1
|
Meng Q, Chen Y, Cui L, Wei Y, Li T, Yuan P. Comprehensive analysis of biological landscape of oxidative stress-related genes in diabetic erectile dysfunction. Int J Impot Res 2023:10.1038/s41443-023-00814-1. [PMID: 38145980 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-023-00814-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of diabetic erectile dysfunction, while specific mechanisms have not been illuminated. The study aims to reveal the genetic expression patterns of oxidative stress in diabetic erectile dysfunction. Transcriptome data of diabetic erectile dysfunction and oxidative stress-related genes (OSRGs) in the Gene Expression Omnibus database were downloaded and analyzed based on differential expression. Functional enrichment analyses were conducted to clarify the biological functions. A protein interaction framework was established, and significant gene profiles were validated in the cavernous endothelial cells, clinical patients, and rat models. A miRNA-OSRGs network was predicted and validated. The results were analyzed using Student's t-test. The analysis screened 203 differentially expressed OSRGs (p < 0.05), which had a close association with oxidoreductase activities, glutathione metabolism, and autophagy. A four-gene signature comprised of EPS8L2 (p = 0.044), GSTA3 (p = 0.015), LOX (p < 0.001) and MGST1 (p = 0.002) was well validated and regarded as the hub OSRGs. Compared with the control group, notable increases and decreases were observed in the expressions of GSTA3 (3.683 ± 0.636 vs. 0.416 ± 0.507) and LOX (2.104 ± 1.895 vs. 18.804 ± 2.751) in the validated diabetic erectile dysfunction group. The hub OSRGs-related miRNAs participated in smooth muscle cell proliferation. Besides, miR-125a-3p (p = 0.034) and miR-138-2-3p (p = 0.012) were validated as promising oxidative stress-related miRNA biomarkers. Our findings revealed the genetic alternations of oxidative stress in diabetic erectile dysfunction. These results will be instructive to explore the molecular landscape and the potential treatment for diabetic erectile dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingjun Meng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yinwei Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Lingang Cui
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yinsheng Wei
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Teng Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Penghui Yuan
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xi YJ, Wen R, Zhang R, Dong QR, Zhang HY, Su QY, Zhang SX. Causal association between JAK2 and erectile dysfunction: a Mendelian randomization study. Basic Clin Androl 2023; 33:18. [PMID: 37407943 PMCID: PMC10324256 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-023-00192-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As one of the most critical proteins in the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) is involved in many biological processes and diseases. Several observational studies have reported the role of JAK2 in erectile dysfunction. However, the causal relationship between JAK2 and erectile dysfunction remains unclear. Here we investigated the causal relationship between JAK2 and erectile dysfunction. RESULTS Genetically predicted JAK2 was causally associated with erectile dysfunction in inverse variance weighting (OR = 1.109, 95% CI = 1.029-1.196, p = 0.007) and weighted median method (OR = 1.117, 95% CI = 1.003-1.245, p = 0.044). No heterogeneity was observed in Cochran Q-test (p = 0.855) and MR-PRESSO (p = 0.866). Pleiotropy was not observed in our study (p = 0.617). CONCLUSIONS These findings highlighted JAK2 as a risk factor for erectile dysfunction and proved the causal relationship between JAK2 and erectile dysfunction, suggesting that targeting JAK2 signaling might be a novel and promising therapeutic candidate in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jia Xi
- Department of Urology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, P.R. China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, P.R. China
| | - Rui Wen
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, P.R. China
| | - Ran Zhang
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, P.R. China
| | - Qi-Rui Dong
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, P.R. China
| | - He-Yi Zhang
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, P.R. China
| | - Qin-Yi Su
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, P.R. China
- Department of Rheumatology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, P.R. China
| | - Sheng-Xiao Zhang
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, P.R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, P.R. China.
