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Song Y, Mao C, Zhong Q, Zhang R, Jiang D, Sun X. Role of hydrogen sulfide in the male reproductive system. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1377090. [PMID: 38883604 PMCID: PMC11177757 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1377090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
As an important gas signaling molecule, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) affects multiple organ systems, including the nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, and genitourinary, reproductive systems. In particular, H2S not only regulates female reproductive function but also holds great promise in the treatment of male reproductive diseases and disorders, such as erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, varicocele, and infertility. In this review, we summarize the relationship between H2S and male reproductive organs, including the penis, testis, prostate, vas deferens, and epididymis. As lower urinary tract symptoms have a significant impact on penile erection disorders, we also address the potential ameliorative effects of H2S in erectile dysfunction resulting from bladder disease. Additionally, we discuss the regulatory role of H2S in cavernous smooth muscle relaxation, which involves the NO/cGMP pathway, the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway, and K+ channel activation. Recently, various compounds that can alleviate erectile dysfunction have been reported to be at least partly dependent on H2S. Therefore, understanding the role of H2S in the male reproductive system may help develop novel strategies for the clinical treatment of male reproductive system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjia Song
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Caiyun Mao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Qing Zhong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Deyou Jiang
- Department of Typhoid, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Xutao Sun
- Department of Synopsis of the Golden Chamber, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
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Sun X, Mao C, Xie Y, Zhong Q, Zhang R, Jiang D, Song Y. Therapeutic Potential of Hydrogen Sulfide in Reproductive System Disorders. Biomolecules 2024; 14:540. [PMID: 38785947 PMCID: PMC11117696 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), previously regarded as a toxic exhaust and atmospheric pollutant, has emerged as the third gaseous signaling molecule following nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). Recent research has revealed significant biological effects of H2S in a variety of systems, such as the nervous, cardiovascular, and digestive systems. Additionally, H2S has been found to impact reproductive system function and may have therapeutic implications for reproductive disorders. This paper explores the relationship between H2S and male reproductive disorders, specifically erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, male infertility, and testicular damage. Additionally, it examines the impact of H2S regulation on the pathophysiology of the female reproductive system, including improvements in preterm birth, endometriosis, pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion, placental oxidative damage, embryo implantation, recovery of myometrium post-delivery, and ovulation. The study delves into the regulatory functions of H2S within the reproductive systems of both genders, including its impact on the NO/cGMP pathway, the activation of K+ channels, and the relaxation mechanism of the spongy smooth muscle through the ROCK pathway, aiming to broaden the scope of potential therapeutic strategies for treating reproductive system disorders in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xutao Sun
- Department of Typhoid, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China;
| | - Caiyun Mao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China; (C.M.); (Q.Z.); (R.Z.)
| | - Ying Xie
- Department of Synopsis of the Golden Chamber, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China;
| | - Qing Zhong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China; (C.M.); (Q.Z.); (R.Z.)
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China; (C.M.); (Q.Z.); (R.Z.)
| | - Deyou Jiang
- Department of Synopsis of the Golden Chamber, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China;
| | - Yunjia Song
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China; (C.M.); (Q.Z.); (R.Z.)
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Machado-Neto JA, Cerqueira ARA, Veríssimo-Filho S, Muscará MN, Costa SKP, Lopes LR. Hydrogen Sulfide Signaling in the Tumor Microenvironment: Implications in Cancer Progression and Therapy. Antioxid Redox Signal 2024; 40:250-271. [PMID: 37597204 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Cancer is a complex and heterotypic structure with a spatial organization that contributes to challenges in therapeutics. Enzymes associated with producing the gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are differentially expressed in tumors. Indeed, critical and paradoxical roles have been attributed to H2S in cancer-promoting characteristics by targeting both cancer cells and their milieu. This review focuses on the evidence and knowledge gaps of H2S on the tumor redox microenvironment and the pharmacological effects of H2S donors on cancer biology. Recent Advances: Endogenous and pharmacological concentrations of H2S evoke different effects on the same cell type: physiological H2S concentrations have been associated with tumor development and progression. In contrast, pharmacological concentrations have been associated with anticancer effects. Critical Issues: The exact threshold between the promotion and inhibition of tumorigenesis by H2S is largely unknown. The main issues covered in this review include H2S-modulated signaling pathways that are critical for cancer cells, the potential effects of H2S on cellular components of the tumor microenvironment, temporal modulation of H2S in promoting or inhibiting tumor progression (similar to observed for inflammation), and pharmacological agents that modulate H2S and which could play a role in antineoplastic therapy. Future Directions: Given the complexity and heterogeneity of tumor composition, mechanistic studies on context-dependent pharmacological effects of H2S donors for cancer therapy are necessary. These studies must determine the critical signaling pathways and the cellular components involved to allow advances in the rational use of H2S donors as antineoplastic agents. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 40, 250-271.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sidney Veríssimo-Filho
