Association Between aquaporin-1 and Endurance Performance: A Systematic Review

Alpinetin alleviates LPS-induced lung epithelial cell injury by inhibiting p38 and ERK1/2 signaling via aquaporin-1

Alpinetin has been reported to play a protective role in lung diseases, while its special mechanisms remain indistinct. In this study, acute lung injury (ALI) model was constructed by inducing MLE-12 cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cell activity together with apoptosis was judged employing cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry along with western blot. Oxidative stress levels were measured by dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining and corresponding kits. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was to examine the levels of inflammatory factors. The protein expressions of aquaporin-1 (AQP1), p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 pathway were estimated utilizing western blot. The data showed that alpinetin increased the viability, reduced the apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation and inactivated p38 and ERK1/2 signaling in LPS-induced MLE-12 cells. Moreover, alpinetin also increased AQP1 expression and AQP1 knockdown reversed the impacts of alpinetin on LPS-induced MLE-12 cells. Additionally, AQP1 agonist AqF026 also exerted anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory activities in LPS-treated MLE-12 cells. Evidently, alpinetin may exert its protective role in LPS-induced ALI by inactivation of p38 and ERK1/2 signaling through regulating AQP1.

Topical application of L-Menthol - Physiological and genetic considerations to assist in developing female athlete research: A narrative review

L-menthol is a cyclic monoterpene derived from aromatic plants, which gives a cooling sensation upon application. With this in mind, L-menthol is beginning to be considered as a potential ergogenic aid for exercise and sporting competitions, particularly in hot environments, however female-specific research is lacking. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize available literature relating to topical application of L-menthol and provide commentary on avenues of consideration relating to future research developments of topical L-menthol in female athletes. From available studies in male participants, L-menthol topical application results in no endurance exercise performance improvements, however decreases in thermal sensation are observed. Mixed results are observed within strength performance parameters. Several genetic variations and single nucleotide polymorphisms have been identified in relation to sweat production, fluid loss and body mass changes - factors which may influence topical application of L-menthol. More specifically to female athletes, genetic variations relating to sweat responses and skin thickness, phases of the menstrual cycle, and body composition indices may affect the ergogenic effects of L-menthol topical application, via alterations in thermogenic responses, along with differing tissue distribution compared to their male counterparts. This narrative review concludes that further development of female athlete research and protocols for topical application of L-menthol is warranted due to physiological and genetic variations. Such developments would benefit research and practitioners alike with further personalized sport science strategies around phases of the menstrual cycle and body composition indices, with a view to optimize ergogenic effects of L-menthol.

Water channel protein AQP1 in cytoplasm is a critical factor in breast cancer local invasion

BACKGROUND

Metastasis of breast cancer grows from the local invasion to the distant colonization. Blocking the local invasion step would be promising for breast cancer treatment. Our present study demonstrated AQP1 was a crucial target in breast cancer local invasion.

METHODS

Mass spectrometry combined with bioinformatics analysis was used to identify AQP1 associated proteins ANXA2 and Rab1b. Co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence assays and cell functional experiments were carried out to define the relationship among AQP1, ANXA2 and Rab1b and their re-localization in breast cancer cells. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was performed toward the identification of relevant prognostic factors. Survival curves were plotted by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test.

RESULTS

Here, we show that the cytoplasmic water channel protein AQP1, a crucial target in breast cancer local invasion, recruited ANXA2 from the cellular membrane to the Golgi apparatus, promoted Golgi apparatus extension, and induced breast cancer cell migration and invasion. In addition, cytoplasmic AQP1 recruited cytosolic free Rab1b to the Golgi apparatus to form a ternary complex containing AQP1, ANXA2, and Rab1b, which induced cellular secretion of the pro-metastatic proteins ICAM1 and CTSS. Cellular secretion of ICAM1 and CTSS led to the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Both in vivo assay and clinical analysis data confirmed above results.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested a novel mechanism for AQP1-induced breast cancer local invasion. Therefore, targeting AQP1 offers promises in breast cancer treatment.

Recent breakthroughs and future directions in drugging aquaporins

Aquaporins facilitate the passive transport of water, solutes, or ions across biological membranes. They are implicated in diverse pathologies including brain edema following stroke or trauma, epilepsy, cancer cell migration and tumor angiogenesis, metabolic disorders, and inflammation. Despite this, there is no aquaporin-targeted drug in the clinic and aquaporins have been perceived to be intrinsically non-druggable targets. Here we challenge this idea, as viable routes to inhibition of aquaporin function have recently been identified, including targeting their regulation or their roles as channels for unexpected substrates. Identifying new drug development frameworks for conditions associated with disrupted water and solute homeostasis will meet the urgent, unmet clinical need of millions of patients for whom no pharmacological interventions are available.

Protein music of enhanced musicality by music style guided exploration of diverse amino acid properties

Inspired by the traceable analogies between protein sequences and music notes, protein music has been composed from amino acid sequences for popularizing science and sourcing melodies. Despite the continuous development of protein-to-music algorithms, the musicality of protein music lags far behind human music. Musicality may be enhanced by fine-tuned protein-to-music mapping to the features of a specific music style. We analyzed the features of a music style (Fantasy-Impromptu style), and used the quantized musical features to guide broad exploration of diverse amino acid properties (104 properties, sequence patterns and variations) for developing a novel protein-to-music algorithm of enhanced musicality. This algorithm was applied to 18 proteins of various biological functions. The derived music pieces consistently exhibited enhanced musicality with respect to existing protein music. Music style guided exploration of diverse amino acid properties enable protein music composition of enhanced musicality, which may be further developed and applied to a wider variety of music styles.

