Shen Qi Wan attenuates renal interstitial fibrosis through upregulating AQP1 / 中国天然药物

Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is the crucial pathway in chronic kidney disease (CKD) leading to the end-stage renal failure. However, the underlying mechanism of Shen Qi Wan (SQW) on RIF is not fully understood. In the current study, we investigated the role of Aquaporin 1 (AQP1) in SQW on tubular epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). A RIF mouse model induced by adenine and a TGF-β1-stimulated HK-2 cell model were etablished to explore the involvement of AQP 1 in the protective effect of SQW on EMT in vitro and in vivo. Subsequently, the molecular mechanism of SQW on EMT was explored in HK-2 cells with AQP1 knockdown. The results indicated that SQW alleviated kidney injury and renal collagen deposition in the kidneys of mice induced by adenine, increased the protein expression of E-cadherin and AQP1 expression, and decreased the expression of vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Similarly, treatmement with SQW-containing serum significantly halted EMT process in TGF-β1 stimulated HK-2 cells. The expression of snail and slug was significantly upregulated in HK-2 cells after knockdown of AQP1. AQP1 knockdown also increased the mRNA expression of vimentin and α-SMA, and decreased the expression of E-cadherin. The protein expression of vimentin increased, while the expression of E-cadherin and CK-18 significantly decreased after AQP1 knockdown in HK-2 cells. These results revealed that AQP1 knockdown promoted EMT. Furthermore, AQP1 knockdown abolished the protective effect of SQW-containing serum on EMT in HK-2 cells. In sum, SQW attentuates EMT process in RIF through upregulation of the expression of AQP1.

Different expressions of AQP1 and AQP4 in hyponatremic rat brain / Diferentes expresiones de AQP1 y AQP4 en cerebro de rata hiponatrémico

SUMMARY: The expression of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) in choroid plexus and aquaporin-4 (AQP4) in astrocyte of the hippocampal formation (HF) was studied in the rat to determine the role of AQP1 and AQP4 in the pathophysiology of systemic hyponatremia (SH). SH was induced by coadministration of dextrose solution intraperitoneally and through subcutaneous implantation of an osmotic minipump containing 8-deamino-arginin vasopressin (50ng/µl/h) for 24 and 48 h. Twenty- four and 48 h after the drug administration, there were significant reductions in Na+ concentration (111 ± 5 and 104 ± 2 mmol) and serum osmolarity (240 ± 13 and 221 ± 14 mOsm/L) as compared with control values (140 ± 4.7 mmol and 296 ± 5.2 mOsm/L), (p<0.01). The expression of AQP1 in the choroid plexus was increased three to five times from 24 h to 48 h after SH (329.86 ± 10.2 % and 531.5 ± 4.4 %, n=4, p<0.01). In contrast, AQP4 expression was significantly decreased up to 48 h after SH (36 ± 9 %, n=4, p<0.01). Quantitative immunoblotting revealed significant decreases of neuronal proteins in the HF after 24 to 48 h of SH. Therefore, we suggest that altered expression of AQP1 and AQP4 plays important role in the pathogenesis of systemic hyponatremia.

RESUMEN: En este análisis se estudió la expresión de acuaporina-1 (AQP1) en plexo coroideo y acuaporina-4 (AQP4) en astrocitos de la formación hipocampal (FH) en ratas para determinar el papel de AQP1 y AQP4 en la fisiopatología de la hiponatremia sistémica (HS). La HS fue inducida mediante la coadministración de solución de dextrosa por vía intraperitoneal y mediante la implantación subcutánea de una minibomba osmótica que contenía vasopresina 8-desaminoarginina (50 ng /µ l / h) durante 24 y 48 h. Veinticuatro y 48 h después de la administración del fármaco, hubo reducciones significativas en la concentración de Na + (111 ± 5 y 104 ± 2 mmol) y la osmolaridad sérica (240 ± 13 y 221 ± 14 mOsm /µL) en comparación con los valores de control (140 ± 4,7 mmol y 296 ± 5,2 mOsm / L), (p <0,01). La expresión de AQP1 en el plexo coroideo se incrementó de tres a cinco veces de 24 a 48 h después de HS (329,86 ± 10,2 % y 531,5 ± 4,4 %, n = 4, p <0,01). Por el contrario, la expresión de AQP4 se redujo significativamente hasta 48 h después de HS (36 ± 9 %, n = 4, p <0,01). La inmunotransferencia cuantitativa reveló disminuciones significativas de proteínas neuronales en el FH después de 24 a 48 h de SH. Por lo tanto, sugerimos que la expresión alterada de AQP1 y AQP4 juega un papel importante en la patogénesis de la hiponatremia sistémica.