- Department of Rheumatology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sun T, Xu W, Wang J, Song J, Wang T, Wang S, Liu K, Liu J. Paeonol ameliorates diabetic erectile dysfunction by inhibiting HMGB1/RAGE/NF-kB pathway. Andrology 2023; 11:344-357. [PMID: 35678254 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The management of diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction (DMED) is progressively becoming tricky due to the surge in the number of patients and the poor efficiency of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors in DMED. Paeonol (Pae), as a traditional Chinese medicine, has been more and more widely used in the treatment of diabetic complications. However, whether Pae could be a potential therapeutic drug of DMED needs to be further evaluated. OBJECTIVES To investigate the pharmacological effect and possible mechanism of Pae in the treatment of DMED. METHODS Intraperitoneal streptozotocin injection and an apomorphine test were used to construct the model of DMED. Seventeen DMED rats were divided into two groups: DMED group (n = 8) and DMED+Pae group (Pae; 100 mg/kg/d; oral administration; n = 9). In addition, there were still 10 normal age-matched male rats as control group. Four weeks later, the cavernous nerve electric stimulation was carried out to measure the erectile response. Moreover, the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) were primarily isolated and exposed to high glucose (HG) stimulation, Pae treatment and glycyrrhizin (GL; the selective inhibitor of HMGB1). After an incubation for 1 week, the CCSMCs were harvested for detection. RESULTS The impairment of erectile function was observed in DMED rats compared with control samples, accompanied by the upregulation of HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB Pathway. The lower nitric oxide and cGMP level and the higher level of inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis were also observed in DMED rats. It showed contrast that Pae treatment could improve the erectile function, as well as histologic alteration and related molecular changes. In addition, Pae could downregulate the HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB pathway to regulate the apoptosis and inflammation levels of CCSMCs in high-glucose conditions, which is similar to the results of GL treatment. CONCLUSION Pae alleviated ED in DMED rats, likely by inhibiting HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB Pathway, inflammatory, apoptosis, and fibrotic activity, and moderating endothelial dysfunction. Our study provide evidence for a potential new therapy for DMED.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taotao Sun
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenchao Xu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingyu Song
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shaogang Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kang Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xu W, Sun T, Wang J, Wang T, Wang S, Liu J, Liu K, Li H. Ferroptosis is involved in corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells impairment in diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction. Andrology 2023; 11:332-343. [PMID: 36098277 PMCID: PMC10087266 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common andrological disorder that tends to afflict diabetic patients, among others. Pharmacological therapy of diabetes mellitus-induced ED (DMED) is ineffective, as it is linked with smooth muscle cell loss in the corpus cavernosum. Ferroptosis is a recently identified kind of cell death evoked by lipid peroxidation, and it is connected with a number of diabetic complications. OBJECTIVES To investigate the role of ferroptosis in DMED. MATERIALS AND METHODS We established the rat model of DMED and conducted a combined analysis of RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Next, DMED disease targets were determined by cross-referencing DEGs and DMED-related genes in the DisGeNET, GenCLiP3, and GeneCards databases. Additionally, these targets were analyzed using "clusterProfiler" in R utilizing Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotations. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of rat penile tissues was used to validate several targets. Notably, the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, Western blotting, oxidative stress (OS) level, and iron concentration were tested in corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) stimulated with high glucose (HG), and treated with Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1). RESULTS Sixty-nine disease targets of DMED were identified. According to KEGG analysis, these targets were primarily enriched in the ferroptosis pathway. Additionally, IHC results revealed that the expression of GPX4, SLC7A11, and ACSL4 was deregulated in the DMED group compared to the control group. Significantly, HG decreased cell viability and increased OS and iron levels in CCSMCs, which could be reversed by Fer-1 treatment. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our study revealed that ferroptosis may indeed exist in DMED. GPX4, SLC7A11, and ACSL4 all have a role in controlling the viability of CCSMCs, making them potential therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Xu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Taotao Sun
