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Luo PY, Zou JR, Chen T, Zou J, Li W, Chen Q, Cheng L, Zheng LY, Qian B. Autophagy in erectile dysfunction: focusing on apoptosis and fibrosis. Asian J Androl 2024:00129336-990000000-00208. [PMID: 39028624 DOI: 10.4103/aja202433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
In most types of erectile dysfunction, particularly in advanced stages, typical pathological features observed are reduced parenchymal cells coupled with increased tissue fibrosis. However, the current treatment methods have shown limited success in reversing these pathologic changes. Recent research has revealed that changes in autophagy levels, along with alterations in apoptosis and fibrosis-related proteins, are linked to the progression of erectile dysfunction, suggesting a significant association. Autophagy, known to significantly affect cell fate and tissue fibrosis, is currently being explored as a potential treatment modality for erectile dysfunction. However, these present studies are still in their nascent stage, and there are limited experimental data available. This review analyzes erectile dysfunction from a pathological perspective. It provides an in-depth overview of how autophagy is involved in the apoptotic processes of smooth muscle and endothelial cells and its role in the fibrotic processes occurring in the cavernosum. This study aimed to develop a theoretical framework for the potential effectiveness of autophagy in preventing and treating erectile dysfunction, thus encouraging further investigation among researchers in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yue Luo
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key Laboratory of Urology and Andrology of Ganzhou, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Jun-Rong Zou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key Laboratory of Urology and Andrology of Ganzhou, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Tao Chen
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key Laboratory of Urology and Andrology of Ganzhou, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Jun Zou
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key Laboratory of Urology and Andrology of Ganzhou, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Wei Li
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key Laboratory of Urology and Andrology of Ganzhou, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Qi Chen
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key Laboratory of Urology and Andrology of Ganzhou, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Le Cheng
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key Laboratory of Urology and Andrology of Ganzhou, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Li-Ying Zheng
- Department of Graduate, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Biao Qian
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key Laboratory of Urology and Andrology of Ganzhou, Ganzhou 341000, China
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de Almeida Feitosa MS, de Almeida AJPO, Dantas SH, de Lourdes Assunção Araújo de Azevedo F, de Souza Júnior JF, Gonçalves TAF, de Lima Silva S, Soares EMC, Alves HF, Lima TT, da Silva Pontes LV, Guerra RR, Araújo IGA, de Medeiros IA. Carvacrol prevents D-( +)-galactose-induced aging-associated erectile dysfunction by improving endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in rats. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03264-8. [PMID: 38967826 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03264-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Aging is one of the risk factors involved in the development of erectile dysfunction (ED). Growing evidence suggests that oxidative stress is the critical mediator of changes in endothelial function and penile vascular tone in the aging process. Thus, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels may preserve the bioactivity of the penile vasculature. Antioxidant compounds, such as carvacrol, limit the damage caused by ROS and, therefore, benefit the treatment of ED. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effects of carvacrol on ED using the D-( +)-galactose aging model. The animals were divided into five groups: control, D-( +)-galactose 150 mg/kg, carvacrol 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg, and sildenafil 1.5 mg/kg treated daily for 8 weeks. The physiological, functional, and morphological characteristics of aging-associated ED were evaluated after treatment with carvacrol. Carvacrol prevented ED in a D-( +)-galactose-induced aging model by reducing hypercontractility, enhancing endothelial dysfunction in the rat corpus cavernosum, and improving endothelial health of rat cavernous endothelial cells. In addition, carvacrol prevented the destruction of erectile components essential for penile erection and promoted a reduction of penile tissue senescence, probably through mechanisms that involve the harmful modulation of oxidative stress. Carvacrol significantly improved the erectile function of rats in a D-( +)-galactose-induced aging model and has excellent potential as a new therapeutic alternative in treating erectile dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sabine Helena Dantas
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | | | | | - Tays Amanda Felisberto Gonçalves
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Sonaly de Lima Silva
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Evyllen Myllena Cardoso Soares
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Hayaly Felinto Alves
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Thais Trajano Lima
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Romão Guerra
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Areia, Paraíba, Brazil
| | | | - Isac Almeida de Medeiros
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil.
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Zhou W, Jiang J, Jiang R. A low androgenic state inhibits erectile function by suppressing endothelial glycosides in the penile cavernous tissue of rats. Sex Med 2024; 12:qfae039. [PMID: 38883807 PMCID: PMC11179729 DOI: 10.1093/sexmed/qfae039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The endothelial glycocalyx is an important barrier that protects the structure and function of endothelial cells. Androgen deficiency is a common factor that causes structural and functional impairment of endothelial cells. Aim To investigate changes in the endothelial glycocalyx in the penile corpus cavernosum of the rat with low androgen status and its relationship with erection function. Methods Eighteen 10-week-old Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 6 each): sham operation, castration, and castration + testosterone replacement. The maximum intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure of the penis was measured after modeling for 4 weeks. The expression levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), phospho-eNOS, syndecan 1, heparanase, and nitric oxide in penile cavernous tissue and the serum levels of heparan sulfate, hyaluronic acid, tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin 6 were determined. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of the endothelial glycocalyx in penile tissue. Outcomes The thickness of the endothelial glycocalyx in the penile corpus cavernosum of castrated rats was significantly lower than that of the control group. Results In the castrated rats, the endothelial glycocalyx thickness, syndecan 1 level, ratio of phospho-eNOS to eNOS, nitric oxide level, and maximum intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure (3 V, 5 V) were significantly lower than those in the sham group (P < .05). The expression of heparanase and the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 were significantly higher in the castrated group than in the sham group (P < .05). Clinical Translation Upregulating the expression of the endothelial glycocalyx in the penile corpus cavernosum may be a new method for treating erectile dysfunction caused by low androgen levels. Strengths and Limitations This study confirms that low androgen status promotes the breakdown of the endothelial glycocalyx. However, further research is needed to determine whether androgens are related to the synthesis of the endothelial glycocalyx. Conclusion Low androgen status may suppress the level of nitric oxide in the cavernous tissue of the penis via impairment of the endothelial glycocalyx, resulting in inhibited erection function in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhou
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Department of Urology, Hejiang County Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Jun Jiang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Rui Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
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Jie H, Jie W, Yingxue G, Xin Z, Runnan X, Wenjie H, Jianxiong M, Bodong L. Cldn4 overexpression promotes penile cavernous smooth muscle cell fibrotic response via the JNK signaling pathway. J Sex Med 2024; 21:511-521. [PMID: 38477100 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Erectile dysfunction (ED), defined as the inability to achieve or maintain a penile erection sufficient to satisfy sexual behavior, is prevalent worldwide. AIM Using previous research, bioinformatics, and experimental confirmation, we aimed to discover genes that contribute to ED through regulating hypoxia in corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs). METHODS We used the Gene Expression Omnibus to acquire the sequencing data of the corpus cavernosum transcriptome for diabetic ED and nerve injury type ED rats. We intersected the common differentially expressed genes. Further verification was performed using single cell sequencing. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence were used to investigate whether the differentially expressed genes are found in the corpus cavernosum. We used induced hypoxia to assess cell viability changes, and we developed a lentivirus overexpressing Cldn4 for in vitro and in vivo experiments to measure changes in JNK signaling, fibrosis, hypoxia, and erectile function. OUTCOMES Our results indicate that targeting the JNK pathway and decreasing local hypoxia may be better options for therapeutic intervention to improve erectile function. RESULTS We identified Cldn4 and found its expression increased in the corpora cavernosa of the 2 datasets. In addition, we found that hypoxia can increase the expression of Cldn4, activate the JNK signaling pathway, and exacerbate fibrosis in CCSMCs. Cldn4 overexpression in CCSMCs activated the JNK signaling pathway and increased fibrotic protein expression. Last, rat corpus cavernosum overexpressing Cldn4 activated the JNK signaling pathway, increased local fibrosis, and impaired erectile function. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Through bioinformatics and in vitro and in vivo experiments, we found that Cldn4 has a negative effect on ED, and targeting Cldn4 may provide new ideas for ED treatment. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS Although we have identified Cldn4 as a potential target for ED treatment, we have only conducted preliminary validation on CCMSCs, and we still need to further validate in other cell lines. CONCLUSION CCSMC hypoxia leads to increased Cldn4, in both nerve injury and diabetic ED rat models, and promotes fibrosis by activating the JNK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huang Jie
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wang Jie
- Department of Urology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Guo Yingxue
- Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhang Xin
- Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xu Runnan
- Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Huang Wenjie
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ma Jianxiong
- Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lv Bodong
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou Zhejiang, China
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Wu C, Xiong Y, Fu F, Zhang F, Qin F, Yuan J. The Role of Autophagy in Erectile Dysfunction. World J Mens Health 2024; 42:42.e44. [PMID: 38606869 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.230145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a conservative lysosome-dependent material catabolic pathway, and exists in all eukaryotic cells. Autophagy controls cell quality and survival by eliminating intracellular dysfunction substances, and plays an important role in various pathophysiology processes. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common male disease. It is resulted from a variety of causes and pathologies, such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, aging, spinal cord injury, or cavernous nerve injury caused by radical prostatectomy, and others. In the past decade, autophagy has begun to be investigated in ED. Subsequently, an increasing number of studies have revealed the regulation of autophagy contributes to the recovery of ED, and which is mainly involved in improving endothelial function, smooth muscle cell apoptosis, penile fibrosis, and corpus cavernosum nerve injury. Therefore, in this review, we aim to summarize the possible role of autophagy in ED from a cellular perspective, and we look forward to providing a new idea for the pathogenesis investigation and clinical treatment of ED in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjing Wu
- Andrology Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Xiong
- Andrology Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fudong Fu
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fuxun Zhang
- Andrology Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Feng Qin
- Andrology Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiuhong Yuan
- Andrology Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Xi Y, Ge Y, Hu D, Xia T, Chen J, Zhang C, Cui Y, Xiao H. Caveolin-1 scaffolding domain peptide prevents corpus cavernosum fibrosis and erectile dysfunction in bilateral cavernous nerve injury-induced rats. J Sex Med 2023; 20:1274-1284. [PMID: 37724695 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corpus cavernosum (CC) fibrosis significantly contributes to post-radical prostatectomy erectile dysfunction (pRP-ED). Caveolin-1 scaffolding domain (CSD)-derived peptide has gained significant concern as a potent antagonist of tissue fibrosis. However, applying CSD peptide on bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI)-induced rats remains uninvestigated. AIM The aim was to explore the therapeutic outcome and underlying mechanism of CSD peptide for preventing ED in BCNI rats according to the hypothesis that CSD peptide may exert beneficial effects on erectile tissue and function following BCNI through limiting collagen synthesis in CC smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) and CC fibrosis. METHODS After completing a random assignment of male Sprague Dawley rats (10 weeks of age), BCNI rats received either saline or CSD peptide treatment, as opposed to sham-operated rats. The evaluations of erectile function (EF) and succedent collection and histological and molecular biological examinations of penile tissue were accomplished 3 weeks postoperatively. In addition, the fibrotic model of CCSMCs was used to further explore the mechanism of CSD peptide action in vitro. OUTCOMES The assessments of EF, SMC/collagen ratio, α-smooth muscle actin, caveolin-1 (CAV1), and profibrotic indicators expressions were conducted. RESULTS BCNI rats exhibited significant decreases in EF, SMC/collagen ratio, α-SMA, and CAV1 levels, and increases in collagen content together with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad2 activity. However, impaired EF, activated CC fibrosis, and Smad2 signaling were attenuated after 3 weeks of CSD peptide treatment in BCNI rats. In vitro, TGF-β1-induced CCSMCs underwent fibrogenetic transformation characterized by lower expression of CAV1, higher collagen composition, and phosphorylation of Smad2; then, the delivery of CSD peptide could significantly block CCSMC fibrosis by inactivating Smad2 signaling. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Based on available evidence of CSD peptide in the prevention of ED in BCNI rats, this study can aid in the development and clinical application of CSD peptide targeting pRP-ED. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS This study provides data to suggest that CSD peptide protects against BCNI-induced deleterious alterations in EF and CC tissues. However, the available evidence still does not fully clarify the detailed mechanism of action of CSD peptide. CONCLUSION Administration of CSD peptide significantly retarded collagen synthesis in CCSMCs, limited CC fibrosis, and prevented ED via confrontation of TGF-β1/Smad signaling in BCNI rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Xi
