Interfering with AQP1 alleviates ferroptosis, improves mitochondrial function and energy metabolic disorder in hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced H9c2 cardiomyocytes via Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Myocardial ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury is the main pathological manifestation of coronary artery disease closely linked with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Aquaporin 1 (AQP1) is a water molecule that has been reported to be highly expressed during the process of myocardial I/R injury. The aim of this research was to explore the role of AQP1 in myocardial I/R injury and the relevant mechanism of action. RT-qPCR and western blotting were used to detect AQP1 expression. CCK-8 method was used to detect cell viability. JC-1 dye, MitoSox-Red staining and ATP-Red 1 probe were respectively used to detect mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) and ATP synthesis. C11-BODIPY 581/591 probe and FerroOrange probe were respectively used to measure lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Fe(²⁺). Seahorse XFe96 Analyser was used to detect oxygen consumption rate (OCR). Assay kits were used to estimate mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, total iron and lipid peroxidation levels. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of ferroptosis, energy metabolism and Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related proteins. AQP1 expression was elevated in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-exposed H9c2 cells. Deficient AQP1 promoted the viability, ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction, ferroptosis and energy metabolism disorder in H/R-injured H9c2 cells. Further, AQP1 deletion might activate Wnt/β-catenin pathway and XAV939, an inhibitor of Wnt signaling pathway could partially revert the influences of AQP1 knockdown on the viability, mitochondrial function, ferroptosis and energy metabolism in H/R-treated H9c2 cells. To be concluded, AQP1 interference might protect against H/R-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, ferroptosis and energy metabolism disorder in H9c2 cells via modulating Wnt/β-catenin pathway.