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Zamani A, Thomas E, Wright DK. Sex biology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 95:102228. [PMID: 38354985 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Although sex differences in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have not been studied systematically, numerous clinical and preclinical studies have shown sex to be influential in disease prognosis. Moreover, with the development of advanced imaging tools, the difference between male and female brain in structure and function and their response to neurodegeneration are more definitive. As discussed in this review, ALS patients exhibit a sex bias pertaining to the features of the disease, and their clinical, pathological, (and pathophysiological) phenotypes. Several epidemiological studies have indicated that this sex disparity stems from various aetiologies, including sex-specific brain structure and neural functioning, genetic predisposition, age, gonadal hormones, susceptibility to traumatic brain injury (TBI)/head trauma and lifestyle factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Zamani
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
| | - Emma Thomas
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - David K Wright
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
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2
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Siriratnam P, Huda S, Butzkueven H, van der Walt A, Jokubaitis V, Monif M. Risks and outcomes of pregnancy in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: A comprehensive review. Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103499. [PMID: 38061621 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare central nervous system autoimmune disease. Aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-IgG) is present in over 75% of cases and criteria also exist for the diagnosis of seronegative NMOSD. AQP4-IgG NMOSD has a strong female predominance (9:1 ratio), with a median onset age of 40 years. Pregnancy in those with NMOSD is therefore an important topic. Fecundity in NMOSD is likely impaired, and for females who conceive, obstetric complications including miscarriages and pre-eclampsia are significantly higher in NMOSD compared to the general population and in related conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS). In contrast to MS, NMOSD disease activity does not subside during pregnancy. Also, relapse risk substantially rises above pre-pregnancy rates in the early postpartum period. In view of the evolving landscape of NMOSD, we provide a contemporary update of the impacts of pregnancy in NMOSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pakeeran Siriratnam
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Saif Huda
- Department of Neurology, Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Helmut Butzkueven
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anneke van der Walt
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vilija Jokubaitis
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mastura Monif
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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3
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Zhang H, Yang B. Aquaporins in Reproductive System. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1398:179-194. [PMID: 36717494 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-7415-1_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
AQP0-12, a total of 13 aquaporins are expressed in the mammalian reproductive system. These aquaporins mediate the transport of water and small solutes across biofilms for maintaining reproductive tract water balance and germ cell water homeostasis. These aquaporins play important roles in the regulation of sperm and egg cell production, maturation, and fertilization processes. Impaired AQP function may lead to diminished male and female fertility. This review focuses on the distribution, function, and regulation of AQPs throughout the male and female reproductive organs and tracts. Their correlation with reproductive success, revealing recent advances in the physiological and pathophysiological roles of aquaporins in the reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Baoxue Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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4
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Olney KC, Plaisier SB, Phung TN, Silasi M, Perley L, O'Bryan J, Ramirez L, Kliman HJ, Wilson MA. Sex differences in early and term placenta are conserved in adult tissues. Biol Sex Differ 2022; 13:74. [PMID: 36550527 PMCID: PMC9773522 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-022-00470-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy complications vary based on the fetus's genetic sex, which may, in part, be modulated by the placenta. Furthermore, developmental differences early in life can have lifelong health outcomes. Yet, sex differences in gene expression within the placenta at different timepoints throughout pregnancy and comparisons to adult tissues remains poorly characterized. METHODS Here, we collect and characterize sex differences in gene expression in term placentas (≥ 36.6 weeks; 23 male XY and 27 female XX). These are compared with sex differences in previously collected first trimester placenta samples and 42 non-reproductive adult tissues from GTEx. RESULTS We identify 268 and 53 sex-differentially expressed genes in the uncomplicated late first trimester and term placentas, respectively. Of the 53 sex-differentially expressed genes observed in the term placentas, 31 are also sex-differentially expressed genes in the late first trimester placentas. Furthermore, sex differences in gene expression in term placentas are highly correlated with sex differences in the late first trimester placentas. We found that sex-differential gene expression in the term placenta is significantly correlated with sex differences in gene expression in 42 non-reproductive adult tissues (correlation coefficient ranged from 0.892 to 0.957), with the highest correlation in brain tissues. Sex differences in gene expression were largely driven by gene expression on the sex chromosomes. We further show that some gametologous genes (genes with functional copies on X and Y) will have different inferred sex differences if the X-linked gene expression in females is compared to the sum of the X-linked and Y-linked gene expression in males. CONCLUSIONS We find that sex differences in gene expression are conserved in late first trimester and term placentas and that these sex differences are conserved in adult tissues. We demonstrate that there are sex differences associated with innate immune response in late first trimester placentas but there is no significant difference in gene expression of innate immune genes between sexes in healthy full-term placentas. Finally, sex differences are predominantly driven by expression from sex-linked genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly C Olney
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, PO Box 874501, Tempe, AZ, 85282, USA
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85282, USA
| | - Seema B Plaisier
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, PO Box 874501, Tempe, AZ, 85282, USA
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85282, USA
| | - Tanya N Phung
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, PO Box 874501, Tempe, AZ, 85282, USA
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85282, USA
| | - Michelle Silasi
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mercy Hospital St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63141, USA
| | - Lauren Perley
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Jane O'Bryan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Lucia Ramirez
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, PO Box 874501, Tempe, AZ, 85282, USA
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85282, USA
| | - Harvey J Kliman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Melissa A Wilson
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, PO Box 874501, Tempe, AZ, 85282, USA.
