morphological Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Respiratory System and Related Functions Based on AQPs Expression

SUMMARY: A great deal of attention of air pollution on respiratory health is increasing, particularly in relation to haze days. It is that exposure to cigarette smoke augments the toxicity of common air contaminants, thereby increasing the complexity of respiratory diseases. Although there are various mechanisms involved to respiratory diseases caused or worsen by cigarette smoking, in which the role of AQPs in the lung with regard to fluid homeostasis still remains elusive. In this paper, we copied the rat models based on smoke generator, and investigated the morphological changes of mucosa and related functions depending on the balance of lining liquid of alveoli via AQPs expression. Compared with normal group, weak labelling of AQP1 and AQP5 protein abundance were clearly detected in the corresponding part of smoke exposure groups compared with normal group. Hence, it is suggested that the contribution of AQPs in the lung is diminished, thereby causing perturbed balancing between resorptive and secretory fluid homeostasis under cigarette smoking.

Cada vez se presta más atención a la contaminación del aire en la salud respiratoria, particularmente, en relación con los días de neblina. En consecuencia la exposición al humo del cigarrillo aumenta la toxicidad de los contaminantes comunes del aire, lo que además aumenta la complejidad de las enfermedades respiratorias. Aunque existen varios mecanismos involucrados en las enfermedades respiratorias causadas o empeoradas por el tabaquismo, en las que el papel de las AQP en el pulmón respecto a la homeostasis de líquidos sigue siendo difícil de alcanzar. En este artículo, copiamos los modelos de rata basados en el generador de humo e investigamos los cambios morfológicos de la mucosa y las funciones relacionadas según el equilibrio del líquido de revestimiento de los alvéolos a través de la expresión de AQP. En comparación con el grupo normal, se detectó claramente un etiquetado débil de la abundancia de proteínas AQP1 y AQP5 en la parte correspondiente de los grupos de exposición al humo en comparación con el grupo control. Por lo tanto, se sugiere que la contribución de las AQP en el pulmón está disminuida, provocando así un equilibrio perturbado entre la homeostasis del líquido secretor y de reabsorción bajo el hábito de fumar cigarrillos.

mRNA Expression of Aquaporins in Human Luteinized Granulosa Cells from Different Diameter Follicles / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo investigate the mRNA expression levels of various aquaporins （AQPs） in luteinized granulosa cells from follicles of different diameters. MethodsFrom March 25， 2022 to September 23， 2022 in our reproductive medicine center， 48 women undergoing in-vitro fertilization （IVF） were enrolled and divided into the antagonist group and the agonist group according to the ovarian stimulation protocol. Follicular fluid samples were collected on the day of oocyte pick-up and granulosa cells were extracted from follicles of different diameters： small （<13 mm）， medium （13~18 mm） and large （≥18 mm）. After RNA quantification， 22 cases （66 samples） were included for analysis and mRNA expression levels of AQPs were compared among the three follicle groups. ResultsThe mRNA expression of aquaporin 2 （AQP2） in luteinized granulosa cells increased with the increase of follicle diameter （linear trend P = 0.004） and the difference was statistically significant between two groups of large and small follicles （P = 0.017）. Statistical difference was found in the antagonist group （P = 0.049 6）， but not in the agonist group （P = 0.108）. ConclusionThe mRNA level of AQP2 in luteinized granulosa cells increases with the increase of follicle diameter and its expression is related to the ovarian stimulation protocol， suggesting that AQP2 may play a role in follicle growth and follicular fluid formation， and its mRNA expression level may be regulated by follicle stimulating hormone （FSH） and luteinizing hormone （LH）.

