The cold-soaking extract of Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita Thunb.) protects against erectile dysfunction by ameliorating testicular function in hydrocortisone-induced KDS-Yang rats and in oxidatively damaged TM3 cells

Indole-3-carboxaldehyde alleviates cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in mice by improving mitochondrial dysfunction via PKA activation

Cisplatin (DDP) is widely used in the treatment of cancer as a chemotherapeutic drug. However, its severe nephrotoxicity limits the extensive application of cisplatin, which is characterized by injury and apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells. This study aimed to reveal the protective effect and its underlying mechanism of Indole-3-carboxaldehyde (IC) against DDP-induced AKI in mice and NRK-52E cells pretreated with PKA antagonist (H-89). Here, we reported that IC improved renal artery blood flow velocity and renal function related indicators, attenuated renal pathological changes, which were confirmed by the results of HE staining and PASM staining. Meanwhile, IC inhibited the levels of inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, CTR1, OCT2, and the levels of autophagy and apoptosis. Mitochondrial dysfunction was significantly improved as observed by TEM. To clarify the potential mechanism, NRK-52E cells induced by DDP was used and the results proved that H-89 could blocked the improvement with IC effectively in vitro. Our findings showed that IC has the potential to treat cisplatin-induced AKI, and its role in protecting the kidney was closely related to activating PKA, inhibiting autophagy and apoptosis, improving mitochondrial function, which could provide a theoretical basis for the development of new clinical drugs.

Efficacy and safety assessment of traditional Chinese medicine for erectile dysfunction: A meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

BACKGROUND

Several patients with erectile dysfunction do not accept or benefit from conventional therapy with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors; thus, alternative and complementary therapies are in need. Traditional Chinese medicine has been treating erectile dysfunction in China, but its clinical value is inconclusive.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine in treating erectile dysfunction.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials were retrieved from a comprehensive search in the literature published in the past decade from the Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, SinoMed, China National Knowledge Internet, WanFang, and VIP. We performed a meta-analysis of the International Index of Erectile Function 5 questionnaire scores, clinical recovery rates, and testosterone levels using Review Manager 5.4 software. The trial sequential analysis was conducted to check the results.

RESULTS

A total of 45 trials with 5016 patients were included. Meta-analysis results showed that traditional Chinese medicine effectively improved the International Index of Erectile Function 5 questionnaire scores (weighted mean difference = 3.78, 95% confidence interval: 3.12, 4.44; p < 0.001), clinical recovery rates (risk ratio = 1.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.38, 1.79; p < 0.001), testosterone levels (weighted mean difference = 2.42, 95% confidence interval: 1.59, 3.25; p < 0.001) compared with the controls. The single and add-on applications of traditional Chinese medicine could improve the International Index of Erectile Function 5 questionnaire score (p < 0.001). The trial sequential analysis confirmed the robustness of the analysis of the International Index of Erectile Function 5 questionnaire scores. A significant difference in the incidence of adverse effects between the treatment and control groups was not observed (risk ratio = 0.82, 95% confidence interval: 0.65, 1.05; p = 0.12).

CONCLUSION

Traditional Chinese medicine can gain better responses in improving the International Index of Erectile Function 5 questionnaire scores, clinical recovery rates, and testosterone levels as an alternative and complementary treatment, with no increase in side effects. However, more standardized, long-term, traditional Chinese medicine and integrative therapy clinical trials are needed to support the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine.

UPLC-QE-Orbitrap-Based Cell Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology to Reveal the Mechanism of N-Benzylhexadecanamide Isolated from Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) against Testicular Dysfunction

Testicular dysfunction (TDF) is characterized by testosterone deficiency and is caused by oxidative stress injury in Leydig cells. A natural fatty amide named N-benzylhexadecanamide (NBH), derived from cruciferous maca, has been shown to promote testosterone production. Our study aims to reveal the anti-TDF effect of NBH and explore its potential mechanism in vitro. This study examined the effects of H₂O₂ on cell viability and testosterone levels in mouse Leydig cells (TM3) under oxidative stress. In addition, cell metabolomics analysis based on UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS showed that NBH was mainly involved in arginine biosynthesis, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, the TCA cycle and other metabolic pathways by affecting 23 differential metabolites, including arginine and phenylalanine. Furthermore, we also performed network pharmacological analysis to observe the key protein targets in NBH treatment. The results showed that its role was to up-regulate ALOX5, down-regulate CYP1A2, and play a role in promoting testicular activity by participating in the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway. In summary, our study not only provides new insights into the biochemical mechanisms of natural compounds in the treatment of TDF, but also provides a research strategy that integrates cell metabolomics and network pharmacology in order to promote the screening of new drugs for the treatment of TDF.

