The anti-hyperplasia, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of Qing Ye Dan and swertiamarin in testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats

Protective effect of Enicostemma axillare - Swertiamarin on oxidative stress against nicotine-induced liver damage in SD rats

OBJECTIVE

The current investigation was aimed to determine the hepatoprotective benefits of Swertiamarin (ST) administration against nicotine-induced hepatotoxicity in SD rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 48 adult male SD rats were allocated into six groups using a fully randomised approach. As a control, group I was given oral (PO) normal saline. For 65 days, the animals in groups II, III, IV, V and VI received 2.5mg/kg/day of nicotine intraperitoneally (IP), 100mg/kg/day of ST orally (PO), 200mg/kg/day of ST orally (PO), 2.5mg/kg/day of nicotine (IP)+100mg/kg/day of ST (PO), and 2.5mg/kg/day of nicotine (IP)+200mg/kg/day of ST (PO), respectively. Animals were killed on 66thday, liver tissue was removed and used for histopathological analysis as well as biochemical testing (oxidative stress parameters and liver function enzymes).

RESULTS

When compared to control animals, the animals in group II showed a substantial rise in their aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, and creatinine levels (P˂0.001). Furthermore, compared to control animals, these animals displayed enhanced hepatic oxidative stress as indicated by significantly higher Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (P˂0.001) and lower levels of Catalase (CAT), Glutathione (GSH), Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P˂0.001). Further, more histological anomalies were seen in the liver of nicotine-treated rats compared to control rats, including significant vacuolization, poor tissue architecture, the growth of pycnotic nuclei, and dilated sinusoids. Contrary to nicotine-treated rats, the co-administration of ST and nicotine was observed to prevent the abnormalities caused by nicotine (groups V and VI).

CONCLUSION

The results of the current study show that nicotine can seriously harm liver tissue and that swertiamarin can prevent the harmful effects of nicotine on rat liver. Future research is necessary to delve deeply into the mechanisms behind swertiamarin protective impact against nicotine-induced hepatotoxicity.

Mechanisms and Efficacy of Chinese Herbal Medicines in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common diseases in elderly men, the incidence of which gradually increases with age and leads to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) are widely used for the treatment of BPH in China and some other countries. To explore the molecular mechanisms of CHMs for BPH, we conducted a review based on peer-reviewed English-language publications in PubMed and Web of Science databases from inception to December 31, 2023. This article primarily reviewed 32 papers on the use of CHMs and its active compounds in the treatment of BPH, covering animal and cell experiments, and identified relevant mechanisms of action. The results suggest that the mechanisms of action of CHMs in treating BPH may involve the regulation of sex hormones, downregulation of cell growth factors, anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects, inhibition of cell proliferation, and promotion of apoptosis. CHMs also exhibit α-blocker-like effects, with the potential to relax urethral smooth muscle and alleviate LUTS. Additionally, we also reviewed 4 clinical trials and meta-analyses of CHMs for the treatment of BPH patients, which provided initial evidence of the safety and effectiveness of CHMs treatment. CHMs treatment for BPH shows advantages as a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway therapy, which can mitigate the severity of the disease, improve LUTS, and may become a reliable treatment option in the future.

Integrating spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA-sequencing reveals the alterations in epithelial cells during nodular formation in benign prostatic hyperplasia

OBJECTIVE

Proliferative nodular formation represents a characteristic pathological feature of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and serves as the primary cause for prostate volume enlargement and consequent lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Its specific mechanism is largely unknown, although several cellular processes have been reported to be involved in BPH initiation and development and highlighted the crucial role of epithelial cells in proliferative nodular formation. However, the technological limitations hinder the in vivo investigation of BPH patients.

METHODS

The robust cell type decomposition (RCTD) method was employed to integrate spatial transcriptomics and single cell RNA sequencing profiles, enabling the elucidation of epithelial cell alterations during nodular formation. Immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical staining was performed for verification.

RESULTS

The alterations of epithelial cells during the formation of nodules in BPH was observed, and a distinct subgroup of basal epithelial (BE) cells, referred to as BE5, was identified to play a crucial role in driving this progression through the hypoxia-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling pathway. BE5 served as both the initiating cell during nodular formation and the transitional cell during the transformation from luminal epithelial (LE) to BE cells. A distinguishing characteristic of the BE5 cell subgroup in patients with BPH was its heightened hypoxia and upregulated expression of FOS. Histological verification results confirmed a significant association between c-Fos expression and key biological processes such as hypoxia and cell proliferation, as well as the close relationship between hypoxia and EMT in BPH tissues. Furthermore, a strong link between c-Fos expression and the progression of BPH was also been validated. Additionally, notable functional differences were observed in glandular and stromal nodules regarding BE5 cells, with BE5 in glandular nodules exhibiting enhanced capacities for EMT and cell proliferation characterized by club-like cell markers.

CONCLUSIONS

This study elucidated the comprehensive landscape of epithelial cells during in vivo nodular formation in patients, thereby offering novel insights into the initiation and progression of BPH.

Possible therapeutic role of zinc oxide nanoparticles versus vanillic acid in testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in adult albino rat: A histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical study

BACKGROUND

The search for alternative therapies for treatment of Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has been increasingly studied to avoid the common adverse effects of the usual regimens. Therefore, this study aimed at delineating possible mechanisms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and possible therapeutic role of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) versus vanillic acid.

METHODS

Forty rats were divided into five groups: control, sham control, Testosterone-induced BPH, BPH and Zn-NPs, and BPH and vanillic acid. Light microscopic, immune-histochemical; PCNA, Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, p-Akt and p-mTOR, histomorphometric analysis, MDA/SOD and GPx and were done. Gene expression of p-Akt, p-mTOR and survivin were evaluated.