Anti-swelling and Analgesic Mechanism of Jianpi Tongluo Prescription from MAPKs Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the anti-swelling and analgesic effects of Jianpi Tongluo prescription （JPTL） and to explore its mechanism initially. MethodA total of 120 ICR mice were divided into normal group， model group， JPTL low-， medium- and high-dose groups （5， 10， 20 g·kg-1） and positive drug （celecoxib， 0.03 g·kg-1） group， with 10 in each group （po，once a day）. Complete freund's adjuvant （CFA） was used to induce the model of chronic inflammatory pain， and xylene-induced ear swelling test， hot plate test and acetic acid writhing test were performed to observe the anti-swelling and analgesic effects of different doses of JPTL in these four acute and chronic models. Further， enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect the expressions of prostaglandin E2 （PGE2）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-6 （IL-6） and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in serum and inflammatory paw of mice with chronic inflammatory pain， and the expressions of aquaporin 1 （AQP1）， aquaporin 3 （AQP3）， cyclooxygenase 1 （COX1）， cyclooxygenase 2 （COX2） and mitogen-activated protein kinases （MAPKs） in inflammatory paw were detected by Western blot， to explore the preliminary mechanism of JPTL. ResultCompared with the conditions in the normal group， there was a significant increase in the ear swelling of xylene-induced model mice， a shortened paw withdrawal latency in the hot plate test （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， JPTL remarkably increased the inhibition rate of xylene-induced ear swelling （P<0.05， P<0.01）， prolonged the latency period of writhing caused by acetic acid and reduced the number of writhing （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with normal group, the degree of feet swelling in chronic inflammatory pain mice was significantly increased， the threshold of mechanical pain was decreased and the threshold of cold pain was increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， the protein contents of AQP1 and AQP3 in inflammatory feet were increased， and the contents of IL-1β， IL-6， TNF-α， PGE2 and COX2 in inflammatory feet were increased in serum and/or inflammatory feet. The protein expression levels of p-p38 MAPK， p-JNK and p-ERK in inflammatory feet were increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， JPTL relieved paw swelling of mice with chronic inflammatory pain， elevated mechanical withdrawal threshold while decreased cold withdrawal threshold， with analgesia lasting for 4 h and the optimal time point for analgesia being 2 h after administration （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Moreover， JPTL down-regulated AQP1， AQP3， COX2， p-p38 MAPK， p-JNK and p-ERK in inflammatory paw of mice with chronic inflammatory pain and reduced IL-1β， IL-6， TNF-α， and PGE2 in serum and/or inflammatory paw， but it had no significant effect on COX1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionJPTL has anti-swelling and analgesic effects， and its mechanism is related to inhibiting the production of cytokines and inflammatory mediators via the down-regulation of MAPKs signaling pathway， which provides an experimental basis for the clinical application of JPTL.

Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata-Cinnamomi Cortex Combination Alleviates Slow Transit Constipation due to Yang Deficiency in Rats via Regulating VIP/cAMP/PKA/AQP Pathway in Colon / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata-Cinnamomi Cortex in regulating the intestinal function in the rat model of slow transit constipation （STC） due to yang deficiency via the vasoactive intestinal peptide （VIP）/cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide （cAMP）/protein kinase A （PKA）/aquaporin （AQP） pathway. MethodSD rats were randomized into 6 groups （n=6）， including a control group， a model group， high-， medium-， and low-dose Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata-Cinnamomi Cortex groups， and a prucalopride group. Other groups except the control group were treated with loperamide hydrochloride combined with ice water by gavage for the modeling of STC due to yang deficiency. The number of fecal pellets， time to the first black stool defecation， fecal water content， intestinal propulsion rate， and score of fecal properties were recorded in each group. At the end of the treatment， the colon was stained with hematoxylin-eosin （HE） to reveal the histopathological changes and Alcian blue/periodic acid-Schiff （AB-PAS） to reveal the secretion of colonic mucus. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was employed to measure the level of VIP in the serum. The mRNA level of AQP in the colon was measured by polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to observe the expression of AQPs in the colon and kidney tissues. Western blot was performed to determine the protein levels of cAMP， PKA， and VIP in the colon tissue. ResultCompared with the control group, the model group had longer time to the first black stool defecation, reduced fecal pellets and water content, reduced Bristol Stool Form Scale score and intestinal propulsion rate, and constipation aggravated（P<0.01）. Moreover, increased the intestinal lesions, reduced the mucus secretion, reduce the serum VIP level, up-regulated the expression levels of AQP1 in the colon and kidney tissues, inhibited the expression of AQP3 and AQP9（P<0.01）., and down-regulated the protein levels of cAMP, PKA, and VIP in the colon tissue. Compared with the model group， the high-dose Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata-Cinnamomi Cortex group had shortened time to the first black stool defecation， increased fecal pellets and water content， increased Bristol Stool Form Scale score and intestinal propulsion rate， and alleviated constipation symptoms. Moreover， high-dose Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata-Cinnamomi Cortex reduced the intestinal lesions， increased the mucus secretion， elevated the serum VIP level（P<0.01）.， down-regulated the expression levels of AQP1 in the colon and kidney tissues， promoted the expression of AQP3 and AQP9（P<0.05，P<0.01）， and up-regulated the protein levels of cAMP， PKA， and VIP in the colon tissue. The medium- and low-dose groups had weaker effect than the high-dose group（P<0.01）. ConclusionHigh-dose Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata-Cinnamomi Cortex can improve the intestinal motility and balance the intestinal water and fluid metabolism by up-regulating the VIP/cAMP/PKA/AQP pathway， thereby mitigating the constipation symptoms in the rat model of slow transit constipation due to yang deficiency.

