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.

Síntomas gastrointestinales como manifestación de neuromielitis óptica: un reporte de caso / Gastrointestinal symptoms as a manifestation of Neuromyelitis Optica: A Case Report / Sintomas gastrointestinais como manifestação de neuromielite óptica: um reporte de caso

Se presenta el caso de una mujer en la quinta década de la vida que ingresa al servicio de urgencias con manifestaciones gastrointestinales consistentes en vómito e hipo. Después de múltiples estudios e intervenciones por especialistas, se piensa en el origen central de los síntomas. Se realiza una resonancia magnética nuclear (RMN) cerebral que permite el enfoque del caso y posterior confirmación del diagnóstico de una enfermedad dentro del espectro de la neuromielitis óptica, positiva para anticuerpos anti-acuaporinas-4. El tratamiento con esteroide y anticuerpo monoclonal (Rituximab) llevan a un control adecuado de la enfermedad.

We present a case report of a woman in her 50s admitted to the emergency room with gastrointestinal manifestations consisting of vomiting and hiccups. After a series of studies and interventions by specialists, a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is performed in order to find the central origin of the symptoms. This allows the approach of the case and subsequent confirmation of the diagnosis of Neuromyelitis optica, positive for anti-acuaporin-4 antibodies. Finally, it seems that treatment with steroids and monoclonal antibodies leads to proper control of the disease.

Se apresenta o caso de uma mulher na quinta década de vida que ingressa ao serviço de urgências com manifestações gastrointestinais consistentes em vômito e soluço. Depois de múltiplos estudos e intervenções por especialistas, se pensa na origemcentral dos sintomas. Se realiza uma ressonância magnética nuclear (RMN) cerebral que permite o enfoque do caso e posterior confirmação do diagnóstico de uma doença dentro do espectro da neuromielite óptica, positiva para anticorpos anti-acuaporinas-4. O tratamento com esteroide e anticorpo monoclonal (Rituximab) levam a um controle adequado da doença.

Association study of single nucleotide polymorphisms of AQP7 and AQP9 genes with type 2 diabetes mellitus among ethnic Han Chinese population / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To assess the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of aquaporin 7 ( AQP7) and aquaporin 9 ( AQP9) genes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among ethnic Han Chinese population.@*METHODS@#A case-control study involving 1194 subjects with T2DM and 1274 non-diabetic mellitus (NDM) subjects were enrolled. Genotypes of three SNPs (rs3758269 of AQP7 gene, rs16939881 and rs57139208 of AQP9 gene) were determined by using a MassArray method. The association of the three SNPs with T2DM was assess, and the correlation of glucose and lipid metabolism parameters with various SNP genotypes in the NDM group was analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The allelic and genotypic frequencies of the three SNPs did not differ significantly between the two groups (P>0.05). Nor was there significant difference between the two groups with different genetic models (P>0.05). No significant association of genotypes of AQP7 gene rs3758269, AQP9 gene rs16939881 and rs57139208 with glucose and lipid metabolism parameters were observed in the NDM group (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The rs3758269 in AQP7 gene and rs16939881 and rs57139208 in AQP9 gene are not associated with the genetic susceptibility of T2DM among ethnic Han Chinese population.

The distribution and function of aquaporin 1 and 2 along the kidney in different species / Distribución y función de la acuaporina 1 y 2 a lo largo del riñón en diferentes especies

SUMMARY: Water metabolism in kidney is critical for organisms living in arid environments. In this study, the kidney structure and the expression of AQP1 and AQP2 in Phrynocephalus vlangalii and Camelus bactrianus were studied. It was found that the Phrynocephalus vlangalii has fewer renal corpuscle but developed kidney tubules, and AQP1 and AQP2 were mainly expressed in the kidney tubules. Camelus bactrianus has a large diameter of glomerulus, thick bulbar membrane, and long and dense urinary tract. AQP1 was highly expressed in the proximal convoluted tubule, proximal straight tubule, and Ansa nephroni (Henle´s loop), and AQP2 was also highly expressed in the collecting tubule and distal convoluted tubule. In the long-term evolutionary adaptation, the morphological structure of animal kidney is consistent with its environment. In addition to structural and functional adaptation, aquaporin also participates in the adaptation to water scarcity environment, and may also play a key role.