RESULTS

Application of zinc oxide nanoparticles as well as vanillic acid significantly reduced prostatic index, epithelial thickness, stromal collagen fibers, expression of PCNA, Bcl2, p-Akt, p-mTOR and MDA tissue level (p < 0.05). Whereas expression of Bax and caspase 3, and tissue levels of SOD and GPx were significantly increased in groups treated with Zno-Nps and vanillic acid compared to that of BPH group. Zinc oxide nanoparticles showed a better effect than vanillic acid in alleviating BPH.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that ZnO-NPs as well as VA ameliorated the histolo-pathological and biochemical effects of induced BPH, moreover they improved the proapoptotic and antioxidant parameters which ere induced in BPH. It is recommended to search for new agents to prevent the development and progression of BPH.

Nrf2-mediated macrophage function in benign prostatic hyperplasia: Novel molecular insights and implications

One of the most common urological diseases is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), with a high prevalence in the middle-aged and elderly male population. Patient's mental and physical health is affected significantly by this condition, causing them considerable discomfort. During the development of BPH, a synergistic effect occurs in response to inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis induced by the activation of macrophages. The nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway can mediate macrophage activation and inhibit prostate hyperplasia by suppressing pro-inflammatory factors, anti-oxidative stress disorder, and initiating apoptosis. The purpose of this study was to review the mechanism of action of Nrf2 signaling pathway-mediated macrophage activation on the immune microenvironment of BPH and to summarize the Chinese medicine based on Nrf2 to provide an overview of BPH treatment options.

Canagliflozin alleviates experimentally induced benign prostate hyperplasia in a rat model: exploring potential mechanisms involving mir-128b/EGFR/EGF and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways through in silico and in vivo investigations

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) poses a significant health concern amongst elderly males. Canagliflozin (Cana), a selective sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, has a powerful anti-inflammatory influence. Nevertheless, its role in treating BPH has not been clarified. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the potential ameliorative effect of Cana on experimentally induced BPH in rats and explore the underlying mechanisms compared to the standard finasteride (Fin). The study employed histological analysis, biochemical assays using ELISA, and western blotting. Animals were categorized into four groups: Control (2.5 ml/kg CMC, orally + 3 ml/kg olive oil, subcutaneous), BPH (3 mg/kg testosterone, subcutaneous + CMC orally), Fin-treated BPH (5 mg/kg, orally), and Cana-treated BPH (5 mg/kg, orally), for 28 days. The BPH group showed obvious BPH manifestations including an increase in prostate weight (PW), prostate index (PI), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) level, and histological aberrations compared to control. Fin and Cana therapy had a comparable impact. Cana treatment significantly reduced PW and PI, besides it improved prostatic biochemical, and histopathological features compared to BPH, consistent with in silico study findings. Cana was associated with downregulation of the androgen axis, increased miR-128b expression, with a lowered expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor. Phosphorylation of STAT3 and its downstream proliferative markers were significantly reduced suggesting apoptotic activity. Cana markedly rescued the BPH-induced upregulation of IL-1β, and iNOS levels. Altogether, the current study demonstrates that Cana could impede BPH progression, possibly by modulating miR-128b/EGFR/EGF and JAK2/STAT3 pathways and downregulating AR, cyclin D1, and PCNA immunoreactivity.

Structural characterization and anti-oxidation activity of pectic polysaccharides from Swertia mileensis

In this study, we isolated the pectic polysaccharide WSMP-A2b (37 kDa) from the stems and leaves of Swertia mileensis, and we investigated its compositional/structural features and antioxidant activity. FT-IR, NMR, monosaccharide composition, enzymatic hydrolysis and methylation analyses indicated that WSMP-A2b is composed of rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I), rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II) and homogalacturonan (HG) domains with mass ratios of 2.1:1.0:2.2. The RG-I domain is primarily substituted with α-L-1,5-arabinan and type II arabinogalactan (AG-II) side chains, as well as minor contributions of β-D-1,4-galactan and/or type I arabinogalactan (AG-I) side chains. The HG domain was released in the form of un-esterified and partly methyl-esterified and/or acetyl-esterified oligogalacturonides with a 1 to 7 degree of polymerization after endo-polygalacturonase degradation. WSMP-A2b showed stronger antioxidant activity in vitro, in part this might due to the presence of galacturonic acid (GalA). In addition, WSMP-A2b exerted a protective effect on tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP)-induced oxidative stress in INS-1 cells by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and increasing the glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio. Our results provide crucial structural information on this pectic polysaccharide from Swertia mileensis, thus prompting further investigation into its structure-activity relationship.

6-Paradol Alleviates Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats by Inhibiting AKT/mTOR Axis

INTRODUCTION

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease among elderly men. Its pharmacological treatment is still unsatisfactory. 6-Paradol (6-PD) is an active metabolite found in many members of the Zingiberaceae family. It was reported to possess anti-proliferative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The present study aimed at exploring the potential of 6-PD to inhibit testosterone-induced BPH in rats as well as the probable underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups and treated as follows: Group 1 (control group) received vehicles only, Group 2 testosterone only, Groups 3 and 4 received 6-PD (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg; respectively) and testosterone, and Group 6 received finasteride and testosterone.

