Phosphorylation and subcellular localization of Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3) are associated with altered gallbladder absorptive function after formation of cholesterol gallstones

Shen-Ling-Bai-Zhu-San (SL) and SL Derived-Polysaccharide (PL) Ameliorate the Severity of Diarrhea-Induced by High Lactose via Modification of Colonic Fermentation

In our previous study, we demonstrated that Shen-ling-bai-zhu-san (SL), a classical Chinese herbal formula, could alleviate lactose-induced diarrhea. However, little is known about the mechanism underlying SL action or the efficacy of the polysaccharide (PL) derived from SL. In this study, we investigated the effect of SL and PL on improving the dysregulated luminal and mucosal microbiota in rats with high lactose diet using 16S rRNA analysis. The concentrations of lactose, lactic acid in cecum and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in cecum and portal vein were measured, meanwhile the expression of ion transporters were ascertained. Our data suggest that the SL, PL and cecal microbiota transplantation (CMT) significantly decreased fecal water content and water intake. In the luminal microbiota there was a significant increase in Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium and Blautia and a lower abundance of Lactobacillus, Escherichia-Shigella, and Dubosiella, while the mucosal microbiota showed a significant increase in Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia, Albaculum, Bilophila, and Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002 and a lower abundance of Enterococcus, Helicobacter, Dubosiella, and Collinsella. Furthermore, the treatments enhanced lactose fermentation and SCFA production, which may be related to the modulation of the luminal microbial community. A lower ratio of phosphorylation Na/H exchanger3/Na/H exchanger3 (pNHE3/NHE3) and a higher sodium monocarboxylate1 (sMCT1) expression were found in the treatment group than in the model group, which may be related to the changes in the mucosal microbial community. Also, the treatments may restore the impacted metabolic pathways of gut microbiota. These results provide an important foundation for mechanism of SL action and developing PL-based treatment for lactose-induced diarrhea.

Pathophysiology of hepatic Na+/H+ exchange (Review)

Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) are a family of membrane proteins that contribute to exchanging one intracellular proton for one extracellular sodium. The family of NHEs consists of nine known members, NHE1-9. Each isoform represents a different gene product that has unique tissue expression, membrane localization, physiological effects, pathological regulation and sensitivity to drug inhibitors. NHE1 was the first to be discovered and is often referred to as the 'housekeeping' isoform of the NHE family. NHEs are not only involved in a variety of physiological processes, including the control of transepithelial Na+ absorption, intracellular pH, cell volume, cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis, but also modulate complex pathological events. Currently, the vast majority of review articles have focused on the role of members of the NHE family in inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal infectious diarrhea and digestive system tumorigenesis, but only a few reviews have discussed the role of NHEs in liver disease. Therefore, the present review described the basic biology of NHEs and highlighted their physiological and pathological effects in the liver.

Altered absorptive function in the gall bladder during cholesterol gallstone formation is associated with abnormal NHE3 complex formation

Dysfunction of the Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger 3 (NHE3) contributes to the formation of cholesterol gallstones. We aimed to investigate whether NHE3 dysfunction is associated with abnormalities in NHE3 complex formation. We fed C57BL/6 mice with control or lithogenic diet and study the expression of NHE3, ezrin, and Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1) in the gallbladder (GB) using RT-PCR and western blot. Immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation were performed to investigate the interactions of NHE3 with ezrin or NHERF1. To explore the initiating factor that leads to NHE3 dysfunction, we stimulated cholangiocarcinoma cells with taurochenodeoxycholate (TCDC) and/or forskolin. The effects of TCDC on the expression of NHE3 regulatory proteins, as well as their bindings to NHE3, were detected by western blot and immunoprecipitation. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to study the regulation of cAMP production by TCDC. The expression of NHERF1 and ezrin phosphorylation level were increased in the gallbladder epithelial cells (GBECs) of C57BL/6 mice with cholesterol gallstones. Immunofluorescence studies demonstrated that the subcellular localization of ezrin and NHERF1 were similar to that of NHE3 in GBECs. Immunoprecipitation revealed that ezrin formed macrocomplex with NHE3, which were enhanced after gallstone formation. TCDC increased forskolin-induced cAMP accumulation, and NHERF1 and PKCα expression in cholangiocarcinoma cells. Under the synergistic effect of forskolin, TCDC stimulated ezrin phosphorylation, with enhanced interaction between ezrin and NHE3. The formation of cholesterol gallstones is associated with abnormal formation of NHE3 complexes. Decreased biliary TCDC may be an initiating factor that leads to abnormal GB absorption.

(Patho-)Physiology of Na+/H+ Exchangers (NHEs) in the Digestive System

Na⁺/H⁺ exchangers (NHEs) are expressed in virtually all human tissues and organs. Two major tasks of those NHE isoforms that are located in plasma membranes are cell volume control by Na⁺-uptake and cellular pH regulation by H⁺-extrusion. Several NHEs, particularly NHE 1–4 and 8, are involved in the pathogenesis of diseases of the digestive system such as inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease) and gastric and colorectal tumorigenesis. In the present review, we describe the physiological purposes, possible malfunctions and pathophysiological effects of the different NHE isoforms along the alimentary canal from esophagus to colon, including pancreas, liver and gallbladder. Particular attention is paid to the functions of NHEs in injury repair and to the role of NHE1 in Barrett’s esophagus. The impact of NHEs on gut microbiota and intestinal mucosal integrity is also dealt with. As the hitherto existing findings are not always consistent, sometimes even controversial, they are compared and critically discussed.

The SLC9A-C Mammalian Na+/H+ Exchanger Family: Molecules, Mechanisms, and Physiology

Na⁺/H⁺ exchangers play pivotal roles in the control of cell and tissue pH by mediating the electroneutral exchange of Na⁺ and H⁺ across cellular membranes. They belong to an ancient family of highly evolutionarily conserved proteins, and they play essential physiological roles in all phyla. In this review, we focus on the mammalian Na⁺/H⁺ exchangers (NHEs), the solute carrier (SLC) 9 family. This family of electroneutral transporters constitutes three branches: SLC9A, -B, and -C. Within these, each isoform exhibits distinct tissue expression profiles, regulation, and physiological roles. Some of these transporters are highly studied, with hundreds of original articles, and some are still only rudimentarily understood. In this review, we present and discuss the pioneering original work as well as the current state-of-the-art research on mammalian NHEs. We aim to provide the reader with a comprehensive view of core knowledge and recent insights into each family member, from gene organization over protein structure and regulation to physiological and pathophysiological roles. Particular attention is given to the integrated physiology of NHEs in the main organ systems. We provide several novel analyses and useful overviews, and we pinpoint main remaining enigmas, which we hope will inspire novel research on these highly versatile proteins.