RESUMEN: El metabolismo del agua en los riñones es fundamental para los organismos que viven en ambientes áridos. En este estudio, se estudió la estructura renal y la expresión de AQP1 y AQP2 en Phrynocephalus vlangalii y Camelus bactrianus. Se encontró que Phrynocephalus vlangalii tiene menos corpúsculos renales. pero desarrolló túbulos renales, y AQP1 y AQP2 se expresaron principalmente en los túbulos renales. Camelus bactrianus tiene un glomérulo de gran diámetro, una membrana bulbar gruesa y un tracto urinario largo y denso. AQP1 se expresó en gran medida en el túbulo contorneado proximal, el túbulo recto proximal y el Ansa nephroni o asa nefrónica (asa de Henle), y AQP2 también se expresó en gran medida en el túbulo colector y el túbulo contorneado distal. A largo plazo, en la adaptación evolutiva la estructura morfológica del riñón animal es coherente con su entorno. Además de la adaptación estructural y funcional, la acuaporina también es parte de la adaptación al entorno de escasez de agua y puede desempeñar un papel clave.

Expression of V2R and AQPs in the renal medulla of high-fat nutritional obesity of rat / Expresión de V2R y AQPs en la médula renal de ratas con obesidad nutricional alta en grasas

Recent evidence has indicated that adipose tissue produces bioactive substances that contribute to obesity-related kidney disease, altering the renal function and structure. Eight of the AQPs are expressed in the kidney, where several of them contribute to water absorption and maintenance of body water balance. In the study, we mainly examined the localization of AQP2, AQP3 and V2R in renal medulla of Normal Diet (ND) and High-fat Diet (HFD) of rats, respectively. In renal medulla of HFD, immunolight microscopy revealed weak expression of AQP2 at the apical plasma membrane and intracellular vesicles of principal cells of the IMCD and OMCD. AQP3 and V2R expression also observed a decrease in immunolabelling in the IMCD and OMCD. It was suggested that excess lipid accumulation may lead to lipotoxicity and may be the major driver of organ dysfunction such as water reabsorption dysfunction, which may be resulted from abnormal response of rphan G-protein-coupled receptors in kidney.

La evidencia reciente ha indicado que el tejido adiposo produce sustancias bioactivas que contribuyen a la enfermedad renal relacionada con la obesidad, alterando la función y la estructura renal. Ocho de los AQP se expresan en el riñón, donde varios de ellos contribuyen a la absorción de agua y al mantenimiento del equilibrio hídrico corporal. En el estudio, examinamos principalmente la localización de AQP2, AQP3 y V2R en la médula renal de ratas con dieta normal (ND) y ratas con dieta alta en grasas (HFD). En la médula renal del grupo HFD, la microscopía electrónica de barrido reveló una expresión débil de AQP2 en la membrana plasmática apical y las vesículas intracelulares de las células principales de IMCD y OMCD. La expresión de AQP3 y V2R también observó una disminución en el inmunomarcador en IMCD y OMCD. Se sugiere que el exceso de acumulación de lípidos puede conducir a lipotoxicidad y ser el principal impulsor de la disfunción orgánica, como la disfunción de reabsorción de agua, que puede ser el resultado de la respuesta anormal de los receptores acoplados a proteína rphan G en el riñón.

