Differential expressions of aquaporin proteins in human cholestatic liver diseases

AQP1 was expressed intensely in smaller proliferating bile ducts in human cholestatic liver disease. Also, the AQP1 expression was decreased in injured duct cells undergoing degeneration in PBC. The AQP1 expression was decreased in intrahepatic cholestasis probably due to negative feed back of the decreased bile flow. The role of AQP expression profiles may help the understanding of the pathogenesis of human cholestatic liver diseases.