Prospects of pharmacological regulation of aquaporin function in CNS diseases

Abstract

The review analyzes the results of scientific research on the role of aquaporins in the pathogenesis of CNS diseases and the possibility of their pharmacological regulation. Aquaporins (AQP) are proteins involved in the transmembrane transport of water and other substances. They form the water channels of cell membranes and are widely represented in various mammalian cells, including the membranes of human brain and spinal cord cells. To date, about 300 types of proteins of the aquaporin family have been discovered, of which 13 (AQP0AQP12) have been identified in human cells. Localization of different types of AQP in CNS structures, their functional activity and involvement in the development of CNS diseases differ. There are mainly three types of AQPs in the central nervous system: AQP1, AQP4 and AQP9. The results of scientific research indicate the most important role of AQP in maintaining water-salt homeostasis and ensuring physiological processes in the central nervous system, and also confirm the role of AQP in the pathogenesis of a number of diseases of the central nervous system (cerebral edema of various genesis, invasion of tumor cells and the formation of peritumorous edema, in the development of autoimmune diseases opticomyelitis, Alzheimers disease). Pharmacological regulation of the functional activity of aquaporins can influence the course of these diseases. Therefore, there is a natural interest in drugs that can change the expression of AQP. Proteins of the aquaporin family provide transmembrane transport of water and play an essential role in the development of pathological conditions of the central nervous system. They can be potential targets for pharmacological effects in a number of diseases of the central nervous system. The search and study of drugs affecting the expression and functional activity of AQP is pathogenetically justified and is a promising direction in the development of pharmacotherapy strategies for cerebral edema, malignant brain tumors and other CNS diseases.