Immunohistochemical study of aquaporin 1 and 2 in the hepatobiliary system of Qinghai lizard (Pphrynocephalus vlangalii ) / Estudio inmunohistoquímico de aquaporin 1 y 2 en la sistema hepatobiliar del lagarto de Qinghai ( Phrynocephalus vlangalii )

A serous membrane covering the liver and the hepatic parenchyma, consists of hepatocytes, arteries, veins, hepatic sinusoids and biliary ductuli. There are erythrocytes, thrombocytes, melanin particles and Kupffer cell in the hepatic sinusoids and the blood vessels. The gall bladder wall consists of a mucous layer a muscle layer and a serous layer. The bottom of the epithelium abounds with round or oval secretory. In liver, immunohistochemistry results show that AQP1 have intense reaction in hepatic lobule, Kupffer cells (Macrophagocytus stellatus), hepatocytes, portal tract, blood islands, vein and artery, but almost no reaction of AQP2 was detected. In gallbladder, mucous epithelium, endothelial cells from vein and artery all have strong AQP1 expression, AQP2 showed minor diffused positive reaction in gallbladder, which suggesting that AQP1 may have the main role in the absorption and transportation of fluid in hepatobiliary system of Qinghai Lizard.

Una membrana serosa cubre el hígado y el parénquima hepático el cual está formado por hepatocitos, arterias, venas, sinusoides hepáticos y conductos biliares. Se encuentran eritrocitos, trombocitos, partículas de melanina y células de Kupffer en los sinusoides hepáticos y en los vasos sanguíneos. La pared de la vesícula biliar presenta tres capas: mucosa, muscular y serosa. En el hígado, la inmunohistoquímica mostró que AQP1 tiene una reacción intensa en el lóbulo hepático, células de Kupffer, hepatocitos, tracto portal e islotes sanguíneos. En venas y arterias, no se detectó reacción alguna de AQP2. En la vesícula biliar, el epitelio mucoso, las células endoteliales venosas y arteriales tuvieron una importante expresión de AQP1, sin embargo, AQP2 mostró una reacción positiva difusa menor, lo que sugiere que la AQP1 podría tener una función principal en la absorción y transporte de líquido en el sistema hepatobiliar del Lagarto Qinghai.

Decreased Expression of Aquaporins in Otitis Media: What About Chronic Otitis Media?

No abstract available.

Decreased Aquaporin 4 and 6 mRNAs in Patients With Chronic Otitis Media With Otorrhea

OBJECTIVES: Aquaporins (AQPs) are integral membrane proteins engaged in the modulation of water homeostasis, but the roles they play in chronic otitis media (COM) have not been well investigated. Accordingly, we undertook document relations between the mRNA expressions of AQPs and COM, and explored the relation between these expressions and otorrhea, which is one of the most common symptoms of COM. METHODS: Levels of the mRNAs of AQP 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 were assayed by real-time polymerase chain reaction in inflammatory tissue samples from 81 patients with COM with or without otorrhea. Relationships between AQP mRNA levels and the presence or absence of otorrhea, the presence or absence of bacteria, hearing threshold levels, types of hearing loss, and clinical manifestations were also evaluated. RESULTS: AQP 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 mRNAs were expressed in inflammatory tissues obtained from all 81 patients with COM with or without otorrhea. AQP 5 mRNA was most expressed in, followed in descending order by AQP 3, 1, 10, 6, 8, 2, and 4. There were no significant intergroup differences in terms of age, sex, duration of illness, levels of hearing loss in both ears, or incidences of conductive or sensorineural hearing loss. However, AQP 4 (P=0.035) and 6 (P=0.085) mRNA levels were significantly lower in the otorrhea group. In addition, bacteria culture positivity (P=0.014) and the incidence of sensorineural hearing loss (P=0.020) were higher in the otorrhea group. CONCLUSION: AQP 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 are involved in the development of COM. Specifically, it shows reductions in AQP 4 and 6 mRNA levels, as observed in the otorrhea group, have an effect on the clinical manifestations of COM.