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Nicolás Muscará
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Soraia Kátia Pereira Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucia Rossetti Lopes
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Olivencia MA, Esposito E, Brancaleone V, Castaldo S, Cirino G, Pérez-Vizcaino F, Sorrentino R, d'Emmanuele di Villa Bianca R, Mitidieri E. Hydrogen sulfide regulates the redox state of soluble guanylate cyclase in CSE -/- mice corpus cavernosum microcirculation. Pharmacol Res 2023; 194:106834. [PMID: 37343646 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
The corpus cavernosum (CC) is a highly vascularized tissue and represents an excellent example of microcirculation. Indeed, erectile dysfunction is considered an early index of cardiovascular disease. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) at the vascular level is endogenously produced from L-cysteine mainly by the action of cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) and plays a role in CC vascular homeostasis. Here we have evaluated the involvement of the endogenous H2S in the regulation of the soluble guanylate cyclase (sCG) redox state. The lack of CSE-derived endogenous H2S, in CSE-/- mice, disrupted the eNOS/NO/sGC/PDE pathway. Indeed, the absence of CSE-derived endogenous H2S caused a significant reduction of the relaxant response to riociguat, an sGC redox-dependent stimulator. Conversely, the response to cinaciguat, an sGC redox-independent activator, was not modified. The relevance of the role played at the redox level of the endogenous H2S was confirmed by the findings that in CC harvested from CSE-/- mice there was a significant reduction of GCβ1 expression coupled with a decrease in CYP5R3, a reductase involved in the regulation of the redox state of sGC. These molecular changes driven by the lack of endogenous H2S translate into a significant reduction in cGMP levels. The replenishment of the lack of H2S with an H2S donor rescued the relaxant response to riociguat in CC of CSE-/- mice. In conclusion, the endogenous CSE-derived H2S plays a physiological key role in the regulation of the redox state of sGC in CC microcirculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Olivencia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Erika Esposito
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Sigismondo Castaldo
- U.O.C. Ricerca Formazione & Cooperazione Internazionale, A.O.R.N." Antonio Cardarelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cirino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Interdepartmental Centre for Sexual Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francisco Pérez-Vizcaino
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raffaella Sorrentino
- Interdepartmental Centre for Sexual Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta d'Emmanuele di Villa Bianca
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Interdepartmental Centre for Sexual Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Emma Mitidieri
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Sevilleja-Ortiz A, El Assar M, García-Gómez B, La Fuente JM, Alonso-Isa M, Romero-Otero J, Martínez-Salamanca JI, Fernández A, Rodríguez-Mañas L, Angulo J. STIM/Orai Inhibition as a Strategy for Alleviating Diabetic Erectile Dysfunction Through Modulation of Rat and Human Penile Tissue Contractility and in vivo Potentiation of Erectile Responses. J Sex Med 2022; 19:1733-1749. [PMID: 36195535 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.08.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stromal interaction molecule (STIM)/Orai calcium entry system appears to have a role in erectile dysfunction (ED) pathophysiology but its specific contribution to diabetic ED was not elucidated. AIM To evaluate STIM/Orai inhibition on functional alterations associated with diabetic ED in rat and human penile tissues and on in vivo erectile responses in diabetic rats. METHODS Rat corpus cavernosum (RCC) strips from nondiabetic (No DM) and streptozotocin-induced diabetic (DM) rats and human penile resistance arteries (HPRA) and corpus cavernosum (HCC) from ED patients undergoing penile prosthesis insertion were functionally evaluated in organ chambers and wire myographs. Erectile function in vivo in rats was assessed by intracavernosal pressure (ICP) responses to cavernous nerve electrical stimulation (CNES). Expression of STIM/Orai elements in HCC was determined by immunofluorescence and immunoblot. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Functional responses in RCC, HCC and HPRA and STIM/Orai protein expression in HCC. In vivo erectile responses to CNES. RESULTS Inhibition of Orai channels with YM-58483 (20 µM) significantly reduced adrenergic contractions in RCC but more effectively in DM. Thromboxane-induced and neurogenic contractions were reduced by STIM/Orai inhibition while defective endothelial, neurogenic and PDE5 inhibitor-induced relaxations were enhanced by YM-58483 (10 µM) in RCC from DM rats. In vivo, YM-58483 caused erections and attenuated diabetes-related impairment of erectile responses. YM-58483 potentiated the effects of PDE5 inhibition. In human tissues, STIM/Orai inhibition depressed adrenergic and thromboxane-induced contractions in ED patients more effectively in those with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes was associated with increased expression of Orai1 and Orai3 in ED patients. CLINICAL TRANSLATION Targeting STIM/Orai to alleviate diabetes-related functional alterations of penile vascular tissue could improve erectile function and potentiate therapeutic effects of PDE5 inhibitors in diabetic ED. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS Improving effects of STIM/Orai inhibition on diabetes-related functional impairment was evidenced in vitro and in vivo in an animal model and validated in human tissues from ED patients. Functional findings were complemented with expression results. Main limitation was low numbers of human experiments due to limited human tissue availability. CONCLUSIONS STIM/Orai inhibition alleviated alterations of functional responses in vitro and improved erectile responses in vivo in diabetic rats, potentiating the effects of PDE5 inhibition. STIM/Orai inhibition was validated as a target to modulate functional alterations of human penile vascular tissue in diabetic ED where Orai1 and Orai3 channels were upregulated. STIM/Orai inhibition could be a potential therapeutic strategy to overcome poor response to conventional ED therapy in diabetic patients. Sevilleja-Ortiz A, El Assar M, García-Gómez B, et al. STIM/Orai Inhibition as a Strategy for Alleviating Diabetic Erectile Dysfunction Through Modulation of Rat and Human Penile Tissue Contractility and in vivo Potentiation of Erectile Responses. J Sex Med 2022;19:1733-1749.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Sevilleja-Ortiz
- Fundación para la Investigación Biomédica del Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain; Servicio de Histología-Investigación, Unidad de Investigación Traslacional en Cardiología (IRYCIS-UFV), Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariam El Assar
- Fundación para la Investigación Biomédica del Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Getafe, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Borja García-Gómez
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - José M La Fuente
- Serviço de Urologia, Hospital Geral de Santo Antonio, Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel Alonso-Isa
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Argentina Fernández
- Servicio de Histología-Investigación, Unidad de Investigación Traslacional en Cardiología (IRYCIS-UFV), Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Leocadio Rodríguez-Mañas
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Servicio de Geriatría, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Getafe, Spain
| | - Javier Angulo
- Servicio de Histología-Investigación, Unidad de Investigación Traslacional en Cardiología (IRYCIS-UFV), Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Sevilleja-Ortiz A, El Assar M, García-Rojo E, García-Gómez B, Fernández A, Sánchez-Ferrer A, La Fuente JM, Romero-Otero J, Rodríguez-Mañas L, Angulo J. Ageing-induced hypercontractility is related to functional enhancement of STIM/Orai and upregulation of Orai 3 in rat and human penile tissue. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 200:111590. [PMID: 34699858 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The role of STIM/Orai calcium entry system on vascular ageing has not been elucidated. We aimed to evaluate the influence of ageing on STIM/Orai signalling and its role on ageing-induced alterations of contractile function in rat corpus cavernosum (RCC) and human penile resistance arteries (HPRA) and corpus cavernosum (HCC). RCC was obtained from 3 months-old and 20 months-old animals. HPRA and HCC were obtained from organ donors of varied ages without history of erectile dysfunction. Aging was associated with enhanced norepinephrine (NE)- and thromboxane analogue (U46619)-induced contractions in RCC which were significantly inhibited by the STIM/Orai inhibitor, YM-58483 (20 μM). Other STIM/Orai inhibitor, 2-aminoethyldiphenylborate also reduced NE-induced contractions in RCC from aged rats. YM-58483 significantly reduced neurogenic contractions and potentiated neurogenic relaxations in RCC from aged rats. In HCC and HPRA, NE-induced contractions were significantly enhanced in older subjects (>65 years-old) but YM-58483 completely reversed ageing-related hypercontractility. Ageing did not modify STIM-1 and Orai1 protein expressions but Orai3 was significantly overexpressed in cavernosal tissue from old rats and older subjects. Contribution of STIM/Orai to cavernosal contraction increases with ageing together with increased expression of Orai3. Orai inhibition could be a potential therapeutic strategy to reduce ageing-related impact on vascular/erectile function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Sevilleja-Ortiz
- Department of Histology-Research, Unidad de Investigación Traslacional en Cardiología (UFV-IRYCIS), Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariam El Assar
- Fundación para la Investigación Biomédica, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Getafe, Spain
| | - Esther García-Rojo
- Department of Urology, Hospital Universitario HM Sanchinarro, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain
| | - Borja García-Gómez
- Department of Urology, Hospital Universitario HM Sanchinarro, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain; Department of Urology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Argentina Fernández
- Department of Histology-Research, Unidad de Investigación Traslacional en Cardiología (UFV-IRYCIS), Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Sánchez-Ferrer
- Fundación para la Investigación Biomédica, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Getafe, Spain
| | - José M La Fuente
- Department of Urology, Hospital Geral Santo Antonio, Porto, Portugal
| | - Javier Romero-Otero
- Department of Urology, Hospital Universitario HM Sanchinarro, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain; Department of Urology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Javier Angulo
- Department of Histology-Research, Unidad de Investigación Traslacional en Cardiología (UFV-IRYCIS), Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain.
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