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Abu El‐Hamd M, Hegazy EM. Comparison of the clinical efficacy of daily use of L‐arginine, tadalafil and combined L‐arginine with tadalafil in the treatment of elderly patients with erectile dysfunction. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13640. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Abu El‐Hamd
- Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology Department Faculty of Medicine Sohag University Sohag Egypt
| | - Eisa Mohammed Hegazy
- Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology Department Faculty of Medicine South Valley University Qena Egypt
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2
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Pharmacology and perspectives in erectile dysfunction in man. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 208:107493. [PMID: 31991196 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Penile erection is a perfect example of microcirculation modulated by psychological factors and hormonal status. It is the result of a complex neurovascular process that involves the integrative synchronized action of vascular endothelium; smooth muscle; and psychological, neuronal, and hormonal systems. Therefore, the fine coordination of these events is essential to maintain penile flaccidity or allow erection; an alteration of these events leads to erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is defined as the consistent or recurrent inability of a man to attain and/or maintain a penile erection sufficient for sexual activity. A great boost to this research field was given by commercialization of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Indeed, following the discovery of sildenafil, research on the mechanisms underlying penile erection has had an enormous boost, and many preclinical and clinical papers have been published in the last 10 years. This review is structured to provide an overview of the mediators and peripheral mechanism(s) involved in penile function in men, the drugs used in therapy, and the future prospective in the management of ED. Indeed, 30% of patients affected by ED are classified as "nonresponders," and there is still an unmet need for therapeutic alternatives. A flowchart suggesting the guidelines for ED evaluation and the ED pharmacological treatment is also provided.
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Ferrini MG, Abraham A, Nguyen S, Luna R, Flores M, Artaza JN, Graciano L, Rajfer J. Exogenous l-ARGININE does not stimulate production OF NO or cGMP within the rat corporal smooth muscle cells in culture. Nitric Oxide 2019; 89:64-70. [PMID: 31075315 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Nitric oxide (NO) is the intracellular chemical responsible for initiating a penile erection. Despite conflicting clinical data, it continues to be publicized and promoted that orally administered l-arginine, the putative substrate for NO, enhances the erectile response presumably by stimulating NO production by the corporal tissues resulting in an increase in cGMP production. To shed light on this issue, an in vitro study was conducted to explore the effect of direct exogenous administration of l-arginine as well as its precursor and metabolite, l-citrulline, on the NO-cGMP pathway within the cavernosal smooth muscle (CSM) cell. MATERIALS AND METHODS CSM cells obtained from 8 to 10 week old Sprague-Dawley rats were grown in Dulbecco media with 20% fetal calf serum and then incubated with or without l-arginine (L-ARG) or l-citrulline (L-CIT) in a time course and dose-response manner. Sildenafil (0.4 mM), IBMX (1 mM), l-NAME (3 μM), ODQ (5 μM) and Deta Nonoate (10 μM) were used as either inhibitors or stimulators of the NO-cGMP pathway. mRNA and protein were extracted and used for the determination of the phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5). PDE5 activity was determined by luminometry. cGMP content was determined by ELISA. Nitrite formation, an indicator of NO production, was measured in the cell culture media by a colorimetric assay. The cationic (CAT-1) and neutral (SNAT-1) amino acid transporters for L-ARG and L-CIT, respectively, were determined by Western blot. RESULTS When compared to untreated CSM cells, incubation with 0.25-4.0 mM of L-ARG or 0.3-4.8 mM of L-CIT anywhere between 3 and 24 h did not result in any additional nitrite or cGMP production. The addition of l-NAME, IBMX or ODQ to these L-ARG and L-CIT treated cells did not alter these results. L-CIT but not L-ARG increased PDE5 mRNA and protein content as well as the activity of the PDE5 enzyme. Both CAT-1 and SNAT-1 were expressed in the CSM cells. CONCLUSIONS This in vitro study demonstrates that exogenous administration of L-ARG or L-CIT failed to stimulate production of either NO or cGMP by the corporal CSM cells. A re-evaluation of the presumptive role of the exogenous administration of L-ARG in improving the synthesis of NO at least at the level of the CSM cells appears warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica G Ferrini
- Department of Health and Life Sciences, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Andrea Abraham
- Department of Health and Life Sciences, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sabine Nguyen
- Department of Health and Life Sciences, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Robert Luna
- Department of Health and Life Sciences, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Manuel Flores
- Department of Health and Life Sciences, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jorge N Artaza
- Department of Health and Life Sciences, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Leslie Graciano