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85282, USA.
- The Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85282, USA.
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Gu S, Li Y, Jiang Y, Huang JH, Wang F. Glymphatic Dysfunction Induced Oxidative Stress and Neuro-Inflammation in Major Depression Disorders. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:2296. [PMID: 36421482 PMCID: PMC9687220 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11112296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Major Depression disorder (MDD) is a potentially life-threatening mental illness, however, many patients have a poor response to current treatments. Recent studies have suggested that stress- or trauma-induced oxidative stress and inflammation could be important factors involved in the development of MDD, but the mechanisms remain unclear. We showed that the glymphatic system is a recently discovered structure in the brain that may be involved in the clearance of large molecular and cell debris in extracellular space. In addition, the glymphatic system can help with the removal of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytokines such as IL-1β and HIF-1α. Glymphatic impairment can lead to ROS accumulation in the microenvironment, inducing cellular injury signaling and activating NLRP3 in microglia to induce inflammation and, thus, many brain diseases, including psychiatric disorders. Therefore, trauma-induced glymphatic impairment could induce oxidative stress and inflammation, and thus MDD. This paper will review recent advances with regard to stress-induced glymphatic system impairment and ROS-mediated inflammation in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeng Gu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China
- Department of Psychology, Medical School, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 210023, China
| | - Yumeng Li
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China
- Department of Psychology, Medical School, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 210023, China
| | - Yao Jiang
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610066, China
| | - Jason H. Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, TX 79409, USA
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Texas A & M University, Temple, TX 79409, USA
| | - Fushun Wang
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610066, China
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The Water Transport System in Astrocytes–Aquaporins. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162564. [PMID: 36010640 PMCID: PMC9406552 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Highlights (AQPs) are transmembrane proteins responsible for fast water movement across cell membranes, including those of astrocytes. The expression and subcellular localization of AQPs in astrocytes are highly dynamic under physiological and pathological conditions. Besides their primary function in water homeostasis, AQPs participate in many ancillary functions including glutamate clearance in tripartite synapses and cell migration.
Abstract Astrocytes have distinctive morphological and functional characteristics, and are found throughout the central nervous system. Astrocytes are now known to be far more than just housekeeping cells in the brain. Their functions include contributing to the formation of the blood–brain barrier, physically and metabolically supporting and communicating with neurons, regulating the formation and functions of synapses, and maintaining water homeostasis and the microenvironment in the brain. Aquaporins (AQPs) are transmembrane proteins responsible for fast water movement across cell membranes. Various subtypes of AQPs (AQP1, AQP3, AQP4, AQP5, AQP8 and AQP9) have been reported to be expressed in astrocytes, and the expressions and subcellular localizations of AQPs in astrocytes are highly correlated with both their physiological and pathophysiological functions. This review describes and summarizes the recent advances in our understanding of astrocytes and AQPs in regard to controlling water homeostasis in the brain. Findings regarding the features of different AQP subtypes, such as their expression, subcellular localization, physiological functions, and the pathophysiological roles of astrocytes are presented, with brain edema and glioma serving as two representative AQP-associated pathological conditions. The aim is to provide a better insight into the elaborate “water distribution” system in cells, exemplified by astrocytes, under normal and pathological conditions.
