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Yao L, Cong R, Zhou X, Zhou X, Ji C, Wei X, Meng X, Song N. Lacosamide alleviates bilateral cavernous nerve injury-induced erectile dysfunction in the rat model by ameliorating pathological changes in the corpus cavernosum. Int J Impot Res 2024; 36:283-290. [PMID: 36922697 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-023-00674-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Bilateral cavernous nerve injury-related erectile dysfunction (BCNI-ED) shows a limited response to type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Furthermore, lacosamide (LCM) can alleviate peripheral neuropathy. To explore whether LCM can improve the erectile response after BCNI, we randomly divided 30 young Sprague-Dawley rats into three groups (n = 10 per group), namely, the sham operation, 0.9% normal saline-treated (BCNI + 0.9% NS), and LCM-treated BCNI (BCNI + LCM) groups. LCM was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 90 mg/kg/day for 7 consecutive days. Erectile function was assessed by measuring the ratio of peak intracavernous pressure (ICP) to mean arterial pressure (MAP), and tissues were harvested for transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, Masson's trichrome staining, TUNEL staining, and Western blot analysis. The BCNI + 0.9% NS group showed reduced ICP/MAP ratio (0.93 ± 0.04 vs. 0.44 ± 0.05, P < 0.0001). An increased proportion of TUNEL-positive cells (0.04 ± 0.01 vs 0.87 ± 0.03, P < 0.0001) and a decreased smooth muscle/collagen ratio (0.44 ± 0.01 vs. 0.33 ± 0.01, P < 0.001) were observed in the BCNI + 0.9% NS compared with the sham group. Administration of LCM significantly restored the ICP/MAP ratio (0.44 ± 0.05 vs. 0.74 ± 0.05, P < 0.001) and decreased the proportion of TUNEL positive cells (0.87 ± 0.03 vs. 0.60 ± 0.04, P < 0.0001) in the corpus cavernosum following BCNI. The ratio of smooth muscle to collagen (0.43 ± 0.01vs. 0.33 ± 0.01, P < 0.01) and expression of α-SMA (P < 0.0001) in the BCNI + LCM group significantly increased compared with BCNI + 0.9% NS group, indicating alleviation of fibrosis. Apoptotic markers, including Bax/Bcl-2 (P < 0.01) and Caspase-3 (P < 0.0001) in the BCNI + LCM group was significantly lower than that in the BCNI + 0.9% NS group. LCM treatment partially upregulated the expression of vWF and eNOS in cavernous tissue in rats subjected to BCNI (P < 0.05). Increases in S100-β and nNOS expression in the major pelvic ganglion (MPG) were observed after LCM administration. In summary, LCM can recover erectile function in BCNI-ED rat model by suppressing corporal apoptosis and fibrosis, and protecting the cavernous nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangyu Yao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Rong Cong
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Chengjian Ji
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Xiyi Wei
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Xianghu Meng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| | - Ninghong Song
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Kezhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Kezhou, Xinjiang, 845350, China.
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Chung DY, Ryu JK, Yin GN. Regenerative therapies as a potential treatment of erectile dysfunction. Investig Clin Urol 2023; 64:312-324. [PMID: 37417556 DOI: 10.4111/icu.20230104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common sexual dysfunction disease in adult males. ED can be caused by many factors, such as vascular disease, neuropathy, metabolic disturbances, psychosocial causes, and side effects of medications. Although current oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors can achieve a certain effect, they cause temporary dilatation of blood vessels with no curative treatment effects. Emerging targeted technologies, such as stem cell therapy, protein therapy, and low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT), are being used to achieve more natural and long-lasting effects in treating ED. However, the development and application of these therapeutic methods are still in their infancy, and their pharmacological pathways and specific mechanisms have not been fully discovered. This article reviews the preclinical basic research progress of stem cells, proteins, and Li-ESWT therapy, as well as the current status of clinical application of Li-ESWT therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doo Yong Chung
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Ji-Kan Ryu
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
- Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Guo Nan Yin
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea.