- Department of Health and Life Sciences, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jacob Rajfer
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Mostafa T, Rashed L, Nabil N, Abo-Sief AF, Mohamed MM, Omar MS. Cavernosal hydrogen sulfide levels are associated with nitric oxide and hemeoxygenase levels in diabetic rats. Int J Impot Res 2018; 31:105-110. [PMID: 30291313 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-018-0084-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Penile erection is a neuromuscular event modulated by psyche, hormones as well as neurotransmitters. This pre-clinical study aimed to assess hydrogen sulfide (H2S) relationship with nitric oxide (NO) and hemeoxygenase (HO) in the cavernous tissues of diabetic rats. Overall, 90 adult male rats were investigated (6 groups, n = 15 each). They were subdivided into the following groups; untreated rats, rats treated with H2S donor/inhibitor, induced diabetic rats, diabetic rats treated with H2S donor/inhibitor. At the 6th week, the rats were killed to assess cavernous tissue cGMP, NO, H2S, HO enzyme activity levels. The rats treated with H2S donor showed increased mean cavernous tissue cGMP, NO, H2S, and HO enzyme activity levels whereas induced diabetic rats and rats treated with H2S inhibitor showed significant decreases in these parameters compared with the untreated rats. On the other hands, diabetic rats treated with H2S donor showed elevated mean cavernous tissue cGMP, NO, H2S, and HO enzyme activity levels whereas diabetic rats treated with H2S inhibitor showed significant decreases in these parameters compared with diabetic rats. Cavernous tissue H2S levels exhibited significant positive correlations with the cavernous tissue levels cGMP, NO, and HO enzyme activity levels. From these results, it could be concluded that cavernous tissues H2S plays a role of male sexual health by affecting cavernous tissues NO and HO enzyme activity in general and in diabetics in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taymour Mostafa
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Laila Rashed
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nashaat Nabil
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Ahmed F Abo-Sief
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Mai M Mohamed
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Maroa S Omar
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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Un O, Yilmaz D, Bayatli N, Kaya E, Gur S. L-arginine and tetrahydrobiopterin, but not sodium nitrite partially restored erectile dysfunction in aged rats. Aging Male 2014; 17:248-55. [PMID: 24898570 DOI: 10.3109/13685538.2014.921150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with erectile dysfunction (ED), in which nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and NO bioavailability are reduced due to deficiencies of NOS cofactor (tetrahydrobiopterin, BH(4)) and substrate (L-arginine). We determined whether the prolonged treatment with sodium nitrite (NaNO(2)) as a storage form of NO ameliorates ED in aged rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided: younger, aged and NaNO(2)-treated (20 mg/kg per day) aged groups. The erectile (intracavernosal pressure [ICP]/mean arterial pressure [MAP]) and corpus cavernous (CC) responses were evaluated after 12 weeks. The ICP/MAP in aged rats was lower than in young controls, which was not improved by the NaNO(2) treatment. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for endothelial NOS and collagen deposition was performed. We assayed NO indirectly by measuring the level of its stable end products, nitrite/nitrate, using the Griess reagent. The relaxations to ACh and EFS in the aged group were considerably less than in the younger group, which were normalized by acute incubations of l-arginine or BH(4) of aged CC. In conclusion, NaNO(2) treatment did not restore erectile response while nitrate levels were enhanced in aged penis. The cofactor or substrate administrations, but not chronic exogenous modulation of NO system may be beneficial in aged men with ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Un
- Department of Pharmacology and
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Yetik-Anacak G, Sorrentino R, Linder AE, Murat N. Gas what: NO is not the only answer to sexual function. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 172:1434-54. [PMID: 24661203 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Revised: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to get and keep an erection is important to men for several reasons and the inability is known as erectile dysfunction (ED). ED has started to be accepted as an early indicator of systemic endothelial dysfunction and subsequently of cardiovascular diseases. The role of NO in endothelial relaxation and erectile function is well accepted. The discovery of NO as a small signalling gasotransmitter led to the investigation of the role of other endogenously derived gases, carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulphide (H2 S) in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. The role of NO and CO in sexual function and dysfunction has been investigated more extensively and, recently, the involvement of H2 S in erectile function has also been confirmed. In this review, we focus on the role of these three sister gasotransmitters in the physiology, pharmacology and pathophysiology of sexual function in man, specifically erectile function. We have also reviewed the role of soluble guanylyl cyclase/cGMP pathway as a common target of these gasotransmitters. Several studies have proposed alternative therapies targeting different mechanisms in addition to PDE-5 inhibition for ED treatment, since some patients do not respond to these drugs. This review highlights complementary and possible coordinated roles for these mediators and treatments targeting these gasotransmitters in erectile function/ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Yetik-Anacak