Advances on pathogenesis of acquired peritoneal ultrafiltration failure in peritoneal dialysis / 中华肾脏病杂志

Peritoneal ultrafiltration failure is a common reason for peritoneal dialysis (PD) withdrawal as well as mortality in PD patients. Based on the three-pore system, inter-cellular small pores and trans-cellular ultra-small pores (aquaporin-1) are mainly responsible for water transfer across the peritoneum. Both small and ultra-small pores-dependent water (free water) transport decline accompanied with time on PD, with more significant decrease in free water, resulting in peritoneal ultrafiltration failure. The reduction of free water transport is associated with fast peritoneal solute transfer, reduced crystalloid osmotic gradient due to increased interstitial glucose absorption, and declined osmotic conductance to glucose resulted from impaired aquaporin-1 function and peritoneal interstitial fibrosis. The decline of small pore-based water is mainly because of fast loss of crystalloid osmotic gradient, decrease of hydrostatic pressure mediated by peritoneal vasculopathy, as well as reduced absolute number of small pores. The current review discusses the advance on pathogenesis of acquired peritoneal ultrafiltration failure in long-term PD.

Mechanism of Combined Therapy of Lung and Intestine in Alleviating Pulmonary Edema in Treatment of Acute Lung Injury Based on VIP/cAMP/PKA/AQPs Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of the combined therapy of lung and intestine （Mahuangtang + Da Chengqitang） in alleviating pulmonary edema in rats with acute lung injury （ALI） induced by lipopolysaccharide （LPS）. MethodWistar rats were randomly divided into blank group， model group， low-， medium-， and high-dose groups with combined therapy of lung and intestine， and positive control group. LPS （10 mg·kg-1） was given （ip） to induce ALI in rats. After modeling， the blank group was given normal saline （25 mL·kg-1）， the combined therapy of lung and intestine treatment groups were given （ig） low- （5 g·kg-1）， medium- （7.5 g·kg-1）， and high-dose （10 g·kg-1） Mahuangtang and Da Chengqitang， and the positive control group was given dexamethasone （5 mg·kg-1）. Medications were administered 0， 8， and 16 h after LPS injection for 3 times. Then lung tissue and serum were collected after administration. The lung tissues were stained with haematoxylin-eosin （HE）， and the pulmonary edema score was evaluated. The dry/wet （D/W） weight ratio of lung tissues in each group was measured， and the content of serum vasoactive intestinal peptide （VIP） in rats was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Western blot was used to detect the protein levels of aquaporin-1 （AQP1）， AQP5， VIP， cyclic adenosine monophosphate （cAMP）， phosphorylated protein kinase A （p-PKA）， and PKA in lung tissues of rats in each group. The level of VIP mRNA in lung tissues of rats was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultCompared with the blank group， the model group exhibited obvious lung injury， increased edema score， decreased D/W ratio （P<0.01）， declined AQP1， AQP5， cAMP， and p-PKA/PKA in lung tissues （P<0.05， P<0.01）， elevated VIP content （P<0.01）， and up-regulated levels of VIP protein and mRNA in lung tissues （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， combined therapy of lung and intestine treatment groups showed alleviated lung injury， increased D/W ratio （P<0.01）， elevated AQP1， AQP5， VIP， cAMP， and p-PKA/PKA in lung tissues （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and up-regulated VIP levels in lung tissues （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionThe combined therapy of lung and intestine can alleviate ALI-induced lung tissue edema， and the mechanism may be related to the activation of the VIP/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway， which further promotes the expression of AQP1 and AQP5 and enhances the water metabolism of lung tissue.