Immunohistochemical identification of AQP1 in livers of the high-fat diet rats / Identificación inmunohistoquímica de AQP1 en hígados de ratas con dieta de alto contenido de grasa

One of the key functions of the hepatobiliary system is bile formation. Aquaporins (AQPs) are likely to play a role in water transport that is essential for appropriate hepatobiliary tract function. The increasing prevalence of fatty liver parallels the rise of obesity and its complications over the past several decades. In this paper, general morphology observation, histopathology and AQP1 immunohistochemical expression were observed in livers of the high-fat diet (HFD) rats. For the liver of HFD rats, immunolight microscopy revealed weak labeling of AQP1 on the surface of central veins and liver sinusoid compared with the normal diet (ND) rats. It was suggested that bile secreted by the liver of HFD rats was maybe abnormal, thereby causing abnormalities in the composition and secretion of bile. However, the deeper understanding of mechanisms involved to the fatty liver is still unclear, in particular AQPs in the liver of obesity, additional studies would be required to study the signalling cascades involved in these processes.

Una de las funciones clave del sistema hepatobiliar es la formación de bilis. Es probable que las acuaporinas (AQP) desempeñen un papel en el transporte de agua que es esencial para la función apropiada del tracto hepatobiliar. En las últimas décadas, la creciente prevalencia de hígado graso es paralela al aumento de la obesidad y sus complicaciones. En este trabajo, se identificaron características morfológicas generales, histopatología y expresión inmunohistoquímica de AQP1 en hígados de ratas con dieta rica en grasas (DRG). En el hígado de ratas con DRG, la expresión inmunohistoquímica determinó un marcaje débil de AQP1 en la superficie de las venas centrales y del sinusoide hepático en comparación con las ratas de dieta normal (DN). Se sugirió que la bilis secretada por el hígado de ratas con DRG era tal vez anormal, lo que causaba anomalías en la composición y secreción de la bilis. Sin embargo, se necesita un conocimiento mayor de los mecanismos involucrados en el hígado graso, en particular de las AQP y se requieren estudios adicionales para determinar las cascadas de señalización involucradas en estos procesos.

Renal expression of AQP1 in the high-fat nutritional obesity of rat / Expresión renal de AQP1 en la obesidad nutricional alta en grasas en ratas

AQP1 plays an essential role in maintaining body water balance. In the kidney, AQP1 is localized to the apical and basolateral membrane of epithelial cells in the proximal tubule and descending thin limb of Ansa nephroni (Henle's loop) where it reabsorbs the vast majority of filtered water. The growing epidemic of obesity and metabolic diseases particularly obesity-related kidney disease is getting more and more attention in this century. However, a full understanding of mechanisms involved to the progressive renal disease is still unclear, in particular AQPs in the kidney of obesity. In this paper, we examined the localization of AQP1 in renal cortex and medulla of ND (normal diet) and HFD (high-fat diet) at rats. In the renal cortex and medulla, immunolight microscopy revealed weak expression of AQP1 in the apical and basolateral membrane of epithelial cells at the proximal straight/convoluted tubule of HFD compared with ND, respectively. The same result was confirmed in the thick descending limb and descending thin limb of Henle's loop. In the high-fat nutritional obesity of rats, decreased AQP1 levels may not directly cause serious obesity-related kidney disease, e.g. chronic kidney disease, even end-stage renal disease. But at least, AQPs (AQP1 in this study) was one of initially conditions to the incentive of obesity-related kidney disease.

