ObjectiveTo explore the value of Aquaporin-3 (AQP-3) on the detection of early renal function damage by investigating the expressions of renal AQP-3 mRNA and protein of rats with obstructive jaundice (OJ). MethodsForty mature male Wistar rats were divided into two groups randomly: experimental group (n=20) in which the model of OJ rats was established, and control group (n=20, sham operation group). The levels of serum total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), creatinine (Cr)， and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were detected by fullautomatic biochemical analyzer on 7 d and 14 d after operation. The expressions of renal AQP-3 mRNA and protein of rats were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. ResultsThe levels of serum TBIL and DBIL were significantly higher on 14 d than those on 7 d after operation in experimental group (P=0.000), which were significantly higher than those at corresponding time point in control group (P=0.000), while the difference within control group was not significant (P=0.154). Thus, the OJ models of rats were established successfully. The difference of serum Cr levels of rats between inter-and intragroup were not significant (Pgt;0.05). Serum BUN level on 14 d after operation in experimental group was significantly higher than those on 7 d after operation in experimental group and on 14 d after operation in control group (P=0.001), although serum Cr levels were not different between 7 d and 14 d after operation in control group (P=0.288). The expressions of AQP-3 protein of rats on 7 d and 14 d after operation in experimental group were significantly lower than those at corresponding time point in control group (P=0.033, P=0.000), meanwhile on 14 d after operation in experimental group was significantly lower than those on 7 d after operation in experimental group (P=0.000). The expressions of AQP-3 mRNA of rats on 7 d and 14 d after operation in experimental group were significantly higher than those at corresponding time point in control group (P=0.000), but the difference at different time point in two groups was not significant (P=0.139, P=0.059). ConclusionsThe changes of renal AQP-3 protein and mRNA expressions are prior to the changes of serum Cr and BUN levels of rats suffered from OJ complicated renal function damage, which are promised to improve the early diagnosis rate of renal function damage in rats with OJ.
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of aquaporin 1 (AQP1) on the proliferation and migration of endothelial progenitor-endothelial progenitor cells (EPC).MethodsBone marrow cells of AQP1 wild-type (WT) (n=6) and knockout-type (KO) mice (n=6) were isolated and differentiated into EPC in vitro. Immunofluorescence was used to detect cell surface antigens to identify EPC. Live cell kinetic imaging and quantification technology, transwell migration assays, as well as scratch test were used to compare the function of EPC between AQP1 WT and KO mice.ResultsEPC culture showed that cells were initially suspended and gradually adhered to typical mesenchymal stem cells within 7 days. After cultured on special medium for endothelial cells they were adhered and differentiated, and fusiform or polygonal, paving stone-like EPC were observed around 14 days. When cultured by special medium of EPC, CD133 and CD31 were positively detected after 7 days, and CD34 and Flk-1 were positively detected after 14 days. Positive expression of AQP1 was only detected in EPC of AQP1 WT mice. Functional studies of EPC revealed there was no significant difference in the proliferation of EPC between AQP1 WT and KO group mice. Transwell assay showed that EPC migration ability of AQP1 KO mice was significantly weaker than that of WT mice. The scratch healing ability of EPC in AQP1 KO mice was significantly lower than that of WT mice.ConclusionsEPC initially shows the characteristics of stem cells and with the prolongation of culture time, EPC gradually shows the characteristics of endothelial cells. AQP1 affects the EPC migration rather than proliferation.
Neuromyelitis spectrum disease (NMOSD) is an immune-mediated inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. The breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), as an important link in the pathogenesis of NMOSD, has an important impact on the occurrence, development and prognosis of the disease. It is generally believed that the aquaporin 4 antibody produced in the peripheral circulation crosses the BBB cause damage to the central nervous system, and there are components involved in the destruction of BBB in the occurrence and development of NMOSD disease. At present, little is known about the molecular mechanism of BBB destruction in NMOSD lesions and there is still a lack of systematic theory. Further research and exploration of the regulatory mechanism of BBB permeability and the manifestation of barrier destruction in NMOSD diseases are of great significance for understanding the pathogenesis of NMOSD, so as to achieve early diagnosis and discover new therapeutic and preventive targets.