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shaogang Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kang Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sun T, Xu W, Tu B, Wang T, Liu J, Liu K, Luan Y. Engineered Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Overexpressing RXFP1 via CRISPR Activation Ameliorate Erectile Dysfunction in Diabetic Rats. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12010171. [PMID: 36671033 PMCID: PMC9854730 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12010171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the high incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and poor response to the first-line treatment of DM-induced erectile dysfunction (DMED), new therapeutic strategies for DMED are needed. Adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) transplantation is considered a promising treatment modality for DMED but is limited by poor survival and efficacy after transplantation. In this study, we aimed to increase the therapeutic effect of DMED by overexpressing the relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) using a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats activation (CRISPRa) system in ADSCs. Two lentiviruses carrying the CRISPRa system transfected ADSCs to overexpress RXFP1 (RXFP1-ADSCs). The intracavernous injection of ADSCs was performed in DMED rats induced by the intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Four weeks after transplantation, we measured erectile function and collected specimens of the corpus cavernosum for follow-up detection. The results showed that ADSCs improved erectile function in diabetic rats, and the RXFP1-ADSCs were more significant. We detected reduced levels of oxidative stress, apoptosis and fibrosis together with relative normalization of endothelial and smooth muscle cell function in the penis after ADSC transplantation. RXFP1-ADSCs had more potent efficacy in the above alterations compared to negative control ADSCs due to the high levels of survival and paracrine capacity in RXFP1-ADSCs. The results revealed that RXFP1-ADSC transplantation could partially preserve erectile function in DMED rats associated with the regulation of oxidative stress, apoptosis, fibrosis and endothelial and smooth muscle cell dysfunction. RXFP1 may be the new target for the genetic modification of ADSCs, which benefits the management of DMED.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taotao Sun
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Wenchao Xu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Bocheng Tu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Kang Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Correspondence: (K.L.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yang Luan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Correspondence: (K.L.); (Y.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Feng H, Liu Q, Deng Z, Li H, Zhang H, Song J, Liu X, Liu J, Wen B, Wang T. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate erectile dysfunction in rats with diabetes mellitus through the attenuation of ferroptosis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:450. [PMID: 36064453 PMCID: PMC9444126 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03147-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Erectile dysfunction (ED), as one of the most prevalent consequences in male diabetic patients, has a serious impact on men's physical and mental health, and the treatment effect of diabetic mellitus erectile dysfunction (DMED) is often worse. Therefore, the development of a novel therapeutic approach is urgent. As stem cells with high differentiation potential, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSCs) have been widely used in the treatment of diseases in other systems, and are expected to be a promising strategy for the treatment of DMED. In this study, we investigated the role of HUCMSCs in managing erectile function in rat models of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and compared the effects of two different injection methods. Methods T1DM and T2DM ED rats were given labelled HUCMSCs by corpus cavernosum injection and tail vein injection, respectively. ICP and MAP were monitored simultaneously by electrical stimulation four weeks after injection to indicate the erectile function of rats. To track the development and colonisation capabilities of stem cells, we performed EdU assay with penile tissue. The histological changes of the penis were observed by hematoxylin–eosin staining, and Masson’s trichrome staining was conducted to evaluate the smooth muscle content and the degree of fibrosis in the rat penis. Then, we employed specific kits to measure the level of NO, cGMP, MDA, SOD and Fe in penis. Electron transmission microscopy was implemented to observe morphology of mitochondria. Besides, western blot and immunofluorescence staining were performed to demonstrate the expression of ferroptosis-related genes. Results We found that HUCMSCs improved erectile function in T1DM and T2DM ED rats, with no difference in efficacy between corpus cavernosum injection and tail vein injection. The EdU assay revealed that only a tiny percentage of HUCMSCs colonised the corpus cavernosum, while smooth muscle in the penis expanded and collagen decreased following HUCMSC injection. Moreover, the levels of oxidative stress in the penis of the rats given HUCMSCs were dramatically reduced, as was the tissue iron content. HUCMSCs normalised mitochondrial morphology within corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs), which were characteristically altered by high glucose. Furthermore, the expression of ferroptosis inhibitory genes SLC7A11 and GPX4 was obviously elevated in CCSMCs after stem cell management, but the abundances of ACSL4, LPCAT3 and ALOX15 showed the polar opposite tendency. Conclusions HUCMSCs can effectively and safely alleviate erectile dysfunction in T1DM and T2DM ED rats, while restoring erectile function by attenuating diabetes-induced ferroptosis in CCSMCs. Additionally, this study provides significant evidence for the development of HUCMSCs as a viable therapeutic strategy for DMED. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-03147-w.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Feng
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiyao Deng
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Huajie Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingyu Song
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaming Liu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Bo Wen