RESULTS

Daily treatment of animals with 6-PD at the two dose levels of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg significantly ameliorated a testosterone-induced rise in prostate index and weight. This was confirmed by histological examinations of prostatic tissues that indicated a reduction in the pathological changes as well as inhibition of the rise in glandular epithelial height in 6-PD treated rats. Immunohistochemical investigations showed that 6-PD prevented the up-regulation of cyclin D1 induced by testosterone injections. Further, 6-PD significantly modulated mRNA expression of both Bcl2 and Bax in prostate tissues of testosterone-treated rats in favor of anti-proliferation. It also showed antioxidant activities as evidenced by inhibition of accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and exhaustion of catalase (CAT) activity. In addition, 6-PD displayed significant anti-inflammatory activities as it prevented up-regulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Immunoblotting analysis revealed that 6-PD significantly inhibited testosterone-induced activation of AKT and mTOR in prostate tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

6-PD protects against testosterone-induced BPH in rats. This can be attributed, at least partly, to its antiproliferative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties as well as its ability to inhibit activation of the AKT/mTOR axis.

Cordycepin Attenuates Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats via Modulation of AMPK and AKT Activation

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a disease that commonly affects elderly men. Cordycepin is an adenosine analog with a wide range of pharmacological activities including antiproliferative and prostatic smooth muscle relaxant effects. This study was designed to assess the actions of cordycepin in testosterone-induced BPH in rats. Animals were divided into six treatment groups: control, cordycepin-alone (10 mg/kg), testosterone-alone (3 mg/kg), cordycepin (5 mg/kg) + testosterone, cordycepin (10 mg/kg) + testosterone, and finasteride (0.5 mg/kg) + testosterone. Treatments were continued daily, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks. Cordycepin significantly prevented the increase in prostate weight and prostate index induced by testosterone. This was confirmed by histopathological examinations. Cordycepin antiproliferative activity was further defined by its ability to inhibit cyclin-D1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression. In addition, cordycepin exhibited significant antioxidant properties as proven by the prevention of lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione diminution, and superoxide dismutase exhaustion. This was paralleled by anti-inflammatory activity as shown by the inhibition of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nuclear factor-κB expression in prostatic tissues. It also enhanced apoptosis as demonstrated by its ability to enhance and inhibit mRNA expression of Bax and Bcl2, respectively. Western blot analysis indicated that cordycepin augmented phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) and inhibited p-AKT expression. Collectively, cordycepin has the ability to prevent testosterone-induced BPH in rats. This is mediated, at least partially, by its antiproliferative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-apoptotic actions in addition to its modulation of AMPK and AKT activation.

Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effect of the Traditional Herbal Medicine Atrifil and Oshagh Gum on Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Wistar Rats

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease that affects elderly men with various complications. This study evaluates the effects of an Iranian traditional herbal medicine "Atrifil and Oshagh gum" on BPH in male Wistar rats. Atrifil is a combination of three medicinal plants: Emblica officinalis Gaertn, Terminalia chebula Retz, and Terminalia bellerica Retz" extracts, and Oshagh gum is Dorema ammoniacum D. Dono gum. In this study, 30 male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: normal control, disease, finasteride, and extract with 300 and 600 mg/kg groups. The extract is a combination of hydroalcoholic Atrifil extract and Oshagh gum. All groups received intramuscular testosterone enanthate to induce BPH except the normal control group. On the twenty-eighth day, prostate glands were separated. Histopathological changes were observed. Furthermore, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostate weights were measured. The binding propensities of finasteride, equol, and flavonoids present in this extract such as quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol for 5α-reductase, estrogen receptor alpha and beta, and estrogen-related receptor gamma were assessed using in silico docking approach. Histopathological evaluation, biochemical parameter, and PSA level results indicated significant inhibition of accruing and progression of BPH in groups treated with 600 mg/kg extract (p < 0.01). Furthermore, molecular docking showed that rutin had a high affinity to bind the receptors 5α-reductase, estrogen receptor beta, and estrogen-related receptor gamma even more than finasteride, and on average, quercetin had a higher affinity to all these receptors. In the end, it can be concluded that Atrifil and Oshagh gum is effective in preventing BPH.

Origanum majorana L. Extract Attenuated Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rat Model: Effect on Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, and Proliferation

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a widespread androgenic illness influencing elderly men. It is distinguished by prostatic epithelial and stromal muscle cell proliferation. Inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis have all been interrelated to the development of BPH. Marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) is a herb with reported antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and antioxidative properties, which have not yet been studied in relation to BPH. Consequently, in this work, an ethanolic extract of O. majorana was prepared in two doses (250 and 500 mg/kg/day) to be injected into castrated rats after induction of a testosterone-BPH model. Testosterone propionate (TP) was subcutaneously injected (0.5 mg/kg/day) for one week after castration to induce BPH. Forty adult Wistar male rats were randomly allocated into five groups: control, BPH model, high and low O. majorana doses (250, 500 mg/kg/day), and finasteride (FN) (0.8 mg/kg/day) as a positive control. Treatment was continued with drugs/normal saline for 28 days. Rat’s body and prostate were weighed, prostate index (PI) and % of prostate growth inhibition were calculated, serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT), prostatic content of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA), DN damage, histopathological changes, immune expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), caspase-3, α-SMA, and TGF-β1 were assessed. In addition, molecular quantitative PCR and ELISA analyses were performed to identify the expression of mRNAs and related proteins of both caspase-3 and TGF-β1 in prostate tissue from O. majorana-treated and untreated groups. Rats with BPH had significantly higher prostate weights and PI, higher DHT, DNA damage (8-hydroxyguanine, 8-OH-dG), and MDA levels with prominent PCNA, α-SMA, and TGF-β expression, but lower SOD, CAT, and TAC activity and caspase-3 expression. O. majorana (250 and 500 mg/kg/day)-treated groups revealed a decrease in prostate weights and PI, lower levels of DHT, suppressed oxidative stress, reduced tissue proliferation and fibrosis, and restored antioxidant and proapoptotic activity. Additionally, quantitative PCR and ELISA analysis showed that treatment with O. majorana significantly upregulated the expression of caspase-3 and downregulated the expression of TGF-β in prostate tissues of BPH rats. The data were confirmed by the immunohistological reactivity of these targeted markers in the prostate tissues. These effects were more significant with O. majorana 500 mg/mL/rat. In conclusion, the current study indicates the efficient use of O. majorana in the treatment of testosterone-induced BPH through its antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and antioxidative mechanisms.