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey
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Goswami SK, Inamdar MN, Jamwal R, Dethe S. Effect of Cinnamomum cassia methanol extract and sildenafil on arginase and sexual function of young male Wistar rats. J Sex Med 2014; 11:1475-83. [PMID: 24758372 DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Herbs have been used as an aphrodisiac since ages. Cinnamomum cassia is an important ingredient of many Ayurvedic formulations to treat male sexual disorder including erectile dysfunction (ED). AIM The objective of the present study was to evaluate erectogenic and aphrodisiac activity of methanol extract of C. cassia bark in young male rats. METHODS Methanol extract of C. cassia was screened in vitro for arginase inhibition potential and IC50 was determined. Effect of the extract was observed in vitro on phenylephrine pre-contracted isolated rat corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (CCSM) at 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μg/mL. Young male Wistar rats were dosed with extract at 100 mg/kg body weight for 28 days and its effects on sexual behavior and penile smooth muscle : collagen level were observed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Effect of C. cassia was studied on arginase activity in vitro and sexual behavior of young male rats. RESULTS C. cassia inhibited arginase activity in vitro with an IC50 of 61.72 ± 2.20 μg/mL. The extract relaxed phenylephrine pre-contracted isolated rat CCSM up to 43% and significantly increased (P < 0.05) sexual function of young male rats. Treatment with the extract also increased smooth muscle level and decreased collagen level in rat penile tissue. CONCLUSION The study proves usefulness of methanol extract of C. cassia bark for increasing sexual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumanta K Goswami
- Department of Pharmacology, Al-Ameen College of Pharmacy, Bangalore, India
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Sánchez A, Contreras C, Martínez MP, Climent B, Benedito S, García-Sacristán A, Hernández M, Prieto D. Role of neural NO synthase (nNOS) uncoupling in the dysfunctional nitrergic vasorelaxation of penile arteries from insulin-resistant obese Zucker rats. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36027. [PMID: 22540017 PMCID: PMC3335073 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2011] [Accepted: 03/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Erectile dysfunction (ED) is considered as an early sign of vascular disease due to its high prevalence in patients with cardiovascular risk factors. Endothelial and neural dysfunction involving nitric oxide (NO) are usually implicated in the pathophysiology of the diabetic ED, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. The present study assessed the role of oxidative stress in the dysfunctional neural vasodilator responses of penile arteries in the obese Zucker rat (OZR), an experimental model of metabolic syndrome/prediabetes. METHODS AND RESULTS Electrical field stimulation (EFS) under non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) conditions evoked relaxations that were significantly reduced in penile arteries of OZR compared with those of lean Zucker rats (LZR). Blockade of NO synthase (NOS) inhibited neural relaxations in both LZR and OZR, while saturating concentrations of the NOS substrate L-arginine reversed the inhibition and restored relaxations in OZR to levels in arteries from LZR. nNOS expression was unchanged in arteries from OZR compared to LZR and nNOS selective inhibition decreased the EFS relaxations in LZR but not in OZR, while endothelium removal did not alter these responses in either strain. Superoxide anion production and nitro-tyrosine immunostaining were elevated in the erectile tissue from OZR. Treatment with the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin or acute incubation with the NOS cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) restored neural relaxations in OZR to levels in control arteries, while inhibition of the enzyme of BH4 synthesis GTP-cyclohydrolase (GCH) reduced neural relaxations in arteries from LZR but not OZR. The NO donor SNAP induced decreases in intracellular calcium that were impaired in arteries from OZR compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrates nitrergic dysfunction and impaired neural NO signalling due to oxidative stress and nNOS uncoupling in penile arteries under conditions of insulin resistance. This dysfunction likely contributes to the metabolic syndrome-associated ED, along with the endothelial dysfunction also involving altered NO signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sánchez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Gur S, Kadowitz PJ, Sikka SC, Bivalacqua TJ, Hellstrom WJG. Inhibition of sympathetic neuroeffector transmission in human corpus cavernosum. BJU Int 2012; 110:856-62. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2011.10822.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Decaluwé K, Pauwels B, Verpoest S, Van de Voorde J. New Therapeutic Targets for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction. J Sex Med 2011; 8:3271-90. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02459.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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11