Mechanism of Xiao Qinglongtang Regulating Lung Water Transport-related Proteins Based on Theory of Lung Controlling Water Movement / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the regulatory effect of Xiao Qinglongtang and its ingredients on lung water transport-related proteins， and to explain the biological connotation of lung governing water movement， based on which the regulatory mechanism of Xiao Qinglongtang will be explored. MethodAccording to the composition rules of classical formula， Xiao Qinglongtang （11.22 g·kg-1）， Guizhi Gancao （2.70 g·kg-1）， Shaoyao Gancao （2.70 g·kg-1）， Jiangxinwei （3.90 g·kg-1）and Banxia Muahuang （0.032 7 g·kg-1） were prepared. The pathological model of syndrome of cold fluid accumulated in lung of rats was established by the "coldness of body + drinking cold + cold bath" method， and Xiao Qinglongtang and its ingredients were administrated to intervene with the model rats. Lung function parameters of forced vital capacity （FVC）， functional residual capacity （FRC）， mean mid-expiratory flow （MMEF）， inspiratory time （tI）， and inspiratory time （tE） were determined by lung function analyzer. Hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the changes in pathological morphology. The expression of aquaporin （AQP）1， AQP5， epithelial sodium channel α subunit（α-ENaC） and Na+-K+-ATPase in lung tissues of rats， the content of tumor necrosis factor -α（TNF-α）， the mRNA expression of cyclic adenosine monophosphate （cAMP）， protein kinase A （PKA） and cAMP-response element binding protein （CREB）， and the protein expression of cAMP， PKA， CREB， and phosphorylated-CREB （p-CREB） were detected by immunohistochemistry （IHC）， enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， and Western blot， respectively. ResultCompared with normal group， functions of FVC， FRC and MMEF in model group were significantly decreased (P<0.01)， and the time of tI and tE was significantly prolonged （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The content of TNF-α in lung tissue was significantly increased （P<0.01）. The mRNA and protein expressions of cAMP， PKA and CREB in lung tissue were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The expression of AQP5 and α-ENAC in lung tissue decreased significantly. The alveolar cavity of rats was filled with edema fluid， surrounding tissue hyperemia， inflammatory cell infiltration, bronchial mucosa epithelial adhesion. Compared with model group， Xiao Qinglongtang and its fangyuan group could significantly enhance the FVC, FRC and MMEF functions of model rats （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and tI and tE time were shortened （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The content of TNF-α in lung tissues of Xiao Qinglongtang group， Guizhi Gancao group and Banxia Mahuang group was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The mRNA expressions of cAMP， PKA and CREB in Xiao Qinglongtang group were significantly up-regulated （P<0.01）， and the mRNA expressions of cAMP and PKA in Guizhi Gancao， Jiangxinwei and Banxia Mahuang groups were significantly up-regulated （P<0.01）. The protein expressions of cAMP， PKA and CREB in Xiao Qinglongtang group， Guizhi Gancao group， Jiangxinwei group and Banxia Mahuang group were significantly up-regulated （P<0.01）， and the protein expression of CREB in Shaoyao Gancao group was significantly up-regulated（P<0.05）. Xiao Qinglongtang could up-regulate the positive expression of AQP5 and α-ENAC， and Guizhi Gancao group could up-regulate the positive expression of α-ENAC. Xiao Qinglongtang and its fangyuan can reduce the lung edema， inflammatory cell infiltration and bronchial mucosal adhesion of model rats. ConclusionXiao Qinglongtang and its ingredients can reduce lung edema and inhibit inflammation by improving the expression of lung water transport-related proteins AQP1， AQP5， and α-ENaC through cAMP/PKA pathway， thereby restoring the lung functions in rats with syndrome of cold fluid accumulated in lung. Na+-K+-ATPase may play an auxiliary role in the regulation of lung water transport. This provides a certain objective basis for preliminarily elucidating the connotation of lung governing water movement from the perspective of lung water transport-related proteins.