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Bryk DJ, Murthy PB, Ericson KJ, Shoskes DA. Radial wave therapy does not improve early recovery of erectile function after nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy: a prospective trial. Transl Androl Urol 2023; 12:209-216. [PMID: 36915873 PMCID: PMC10006002 DOI: 10.21037/tau-22-310] [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: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Low intensity shockwave therapy is an emerging treatment option for men with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction. Radial wave therapy (rWT), which differs from focused shockwave (fSWT) as it produces lower pressure waves with lower peak energy, is used to treat soft tissue and skin conditions and has some data to support its use in vasculogenic erectile dysfunction. There is limited data for the use of rWT for the treatment of erectile dysfunction after nerve-sparing (NS) radical prostatectomy. We report the first trial of rWT for penile rehabilitation after NS radical prostatectomy. Methods We performed a prospective, non-randomized, open-label trial. Men with good pre-operative erectile function who underwent a NS radical prostatectomy at our institution from 2018-2020 were considered for inclusion. We compared post-operative erectile function outcomes between the rWT (6 weekly treatments initiated approximately 2 weeks post-operatively) plus standard of care (phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor) arm and the non-sham controlled standard of care arm. The primary end point for our study was the proportion of men who returned to "near normal" erectile function, defined as IIEF-5 score ≥17 and erectile hardness score (EHS) ≥3, by 3 months post-operatively between the intervention and control arm. We also compared mean IIEF-5 scores and median EHSs between the arms. Results One hundred and six patients were enrolled, of whom 73 patients had at least one reported survey response between 6 and 12 weeks post-operatively. Five (17%) and 11 (26%) patients recovered erectile function in the control and intervention arms, respectively, which was not a statistically significant difference (P=0.37). However, the intervention arm did have a significantly higher median EHS compared to the control arm (1 vs. 2, P=0.03). There were 4 adverse events related to pain during treatment and required only treatment intensity de-escalation. Conclusions rWT is safe but did not substantially improve the recovery of early erectile function after NS radical prostatectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren J Bryk
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Prithvi B Murthy
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kyle J Ericson
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA.,University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Department of Urology, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Daniel A Shoskes
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Senior Medical Director, Pacific Edge, Hummelstown, PA, USA
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Song G, Hu P, Song J, Liu J, Ruan Y. Molecular pathogenesis and treatment of cavernous nerve injury-induced erectile dysfunction: A narrative review. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1029650. [PMID: 36277218 PMCID: PMC9582663 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1029650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common complication after radical prostatectomy (RP), and it seriously affects the quality of life in patients and their partners. The primary trigger of postoperative ED is surgical injury to the cavernous nerves that control penile erection and run along the anterolateral aspect of the prostate. Despite the introduction and ongoing innovation of nerve-sparing techniques, a significant number of patients still suffer from moderate cavernous nerve injury (CNI), which is thought to be transient and reversible. Therefore, early postoperative penile rehabilitation therapy may salvage patients’ erectile function by promoting cavernous nerve regeneration and preventing penile structural alterations.Aims: To present a comprehensive overview of the current molecular pathogenesis of CNI-induced ED, as well as novel therapeutic strategies and their potential mechanisms.Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed. Search terms included erectile dysfunction, cavernous nerve injury, pathogenesis, pathway, and treatment.Results: The NOS/NO pathway, oxidative stress-related pathway, RhoA/ROCK pathway, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), sonic hedgehog (Shh), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are involved in the molecular pathogenesis of CNI-induced ED. Multiple neurotrophins, including brain-derived nerve growth factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and neurturin (NTN), were found to promote cavernous nerve regeneration. Emerging therapeutic approaches can be roughly summarized into four categories, namely small molecule and drug, stem cell-based therapy (SCT), micro-energy therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.Conclusion: These pathways collectively lead to the irreversible damage to the penile structure after CNI. The combined early rehabilitation strategies of promoting upstream nerve regeneration and recovering abnormal molecular signals of downstream penis are presumed to save patients’ erectile function after RP. In future studies, the cross-talk between these molecular pathways needs to be further clarified, and the questions of how denervation injury induces the molecular alterations in the penis also need to be addressed.