Expression of aquaporin 2, aquaporin 3 and aquaporin 4 in renal medulla of Bactrian camel ( Camelus bactrianus ) / Expresión de acuaporina 2, acuaporina 3 y acuaporina 4 en la médula renal del camello bactriano ( Camelus bactrianus )

SUMMARY: Aquaporins (AQPs) are members of the aquaporin water channel family that play an important role in reabsorption of water from the renal tubular fluid to concentrate urine. Using immunohistochemical staining on paraffin sections, We studied expression of AQP2, AQP3 and AQP4 in renal medulla of Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus). The renal medulla of cattle (Bos taurus) acted as the control. Compared with the control, strong expression of AQP2 was observed at the apical plasma membrane and intracellular vesicles, in both the outer medullary collecting duct (OMCD) and the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) of camel. Strong expression of AQP3 was observed at the basolateral plasma membrane of the IMCD of camel. Strong AQP4 expression, however, was observed at the basolateral plasma membrane in the OMCD of camel. Moreover, moderate AQP4 expression was detected in endothelium of capillary in medullary region of camels, whereas very weak/absent expression was detected in endothelium of capillary of cattle. We concluded that expression of AQP2, AQP3 and AQP4 in the camel kidney showed some differences from cattle in renal trans-epithelial water transport. It may enhance our better understanding of special water metabolism mechanisms that enable camels to survive in extreme environments.

RESUMEN: Las acuaporinas (AQP) son miembros de las proteínas de transporte que desempeñan un papel importante en la reabsorción de agua del líquido tubular renal para concentrar la orina. Estudiamos la expresión de AQP2, AQP3 y AQP4 en la médula renal del camello bactriano (Camelus bactrianus) usando tinción inmunohistoquímica en secciones de parafina. La médula renal del bovino (Bos taurus) se usó como control. En comparación con el control, se observó una fuerte expresión de AQP2 en la membrana plasmática apical y vesículas intracelulares tanto en el conducto colector medular externo (CCME) como en el conducto colector medular interno (CCMI) del camello. Se observó una fuerte expresión de AQP3 en la membrana plasmática basolateral del CCMI del camello. También se observó una expresión fuerte de AQP4 en la membrana plasmática basolateral en el CCME de camello. Además, se detectó una expresión moderada de AQP4 en el endotelio de los capilares en la región medular de los camellos, mientras que en el endotelio de los capilares del bovino se detectó una expresión muy débil. Concluimos que la expresión de AQP2, AQP3 y AQP4 en el riñón de camello mostró algunas diferencias con el bovino en el transporte trans-epitelial de agua renal. El estudio podría mejorar nuestra comprensión de los mecanismos especiales del metabolismo del agua que permiten a los camellos sobrevivir en ambientes extremos.

Regulation of aquaporins in plants under stress

Abstract Aquaporins (AQP) are channel proteins belonging to the Major Intrinsic Protein (MIP) superfamily that play an important role in plant water relations. The main role of aquaporins in plants is transport of water and other small neutral molecules across cellular biological membranes. AQPs have remarkable features to provide an efficient and often, specific water flow and enable them to transport water into and out of the cells along the water potential gradient. Plant AQPs are classified into five main subfamilies including the plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs), tonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIPs), nodulin 26 like intrinsic proteins (NIPs), small basic intrinsic proteins (SIPs) and X intrinsic proteins (XIPs). AQPs are localized in the cell membranes and are found in all living cells. However, most of the AQPs that have been described in plants are localized to the tonoplast and plasma membranes. Regulation of AQP activity and gene expression, are also considered as a part of the adaptation mechanisms to stress conditions and rely on complex processes and signaling pathways as well as complex transcriptional, translational and posttranscriptional factors. Gating of AQPs through different mechanisms, such as phosphorylation, tetramerization, pH, cations, reactive oxygen species, phytohormones and other chemical agents, may play a key role in plant responses to environmental stresses by maintaining the uptake and movement of water in the plant body.