Relationship Between Aquaporins and "Kidney Governing Water" Theory / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） theory holds that "kidney governing water" plays a leading role in maintaining the metabolism of water and fluid in the body. The opening and closing of kidney qi determines the distribution， retention， and excretion of water and fluid. The treatment of some diseases caused by the imbalance of water and fluid metabolism is often carried out based on the kidney. Aquaporins are channel proteins that specifically transport water. They act as a regulator of intracellular and intercellular water flow and maintain the dynamic balance of water and fluid. Because of the differences in their location and expression， they have different physiological functions. Numerous studies have shown that aquaporins are widely distributed in the kidney， and their altered expression is of important significance to reveal the imbalance of water and fluid metabolism caused by different diseases. Doctors of all dynasties have accumulated rich experience in the continuous exploration of TCM regulating water and fluid metabolism disorders. TCM has the unique advantages of holistic view involving multiple pathways， components， and targets， and has achieved satisfactory regulatory effect， but the specific mechanism of action is not fully revealed. Therefore， this study explored the internal correlation of "kidney governing water"， the expression of aquaporins， and water and fluid metabolism disorders， summarized the regulatory effect and mechanism of Chinese medicinal extract， single Chinese medicine， and Chinese medicinal compound on water and fluid metabolism disorder， and interpreted the scientific connotation of "kidney governing water"， in order to provide new ideas and new directions for the TCM treatment of diseases due to water and fluid metabolism disorders.

Relationship Between Aquaporins and "Kidney Governing Water" Theory / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） theory holds that "kidney governing water" plays a leading role in maintaining the metabolism of water and fluid in the body. The opening and closing of kidney qi determines the distribution， retention， and excretion of water and fluid. The treatment of some diseases caused by the imbalance of water and fluid metabolism is often carried out based on the kidney. Aquaporins are channel proteins that specifically transport water. They act as a regulator of intracellular and intercellular water flow and maintain the dynamic balance of water and fluid. Because of the differences in their location and expression， they have different physiological functions. Numerous studies have shown that aquaporins are widely distributed in the kidney， and their altered expression is of important significance to reveal the imbalance of water and fluid metabolism caused by different diseases. Doctors of all dynasties have accumulated rich experience in the continuous exploration of TCM regulating water and fluid metabolism disorders. TCM has the unique advantages of holistic view involving multiple pathways， components， and targets， and has achieved satisfactory regulatory effect， but the specific mechanism of action is not fully revealed. Therefore， this study explored the internal correlation of "kidney governing water"， the expression of aquaporins， and water and fluid metabolism disorders， summarized the regulatory effect and mechanism of Chinese medicinal extract， single Chinese medicine， and Chinese medicinal compound on water and fluid metabolism disorder， and interpreted the scientific connotation of "kidney governing water"， in order to provide new ideas and new directions for the TCM treatment of diseases due to water and fluid metabolism disorders.

Research progress of aquaporins on the ophthalmic diseases / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#Aquaporins(AQPs)is a family of transmembrane channins with low activation energy, high selectivity and rapid transport of water molecules, widely expressed in eye tissues. It was found that AQPs has physiological functions in eye tissue including maintaining the internal lens circulation homeostasis, participating in atrial aqueous circulation, mediating retinal signaling and promoting damage repair. Mutations or abnormal function of AQPs can lead to the occurrence of various ophthalmic diseases. If the expression and function of AQPs can be changed by using certain drugs or technical means, it is expected to become a new target for the treatment of ophthalmic diseases in the future.