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China. .,Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang J, Song J, Song G, Feng Y, Pan J, Yang X, Xin Z, Hu P, Sun T, Liu K, Xu W, Wang T, Wang S, Liu J, Ruan Y. Acetyl-L-carnitine improves erectile function in bilateral cavernous nerve injury rats via promoting cavernous nerve regeneration. Andrology 2022; 10:984-996. [PMID: 35420721 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurogenic erectile dysfunction (NED) caused by cavernous nerve (CN) injury is a typical complication after pelvic surgery, which lacks efficient treatments. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) has been proven to promote nerve repair. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effect and potential mechanism of ALCAR in the treatment of NED. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) group, BCNI + lower-dose ALCAR (50 mg/kg/day) group, BCNI + higher-dose (100 mg/kg/day) group and sham-operated group. Erectile function was assessed 14 days after daily intraperitoneal injection of ALCAR or placebo. The penile tissues were gathered for subsequent histological and molecular biological analysis. Rat Schwann cell (SC) line S16 was used to verify the mechanism of ALCAR in vitro. RESULTS We found that the erectile function of the rats in BCNI group was severely impaired, which was improved considerably in both BCNI+ALCAR-LD and BCNI+ALCAR-HD groups. Also, we observed decreased smooth muscle and increased collagen content in corpus cavernosum in BCNI group. The expressions of fibrosis markers TGF-β, CTGF, and Smad 2/3 were significantly up-regulated in the BCNI group. The above changes were alleviated after the administration of lower and higher-dose ALCAR. Meanwhile, the NO/cGMP pathway was promoted and the RhoA/ROCK pathway was inhibited in the corpus cavernosum of BCNI rats after ALCAR treatment, accompanied by increased nNOS and down-regulated Tyrosine Hydroxylase. In vitro, ALCAR promoted the migration and proliferation of SC, and increased the expression of Pmp22 and NGF. Further, rats treated with ALCAR had high expression of ATF3 and S100 in the distal nerve tissues of the CN extrusion site. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION ALCAR could promote nerve repair and regeneration, inhibit penile fibrosis and improve penile erection by promoting the proliferation and migration of SC and the secretion of NGF. Our study confirms that ALCAR may be a potential treatment strategy for NED. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingyu Song
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guoda Song
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuhong Feng
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiancheng Pan
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoqing Yang
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhongcheng Xin
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Andrology Center, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.,China-Korea Joint Research Center for Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Institute of Urology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Peng Hu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Taotao Sun
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kang Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenchao Xu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shaogang Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yajun Ruan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Song J, Yang J, Jing S, Yan C, Huan X, Chen S, Zhong H, Lu J, Xi J, Luo L, Chen X, Wang Z, Zhao C, Chu M, Luo S. Berberine attenuates experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis via rebalancing the T cell subsets. J Neuroimmunol 2022; 362:577787. [PMID: 34923373 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a T cell-driven, autoantibody-mediated disease. Here we show that oral Berberine (BBR) ameliorated clinical symptoms of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis(EAMG) rat model via decreasing the frequencies of Th1, Th17, Th1/17 cell subsets. JAK-STAT pathway was highlighted by transcriptomic analysis with EAMG mononuclear cells (MNCs). Surface plasmon resonance identified ligand binding interaction between BBR and JAK2, and electrostatic interaction was proposed by molecular dynamic simulation. Reduced phosphorylated JAK1/2/3 and STAT1/3 in MNCs from BBR-fed EAMG rats were demonstrated. These results suggest that BBR might improve EAMG by rebalancing T cell subsets through targeting JAK-STAT pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Song
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan No.1 Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430020, China
| | - Sisi Jing
- Department of Neurology, Jing'an District Center Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Chong Yan
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Xiao Huan
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Huahua Zhong
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jianying Xi
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Lijun Luo
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan No.1 Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430020, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University. NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ziyuan Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University. NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chongbo Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Ming Chu
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China; Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University. NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Sushan Luo