Avaliação da expressão de aquaporinas em carcinoma mucoepidermóide da glândula salivar / Evaluation of the expression of aquaporins in mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the salivary gland

As aquaporinas (AQPs) pertencem a uma família de 13 pequenos canais de proteína transmembrana, envolvidos no transporte de água e solutos sendo fundamentais na fisiologia do organismo. Nas glândulas salivares, as aquaporinas têm sido consideradas muito relevantes para o controle da produção da saliva e manutenção da estrutura glandular, desde os processos de morfogênese do órgão. Entretanto, pouco se sabe acerca da participação dessas proteínas em processos neoplásicos dessas glândulas. Os tumores de glândulas salivares compreendem um grupo heterogêneo de lesões, apresentando diferentes características histológicas e comportamento clínico diverso. O carcinoma mucoepidermóide é o tumor maligno mais comum das glândulas salivares. Em muitos casos, os aspectos histopatológicos desse tumor se assemelham aos das glândulas salivares, e assim, indaga-se a participação das aquaporinas em suas estruturas, no sentido de se compreender a relação biológica da neoplasia com a do órgão normal. O objetivo desse trabalho foi a avaliação da expressão das aquaporinas AQP1, AQP3 e AQP5 em 24 amostras de carcinoma mucoepidermóide por imunoistoquímica. Dos 24 pacientes avaliados neste estudo, 11 eram mulheres e 13 homens. A mediana de idade dos indivíduos acometidos por esta lesão foi de 48,5 anos (variando de 8 a 81 anos) e o local mais frequentemente afetado em nossa amostra foi a glândula salivar menor, seguido pela parótida. Considerando os resultados da imunoistoquímica, a AQP1 não foi expressa no carcinoma mucoepidermóide, sendo expressa na parede dos vasos sanguíneos que permeiam o tumor. A AQP3 foi expressa nas células epidermóides e mucosas em 85,7% dos casos de carcinoma mucoepidermóide e a AQP5 foi expressa nas células mucosas em 60,0% dos casos de carcinoma mucoepidermóide. Não foi observada associação entre a expressão das proteínas e as características demográficas, clínicas, patológicas e nem associação da expressão das aquaporinas entre si. Na análise de sobrevida, foi observado que ausência de invasão vascular e ausência de recidiva estavam associadas a melhores taxas de sobrevida global. Apesar de não ser estatisticamente significativo, nossos resultados sugerem que pacientes com ausência de expressão de AQP3 e presença de expressão de AQP5 apresentam uma melhor sobrevida global. De forma geral, nosso estudo apresentou resultados inéditos sobre a expressão de aquaporinas em carcinoma mucoepidermóide. A expressão de aquaporinas parece estar associada ao processo de desenvolvimento/progressão do carcinoma mucoepidermóide, onde sugere-se que AQP1 poderia contribuir para o fornecimento de nutrientes essenciais para sustentar o crescimento do tumor, AQP3 poderia atuar no metabolismo tumoral, fornecendo energia pela captação de glicerol e conseqüentemente, divisão e proliferação celular e a AQP5 poderia estar mais envolvida no processo de diferenciação celular (AU)

The aquaporins (AQPs) belong to a family of 13 small transmembrane protein channels, involved in the transport of water and solutes being fundamental in the physiology of the organism. In the salivary glands, aquaporins have been considered very relevant for the control of saliva production and maintenance of the glandular structure, from the organ morphogenesis processes. However, little is known about the participation of these proteins in neoplastic processes of these glands. Tumors of salivary glands comprise a heterogeneous group of lesions, presenting different histological characteristics and diverse clinical behavior. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of the salivary glands. In many cases, the histopathological aspects of this tumor resemble those of the salivary glands, and thus, the participation of the aquaporins in their structures is investigated, in order to understand the biological relation of the neoplasia with that of the normal organ. The aim of this work was to evaluate the expression of AQP1, AQP3 and AQP5 aquaporins in 24 mucoepidermoid carcinoma samples by immunohistochemistry. Of the 24 patients evaluated in this study, 11 were women and 13 men. The median age of the individuals affected by this lesion was 48.5 years (ranging from 8 to 81 years) and the most frequently affected site in our sample was the minor salivary gland, followed by the parotid gland. Considering the immunohistochemistry results, AQP1 was not expressed in the mucoepidermoid carcinoma, being expressed in the wall of the blood vessels that permeate the tumor. Aquaporin AQP3 was expressed in epidermoid and mucous cells in 85.7% of mucoepidermoid carcinoma cases and AQP5 was expressed in mucous cells in 60.0% of mucoepidermoid carcinoma cases. There was no association between the expression of the proteins and the demographic, clinical, pathological or association of the expression of the aquaporins with each other. Regarding survival analysis, it was observed that absence of vascular invasion and absence of relapse were associated with better overall survival rates. Although not statistically significant, our results suggest that patients with absence of AQP3 expression and presence of AQP5 expression have a better overall survival. In general, our study presented original results on the expression of aquaporins in mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The expression of aquaporins appears to be associated with the development/progression of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, where it is suggested that AQP1 might contribute to the supply of essential nutrients to support tumor growth, AQP3 might act on tumor metabolism, providing energy by uptake of glycerol and consequently, cell division and proliferation, and AQP5 might be involved in the process of cell differentiation (AU)