Organ specific differences in alteration of aquaporin expression in rats treated with sennoside A, senna anthraquinones and rhubarb anthraquinones / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE Senna and rhubarb are classified as stimulative laxatives, and known to have similar effec?tive constituents, the anthraquinones. Being protected by theβ-glucoside bond, the anthraquinones can reach the intes?tines where they are degraded into complex metabolites by enzymes secreted from the intestinal microbiome. It is these complex metabolites that produce the laxative effects. Then the similarities and differences of action between the anthra?quinones require further elucidation. METHODS Here, we studied metabolites of senna anthraquinones (SAQ), rhubarb anthraquinones (RAQ) and their chemical marker, sennoside A (SA), in a rat diarrhea model. In the in vitro biotransfor?mation experiments, SAQ, RAQ and SA were incubated with rat fecal flora solution and the metabolites produced were analyzed using HPLC. In the in vivo studies, the same compounds were investigated for purgation induction, with mea?surement of histopathology and multiple aquaporins (Aqps) gene expression in six organs. RESULTS SAQ and RAQ had similar principal constituents but could be degraded into different metabolites. A similar profile of Aqps down-regula?tion for all compounds was seen in the colon, suggesting a similar mechanism of action for purgation. However, in the kidneys and livers of the diarrhea-rats, down-regulation of Aqps was found in the RAQ-rats whereas up-regulation of Aqps was seen in the SAQ-rats. Furthermore, the RAQ-rats showed lower aquaporin 2 (Aqp2) protein expression in the kidneys, whilst the SA-rats and SAQ-rats had higher Aqp2 protein expression in the kidneys. This may have implications for side effects of SAQ or RAQ in patients with chronic kidney or liver diseases. CONCLUSION SAQ and RAQ showed similar laxative actions with a similar mechanism, they could display different actions in rat kidneys and livers. We suggest that the clinical usage of senna or rhubarb products should be clarified for patients having chronic kidney or liver diseases.

Mechanism of Chinese Medicine Against Sjögren Syndrome： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Sjögren syndrome （SS） is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by immune cell infiltration and progressive destruction of salivary and lacrimal glands. It not only affects the lacrimal and salivary glands， manifested as dry eyes and dry mouth， but also involves heart， lung，kidney，and central nervous system， seriously affecting human physical and mental health. Although western medicine has made extensive and in-depth research on the diagnosis and treatment of this disease in recent years，there is no effective treatment targeting the potential causes. Chinese medicine emphasizes the concept of holism，treatment and prescription formulation based on syndrome differentiation， and effect exertion via multiple targets，multiple levels，and multiple pathways，exhibiting great advantages in the treatment of SS. This paper reviews the mechanisms of Chinese medicine in treating SS from the perspectives of immunity regulation，aquaporin up-regulation， and anti-oxidative stress reported in the related literature，so as to provide more theoretical basis for the research and clinical treatment of SS.

Effect of yaobishu on protein expression of aquaporin 1 and aquaporin 3 in nucleus pulposus of the degenerated lumbar intervertebral disc in a rabbit / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: The aging and lesions of the intervertebral disc are closely related to the lack of nutritional blood supply to the disc. Aquaporin plays an important role in the nutritional supply to the intervertebral discs, but the specific mechanism has not been fully defined. OBJECTIVE: To study the mechanism of Yaobishu on degenerated intervertebral disc in rabbits based on the changes of aquaporin (AQP) 1 and AQP3 protein expression. METHODS: Thirty-six New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into model group, low-dose Yaobishu group and high-dose Yaobishu group. Animal models of lumbar intervertebral disc prolapse were prepared through an injection of normal saline into L4/5 and L5/6 segments. The model group was intragastrically given normal saline 5 mL/kg per day, the low-dose group was intragastrically given Yaobishu 5 mL/kg per day, and the high-dose group was intragastrically given Yaobishu 10 mL/kg per day, twice a day, for 21 days. After 6 weeks of treatment, the intervertebral discs were taken for anatomical and histological observation using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Expression of AQP1 and AQP3 in the nucleus pulposus at protein and mRNA levels was quantified by RT-PCR and western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In all the three groups, the annulus fibrosus was destroyed, abnormal cartilage tissue appeared, and the nucleus pulposus was reduced in number. Severest degeneration of the intervertebral disc was found in the model group, followed by the low-dose Yaobishu and high-dose Yaobishu groups in turn. The expression of AQP1 and AQP3 mRNA and protein in the high-dose Yaobishu group and low-dose Yaobishu group increased significantly after 6 weeks of treatment (P 0.05). There were significant differences in the expression of AQP1 and AQP3 mRNA and protein among the three groups (P < 0.05). Therefore, Yaobishu may alleviate the degeneration of the rabbit intervertebral disc by increasing the expression of AQP1 and AQP3.

