[Expression and significance of aquaporin 4 in the colonic mucosa of patients with slow transit constipation].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the relationship between the expression of aquaporin 4 (AQP4) and slow transit constipation(STC).


METHODS
The expression of AQP4 in the ascending colon mucosa of 45 patients with STC was detected by immunohistochemistry. The transit time of stool was measured with barium sulfate suspensions. Stool was classified using Bristol stool chart. The difference between the pre- and post-operation groups was analyzed.


RESULTS
Of 45 STC patients, 36 had high AQP4 expression (high expression group) and 9 had low AQP4 expression(low expression group). Preoperatively 30(83.3%) patients in the high expression group and 3(3/9) patients in the low expression group presented dry and hard stool (type I( or II()(P<0.01). Postoperatively, stool pattern was improved in all the patients of high expression group. One patient in low expression group still presented dry and hard stool(P<0.01). Preoperatively the transit time was(127.3+/-28.2) h in high expression group and (64.2+/-12.9) h in low expression group(P<0.01). Postoperatively, the transit time was (17.3+/-7.0) h in high expression group and (28.0+/-12.6) h in low expression groups(P<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
High expression of AQP4 accelerates the water absorption in colon mucosa and may be one of the crucial events in the development of STC.
Wang
Xiao-jun
XJ
Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
Yuan
Wei-tang
WT
Song
Jun-min
JM
Zhang
Zhi-yong
ZY
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D051401:Aquaporin 4 / Q000378:metabolism*; D003106:Colon / Q000378:metabolism*; D003248:Constipation / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005772:Gastrointestinal Transit; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult
C496030:AQP4 protein, human; D051401:Aquaporin 4