Abstract
Sodium-hydrogen exchangers (NHEs) and aquaporins (AQPs) are key regulators of cell volume and intracellular ions both in physiological and pathological conditions. By directly affecting water and ion exchanges across the plasma membrane, NHEs and AQPs, particularly isoforms 1, can also influence vascular tone and the cytoskeleton, respectively, in response to several types of stimuli, such as hypertonic stress. NHE-1 and AQP1 are mainly expressed in tissues of the cardiovascular system. Their excessive activation in response to elevated extracellular osmolarity, as occurring in diabetic hyperglycemia, can be deleterious both for micro- and macrovascular endothelial cells. Although NHE-1 and AQP1 regulate the intracellular volume and ions, they also influence the activation of hypertonicity-responsive genes and cell functions involved in glucotoxicity and vascular injury. Because of the involvement of NHEs and AQPs in micro- and macrovascular disease, including arterial hypertension and atherosclerotic plaque destabilization, research has focused on developing inhibitors of these transporters. We here review current knowledge of NHEs and AQPs investigating biological aspects and mechanisms of their regulation, including their potential as target for developing new drugs that could target diabetic atherosclerosis.
Keywords: Aquaporins, atherosclerosis, diabetes, hyperosmolar stress, sodium-hydrogen exchangers.
Graphical Abstract
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Drug-Targeted Approach with Polymer Nanocomposites for Improved Therapeutics
Polymer nanocomposites have been recognized as an advanced and cutting-edge technique in drug targeting administration. These materials combine the unique features of nanoparticles with the adaptability of polymers to produce highly personalized drug administration devices. Integrating nanoparticles containing pharmaceuticals into a polymer matrix enables researchers to regulate the rates at ...read more
New drug therapy for eye diseases
Eyesight is one of the most critical senses, accounting for over 80% of our perceptions. Our quality of life might be significantly affected by eye disease, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye, etc. Although the development of microinvasive ocular surgery reduces surgical complications and improves overall outcomes, medication therapy is ...read more
RNA Molecules in the Treatment of Human Diseases
Messenger and non-coding RNAs, including long and small transcripts, are mediators of gene expression. Gene expression at the RNA level shows significant aberrations in human diseases, including cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. Human transcripts serve either as biomarkers of diagnosis, prognosis, prediction of treatment response, and/or therapy ...read more
Therapeutic Chemical and RNA Design with Artificial Intelligence
Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) has emerged as a fundamental component of modern drug discovery. Molecular docking facilitates virtual screening on a large scale through structural simulations. However, traditional CADD approaches face significant limitations, as they can only screen known compounds from existing libraries. PubChem, as the most widely used chemical ...read more
Related Journals
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Current Bioactive Compounds
Current Cancer Drug Targets
Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening
Current Cancer Therapy Reviews
Current Diabetes Reviews
Current Drug Safety
Current Drug Therapy
Current Drug Delivery
Related Books
Anthocyanins: Pharmacology and Nutraceutical Importance
Computer-Aided Drug Discovery Methods: A Brief Introduction
The Roles and Responsibilities of Clinical Pharmacists in Hospital Settings
Bioactive Compounds from Medicinal Plants for Cancer Therapy and Chemoprevention
Drug Addiction Mechanisms in the Brain
Software and Programming Tools in Pharmaceutical Research
Objective Pharmaceutics: A Comprehensive Compilation of Questions and Answers for Pharmaceutics Exam Prep
Medicinal Chemistry of Drugs Affecting Cardiovascular and Endocrine Systems
Medicinal Plants, Phytomedicines and Traditional Herbal Remedies for Drug Discovery and Development against COVID-19
Advanced Pharmacy
33
2