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 020-510000, China
| | - Yunlong Ge
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 020-510000, China
| | - Daoyuan Hu
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 020-510000, China
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 020-510000, China
| | - Tian Xia
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 020-510000, China
| | - Jialiang Chen
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 020-510000, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 020-510000, China
| | - Yubin Cui
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 020-510000, China
| | - Hengjun Xiao
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 020-510000, China
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Ye MY, Zhao F, Ma K, Yao LJ, Zhou K, Ma JX, Lyu BD, Xu ZB. Buyang Huanwu Decoction Ameliorates Damage of Erectile Tissue and Function Following Bilateral Cavernous Nerve Injury. Chin J Integr Med 2023; 29:791-800. [PMID: 35679003 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-022-3532-9] [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] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To verify the effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BHD) in ameliorating erectile dysfunction (ED) after radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS The composition of BHD was verified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) analysis. Bilateral cavernous nerve crush injury (BCNI) in rats was used to mimic the neurovascular injury occurring after RP. By the envelope method, forty rats were randomly divided into 4 groups as follows: sham (cavernous nerves exposed only), model (BCNI), low-dosage BHD [LBHD, 12.8 g/(kg·d)], and high-dosage BHD [HBHD, 51.2 g/(kg·d)] groups, 10 rats in each group, feeding for 3 weeks respectively. Erectile function was evaluated by measuring intracavernosal pressure (ICP). Changes in the histopathology of corpus cavernosum (CC) were examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Meanwhile, the fibrosis of CC was measured by Masson's trichrome staining and Western blot was used to detect the expressions of collagen I, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF- β 1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Apoptosis index was detected by terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) and Western blot for determining the expressions of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X (Bax). The oxidative stress in the CC were assessed by the superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The proteins expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and c-Jun were detected by Western blot. In addition, the expression of α-SMA and p-c-Jun in the CC was observed by double immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS The UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis showed that BHD contained calycosin-7-O- β -D-glucoside, ononin, calycosin and formononetin. Compared with the model group, LBHD and HBHD treatment improved the ICP and the circumference, area, and weight of CC (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Furthermore, LBHD and HBHD treatments increased CC smooth muscle content and decreased apoptosis index (P<0.05 or P<0.01). LBHD and HBHD also elevated SOD and expression level of α -SMA and Bcl-2, and reduced MDA and ROS levels, as well as expression of TGF- β 1, collagen I, Bax, p-c-JNK, p-JNK in the CC compared with the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The double immunofluorescence staining showed that the fluorescence degree of p-c-Jun in both LBHD and HBHD treatment groups was significantly reduced, whereas the α -SMA expression increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS BHD can improve ED of rats with BCNI, which is related to inhibiting fibrosis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress of CC. The ROS/JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway may play an important role in the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Yong Ye
- Department of Urology, the First People's Hospital of Wenling, Wenling, Zhejiang Province, 317500, China
| | - Fan Zhao
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China
| | - Ke Ma
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Li-Juan Yao
- Department of Urology, Huzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, 313000, China
| | - Kang Zhou
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Jian-Xiong Ma
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Bo-Dong Lyu
- Andrology Laboratory on Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Zeng-Bao Xu
- Department of Urology, Huzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, 313000, China
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Yuan P, Li X, Xiong WJ, Jiang J, Jiang R. Downregulation of the expression of galanin impairs erectile function in hypoandrogenic rats. Sex Med 2023; 11:qfad029. [PMID: 37351545 PMCID: PMC10281959 DOI: 10.1093/sexmed/qfad029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The relationship between galanin and erectile function under low androgen levels is still unclear. Aim To explore whether a low testosterone level damages the erection of a rat by regulating the expression of galanin and GalR in penile cavernous tissue. Methods Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats, 8 weeks of age, were randomly grouped as follows (n = 6): control, castration, castration + testosterone replacement, control + transfection, castration + transfection, and castration + empty transfection. At 4 weeks after castration, rats in the transfection group were injected with lentivirus carrying the targeting galanin gene (2 × 108 TU/mL, 10 μL) in the corpus cavernosum. After 1 week of injection, the intracavernosal pressure (ICP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), nitric oxide (NO), serum testosterone concentration, galanin, GalR1-3, ROCK1, ROCK2, and p-eNOS/eNOS in the rat penile tissues were evaluated. Outcomes ICPmax/MAP and the expression of galanin in the corpus cavernosum in castrated rats were obviously decreased as compared with those in the control rats. Results The castrated rats showed remarkably lower ICPmax/MAP, galanin, GalR1-3, p-eNOS/eNOS, and NO content and markedly higher ROCK1 and ROCK2 in penile tissues than the control group (P < .05). The transfected rats administrated with LV Gal had obviously higher ICPmax/MAP, p-eNOS/eNOS, and NO content and less ROCK1 and ROCK2 protein expression in the corpus cavernosum when compared with the castration group (P < .05). Clinical Translation Upregulating the expression of galanin in the penile corpus cavernosum might be a novel method of treating erectile dysfunction caused by a low androgen level. Strengths and Limitations The conclusions obtained in the animal experiments need to be confirmed in human data. Conclusion The erectile function of hypoandrogen rats might be inhibited by downregulating the level of galanin and GalR1-3, upregulating ROCK1 and ROCK2 levels, and inhibiting the eNOS/NO signaling pathway in penile corpus cavernosum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wen-ju Xiong
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Jun Jiang
- Corresponding authors: Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Taiping Road, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China. . Department of Urology, Nephropathy Clinical Medical Research Center of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Taiping Road, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China.
| | - Rui Jiang
- Corresponding authors: Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Taiping Road, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China. . Department of Urology, Nephropathy Clinical Medical Research Center of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Taiping Road, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China.