Comparative application of testosterone undecanoate and/or testosterone propionate in induction of benign prostatic hyperplasia in Wistar rats

Testosterone undecanoate is a hormone agent with long-acting potential and is used for testosterone replacement therapy for hypogonadism. This study was designed to investigate application of testosterone undecanoate in maintaining high androgen levels for inducing benign prostatic hyperplasia more conveniently than that for testosterone propionate. We conducted two-part studies to determine the optimal dosage and dosing cycle for efficient and stable induction of benign prostatic hyperplasia using testosterone undecanoate. In the injection dosage substudy, single testosterone undecanoate dose (125, 250, 500, 750, or 1000 mg/kg body weight) was administered, and the optimal concentration was determined for 8weeks by measuring changes in testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and 5-alpha reductase levels. And then, testosterone undecanoate was administered at the optimal dose at intervals of 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks for 12weeks to induce benign prostatic hyperplasia. The injection dosage substudy showed dose-dependently higher and more stable levels of testosterone in groups administrated testosterone undecanoate than in groups administered testosterone propionate. In the injection cycle substudy, testosterone undecanoate-administered group stably maintained high levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and 5-alpha reductase compared with testosterone propionate-administered group for the same injection cycle; moreover, the prostate measurements, an important sign of benign prostatic hyperplasia, were significantly increased. Based on these two substudies, we determined the optimal conditions for inducing benign prostatic hyperplasia stably and more conveniently than that for testosterone propionate. This study suggests an extended application of testosterone undecanoate for inducing benign prostatic hyperplasia that can improve research reliability considering the half-life of testosterone as well as injection dosage and concentration.

Effects of orchiectomy and testosterone replacement therapy on redox balance and salivary gland function in Wistar rats

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of orchiectomy (ORX) and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on redox balance and function of salivary glands. Forty-five young adult male Wistar rats (3 months old) were either castrated bilaterally or underwent fictitious surgery (SHAM) and were subsequently distributed into 3 groups: SHAM, ORX, and TRT (castrated rats that received an intramuscular injection of testosterone cypionate 10 mg/kg/weekly). All treatments started 4 weeks after castration (4 months old) and lasted 4 weeks (5 months old). At the end of treatment, pilocarpine-induced salivary secretion was collected to analyze salivary flow rate and biochemistry composition, and the parotid (PG) and submandibular (SMG) glands were sampled for redox balance markers and histomorphometric analyses. ORX increased salivary flow rate, calcium, phosphate, and chloride, and decreased total protein and amylase, while not changing the salivary buffer capacity, pH, sodium, and potassium compared to SHAM. TRT restored all salivary parameters to SHAM values. ORX increased oxidative lipid and protein damage, total antioxidant capacity, and uric acid in both salivary glands compared to SHAM. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities were greater only in the SMG of the ORX group in relation to SHAM. ORX decreased duct and acini area, while increasing connective tissue in the PG. On the other hand, ORX reduced duct area and increased acini area in the SMG compared to SHAM. TRT restored the redox balance and histomorphometric parameters to close to SHAM values in both salivary glands. Orchiectomy-induced salivary gland dysfunction was characterized by an increase in the salivary flow rate and changes in the secretion of total protein, amylase, and electrolytes, which are key factors, considered important for maintaining oral health status. To sum up, orchiectomy impaired the redox balance of the salivary glands. Our results also showed that TRT reversed the oxidative damage, morphological alterations, and salivary gland dysfunction induced by orchiectomy. Therefore, these results suggest an important action of testosterone on the redox balance and secretory ability of salivary glands.

Chemical profiles of the active fraction from Prinsepia utilis Royle leaves and its anti-benign prostatic hyperplasia evaluation in animal models

Background

The Prinsepia utilis Royle leaves (P. utilis) is a folk herb used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) control by ethnic minorities for centuries in China with rich in resources. Our previous studies have confirmed the anti-BPH effect of its water extract (QCJ) and the active fraction (Fr. B) separated from the QCJ by animal test. The Fr. B from P. utilis should be a potential candidate for BPH control.

Methods

In this study, the chemical ingredients of Fr. B were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS, and quantified by HPLC. Murine animal models were divided into 8 groups, Sham rats, BPH rats, BPH rats administered with finasteride (1 mg/kg), BPH rats administered with Pule’an (460 mg/kg), BPH rats administered with low, high dosage of QCJ (860 mg/kg, 2580 mg/kg respectively), BPH rats administered with low, high dosage of Fr. B (160 mg/kg, 480 mg/kg respectively). The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the prostate tissue of rats was tested, and serum levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and total superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA) in prostate homogenate were measured. One-way ANOVA followed by LSD was used for statistical analysis.

Results

The BPH rats treated by Fr. B exhibited significant reductions of VEGF and MDA levels, as well as significant increases of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT in the prostate tissue after 28 day administration (P < 0.05). Moreover, Fr. B significantly reduced DHT, DHT/E2 ratio, TNF-α, while increased T levels in serum of BPH rats (P < 0.05). UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis revealed 10 flavonoids as the key constituents of this fraction, which accounted for 54.96% of all substance of Fr. B. The relative contents of compound 1, 2 are 11.1%, 13% in Fr. B respectively.