Las Aquaporinas Y El Sistema Nervioso Central / Aquaporins And System Nervous Central

RESUMEN El descubrimiento de las acuaporinas, que constituyen una familia de proteínas integrales de membrana, ha supuesto un cambio con respecto a la comprensión del transporte de agua en las membranas biológicas. La más importante es la aquaporina 4 (AQP4) en la que nos centraremos a continuación, aunque existen otras dos acuaporinas la 1y la 9. Estas acuaporinas tienen una gran importancia en la fisiología del control del volumen celular y los mecanismos de control osmótico de las células. También en el control del flujo de glicerol y otros solutos. Además, las alteraciones en su funcionamiento se han relacionado con distintas enfermedades del sistema nervioso central como la neuromielitis óptica, el edema cerebral, la hipertensión intracraneal idiopática o la hidrocefalia crónica del adulto entre otras. Se realiza una revisión sobre este tema.

ABSTRACT The discovery of aquaporins, which constitute a family of integral membrane proteins, has meant a change with respect to the understanding of water transport in biological membranes. The most important is aquaporin 4 (AQP4) which we will focus on below, although there are two other aquaporins, 1 and 9. These aquaporins are of great importance in the physiology of cell volume control and osmotic control mechanisms of the cells. Also in the control of the flow of glycerol and other solutes. In addition, alterations in its functioning have been related to various diseases of the central nervous system such as neuromyelitis optics, cerebral edema, idiopathic intracranial hypertension or chronic hydrocephalus of the adult among others. A review is made on this topic.

Effect of Tongbiantang on PKA/MPKA Signal Pathway in Colon Tissue of STC Rat Model / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To explore the effect of Tongbiantang on protein kinase A(PKA) and mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signal pathway in colon tissue of slow transit constipation(STC) rats and its related mechanism. Method: Eighty SD rats were randomly divided into blank group and model group, 20 rats in blank group, 60 rats in model group, half male and half female; blank group was fed with common diet, model group was fed with compound phenylethylpiperidine, after 120 days of modeling, 10 rats in blank group and 20 rats in model group were randomly selected, and 2 rats were determined. Four-hour stool volume, water content and small intestinal charcoal powder propelling rate were observed to observe the number of stool particles retained in colon and evaluate the success of STC rat modeling. After 1 week of drug withdrawal, 40 rats in model group were randomly divided into model group(33 g·kg-1), Tongbiantang group, Tongbiantang+H89 group (PKA signaling pathway blocker,5 mg·kg-1), Tongbiantang+U0126 group (MPKA signaling pathway blocker,0.1 mg·kg-1) each. After 4 weeks of intervention with Tongbiantang, the amount of stool excretion, water content and small intestinal charcoal powder propelling rate were measured in 10 rats, and the number of stool grains in colon was observed. The protein content and mRNA expression in aquaporins 3(AQP3), AQP4, PKA and MAPKs signaling pathways in colon was determined by immunohistochemical staining (IHC), Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR). Result: Compared with the blank group, the 24-hour stool volume, fecal water content, small intestinal charcoal propelling rate and the number of fecal particles in colon of rats in the model group were significantly decreased (PPPPPConclusion: Tongbiantang can inhibit the PKA and MPKA signal pathways, thus down-regulate the expression of AQP3 and AQP4, increase intestinal peristalsis and intestinal water, and effectively treat STC.

Potential value of aquaporin-8 in treatment of liver diseases / 临床肝胆病杂志

Aquaporins are involved in bile metabolism and cell signal transduction. This article briefly describes the role and mechanism of action of aquaporins in cholestatic liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, hepatic encephalopathy, and liver cancer and points out that aquaporin agonists may be a future direction of treatment of these liver diseases, which provides new ideas for the treatment of liver diseases.

Research progress of aquaporin and congenital cataract / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#Aquaporins(AQPs)mainly mediate passive transmembrane transport of free water along osmotic pressure gradient. Three aquaporins, AQP1, AQP0 and AQP5, expressed in lens fibroblasts. The different functions of AQPs play important roles in promoting the formation and regulation of microcirculatory system. Furthermore, mutations in AQP-related genes can lead to cataracts. This paper reviews the current research status of aquaporin, and discusses the relationship between aquaporin-related proteins and congenital cataract.