Las acuoporinas tipo 1 (AQP1) constituyen una parte esencial en el mantenimiento del equilibrio del agua en el cuerpo. En el riñón, la AQP1 se localiza en la membrana apical y basolateral de las células epiteliales, en el túbulo proximal y en el segmento descendente del Ansa nephroni o asa nefrónica (asa de Henle), donde reabsorbe la gran mayoría de agua filtrada. La creciente epidemia de obesidad y enfermedades metabólicas en el siglo actual, hacen que la enfermedad renal relacionada con la obesidad esté recibiendo cada vez más atención. Sin embargo, aún no existe un conocimiento definitivo de los mecanismos implicados en la enfermedad renal progresiva, en particular los relacionados a las acuoporinas renales en la obesidad. En este trabajo, examinamos la localización de AQP1 en la corteza y la médula renales de la dieta normal (DN) y dieta alta en grasa (DAG) en ratas. En la corteza y médula renales, la microscopía de luz reveló una expresión débil de AQP1 en la membrana apical y basolateral de las células epiteliales en el túbulo contorneado proximal del grupo DAG en comparación con el grupo DN, respectivamente. El mismo resultado se confirmó en la porción descendente gruesa y en la porción descendente delgada del asa nefrónica. En ratas del grupo DAG, la disminución de los niveles de AQP1 pudo no ser la causa directa de una enfermedad renal grave relacionada con obesidad, como por ejemplo, enfermedad renal crónica, o una enfermedad renal terminal. No obstante, en este estudio, la expresión renal de AQP1 constituyó una de las condiciones iniciales para inducir la enfermedad renal relacionada con obesidad.

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.

Immunogenic potential of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus aquaporin 1 against Rhipicephalus sanguineus in domestic dogs / Potencial imunogênico da aquaporina 1 de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus contra o carrapato Rhipicephalus sanguineus em cães domésticos

Abstract This study evaluated a recombinant aquaporin 1 protein of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (RmAQP1) as antigen in a vaccine against R. sanguineus. Five dogs were immunized with RmAQP1 (10 µg) + adjuvant (Montanide) (G1), and five were inoculated with adjuvant only (G2), three times. Twenty-one days after the last immunization, animals of both groups were challenged with R. sanguineus larvae, nymphs and adults, and their biotic potential was compared. Blood samples were collected before each immunization and every 28 days after the last immunization for 10 weeks. Serum antibody titers (IgG) were assessed by ELISA. We observed that: engorgement period of adult females from G1 was 12% shorter than G2; larvae from G1 had 8.7% longer engorgement period than G2 and weighed 7.2% less; nymphs from G1 had 4.5% shorter engorgement period than G2 and weighed 3.6% less; although the antibody titers increased following the second immunization, they rapidly decreased after the third immunization. Results indicated low immunoprotection of RmAQP1 against adult R. sanguineus ticks, and possible efficacy on larvae and nymphs fed on immunized dogs. Further studies should be performed for a full evaluation of the immunoprotection of RmAQP1 against R. sanguineus infestations in dogs.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a proteína recombinante (aquaporina) do carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus como antígeno em vacina contra Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Cinco cães foram imunizados com RmAQP1 (10 µg) + adjuvante (G1) e cinco foram inoculados apenas com adjuvante (G2), três vezes. 21 dias após a última imunização todos os animais foram desafiados com larvas, ninfas e adultos de R. sanguineus, e potencial biótico dos carrapatos foi comparado. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas antes de cada imunização e a cada 28 dias após a última imunização, durante 10 semanas. Títulos de anticorpos dos soros dos cães foram avaliados por ELISA. Resultados: o período de ingurgitamento das fêmeas do G1 foi 12% mais curto que o período de ingurgitamento de G2; o período de ingurgitamento das larvas do G1 8,7% foi mais longo e o peso 7,2% menor que no caso de G2; o período de ingurgitamento das ninfas do G1 4,5% foi mais curto e peso 3,6% menor que no caso do G2; aumento dos títulos de anticorpos do G1 após a segunda imunização e declínio após a terceira imunização. Os resultados indicaram baixo potencial de imunoproteção de RmAQP1 contra R. sanguineus adultos, e possível eficácia contra larvas e ninfas, na dose testada. Sugere-se desenvolver novos estudos para melhor avaliação da eficácia de RmAQP1 contra R. sanguineus em cães.