Conclusions

These results indicated that the Fr. B obtained from P. utilis alleviated the symptoms of BPH rats through multiple mechanisms including reduction of DHT/E2 ratio, inhibition of growth factor, anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation, in which flavonoids might be the key constituents. It supported the hypothesis that the Fr. B should be further explored as a candidate for BPH patients.

Effect of testosterone replacement therapy and mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) on biochemical, functional and redox parameters of saliva in orchiectomized rats

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and mate tea (MT) [Ilex paraguariensis] on biochemical, functional, and redox parameters of saliva in orchiectomized rats (ORX) DESIGN: Sixty young adult male Wistar rats (3 months old) were either castrated bilaterally or underwent fictitious surgery (SHAM) and were distributed into 5 groups: SHAM, ORX, TU (castrated rats that received a single intramuscular injection of testosterone undecanoate 100 mg/kg), MT (castrated rats that received MT 20 mg/kg, via intragastric gavage, daily), and TU + MT. All treatments started 4 weeks after castration (4 months old) and lasted 4 weeks (5 months old). At the end of treatment, pilocarpine-induced salivary secretion was collected to analyze salivary flow rate (SFR) and biochemistry composition through determination of total protein (TP), amylase (AMY), electrolyte, and biomarkers of oxidative stress.

RESULTS

ORX increased SFR, salivary buffering capacity, calcium, phosphate, chloride, total antioxidant capacity, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), and carbonyl protein, reduced TP and AMY activity, and did not change pH, sodium, and potassium compared to SHAM. TU and TU+MT restored all salivary parameters to values of SHAM, while only TBARs and AMY returned to SHAM levels in the MT group.

CONCLUSIONS

TRT with long-acting TU restored the biochemical, functional, and redox parameters of saliva in orchiectomized rats. Although MT did not have a TRT-like effect on salivary gland function, the more effective reduction in lipid oxidative damage in the MT and TU + MT groups could be considered as adjuvant to alleviate the salivary oxidative stress induced by orchiectomy.

Swertianolin ameliorates immune dysfunction in sepsis <em>via</em> blocking the immunosuppressive function of myeloid- derived suppressor cells

In this study, we studied the long-term proliferation trajectory of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in murine sepsis model and investigated whether swertianolin could modulate the immunosuppressive function of MDSCs. A murine sepsis model was established by cecal ligation and perforation (CLP), according to the Minimum Quality Threshold in Pre-Clinical Sepsis Studies (MQTiPSS) guidelines. The bone marrow and spleen of the mice were collected at 24 h, 72 h, 7 and 15 d after sepsis induction. The proportions of monocytic-MDSCs (M-MDSCs; CD11b+LY6G-LY6Chi) and granulocytic-MDSCs (G-MDSC, CD11b+ Ly6G+ Ly6Clow) were analyzed by flow cytometry. Then, we have investigated whether swertianolin could modulate the immunosuppressive function of MDSCs in in vitro experiments. G-MDSCs and M-MDSCs increased acutely after sepsis with high levels sustained over a long period of time. G-MDSCs were the main subtype identified in the murine model of sepsis with polymicrobial peritonitis. Furthermore, it was found that swertianolin reduced significantly interleukin-10 (IL-10), nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and arginase production in MDSCs, while reducing MDSC proliferation and promoting MDSC differentiation into dendritic cells. Swertianolin also improved T-cell activity by blocking the immunosuppressive effect of MDSCs. Both subsets of MDSCs significantly increased in the bone marrow and spleen of the mice with sepsis, with G-MDSCs being the main subtype identified. Swertianolin effectively regulated the functions of MDSCs and reduced immune suppression.

Diacerein ameliorates testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats: Effect on oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a serious medical condition among elderly male population. BPH pathogenesis has been linked to inflammation, cellular proliferation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Diacerein (DIA) is a FDA approved anthraquinone drug that is used to treat joint diseases such as osteoarthritis. DIA has been studied for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, yet its role in managing BPH has not been investigated. In this study, DIA administration for two weeks at 50 mg/kg in testosterone-induced BPH rats significantly reduced prostate weight and index. Moreover, prostatic biochemical and structural features in BPH rats were significantly improved upon DIA treatment. Mechanistically, DIA treatment associated prostatic anti-hyperplastic effects were linked to downregulation of Nrf-2/HO-1 axis, downregulation of inflammatory TNF-a, IL-1β, IL-6, downregulation of the cell proliferative marker PCNA and upregulation of caspase-3 levels. In addition, DIA treatment upregulated prostatic antioxidant GSH, the enzymatic SOD and CAT activities and reduced prostatic lipid peroxidation levels. Altogether, the present study provides evidence that DIA treatment might limit BPH progression via its potent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and apoptosis inducing effects.

Amelioration of testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia using febuxostat in rats: The role of VEGF/TGFβ and iNOS/COX-2

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common male disorder. Febuxostat is a non-purine, selective inhibitor of xanthine oxidase (XO), which has a strong antioxidant capacity and pleiotropic pharmacological properties. This study's objective was to explore the potential ameliorative effects of febuxostat against testosterone-induced BPH in rats. Febuxostat (10 mg/kg/day, per os [p.o.]) prevented increased prostate index levels, serum levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and testosterone levels compared to animals treated with testosterone alone, when administered for 28 days. Histological examination indicated that febuxostat dramatically ameliorated pathological changes in the prostate architecture compared to the testosterone group. Similarly, febuxostat markedly improved testosterone-induced oxidative stress by inhibiting the increase in lipid peroxide and nitrite content, and by reducing the level of depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, which significantly reduced the prostate content of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Furthermore, febuxostat significantly reduced the prostatic content, both in terms of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels, and of protein levels. Moreover, compared to the testosterone group, febuxostat's beneficial effects prevented the increase in growth factors, comprising vascular endothelial cell growth factor A (VEGF-A) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) protein levels. Its ameliorating effects were equal to those of finasteride, which is the most widely used remedy for BPH. In conclusion, this study provides novel evidence that febuxostat experimentally attenuates testosterone-induced BPH in rats, at least in part by inhibiting iNOS/COX-2 and VEGF/TGF-β pathways.