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Asker H, Yilmaz-Oral D, Oztekin CV, Gur S. An update on the current status and future prospects of erectile dysfunction following radical prostatectomy. Prostate 2022; 82:1135-1161. [PMID: 35579053 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radical prostatectomy (RP) and radiation treatment are standard options for localized prostate cancer. Even though nerve-sparing techniques have been increasingly utilized in RP, erectile dysfunction (ED) due to neuropraxia remains a frequent complication. Erectile function recovery rates after RP remain unsatisfactory, and many men still suffer despite the availability of various therapies. OBJECTIVE This systematic review aims to summarize the current treatments for post-RP-ED, assess the underlying pathological mechanisms, and emphasize promising therapeutic strategies based on the evidence from basic research. METHOD Evaluation and review of articles on the relevant topic published between 2010 and 2021, which are indexed and listed in the PubMed database. RESULTS Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, intracavernosal and intraurethral injections, vacuum erection devices, pelvic muscle training, and surgical procedures are utilized for penile rehabilitation. Clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of erectogenic drugs in this setting are conflicting and far from being conclusive. The use of androgen deprivation therapy in certain scenarios after RP further exacerbates the already problematic situation and emphasizes the need for effective treatment strategies. CONCLUSION This article is a detailed overview focusing on the pathophysiology and mechanism of the nerve injury developed during RP and a compilation of various strategies to induce cavernous nerve regeneration to improve erectile function (EF). These strategies include stem cell therapy, gene therapy, growth factors, low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy, immunophilins, and various pharmacological approaches that have induced improvements in EF in experimental models of cavernous nerve injury. Many of the mentioned strategies can improve EF following RP if transformed into clinically applicable safe, and effective techniques with reproducible outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Asker
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Lokman Hekim University, Ankara, Turkey
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Didem Yilmaz-Oral
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Cetin Volkan Oztekin
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kyrenia, Girne, Turkey
| | - Serap Gur
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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Zhan Y, Wu H, Liu L, Lin J, Zhang S. Organic solvent-based tissue clearing techniques and their applications. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2021; 14:e202000413. [PMID: 33715302 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202000413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Revealing the true structure of tissues and organs with tissue slicing technology is difficult since images reconstructed in three dimensions are easily distorted. To address the limitations in tissue slicing technology, tissue clearing has been invented and has recently achieved significant progress in three-dimensional imaging. Currently, this technology can mainly be divided into two types: aqueous clearing methods and solvent-based clearing methods. As one of the important parts of this technology, organic solvent-based tissue clearing techniques have been widely applied because of their efficient clearing speed and high clearing intensity. This review introduces the primary organic solvent-based tissue clearing techniques and their applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjing Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Haoyan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Linfeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Lin
- Department of Oral Implantology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Oral Implantology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Bowman M, Shindel AW. Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11930-020-00289-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Liu MC, Chang ML, Wang YC, Chen WH, Wu CC, Yeh SD. Revisiting the Regenerative Therapeutic Advances Towards Erectile Dysfunction. Cells 2020; 9:E1250. [PMID: 32438565 PMCID: PMC7290763 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an inability to attain or maintain adequate penile erection for successful vaginal intercourse, leading to sexual and relationship dissatisfaction. To combat ED, various surgical and non-surgical approaches have been developed in the past to restore erectile functions. These therapeutic interventions exhibit significant impact in providing relief to patients; however, due to their associated adverse effects and lack of long-term efficacy, newer modalities such as regenerative therapeutics have gained attention due to their safe and prolonged efficacy. Stem cells and platelet-derived biomaterials contained in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are thriving as some of the major therapeutic regenerative agents. In recent years, various preclinical and clinical studies have evaluated the individual, as well as combined of stem cells and PRP to restore erectile function. Being rich in growth factors, chemokines, and angiogenic factors, both stem cells and PRP play a crucial role in regenerating nerve cells, myelination of axons, homing and migration of progenitor cells, and anti-fibrosis and anti-apoptosis of damaged cavernous nerve in corporal tissues. Further, platelet-derived biomaterials have been proven to be a biological supplement for enhancing the proliferative and differentiation potential of stem cells towards neurogenic fate. Therefore, this article comprehensively analyzes the progresses of these regenerative therapies for ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Che Liu
- Department of Urology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (M.-C.L.); (C.-C.W.)
- Clinical Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, school of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- School of Dental Technology, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Lin Chang
- Department of Urology, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Engineering, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chun Wang
- TCM Biotech International Corp., New Taipei City 22175, Taiwan; (Y.-C.W.); (W.-H.C.)
| | - Wei-Hung Chen
- TCM Biotech International Corp., New Taipei City 22175, Taiwan; (Y.-C.W.); (W.-H.C.)
| | - Chien-Chih Wu
- Department of Urology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (M.-C.L.); (C.-C.W.)
- Department of Education and Humanities in Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Shauh-Der Yeh
- Department of Urology and Oncology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
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