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.

Detection of Autoantibodies against Aquaporin-1 in the Sera of Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome

The pathophysiology of glandular dysfunction in Sjögren's syndrome (SS) has not been fully elucidated. Previously, we reported the presence of autoantibodies to AQP-5 in patients with SS, which was associated with a low resting salivary flow. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of anti-AQP1 autoantibodies. To detect anti-AQP1 autoantibodies, cell-based indirect immunofluorescence assay was developed using MDCK cells that overexpressed human AQP1. By screening 112 SS and 52 control sera, anti-AQP1 autoantibodies were detected in 27.7% of the SS but in none of the control sera. Interestingly, the sera that were positive for anti-AQP1 autoantibodies also contained anti-AQP5 autoantibodies in the previous study. Different from anti-AQP5 autoantibodies, the presence of anti-AQP1 autoantibodies was not associated with the salivary flow rate. Although anti-AQP1 autoantibodies are not useful as a diagnostic marker, the presence of autoantibodies to AQP1 may be an obstacle to AQP1 gene therapy for SS.

Immunohistochemical study of aquaporin 1 and 2 in the reproductive tract of the bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) / Estudio inmunohistoquímico de acuaporina 1 y 2 en el tracto reproductivo del camello bactriano (Camelus bactrianus)

Spermatogenesis is associated with considerable fluid secretion or absorption in the male reproductive tract. Aquaporins (AQPs) are membrane protein channels that allow the rapid movement of water through epithelium. In the present study, immunohistochemistry was utilized to localize the expression of AQP 1, AQP2 in the testis and prostate of adult bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus). Results show that AQP1 have intense reaction in rete testis, efferent ducts, vessels, seminiferous duct and in the prostate, AQP2 was found minor expression in the rete testis, vessels and prostate, which suggesting that AQP1 may have the main role in the absorption of the large amount of testicular fluid in male camel reproductive tract. Investigations of AQPs biology in camel could be relevant with technologies for assisted procreation in animal husbandry and aquaculture.

La espermatogénesis se asocia con la secreción de una cantidad considerable de líquido o absorción en el tracto reproductor masculino. Las acuaporinas (ACPs) son canales de proteínas de membrana que permiten el movimiento rápido de agua a través del epitelio. En el presente estudio, se utilizó inmunohistoquímica para localizar la expresión de ACP 1, ACP2 en el testículo y la próstata del camello bactriano adulto (Camelus bactrianus). Los resultados muestran que ACP1 tiene una reacción intensa en la rete testis, conductos eferentes, vasos, conductos seminíferos y en la próstata. La expresión ACP2, de menor importancia, se observó en la rete testis, vasos y próstata, lo que sugiere que ACP1 puede tener el papel principal en la absorción de gran cantidad de líquido testicular en el tracto reproductivo masculino del camello. Las investigaciones de la biología del ACP en camello podrían ser relevantes para las tecnologías de reproducción asistida de la ganadería y la acuicultura.