Lycium chinense Mill improves hypogonadism via anti-oxidative stress and anti-apoptotic effect in old aged rat model

Purpose: To evaluate the pharmacological effects of goji berry (Lycium chinense P. Mill) in an animal model of late-onset hypogonadism (LOH).Materials and methods: Thirty 18-month-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used as the LOH aged rat model. Rats were divided into five groups: a control group (n = 6), low concentration goji berry extract group (150 mg/kg/day) (n = 6), high concentration goji berry extract group (300 mg/kg/day) (n = 6), low concentration goji berry complex extract group (150 mg/kg/day) (n = 6), and high goji berry complex concentration extract group (300 mg/kg/day) (n = 6). After six weeks of treatment, sperm counts and motility, serum testosterone level, androgen receptor (AR) expression, oxidative stress marker, and apoptotic factors were examined.Results: Goji berry extracts increased testosterone level to 2.07 ± 0.06 pmol/L in the goji berry 150 mg/kg group, 2.39 ± 0.08 pmol/L in the goji berry 300 mg/kg group, 2.97 ± 0.03 pmol/L in the goji berry complex 150 mg/kg group, and 3.34 ± 0.04 pmol/L in the goji berry complex 300 mg/kg group compared to 1.86 ± 0.03 pmol/L in the control group, respectively (p < .05). AR expressions were increased in testis tissue significantly but were not significant in prostate tissue.Conclusions: Goji berry might improve LOH by reversing testicular dysfunction via an anti-oxidative stress mechanism without inducing prostate disease.

Swertiamarin suppresses proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells <em>via</em> negative regulation of FRAT1

Studies have shown that swertiamarin (STM) has multiple biological activities, but its anti-tumour effects and molecular mechanisms are still unclear. The present research aimed to validate the STM's impacts on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, and to study its potential mechanism. Two HCC cell lines were treated with STM. Tumour growth was observed by the mouse tumour xenografts model. HCC cell lines stably expressing T-cell lymphomas 1 (FRAT1) were generated by lentivirusmediated overexpression. Cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion were observed using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), the xCELLigence Real-Time Cell Analyzer system (RTCA), and transwell analysis, respectively. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to observe the expression of FRAT1 and proteins related to the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. Tumour growth was inhibited by STM in vivo. STM suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells. STM negatively regulated FRAT1 expression, whereas overexpressed FRAT1 blocked the anti-tumour function of STM. The results revealed that STM suppressed the FRAT1/Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. The findings of this study provide new insights into investigation of therapeutic strategies against HCC.

Insulin exacerbated high glucose-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in prostatic epithelial cells BPH-1 and prostate cancer cells PC-3 via MEK/ERK signaling pathway

As two most common progressive diseases of aging, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were all characterized by endocrine and metabolic disorders. Here, our clinical study showed that there were significant differences in fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FINS), insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and prostate volume (PV) between simple BPH patients and BPH complicated with T2DM patients. Further analysis showed that HOMA-IR was positively correlated with PV in BPH complicated with T2DM patients. The in vitro experiment results showed that high glucose (HG) promoted EMT process in a glucose-dependent manner in human prostate hyperplasia cells (BPH-1) and prostate cancer cells (PC-3), and this pathological process was exacerbated by co-culture with insulin. Mechanistically, insulin-induced exacerbation of EMT was depended on the activation of MEK/ERK signaling pathway, and we suggested that insulin and its analogs should be used very carefully for the clinical antihyperglycemic treatment of BPH complicated with T2DM patients.

Investigation of a Medical Plant for Hepatic Diseases with Secoiridoids Using HPLC and FT-IR Spectroscopy for a Case of Gentiana rigescens

Secoiridoids could be used as a potential new drug for the treatment of hepatic disease. The content of secoiridoids of G. rigescens varied in different geographical origins and parts. In this study, a total of 783 samples collected from different parts of G. rigescens in Yunnan, Sichuan, and Guizhou Provinces. The content of secoiridoids including gentiopicroside, swertiamarin, and sweroside were determined by using HPLC and analyzed by one-way analysis of variance. Two selected variables including direct selected and variable importance in projection combined with partial least squares regression have been used to establish a method for the determination of secoiridoids using FT-IR spectroscopy. In addition, different pretreatments including multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), standard normal variate (SNV), first derivative and second derivative (SD), and orthogonal signal correction (OSC) were compared. The results indicated that the sample (root, stem, and leaf) with total secoiridoids, gentiopicroside, swertiamarin, and sweroside from west Yunnan had higher content than samples from the other regions. The sample from Baoshan had more total secoiridoids than other samples for the whole medicinal plant. The best performance using FT-IR for the total secoiridoid was with the direct selected variable method involving pretreatment of MSC+OSC+SD in the root and stem, while in leaf, of the best method involved using original data with MSC+OSC+SD. This method could be used to determine the bioactive compounds quickly for herbal medicines.

Chronic inflammation promotes proliferation in the prostatic stroma in rats with experimental autoimmune prostatitis: study for a novel method of inducing benign prostatic hyperplasia in a rat model

Objective

Inflammation plays an important role in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The aim of the present study was to reference the study of the pathological changes in the prostate gland of rats with experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP), for the development of experimental models of BPH.