Objective To investigate the expression of aquaporin-1( AQP1 ) in visceral and parietal pleura in SD rats and to examine the effect of AQP1 on pleural fluid turnover. Methods Five groups( n = 24 ) of SD rats were randomly assigned to received intrapleural injection of dexamethasone,lipopolysaccharide, erythromycin, hypertonic saline and normal saline, respectively. The AQP1 protein in pleural was detected with immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression of AQP1 under stimulations at different time points was measured by real time RT-PCR. Results AQP1 was immunolocalized predominantly to the microvessels and mesothelial cells of visceral and parietal pleura. The extent of AQP1expression in parietal pleura was less than that in visceral pleura[ ( 4. 14 ±1. 12) ×104 copy /μg vs ( 7. 43 ±2. 02) ×104 copy / μg, P lt;0. 05] . AQP1 expression increased at all phases in the dexamethasone group andthe hypertonic saline group, whereas decreased in the erythromycin group and the lipopolysaccharide group.Conclusion The stimulations of dexamethasone, lipopolysaccharide, erythromycin and hypertonic saline can significantly change the AQP1 expression in pleura, which indicate that AQP1 may contribute to the accumulation and clearance of pleuritic fluids.
ObjectiveTo investigate the changes in the nerve fiber layer of the cornea in patients with demyelinating optic neuritis (DON) and its correlation with visual acuity. MethodsA cross-sectional study. From March 2021 to July 2022, 27 cases (39 eyes) of DON patients diagnosed in the Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology of Beijing Tongren Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University were enrolled in this study. According to the serological test results, the patients were divided into aquaporin 4 antibody associated optic neuritis (AQP4-ON group) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody associated optic neuritis (MOG-ON group), with 15 cases (19 eyes) and 12 cases (20 eyes) respectively. According to previous history of glucocorticoid treatment, the patients were divided into glucocorticoid treated group and non-glucocorticoid treated group, with 17 cases (27 eyes) and 10 cases (12 eyes) respectively. Twenty healthy volunteers (20 eyes) with age- and gender-matched were selected as the control group. All eyes underwent best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) examinations. BCVA was performed using Snellen's standard logarithmic visual acuity chart, which was converted into logarithmic minimum angle resolution (logMAR) visual acuity during statistics. The corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve fiber branch length (CNBL), corneal nerve fiber branch density (CNBD) and the density of corneal dendritic cells (DC) were detected by IVCM examination. Parameter comparison between groups by t-test and Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. The correlation between logMAR BCVA and pamameters of corneal nerve fibers were analyzed using Spearman analysis. ResultsThe CNFL, CNFD, and CNBL of the DON group and the control group were (10.67±2.55) mm/mm2, (57.78±12.35) root/mm2, (3.27±1.34) mm/mm2, and (13.74±3.05) mm/mm2, (70.95±13.14) root/mm2, and (4.22±1.03) mm/mm2, respectively; the difference in CNFL, CNFD, and CNBL between the two groups were statistically significant (t=4.089, 3.795, 2.773; P＜0.05). The CNFL, CNBL, and CNBD of the affected eyes in the MOG-ON group and AQP4-ON group were (12.02±2.13) mm/mm2, (3.80±1.19) mm/mm2, (47.97±8.86) fibers/mm2, and (9.25±2.19) mm/mm2, (2.72±1.19) mm/mm2, (39.43±13.86) fibers/mm2, respectively; the differences in CNFL, CNBL, and CNBD between the two groups were statistically significant (t=－4.002, －2.706, －2.306; P＜0.05). The corneal DC density of the patients in the hormone treated group and the non-hormone treated group was (24.43±8.32) and (41.22±9.86) cells/mm2, respectively. The difference in corneal DC density between the two subgroups was statistically significant (P＜0.001). Correlation analysis showed that there was a significant negative correlation between logMAR BCVA and CNBL and CNFL in patients with DON (r=－0.422, －0.456; P＜0.05). ConclusionsThere are different degrees of corneal nerve fiber damage in patients with different types of DON. There was a negative correlation between BCVA and the length of corneal nerve fibers.
ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical features and prognosis of adult optic neuritis patients with positive serum myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (MOG-ON) or aquaporin 4 antibody (AQP4-ON).MethodsA retrospective study. From December 2015 to February 2018, in the Beijing Chaoyang Hospital of Capital Medical University and Chinese PLA General Hospital, 162 eyes of 132 patients with positive serum MOG antibody and AQP4 were included in the study. There were 42 MOG-ON patients (49 eyes, 31.8%), 90 AQP4-ON patients (113 eyes, 68.2%). The clinical features of optic neuritis (annual recurrence frequency, incidence of optic disc edema), brain and optic nerve enhanced MRI, serum autoimmune antibodies and cerebrospinal fluid test results were compared between MOG-ON and AQP4-ON patients. All patients were treated with intravenous methylprednisolone sodium succinate in the acute phase and then switched to oral prednisone acetate tablets. The average follow-up time was 15 months. The glucocorticoid dependence, visual prognosis, spinal cord symptoms, and myelitis at the last follow-up were comparatively analyzed between MOG-ON and AQP4-ON patients. The comparison of the count data was performed by χ2 test, and the measurement data were compared by t test.ResultsCompared with AQP4-ON patients, MOG-ON patients had higher annual recurrence frequency (t=3.760, P=0.005), higher incidence of optic disc edema (χ2=14.777, P＜0.001), higher incidence of hormone dependence (χ2=25.496, P＜0.001), and better visual prognosis (χ2=28.759, P＜0.001). MOG-ON patients were more likely to involve the optic nerve, AQP4-ON patients were more likely to involve the optic chiasm and the optic tract. There was a significant difference in the location of lesions between MOG-ON and AQP4-ON patients (χ2= 5.447, P= 0.015). The proportion of AQP4-ON patients with autoimmune antibodies was significantly higher than that of MOG-ON patients (χ2 = 20.453, P＜0.001). The results of cerebrospinal fluid test showed that the white blood cell count of patients with MOG-ON and AQP4-ON were within the normal range, but the IgG level of AQP4-ON patients was significantly higher than that of MOG-ON patients (t=8.669, P＜0.001). At the last follow-up, there were 7 and 29 patients of myelitis in MOG-ON and AQP4-ON patients respectively (χ2=3.494, P=0.046).ConclusionsThe clinical characteristics of MOG-ON were different from AQP4-ON. The incidence of optic disc edema and recurrence rate were higher, but the proportion of autoimmune antibodies was lower. MOG-ON was more likely to show hormone dependence, but the visual prognosis was better. AQP4-ON was easily involved in optic chiasm and optic tract, and the incidence of myelitis was higher.
ObjectiveTo observe the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and aquaporin 4 (AQP4) in the inner limiting membrane (ILM) of diabetic retinopathy (DR) with macular edema, and analyze the correlation between VEGF and AQP4 expression. Methods A cross-sectional study. From September 2019 to September 2020, 38 eyes of 38 patients with DR and idiopathic macular hole (iMH) who underwent vitrectomy (PPV) combined with ILM stripping at the Hangzhou campus of The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University at Hangzhou were included in the study. Among them, there were 25 males and 13 females who aged 37-76 years old, average age was 59±10 years old; All eye included 15 right eyes and 23 left eyes. iMH and DR included 9 eyes in 9 cases and 29 eyes in 29 cases, respectively, and they were divided into iMH group and DR group. The DR group was divided into DME group and no DME group according to whether it was accompanied by diabetic macular edema (DME), with 14 eyes and 15 eyes respectively. After the stripped ILM tissue was fixed, immunofluorescence analysis was performed to obtain a picture of the fluorescence mode of AQP4 and VEGF, and the fluorescence intensity value of VEGF and AQP4 was measured by Image J software. The differences of VEGF and AQP4 immunofluorescence values in the specimens between groups were compared by one-way analysis of variance. The correlation between the fluorescence intensity of AQP4 and the fluorescence intensity of VEGF was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. Results The average fluorescence intensity valuesof VEGF and AQP4 in ILM specimens of DME group, no DME group and iMH group were 38.96±7.53, 28.25±3.12, 30.07±4.84 and 49.07±8.73, 37.96±6.45, 38.08±5.04, respectively. The average fluorescence intensity of VEGF and AQP4 in the ILM specimens of the DME group was significantly higher than that of the no DME group and iMH group, and the difference was statistically significant (F=13.977, 9.454; P＜0.05). The average fluorescence intensity values of VEGF and AQP4 on IML specimens in the DR group were 33.80±7.91, 43.76±9.44, respectively. The results of Pearson correlation analysis showed that the fluorescence intensity of VEGF and AQP4 in the ILM specimens of the DR group was significantly positively correlated (r=0.597, P=0.003). ConclusionsThe expressions of VEGF and AQP4 in ILM of eyes with DR and DME are significantly increased compared with those without DME. The expression of VEGF and AQP4 in ILM of eyes with DR is positively correlated.