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Overexpression of PRDX2 in Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Enhances the Therapeutic Effect in a Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction Rat Model by Inhibiting Ferroptosis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2023; 2023:4952857. [PMID: 36819780 PMCID: PMC9931470 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4952857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Neurogenic erectile dysfunction (NED) is a common and serious complication after pelvic surgery. The clinical translation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADSC) therapies in NED remains a major challenge due to their low survival rate and limited therapeutic effect. Peroxiredoxin 2 (PRDX2) is a member of the peroxidase family that exerts its therapeutic effects by inhibiting oxidative stress (OS) and ferroptosis, and PRDX2 is expected to enhance the therapeutic effect of ADSCs in treating NED. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether PRDX2 could improve the survival of ADSCs and determine whether overexpression of PRDX2 in ADSCs (PRDX2-ADSCs) could enhance the therapeutic effect of NED. This study investigated the potential role of PRDX2-ADSCs through a NED model induced by bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) and three in vitro models established by H2O2-stimulated ADSCs, H2O2-stimulated corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs), and RSL3-stimulated CCSMCs. We found that PRDX2 could significantly improve the viability of ADSCs by suppressing apoptosis and OS in H2O2-stimulated ADSCs. We also found that BCNI triggered ferroptosis of the corpus cavernosum, which was manifested by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), total iron content, and MDA as well as decreased SOD and GSH. Our results further demonstrated changes in the expression of key proteins (GPX4 and ACSL4) in the ferroptosis pathway, whereas PRDX2-ADSCs ameliorated BCNI-induced erectile dysfunction and ferroptosis of the corpus cavernosum in NED rats. Consistently, PRDX2-ADSCs attenuated OS in H2O2-stimulated CCSMCs and inhibited ferroptosis in RSL3-stimulated CCSMCs, as evidenced by the decrease in ROS, total iron content, and MDA and the increase in SOD and GSH together with changes in ferroptosis-related protein (GPX4 and ACSL4) expression. In conclusion, overexpression of PRDX2 in ADSCs enhanced the therapeutic effect in a rat model of neurogenic erectile dysfunction by inhibiting ferroptosis via regulation of the GPX4/ACSL4 axis.
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10
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Zhou X, Wang S, Zhou R, Zhang T, Wang Y, Zhang Q, Cong R, Ji C, Luan J, Yao L, Zhou X, Song N. Erectile dysfunction in hypospadiac male adult rats induced by maternal exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate. Toxicology 2022; 475:153227. [PMID: 35690178 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
For the treatment of hypospadias, a significant number of studies focus on penile reconstruction. However, scant attention is given to sexual behavior of hypospadiac patients and underlying mechanisms. A rat model of hypospadias was constructed by maternal di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) exposure (800 mg/kg/day by gavage during gestational days 14-18). Ten-week-old male rats with hypospadias undertook significantly decreased penis/body weight ratio, reduced testis/body weight ratio, lower serum testosterone level and thinner myelin sheath thickness of cavernosum nerves. Meanwhile, erectile dysfunction (ED) was found in hypospadiac rats, which showed significant increases in transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) protein expression and decreases in the expression of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein, neuronal and endothelial nitric oxide synthase protein (nNOS and eNOS). In addition, phosphorylated protein kinase B/protein kinase B (pAkt/Akt) ratios were remarkably lower, but the Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax)/Bcl-2 ratios, caspase-3 protein expression, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/ Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Nrf2/Keap-1) ratios, NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone 1(NQO1) protein expression and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein expression were higher in the hypospadias groups than the control group. Notably, ED is comorbid with hypospadias in cases. Penile fibrosis, testosterone deficiency, and endothelial dysfunction lead to ED in hypospadias induced by DBP eventually, which might be explained by activating Akt/Bad/Bax/caspase-3 pathway, Nrf2/Keap-1 pathway and suppressing NOS/cGMP pathway in penis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhou
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300, Guangzhou Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China
| | - Shangqian Wang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300, Guangzhou Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Ruhua Zhou
- College of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Tongtong Zhang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300, Guangzhou Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China
| | - Yichun Wang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300, Guangzhou Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China
| | - Qijie Zhang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300, Guangzhou Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China
| | - Rong Cong
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300, Guangzhou Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China
| | - Chengjian Ji
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300, Guangzhou Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China
| | - Jiaochen Luan
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300, Guangzhou Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China
| | - Liangyu Yao
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300, Guangzhou Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300, Guangzhou Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China
| | - Ninghong Song
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300, Guangzhou Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China; The Affiliated Kezhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Kezhou, Xinjiang 845350, China.
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11
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Wang J, Song J, Song G, Feng Y, Pan J, Yang X, Xin Z, Hu P, Sun T, Liu K, Xu W, Wang T, Wang S, Liu J, Ruan Y. Acetyl-L-carnitine improves erectile function in bilateral cavernous nerve injury rats via promoting cavernous nerve regeneration. Andrology 2022; 10:984-996. [PMID: 35420721 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurogenic erectile dysfunction (NED) caused by cavernous nerve (CN) injury is a typical complication after pelvic surgery, which lacks efficient treatments. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) has been proven to promote nerve repair. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effect and potential mechanism of ALCAR in the treatment of NED. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) group, BCNI + lower-dose ALCAR (50 mg/kg/day) group, BCNI + higher-dose (100 mg/kg/day) group and sham-operated group. Erectile function was assessed 14 days after daily intraperitoneal injection of ALCAR or placebo. The penile tissues were gathered for subsequent histological and molecular biological analysis. Rat Schwann cell (SC) line S16 was used to verify the mechanism of ALCAR in vitro. RESULTS We found that the erectile function of the rats in BCNI group was severely impaired, which was improved considerably in both BCNI+ALCAR-LD and BCNI+ALCAR-HD groups. Also, we observed decreased smooth muscle and increased collagen content in corpus cavernosum in BCNI group. The expressions of fibrosis markers TGF-β, CTGF, and Smad 2/3 were significantly up-regulated in the BCNI group. The above changes were alleviated after the administration of lower and higher-dose ALCAR. Meanwhile, the NO/cGMP pathway was promoted and the RhoA/ROCK pathway was inhibited in the corpus cavernosum of BCNI rats after ALCAR treatment, accompanied by increased nNOS and down-regulated Tyrosine Hydroxylase. In vitro, ALCAR promoted the migration and proliferation of SC, and increased the expression of Pmp22 and NGF. Further, rats treated with ALCAR had high expression of ATF3 and S100 in the distal nerve tissues of the CN extrusion site. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION ALCAR could promote nerve repair and regeneration, inhibit penile fibrosis and improve penile erection by promoting the proliferation and migration of SC and the secretion of NGF. Our study confirms that ALCAR may be a potential treatment strategy for NED. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingyu Song
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guoda Song
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuhong Feng