Methods

Experimental autoimmune prostatitis was induced in rats by the intradermal injection of rat prostate antigen with immunoadjuvants. In case of the positive BPH group, BPH was induced by the subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate. At the end of the 45-day model period, prostate weights were measured, and the histopathological analysis of the prostate glands was performed. The levels of cytokines, TGF-β1/RhoA/ROCK signals, and the oxidative stress status were also examined.

Results

Rats from the EAP group had a higher histological score than those from the control group. Compared to the samples from rats in the hormone-induced group, those from the EAP group showed a more pronounced increase in the size of the stromal compartment; this was characterized by the formation of reactive stroma and the deposition of a greater amount of extracellular matrix (ECM). Significant increases in the numbers of CD3-positive cells and CD68-positive cells, as well as a significant upregulation in the cytokine levels, and an increase in the TGF-β1 levels and activation of RhoA/ROCK signaling, were observed in the samples from rats in the EAP group.

Conclusion

Chronic inflammation can induce BPH in rats via EAP model method. When performing drug experiments on the stroma compartments of BPH, the use of the EAP model is a recommendation of the authors based on this study.

The anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative and anti-fibrosis properties of swertiamarin in cigarette smoke exposure-induced prostate dysfunction in rats

Chronic cigarette smoke (CS) exposure induces prostate deficits. We previously found that swertiamarin had prostatic protective potential. This study was to investigate the possible protective effect of swertiamarin against CS-induced prostate dysfunction on human prostate epithelial cells, stromal cells and rats. Rat prostate collagen deposition and fibrosis were assessed by sirius red staining and measuring hydroxyproline content, as well as by qPCR and western blot analysis for fibrotic extracellular matrix components. Prostatic levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory-related factors were also analyzed. In order to explore its underling mechanisms, the activities of Hedgehog signaling pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of human prostate cells and rat prostate tissue were estimated. It was found that swertiamarin ameliorated CS-induced prostatic collagen deposition, relieved oxidative stress and local inflammation, inhibited the activation of Hedgehog signaling pathway and attenuated epithelial-mesenchymal transition. It indicated that swertiamarin could ameliorate CS-induced prostatic fibrosis by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition and Hedgehog pathway.

Cucurbitacin E glucoside from Citrullus colocynthis inhibits testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in mice

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disorder in men aged over 60 years and significantly contributes to the distressing lower urinary tract symptoms. Cucurbitacins are triterpene derivatives with diverse medicinal uses including prostate diseases. Cucurbitacin E glucoside was evaluated against testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia in mice. Our data indicate that it significantly inhibited the increase in prostate weight and prostate index. The compound ameliorated histopathological changes in prostatic architecture and inhibited the increase in glandular epithelial length induced by testosterone. These results were confirmed by decreased expression of cyclin D1 in prostatic tissues compared to those obtained from the testosterone-alone group. Also, it showed significant antioxidant activity as evidenced by inhibiting lipid peroxides accumulation, glutathione depletion and superoxide exhaustion. Further, it exhibited anti-inflammatory activity as it decreased cyclooxygenase-2 and interleukin-1β protein expression in prostatic tissues. Masson's trichrome staining of prostate sections indicated obvious antifibrotic activity that was supported by decreased α-smooth muscle actin expression. In conclusion, Cucurbitacin E glucoside inhibits testosterone-induced experimental BPH in mice due to, at least partly, its antiproliferative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic effects.

Evaluation of the therapeutic effect against benign prostatic hyperplasia and the active constituents from Epilobium angustifolium L

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Plants of Epilobium angustifolium are popular in China to treatment of traumatic injury, subduing inflammation and menstrual disorders. In European, the preparations or extracts containing E. angustifolium are popular to treat prostate diseases. Recent research suggested that E. angustifolium showed therapeutic effects in early stage of BPH, inflammation of urethra and prostate, as well as micturition problems. And the related researches were focus on aqueous extract and its main constituent of oenothein B.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect against BPH of the ethyl acetate extracts (EAE) and n-butanol extracts (BUE) from E. angustifolium and to chemical investigation of the active constituents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The in vitro anti-BPH activity was assessed by determining the benign prostatic hyperplasia epithelial-1 (BPH-1) cell viability using MTT assay as well as suppressing of prostate specific antigen (PSA) secretion in prostate epithelial cancer hormone-dependent (LNCaP) cells measured by ELISA method. The in vivo anti-BPH was evaluated by testosterone propionate induced BPH SD rats. After oral administration of BUE at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg B.W. for 28 days, the prostate weight and index, plasma androgen level, histopathological alteration, oxidative and inflammatory-related factors in prostate were assessed. Phytochemical investigation on active extracts was carried by chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. Anti-BPH activities of the isolates were evaluated in vitro.

RESULTS

BUE and EAE from E. angustifolium exhibited significant anti-BPH effect in vitro. Further in vivo study demonstrated that BUE exhibited therapeutic effects against TP-induced BPH in SD rats via down-regulating of the androgen level, suppressing the expression of NF-κB and eventually alleviating the inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. Phytochemical research on BUE and EAE extracts led to the isolation and identification of 50 compounds. In vitro anti-BPH screening revealed that 26 compounds exhibited anti-proliferation in BHP-1 cell and 36 compounds showed PSA inhibition in LNCap cell, in which 7 compounds exhibited very significant anti-BPH activities in both two cell lines (P < 0.01), 5 compounds with extremely significant activities in one of the cell lines (P < 0.001), and compound 25 exhibited the most potent anti-BPH activity (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

E. angustifolium exhibited the therapeutic potential against BPH, and its active compounds may be used as candidate for treatment of BPH.