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Kheetan M, Ogu I, Shapiro JI, Khitan ZJ. Acute and Chronic Hyponatremia. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:693738. [PMID: 34414205 PMCID: PMC8369240 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.693738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder in clinical practice. Catastrophic complications can occur from severe acute hyponatremia and from inappropriate management of acute and chronic hyponatremia. It is essential to define the hypotonic state associated with hyponatremia in order to plan therapy. Understanding cerebral defense mechanisms to hyponatremia are key factors to its manifestations and classification and subsequently to its management. Hypotonic hyponatremia is differentiated on the basis of urine osmolality, urine electrolytes and volume status and its treatment is decided based on chronicity and the presence or absence of central nervous (CNS) symptoms. Proper knowledge of sodium and water homeostasis is essential in individualizing therapeutic plans and avoid iatrogenic complications while managing this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murad Kheetan
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Iheanyichukwu Ogu
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Joseph I Shapiro
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Zeid J Khitan
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
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Impact of comorbid Sjögren syndrome in anti-aquaporin-4 antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. J Neurol 2021; 268:1938-1944. [PMID: 33416998 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-10377-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are autoimmune neurological diseases of the central nervous system, which are characterized by the presence of serum anti-aquaporin-4 autoantibodies (AQP4-IgG). An association between Sjögren syndrome (SjS) and AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD has been proposed, but the rate of coexistence has not been determined. METHODS In this study, 4,447 patients suspected of having NMOSD with acute neurological episodes were evaluated for the positivity of serum AQP4-IgG, serum SS-A/Ro antibody, and the presence of SjS-related symptoms (dry eye, dry mouth). RESULTS Of the 4,447 patients, 1,651 were positive for serum AQP4-IgG, and the remaining 2,796 were negative. A significantly higher proportion of AQP4-IgG-positive patients were positive for serum anti-SSA/Ro antibody (26.3 vs. 4.5%; p < 0.0001) and anti-SSB/La antibody (7.2 vs. 1.2%; p < 0.0001) and had dry eye (9.1 vs .4.9%; p < 0.0001) and dry mouth symptoms (8.9 vs. 3.7%; p < 0.0001). More than 80% of the patients with SjS with acute neurological events such as myelitis or optic neuritis were AQP4-IgG positive. AQ4-IgG-positive patients with comorbid SjS showed a higher female rate (97.1 vs. 89.0%; p = 0.0062), a higher positivity rate for oligoclonal bands (15.4 vs. 7.5%; p = 0.029), and a higher relapse frequency (p = 0.027) than AQP4-IgG-positive patients without comorbid SjS. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of SjS is higher among AQP4-IgG-positive than AQP4-IgG-negative patients, with the potential prevalence of 10-20% at the diagnosis of AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD. Comorbid SjS is more prevalent in females, and it has a higher relapse frequency among AQP4-IgG-positive patients.