Uncovering the genetic links of diabetic erectile dysfunction and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Background: Clinical associations between erectile dysfunction and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) have been noticed, but the common pathogenic mechanisms between them remain elusive. The aim of the study was to mine shared genetic alterations between ED and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Method: Transcriptome data of ED and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome-related genes (CPRGs) were retrieved from relevant databases and differentially expressed analysis was used to obtain significant CPRGs. Then function enrichment and interaction analyses were performed to show shared transcriptional signature, including gene ontology and pathway enrichment, the construction of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, cluster analysis, and co-expression analysis. Hub CPRGs and key cross-link were selected by validating these genes in clinical samples, chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome and ED-related datasets. Then the miRNA-OSRGs co-regulatory network was predicted and validated. Subpopulation distribution and disease association of hub CPRGs were further identified. Result: Differentially expressed analysis revealed 363 significant CPRGs between ED and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, functioning in inflammatory reaction, oxidative stress, apoptosis, smooth muscle cell proliferation, and extracellular matrix organization. A PPI network containing 245 nodes and 504 interactions was constructed. Module analysis depicted that multicellular organismal process and immune metabolic process were enriched. 17 genes were screened in PPI via topological algorithms, and reactive oxygen species as well as interleukin-1 metabolism were regarded as the bridging interactive mechanism. After screening and validation, a hub-CPRG signature consisting of COL1A1, MAPK6, LPL, NFE2L2 and NQO1 were identified and associated miRNA were verified. These miRNAs played an important role in immune and inflammatory response likewise. Finally, NQO1 was identified as a key genetic link between ED and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. It was predominately enriched in corpus cavernosum endothelial cell, and correlated with other male urogenital and immune system diseases tightly. Conclusion: We identified the genetic profiles as well as corresponding regulatory network underlying interaction between ED and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome via multi-omics analysis. These findings expanded a new understanding for the molecular mechanism of ED with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

A sesquiterpene isolated from the stems and leaves of Dioscorea opposita thunb. Transforms the composition of immune cells through ERβ in a mouse model of LPS-induced lung injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common critical disease with a high mortality rate. Natural products have marked efficacy in the prevention and treatment of ALI, in addition, estrogen and its receptors are involved in the pathogenesis and development of lung injury. Our previous research shows that sesquiterpenes isolated from the stems and leaves of Dioscorea opposita Thunb. have anti-inflammatory and estrogenic-like activity. In the present study, sesquiterpene (A1) is a natural extract from the stems and leaves of Dioscorea opposita Thunb. with a view to determining whether A1 can improve lung function in a mouse model of LPS-induced ALI and exploring the involvement of the estrogen receptor β (ERβ) pathway. A1 (20 or 40 mg/kg, i. g., 2 times/day) was administered for 3 d, followed by the induction of ALI via an intratracheal LPS drip (5 mg/kg/2 h). The lung function and levels of inflammation, immune cells, apoptosis, and ERβ expression were examined. The antagonistic activity of specific ERβ blocker (THC, 1 μM) against A1 (20 μM) in co-cultured BEAS-2B cells and splenic lymphocytes induced with LPS (1 μg/mL, 24 h) was also investigated to assess whether the observed effects of A1 were mediated by ERβ. A1 improved lung function, regulated the immune system, and decreased inflammation and apoptosis. Moreover, A1 increased the expression of ERβ in LPS-induced mice, and antagonism of ERβ decreased the protective effects of A1 in a co-culture system. A1 had anti-ALI effects that might partially mediated through ERβ signaling. Our data provide molecular justification for the use of A1 in the treatment of ALI.

Dioscorea spp.: Comprehensive Review of Antioxidant Properties and Their Relation to Phytochemicals and Health Benefits

Dioscorea, consisting of over 600 species, is the most important genus in the Dioscoreaceae family; however, the practically used plants, which are commonly called yam, are restricted to a remarkably smaller number of species. Numerous studies have reported the high nutritional value of yam, particularly as an alternative source of starch and some important micronutrients. Several Dioscorea species are widely used for various medicinal purposes as well. In many studies, the bioactivities and health benefits of Dioscorea extracts and other preparations have been related to the presence of phytochemicals, which possess antioxidant properties; they are related mainly to radical-scavenging capacity in chemical assays and positive effects on the endogenous antioxidant system in cell-based and in vivo assays. Considering the increasing number of publications on this topic and the absence of comprehensive and focused review papers on antioxidant potential, this article summarizes the results of studies on the antioxidant properties of Dioscorea spp. and their relation to phytochemicals and health benefits. A comprehensive survey of the published articles has revealed that the majority of studies have been performed with plant tubers (rhizomes, roots), while reports on leaves are rather scarce. In general, leaf extracts demonstrated stronger antioxidant potential than tuber preparations. This may be related to the differences in phytochemical composition: saponins, phenanthrenes and, for some pigment-rich species (purple yams), anthocyanins are important constituents in tubers, while phenolic acids and flavonoids are characteristic phytochemicals in the leaves. The review may assist in explaining ethnopharmacological knowledge on the health benefits of Dioscorea plants and their preparations; moreover, it may foster further studies of poorly investigated species, as well as their wider application in developing new functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Peptides Isolated from Yak Milk Residue Exert Antioxidant Effects through Nrf2 Signal Pathway