- Department of Neurology, Huashan hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai 200040, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Iheagwam FN, Batiha GES, Ogunlana OO, Chinedu SN. Terminalia catappa Extract Palliates Redox Imbalance and Inflammation in Diabetic Rats by Upregulating Nrf-2 Gene. Int J Inflam 2021; 2021:9778486. [PMID: 34956587 PMCID: PMC8702315 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9778486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims at evaluating the ameliorative role of Terminalia catappa aqueous leaf extract (TCA) on hyperglycaemia-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in a high-fat, low dose streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rat model. Experimental rats were treated orally with 400 and 800 mg/kg bw TCA daily for four weeks. Antioxidant enzyme activities, plasma glucose concentration, protein concentration, oxidative stress, and inflammation biomarkers were assayed using standard methods. Hepatic relative expressions of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-six (IL-6), and nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf-2) were also assessed. Molecular docking and prediction of major TCA phytoconstituents' biological activity related to T2DM-induced oxidative stress were evaluated in silico. Induction of diabetes significantly (p < 0.05) reduced superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, and peroxidase activities. Glutathione and protein stores were significantly (p < 0.05) depleted, while glucose, MDA, interleukin-six (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) increased. A significant (p < 0.05) upregulation of hepatic TNF-α and IL-6 expression and downregulation (p < 0.05) of Nrf-2 expression were observed during diabetes onset. TCA treatment significantly (p < 0.05) modulated systemic diabetic-induced oxidative stress and inflammation, mRNA expression dysregulation, and dysregulated macromolecule metabolism. However, only 800 mg/kg TCA treatment significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated hepatic TNF-α expression. 9-Oxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,6-diol and 1,2,3-Benzenetriol bound comparably to glibenclamide in Nrf-2, IL-6, and TNF-α binding pockets. They were predicted to be GST A and M substrate, JAK2 expression, ribulose-phosphate 3-epimerase, NADPH peroxidase, and glucose oxidase inhibitors. These results suggest that TCA ameliorates hyperglycaemia-induced oxidative stress and inflammation by activating Nrf-2 gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franklyn Nonso Iheagwam
- Department of Biochemistry, Covenant University, P.M.B. 1023 Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
- Covenant University Public Health and Wellbeing Research Cluster (CUPHWERC), Covenant University, P.M.B. 1023 Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, AlBeheira, Egypt
| | - Olubanke Olujoke Ogunlana
- Department of Biochemistry, Covenant University, P.M.B. 1023 Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
- Covenant University Public Health and Wellbeing Research Cluster (CUPHWERC), Covenant University, P.M.B. 1023 Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Shalom Nwodo Chinedu
- Department of Biochemistry, Covenant University, P.M.B. 1023 Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
- Covenant University Public Health and Wellbeing Research Cluster (CUPHWERC), Covenant University, P.M.B. 1023 Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu K, Sun T, Luan Y, Chen Y, Song J, Ling L, Yuan P, Li R, Cui K, Ruan Y, Lan R, Wang T, Wang S, Liu J, Rao K. Berberine ameliorates erectile dysfunction in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus through the attenuation of apoptosis by inhibiting the SPHK1/S1P/S1PR2 and MAPK pathways. Andrology 2021; 10:404-418. [PMID: 34674380 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The population with diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction is increasing rapidly, but current drugs are not effective in treating erectile dysfunction. Studies of the traditional Chinese medicine extract berberine on diabetes and its complications provide us with new ideas. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of berberine on the erectile function of diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly grouped, and 42 rats were injected intraperitoneally with streptozotocin to establish a diabetes model. Erectile dysfunction rats were screened out through the apomorphine test and randomly divided into the diabetes mellitus and berberine groups, and these animals were administered berberine (200 mg/kg/day) and normal saline by gavage for 4 weeks. Primary corpus cavernous smooth muscle cells from healthy rats were cultured and treated with berberine. RESULTS Fasting blood glucose in the diabetes mellitus group was significantly increased, while berberine showed no significant effect on glucose. Erectile function was obviously impaired in the diabetes mellitus group, and berberine administration partially rescued this impairment. The expression of sphingosine kinase 1, S1PR2, and sphingosine-1-phosphate in the diabetes mellitus group was increased. Berberine partially inhibited the expression of sphingosine kinase 1 and S1PR2, but the decrease in sphingosine-1-phosphate was not significant. Moreover, mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway factor expression was upregulated and eNOS activity was decreased in the diabetes mellitus group. Berberine treatment could partially reverse these alterations. Severe fibrosis and apoptosis were detected in diabetic rats, accompanied by higher expression of TGFβ1, collagen I/IV, Bax/Bcl-2, and caspase 3 than in the other groups. However, supplementation with berberine inhibited the expression of these proteins and attenuated fibrosis and apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Berberine ameliorated erectile dysfunction in rats with diabetes mellitus, possibly by improving endothelial function and inhibiting apoptosis and fibrosis by suppressing the sphingosine kinase 1/sphingosine-1-phosphate/S1PR2 and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kang Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Taotao Sun
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yang Luan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yinwei Chen