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiancheng Pan
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoqing Yang
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhongcheng Xin
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Andrology Center, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.,China-Korea Joint Research Center for Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Institute of Urology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Peng Hu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Taotao Sun
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kang Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenchao Xu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shaogang Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yajun Ruan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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12
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Wilson AC, Chiles J, Ashish S, Chanda D, Kumar PL, Mobley JA, Neptune ER, Thannickal VJ, McDonald MLN. Integrated bioinformatics analysis identifies established and novel TGFβ1-regulated genes modulated by anti-fibrotic drugs. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3080. [PMID: 35197532 PMCID: PMC8866468 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07151-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although fibrosis may involve different organ systems, transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) has been established as a master regulator of fibrosis across organs. Pirfenidone and Nintedanib are the only currently-approved drugs to treat fibrosis, specifically idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, but their mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. To identify novel drug targets and uncover potential mechanisms by which these drugs attenuate fibrosis, we performed an integrative 'omics analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic responses to TGFβ1-stimulated lung fibroblasts. Significant findings were annotated as associated with pirfenidone and nintedanib treatment in silico via Coremine. Integrative 'omics identified a co-expressed transcriptomic and proteomic module significantly correlated with TGFβ1 treatment that was enriched (FDR-p = 0.04) with genes associated with pirfenidone and nintedanib treatment. While a subset of genes in this module have been implicated in fibrogenesis, several novel TGFβ1 signaling targets were identified. Specifically, four genes (BASP1, HSD17B6, CDH11, and TNS1) have been associated with pirfenidone, while five genes (CLINT1, CADM1, MTDH, SYDE1, and MCTS1) have been associated with nintedanib, and MYDGF has been implicated with treatment using both drugs. Using the Clue Drug Repurposing Hub, succinic acid was highlighted as a metabolite regulated by the protein encoded by HSD17B6. This study provides new insights into the anti-fibrotic actions of pirfenidone and nintedanib and identifies novel targets for future mechanistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava C. Wilson
- grid.265892.20000000106344187Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA ,grid.265892.20000000106344187Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA
| | - Joe Chiles
- grid.265892.20000000106344187Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA
| | - Shah Ashish
- grid.265892.20000000106344187Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA
| | - Diptiman Chanda
- grid.265892.20000000106344187Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA
| | - Preeti L. Kumar
- grid.265892.20000000106344187Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA
| | - James A. Mobley
- grid.265892.20000000106344187Division of Molecular and Translational Biomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA
| | - Enid R. Neptune
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Victor J. Thannickal
- grid.265892.20000000106344187Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA ,grid.265219.b0000 0001 2217 8588John W. Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Merry-Lynn N. McDonald
- grid.265892.20000000106344187Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA ,grid.265892.20000000106344187Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA ,grid.265892.20000000106344187Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA
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13
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Indications and characteristics of penile traction and vacuum erection devices. Nat Rev Urol 2022; 19:84-100. [PMID: 34764451 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-021-00532-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A variety of devices are available for the management of patients with erectile dysfunction, Peyronie's disease, penile dysmorphophobia, for support before and after penile prosthesis insertion, and after radical prostatectomy. Traction devices include, but are not limited to, Penimaster PRO (MSP Concept, Berlin, Germany), Andropenis and Andropeyronie (Andromedical, Madrid, Spain), and the Restorex (PathRight Medical, Plymouth, USA). The other type of devices are vacuum devices such the Osbon ErecAid (Timm Medical, MN, USA). Different devices are optimal for different clinical applications, and robust and contemporary clinical data show a variety of strengths and weaknesses for each device. Research currently favours the use of traction devices for improvement of penile curvature and erectile function in patients with Peyronie's disease compared with vacuum devices; Penimaster Pro and Restorex have been shown to be associated with the best outcomes in this indication. Vacuum devices are favoured for treatment of erectile dysfunction and penile length loss after radical prostatectomy; the Osbon ErecAid is the most well-studied device for this indication. Research into other uses of vacuum and traction devices, such as for penile dysmorphophobia or before and after penile prosthesis, is very limited. Compliance, cost and availability remain substantial challenges, and further high-quality evidence is required to clarify the role of traction devices in urology and sexual medicine.
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14
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Fang D, Tan XH, Song WP, Gu YY, Pan JC, Yang XQ, Song WD, Yuan YM, Peng J, Zhang ZC, Xin ZC, Li XS, Guan RL. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing of Human Corpus Cavernosum Reveals Cellular Heterogeneity Landscapes in Erectile Dysfunction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:874915. [PMID: 35518933 PMCID: PMC9066803 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.874915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the diverse cell populations of human corpus cavernosum in patients with severe erectile dysfunction (ED) at the single-cell level. METHODS Penile tissues collected from three patients were subjected to single-cell RNA sequencing using the BD Rhapsody™ platform. Common bioinformatics tools were used to analyze cellular heterogeneity and gene expression profiles from generated raw data, including the packages Seurat, Monocle, and CellPhoneDB. RESULTS Disease-related heterogeneity of cell types was determined in the cavernous tissue such as endothelial cells (ECs), smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells. Reclustering analysis of ECs identified an arteriole ECs subcluster and another one with gene signatures of fibroblasts. The proportion of fibroblasts was higher than the other cell populations and had the most significant cellular heterogeneity, in which a distinct subcluster co-expressed endothelial markers. The transition trajectory of differentiation from smooth muscle cells into fibroblasts was depicted using the pseudotime analysis, suggesting that the expansion of corpus cavernosum is possibly compromised as a result of fibrosis. Cell-cell communications among ECs, smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages were robust, which indicated that inflammation may also have a crucial role in the development of ED. CONCLUSIONS Our study has demonstrated a comprehensive single-cell atlas of cellular components in human corpus cavernosum of ED, providing in-depth insights into the pathogenesis. Future research is warranted to explore disease-specific alterations for individualized treatment of ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Fang
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Urology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Urogenital Diseases (male) Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Tan
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Urology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Urogenital Diseases (male) Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Peng Song
- Institute of Urology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Urogenital Diseases (male) Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing, China
- Department of Dental Implant Center, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang-Yang Gu