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Gur S, Kadowitz PJ, Hellstrom WJ. RhoA/Rho‐Kinase as a Therapeutic Target for the Male Urogenital Tract. J Sex Med 2011; 8:675-87. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.02084.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Cormio L, De Siati M, Lorusso F, Selvaggio O, Mirabella L, Sanguedolce F, Carrieri G. Oral L-Citrulline Supplementation Improves Erection Hardness in Men With Mild Erectile Dysfunction. Urology 2011; 77:119-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2010.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2010] [Revised: 08/21/2010] [Accepted: 08/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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A multifaceted approach to maximize erectile function and vascular health. Fertil Steril 2010; 94:2514-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2010] [Revised: 04/08/2010] [Accepted: 04/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Zhao C, Chae HJ, Kim SH, Cui WS, Lee SW, Jeon JH, Park JK. A new perfusion model for studying erectile function. J Sex Med 2010; 7:1419-28. [PMID: 20059654 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01652.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The present study introduces a newly devised in vitro penile perfusion model, which allows the measurement of changes in intracavernosum pressure (ICP), tension, and cyclic nucleotides in penile tissue in a one-step procedure. AIMS We compared the penile perfusion model with the classical penile strip chamber model to develop the new model. METHODS We investigated the role of nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway in both systems activated by acetylcholine or electrical field stimulation (EFS). We measured cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate) in the penile corpus cavernosum smooth muscle in both systems and perfusates in the penile perfusion model. We determined ICP, tension, and cGMP simultaneously in penile perfusion model during the experiments. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Changes of tension and cGMP in both models, and of cGMP in perfusates and of ICP in penile perfusion model. RESULTS In both systems, acetylcholine relaxed the phenylephrine-precontracted penile corpus cavernosum smooth muscle in a concentration-dependent manner. EFS decreased the tension in both models and ICP in the penile perfusion model in a frequency-dependent manner. Pretreatment with atropine, Nomega nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME), and 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) blocked the acetylcholine-induced decrease in the tension in both models and ICP in penile perfusion model. Acetylcholine increased cGMP levels in the perfusate of penile perfusion model and the changes were attenuated by tetrodotoxin (TTX), atropine, L-NAME and ODQ. EFS increased cGMP levels of the penile corpus cavernosum smooth muscle of both models and the changes were attenuated by TTX, atropine, L-NAME, and ODQ. CONCLUSION The results indicated that the responses of penile strip and perfused penile tissue to acetylcholine and EFS were very similar in both models in terms of tension and cGMP levels. Furthermore, the new model has more advantages over the classical penile strip chamber model in measuring intracavernosum metabolic changes and ICP without interruption of the procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhao
- Department of Urology, Medical School, and Institute for Medical Sciences, Chonbuk National University, and Research Institute of Clinical Medicine and CTC for Medical Device of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju 561-712, Korea
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Jackson JC, Duodu KG, Holse M, Lima de Faria MD, Jordaan D, Chingwaru W, Hansen A, Cencic A, Kandawa-Schultz M, Mpotokwane SM, Chimwamurombe P, de Kock HL, Minnaar A. The morama bean (Tylosema esculentum): a potential crop for southern Africa. ADVANCES IN FOOD AND NUTRITION RESEARCH 2010; 61:187-246. [PMID: 21092905 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-374468-5.00005-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The morama bean is an underutilized leguminous oilseed native to the Kalahari Desert and neighboring sandy regions of Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa (Limpopo, North-West, Gauteng, and Northern Cape provinces), and forms part of the diet of the indigenous population in these countries. It is also known as gemsbok bean, moramaboontjie, elandboontjie, braaiboonjie, marama, marumana, tsi, tsin, gami, and ombanui. It is reported as an excellent source of good quality protein (29-39%); its oil (24-48%) is rich in mono- and di-unsaturated fatty acids and contains no cholesterol. Morama is a good source of micronutrients such as calcium, iron, zinc, phosphate, magnesium, and B vitamins including folate. It is also reported to be a potential source of phytonutrients including phenolic compounds (e.g., tannins), trypsin inhibitors, phytates, and oligosaccharides, components which have been shown in other foods to contribute to health in particular, prevention of noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and some cancers. From a nutritional and health perspective, the morama bean has potential commercial value as a cash crop and value-added products, particularly in the communities where it is found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose C Jackson
- Centre for Scientific Research, Indigenous Knowledge and Innovation (CESRIKI), University of Botswana, Botswana.