Effects of AQP1 overexpression on morphology and water transport in mouse Schwann cells / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the effect of AQP1 gene on facial nerve edema following injury through investigation of the relationship between the expression of AQP1 gene and Schwann cells swelling.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The AQP1 expression in Schwann cells of mouse facial nerve tissues was detected by immunofluorescent staining. The transgenic protocol by lentivirus transduction was used to specifically upregulate AQP1 expression in Schwann cells. Lenti-AQP1 and CTRL (empty vector) transduced cells were observed during gene overexpression every 24 h for 6 days by using phase contrast microscopy. Cell volume of CTRL and Lenti-AQP1 treated cells was measured daily from the day of treatment, through day 6.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Schwann cell primary cultures maintained a high level of AQP1 water channels, representing an ideal cell model to study the role of AQP1 in the facial nerve. The expression of AQP1 mRNA and protein in Schwann cells infected with the Lenti-AQP1 was increased significantly compared with CTRL lentivirus (P < 0.05). Lenti-AQP1 caused cell swelling in cultured Schwann cells, as validated by cell volume determinations (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>AQP1 is an important factor responsible for the fast water transport of cultured Schwann cells. It plays an important role in facial nerve edema.</p>

Expression of AQP-1 and AQP-4 in the Lungs of Drown Rats / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To observe the changes of expression of aquaporin-1（AQP-1） and AQP-4 in drowned and postmortem immersed rats' lungs.@*METHODS@#Thirty healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into drowning group, postmortem immersion group and cervical dislocation group. The morphological changes of rats' lungs were observed using HE staining. The mRNA and protein expressions of AQP-1 and AQP-4 in rats' lungs were detected by real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, respectively.@*RESULTS@#The results of immunohistochemistry and the Western blotting showed that the protein expression of AQP-1 of the drowning group was higher than the postmortem immersion group and the cervical dislocation group （P<0.05）. The result of immunohistochemistry showed that the protein expression of AQP-4 of the drowning group was higher than the postmortem immersion group and the cervical dislocation group （P<0.05） while no difference were detected among the three of them by Western blotting （P>0.05）. The mRNA expressions of AQP-1 and AQP-4 in rats' lungs of the drowning group was significantly higher than the postmortem immersion group （P<0.05）.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The increase of mRNA and protein expressions of AQP-1 and AQP-4 in lungs of rats with cute lung injury of the drowning group would be useful for differentiating vital drowning from postmortem immersion.

Aquaporin 1 Is an Independent Marker of Poor Prognosis in Lung Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: Aquaporin 1 (AQP1) overexpression has been shown to be associated with uncontrolled cell replication, invasion, migration, and tumor metastasis. We aimed to evaluate AQP1 expression in lung adenocarcinomas and to examine its association with clinicopathological features and prognostic significance. We also investigated the association between AQP1 overexpression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. METHODS: We examined AQP1 expression in 505 cases of surgically resected lung adenocarcinomas acquired at the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital from 2003 to 2012. Expression of AQP1 and EMT-related markers, including Ecadherin and vimentin, were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and tissue microarray. RESULTS: AQP1 overexpression was associated with several aggressive pathological parameters, including venous invasion, lymphatic invasion, and tumor recurrence. AQP1 overexpression tended to be associated with higher histological grade, advanced pathological stage, and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) translocation; however, these differences were not statistically significant. In addition, AQP1 overexpression positively correlated with loss of E-cadherin expression and acquired expression of vimentin. Lung adenocarcinoma patients with AQP1 overexpression showed shorter progression-free survival (PFS, 46.1 months vs. 56.2 months) compared to patients without AQP1 overexpression. Multivariate analysis confirmed that AQP1 overexpression was significantly associated with shorter PFS (hazard ratio, 1.429; 95% confidence interval, 1.033 to 1.977; p=.031). CONCLUSIONS: AQP1 overexpression was thereby concluded to be an independent factor of poor prognosis associated with shorter PFS in lung adenocarcinoma. These results suggested that AQP1 overexpression might be considered as a prognostic biomarker of lung adenocarcinoma.