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Aquaporin 4 expression is downregulated in large bovine ovarian follicles. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL REPRODUCTION AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.12750/jarb.35.4.315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Kutz A, Ebrahimi F, Sailer CO, Wagner U, Schuetz P, Mueller B, Christ-Crain M. Seasonality of Hypoosmolar Hyponatremia in Medical Inpatients - Data from a Nationwide Cohort Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5695906. [PMID: 31900477 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgz320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Hyponatremia is the most prevalent electrolyte disturbance in hospitalized patients. Previous studies have shown a seasonal variation of profound hyponatremia with higher prevalence during warmer months. OBJECTIVE This study aimed at analyzing the seasonal prevalence and sex- and age-specific differences of hyponatremia in medical inpatients. DESIGN Nationwide cohort study from January 2009 and December 2015 using prospective administrative data. SETTING Medical inpatients. PATIENTS Diagnosis of hypoosmolar hyponatremia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the monthly alteration in hyponatremia prevalence. Secondary outcomes were the association of outdoor temperature with hyponatremia prevalence and differences among sex and age groups. RESULTS Of 2 426 722 medical inpatients, 84 210 were diagnosed with hypoosmolar hyponatremia, of whom 61% (n = 51 262) were female. The highest overall prevalence of hyponatremia was observed in July (4.5%, n = 8976); the lowest in December (2.7%, n = 6530). The overall prevalence of hyponatremia in women compared with men was higher by 58% (odds ratio [OR], 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.56-1.60). The sex-specific difference was most pronounced in the warmest month of July (mean temperature 20.1°C (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.68-1.84). We observed the strongest association between seasonality and hyponatremia in elderly (>80 years) female inpatients admitted during the month of July (OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 2.20-2.62]). CONCLUSION The prevalence of diagnosed hypoosmolar hyponatremia in medical inpatients increases during summer months with higher outdoor temperature. Elderly female inpatients were most susceptible to the seasonal rise in hyponatremia prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kutz
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Department Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of General Internal and Emergency Medicine, University Department of Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University Department of Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Fahim Ebrahimi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Department Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Clara O Sailer
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Department Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Wagner
- Div ision of Health and Social Affairs, Section Health, Swiss Federal Office for Statistics, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Schuetz
- Division of General Internal and Emergency Medicine, University Department of Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University Department of Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Beat Mueller
- Division of General Internal and Emergency Medicine, University Department of Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University Department of Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Mirjam Christ-Crain
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Department Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Borisow N, Hellwig K, Paul F. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and pregnancy: relapse-preventive measures and personalized treatment strategies. EPMA J 2018; 9:249-256. [PMID: 30174761 PMCID: PMC6107451 DOI: 10.1007/s13167-018-0143-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are autoimmune inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system that predominately affect women. Some of these patients are of childbearing age at NMOSD onset. This study reviews, on the one hand, the role NMOSD play in fertility, pregnancy complications and pregnancy outcome, and on the other, the effect of pregnancy on NMOSD disease course and treatment options available during pregnancy. Animal studies show lower fertility rates in NMOSD; however, investigations into fertility in NMOSD patients are lacking. Pregnancies in NMOSD patients are associated with increased disease activity and more severe disability postpartum. Some studies found higher risks of pregnancy complications, e.g., miscarriages and preeclampsia. Acute relapses during pregnancy can be treated with methylprednisolone and/or plasma exchange/immunoadsorption. A decision to either stop or continue immunosuppressive therapy with azathioprine or rituximab during pregnancy should be evaluated carefully and factor in the patient's history of disease activity. To this end, involving neuroimmunological specialist centers in the treatment and care of pregnant NMOSD patients is recommended, particularly in specific situations like pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Borisow
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kerstin Hellwig
- Clinic for Neurology, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Thöne J, Lichtenberg S, Stahl A, Pache F, Kleiter I, Ruprecht K, Gold R, Hellwig K. Ovarian Reserve in Women With Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder. Front Neurol 2018; 9:446. [PMID: 29973905 PMCID: PMC6020788 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a neuroinflammatory disease. The majority of NMOSD patients is seropositive for aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibodies. AQP4 is the main water channel protein in the central nervous system, but has also been identified in the female reproductive system. Fertility issues and ovarian reserve has not yet been studied in females with NMOSD. The purpose of this study was to measure serum Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in females with NMOSD compared to healthy controls (HC), in combination with other lifestyle and reproduction parameters. AMH is independent from the menstrual cycle and a reliable indicator of both ovarian reserve and ovarian function. We included a total of 32 reproductive-age females, 18 HC and 14 with NMOSD. We used an enzymatically amplified two-site immunoassay to determine serum AMH level. In comparison to HC, mean AMH value was reduced in NMOSD. Apart from that significantly more women with NMOSD showed low AMH levels (< 0.8 ng/ml). Low AMH was associated with disease activity. In contrast, none of the immunotherapies for NMOSD, neither any reproductive life style parameter was associated with a decreased AMH. Our results contribute to understanding of hindered fertility in females with NMOSD and enables neurologists to better counsel female patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Thöne