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jingyu Song
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Le Ling
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Penghui Yuan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Kai Cui
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yajun Ruan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ruzhu Lan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shaogang Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ke Rao
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li H, Xu W, Liu X, Wang T, Wang S, Liu J, Jiang H. JAK2 deficiency improves erectile function in diabetic mice through attenuation of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and fibrosis. Andrology 2021; 9:1662-1671. [PMID: 34085398 PMCID: PMC8672361 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) is activated in diabetic mellitus (DM) conditions and may enhance oxidative stress, apoptosis and fibrosis in many tissues. Whether JAK2 activation is involved in the occurrence of diabetic erectile dysfunction (ED) is unknown. Objectives We performed this study to investigate the effect of JAK2 deficiency on diabetic ED. Materials and methods Conditional JAK2 gene knockout mice (Cre+/+‐JAK2fl/fl) were used, in which JAK2 gene knockout could be induced by tamoxifen. Mice fell into four groups: control, JAK2 knockout (JAK2−/−), DM, and DM with JAK2−/−. DM was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Two months later, JAK2 gene knockout was induced with tamoxifen in Cre+/+‐JAK2fl/fl mice. After another 2 months, erectile function was measured by electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve, and penile tissues were harvested. Ratio of maximal intracavernosal pressure (MIP) to mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), expression and phosphorylation of JAK2, oxidative stress level, NO/Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP) pathway, apoptosis, fibrosis, and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1)/Smad/Collagen IV pathway in corpus cavernosum, were measured. Results JAK2 expression was remarkably decreased after induction with tamoxifen. JAK2 was activated in penile tissues of diabetic mice, and JAK2 deficiency could improve the impaired erectile function caused by DM. However, in mice without DM, JAK2 deficiency had no apparent influence on erectile function. Levels of oxidative stress, apoptosis, fibrosis, and TGF‐β1/Smad/Collagen IV pathway were all elevated by DM, whereas JAK2 deficiency lessened these alterations in diabetic mice. Moreover, JAK2 deficiency improved the expression of the down‐regulated NO/cGMP pathway in diabetic mice. In non‐diabetic mice, no apparent changes were found in aforementioned parameters after JAK2 gene knockout. Discussion and conclusion Our study showed that JAK2 deficiency could improve erectile function in diabetic mice, which might be mediated by reduction in oxidative stress, apoptosis, and fibrosis in corpus cavernosum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Li
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenchao Xu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaming Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shaogang Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongyang Jiang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Adefegha SA, Oboh G, Dada FA, Oyeleye SI, Okeke BM. Berberine modulates crucial erectogenic biomolecules and alters histological architecture in penile tissues of diabetic rats. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14074. [PMID: 33930193 DOI: 10.1111/and.14074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid, found in several plants. Diabetes induces erectile dysfunction (ED) via reduction in some hormones and enzymes implicated in sexual function. This study aimed to investigate the role of berberine on crucial biomolecules linked to penile function in diabetic rats. Sixty-three (63) adult male rats were used and distributed into nine groups (each = 7). Group I-IV normal rats administered with citrate buffer (pH 4.5), sildenafil citrate (SD, 5.0 mg/kg), 50 and 100 mg/kg of berberine, respectively, via oral gavage. Rats in groups V-IX were diabetic rat with ED treated with buffer, SD, 50 and 100 mg/kg of berberine, and acarbose (25 mg/kg ACA) respectively. The result revealed that histological architecture in penile tissues were altered in diabetic groups treated with berberine, sildenafil citrate and acarbose when compared to the diabetic control group. Treatment with berberine, increased testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone in diabetic rat with ED. Also, reduced prolactin level and acetylcholinesterase, angiotensin-1 converting enzyme, adenosine deaminase and arginase activities were observed in berberine treated diabetic rat with ED. Molecular docking analysis revealed that berberine had strong binding affinities for these enzymes. Thus, berberine could represent a potential therapeutic agent for diabetes-induced ED.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Adeniyi Adefegha
- Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals and Phytomedicine Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
| | - Ganiyu Oboh
- Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals and Phytomedicine Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
| | - Felix Abayomi Dada
- Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals and Phytomedicine Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.,Science Laboratory Technology Department (Biochemistry Unit), Federal Polytechnic Ede, Ede, Nigeria
| | - Sunday Idowu Oyeleye
- Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals and Phytomedicine Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.,Department of Biomedical Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
| | - Bathlomew Maduka Okeke
- Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals and Phytomedicine Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yuan P, Ma D, Gao X, Wang J, Li R, Liu Z, Wang T, Wang S, Liu J, Liu X. Liraglutide Ameliorates Erectile Dysfunction via Regulating Oxidative Stress, the RhoA/ROCK Pathway and Autophagy in Diabetes Mellitus. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1257. [PMID: 32903510 PMCID: PMC7435068 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs more frequently and causes a worse response to the first-line therapies in diabetics compared with nondiabetic men. Corpus cavernosum vascular dysfunction plays a pivotal role in the occurrence of diabetes mellitus ED (DMED). The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog liraglutide on ED and explore the underlying mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. Methods Type 1 diabetes was induced in rats by streptozotocin, and the apomorphine test was for screening the DMED model in diabetic rats. Then they were randomly treated with subcutaneous injections of liraglutide (0.3 mg/kg/12 h) for 4 weeks. Erectile function was assessed by cavernous nerve electrostimulation. The corpus cavernosum was used for further study. In vitro, effects of liraglutide were evaluated by primary corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) exposed to low or high glucose (HG)-containing medium with or without liraglutide and GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) inhibitor. Western blotting, fluorescent probe, immunohistochemistry, and relevant assay kits were performed to measure the levels of target proteins. Results Administration of liraglutide did not significantly affect plasma glucose and body weights in diabetic rats, but improved erectile function, reduced levels of NADPH oxidases and ROS production, downregulated expression of Ras homolog gene family (RhoA) and Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) 2 in the DMED group dramatically. The liraglutide treatment promoted autophagy further and restored expression of GLP-1R in the DMED group. Besides, cultured CCSMCs with liraglutide exhibited a lower level of oxidative stress accompanied by inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK pathway and a higher level of autophagy compared with HG treatment. These beneficial effects of liraglutide effectively reversed by GLP-1R inhibitor. Conclusion Liraglutide exerts protective effects on ED associated with the regulation of smooth muscle dysfunction, oxidative stress and autophagy, independently of a glucose- lowering effect. It provides new insight into the extrapancreatic actions of liraglutide and preclinical evidence for a potential treatment for DMED.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Penghui Yuan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Delin Ma
- Department of Endocrinology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xintao Gao
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuo Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shaogang Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaming Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Song J, Gao X, Tang Z, Li H, Ruan Y, Liu Z, Wang T, Wang S, Liu J, Jiang H. Protective effect of Berberine on reproductive function and spermatogenesis in diabetic rats via inhibition of ROS/JAK2/NFκB pathway. Andrology 2020; 8:793-806. [PMID: 32012485 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus (DM) induces impairment of male reproductive system and is considered as a key factor that could partially provide an explanation for male infertility. Thus, understanding the mechanism underlying DM-induced infertility will aid in the identification of novel therapeutic stratagems. OBJECTIVES To delineate the role of ROS/JAK2/NFκB pathway in DM-induced low reproductive function and impaired spermatogenesis. Additionally, to investigate the protective effect of monomeric Berberine (BB) that inhibits ROS/JAK2/NFκB pathway, in the pathogenesis of DM-induced infertility. METHODS 12-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control group, DM group, control plus BB group, and DM plus BB group. Streptozotocin was used to induce DM. After treating the rats with BB for 4 weeks, fertility tests were conducted to investigate the reproductive function, and testis weight along with sperm motility was assessed through microscope. Oxidative stress was evaluated by DHE staining. TUNEL staining was utilized to detect the state of apoptosis. Cell experiments were carried out to define the role of BB in vitro. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting were employed to measure the protein expression. RESULTS Our results indicate that the reproductive function of DM rats was low, accompanied by decreased testis weight and sperm motility in addition to the impairment of the seminiferous tubules. However, there was a significant improvement in the reproductive function parameters in the BB-treated DM rats. Subsequently, our data revealed that DM rats produce an increased level of ROS in the testis, which activates JAK2 further activating the NFκB pathway, leading to increased apoptosis and impaired cells in the testicles. However, BB could attenuate the ROS production and abrogate activation of JAK2/NFκB pathway, thus inhibiting the apoptosis in the testicular cells of DM rats. CONCLUSION ROS/JAK2/NFκB pathway is involved in the DM-induced low reproductive function and impaired spermatogenesis. BB can play a protective role in preserving the reproductive function and spermatogenesis in DM by inhibiting ROS/JAK2/NFκB pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Song
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, China
| | - Xintao Gao
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, China
| | - Zhe Tang
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, China
| | - Yajun Ruan
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, China
| | - Zhuo Liu
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, China
| | - Shaogang Wang
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, China
| | - Hongyang Jiang
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|