Nuclear receptors and renal water transport regulation / 生理学报

The function of kidney is maintaining water balance of our body through regulation of urine concentration and dilution. The aquaporins are molecular basis of renal urine production and water transport, and their expression and membrane translocation are regulated delicately. Nuclear receptors are a superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors consisting of 48 members in human. They widely participate in a variety of physiological and pathophysiological regulation including growth and development, glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation, immunology by regulating target gene transcription and expression. Increasing evidence demonstrates that these receptors are involved in the regulation of aquaporins expression and membrane translocation in kidney, thereby playing a major role in water homeostasis. Here we review the role of nuclear receptors in regulating renal water transport.

[ effect of aerobic exercise training on visceral adipose tissue aquaporin7 content in rats fed with high fat diet]

Introduction: Aquaporin 7 [AQP7], as a glycerol permeable channel of adipose tissue, plays an important role in controlling triglycerides accumulating in adipose tissue and the development of obesity and its related metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise training on epididymal adipose tissue AQP7 content in rats fed a high fat diet

Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight male Wister rats [4-6 weeks] were randomly divided into two groups: Normal diet [14] and high fat diet [14]. After 10 weeks of feeding with normal or high-fat food, each of the groups were divided into two groups: control [7] and training [7]. Rats in the training groups were subjected to running on the treadmill at a speed of 20 meters per minute for 10 weeks [5 days per week] and their epididymal adipose tissue AQP7 content and insulin were assessed by Elisa. Plasma levels of glucose and lipid profile, as well as insulin resistance index [HOMA-IR] were also measured

Results: Body weight, epididymal fat weight, plasma insulin levels and insulin resistance index increased in rats, fed with a high fat diet [P<0.05]. Epididymal adipose tissue AQP7 content decreased due to compliance with the high fat diet [P=0.003]; however aerobic exercise training increased AQP7 in both normal and high fat diet groups [P= 0.003]. This training program improved plasma levels of glucose, insulin and lipid profiles, as well as HOMA-IR [P<0.05]

Conclusion: These results indicate that aerobic exercise training could improve metabolic status by increasing adipose tissue AQP7 content

Recent Research Trend for Ménière's Disease / 대한평형의학회지

Ménière's disease is a poorly understood disorder of the inner ear characterized by intermittent episodic vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, ear fullness and tinnitus. In this paper, we present a review of the histopathology, cytochemistry, gene, blood-labyrinthine barrier and imaging of Ménière's disease. Histopathology is significant for neuroepithelial damage with hair cell loss, basement membrane thickening, perivascular damage and microvascular damage. Cytochemical alterations are significant for altered AQP4 and AQP6 expression in the supporting cell, and altered cochlin and mitochondrial protein expression. Since the discovery of aquaporin water channels (AQP1, AQP2, AQP3, AQP4, AQP5, AQP6, AQP7 and AQP9), it has become clear that these channels play a crucial role in inner ear fluid homeostasis. Several gene studies related to Ménière's disease have been published, but there is no clear evidence that Ménière's disease is associated with a special gene. Currently, imaging techniques to determine the extent and presence of endolymphatic hydrops are being studied, and further studies are needed to correlate the visualization of the endolymphatic hydrops with clinical symptoms.