- Department of Neurology, Katholische Kliniken Ruhrhalbinsel, Essen, Germany.,Department of Neurology, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Solveig Lichtenberg
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Anna Stahl
- Department of Pediatrics, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Florence Pache
- Department of Neurology, Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ingo Kleiter
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Klemens Ruprecht
- Department of Neurology, Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Gold
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Kerstin Hellwig
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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13
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Lv Y, Dai W, Ge A, Fan Y, Hu G, Zeng Y. Aquaporin-4 knockout mice exhibit increased hypnotic susceptibility to ketamine. Brain Behav 2018; 8:e00990. [PMID: 29745050 PMCID: PMC5991570 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examines anesthetic/hypnotic effects of ketamine in AQP4 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice with the particular focus on neurotransmission. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ketamine (100 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected in 16 WT and 16 KO mice. The hypnotic potencies were evaluated by the loss of the righting reflex (LORR). The amino acids neurotransmitter levels in prefrontal cortex were measured by microdialysis. RESULTS This study demonstrated that AQP4 knockout significantly shortened the latency compared with WT mice (98.0 ± 4.2 vs. 138.1 ± 15.0 s, p < .05) and prolonged duration of LORR (884.7 ± 58.6 vs. 562.0 ± 51.7 s, p < .05) compared with WT mice in LORR induced by ketamine. Microdialysis showed that lack of AQP4 markedly decreased glutamate level within 20 min (p < .05) and increased γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) level within 30-40 min (p < .05) after use of ketamine. Moreover, the levels of taurine were remarkably higher in KO mice than in WT mice, but no obvious differences in aspartate were observed between two genotypes. CONCLUSION AQP4 deficiency led to more susceptibility of mice to ketamine, which is probably due to the modulation of specific neurotransmitters, hinting an essential maintenance of synaptic activity mediated by AQP4 in the action of ketamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunluo Lv
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wangshu Dai
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ai Ge
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Fan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Gang Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yinming Zeng
- Jiangsu Province Institute of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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14
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Prognostic values of aquaporins mRNA expression in human ovarian cancer. Biosci Rep 2018; 38:BSR20180108. [PMID: 29472315 PMCID: PMC5920140 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20180108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs), a family of transmembrane channel, are composed of 13 identified members (AQP0–12). Accumulating evidences reported that AQPs were correlated with various biological roles and represented a prognostic predictor in various cancer types. However, the prognostic value of AQPs expression in ovarian cancer remains unclear. Using ‘Kaplan–Meier plotter’ (KM plotter) online database, we explored the predictive prognostic value of individual AQPs members’ mRNA expression to overall survival (OS) in different clinical data, such as histology, pathological grades, clinical stages, TP53 status, and applied chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients. Our results revealed that higher AQP0, AQP1, and AQP4 mRNA expression were correlated with poor OS, whereas higher AQP3, AQP5, AQP6, AQP8, AQP10, and AQP11 showed better OS in ovarian cancer patients. Moreover, AQP4 and AQP8 showed poor OS in TP53-mutated ovarian cancer patients and AQP1 presented unfavorable OS in both TP53 mutated and wild ovarian cancer patients. Additionally, AQP3, AQP6, and AQP11 mRNA expression were correlated with better OS, whereas AQP0 and AQP1 showed poor OS in all ovarian cancer patients treated with Platin, Taxol, and Taxol + Platin chemotherapy. AQP5, AQP8, and AQP10 were associated with improved OS, however, AQP4 predicted unfavorable OS in all patients treated with Platin chemotherapy. Our results suggest that individual AQPs, except AQP2 and AQP9, are associated with unique prognostic significance and may thus act as new predictive prognostic indicators and potential drug therapeutic target in ovarian cancer.
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15
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Borisow N, Hellwig K, Paul F. [Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and pregnancy]. DER NERVENARZT 2018; 89:666-673. [PMID: 29383411 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-018-0486-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are autoimmune inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system that mainly affect women. In some of these patients NMOSD occurs during fertile age. For this reason, treating physicians may be confronted with questions concerning family planning, pregnancy and birth. OBJECTIVE This study provides an overview on the influence of NMOSD on fertility, pregnancy complications and pregnancy outcome. The effect of pregnancy on NMOSD course and therapy options during pregnancy are discussed. MATERIAL AND METHODS A search of the current literature was carried out using the PubMed database. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Animal studies have shown lower fertility rates in NMOSD; however, studies investigating fertility in NMOSD patients are lacking. Pregnancy in NMOSD patients are associated with an increase in postpartum disease activity and a higher grade of disability after pregnancy. Some studies showed higher risks of pregnancy complications e. g. spontaneous abortions and preeclampsia. With a few limitations, acute relapses during pregnancy can be treated with methylprednisolone and/or plasma exchange/immunoadsorption. Stopping or continuing immunosuppressive therapy with azathioprine or rituximab during pregnancy should be critically weighed considering previous and current disease activity. Therefore, a joint supervision by a specialized center is recommended, particularly in specific situations such as pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Borisow
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Deutschland.