Food-derived bioactive peptides are considered as the important sources of natural bioactive ingredients. Approximately 3094 peptides were identified by nESI-LC–MS/MS in the hydrolyzed yak milk residue. Peptide KALNEINQF (T10) is the strongest antioxidant peptide. The damage model of H₂O₂-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was used to evaluate the antioxidant effect. After treatment with 25, 50, or 100 μg/mL T10 peptide, T10 obviously decreased H₂O₂-induced damage and increased the cell survival. Comparing with the H₂O₂-induced damage group, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were significantly increased 1.03, 1.1, and 1.33 times, and glutathione reductase (GR) activities were significantly increased 1.11, 1.30, and 1.43 times, respectively. Malondialdehyde (MDA) also reduced 1.41, 1.54, and 1.72 times, respectively. T10 inhibited H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in HUVECs, and protein expressions of the apoptosis-related genes bcl-2 and bax were increased and decreased by 1.95 and 1.44 times, respectively, suggesting T10 decreases apoptosis of the mitochondria-dependent pathway. Comparing with the H₂O₂-induced damage group, the RNA expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 were significantly increased by 2.00, 2.11, and 1.94 times; the protein expressions of p-Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 were significantly increased by 2.67, 1.73, and 1.04 times; and Keap1 was downregulated by 3.9 and 1.32 times, respectively. T10 also regulated the Nrf2 pathway and expressions of related genes (Keap1, HO-1, and NQO1), and blocking the Nrf2 pathway in the model decreased the protective effect of T10. Taken together, T10 peptide isolated from yak milk residue has a protective effect against H₂O₂-induced damage in HUVECs and the molecular mechanisms are involved in the regulation of Nrf2 signaling pathway and cell apoptosis.

A Protein from Dioscorea polystachya (Chinese Yam) Improves Hydrocortisone-Induced Testicular Dysfunction by Alleviating Leydig Cell Injury via Upregulation of the Nrf2 Pathway

Leydig cell injury has been described as a primary driver of testicular dysfunction and is affected by oxidative stress. Dioscorea polystachya (Chinese yam) is used to improve testicular dysfunction in clinical and pharmacological research via its antioxidative activity, but the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of Chinese yam on testicular dysfunction and its suppression of Leydig cell oxidative damage remain unclear. In this study, we obtained a Chinese yam protein (DP1) and explored its effectiveness and possible mechanism in improving testicular dysfunction in vivo and in vitro. We established a testicular dysfunction model in rats using hydrocortisone (HCT). DP1 increased body weight and organ index, improved the deterioration in testicular morphology (including increasing the diameter of seminiferous tubules and thickness of germinal cell layers, inhibiting testicular cell apoptosis by increasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and impeding collagen leakage by downregulating TGF-β1 and p-SMAD2/3 expression), and restored the testosterone content. In addition, DP1 enhanced the number of Leydig cells in rats and H₂O₂-induced TM3 Leydig cells, and the effect of DP1 on the apoptosis, fibrosis, and testosterone content of TM3 cells was similar to that observed in vivo. These changes were dependent on the regulation of oxidative stress, including significantly reduced intracellular 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine levels, enhanced superoxide dismutase activities, and decreased superoxide anion levels, which were confirmed via a superoxide overexpression system. Furthermore, we observed that DP1 promoted Nrf2 nuclear import and upregulated antioxidant factor expression in vivo and in vitro. However, Nrf2 silencing eliminated the ability of DP1 to increase the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, reduce the expression levels of TGF-β1 and p-SMAD2/3, and increase testosterone contents in H₂O₂-induced TM3 cells. In conclusion, DP1 reversed the HCT-induced testicular apoptosis and fibrosis and decreased testosterone contents by alleviating Leydig cell oxidative damage via upregulation of the Nrf2 pathway.

SMAD2 regulates testicular development and testosterone synthesis in Hu sheep

The SMAD protein family plays crucial roles in reproduction as a downstream target genes of the TGFβ signaling pathway. Many studies have focused on the expression change exploration of SMADs during testicular development and investigation of SMAD2 in hormone synthesis regulation. However, little attention has been given to determining the regulatory mechanism of SMADs in sheep testes. In the present study, we first detected SMAD mRNA expression levels in three-month-old (3 M), six-month-old (6 M), nine-month-old (9 M) and two-year-old (2Y) sheep testes. Different SMADs showed various expression patterns. In addition, the subcellular localization of SMAD2 was also analyzed, and Sertoli cells (SCs), Leydig cells (LCs) and spermatogonia presented mainly positive staining. Protein and nucleic acid sequence alignment showed that the SMAD2 gene was extremely homologous between various species. SMAD2 interference RNA was transfected into sheep LCs to examine the cell proliferation and hormone levels. The testosterone level was significantly decreased, and cell proliferation efficiency presented the same trend (P < 0.05). Moreover, SMAD2 downregulation promoted cell apoptosis (P < 0.05) and changed the cell cycle. In total, our results revealed that downregulating the expression of SMAD2 can effectively inhibit testosterone levels by affecting cell proliferation and apoptosis.