Expression of Aquaporin 1 and 4 in the Choroid Plexus and Brain Parenchyma of Kaolin-Induced Hydrocephalic Rats / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: Aquaporin (AQP) is a recently discovered protein that regulates water homeostasis. The present study examines changes in AQP 1 and 4 in kaolin induced experimental hydrocephalic rats to elucidate the pathophysiology of water homeostasis in the disease. METHODS: Hydrocephalus was induced by percutaneous intracisternal injection of kaolin. The brain parenchyma and choroid plexus were obtained at 3, 7, 14 and 30 days after injection. Protein expressions of AQP 1 and 4 were measured by western blot, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) stains. RESULTS: In the choroid plexus of the kaolin-induced hydrocephalus group, AQP 1 expression identified by western blot exhibited sharp decrease in the early stage (55% by the 3rd day and 22% by the 7th day), but indicated a 2.2-fold increase in the later stage (30th day) in comparison with control groups. In the parenchyma, a quantitative measurement of AQP 4 expression revealed variable results on the 3rd and 7th days, but indicated expression 2.1 times higher than the control in the later stage (30th day). In addition, the IHC and IF findings supported the patterns of expression of AQP 1 in the choroid plexus and AQP 4 in the parenchyma. CONCLUSION: Expression of AQP 1 decreased sharply in the choroid plexus of acute hydrocephalus rats and increased at later stages. Expression of AQP 4 in the brain parenchyma was variable in the early stage in the hydrocephalus group, but was higher than in the control in the later stage. These findings suggest a compensating role of AQPs in water physiology in hydrocephalus.

Effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide on defecation and VIP-cAMP-PKA-AQP3 signaling pathway in rats with constipation / 中南大学学报(医学版)

To observe the effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) on the metabolism of intestinal fluid and cyclic AMP protein kinase A signaling pathway (cAMP-PKA) and water channel protein 3 (AQP3) in rats with constipation, and to explore the mechanism of VIP in the treatment of constipation.
 Methods: A total of 45 healthy adult rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a model +VIP group. After 4 weeks of VIP treatment, the first black stool time were examined with the ink gastric method; the water content in feces was calculated; the morphological changes in colonic tissues were observed by HE staining. The expression of VIP and AQP3 protein levels in colon tissues were detected by Western blot; and the cAMP, PKA, AQP3 mRNA expression levels were detected by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). 
 Results: Compared with the control group, the first black stool time was prolonged, the water content of fecal decreased significantly (both P<0.01); part of the colon mucosa epithelial cells were destructed; the goblet cell volume decreased and quantity was reduced; the contents of AQP3 and VIP in colon tissues were significantly decreased, and the cAMP, PKA and AQP3 mRNA levels were decreased in the model group (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the first black stool time in the model +VIP group was shortened, the fecal water content increased significantly (both P<0.05); the mucosal epithelium integrity improved, the number of goblet cells increased; the content of AQP3 and VIP in colon tissues was increased, and the cAMP, PKA, and AQP3 mRNA levels were elevated (all P<0.05).
 Conclusion: Intravenous injection of VIP can regulate intestinal fluid metabolism and improve the symptoms of constipation in rats, which might be related to the regulation of VIP-cAMP-PKA-AQP3 signaling pathway.

Transcatheter delivery of recombinant adenovirus vector containing exogenous aquaporin gene in treatment of Sjögren's syndrome / 浙江大学学报·医学版

Sjögren's syndrome is a kind of autoimmune disease, whose main clinical symptoms are dry mouth, dry eye and chronic parotid glandular inflammation. The conservative treatments include artificial tears or saliva,oral administration of corticosteroids,and immunosuppressantsl with limited effectiveness. Along with the development of molecular biology, vast attentions are being paid to researches on gene therapy for Sjögren's syndrome, hopefully to bring gospel to patients with Sjögren's syndrome. This article reviews the recent research progresses on transcatheter delivery of recombinant adenovirus vector with aquaporin gene in experimental treatment of Sjögren's syndrome.