Two dimensional automatic active shape model of degenerative disc repaired by low-intensity laser

OBJECTIVE

Intervertebral disc degeneration is the main factor causing low back pain, and the related long-term treatment can improve the situation of degeneration. This study aimed to investigate the effect of low-intensity laser irradiation on the repair of degenerative intervertebral disc by two dimensional automatic active shape model (2D-AASM).

METHODS

Nine Bama miniature pigs were randomly divided into three groups: control group (Con), model group (Mod) and laser treatment group (Las). After one month, the discs were treated with low-energy laser for another month. MRI was performed for one month, and the statistical shape model and 2D-AASM of intervertebral disc were established based on the minimum description length method.

RESULTS

The model established by the proposed method is more accurate and the segmentation result is more accurate. From the segmented T2-weighted image, the signal intensity of the Mod group decreased significantly, and the signal intensity in the Las group was moderate and high compared with the Mod group. The HE staining display the structure of Con group was damaged, and the construction of Las group was restored compared with Mod group.

CONCLUSIONS

The 2D-AASM method effectively improves the accuracy of intervertebral disc segmentation. The low-intensity laser has a protective effect on the repair of the degenerative intervertebral disc.

Whole Genome Interpretation for a Family of Five

Although best practices have emerged on how to analyse and interpret personal genomes, the utility of whole genome screening remains underdeveloped. A large amount of information can be gathered from various types of analyses via whole genome sequencing including pathogenicity screening, genetic risk scoring, fitness, nutrition, and pharmacogenomic analysis. We recognize different levels of confidence when assessing the validity of genetic markers and apply rigorous standards for evaluation of phenotype associations. We illustrate the application of this approach on a family of five. By applying analyses of whole genomes from different methodological perspectives, we are able to build a more comprehensive picture to assist decision making in preventative healthcare and well-being management. Our interpretation and reporting outputs provide input for a clinician to develop a healthcare plan for the individual, based on genetic and other healthcare data.

The tortuous path of lactate shuttle discovery: From cinders and boards to the lab and ICU

Once thought to be a waste product of oxygen limited (anaerobic) metabolism, lactate is now known to form continuously under fully oxygenated (aerobic) conditions. Lactate shuttling between producer (driver) and consumer cells fulfills at least 3 purposes; lactate is: (1) a major energy source, (2) the major gluconeogenic precursor, and (3) a signaling molecule. The Lactate Shuttle theory is applicable to diverse fields such as sports nutrition and hydration, resuscitation from acidosis and Dengue, treatment of traumatic brain injury, maintenance of glycemia, reduction of inflammation, cardiac support in heart failure and following a myocardial infarction, and to improve cognition. Yet, dysregulated lactate shuttling disrupts metabolic flexibility, and worse, supports oncogenesis. Lactate production in cancer (the Warburg effect) is involved in all main sequela for carcinogenesis: angiogenesis, immune escape, cell migration, metastasis, and self-sufficient metabolism. The history of the tortuous path of discovery in lactate metabolism and shuttling was discussed in the 2019 American College of Sports Medicine Joseph B. Wolffe Lecture in Orlando, FL.

The Association of Aquaporin-1 Gene with Marathon Running Performance Level: a Confirmatory Study Conducted in Male Hispanic Marathon Runners

Background

Replication studies are essential for identifying credible associations between alleles and phenotypes. Validation of genotype-phenotype associations in the sports and exercise field is rare. An initial genetic association study suggested that rs1049305 (C > G) in the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of the aquaporin-1 (AQP1) gene was associated with marathon running (MR) performance level in Hispanic males. To validate this finding, we conducted a replication analysis in an independent case-control sample of Hispanic male marathon runners (n = 1430; cases n = 713 and controls n = 717). A meta-analysis was utilized to test the extent of the association between the initial results and the present report. It also provided to test the heterogeneity (variation) between the two studies.

Results

The replication study showed a statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) association between rs1049305 (C > G) of the AQP1 gene and MR performance level. Association test results using a fixed effect model for the combined, original study and the present report, yielded an odds ratio = 1.28, 95% confidence interval = 1.13–1.45, p = 0.0001. The extent of the measures of heterogeneity was Tau-squared = 0, H statistic = 1, I² statistic = 0, and Cochran’s Q test (Q = 0.29; p value 0.59), indicated the variation between studies were due to chance and not to differences in heterogeneity between the two studies. Within the limitations of the present replication, contrast of two studies and its effects on meta-analysis, the findings were robust.

Conclusion

This study successfully replicated the results of Martínez et al. (Med Sportiva 13:251-5, 2009). The meta-analysis provided further epidemiological credibility for the hypothesis of association between the DNA rs1049305 (C > G) variation in the 3′UTR of the AQP1 gene and MR running performance level in Hispanics male marathon runners. It is not precluded that a linked DNA structure in the surrounding molecular neighborhood could be of influence by been part of the overly complex phenotype of MR performance level.