慢性阻塞性肺病中AQP4 mRNA的表达变化及与气道炎症的相关研究

目的探讨水通道4(apuaporin 4,AQP4)mRNA在慢性阻塞性肺病(COPD)的表达及对气道慢性炎症的影响和意义。方法选取因各种原因行支气管镜检查被病理学家证实为正常支气管黏膜者及慢性阻塞性肺病患者各30例,分别为正常组及COPD组。测试肺功能,并行支气管镜检,所取黏膜标本用逆转录PCR法检测mRNA表达,HE染色观察支气管黏膜炎症细胞浸润程度。结果与正常对照组相比较,COPD组患者支气管黏膜AQP4 mRNA表达减少(P<0.05),并和炎症程度负相关(r=-0.493,P<0.01),与FEV1/FVC、FEV1/pred%呈正相关(r分别为0.405、0.461,P均<0.01)。结论COPD患者水通道mRNA表达减低,将影响气道湿化功能,加重气道炎症,促使COPD发生发展。

Relationship between AQP4 mRNA expression in bronchial epithelium of patients with COPD and the airway inflammation

Objective To explore the effect and significance of AQP4 mRNA expression in bronchial epithelium of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on airway inflammation. Methods Bronchial epithelium was obtained by bronchoscopy in patients with COPD (n=30) and healthy controls (n=30) whose bronchial epithelium was confirmed to be normal by the pathologist. AQP4 mRNA were studied by RT-PCR method. Inflammatory cells infiltration was observed by HE staining; pulmonary function test was performed too before bronchoscopy. Results Compared with that in the healthy controls, AQP4 mRNA expression in COPD was reduced (P<0.05). Furthermore, AQP4 mRNA expression was correlated negatively with the inflammation of bronchial epithelium (r=-0.493, P<0.01), and correlated positively with FEV1/FVC, FEV1/pred% (r was 0.405 and 0.461 respectively, P<0.01). Conclusion The reduced expression of AQP4 mRNA in bronchial epithelium of patients with COPD reduced the airway humidification, aggravated the airway inflammation, and contributed to the development of COPD.