The inhibiting role of recombinant plasmid PGCsi-AQP1 on laryngeal carcinoma in vivo / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To construct a kind of recombinant plasmid PGCsi-AQP1 delivery with DOPC and explore the inhibit effect of laryngeal carcinoma by RNAi targeting AQP1 in vivo.@*METHOD@#Male BALB/c mice, 6 weeks of age transplanted with laryngeal carcinoma cell line Hep-2, four groups were divided randomly: Tail vein injection group (TVIG), Carcinoma around injection group (CAIG), negative control group (NCG) and blank control group (BCG). The recombinant plasmid PGCsi-AQP1 delivery with DOPC were inject into tail vein or surrounding tumor. HE pathological slides and tumor size were observed and inhibitory rate was figured up. The level of AQP1 protein expression and high microvessel density were detected by Immunohistochemical staining (IHC).@*RESULT@#We constructed BALB/c mice models of laryngeal carcinoma successfully (1) HE staining: cell putrescence, nuclear pyknosis and apoptotic bodies were more in the tumor tissues of experimental groups than two control groups. (2) The total volumes of tumor in experimental group were both smaller than in two control groups (P 0.05). (3) IHC: the AQP1 positive cells and microvessel density in TVIG and CAIG were both less than in two control groups (P < 0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Neutral lipsomes DOPC could help carriaging the recombinant plasmid PGCsi-AQP1 to tumor and then play an inhibit role in laryngeal carcinoma tissue by RNAi targeting AQP1 in vivo.

Induced differentiation of rat kidney stem cells into renal tubular epithelial cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the differentiation capability of kidney stem cells (KSCs) into renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>KSCs isolated from the renal papilla of 4-week-old SD rats were co-cultured with hypoxia-exposed RTEC in induced medium (containing activin A, BMP-7, and retinoic acid) and renal epithelial cell growth medium (REGM) alternately. The KSCs cultured in MSC medium served as the control. The KSC differentiation rates in both groups were determined using flow cytometry, immunofluorescence assay and qRT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Flow cytometry showed a CK-18 positive rate of 6.5Percnt; in the control KSC group and of 44.2% in the induced group. Immunofluorescence assay detected the positivity for mature epithelial cell markers CK-18, E-cadherin, and ZO-1 in the induced cells. The results of qRT-PCR showed significantly increased expression of E-cadherin and AQP-1 mRNAs in the induced cells compared with the control cells (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Rat KSCs can be induced to differentiate into RTECs in vitro.</p>

Dexmedetomidine alleviates pulmonary edema by upregulating AQP1 and AQP5 expression in rats with acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which dexmedetomidine alleviates pulmonary edema in rats with acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal saline control (NS) group, receiving intravenous 0.9% normal saline (5 mL/kg); LPS group, receiving intravenous LPS (10 mg/kg); small-dose dexmedetomidine (S) group, treated with a small dose of dexmedetomidine (0.5 μg · kg(-1) · h(-1)); medium-dose dexmedetomidine (M) group, treated with a medium dose of dexmedetomidine (2.5 μg · kg(-1) · h(-1)); high-dose dexmedetomidine (H) group, treated with a high dose of dexmedetomidine (5 μg · kg(-1) · h(-1)). The rats were sacrificed 6 h after intravenous injection of LPS or NS, and the lungs were removed for evaluating histological characteristics and determining the lung wet/dry weight ratio (W/D). The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the lung tissues were assessed by enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA and protein expression levels of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) and aquaporin-5 (AQP5) were detected by RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. The lung tissues from the LPS groups were significantly damaged, which were less pronounced in the H group but not in the small-dose dexmedetomidine group or medium-dose dexmedetomidine group. The W/D and the concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β in the pulmonary tissues were increased in the LPS group as compared with those in NS group, which were reduced in the H group but not in S group or M group (P<0.01). The expression of AQP1 and AQP5 was lower in the LPS group than in the NS group, and significantly increased in the H group but not in the S group or M group (P<0.01). Our findings suggest that dexmedetomidine may alleviate pulmonary edema by increasing the expression of AQP-1 and AQP-5.

