Effects of hypoxia on respiratory diseases: perspective view of epithelial ion transport

The balance of gas exchange and lung ventilation is essential for the maintenance of body homeostasis. There are many ion channels and transporters in respiratory epithelial cells, including epithelial sodium channel, Na,K-ATPase, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, and some transporters. These ion channels/transporters maintain the capacity of liquid layer on the surface of respiratory epithelial cells and provide an immune barrier for the respiratory system to clear off foreign pathogens. However, in some harmful external environments and/or pathological conditions, the respiratory epithelium is prone to hypoxia, which would destroy the ion transport function of the epithelium and unbalance the homeostasis of internal environment, triggering a series of pathological reactions. Many respiratory diseases associated with hypoxia manifest an increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1, which mediates the integrity of the epithelial barrier and affects epithelial ion transport function. It is important to study the relationship between hypoxia and ion transport function, whereas the mechanism of hypoxia-induced ion transport dysfunction in respiratory diseases is not clear. This review focuses on the relationship between hypoxia and respiratory diseases, as well as dysfunction of ion transport and tight junctions in respiratory epithelial cells under hypoxia.

Automated summary

The balance of gas exchange and lung ventilation is crucial for maintaining body homeostasis. Ion channels and transporters in respiratory epithelial cells play a vital role in maintaining the capacity of liquid layer on the cell surface and providing an immune barrier. However, hypoxia in harmful environments or pathological conditions can disrupt the ion transport function, leading to respiratory diseases. Understanding the relationship between hypoxia and ion transport dysfunction is important for the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases.