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Liu S, Li J, Wang W, Zhang Y, Li S, Li T, Jiang J, Zhao F. Prenatal exposure to dibutyl phthalate contributes to erectile dysfunction in offspring male rats by activating the RhoA/ROCK signalling pathway. Toxicology 2024; 508:153925. [PMID: 39151608 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to dibutyl phthalate (DBP) has been reported to cause erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult offspring rats. However, its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Previously, we found that DBP activates the RhoA/ROCK pathway in the male reproductive system. This study investigated how prenatal exposure to DBP activates the RhoA/ROCK signalling pathway, leading to ED in male rat offspring. Pregnant rats were stratified into DBP-exposed and NC groups, with the exposed group receiving 750 milligrams per kilogram per day (mg/kg/day) of DBP through gavage from days 14-18 of gestation. DBP exposure activated the RhoA/ROCK pathway in the penile corpus cavernosum (CC) of descendants, causing smooth muscle cell contraction, fibrosis, and apoptosis, all of which contribute to ED. In vitro experiments confirmed that DBP induces apoptosis and RhoA/ROCK pathway activation in CC smooth muscle cells. Treatment of DBP-exposed offspring with the ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 for 8 weeks significantly improved smooth muscle cell condition, erectile function, and reduced fibrosis. Thus, prenatal DBP exposure induces ED in offspring through RhoA/ROCK pathway activation, and the ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 shows potential as an effective treatment for DBP-induced ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Liu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China; Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Jianying Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China; Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Wenhao Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Yijun Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China; Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Shufeng Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China; Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Tiewen Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Juntao Jiang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China.
| | - Fujun Zhao
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China; Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China.
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Argiolas A, Argiolas FM, Argiolas G, Melis MR. Erectile Dysfunction: Treatments, Advances and New Therapeutic Strategies. Brain Sci 2023; 13:802. [PMID: 37239274 PMCID: PMC10216368 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13050802] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get and maintain an adequate penile erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Due to its negative impacts on men's life quality and increase during aging (40% of men between 40 and 70 years), ED has always attracted researchers of different disciplines, from urology, andrology and neuropharmacology to regenerative medicine, and vascular and prosthesis implant surgery. Locally and/or centrally acting drugs are used to treat ED, e.g., phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (first in the list) given orally, and phentolamine, prostaglandin E1 and papaverine injected intracavernously. Preclinical data also show that dopamine D4 receptor agonists, oxytocin and α-MSH analogues may have a role in ED treatment. However, since pro-erectile drugs are given on demand and are not always efficacious, new strategies are being tested for long lasting cures of ED. These include regenerative therapies, e.g., stem cells, plasma-enriched platelets and extracorporeal shock wave treatments to cure damaged erectile tissues. Although fascinating, these therapies are laborious, expensive and not easily reproducible. This leaves old vacuum erection devices and penile prostheses as the only way to get an artificial erection and sexual intercourse with intractable ED, with penile prosthesis used only by accurately selected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Argiolas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.M.A.); (M.R.M.)
| | - Francesco Mario Argiolas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.M.A.); (M.R.M.)
| | - Giacomo Argiolas
- General Medicine Unit, Hospital San Michele, ARNAS“G. Brotzu”, Piazzale Ricchi 1, 09100 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Maria Rosaria Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.M.A.); (M.R.M.)
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Guan G, Cannon RD, Coates DE, Mei L. Effect of the Rho-Kinase/ROCK Signaling Pathway on Cytoskeleton Components. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:272. [PMID: 36833199 PMCID: PMC9957420 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanical properties of cells are important in tissue homeostasis and enable cell growth, division, migration and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Mechanical properties are determined to a large extent by the cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton is a complex and dynamic network composed of microfilaments, intermediate filaments and microtubules. These cellular structures confer both cell shape and mechanical properties. The architecture of the networks formed by the cytoskeleton is regulated by several pathways, a key one being the Rho-kinase/ROCK signaling pathway. This review describes the role of ROCK (Rho-associated coiled-coil forming kinase) and how it mediates effects on the key components of the cytoskeleton that are critical for cell behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangzhao Guan
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Department of Oral Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, 310 Great King Street, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Richard D. Cannon
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Department of Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, 310 Great King Street, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Dawn E. Coates
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Li Mei
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Department of Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, 310 Great King Street, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
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Song G, Hu P, Song J, Liu J, Ruan Y. Molecular pathogenesis and treatment of cavernous nerve injury-induced erectile dysfunction: A narrative review. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1029650. [PMID: 36277218 PMCID: PMC9582663 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1029650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common complication after radical prostatectomy (RP), and it seriously affects the quality of life in patients and their partners. The primary trigger of postoperative ED is surgical injury to the cavernous nerves that control penile erection and run along the anterolateral aspect of the prostate. Despite the introduction and ongoing innovation of nerve-sparing techniques, a significant number of patients still suffer from moderate cavernous nerve injury (CNI), which is thought to be transient and reversible. Therefore, early postoperative penile rehabilitation therapy may salvage patients’ erectile function by promoting cavernous nerve regeneration and preventing penile structural alterations.Aims: To present a comprehensive overview of the current molecular pathogenesis of CNI-induced ED, as well as novel therapeutic strategies and their potential mechanisms.Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed. Search terms included erectile dysfunction, cavernous nerve injury, pathogenesis, pathway, and treatment.Results: The NOS/NO pathway, oxidative stress-related pathway, RhoA/ROCK pathway, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), sonic hedgehog (Shh), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are involved in the molecular pathogenesis of CNI-induced ED. Multiple neurotrophins, including brain-derived nerve growth factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and neurturin (NTN), were found to promote cavernous nerve regeneration. Emerging therapeutic approaches can be roughly summarized into four categories, namely small molecule and drug, stem cell-based therapy (SCT), micro-energy therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.Conclusion: These pathways collectively lead to the irreversible damage to the penile structure after CNI. The combined early rehabilitation strategies of promoting upstream nerve regeneration and recovering abnormal molecular signals of downstream penis are presumed to save patients’ erectile function after RP. In future studies, the cross-talk between these molecular pathways needs to be further clarified, and the questions of how denervation injury induces the molecular alterations in the penis also need to be addressed.
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Lee J, Kim SW, Cho MC. Combination Therapy with a JNK Inhibitor and Hepatocyte Growth Factor for Restoration of Erectile Function in a Rat Model of Cavernosal Nerve Injury: Comparison with a JNK Inhibitor Alone or Hepatocyte Growth Factor Alone. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312698. [PMID: 34884500 PMCID: PMC8657660 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We determined if combined administration of JNK-inhibitors and HGF (hepatocyte-growth-factor) would restore erectile-function through both antiapoptotic and regenerative effects in a rat model of cavernous-nerve-crush-injury (CNCI), and compared the results with administration of JNK-inhibitor alone or HGF alone. We randomized 70 rats into 5 groups: sham-surgery-group (S), CNCI (I) group, a group treated with once-daily intraperitoneal-administration of 10.0-mg/kg of JNK-inhibitors (J), a twice-weekly intracavernosal-administration of 4.2-μg HGF group (H), and a combined-treatment with 10.0-mg/kg JNK-inhibitors and 4.2-μg HGF group (J+H). We investigated erectile-responses to electrostimulation, histological-staining, caspase-3-activity-assay, and immunoblotting at two-weeks postoperatively. The three treatment groups showed improvements in erectile-responses (ICP/MAP and AUC/MAP ratios) compared to Group-I. The erectile-responses in Group-J+H were greater than those in Group-J or Group-H. The erectile-responses in Group-J+H were generally normalized. Caspase-3-activity and cJun-phosphorylation in Group-J and Group-J+H improved compared to Group-I, whereas caspase-3-activity in Group-H partially improved. Protein-expression of PECAM-1, eNOS-phosphorylation, and smooth-muscle content in Group-J+H were normalized, although those in Group-J or Group-H were partially restored. Combination therapy with JNK-inhibitors and HGF can generally normalize erectile-function through anti-apoptosis and preservation of endothelium or SM in rat CNCI model. The combined treatment appears to be superior to the respective agent alone in terms of therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junghoon Lee
- Department of Urology, Seoul Metropolitan Government Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 07061, Korea;
| | - Soo Woong Kim
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea;
| | - Min Chul Cho
- Department of Urology, Seoul Metropolitan Government Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 07061, Korea;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-870-2393
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Mori T, Hotta Y, Nakamura D, Yahagi R, Kataoka T, Kimura K. Enhancement of the RhoA/Rho kinase pathway is associated with stress-related erectile dysfunction in a restraint water immersion stress model. Physiol Rep 2021; 9:e15064. [PMID: 34676688 PMCID: PMC8531601 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress is a risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED); however, the pathology of stress-induced ED remains unclear. Accordingly, in this study, we investigated the mechanisms of stress-induced ED using a rat model. Ten-week-old male Wistar/ST rats were maintained in a cage filled with water to a height of 2 cm (stress group) or a normal cage (control group). We found that water immersion stress significantly enhanced the contractile response to noradrenaline in the corpus cavernosum (CC) (p < 0.05). Moreover, stress significantly decreased erectile function, as assessed by changes in intracavernous pressure (p < 0.01). In addition, Rho kinase-1 (ROCK-1) protein expression was significantly upregulated under stress conditions (p < 0.05), and phosphorylated myosin light chain (phospho-MLC) levels, contribute to smooth muscle contraction, were also upregulated (p < 0.01). Treatment with fasudil hydrochloride, a Rho kinase inhibitor, for 5 days significantly improved erectile function (p < 0.01) and normalized ROCK-1 and phospho-MLC levels (p < 0.01). Thus, the RhoA/Rho kinase pathway may be associated with stress-induced ED via contraction of CC. Stress also decreased the smooth muscle/collagen ratio of CC (p < 0.01), and fasudil treatment did not alleviate these effects (p = 0.50). These findings suggested that penile fibrosis gradually progressed under stress conditions and that fibrosis may be independent of the RhoA/Rho kinase pathway, implying that longer exposure to stress may promote ED. We conclude that stress-induced ED was caused by contraction of CC mediated by the RhoA/Rho kinase pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiki Mori
- Department of Hospital PharmacyGraduate School of Pharmaceutical SciencesNagoya City UniversityNagoyaJapan
| | - Yuji Hotta
- Department of Hospital PharmacyGraduate School of Pharmaceutical SciencesNagoya City UniversityNagoyaJapan
| | - Daigaku Nakamura
- Department of Hospital PharmacyGraduate School of Pharmaceutical SciencesNagoya City UniversityNagoyaJapan
| | - Ryo Yahagi
- Department of Hospital PharmacyGraduate School of Pharmaceutical SciencesNagoya City UniversityNagoyaJapan
| | - Tomoya Kataoka
- Department of Clinical PharmaceuticsGraduate School of Medical SciencesNagoya City UniversityNagoyaJapan
| | - Kazunori Kimura
- Department of Hospital PharmacyGraduate School of Pharmaceutical SciencesNagoya City UniversityNagoyaJapan
- Department of Clinical PharmaceuticsGraduate School of Medical SciencesNagoya City UniversityNagoyaJapan
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7
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Matsui H, Sopko NA, Campbell JD, Liu X, Reinhardt A, Weyne E, Castiglione F, Albersen M, Hannan JL, Bivalacqua TJ. Increased Level of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α) Leads to Downregulation of Nitrergic Neurons Following Bilateral Cavernous Nerve Injury and Modulates Penile Smooth Tone. J Sex Med 2021; 18:1181-1190. [PMID: 37057424 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Erectile dysfunction (ED) after injury to peripheral cavernous nerve (CN) is partly a result of inflammation in pelvic ganglia, suggesting that ED may be prevented by inhibiting neuroinflammation. AIM The aim of this study is to examine temporal changes of TNF-α, after bilateral CN injury (BCNI), to evaluate effect of exogenous TNF-α on neurite outgrowth from major pelvic ganglion (MPG), and to investigate effect of TNF-α signal inhibition to evaluate effects of TNF-α on penile tone with TNF-α receptor knockout mice (TNFRKO). METHODS Seventy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to undergo BCNI or sham surgery. Sham rats' MPGs were harvested after 48 hours, whereas BCNI groups' MPGs were at 6, 12, 24, 48 hours, 7, or 14 days after surgery. qPCR was used to evaluate gene expression of markers for neuroinflammation in MPGs. Western blot was performed to evaluate TNF-α protein amount in MPGs. MPGs were harvested from healthy rats and cultured in Matrigel with TNF-α. Neurite outgrowth from MPGs was measured after 3 days, and TH and nNOS immunofluorescence was assessed. Wild type (WT) and TNFRKO mice were used to examine effect of TNF-α inhibition on smooth muscle function after BCNI. MPGs were harvested 48 hours after sham or BCNI surgery to evaluate gene expression of nNOS and TH. OUTCOMES Gene expression of TNF-α signaling pathway, Schwann cell and macrophage markers, protein expression of TNF-α in MPGs, and penile smooth muscle function to electrical field stimulation (EFS) were evaluated. RESULTS BCNI increased gene and protein expression of TNF-α in MPGs. Exogenous TNF-α inhibited MPG neurite outgrowth. MPGs cultured with TNF-α had decreased gene expression of nNOS (P < .05). MPGs cultured with TNF-α had shorter nNOS+ neurites than TH+ neurites (P < .01). Gene expression of nNOS was enhanced in TNFRKO mice compared to WT mice (P < .01). WT mice showed enhanced smooth muscle contraction of penises of WT mice was enhanced to EFS, compared to TNFKO (P < .01). Penile smooth-muscle relaxation to EFS was greater in TNFKO mice compared to WT (P < .01). CLINICAL TRANSLATION TNF-α inhibition may prevent ED after prostatectomy. STRENGTH/LIMITATIONS TNF-α inhibition might prevent loss of nitrergic nerve apoptosis after BCNI and preserve corporal smooth muscle function but further investigation is required to evaluate protein expression of nNOS in MPGs of TNFKO mice. CONCLUSIONS TNF-α inhibited neurite outgrowth from MPGs by downregulating gene expression of nNOS and TNFRKO mice showed enhanced gene expression of nNOS and enhanced penile smooth-muscle relaxation. Matsui H, Sopko NA, Campbell JD, et al. Increased Level of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α) Leads to Downregulation of Nitrergic Neurons Following Bilateral Cavernous Nerve Injury and Modulates Penile Smooth Tone. J Sex Med 2021;18:1181-1190.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hotaka Matsui
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Urology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Nikolai A Sopko
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Campbell
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xiaopu Liu
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Emmanuel Weyne
- Laboratory for Experimental Urology, Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Fabio Castiglione
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK; Division of Oncology / Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Maarten Albersen
- Laboratory for Experimental Urology, Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johanna L Hannan
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Trinity J Bivalacqua
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Qinyu-Zeng, Shuhua-He, Fengzhi-Chen, Li-Wang, Liren-Zhong, Jialiang-Hui, Wei-Ding, Junhong-Fan, Haibo-Zhang, Anyang-Wei. Administration of H 2S improves erectile dysfunction by inhibiting phenotypic modulation of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle in bilateral cavernous nerve injury rats. Nitric Oxide 2021; 107:1-10. [PMID: 33246103 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2020.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Phenotypic modulation of Corpus Cavernosum Smooth Muscle Cells (CCSMCs) is an important step in the development and progression of bilateral cavernous nerve injury induced erectile dysfunction (BCNI-ED). To investigate the effect of exogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on the phenotypic modulation of CCSMCs in BCNI-ED rats, a total of 18 male Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into 3 groups, including sham-operated (Sham) group, BCNI group and BCNI treated with NaHS (BCNI + NaHS) group. The treated group received intraperitoneal injection of NaHS (100 μmol kg-1day-1) for 4 weeks starting day 1 postoperatively. Erectile function was measured by the ratio of intracavernous pressure (ICP)/mean arterial pressure (MAP), and relevant tissues were harvested for Immunohistochemistry, Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson's trichrome staining, H2S fluorescent probe WSP-1 and Western blot. The primary CCSMCs were isolated and pretreatment with NaHS before exposed to PDGF-BB (platelet-derived growth factor). Relative expression mRNA and protein of phenotypic biomarkers, RhoA, ROCK-1 and cell cycle proteins were detected. Cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST) and H2S levels in penile tissue was significantly decreased in the BCNI group compared with the Sham group. Compared with the BCNI group, administration of NaHS significantly increased the ratio of ICP/MAP, ratio of smooth muscle to collagen, expressions of a-SMA, calponin and decreased the expression of OPN, collagen-I, RhoA, ROCK1 in the penile tissue. PDGF-BB-treated CCSMCs exhibited higher expression of OPN, RhoA, ROCK1, and lower α-SMA, calponin, which were attenuated by NaHS pretreatment. NaHS suppressed RhoA/ROCK activity and decreased the expression of CDK2, Cyclin E1, while increased the expression of P27kip1 induced by PDGF-BB in CCSMCs. Taken together, this study indicated that exogenous H2S inhibited the phenotypic modulation of CCSMCs by suppressing RhoA/ROCK1 signaling and affecting its downstream factor, CDK2, Cyclin E1, P27kip1, thereby improved BCNI rat erectile function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinyu-Zeng
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Shuhua-He
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Fengzhi-Chen
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518035, Guangdong, China
| | - Li-Wang
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Liren-Zhong
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jialiang-Hui
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Wei-Ding
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China; Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guiyang University of Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Junhong-Fan
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Haibo-Zhang
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Anyang-Wei
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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Hashimoto D, Hirashima T, Yamamura H, Kataoka T, Fujimoto K, Hyuga T, Yoshiki A, Kimura K, Kuroki S, Tachibana M, Suzuki K, Yamamoto N, Morioka S, Sasaki T, Yamada G. Dynamic erectile responses of a novel penile organ model utilizing TPEM†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:875-886. [PMID: 33511393 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Male penis is required to become erect during copulation. In the upper (dorsal) part of penis, the erectile tissue termed corpus cavernosum (CC) plays fundamental roles for erection by regulating the inner blood flow. When blood flows into the CC, the microvascular complex termed sinusoidal space is reported to expand during erection. A novel in vitro explant system to analyze the dynamic erectile responses during contraction/relaxation is established. The current data show regulatory contraction/relaxation processes induced by phenylephrine (PE) and nitric oxide (NO) donor mimicking dynamic erectile responses by in vitro CC explants. Two-photon excitation microscopy (TPEM) observation shows the synchronous movement of sinusoidal space and the entire CC. By taking advantages of the CC explant system, tadalafil (Cialis) was shown to increase sinusoidal relaxation. Histopathological changes have been generally reported associating with erection in several pathological conditions. Various stressed statuses have been suggested to occur in the erectile responses by previous studies. The current CC explant model enables to analyze such conditions through directly manipulating CC in the repeated contraction/relaxation processes. Expression of oxidative stress marker and contraction-related genes, Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (Hif1a), glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1), Ras homolog family member A (RhoA), and Rho-associated protein kinase (Rock), was significantly increased in such repeated contraction/relaxation. Altogether, it is suggested that the system is valuable for analyzing structural changes and physiological responses to several regulators in the field of penile medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Hashimoto
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University (WMU), Wakayama, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Hirashima
- Department of Pathology and Biology of Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hisao Yamamura
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tomoya Kataoka
- Department of Clinical Pharmaceutics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kota Fujimoto
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University (WMU), Wakayama, Japan
| | - Taiju Hyuga
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University (WMU), Wakayama, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yoshiki
- Experimental Animal Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kimura
- Department of Clinical Pharmaceutics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Kuroki
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Makoto Tachibana
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kentaro Suzuki
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University (WMU), Wakayama, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Yamamoto
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Group, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shin Morioka
- Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehiko Sasaki
- Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gen Yamada
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University (WMU), Wakayama, Japan
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Cho MC, Lee J, Park J, Kim SW. Restoration of Cavernous Veno-Occlusive Function through Chronic Administration of a Jun-Amino Terminal Kinase Inhibitor and a LIM-Kinase 2 Inhibitor by Suppressing Cavernous Apoptosis and Fibrosis in a Rat Model of Cavernous Nerve Injury: A Comparison with a Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor. World J Mens Health 2020; 39:541-549. [PMID: 32777863 PMCID: PMC8255392 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.200085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine if chronic administration of Jun-amino terminal kinase (JNK)-inhibitors and LIM-kinase 2 (LIMK2)-inhibitors from the immediate post-injury period in a rat model of cavernous-nerve-crush-injury could normalize cavernous-veno-occlusive-function, and to compare it with phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5)-inhibitors. Materials and Methods A total of 75 12-week-old male Sprague–Dawley-rats were randomized into five groups: sham-surgery (S), cavernous-nerve-crush-injury (I), cavernous-nerve-crush-injury treated with 10.0 mg/kg LIMK2-inhibitor (L) or 10.0 mg/kg JNK-inhibitor and 10.0 mg/kg LIMK2-inhibitor (J+L) or 20.0 mg/kg udenafil (P) for five-weeks. Five-weeks after surgery, dynamic-infusion-cavernosometry, histological-studies, caspase-3-activity-assay, and Western-blot were investigated. Results Group-I had lower papaverine-response, higher maintenance-rate and higher drop-rate, compared to Group-S. Group-L, Group-J+L and Group-P showed improvement in the three dynamic-infusion-cavernosometry parameters. The papaverine-response and drop-rate in Group-J+L and Group-P recovered to sham-control level, but those in Group-L did not. Regarding apoptosis, Group-I had decreased content of α-smooth-muscle-actin, increased caspase-3 activity and increased cJun-phosphorylation. The cJun-phosphorylation improved only in Group-J+L. The α-smooth-muscle-actin content and caspase-3-activity in Group-J+L and Group-P improved, but those in Group-L were not. Regarding fibrosis, Group-I had decreased smooth muscle (SM)/collagen-ratio, increased protein-expression of fibronectin, and increased Cofilin-phosphorylation. Cofilin-phosphorylation was normalized in Group-L and Group-J+L, but not in Group-P. SM/collagen-ratio and protein-expression of fibronectin in Group-L, Group-J+L and Group-P improved. Conclusions Our data indicate that chronic inhibition of JNK and LIMK2 can restore cavernous-veno-occlusive-function by suppressing cavernous-apoptosis and cavernous-fibrosis, comparable to the results by PDE5-inhibitors. Chronic inhibition of JNK and LIMK2 might be a potential mechanism-specific targeted therapy for cavernous-veno-occlusive-dysfunction induced by cavernous nerve-injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chul Cho
- Department of Urology, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Junghoon Lee
- Department of Urology, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Juhyun Park
- Department of Urology, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soo Woong Kim
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Cho MC, Lee J, Park J, Oh S, Chai JS, Son H, Paick JS, Kim SW. The effects of single versus combined therapy using LIM-kinase 2 inhibitor and type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor on erectile function in a rat model of cavernous nerve injury-induced erectile dysfunction. Asian J Androl 2020; 21:493-500. [PMID: 30829289 PMCID: PMC6732899 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_114_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to determine whether combination of LIM-kinase 2 inhibitor (LIMK2i) and phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor (PDE5i) could restore erectile function through suppressing cavernous fibrosis and improving cavernous apoptosis in a rat model of cavernous nerve crush injury (CNCI). Seventy 12-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were equally distributed into five groups as follows: (1) sham surgery (Group S), (2) CNCI (Group I), (3) CNCI treated with daily intraperitoneal administration of 10.0 mg kg-1 LIMK2i (Group I + L), (4) daily oral administration of 20.0 mg kg-1 udenafil, PDE5i (Group I + U), and (5) combined administration of 10.0 mg kg-1 LIMK2i and 20.0 mg kg-1 udenafil (Group I + L + U). Rats in Groups I + L, I + U, and I + L + U were treated with respective regimens for 2 weeks after CNCI. At 2 weeks after surgery, erectile response was assessed using electrostimulation. Penile tissues were processed for histological studies and western blot. Group I showed lower intracavernous pressure (ICP)/mean arterial pressure (MAP), lower area under the curve (AUC)/MAP, decreased immunohistochemical staining for alpha-smooth muscle (SM) actin, higher apoptotic index, lower SM/collagen ratio, increased phospho-LIMK2-positive fibroblasts, decreased protein kinase B/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (Akt/eNOS) phosphorylation, increased LIMK2/cofilin phosphorylation, and increased protein expression of fibronectin, compared to Group S. In all three treatment groups, erectile responses, protein expression of fibronectin, and SM/collagen ratio were improved. Group I + L + U showed greater improvement in erectile response than Group I + L. SM content and apoptotic index in Groups I + U and I + L + U were improved compared to those in Group I. However, Group I + L did not show a significant improvement in SM content or apoptotic index. The number of phospho-LIMK2-positive fibroblasts was normalized in Groups I + L and I + L + U, but not in Group I + U. Akt/eNOS phosphorylation was improved in Groups I + U and I + L + U, but not in Group I + L. LIMK2/cofilin phosphorylation was improved in Groups I + L and I + L + U, but not in Group I + U. Our data indicate that combined treatment of LIMK2i and PDE5i immediate after CN injury could improve erectile function by improving cavernous apoptosis or eNOS phosphorylation and suppressing cavernous fibrosis. Rectification of Akt/eNOS and LIMK2/cofilin pathways appears to be involved in their improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chul Cho
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, Seoul 07061, Korea
| | - Junghoon Lee
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Juhyun Park
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, Seoul 07061, Korea
| | - Sohee Oh
- Department of Biostatistics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, Seoul 07061, Korea
| | - Ji Sun Chai
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Hwancheol Son
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, Seoul 07061, Korea
| | - Jae-Seung Paick
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Soo Woong Kim
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea
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Mahmood J, Pandita R, Zhang A, Kamlapurkar S, Saeed A, Chen M, Staats PN, Shukla HD, Anvari A, Sawant A, Vujaskovic Z. RhoA/ROCK pathway inhibitor ameliorates erectile dysfunction induced by radiation therapy in rats. Radiother Oncol 2020; 150:174-180. [PMID: 32565390 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2020.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Prostate cancer (PCa) treatment with radiation therapy (RT) has an excellent cure rate. However, Radiation-induced Erectile Dysfunction (RiED) is a common and irreversible toxicity impacting quality of life, and there is no FDA approved specific drug for RiED. We previously showed that prostate RT increased RhoA/ROCK signaling in the cavernous nerve (CN) and penile tissues, which may lead to RiED in rats. In this study, we investigated whether RhoA/ROCK pathway inhibition by a specific inhibitor called Hydroxyfasudil (HF) can improve RiED in our well-established rat model. MATERIALS/METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to the following groups: sham-RT, HF-only, RT-only, and RT + HF. Rats were either exposed to a single dose of 25 Gy prostate-confined RT or a sham procedure. 10 mg/kg HF or normal saline was injected intraperitoneally. Erectile function was evaluated by intracavernosal pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) measurements at week 14 post-RT. Cavernous nerve (CN) injury was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and penile tissue fibrosis by Masson trichrome staining (MT). RESULTS We have found that the HF treatment prior to RT showed significant (p < 0.001) improvement in ICP/MAP ratio, area under the curve, and maximum ICP value, compared to RT-alone rats. Furthermore, RT + HF treated rats exhibited increased CN myelination and decreased axonal atrophy, comparted to RT-only. HF treatment showed significantly decreased penile tissue fibrosis (p < 0.05) compared to RT-alone treated rats. CONCLUSION Our results provide the first preclinical evidence that targeting RhoA/ROCK pathway by HF may provide a novel therapeutic option for the treatment of RiED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javed Mahmood
- Division of Translational Radiation Sciences (DTRS), Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
| | - Ravina Pandita
- Division of Translational Radiation Sciences (DTRS), Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Angel Zhang
- Division of Translational Radiation Sciences (DTRS), Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Shriya Kamlapurkar
- Division of Translational Radiation Sciences (DTRS), Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Ali Saeed
- Division of Translational Radiation Sciences (DTRS), Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Minjie Chen
- Division of Translational Radiation Sciences (DTRS), Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Paul N Staats
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Hem D Shukla
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Akbar Anvari
- Division of Translational Radiation Sciences (DTRS), Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Amit Sawant
- Division of Translational Radiation Sciences (DTRS), Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Zeljko Vujaskovic
- Division of Translational Radiation Sciences (DTRS), Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
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Sun D, Zhang F, Ma T, Zhang Y, Liang Z. Atorvastatin alleviates left ventricular remodeling in isoproterenol-induced chronic heart failure in rats by regulating the RhoA/Rho kinase signaling pathway. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 72:903-911. [PMID: 32144744 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00085-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic heart failure (CHF) is characterized by left ventricular dysfunction and altered autonomic control of cardiac function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of atorvastatin on left ventricular remodeling (LVR) and cardiac function in rats with isoproterenol-induced CHF and the possible mechanism. METHODS An isoproterenol-induced CHF model was established in rata, which were subsequently treated with atorvastatin. Echocardiography, hemodynamic, and left ventricular mass indexes were assessed. The mRNA expression of RhoA, Rho kinase, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was determined by RT-qPCR. The protein expression of myosin-binding subunit (MBS), MBS-P, eNOS, phosphorylated-eNOS, RhoA, and Rho kinase was measured by Western blot analysis. The relative activity of NADPH oxidase, ROS, and NO was assessed by ELISA. RESULTS Isoproterenol-induced CHF rats treated with atorvastatin exhibited decreased left ventricular end-systolic dimension, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, left ventricular mass index, maximum fall rate of change in left ventricular pressure, heart rate (p < 0.001), expression of RhoA, Rho kinase, MBS and MBS-P (p < 0.01), and relative activity of NADPH oxidase, ROS and NO (p < 0.05) and increased left ventricular short axis fractional shortening, left ventricular end-systolic pressure, maximum rise rate of change in left ventricular pressure (p < 0.001) and expression of eNOS, and phosphorylated-eNOS ser1177 (all p < 0.05) compared with those of rats with isoproterenol-induced CHF. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that atorvastatin inhibits LVR and improves cardiac function in rats with isoproterenol-induced CHF through inhibition of the RhoA/Rho kinase signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingjun Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital (Haikou People's Hospital), Haikou, 570208, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuwei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital (Haikou People's Hospital), Haikou, 570208, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyi Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital (Haikou People's Hospital), Haikou, 570208, People's Republic of China
| | - Yixue Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital (Haikou People's Hospital), Haikou, 570208, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongshu Liang
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No. 138, Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
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Yang M, Sun JY, Ying CC, Wang Y, Guo YL. Adipose-derived stem cells modified by BDNF gene rescue erectile dysfunction after cavernous nerve injury. Neural Regen Res 2020; 15:120-127. [PMID: 31535660 PMCID: PMC6862402 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.264464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cavernous nerve injury is the main cause of erectile dysfunction following radical prostatectomy. The recovery of erectile function following radical prostatectomy remains challenging. Our previous studies found that injecting adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) into the cavernosa could repair the damaged cavernous nerves, but the erectile function of the treated rats could not be restored to a normal level. We evaluated the efficacy of ADSCs infected with a lentiviral vector encoding rat brain-derived neurotrophic factor (lenti-rBDNF) in a rat model of cavernous nerve injury. The rats were equally and randomly divided into four groups. In the control group, bilateral cavernous nerves were isolated but not injured. In the bilateral cavernous nerve injury group, bilateral cavernous nerves were isolated and injured with a hemostat clamp for 2 minutes. In the ADSCGFP and ADSCrBDNF groups, after injury with a hemostat clamp for 2 minutes, rats were injected with ADSCs infected with lenti-GFP (1 × 106 in 20 μL) and lenti-rBDNF (1 × 106 in 20 μL), respectively. Erectile function was assessed 4 weeks after injury by measuring intracavernosal pressures. Then, penile tissues were collected for histological detection and western blot assay. Results demonstrated that compared with the bilateral cavernous nerve injury group, erectile function was significantly recovered in the ADSCGFP and ADSCrBDNF groups, and to a greater degree in the ADSCrBDNF group. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase content in the dorsal nerves and the ratio of smooth muscle/collagen were significantly higher in the ADSCrBDNF and ADSCGFP groups than in the bilateral cavernous nerve injury group. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression was obviously higher in the ADSCrBDNF group than in the ADSCGFP group. These findings confirm that intracavernous injection with ADSCs infected with lenti-rBDNF can effectively improve erectile dysfunction caused by cavernous nerve injury. This study was approved by the Medical Animal Care and Welfare Committee of Wuhan University, China (approval No. 2017-1638) on June 20, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University (Wuhan Third Hospital), Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jiang-Yang Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Cheng-Cheng Ying
- Department of Urology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Urology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yong-Lian Guo
- Department of Urology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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15
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Hassanin AM, Abdel-Hamid AZ. Cavernous smooth muscles: innovative potential therapies are promising for an unrevealed clinical diagnosis. Int Urol Nephrol 2019; 52:205-217. [DOI: 10.1007/s11255-019-02309-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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16
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Effect of HongJing I in Treating Erectile Function and Regulating RhoA Pathway in a Rat Model of Bilateral Cavernous Nerve Injury. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:1083737. [PMID: 31636680 PMCID: PMC6766086 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1083737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
HongJing I (HJI), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, has been confirmed to be effective for the clinical treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the mechanism of action of HJI remains unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect and underlying mechanisms of HJI against ED in a rat model of bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI). Rats were divided into five groups: normal control (NC), BCNI-induced ED model (M), M + low-dose HJI (HL), M + medium-dose HJI (HM), and M + high-dose HJI (HH). All groups were treated with normal saline or the relevant drug for 28 consecutive days after inducing BCNI-ED. At the end of the treatment period, the intracavernous pressure (ICP) was recorded, and histological examination was conducted using Masson's trichrome staining. Immunofluorescence staining and western blotting were applied to detect the changes in fibrosis protein and Ras homolog A (RhoA), Rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1), and ROCK2 expression. We found that HJI effectively improved the ICP in the treatment groups. In addition, RhoA, ROCK1, and ROCK2 expression levels were increased upon BCNI-ED induction, and HJI successfully inhibited cavernosum fibrosis and the activation of RhoA/ROCK2 signaling. Overall, these results suggest that the effects of HJI in attenuating ED may be caused, at least in part, by the suppression of RhoA/ROCK2 signaling and alleviation of fibrosis. However, the precise mechanism surrounding this requires further investigation in future studies.
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Kim SW, Lee J, Park J, Chai JS, Oh S, Paick JS, Cho MC. Combination of LIM-kinase 2 and Jun Amino-terminal Kinase Inhibitors Improves Erectile Function in a Rat Model of Cavernous Nerve Injury. Urology 2019; 131:136-143. [PMID: 31202856 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2019.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if combined administration of LIMK2 and JNK inhibitors in a rat model of erectile dysfunction induced by cavernosal nerve (CN) injury could restore erectile function by suppressing both cavernosal apoptosis and fibrosis via rectification of molecular pathways related to the structural alterations. METHODS Sixty 12-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were categorized into 4 groups: (1) Sham-surgery (Sham) group, (2) CN-crush-injury (CNCI), (3) CNCI group (CNCI+L+1.0J) treated with a combination of 10.0 mg/kg LIMK2-inhibitors and low-dose (1.0 mg/kg) JNK-inhibitors, and (4) CNCI group (CNCI+L+10.0J) treated with a combination of 10.0 mg/kg LIMK2-inhibitors and a high dose (10.0 mg/kg) of JNK-inhibitors. Ten days after surgery, erectile response, histological-studies, and Western-blot was investigated. RESULTS The CNCI group showed a reduced maximal ICP/MAP or AUC/MAP, decreased immunohistochemical-staining of α-SMA, decreased SM/collagen ratio, increased phospho-cJun-positive apoptotic cells, increased phospho-LIMK2-positive fibroblasts, increased cJun-phosphorylation, increased LIMK2/Cofilin-phosphorylation, decreased Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and increased protein-expression of fibronectin, compared to the Sham group. Both the CNCI+L+1.0J and CNCI+L+10.0J groups showed improvements in erectile-responses, content of cavernosal α-SMA, number of phospho-cJun-positive apoptotic cells, Bcl-2/Bax ratio and cJun phosphorylation. Their improvements in the CNCI+L+10.0J group showed a tendency to be greater than those in the CNCI+L+1.0J group. Also, in the 2 treatment groups, rectification of SM/collagen ratio, number of phospho-LIMK2-positive fibroblasts, LIMK2/Cofilin-phosphorylation, and protein-expression of fibronectin was observed. CONCLUSION This study suggests that combined inhibition of JNK and LIMK2 may improve erectile function by suppressing cavernosal apoptosis and fibrosis via restoration of cJun/Bcl-2/Bax and LIMK2/Cofilin pathways at 10 days after CN injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Woong Kim
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Junghoon Lee
- Department of Urology, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Juhyun Park
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Sun Chai
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohee Oh
- Department of Biostatistics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Seung Paick
- Department of Urology, Mediplex Sejong Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Chul Cho
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Chronic administration of LIMK2 inhibitors alleviates cavernosal veno-occlusive dysfunction through suppression of cavernosal fibrosis in a rat model of erectile dysfunction after cavernosal nerve injury. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213586. [PMID: 30870492 PMCID: PMC6417654 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated whether chronic administration of LIMK2-inhibitors could improve erectile function by alleviating CVOD through suppressing cavernosal fibrosis in a rat model of cavernosal nerve crush-injury (CNCI). Forty-two 12-week-old rats were equally categorized into the three groups: sham-surgery (S), CNCI (I), and CNCI treated with LIMK2-inhibitors (L). The L-group was treated with daily intraperitoneal injection of LIMK2-inhibitors (10.0 mg/kg) for 30-days after surgery. Erectile function was assessed using dynamic-infusion-cavernosometry (DIC). Penile tissue was processed for Masson’s-trichrome staining, Western-blotting, and double immunofluorescence. The I-group showed significantly higher maintenance and drop rates as well as lower papaverine response, compared to the S-group. Chronic inhibition of LIMK2 in the L-group significantly improved the DIC parameters compared to those in the I-group, although the parameters were not completely restored to normal control values. Also, the I-group showed a reduced smooth muscle (SM)-to-collagen ratio, decreased immunohistochemical staining for α-SM-actin, increased number of fibroblasts positive for phosphorylated Cofilin, increased LIMK2/Cofilin phosphorylation and increased protein expression of Collagen-1 or Fibronectin, compared to the S-group. The L-group showed significant improvements in SM/collagen ratio and the deposition of Collagen-1 or Fibronectin compared to the I-group, although not completely normalized. According to the densitometry and confocal microscopy results, the L-group showed restoration of LIMK2/Cofilin phosphorylation and amount of fibroblasts positive for phosphorylated Cofilin to the normal control value. In conclusion, chronic inhibition of LIMK2 can improve CVOD and ED by alleviating cavernosal fibrosis via normalizing the LIMK2/Cofilin pathway.
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Milenkovic U, Campbell J, Roussel E, Albersen M. An update on emerging drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2018; 23:319-330. [DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2018.1552938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- U. Milenkovic
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - J. Campbell
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - E. Roussel
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M. Albersen
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Safwat AS, Hasanain AF, Mahran A, Bakkar S, Abdel-Aal S, Nafee A. Erectile dysfunction among patients with chronic brucellosis. Int J Impot Res 2018; 30:230-236. [PMID: 30154453 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-018-0068-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Only a single study investigated erectile dysfunction (ED) among patients with chronic brucellosis without including a control group. Our study objective was to determine the prevalence of ED among patients with chronic brucellosis compared to normal subjects, and to explore the predictors of ED. MATERIALS AND METHODS We included 93 chronic brucellosis patients and 92 subjects as a control, from June 2013 to August 2017. Chronic brucellosis was diagnosed based on persistent symptoms for ≥1 year with positive immunoglobulin G antibody titer (≥1:160) by standard tube agglutination test; the mean duration was 21 ± 6.2 months. Clinical evaluation (including an Arabic validated version of the five-item International Index of Erectile Function to diagnose ED; score of 5-21 was diagnostic), imaging studies (including scrotal ultrasonography) and laboratory investigations (including estimation of fasting serum level of glucose (after fasting for 8 h), lipids profile (after fasting for 14 h), and serum level of testosterone) were conducted. A fasting serum glucose level of ≥ 7 mmol/L defined diabetes mellitus (DM). Predictors of ED were identified using multivariate analysis (binary logistic regression). RESULTS The mean age of patients was 35.4 ± 13.7 years; 24.7% of them had DM, while low serum level of testosterone was detected among 54.8%. Among the patients, ED was significantly more frequent compared to the control subjects (69.9% vs. 19.6%, p < 0.001). Low serum level of testosterone (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.7-29.3, p 0.008), and DM (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.2-34.6, p 0.011) were the predictors of ED among the patients. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of ED among patients with chronic brucellosis is high. Low serum level of testosterone and DM are associated with ED among such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed S Safwat
- Department of Urology, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
| | - Ahmad F Hasanain
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ali Mahran
- Department of Dermatology and Andrology (Andrology Unit), Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Sally Bakkar
- Department of Biochemisrty, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Sherif Abdel-Aal
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Amany Nafee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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S-nitrosylation of NOS pathway mediators in the penis contributes to cavernous nerve injury-induced erectile dysfunction. Int J Impot Res 2018; 30:108-116. [PMID: 29736011 PMCID: PMC6173628 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-018-0021-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
cGMP-independent nitric oxide (NO) signaling occurs via S-nitrosylation. We evaluated whether aberrant S-nitrosylation operates in the penis under conditions of cavernous nerve injury and targets proteins involved in regulating erectile function. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent bilateral cavernous nerve crush injury (BCNI) or sham surgery. Rats were given a denitrosylation agent N-acetylcysteine (NAC, 300 mg/kg/day) or vehicle in drinking water starting 2 days before BCNI and continuing for 2 weeks following surgery. After assessment of erectile function (intracavernous pressure), penes were collected for measurements of S-nitrosylation by Saville-Griess and TMT-switch assays and PKG-I function by immunoblotting of phospho (P)-VASP-Ser-239. Erectile function was decreased (P<0.05) after BCNI, and it was preserved (P<0.05) by NAC treatment. Total S-nitrosothiols and total S-nitrosylated proteins were increased (P<0.05) after BCNI, and these were partially prevented by NAC treatment. S-nitrosylation of sGC was increased (P<0.05) after BCNI, and it was prevented (P<0.05) by NAC treatment. S-nitrosylation of eNOS was increased (P<0.05) after BCNI, and showed a trend towards decrease by NAC treatment. Protein expression of P-VASP-Ser-239 was decreased (P<0.05) after BCNI, and showed a trend towards increase by NAC treatment. In conclusion, erectile dysfunction following BCNI is mediated in part by S-nitrosylation of eNOS and its downstream signaling mediator GC, while denitrosylation protects erectile function by preserving the NO/cGMP signaling pathway.
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Park J, Chai JS, Kim SW, Paick JS, Cho MC. Inhibition of Jun N-terminal Kinase Improves Erectile Function by Alleviation of Cavernosal Apoptosis in a Rat Model of Cavernous Nerve Injury. Urology 2018; 113:253.e9-253.e16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2017.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 11/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Cavallini G, Maretti C. Unreliability of the Duplex Scan in Diagnosing Corporeal Venous Occlusive Disease in Young Healthy Men With Erectile Deficiency. Urology 2018; 113:91-98. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Neuroprotective and Nerve Regenerative Approaches for Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction after Cavernous Nerve Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18081794. [PMID: 28820434 PMCID: PMC5578182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18081794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a significant cause of reduced quality of life in men and their partners. Cavernous nerve injury (CNI) during pelvic surgery results in ED in greater than 50% of patients, regardless of additional patient factors. ED related to CNI is difficult to treat and typically poorly responsive to first- and second-line therapeutic options. Recently, a significant amount of research has been devoted to exploring neuroprotective and neuroregenerative approaches to salvage erectile function in patients with CNI. In addition, therapeutic options such as neuregulins, immunophilin ligands, gene therapy, stem cell therapy and novel surgical strategies, have shown benefit in pre-clinical, and limited clinical studies. In the era of personalized medicine, these new therapeutic technologies will be the future of ED treatment and are described in this review.
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Translational Perspective on the Role of Testosterone in Sexual Function and Dysfunction. J Sex Med 2017; 13:1183-98. [PMID: 27436075 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The biological importance of testosterone is generally accepted by the medical community; however, controversy focuses on its relevance to sexual function and the sexual response, and our understanding of the extent of its role in this area is evolving. AIM To provide scientific evidence examining the role of testosterone at the cellular and molecular levels as it pertains to normal erectile physiology and the development of erectile dysfunction and to assist in guiding successful therapeutic interventions for androgen-dependent sexual dysfunction. METHODS In this White Paper, the Basic Science Committee of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America assessed the current basic science literature examining the role of testosterone in sexual function and dysfunction. RESULTS Testosterone plays an important role in sexual function through multiple processes: physiologic (stimulates activity of nitric oxide synthase), developmental (establishes and maintains the structural and functional integrity of the penis), neural (development, maintenance, function, and plasticity of the cavernous nerve and pelvic ganglia), therapeutically for dysfunctional regulation (beneficial effect on aging, diabetes, and prostatectomy), and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibition (testosterone supplement to counteract phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor resistance). CONCLUSION Despite controversies concerning testosterone with regard to sexual function, basic science studies provide incontrovertible evidence for a significant role of testosterone in sexual function and suggest that properly administered testosterone therapy is potentially advantageous for treating male sexual dysfunction.
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M1 Macrophages Are Predominantly Recruited to the Major Pelvic Ganglion of the Rat Following Cavernous Nerve Injury. J Sex Med 2017; 14:187-195. [PMID: 28161077 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neurogenic erectile dysfunction is a common sequela of radical prostatectomy. The etiology involves injury to the autonomic cavernous nerves, which arise from the major pelvic ganglion (MPG), and subsequent neuroinflammation, which leads to recruitment of macrophages to the injury site. Currently, two macrophage phenotypes are known: neurotoxic M1 macrophages and neuroprotective M2 macrophages. AIM To examine whether bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) in a rat model of erectile dysfunction would increase recruitment of neurotoxic M1 macrophages to the MPG. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent BCNI and the MPG was harvested at various time points after injury. The corpora cavernosa was used to evaluate tissue myographic responses to electrical field stimulation ex vivo. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to examine the gene expression of global macrophage markers, M1 macrophage markers, M2 macrophage markers, and cytokines and chemokines in the MPG. Mathematical calculation of the M1/M2 index was used to quantify macrophage changes temporally. Western blot of MPG tissues was used to evaluate the protein amount of M1 and M2 macrophage markers quantitatively. Immunohistochemistry staining of MPGs for CD68, CD86, and CD206 was used to characterize M1 and M2 macrophage infiltration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Corpora cavernosa responsiveness ex vivo; gene (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction) and protein (western blot) expressions of M1 and M2 markers, cytokines, and chemokines; and immunohistochemical localization of M1 and M2 macrophages. RESULTS BCNI impaired the corporal parasympathetic-mediated relaxation response to electrical field stimulation and enhanced the contraction response to electrical field stimulation. Gene expression of proinflammatory (Il1b, Il16, Tnfa, Tgfb, Ccl2, Ccr2) and anti-inflammatory (Il10) cytokines was upregulated in the MPG 48 hours after injury. M1 markers (CD86, inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin-1β) and M2 markers (CD206, arginase-1, interleukin-10) were increased after BCNI in the MPG, with the M1/M2 index above 1.0 indicating that more M1 than M2 macrophages were recruited to the MPG. Protein expression of the M1 macrophage marker (inducible nitric oxide synthase) was increased in MPGs after BCNI. However, the protein amount of M2 macrophage markers (arginase-1) remained unchanged. Immunohistochemical characterization demonstrated predominant increases in M1 (CD68+CD86+) macrophages in the MPG after BCNI. CONCLUSION These results suggest that an increase in M1 macrophage infiltration of the MPG after BCNI is associated with impaired neurogenically mediated erectile tissue physiology ex vivo and thus has significant implications for cavernous nerve axonal repair. Future studies are needed to demonstrate that inhibition of M1 macrophage recruitment prevents erectile dysfunction after CNI.
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Ding Z, Shen X, Li Y. Association of nNOS and Rho-kinase with age-associated erectile dysfunction in Sprague-Dawley rats. Exp Ther Med 2017; 13:1133-1136. [PMID: 28450953 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the changes of Rho-associated kinase (Rho-kinase) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expression in age-associated erectile dysfunction (ED) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. A total of 100 intact male SD rats were divided into 20 groups according to their age (5-24 months; rats that were the same age in months were in the same group). Erectile response measurements were performed and the functional index intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICP/MAP) was tested, followed by detection of Rho-kinase and nNOS protein by western blot analysis. Finally, correlation analyses of the association between ICP/MAP and Rho-kinase, nNOS, or nNOS/Rho-kinase, as well as between age and nNOS or Rho-kinase, were performed. The functional index ICP/MAP decreased with age in SD rats. Moreover, the expression of nNOS protein decreased, while Rho-kinase expression increased, indicating that the nNOS/Rho-kinase ratio decreased with age. The Pearson's correlation coefficients for the association between ICP/MAP and Rho-kinase, nNOS and nNOS/Rho-kinase ratio were -0.917, 0.853 and 0.937, respectively (P<0.01). Furthermore, nNOS was found to be significantly negatively correlated with age (r=-0.855; P<0.01), whereas Rho-kinase was positively correlated with age (r=0.943; P<0.01). Age-associated ED was therefore correlated with decreased nNOS and increased Rho-kinase, indicating that the nNOS/Rho-kinase ratio may be used as a candidate indicator of age-associated ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibo Ding
- Department of Urology, The Fourth People's Hospital of Jinan, Jinan, Shandong 250031, P.R. China
| | - Xingjie Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Yunfei Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The General Hospital of Jinan Military Command, Jinan, Shandong 250031, P.R. China
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Bell M, Sopko NA, Matsui H, Hannan JL, Bivalacqua TJ. RhoA/ROCK activation in major pelvic ganglion mediates caspase-3 dependent nitrergic neuronal apoptosis following cavernous nerve injury. Neural Regen Res 2017; 12:572-573. [PMID: 28553331 PMCID: PMC5436349 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.205091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bell
- The James Buchannan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nikolai A Sopko
- The James Buchannan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hotaka Matsui
- The James Buchannan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Johanna L Hannan
- The James Buchannan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Trinity J Bivalacqua
- The James Buchannan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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AlDallal S, AlDallal N, Alam A. Sickle cell-induced ischemic priapism. COGENT MEDICINE 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/2331205x.2016.1268357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Salma AlDallal
- Kuwait Ministry of Health, Amiri Hospital, Sharq, Kuwait
| | - Nasser AlDallal
- Kuwait Ministry of Health, Farwaniya Hospital, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Adel Alam
- Kuwait Ministry of Health, Farwaniya Hospital, Kuwait City, Kuwait
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30
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Uvin P, Albersen M, Bollen I, Falter M, Weyne E, Linsen L, Tinel H, Sandner P, Bivalacqua TJ, De Ridder DJMK, Van der Aa F, Brône B, Van Renterghem K. Additive effects of the Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632 and vardenafil on relaxation of the corpus cavernosum tissue of patients with erectile dysfunction and clinical phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor failure. BJU Int 2016; 119:325-332. [DOI: 10.1111/bju.13691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pieter Uvin
- Department of Urology; University Hospitals Leuven; Leuven Belgium
- Department of Urology; Jessa Hospital; Hasselt University; Hasselt Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration; Cluster Organ Systems; Faculty of Medicine; Group Biomedical Sciences; KU Leuven; Leuven Belgium
| | - Maarten Albersen
- Department of Urology; University Hospitals Leuven; Leuven Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration; Cluster Organ Systems; Faculty of Medicine; Group Biomedical Sciences; KU Leuven; Leuven Belgium
| | - Ine Bollen
- Physiology Group; University of Hasselt; Hasselt Belgium
| | - Maarten Falter
- Physiology Group; University of Hasselt; Hasselt Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Weyne
- Department of Urology; University Hospitals Leuven; Leuven Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration; Cluster Organ Systems; Faculty of Medicine; Group Biomedical Sciences; KU Leuven; Leuven Belgium
| | - Loes Linsen
- Jessa Hospital; University Biobank Limburg; Hasselt Belgium
| | - Hanna Tinel
- Bayer HealthCare; Global Drug Discovery; Wuppertal Germany
- Institute of Pharmacology; Hannover Medical School; Hannover Germany
| | - Peter Sandner
- Bayer HealthCare; Global Drug Discovery; Wuppertal Germany
- Institute of Pharmacology; Hannover Medical School; Hannover Germany
| | - Trinity J. Bivalacqua
- Department of Urology; James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute; Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions; Baltimore MD USA
| | - Dirk J. M. K. De Ridder
- Department of Urology; University Hospitals Leuven; Leuven Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration; Cluster Organ Systems; Faculty of Medicine; Group Biomedical Sciences; KU Leuven; Leuven Belgium
| | - Frank Van der Aa
- Department of Urology; University Hospitals Leuven; Leuven Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration; Cluster Organ Systems; Faculty of Medicine; Group Biomedical Sciences; KU Leuven; Leuven Belgium
| | - Bert Brône
- Physiology Group; University of Hasselt; Hasselt Belgium
| | - Koenraad Van Renterghem
- Department of Urology; University Hospitals Leuven; Leuven Belgium
- Department of Urology; Jessa Hospital; Hasselt University; Hasselt Belgium
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Matsui H, Musicki B, Sopko NA, Liu X, Hurley PJ, Burnett AL, Bivalacqua TJ, Hannan JL. Early-stage Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Impairs Erectile Function and Neurite Outgrowth From the Major Pelvic Ganglion and Downregulates the Gene Expression of Neurotrophic Factors. Urology 2016; 99:287.e1-287.e7. [PMID: 27639791 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2016.08.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess neurite sprouting and gene expression of neurotrophic factors, nerve markers, and apoptosis in the major pelvic ganglia (MPGs) of rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as it relates to erectile function. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male rats were fed high-fat diet for 2 weeks followed by 2 low-dose injections of streptozotocin (20 mg/kg). In 3 groups (controls, 3-week, or 5-week T2DM), erectile function was measured by ratios of intracavernosal pressure to mean arterial pressure after cavernous nerve stimulation. MPGs were harvested, and gene expressions of neurotrophic factor 3, nerve growth factor, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, caspase-1, -3, -9, beta tubulin type III, and neuronal nitric oxide synthase were quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Additional MPGs were harvested and cultured in Matrigel. Neurite outgrowth from the MPG was evaluated at 48 hours after culture. RESULTS Erectile function was significantly decreased in all rats with T2DM. Gene expressions of neurotrophic factor 3, nerve growth factor, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were slightly lower at 3 weeks and significantly lower at 5 weeks after T2DM induction. Gene expression of apoptotic markers caspase-1, -3, -9, and neuronal markers beta tubulin type III and neuronal nitric oxide synthase remained unchanged. Rats with T2DM had shorter neurite length and less neurite sprouting than did the control MPG. CONCLUSION Early-stage T2DM downregulates neurotrophic factors, induces erectile dysfunction, and impairs MPG neurite outgrowth, suggesting that erectile dysfunction may be prevented by supplementing neurotrophic factors at early-stage T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hotaka Matsui
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Biljana Musicki
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Nikolai A Sopko
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Xiaopu Liu
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Paula J Hurley
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Arthur L Burnett
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Trinity J Bivalacqua
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Johanna L Hannan
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC.
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Caspase-3 dependent nitrergic neuronal apoptosis following cavernous nerve injury is mediated via RhoA and ROCK activation in major pelvic ganglion. Sci Rep 2016; 6:29416. [PMID: 27388816 PMCID: PMC4937405 DOI: 10.1038/srep29416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Axonal injury due to prostatectomy leads to Wallerian degeneration of the cavernous nerve (CN) and erectile dysfunction (ED). Return of potency is dependent on axonal regeneration and reinnervation of the penis. Following CN injury (CNI), RhoA and Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) increase in penile endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Previous studies indicate that nerve regeneration is hampered by activation of RhoA/ROCK pathway. We evaluated the role of RhoA/ROCK pathway in CN regulation following CNI using a validated rat model. CNI upregulated gene and protein expression of RhoA/ROCK and caspase-3 mediated apoptosis in the major pelvic ganglion (MPG). ROCK inhibitor (ROCK-I) prevented upregulation of RhoA/ROCK pathway as well as activation of caspase-3 in the MPG. Following CNI, there was decrease in the dimer to monomer ratio of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) protein and lowered NOS activity in the MPG, which were prevented by ROCK-I. CNI lowered intracavernous pressure and impaired non-adrenergic non-cholinergic-mediated relaxation in the penis, consistent with ED. ROCK-I maintained the intracavernous pressure and non-adrenergic non-cholinergic-mediated relaxation in the penis following CNI. These results suggest that activation of RhoA/ROCK pathway mediates caspase-3 dependent apoptosis of nitrergic neurons in the MPG following CNI and that ROCK-I can prevent post-prostatectomy ED.
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Priviero FBM, Toque HAF, Nunes KP, Priolli DG, Teixeira CE, Webb RC. Impaired Corpus Cavernosum Relaxation Is Accompanied by Increased Oxidative Stress and Up-Regulation of the Rho-Kinase Pathway in Diabetic (Db/Db) Mice. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156030. [PMID: 27227463 PMCID: PMC4882003 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Basal release of nitric oxide from endothelial cells modulates contractile activity in the corpus cavernosum via inhibition of the RhoA/Rho-kinase signaling pathway. We aimed to investigate nitric oxide bioavailability, oxidative stress and the Rho-kinase pathway in the relaxation of the corpus cavernosum of an obese and diabetic model of mice (db/db mice). We hypothesized that in db/db mice impaired relaxation induced by Rho-kinase inhibitor is accompanied by diminished NO bioavailability, increased oxidative stress and upregulation of the RhoA/Rho-kinase signalling pathway. Cavernosal strips from male lean and non-diabetic db/+ and db/db mice were mounted in myographs and isometric force in response to Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 was recorded. Enzyme activity and protein expression of oxidative stress markers and key molecules of the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway were analyzed. The Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 concentration-dependently caused corpus cavernosum relaxation and inhibited cavernosal contractions. Nonetheless, a rightward shift in the curves obtained in corpus cavernosum of db/db mice was observed. Compared to db/+, this strain presented increased active RhoA, higher MYPT-1 phosphorylation stimulated by phenylephrine, and increased expression of ROKα and Rho-GEFs. Further, we observed normal expression of endothelial and neuronal NOS in corpus cavernosum of db/db mice. However, nitrate/nitrate (NOx) levels were diminished, suggesting decreased NO bioavailability. We measured the oxidant status and observed increased lipid peroxidation, with decreased SOD activity and expression. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that in db/db mice, upregulation of the RhoA/Rho-kinase signalling pathway was accompanied by decreased NO bioavailability and increased oxidative stress contributing to impaired relaxation of the corpus cavermosum of db/db mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda B. M. Priviero
- Laboratory of Multidisciplinary Research, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Haroldo A. F. Toque
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Kenia Pedrosa Nunes
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida, United States of America
| | - Denise G. Priolli
- Laboratory of Multidisciplinary Research, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cleber E. Teixeira
- Department of Physiology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - R. Clinton Webb
- Department of Physiology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
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Grann M, Comerma-Steffensen S, Arcanjo DDR, Simonsen U. Mechanisms Involved in Thromboxane A 2 -induced Vasoconstriction of Rat Intracavernous Small Penile Arteries. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2016; 119 Suppl 3:86-95. [PMID: 26708952 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes is associated with erectile dysfunction and with hypercontractility in erectile tissue and this is in part ascribed to increased formation of thromboxane. Rho kinase (ROCK) is a key regulator of calcium sensitization and contraction in vascular smooth muscle. This study investigated the role of calcium and ROCK in contraction evoked by activation of the thromboxane receptors. Rat intracavernous penile arteries were mounted for isometric tension and intracellular calcium ([Ca2+ ]i ) recording and corpus cavernosum for measurements of MYPT1 phosphorylation. In penile arteries, U46619 by activation of thromboxane receptors concentration dependently increased calcium and contraction. U46619-induced calcium influx was blocked by nifedipine, a blocker of L-type calcium channels, and by 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, a blocker of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Inhibitors of ROCK, Y27632 and glycyl-H1152P, concentration dependently reduced U46619-induced contraction, but only Y27632 reduced [Ca2+ ]i levels in the penile arteries activated with either high extracellular potassium or U46619. MYPT-Thr850 phosphorylation in corpus cavernous strips was increased in response to U46619 through activation of TP receptors and was found to be a direct result of phosphorylation by ROCK. Y27632 induced less relaxation in mesenteric arteries, H1152P induced equipotent relaxations, and a protein kinase C inhibitor, Ro-318220, failed to relax intracavernous penile arteries, but induced full relaxation in rat mesenteric arteries. Our findings suggest that U46619 contraction depends on Ca2+ influx through L-type and TRP channels, and ROCK-dependent mechanisms in penile arteries. Inhibition of the ROCK pathway is a potential approach for the treatment of erectile dysfunction associated with hypertension and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Grann
- Department of Biomedicine, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Simon Comerma-Steffensen
- Department of Biomedicine, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Daniel D R Arcanjo
- Department of Biomedicine, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ulf Simonsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Sopko NA, Matsui H, Hannan JL, Berkowitz D, Champion HC, Hsu LL, Musicki B, Burnett AL, Bivalacqua TJ. Subacute Hemolysis in Sickle Cell Mice Causes Priapism Secondary to NO Imbalance and PDE5 Dysregulation. J Sex Med 2015; 12:1878-85. [PMID: 26346631 DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent research suggests that priapism in sickle cell disease (SCD) is due to dysregulation of penile erection homeostasis including alteration of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) activities by excessive levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) released during hemolysis. It is unknown if subacute exposure to hemolysis is sufficient or if chronic reconditioning of erectile tissues is required for perturbation of homeostatic pathways and whether PDE5 inhibitor (PDE5I) treatment can restore erectile homeostasis in the subacute setting. AIMS The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of subacute hemolysis (3-month exposure) on priapism and NO pathway regulation. METHODS Mice underwent bone marrow transplantation with either SCD (BM-SS) or wild-type (WT) bone marrow. BM-SS mice were treated with sildenafil 100 mg/kg/day. We measured intracavernous pressure (ICP) measurements with or without cavernous nerve stimulation following bone marrow transplantation to assess for priapism. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES ICP and frequency of erections were assessed. Penile tissues were analyzed for NOS, protein kinase G (PKG), PDE5, and ROS activities. RESULTS BM-SS mice demonstrated a priapism phenotype. PDE5I treatment reduced the frequency of erections in BM-SS mice (1.7 ± 1.1 vs. 5.5 ± 2.8 erections per hour, P < 0.05). Penile tissues from BM-SS mice demonstrated decreased NOS, PKG, PDE5 and elevated ROS activities compared with that of control mice. PDE5I treatment increased NOS (11.6 ± 1.3% vs. 7.8 ± 2.3%, P < 0.05) and PDE5 (76.3 ± 9.8% vs. 52.3 ± 11.1%, P < 0.05) activities and decreased ROS activity (137.8 ± 12.1% vs. 199.1 ± 11.3%, P < 0.05) compared with non-PDE5I treated BM-SS mice. PKG activity was increased beyond control levels with PDE5I treatment (158.4 ± 10.3%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Short-term hemolysis is sufficient to establish a priapism phenotype and results in loss of erectile function. PDE5I treatment ameliorates priapism, in part, because of restored NO balance with decreased ROS generation and increased PDE5 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolai A Sopko
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hotaka Matsui
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Johanna L Hannan
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dan Berkowitz
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, and Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hunter C Champion
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lewis L Hsu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Biljana Musicki
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Arthur L Burnett
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Trinity J Bivalacqua
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Hannan JL, Albersen M, Stopak BL, Liu X, Burnett AL, Hoke A, Bivalacqua TJ. Temporal changes in neurotrophic factors and neurite outgrowth in the major pelvic ganglion following cavernous nerve injury. J Neurosci Res 2015; 93:954-63. [PMID: 25644064 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Revised: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy, nerve damage and erectile dysfunction (ED) prevail, and preventing neurodegeneration is of great importance. Neurotrophic factors and neurite outgrowth were characterized in major pelvic ganglia (MPG) following bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI). Young male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent sham or BCNI surgery, and the intracavernosal pressure to mean arterial pressure ratio was measured 2, 7, 14, 21, 30, and 60 days following injury (n = 8/group). MPG gene expression (qPCR) and Western blot were performed for glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), neurturin, neurotrophin (NT)-3, NT4, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor, and activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3). Additional rats were injured, and MPGs were removed 24 hr, 48 hr, 3 days, and 7 days following BCNI (n = 3/group). MPGs were cultured in Matrigel, and neurite outgrowth was measured. Erections were impaired early and improved by 60 days in BCNI rats. GDNF, NGF, BDNF, and ATF3 gene expression was significantly increased and NT3 was decreased in MPGs following BCNI (48 hr to 21 days, P < 0.05). GDNF and NGF protein levels were elevated in 48-hr BCNI rats. MPG neurite outgrowth from 24-hr and 48-hr BCNI was higher than sham (658 ± 19 μm, 607 ± 24 μm, 393 ± 23 μm, respectively, P < 0.05). Further studies examining the roles of neurotrophic factors in modulating signaling pathways may provide therapeutic avenues for neurogenically mediated ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna L Hannan
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Abstract
Priapism is a prolonged erection that persists beyond or is unrelated to sexual stimulation. It is associated with significant morbidity: psychological, socioeconomic, and physical, including pain and potentially irreversible compromise of erectile function. There are three major types of priapism: ischemic, nonischemic, and stuttering. Establishing the type of priapism is paramount to safely and effectively treating these episodes. Ischemic priapism represents a urological emergency. Its treatment may involve aspiration/irrigation with sympathomimetic injections, surgical shunts, and as a last resort, penile prosthesis implantation. Nonischemic priapism results from continuous flow of arterial blood into the penis, most commonly related to penile trauma. This is not an emergency and may be managed conservatively initially, as most of these episodes are self-limiting. Stuttering priapism involves recurrent self-limiting episodes of ischemic priapism. The primary goal of therapy is prevention, but acute episodes should be managed in accordance with guidelines for ischemic priapism. In this paper we review the diagnosis and treatment of the three priapism variants, as well as discuss future targets of therapy and novel targets on the horizon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen R Levey
- Department of Urology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Robert L Segal
- Department of Urology, The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Trinity J Bivalacqua
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 North Wolfe Avenue, Marburg 405, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Restoration of erectile function by suppression of corporal apoptosis, fibrosis and corporal veno-occlusive dysfunction with rho-kinase inhibitors in a rat model of cavernous nerve injury. J Urol 2014; 193:1716-23. [PMID: 25444982 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2014.10.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We determined whether Rho-kinase inhibition would improve corporal veno-occlusive dysfunction by suppressing apoptosis and fibrosis via normalization of the Rho-kinase driven pathways related to the 2 structural alterations in a rat model of cavernous nerve crush injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 30 male 10-week-old male Sprague Dawley® rats were equally divided into 3 groups, including sham surgery, cavernous nerve crush injury and cavernous nerve crush injury treated with fasudil. The treated group received fasudil (30 mg/kg) daily for 4 weeks starting day 1 postoperatively. Electrostimulation and dynamic infusion cavernosometry were performed 4 weeks postoperatively. Penile tissue was processed for imm unohistochemistry, double immunofluorescent and Masson trichrome staining, TUNEL, caspase-3 activity assay and Western blot. RESULTS The cavernous nerve crush injury group showed significantly lower intracavernous pressure/mean arterial pressure, and higher maintenance and drop rates than the sham surgery group. Rho-kinase inhibition in the injury plus fasudil group restored erectile responses and dynamic infusion cavernosometry parameters. Increased apoptosis, decreased immunohistochemical staining of α-SMA and increased caspase-3 activity were noted in the injury group. In that group densitometry revealed increased ROCK1 expression, increased MYPT1 phosphorylation, decreased Akt phosphorylation, decreased Bad phosphorylation and a decreased Bcl2-to-Bax ratio. A significantly decreased smooth muscle-to-collagen ratio and increased fibroblast pCofilin were also observed in the injury group, as was increased phosphorylation of cofilin, a downstream effector of LIMK2. Rho-kinase inhibition in the injury plus fasudil group alleviated the histological and molecular dysregulation. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that early inhibition of Rho-kinase after cavernous nerve crush injury may prevent corporal apoptosis and fibrosis by suppressing the Akt/Bad/Bax/caspase-3 and LIMK2/cofilin pathways, preventing corporal veno-occlusive dysfunction and erectile dysfunction.
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Fu G, Qin B, Jiang L, Huang X, Lu Q, Zhang D, Liu X, Zhu J, Zheng J, Li X, Gu L. Penile erectile dysfunction after brachial plexus root avulsion injury in rats. Neural Regen Res 2014; 9:1839-43. [PMID: 25422647 PMCID: PMC4239775 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.143432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Our previous studies have demonstrated that some male patients suffering from brachial plexus injury, particularly brachial plexus root avulsion, show erectile dysfunction to varying degrees. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the erectile function after establishing brachial plexus root avulsion models with or without spinal cord injury in rats. After these models were established, we administered apomorphine (via a subcutaneous injection in the neck) to observe changes in erectile function. Rats subjected to simple brachial plexus root avulsion or those subjected to brachial plexus root avulsion combined with spinal cord injury had significantly fewer erections than those subjected to the sham operation. Expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase did not change in brachial plexus root avulsion rats. However, neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression was significantly decreased in brachial plexus root avulsion + spinal cord injury rats. These findings suggest that a decrease in neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression in the penis may play a role in erectile dysfunction caused by the combination of brachial plexus root avulsion and spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Fu
- Department of Orthopedic Trauma & Microsurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Bengang Qin
- Department of Orthopedic Trauma & Microsurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Li Jiang
- Orthopedic Institute, Eastern Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xijun Huang
- Department of Upper Limb Orthopedics, Eastern Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qinsen Lu
- Emergency Department, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Dechun Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, the Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical College, Binzhou, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiaolin Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Trauma & Microsurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jiakai Zhu
- Department of Orthopedic Trauma & Microsurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jianwen Zheng
- Department of Orthopedic Trauma & Microsurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xuejia Li
- Office of Research Service, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Liqiang Gu
- Department of Orthopedic Trauma & Microsurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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Understanding and targeting the Rho kinase pathway in erectile dysfunction. Nat Rev Urol 2014; 11:622-8. [PMID: 25311680 DOI: 10.1038/nrurol.2014.278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common disorder that affects a quarter of US men, and has many causes, including endothelial impairment, low testosterone levels, prior surgical manipulation, and/or psychogenic components. Penile erection is a complex process requiring neurally mediated relaxation of arteriolar smooth muscle and engorgement of cavernosal tissues, mediated by nitric oxide (NO). Current medical therapies for ED largely seek to maximize endogenous NO signalling. Certain aetiologies, including diabetes, are difficult to treat with current modalities, emphasizing the need for new molecular targets. Research has demonstrated the importance of RhoA-Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) signalling in maintaining a flaccid penile state, and inhibition of RhoA-ROCK signalling potentiates smooth-muscle relaxation in an NO-independent manner. The mechanisms and effects of RhoA-ROCK signalling and inhibition suggest that the RhoA-ROCK pathway could prove to be a new therapeutic target for the treatment of ED.
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Kolluru GK, Majumder S, Chatterjee S. Rho-kinase as a therapeutic target in vascular diseases: striking nitric oxide signaling. Nitric Oxide 2014; 43:45-54. [PMID: 25196952 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Rho GTPases are a globular, monomeric group of small signaling G-protein molecules. Rho-associated protein kinase/Rho-kinase (ROCK) is a downstream effector protein of the Rho GTPase. Rho-kinases are the potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Here, we have primarily discussed the intriguing roles of ROCK in cardiovascular health in relation to nitric oxide signaling. Further, we highlighted the biphasic effects of Y-27632, a ROCK inhibitor under shear stress, which acts as an agonist of nitric oxide production in endothelial cells. The biphasic effects of this inhibitor raised the question of safety of the drug usage in treating cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Syamantak Majumder
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Suvro Chatterjee
- Department of Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai, India; Vascular Biology Lab, AU-KBC Research Centre, Anna University, Chennai, India.
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Sezen SF, Lagoda G, Musicki B, Burnett AL. Hydroxyl fasudil, an inhibitor of Rho signaling, improves erectile function in diabetic rats: a role for neuronal ROCK. J Sex Med 2014; 11:2164-71. [PMID: 24919622 DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The pathogenesis of diabetic erectile dysfunction (ED) includes neuropathy, but the molecular basis for neurogenic ED is incompletely understood. The RhoA/ROCK pathway has been implicated in diabetic neuropathy and in ED, but its role in diabetic neurogenic ED is not known. AIMS The aim of this study was to determine whether hydroxyl fasudil, a ROCK inhibitor, affects diabetic neuropathy-related ED. METHODS Type 1 diabetes mellitus was induced in male rats by streptozotocin (75 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). After 8 weeks, diabetic rats were administered hydroxyl fasudil, a selective ROCK inhibitor (10 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally) or vehicle, for 4 weeks. Age-matched control, nondiabetic, rats were treated intraperitoneally for 4 weeks with saline. At week 12, after a 2 day washout, neuro-stimulated erectile function was evaluated. Major pelvic ganglia (MPG) were collected for Western blot analysis of RhoA, ROCK-1, ROCK-2, phospho (P)-AKT (Ser(473) ), and P-phosphatase and tensin homolog (P-PTEN) (Ser(380) /Thr(382/383) ). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Effect of ROCK inhibitor hydroxyl fasudil on erectile function and ROCK/P-AKT/P-PTEN pathway in the MPG of diabetic rats. RESULTS Erectile response was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in diabetic rats compared with nondiabetic rats and was preserved (P < 0.05) in diabetic rats treated with hydroxyl fasudil. In diabetic rats, RhoA and ROCK-2 protein expressions in MPG were increased (P < 0.05) and remained increased in hydroxyl fasudil-treated rats. P-AKT (Ser(473) ) expression was decreased (P < 0.05), whereas P-PTEN (Ser(380) /Thr(382/383) ) expression was increased (P < 0.05) in MPG of diabetic rats compared with nondiabetic rats, and both were reversed (P < 0.05) in diabetic rats treated with hydroxyl fasudil. CONCLUSION Improved erectile function and restored P-AKT and P-PTEN in the MPG with hydroxyl fasudil treatment suggest the role of Rho signaling via PTEN/AKT pathway in neurogenic diabetic ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sena F Sezen
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Hannan JL, Kutlu O, Stopak BL, Liu X, Castiglione F, Hedlund P, Burnett AL, Bivalacqua TJ. Valproic acid prevents penile fibrosis and erectile dysfunction in cavernous nerve-injured rats. J Sex Med 2014; 11:1442-51. [PMID: 24636283 PMCID: PMC4048646 DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) causes profound penile changes such as apoptosis and fibrosis leading to erectile dysfunction (ED). Histone deacetylase (HDAC) has been implicated in chronic fibrotic diseases. AIMS This study will characterize the molecular changes in penile HDAC after BCNI and determine if HDAC inhibition can prevent BCNI-induced ED and penile fibrosis. METHODS Five groups of rats (8-10 weeks, n = 10/group) were utilized: (i) sham; (ii and iii) BCNI 14 and 30 days following injury; and (iv and v) BCNI treated with HDAC inhibitor valproic acid (VPA 250 mg/kg; 14 and 30 days). All groups underwent cavernous nerve stimulation (CNS) to determine intracavernosal pressure (ICP). Penile HDAC3, HDAC4, fibronectin, and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) protein expression (Western blot) were assessed. Trichrome staining and the fractional area of fibrosis were determined in penes from each group. Cavernous smooth muscle content was assessed by immunofluorescence to alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) antibodies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We measured ICP; HDAC3, HDAC4, fibronectin, and TGF-β1 protein expression; penile fibrosis; penile α-SMA content. RESULTS There was a voltage-dependent decline (P < 0.05) in ICP to CNS 14 and 30 days after BCNI. Penile HDAC3, HDAC4, and fibronectin were significantly increased (P < 0.05) 14 days after BCNI. There was a slight increase in TGF-β1 protein expression after BCNI. Histological analysis showed increased (P < 0.05) corporal fibrosis after BCNI at both time points. VPA treatment decreased (P < 0.05) penile HDAC3, HDAC4, and fibronectin protein expression as well as corporal fibrosis. There was no change in penile α-SMA between all groups. Furthermore, VPA-treated BCNI rats had improved erectile responses to CNS (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION HDAC-induced pathological signaling in response to BCNI contributes to penile vascular dysfunction. Pharmacological inhibition of HDAC prevents penile fibrosis, normalizes fibronectin expression, and preserves erectile function. The HDAC pathway may represent a suitable target in preventing the progression of ED occurring post-radical prostatectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna L. Hannan
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Omer Kutlu
- Department of Urology, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Bernard L. Stopak
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xiaopu Liu
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Fabio Castiglione
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Institute, San Raffaele Research Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Petter Hedlund
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Institute, San Raffaele Research Institute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Arthur L. Burnett
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Trinity J. Bivalacqua
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Weyne E, Albersen M, Hannan JL, Castiglione F, Hedlund P, Verbist G, De Ridder D, Bivalacqua TJ, Van der Aa F. Increased expression of the neuroregenerative peptide galanin in the major pelvic ganglion following cavernous nerve injury. J Sex Med 2014; 11:1685-93. [PMID: 24831646 DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Erectile dysfunction (ED) remains a frequent complication of radical prostatectomy due to injury to the cavernous nerves (CNs). A recent microarray showed the neuropeptide galanin to be one of the most strikingly upregulated genes in the rat major pelvic ganglion (MPG) after bilateral CN crush injury (BCNI). AIM The aim of this study is to evaluate the temporal regulation of galanin in the MPG after BCNI and its relationship to functional nerve regeneration. METHODS Changes in galanin, galanin receptor (galR), and c-JUN mRNA expression were assessed in Sprague-Dawley rats after sham operation (n = 10) and at 48 hours (n = 10), 7 (n = 10), 14 (n = 5), 21 (n = 5), 30 (n = 5), and 60 (n = 5) days after BCNI using quantitative PCR. Erectile function was assessed by measuring intracavernous pressure (ICP) divided by mean arterial pressure (MAP) during CN electrostimulation. Immunohistochemistry was performed on the MPG in sham-operated animals and 5 days after BCNI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES ICP/MAP upon CN stimulation; galanin, galR1, -2, -3, and c-JUN mRNA expression at various time points after BCNI; and nNOS, galanin, and galR distribution in the MPG of sham-operated rats and after BCNI. RESULTS After BCNI, ICP/MAP values quickly deteriorate, while after 60 days, spontaneous restoration of erectile responses to CN stimulation is observed, reflecting CN regeneration. Galanin mRNA in the MPG is up to 186-fold upregulated compared with sham-operated rats at 48 hours and 7 days after BCNI and gradually declines with increasing time from injury, whereas galanin receptor expressions decrease and c-JUN gradually increases. Galanin expression shows a strong inverse correlation with erectile responses to CN stimulation with time from injury. Injured MPGs show a colocalization between galanin- and nNOS-positive neuronal cell population in the MPG. CONCLUSIONS Galanin is upregulated in the MPG in the early phase after CN injury after which it gradually decreases and is present in nNOS-positive neurons of the ganglion. We hypothesize that galanin upregulation is an important factor in the endogenous neuroregenerative response to CN injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Weyne
- Laboratory for Experimental Urology, Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Meldrum DR, Burnett AL, Dorey G, Esposito K, Ignarro LJ. Erectile Hydraulics: Maximizing Inflow While Minimizing Outflow. J Sex Med 2014; 11:1208-20. [DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Sung HH, Choo SH, Ko M, Kang SJ, Chae MR, Kam SC, Han DH, So I, Lee SW. Increased expression of TRPC4 channels associated with erectile dysfunction in diabetes. Andrology 2014; 2:550-8. [PMID: 24782410 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2014.00214.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Revised: 03/09/2014] [Accepted: 03/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In recent reports, an association between altered TRPC channel function and the development of various diabetic complications has drawn the attention of many investigators. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of TRPC4 channels of corpus smooth muscle (CSM) cells in diabetes, and to evaluate the association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and altered TRPC4 channel function. The expression of TRPC4 in the penile tissue of human, normal and diabetic rat was investigated using RT-PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC). In vivo gene transfer of dominant negative (DN) TRPC4 into the CSM of rat was conducted. In vivo pelvic nerve stimulation was performed to measure erectile function. Expression of TRPC1, TRPC3, TRPC4 and TRPC6 in human and rat CSM tissues was confirmed by RT-PCR, western blot and IHC. In the diabetic rat, the expression levels of mRNA and protein of the TRPC4, and TRPC6 were significantly increased compared to control rats (p < 0.05). The change in TRPC4 expression in the diabetic rats was higher than those of the other TRPC subunits (p < 0.05). The IHC showed that only TRPC4 expression had a higher intensity in the diabetes compared to normal rats (p < 0.05). Gene transfection with TRPC4(DN) into the diabetic rats restored erectile function to levels similar to that of normal controls. Gene expression of TRPC4(DN) in CSM tissue was confirmed by RT-PCR 2 weeks after transfection. This study demonstrated that TRPC4 channel expression increased in the penile CSM cells of diabetic rats. The down-regulation of TRPC4 with DN form restored erectile function in the diabetic rats. The alteration of TRPC4 channel is one of pathophysiology of ED and could be a target for drug development for ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- H H Sung
- Department of Urology, Samsung Medical Center, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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Xu DH, Wang LH, Mei XT, Li BJ, Lv JL, Xu SB. Protective effects of seahorse extracts in a rat castration and testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia model and mouse oligospermatism model. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2014; 37:679-688. [PMID: 24607683 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2014.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Revised: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/01/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of seahorse (Hippocampus spp.) extracts in a rat model of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and mouse model of oligospermatism. Compared to the sham operated group, castration and testosterone induced BPH, indicated by increased penile erection latency; decreased penis nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity; reduced serum acid phosphatase (ACP) activity; increased prostate index; and epithelial thickening, increased glandular perimeter, increased proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) index and upregulation of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the prostate. Seahorse extracts significantly ameliorated the histopathological changes associated with BPH, reduced the latency of penile erection and increased penile NOS activity. Administration of seahorse extracts also reversed epididymal sperm viability and motility in mice treated with cyclophosphamide (CP). Seahorse extracts have potential as a candidate marine drug for treating BPH without inducing the side effects of erectile dysfunction (ED) or oligospermatism associated with the BPH drug finasteride.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hui Xu
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Marine Drugs, Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
| | - Li-Hong Wang
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Marine Drugs, Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Xue-Ting Mei
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Marine Drugs, Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Bing-Ji Li
- Research Center of Yi-Da-Zhou Marine Biology, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Jun-Li Lv
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Marine Drugs, Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Shi-Bo Xu
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Marine Drugs, Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
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Yousif MHM, Makki B, El-Hashim AZ, Akhtar S, Benter IF. Chronic treatment with Ang-(1-7) reverses abnormal reactivity in the corpus cavernosum and normalizes diabetes-induced changes in the protein levels of ACE, ACE2, ROCK1, ROCK2 and omega-hydroxylase in a rat model of type 1 diabetes. J Diabetes Res 2014; 2014:142154. [PMID: 25309930 PMCID: PMC4182022 DOI: 10.1155/2014/142154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] may have beneficial effects in diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction (DMIED) but its molecular actions in the diabetic corpus cavernosum (CC) are not known. We characterized the effects of diabetes and/or chronic in vivo administration of Ang-(1-7) on vascular reactivity in the rat corpus cavernosum (CC) and on protein expression levels of potential downstream effectors of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), ACE2, Rho kinases 1 and 2 (ROCK1 and ROCK2), and omega-hydroxylase, the cytochrome-P450 enzyme that metabolizes arachidonic acid to form the vasoconstrictor, 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. Streptozotocin-treated rats were chronicically administered Ang-(1-7) with or without A779, a Mas receptor antagonist, during weeks 4 to 6 of diabetes. Ang-(1-7) reversed diabetes-induced abnormal reactivity to vasoactive agents (endothelin-1, phenylepherine, and carbachol) in the CC without correcting hyperglycemia. Six weeks of diabetes led to elevated ACE, ROCK1, ROCK 2, and omega-hydroxylase and a concomitant decrease in ACE2 protein expression levels that were normalized by Ang-(1-7) treatment but not upon coadministration of A779. These data are supportive of the notion that the beneficial effects of Ang-(1-7) in DMIED involve counterregulation of diabetes-induced changes in ACE, ACE2, Rho kinases, and omega-hydroxylase proteins in the diabetic CC via a Mas receptor-dependent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam H. M. Yousif
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, 13110 Safat, Kuwait
| | - Batoul Makki
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, 13110 Safat, Kuwait
| | - Ahmed Z. El-Hashim
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, 13110 Safat, Kuwait
| | - Saghir Akhtar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, 13110 Safat, Kuwait
- *Saghir Akhtar:
| | - Ibrahim F. Benter
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, 13110 Safat, Kuwait
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Decaluwé K, Pauwels B, Boydens C, Van de Voorde J. Treatment of erectile dysfunction: new targets and strategies from recent research. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2013; 121:146-57. [PMID: 24291648 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2013.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, research on penile erection has increasingly been centered on the molecular mechanisms involved. Major progress has been made in the field and at present a whole number of neurotransmitters, chemical effectors, growth factors, second-messenger molecules, ions, intercellular proteins, and hormones have been characterized as components of the complex process of erection. This knowledge has led to the discovery of several new therapeutic targets and multiple medical approaches for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). This review focuses on the progress made in this field within the last few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Decaluwé
- Department of Pharmacology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - B Pauwels
- Department of Pharmacology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - C Boydens
- Department of Pharmacology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - J Van de Voorde
- Department of Pharmacology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Rho kinase/ROCK is critical in vital signal transduction pathways central to many essential cellular activities. Since ROCK possess multiple substrates, modulation of ROCK activity is useful for treatment of many diseases. AREAS COVERED Significant progress has been made in the development of ROCK inhibitors over the past two years (Jan 2012 to Aug 2013). Patent search in this review was based on FPO IP Research and Communities and Espacenet Patent Search. In this review, patent applications will be classified into four groups for discussions. The grouping is mainly based on structures or scaffolds (groups 1 and 2) and biological functions of ROCK inhibitors (groups 3 and 4). These four groups are i) ROCK inhibitors based on classical structural elements for ROCK inhibition; ii) ROCK inhibitors based on new scaffolds; iii) bis-functional ROCK inhibitors; and iv) novel applications of ROCK inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION Although currently only one ROCK inhibitor (fasudil) is used as a drug, more drugs based on ROCK inhibition are expected to be advanced into market in the near future. Several directions should be considered for future development of ROCK inhibitors, such as soft ROCK inhibitors, bis-functional ROCK inhibitors, ROCK2 isoform-selective inhibitors, and ROCK inhibitors as antiproliferation agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangbo Feng
- Translational Research Institute, The Scripps Research Institute , Scripps Florida, #2A1, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458 , USA +1 561 228 2201 ;
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