Loss of Caveolin 1 is Associated With the Expression of Aquaporin 1 and Bladder Dysfunction in Mice / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: It is suggested that caveolin and aquaporin might be closely associated with bladder signal activity. We investigated the effect of the deletion of caveolin 1, using caveolin 1 knockout mice, on the expression of aquaporin 1 in order to identify their relation in the urothelium of the urinary bladder. METHODS: The cellular localization and expressions of aquaporin 1 and caveolin 1, in the wild type and caveolin 1 knockout mice urinary bladder, were examined by Western blot and immunofluorescence techniques. RESULTS: Aquaporin 1 and caveolin 1 were coexpressed in the arterioles, venules, and capillaries of the suburothelial layer in the wild type controls. Aquaporin 1 protein expression was significantly higher in the caveolin 1 knockout mice than in the wild type controls (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results imply that aquaporin 1 and caveolin 1 may share a distinct relation with the bladder signal activity. This might play a specific role in bladder dysfunction.

Dehydroascorbic Acid Attenuates Ischemic Brain Edema and Neurotoxicity in Cerebral Ischemia: An in vivo Study

Ischemic stroke results in the diverse phathophysiologies including blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption, brain edema, neuronal cell death, and synaptic loss in brain. Vitamin C has known as the potent anti-oxidant having multiple functions in various organs, as well as in brain. Dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) as the oxidized form of ascorbic acid (AA) acts as a cellular protector against oxidative stress and easily enters into the brain compared to AA. To determine the role of DHA on edema formation, neuronal cell death, and synaptic dysfunction following cerebral ischemia, we investigated the infarct size of ischemic brain tissue and measured the expression of aquaporin 1 (AQP-1) as the water channel protein. We also examined the expression of claudin 5 for confirming the BBB breakdown, and the expression of bcl 2 associated X protein (Bax), caspase-3, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) for checking the effect of DHA on the neurotoxicity. Finally, we examined postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) expression to confirm the effect of DHA on synaptic dysfunction following ischemic stroke. Based on our findings, we propose that DHA might alleviate the pathogenesis of ischemic brain injury by attenuating edema, neuronal loss, and by improving synaptic connection.

Study on anti-tumor and anti-metastasis mechanism of alcohol extracts from pharbitidis semen against Lewis lung cancer / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of alcohol extracts from Pharbitidis Semen on the proliferation and metastasis of Lewis lung cancer, and study its anti-tumor mechanism.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>In vitro, MTT assay and scratch assay were adopted to detect the effect of alcohol extracts from Pharbitidis Semen on the proliferation and metastasis of Lewis lung cancer cells. The cell autophagy was detected by the acridine orange staining. The gap-junction intercellular communication (GJIC) was investigated by the fluorescent yellow transfer. The expression of aquaporin 1 (AQP1) was analyzed by the Western blotting. In vivo, the subcutaneous implant model and the experimental pulmonary metastasis model of Lewis lung cancer in mice were established to evaluate the anti-tumor and anti-metastasis effects of alcohol extract from Pharbitidis Semen. The serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and beta2 microglobulin (beta2-MG) of mice bearing Lewis lung cancer were detected by the electrochemiluminesence immunoassay. The expressions of lung AQP1 and Connexin 43 (Cx43) were examined by the immunohistochemical method.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>In vitro, alcohol extracts from Pharbitidis Semen inhibited the cell proliferation in a dose-dependent matter, significantly prevented the cell migration, down-regulated AQP1 proteins of cells, promoted GJIC, and decreased the serum-free autophagy of tumor cells. In vivo, compared with untreated model mice, alcohol extracts from Pharbitidis Semen inhibited the tumor growth in a dose-dependent matter, prevented the tumor metastasis and prolonged the life span of mice bearing Lewis lung cancer, while decreasing serum CEA and beta2-MG of mice bearing Lewis lung cancer, enhancing the immumohistochemical staining intensity of Cx43 and weakening aquaporins AQP1 positive intensity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Alcohol extracts from Pharbitidis Semen could prevent the proliferation and metastasis in Lewis lung cancer cells. Its mechanism may be related to the promotion of GJIC and the down-regulation of AQP1.</p>