Prognostic Significance of Aquaporin 5 Expression in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND: Aquaporins are water channel proteins that play a major role in the movement of water in various human tissues. Recently, it has been found that aquaporins have influence in the carcinogenesis of human malignancies. We analyzed the prognostic impact of aquaporin 5 (AQP5) in non-small lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Seventy-six cases of NSCLC were studied, including 44 cases of adenocarcinoma (ADC) and 32 cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC). Tissue microarray was constructed and immunohistochemical staining for AQP5 was performed. RESULTS: AQP5 was positive in 59.2% of the total enrolled NSCLCs (63.7% in ADC and 53.1% in SQCC). The difference in expression of AQP5 according to the histologic grade of the tumor was significant (p<.047), but not in a serial order. When ADC and SQCC were separately evaluated, no significant difference was observed according to the histologic grade of the tumor (p=.076 in ADC and p=.631 in SQCC). No difference was observed between AQP5 expression and other demographic data and tumor characteristics. Disease-free survival (DFS) was higher in AQP5 negative cases than positive cases in ADC (p=.047), but no significance was found in SQCC (p=.068). We were unable to find a significance between AQP5 overexpression and overall survival in either ADC (p=.210) or SQCC (p=.533). CONCLUSIONS: AQP5 expression is associated with DFS in ADC of the lung and tumor grade of NSCLC. The present study suggests that AQP5 can be a prognostic factor of NSCLC.

Adecuación en diálisis peritoneal pediátrica: Del test de equilibrio peritoneal a las aquaporinas / Peritoneal dialysis adequacy in pediatrics: From the peritoneal equilibration test to the aquaporins

La evaluación de las características de transporte de solutos y agua del peritoneo es esencial para adecuar la prescripción dialítica en pacientes portadores de enfermedad renal crónica. Existen una serie de modelos para realizar esta evaluación. El test de equilibrio peritoneal (PET) evalúa la capacidad de transporte del peritoneo clasificando a los pacientes en 4 categorías de transportador: alto, promedio alto, promedio bajo y bajo. El short PET realiza la misma evaluación en solo 2 h, y ha sido validado en pacientes pediátricos. Por otro lado, el MiniPET otorga información adicional al evaluar la capacidad de transporte de agua libre por los poros ultrapequeños, y el Accelerated Peritoneal Examination Time (APEX) evalúa el punto de intersección de las curvas de equilibrio de urea y glucosa, y ha sido propuesto como el tiempo de permanencia óptimo para lograr una UF adecuada. Se analiza la información actual sobre estos métodos diagnósticos, en particular los últimos aportes de la literatura respecto al transporte de agua libre vía aquaporinas, que podrían representar una herramienta importante para optimizar el transporte de agua y solutos en pacientes en diálisis peritoneal crónica, en particular respecto al pronóstico cardiovascular.

An evaluation of the characteristics of peritoneal solute and water transport is essential to assess the suitability of prescribing dialysis in patients suffering from chronic renal disease. There are currently a series of models to perform this evaluation. The peritoneal equilibration test (PET) evaluates the peritoneal transport capacity, classifying the patients into four transport categories: high, high-average, low-average, and low. The short PET enables the same evaluation to be made in only 2 hours, and has been validated in paediatric patients. On the other hand, the MiniPET provides additional information by evaluating the free water transport capacity by the ultra-small pores, and the Accelerated Peritoneal Examination Time (APEX) evaluates the time when the glucose and urea equilibration curves cross, and has been proposed as the optimum dwell time to achieve adequate ultrafiltration. An analysis is presented on the current information on these diagnostic methods as regards free water transport via aquaporins, which could be an important tool in optimising solute and water transport in patients on chronic peritoneal dialysis, particularly as regards the cardiovascular prognosis.