Advances in aquaporin inhibitors and molecular targeted therapy / 第二军医大学学报

Aquaporins (AQPs) are the specific channel proteins located in cell membrane for transporting water, and they play an important role in maintaining the body’s water balance. AQPs are widely distributed in human tissues and organs, and their abnormal expressions are closely related to a series of diseases caused by water balance disorders. In recent years, great advances have been made in molecular researches, specific inhibitors, and targeted therapies of AQPs. In this review, we summarized the recent research progresses.

Effects of toxic fractions of Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix on toxicity of mice intestinal tract and colon aquaporins expression level before and after vinegar processing / 中国中药杂志

To investigate the toxicity changes of Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix (EER) before and after vinegar processing, toxic diterpenoids were concentrated with chloroform as extraction solvent from EER. Then the residue was extracted for non-chloroform extract with 95% ethanol and water after extraction with chloroform. The chloroform extraction of vinegar processed EER was prepared with the same method. The mice received the drug by oral administration. Moisture content in mice feces, duodenum and colon tissue, aquaporin AQP1, AQP3, AQP4 protein expression levels were assayed as the indexes to investigate the toxicity variation of chloroform fraction, non-chloroform fraction, as well as intestinal tract toxicity before and after vinegar processing of EER. The results showed that the chloroform fraction extracted from EER could significantly increase the moisture content in mice feces, duodenum and colon, and decrease AQP1 protein expression level, increase AQP3 and AQP4 protein expression levels in the colon. The intestinal toxicity of the chloroform extract was significantly higher than that of non-chloroform extract. The moisture content in mice feces, duodenum and colon was significantly decreased, and the AQPs protein expression tended to be normal in the colon after vinegar processing. The results showed that the chloroform fraction extracted from EER could lead to diarrhea, intestinal edema, and the intestinal toxicity action was associated with interfering AQPs protein expression and promoting intestinal fluid transport disorder in mice. Vinegar-processing could reduce intestinal toxicity of EER, so vinegar processing was considered to be the scientific processing method of EER.

Effect of raw and salt-processed of psoralen on function of liver and kidney and expression of aquaporins in kidney-yang deficiency model rats / 中草药

Objective To observe the effect of raw and salt-processed of psoralen on the function of liver and kidney and the expression of aquaporins 5 (AQP5), AQP4, and AQP2 in the kidney-yang deficiency model rats. Methods Used hydrocortisone made deficiency of kidney-YANG model rats, total protein (TP), albumin (Alb) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum creatinine (Scr), and urea nitrogen (BUN) content in serum of rats were determined by chemical reagent method. The expression of AQP5, AQP4, and AQP2 were detected by qRT-PCR. Results The levels of ALT and AST in the raw and salt-processed of psoralen groups increased significantly, and Alb decreased significantly compared with model group (P andlt; 0.05); The levels of ALT and AST in the salt-processed of psoralen group were lower than that in the raw psoralen group; the levels of BUN and Scr in the treated group were significantly higher than that in the model group (P andlt; 0.05). The expression of mRNA for AQP2 and AQP4 of model group was decreased significantly (P andlt; 0.05) compared with control group, and expression of AQP5 mRNA increased significantly (P andlt; 0.05). The expression of AQP4 mRNA in raw psoralen group was significantly higher than that in model group (P andlt; 0.05), and AQP5 mRNA was significantly lower than that in model group (P andlt; 0.05). Moreover, the expression of AQP2 and AQP5 mRNA of salt-processed of psoralen group was significantly higher than that of the raw psoralen group (P andlt; 0.05), and AQP4 mRNA expression was significantly lower than that of salt-processed of psoralen group (P andlt; 0.05). Conclusion Salt-processed of psoralen can reduce the side effects of drugs on liver and kidney function in kidney-yang deficiency model rats, it can also alleviate the dryness of raw psoralen. The relief of dryness by salt-processed of psoralen may be related to the regulation of the gene expression of aquaporins in vivo.