- Institute of Urology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Urogenital Diseases (male) Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing, China
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Institute of Systems Biomedicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Cheng Pan
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Institute of Urology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Yang
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Institute of Urology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei-Dong Song
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Urology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Urogenital Diseases (male) Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Ming Yuan
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Urology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Urogenital Diseases (male) Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Urology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Urogenital Diseases (male) Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Chao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Urology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Urogenital Diseases (male) Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing, China
| | - Zhong-Cheng Xin
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Institute of Urology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xue-Song Li
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Urology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Urogenital Diseases (male) Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Rui-Li Guan, ; Xue-Song Li,
| | - Rui-Li Guan
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Urology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Urogenital Diseases (male) Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Rui-Li Guan, ; Xue-Song Li,
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15
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Kogan MI, Popov IV, Kirichenko EY, Mitrin BI, Sadyrin EV, Kulaeva ED, Popov IV, Kulba SN, Logvinov AK, Akimenko MA, Pasechnik DG, Tkachev SY, Karnaukhov NS, Lapteva TO, Sukhar IA, Maksimov AY, Ermakov AM. X-ray micro-computed tomography in the assessment of penile cavernous fibrosis in a rabbit castration model. Andrology 2021; 9:1467-1480. [PMID: 34236146 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current assessment methods of penile cavernous fibrosis in animal models have limitations due to the inability to provide complex and volume analysis of fibrotic alterations. OBJECTIVE The aim was to evaluate micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) for assessment of cavernous fibrosis and compare it with histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical, and RT-PCR analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS A controlled trial was performed involving 25 New Zealand male rabbits with induced testosterone deficiency by orchidectomy. Penile samples were obtained before and after 7, 14, 21, 84 days from orchidectomy. We consistently performed: a) gray value analysis of corpora cavernosa 3D models reconstructed after micro-CT; b) morphometry of smooth muscles/connective tissue ratio, collagen type I/III ratio, and area of TGF-beta-1 expression in corpora cavernosa; c) RT-PCR of TGF-beta-1 expression. RESULTS Micro-CT allowed visualization of penile structures at the resolution comparable to light microscopy. Gray values of corpora cavernosa decreased from 1673 (1512-1773) on the initial day to 1184 (1089-1232) on 21 day (p < 0,005); however, on 84 day, it increased to 1610 (1551-1768). At 21 and 84 days, there were observed a significant decrease in smooth muscle/connective tissue ratio and a significant increase in collagen type I/III ratio (p < 0,05). TGF-beta1 expression increased on 84 day according to immunohistochemistry (p < 0,005). RT-PCR was impossible to conduct due to the absence of RNA in obtained samples after micro-CT. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Micro-CT provided 3D visualization of entire corpora cavernosa and assessment of radiodensity alterations by gray value analysis in fibrosis progression. We speculate that gray value changes at early and late fibrosis stages could be related to tissue reorganization. RT-PCR is impossible to conduct on tissue samples studied by micro-CT due to RNA destruction. We also suggest that micro-CT could negatively affect the immunohistochemical outcome, as a significant increase of TGF-beta-1 expression occurs later than histological fibrotic signs. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- M I Kogan
- Department of urology and reproductive health (with the course of pediatric urology-andrology), Rostov State Medical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - Igor V Popov
- Department of urology and reproductive health (with the course of pediatric urology-andrology), Rostov State Medical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation.,Faculty "Bioengineering and veterinary medicine", Don State Technical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - E Y Kirichenko
- Faculty "Bioengineering and veterinary medicine", Don State Technical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation.,Academy of Biology and Biotechnology named after D.I. Ivanovsky, Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - B I Mitrin
- Research and Education Centre "Materials", Don State Technical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - E V Sadyrin
- Research and Education Centre "Materials", Don State Technical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - E D Kulaeva
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology named after D.I. Ivanovsky, Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - Ilya V Popov
- Department of urology and reproductive health (with the course of pediatric urology-andrology), Rostov State Medical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation.,Faculty "Bioengineering and veterinary medicine", Don State Technical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - S N Kulba
- Faculty "Bioengineering and veterinary medicine", Don State Technical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - A K Logvinov
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology named after D.I. Ivanovsky, Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - M A Akimenko
- Faculty "Bioengineering and veterinary medicine", Don State Technical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation.,Department of medical biology and genetics, Rostov State Medical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - D G Pasechnik
- Faculty "Bioengineering and veterinary medicine", Don State Technical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - S Yu Tkachev
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - N S Karnaukhov
- Moscow Clinical Research Center named after A.S. Loginov, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - T O Lapteva
- National Medical Research Centre for Oncology, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - I A Sukhar
- National Medical Research Centre for Oncology, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - A Yu Maksimov
- National Medical Research Centre for Oncology, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - A M Ermakov
- Faculty "Bioengineering and veterinary medicine", Don State Technical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
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16
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D-(+)-Galactose-induced aging: A novel experimental model of erectile dysfunction. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249487. [PMID: 33857158 PMCID: PMC8049229 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to achieve and/or maintain penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual relations, and aging is one of the main risk factors involved. The D-(+)-Galactose aging model is a consolidated methodology for studies of cardiovascular aging; however, its potential for use with ED remain unexplored. The present study proposed to characterize a new experimental model for ED, using the D-(+)-Galactose aging model. For the experiments, the animals were randomly divided into three groups receiving: vehicle (CTL), D-galactose 150 mg/kg (DGAL), and D-(+)-galactose 150 mg/Kg + sildenafil 1.5 mg/Kg (DGAL+SD1.5) being administered daily for a period of eight weeks. All of the experimental protocols were previously approved by the Ethics Committee on the Use of Animals at the Federal University of Paraíba n° 9706070319. During the treatment, we analyzed physical, molecular, and physiological aspects related to the aging process and implicated in the development of ED. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that D-(+)-Galactose-induced aging represents a suitable experimental model for ED assessment. This was evidenced by an observed hyper-contractility in corpora cavernosa, significant endothelial dysfunction, increased ROS levels, an increase in cavernous tissue senescence, and the loss of essential penile erectile components.
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17
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Hashimoto D, Kajimoto M, Ueda Y, Hyuga T, Fujimoto K, Inoue S, Suzuki K, Kataoka T, Kimura K, Yamada G. 3D reconstruction and histopathological analyses on murine corporal body. Reprod Med Biol 2021; 20:199-207. [PMID: 33850453 PMCID: PMC8022099 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the increasing diseases with aging society. The basis of ED derived from local penile abnormality is poorly understood because of the complex three-dimensional (3D) distribution of sinusoids in corpus cavernosum (CC). Understanding the 3D histological structure of penis is thus necessary. Analyses on the status of regulatory signals for such abnormality are also performed. METHODS To analyze the 3D structure of sinusoid, 3D reconstruction from serial sections of murine CC were performed. Histological analyses between young (2 months old) and aged (14 months old) CC were performed. As for chondrogenic signaling status of aged CC, SOX9 and RBPJK staining was examined. RESULTS Sinusoids prominently developed in the outer regions of CC adjacent to tunica albuginea. Aged CC samples contained ectopic chondrocytes in such regions. Associating with the appearance of chondrocytes, the expression of SOX9, chondrogenic regulator, was upregulated. The expression of RBPJK, one of the Notch signal regulators, was downregulated in the aged CC. CONCLUSIONS Prominent sinusoids distribute in the outer region of CC which may possess important roles for erection. A possibility of ectopic chondrogenesis induced by alteration of SOX9/Notch signaling with aging is indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Hashimoto
- Department of Developmental GeneticsInstitute of Advanced MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
| | - Mizuki Kajimoto
- Department of Developmental GeneticsInstitute of Advanced MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
| | - Yuko Ueda
- Department of UrologyWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
| | - Taiju Hyuga
- Department of Developmental GeneticsInstitute of Advanced MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
| | - Kota Fujimoto
- Department of Developmental GeneticsInstitute of Advanced MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
| | - Saaya Inoue
- Department of Developmental GeneticsInstitute of Advanced MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
| | - Kentaro Suzuki
- Department of Developmental GeneticsInstitute of Advanced MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
| | - Tomoya Kataoka
- Department of Clinical PharmaceuticsGraduate School of Medical SciencesNagoya City UniversityNagoyaJapan
| | - Kazunori Kimura
- Department of Clinical PharmaceuticsGraduate School of Medical SciencesNagoya City UniversityNagoyaJapan
- Department of Hospital PharmacyGraduate School of Pharmaceutical SciencesNagoya City UniversityNagoyaJapan
| | - Gen Yamada
- Department of Developmental GeneticsInstitute of Advanced MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
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18
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Ye M, Zhao F, Ma K, Zhou K, Ma J, Fu H, Xu Z, Huang W, Wang W, Zhao J, Lv B. Enhanced effects of salidroside on erectile function and corpora cavernosa autophagy in a cavernous nerve injury rat model. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14044. [PMID: 33709426 DOI: 10.1111/and.14044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We explored the efficacy and mechanisms of salidroside treatment for erectile dysfunction induced by bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI). Forty male rats were divided into four groups as follows: sham (cavernous nerves exposed only) (S); BCNI (M); BCNI + rapamycin (M + rapamycin); and BCNI + salidroside (M + salidroside). Erectile function in the rats was measured by intracavernosal pressure. Penile tissue was harvested for transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Masson's trichrome staining, haematoxylin-eosin staining, TdT-mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling and western blotting. The M group exhibited a decrease in erectile responses and increased apoptosis and fibrosis compared to these in the S group. Meanwhile, nerve content and the penile atrophy index were also decreased in the M group. Treatment with salidroside and rapamycin for 3 weeks partially restored erectile function and significantly attenuated corporal apoptosis, fibrosis, nerve content and penile atrophy in the M group. Moreover, the autophagy level was further enhanced in the M + salidroside group, which was the same as that in the positive observation group (M + rapamycin). Salidroside treatment not only improved erectile function in rats with BCNI, but also inhibited apoptosis and fibrosis and ameliorated the loss of nerve content and endothelial and corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells by promoting protective autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaoyong Ye
- Department of Urology, The First People's Hospital of Wenling, The Affiliated Wenling Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenling, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fan Zhao
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Ke Ma
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kang Zhou
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianxiong Ma
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huiying Fu
- Research Institute of Urology and Andrology, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zengbao Xu
- Department of Urology, Huzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Huang
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenzhi Wang
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianfeng Zhao
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bodong Lv
- Research Institute of Urology and Andrology, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Urology and Andrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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19
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Chen ZB, Li G, Lin H, Jiang J, Jiang R. Low androgen status inhibits erectile function by increasing pyroptosis in rat corpus cavernosum. Andrology 2021; 9:1264-1274. [PMID: 33657666 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanism of erectile dysfunction (ED) caused by low androgen status is not fully understood. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether low androgen status inhibits erectile function of rats by inducing pyroptosis in the corpus cavernosum (CC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-six eight-weeks-old healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into six groups: sham-operated group (4w sham, 8w sham), castration group (4w cast, 8w cast), and castration + testosterone (T) group (4w cast + T, 8w cast + T). The rats in castration + T groups were injected with testosterone propionate subcutaneously every other day. After 4 and 8 weeks, the ratio of maximum intracavernous pressure (ICPmax)/mean arterial pressure (MAP), the level of serum T, the concentration of nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), the expression of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase activation and recruitment domain (ASC), Caspase-1 p20, gasdermin D-N (GSDMD-N), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), collagen-I, and collagen-III, the ratio of smooth muscle/collagen (SM/C), and the proportion of pyroptotic cells in the CC were analyzed. RESULTS The ratio of ICPmax/MAP (3/5 V) and SM/C, the level of NO and serum T was significantly decreased in castration groups when compared to other groups (p < 0.01). NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and GSDMD were mainly expressed in the cytoplasm of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) in the CC. The expression of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1p20, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, TGF-β1, collagen-I, and collagen-III was significantly increased in castration groups when compared with other groups (p < 0.01). The proportion of pyroptotic cells in the CC was increased significantly in castration groups when compared with other groups (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Low androgen status inhibits erectile function of rats by promoting CC fibrosis and reducing NO synthesis through pyroptosis of SMCs and ECs in the CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Bin Chen
- Department of Urology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Ge Li
- Department of Urology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Haocheng Lin
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Jiang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Rui Jiang
- Department of Urology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,Nephropathy Clinical Medical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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Liu MC, Chang ML, Wang YC, Chen WH, Wu CC, Yeh SD. Revisiting the Regenerative Therapeutic Advances Towards Erectile Dysfunction. Cells 2020; 9:E1250. [PMID: 32438565 PMCID: PMC7290763 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an inability to attain or maintain adequate penile erection for successful vaginal intercourse, leading to sexual and relationship dissatisfaction. To combat ED, various surgical and non-surgical approaches have been developed in the past to restore erectile functions. These therapeutic interventions exhibit significant impact in providing relief to patients; however, due to their associated adverse effects and lack of long-term efficacy, newer modalities such as regenerative therapeutics have gained attention due to their safe and prolonged efficacy. Stem cells and platelet-derived biomaterials contained in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are thriving as some of the major therapeutic regenerative agents. In recent years, various preclinical and clinical studies have evaluated the individual, as well as combined of stem cells and PRP to restore erectile function. Being rich in growth factors, chemokines, and angiogenic factors, both stem cells and PRP play a crucial role in regenerating nerve cells, myelination of axons, homing and migration of progenitor cells, and anti-fibrosis and anti-apoptosis of damaged cavernous nerve in corporal tissues. Further, platelet-derived biomaterials have been proven to be a biological supplement for enhancing the proliferative and differentiation potential of stem cells towards neurogenic fate. Therefore, this article comprehensively analyzes the progresses of these regenerative therapies for ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Che Liu
- Department of Urology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (M.-C.L.); (C.-C.W.)
- Clinical Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, school of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- School of Dental Technology, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Lin Chang
- Department of Urology, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Engineering, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chun Wang
- TCM Biotech International Corp., New Taipei City 22175, Taiwan; (Y.-C.W.); (W.-H.C.)
| | - Wei-Hung Chen
- TCM Biotech International Corp., New Taipei City 22175, Taiwan; (Y.-C.W.); (W.-H.C.)
| | - Chien-Chih Wu
- Department of Urology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (M.-C.L.); (C.-C.W.)
- Department of Education and Humanities in Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Shauh-Der Yeh
- Department of Urology and Oncology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
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21
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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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22
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Sharma KL, Alom M, Trost L. The Etiology of Peyronie's Disease: Pathogenesis and Genetic Contributions. Sex Med Rev 2019; 8:314-323. [PMID: 31540807 DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Peyronie's disease (PD) is a chronic fibrosing condition that contributes to penile deformity, curvature, and pain. Initial familial studies demonstrated potential genetic links to PD. Since that time, very few investigations have significantly advanced the science in this area. Hence, there is a large opportunity and significant need to better study the underlying genomics and pathogenesis of PD. AIM To summarize the current genomic literature relevant to PD. METHODS A review was performed of all PubMed-indexed literature from 1970-2018 relating to the pathophysiology and genetics of PD. Key findings were categorically summarized to include epidemiology, risk factors, inheritance patterns, chromosomal instability, genetic associations, epigenetics, differential gene expression, and preclinical models of PD. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Summary of the current literature on the genetics of PD. RESULTS PD is a common condition and has several known risk factors and comorbid disease associations. Although men with PD are believed to be genetically predisposed, there are likely several subtypes of the condition, each with varied pathophysiological disorders and contributing factors. Available data suggest that PD is associated with underlying genetic instability, including dysregulation of genes relating to fibrosis and cellular degradation, thus, resulting in abnormal plaque development and penile deformity. Preclinical models, including cell cultures and rat models, demonstrate several consistencies with PD clinical and histopathologic characteristics; however, an ideal model with spontaneous development of PD is lacking. CONCLUSION Based on limited data, PD likely represents a heterogeneous condition, with both heritable and environmentally-driven epigenetic factors contributing to its development and progression. However, there remains a significant gap in the literature on the underlying cause and pathophysiology of the condition, suggesting a substantial need for further investigation and study. Sharma KL, Alom M, Trost L. The Etiology of Peyronie's Disease: Pathogenesis and Genetic Contributions. Sex Med Rev 2020;8:314-323.
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23
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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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Eslahi A, Shirazi M, Khoshnood O, Noorafshan A, Karbalay-Doust S. Comparison of the effects of pentoxifylline, simvastatin, tamoxifen, and losartan on cavernous bodies after penile fracture in rats: a stereological study. Int J Impot Res 2019; 32:338-344. [PMID: 31427793 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-019-0175-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Penile fracture (PF) is described as a rupture and fibrosis of the cavernous bodies. This study aimed to collect quantitative data on the impacts of pentoxifylline, simvastatin, tamoxifen, and losartan on cavernous body structure after PF. The rats were divided into six groups. The control group received anesthesia and incision without actual PF. The other groups (second to sixth) underwent PF induction in addition to administration of distilled water, pentoxifylline (200 mg/kg/day), simvastatin (40 mg/kg/day), tamoxifen (10 mg/kg/day), and losartan (20 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks. The volumes of cavernous bodies, collagen bundles, and vessels and number of fibroblasts were increased significantly in the PF group in comparison to the control rats (p < 0.01), indicating a fibrotic process. Moreover, the mean volume of the cavernous bodies decreased in the groups with PF that received pentoxifylline, simvastatin, tamoxifen, or losartan when compared with the PF group. However, the volumes of the collagen bundles and vessels as well as the population of fibroblasts remained at the control level or even lower in PF plus pentoxifylline, simvastatin, tamoxifen, and losartan groups. This indicated the anti-fibrotic effects of the four drugs. It can be concluded that pentoxifylline, simvastatin, tamoxifen, and losartan could reduce fibrosis activities by minimizing the formation of collagen bundles and vessels as well as decreasing the population of fibroblasts 8 weeks after PF. Yet, losartan brought about a better outcome compared with the other chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Eslahi
- Department of Urology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Shirazi
- Department of Urology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Histomorphometry and Stereology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Omid Khoshnood
- Department of Urology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Noorafshan
- Histomorphometry and Stereology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saied Karbalay-Doust
- Histomorphometry and Stereology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. .,Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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