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Helping Create Dryer Lifestyles

The role of Aquaporins gets more interesting thanks to a recent Chinese study* that demonstrated the production of Aquaporin proteins is actually increased in sweat gland cells isolated from individuals with hyperhidrosis. In fact, these researchers were able to demonstrate an increase in AQP5 production when cells are incubated with acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating sweat production in individuals with hyperhidrosis.

This study indicates that individuals with hyperhidrosis are prone to an overproduction of aquaporin protein upon neural stimulation. This may in part help to explain the rationale for an excessive production of sweat.

14 Nov 2024

Aquaporins - potential new treatments targets

Throughout the body, our cells possess membrane bound proteins or channels that allow for the flow of small molecules. These small molecules are not always molecules but rather positively or negatively charged atoms called ions. Examples include sodium or calcium. Heart or cardiac cells possess channels that intricately allow calcium, potassium and sodium ions to flow in and out of cells in an orchestrated fashion giving rise to the a rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the heart.

Another type of channel called Aquaporins has been identified is several tissues such as kidney, eyes, lung, and more recently in sweat glands. As its name implies, these channels allows water molecules to flow across sweat gland cell membranes. While there are many types of Aquaporins, those that reside in sweat are more specifically referred to as Aquaporins 5 (AQP5).

* Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2024 Jan 1;326(1):C206-C213.

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Given that many conditions are treated with channel blockers (a good includes the use of calcium channel blockers in hypertension) it is not a far stretch to image a substances that would block AQP5 channels. In doing so, the flow of water across these tiny channels would be inhibited and sweat production would also be diminished. While this sounds like a possible solution, many other factors would have to be considered.

Unfortunately drug development is not an easy business. Over and above the need for financing, a drug must comply with a number of important attributes: it must be effective, safe, target specific, and affordable.