Plant-derived bioactive compounds have protective role for plants but may also
modulate several physiological processes of plant consumers. In the last years, a wide
spectrum of phytochemicals have been found to be beneficial to health interacting
with molecular signaling pathways underlying critical functions such as cell growth
and differentiation, apoptosis, autophagy, inflammation, redox balance, cell volume
regulation, metabolic homeostasis, and energy balance. Hence, a large number of
biologically active phytocompounds of foods have been isolated, characterized, and
eventually modified representing a natural source of novel molecules to prevent, delay
or cure several human diseases. Aquaporins (AQPs), a family of membrane channel
proteins involved in many body functions, are emerging among the targets of bioactive
phytochemicals in imparting their beneficial actions. Here, we provide a comprehensive
review of this fast growing topic focusing especially on what it is known on the modulatory
effects played by several edible plant and herbal compounds on AQPs, both in health
and disease. Phytochemical modulation of AQP expression may provide new medical
treatment options to improve the prognosis of several diseases.
Para citar este articulo: Tesse A, Grossini E, Tamma G, Brenner C, Portincasa P, Marinelli RA and Calamita G (2018) Aquaporins as Targets of Dietary Bioactive Phytocompounds. Front. Mol. Biosci. 5:30. doi: 10.3389/fmolb.2018.00030