| | - K Hellwig
- Klinik für Neurologie, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Bochum, Deutschland
| | - F Paul
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Deutschland
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
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16
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Nowak M, Grzesiak M, Saito N, Kwaśniewska M, Sechman A, Hrabia A. Expression of aquaporin 4 in the chicken ovary in relation to follicle development. Reprod Domest Anim 2017; 52:857-864. [PMID: 28512792 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In the mammalian ovary, aquaporins (AQPs) are thought to be involved in the regulation of fluid transport within the follicular wall and antrum formation. Data concerning the AQPs in the avian ovary is very limited. Therefore, the present study was designed to examine whether the AQP4 is present in the chicken ovary, and if so, what is its distribution in the ovarian compartment of the laying hen. Localization of AQP4 in the ovarian follicles at different stage of development was also investigated. After decapitation of hens the stroma with primordial follicles and white (1-4 mm), yellowish (4-8 mm), small yellow and the three largest yellow pre-ovulatory follicles F3-F1 (F3 < F2 < F1; 20-36 mm) were isolated from the ovary. The granulosa and theca layers were separated from the pre-ovulatory follicles. The AQP4 mRNA and protein were detected in all examined ovarian compartments by the real-time PCR and Western blot analyses, respectively. The relative expression of AQP4 was depended on follicular size and the layer of follicular wall. It was the lowest in the granulosa layer of pre-ovulatory follicles and the highest in the ovarian stroma as well as white and yellowish follicles. Along with approaching of the largest follicle to ovulation the gradual decrease in AQP4 protein level in the granulosa layer was observed. Immunoreactivity for AQP4 was present in the granulosa and theca cells (theca interna ≥ theca externa > granulosa). The obtained results suggest that AQP4 may take part in the regulation of water transport required for follicle development in the chicken ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nowak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Endocrinology, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - M Grzesiak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Endocrinology, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - N Saito
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - M Kwaśniewska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Endocrinology, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - A Sechman
- Department of Animal Physiology and Endocrinology, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - A Hrabia
- Department of Animal Physiology and Endocrinology, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
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17
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Zhang J, Li Y, Chen ZG, Dang H, Ding JH, Fan Y, Hu G. Glia protein aquaporin-4 regulates aversive motivation of spatial memory in Morris water maze. CNS Neurosci Ther 2013; 19:937-44. [PMID: 24165567 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Revised: 09/22/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Although extensive investigation has revealed that an astrocyte-specific protein aquaporin-4 (AQP4) participates in regulating synaptic plasticity and memory, a functional relationship between AQP4 and learning processing has not been clearly established. This study was designed to test our hypothesis that AQP4 modulates the aversive motivation in Morris water maze (MWM). METHODS AND RESULTS Using hidden platform training, we observed that AQP4 KO mice significantly decreased their swimming velocity compared with wild-type (WT) mice. To test for a relationship between velocities and escape motivation, we removed the platform and subjected a new group of mice similar to the session of hidden platform training. We found that KO mice exhibited a gradual reduction in swimming velocity, while WT mice did not alter their velocity. In the subsequent probe trial, KO mice after no platform training significantly decreased their mean velocity compared with those KO mice after hide platform training. However, all of KO mice were not impaired in their ability to locate a visible, cued escape platform. CONCLUSIONS Our findings, along with a previous report that AQP4 regulates memory consolidation, implicate a novel role for this glial protein in modulating the aversive motivation in spatial learning paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Zhang
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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18
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Sun XL, Zhang J, Fan Y, Ding JH, Sha JH, Hu G. Aquaporin-4 deficiency induces subfertility in female mice. Fertil Steril 2009; 92:1736-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.07.1785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2008] [Revised: 06/28/2008] [Accepted: 07/30/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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19
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AQP4 gene deletion in mice does not alter blood-brain barrier integrity or brain morphology. Neuroscience 2009; 161:764-72. [PMID: 19345723 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.03.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2009] [Revised: 03/20/2009] [Accepted: 03/21/2009] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The glial cell water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) plays an important role in brain edema, astrocyte migration, and neuronal excitability. Zhou et al. [Zhou J, Kong H, Hua X, Xiao M, Ding J, Hu G (2008) Altered blood-brain barrier integrity in adult aquaporin-4 knockout mice. Neuroreport 19:1-5] recently reported that AQP4 deletion significantly altered blood-brain barrier integrity and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactivity in their AQP4 null mice. Here we describe a detailed characterization of baseline brain properties in our AQP4 null mice, including gross appearance, neuronal, astrocyte and oligodendrocyte characteristics, and blood-brain barrier integrity. Gross anatomical measurements included estimates of brain and ventricle size. Neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes were assessed using the neuronal nuclear marker NeuN, the astrocyte marker GFAP, and the myelin stain Luxol Fast Blue. The blood-brain barrier was studied by electron microscopy and the horseradish peroxidase extravasation technique. There were no differences in brain and ventricle sizes between wild type and AQP4 null mice, nor were there differences in the cerebral cortical density of NeuN positive nuclei, perimicrovessel and glia limitans GFAP immunoreactivity, or the thickness and myelination of the corpus callosum. The ultrastructure of microvessels in the frontal cortex and caudate nucleus of wild type vs. AQP4 null mice was indistinguishable, with features including intact endothelial tight junctions, absence of perimicrovessel astrocyte foot process edema, and absence of horseradish peroxidase extravasation. In contrast to the report by Zhou et al. (2008), our data show that AQP4 deletion in mice does not produce major structural abnormalities in the brain.
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20
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Ayus JC, Achinger SG, Arieff A. Brain cell volume regulation in hyponatremia: role of sex, age, vasopressin, and hypoxia. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2008; 295:F619-24. [PMID: 18448591 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00502.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte abnormality in hospitalized patients. When symptomatic (hyponatremic encephalopathy), the overall morbidity is 34%. Individuals most susceptible to death or permanent brain damage are prepubescent children and menstruant women. Failure of the brain to adapt to the hyponatremia leads to brain damage. Major factors that can impair brain adaptation include hypoxia and peptide hormones. In children, physical factors--discrepancy between skull size and brain size--are important in the genesis of brain damage. In adults, certain hormones--estrogen and vasopressin (usually elevated in cases of hyponatremia)--have been shown to impair brain adaptation, decreasing both cerebral blood flow and oxygen utilization. Initially, hyponatremia leads to an influx of water into the brain, primarily through glial cells and largely via the water channel aquaporin (AQP)4. Water is thus shunted into astrocytes, which swell, largely preserving neuronal cell volume. The initial brain response to swelling is adaptation, utilizing the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase system to extrude cellular Na(+). In menstruant women, estrogen + vasopressin inhibits the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase system and decreases cerebral oxygen utilization, impairing brain adaptation. Cerebral edema compresses the respiratory centers and also forces blood out of the brain, both lowering arterial Po(2) and decreasing oxygen utilization. The hypoxemia further impairs brain adaptation. Hyponatremic encephalopathy leads to brain damage when brain adaptation is impaired and is a consequence of both cerebral hypoxia and peptide hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Ayus
- Renal Consultants of Houston, 2412 Westgate Street, Houston, TX 77019, USA.
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Abstract
To investigate the role of astroglial water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) in maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity, structure and permeability of the brain microvessels were investigated in adult AQP4 knockout mice. Altered ultrastructure of brain microvessels, including open tight junctions and swollen perivascular astrocytic endfeet, were frequently observed in the AQP4 null mice. Likewise, AQP4 deficiency significantly downregulated expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in perivascular processes of astrocytes. Furthermore, the horseradish peroxidase analysis demonstrated hyperpermeability of the blood-brain barrier in AQP4 knockout mice. These findings provide direct evidence that AQP4 is essential for the maintenance of blood-brain barrier integrity.
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