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Cerqueira JBG, Silva LFG, Lopes LGF, Moraes MEA, Nascimento NRF. Relaxation of rabbit corpus cavernosum smooth muscle and aortic vascular endothelium induced by new nitric oxide donor substances of the nitrosyl-ruthenium complex. Int Braz J Urol 2009; 34:638-45; discussion 645-6. [PMID: 18986568 DOI: 10.1590/s1677-55382008000500013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Endothelial dysfunction characterized by endogenous nitric oxide (NO) deficiency made 56% of patients affected with erectile dysfunction decline treatment with PDE-5 inhibitors. New forms of treatment are currently being developed for this group of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study compared the effect of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and two substances of the nitrosyl-ruthenium complex, cis-[Ru(bpy)2(SO3)(NO)]PF-6-9 ("FONO1") and trans-[Ru(NH3)4(caffeine)(NO)]C13 ("LLNO1") on relaxation of rabbit corpus cavernosum smooth muscle and aortic vascular endothelium. The samples were immersed in isolated baths and precontracted with 0.1 microM phenylephrine (PE) and the corresponding relaxation concentration/response curves were plotted. In order to investigate the relaxation mechanisms involved, 100 microM ODQ (a soluble guanylate cyclase-specific inhibitor), 3 microM or 10 microM oxyhemoglobin (an extracellular NO scavenger) or 1 mM L-cysteine (a nitrosyl anion-specific scavenger) was added to the samples. RESULTS All the NO donors tested produced a significant level of relaxation in the vascular endothelium. In corpus cavernosum samples, FONO1 produced no significant effect, but LLNO1 and SNP induced dose-dependent relaxation with comparable potency (pEC50 = 6.14 +/- 0.08 and 6.4 +/- 0.14, respectively) and maximum effect (Emax = 82% vs. 100%, respectively). All NO donors were found to activate soluble guanylate cyclase, since the addition of the corresponding inhibitor (100 microM ODQ) completely neutralized the relaxation effect observed. The addition of oxyhemoglobin reduced the relaxation effect, but did not inhibit it completely. In aortic vascular endothelium 3 microM oxyhemoglobin decreased the relaxation effect by 26% on the average, while 10 microM oxyhemoglobin reduced it by over 52%. The addition of 100 microM L-cysteine produced no significant inhibiting effect. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that LLNO1 and FONO1 are potent vasodilators. LLNO1 was shown to induce a significant level of relaxation in rabbit corpus cavernosum. The substances tested were shown to activate soluble guanylate cyclase and release intracellular NO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao B G Cerqueira
- Division of Urology, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
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Gentile V, Antonini G, Antonella Bertozzi M, Dinelli N, Rizzo C, Ashraf Virmani M, Koverech A. Effect of propionyl-L-carnitine, L-arginine and nicotinic acid on the efficacy of vardenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in diabetes. Curr Med Res Opin 2009; 25:2223-8. [PMID: 19624286 DOI: 10.1185/03007990903138416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The association of diabetes-related vascular damage and the role of metabolic factors in erectile dysfunction are well known in the literature. The compounds propionyl-L-carnitine (PLC), L-arginine (L-Arg) and nicotinic acid have numerous metabolic actions which have been reported to improve endothelial function. This study investigated the administration of the combination of these three compounds alone and in association with an inhibitor of 5-phosphodiesterase (5PDE), vardenafil, on endothelial function in diabetic patients with erectile dysfunction. METHODS A total of 40 patients aged between 50 and 60 years with insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM) for 3-4 years were selected from 509 patients presenting with erectile dysfunction. The patients were randomly subdivided into four groups of ten to be treated for 12 weeks. Group A was administered one sachet each day of test formulation containing PLC, L-Arg and nicotinic acid (Ezerex); group B with one 20 mg capsule of vardenafil (Levitra) twice a week; group C was treated with one sachet each day of the test formulation plus vardenafil 20 mg twice a week. Group D was administered placebo capsules twice weekly. Endothelial function was evaluated by examining flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and erectile function was estimated with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF5) questionnaire in all subjects. RESULTS At the end of treatment group A showed an increment of 2 points in the IIEF5; group B showed an increment of 4 points; group C, the group which was administered all the treatments, showed an increment of 5 points, and group D, treated with placebo, showed no increment in the IIEF5. CONCLUSION Although there was a small number of subjects in this study the data suggest that the test formulation may improve the endothelial situation in diabetes. The test formulation together with vardenafil was better than the 5PDE inhibitor alone, but further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Gentile
- Dipartimento di Urologia U Bracci, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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Gur S, Kadowitz PJ, Hellstrom WJG. A critical appraisal of erectile function in animal models of diabetes mellitus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 32:93-114. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2008.00928.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Park J, Shin DW, Ahn TY. Complementary and alternative medicine in men’s health. JOURNAL OF MENS HEALTH 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jomh.2008.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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