Effect of Korean Herbal Formula (Modified Ojayeonjonghwan) on Androgen Receptor Expression in an Aging Rat Model of Late Onset Hypogonadism

Purpose

Testosterone replacement therapy is an effective treatment for late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) despite a few contraindications and side-effects. The aim of this study was to determine whether modified Ojayeonjonghwan (KH-204, Korean herbal formula) improved LOH. KH-204 is a strong antioxidant herbal formula. We evaluated the effect of Korean herbal prescription on androgen receptor (AR) expression in an aged rat model of LOH.

Materials and Methods

Eighteen-month-old rats were used as aged LOH rat models. Eighteen Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three equal groups of six animals each and treated with one of the following: 1) normal control group (oral administration with distilled water, n=6), 2) KH-204 200 group (oral administration with 200 mg/kg of KH-204, n=6), and 3) KH-204 400 group (oral administration with 400 mg/kg of KH-204, n=6). After four weeks of treatment (once daily, distilled water or KH-204), serum testosterone levels, changes in testicular and epididymal weight, Western blotting analysis of AR expression and measurement of oxidative stress were examined.

Results

Treatment with the herbal formulation KH-204 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg (1) increased the weights of testis and epididymis; (2) increased the level of serum testosterone; (3) increased the level of superoxide dismutase and reduced the level of 8-hydroxy-20-deoxyguanosine; and (4) upregulated AR expression in testicular tissue.

Conclusions

KH-204 might be an effective alternative for LOH. It improves antioxidant mechanisms and increases testicular AR expression without side-effects.

Anti-Proliferative Effects of HBX-5 on Progression of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an age-dependent disorder with a prevalence percentage of 60% in the 60s, has been found to involve an androgenic hormone imbalance that causes confusion between cell apoptosis and proliferation. Because general medications for BPH treatment have undesirable side effects, the development of effective alternative medicines has been considered. HBX-5 is a newly developed formula with the aim of improving BPH, and is composed of nine medicinal herbs. BPH was induced in the rats by intramuscular injection of testosterone propionate after castration. Rats were divided into six groups, and the efficacy of HBX-5 on testosterone-induced BPH in rats was estimated. In addition, RWPE-1 and WPMY-1 cells were used to demonstrate the effect of HBX-5 on BPH in vitro model. Compared with the control group, HBX-5 administration group suppressed BPH manifestations, such as excessive development of prostate, and increase of serum dihydrotestosterone and 5α-reductase concentrations. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that HBX-5 significantly decreased the expression of androgen receptor (AR) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). In addition, results of RWPE-1 and WPMY-1 cells showed that HBX-5 inhibited the over-expression of AR and PSA in DHT-induced prostate hyperplastic microenvironments.

Potential ameliorative effects of epigallocatechin‑3‑gallate against testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia and fibrosis in rats

Green tea is among the most popular beverages in the world and is an important source of phytoestrogens. Epigallocatechin‑3‑gallate (EGCG) is the major polyphenol in green tea. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) activity and underling mechanisms of EGCG in testosterone-induced BPH rats and in BPH-1 cells. Prostatic levels of oxidative stress and inflammation makers, as well as angiogenesis related growth factors were measured. Additionally, the prostatic levels of sex hormonal mediators (androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor (ER)-α and ER-β), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), type I TGF-β receptor (TGF-βRI), Smad3, phosphorylation-Smad3 (p-Smad3), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers (E-cadherin, collagen-I, fibronectin and α-SMA) and microRNA (miR)-133a/b were analyzed by immunohistochemistry assay, western blot and/or quantitative RT-PCR. It was observed that EGCG attenuated the prostatic oxidative stress and inflammatory microenvironment, ameliorated prostatic hyperplasia and collagen deposition, reduced the levels of angiogenesis related growth factors, inhibited the over-expression of AR, ER-α, HIF-1α, TGF-β1, TGF-βRI and p-Smad3, enhanced the expression of ER-β, increased the levels of miR-133a/b, as well as relieved prostatic EMT in rats. Both HIF-1α inhibitor and EGCG decreased the expression of HIF-1α and TGF-β1, as well as attenuated EMT in BPH-1 cells. It indicated that EGCG could attenuate testosterone-induced BPH and fibrosis.

2-Methoxyestradiol Attenuates Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostate Hyperplasia in Rats through Inhibition of HIF-1α/TGF-β/Smad2 Axis

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disorder in the male population. 2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME) is an end metabolite of estrogens with pleiotropic pharmacological properties. This study aimed to explore the potential ameliorative effects of 2ME against testosterone-induced BPH in rats. 2-Methoxyestradiol (50 and 100 mg/kg, dissolved in DMSO) prevented the rise in prostatic index and weight in comparison to testosterone-alone-treated animals for 2 weeks. Histological examination indicated that 2ME ameliorated pathological changes in prostate architecture. This was confirmed by the ability of 2ME to decrease the glandular epithelial height when compared to the testosterone group. Also, 2ME improved testosterone-induced oxidative stress as it inhibited the rise in lipid peroxide content and the exhaustion of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The beneficial effects of 2ME against the development of BPH were substantiated by assessing proliferation markers, preventing the rise in cyclin D1 protein expression and enhancing Bax/Bcl2 mRNA ratio. It significantly reduced prostate content of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). In addition, 2ME reduced hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α (HIF-1α) and phospho-Smad2 (p-Smad2) protein expression compared to the testosterone group. In conclusion, 2ME attenuates experimentally induced BPH by testosterone in rats through, at least partly, inhibition of HIF-1α/TGF-β/Smad2 axis.

N-Butanol and Aqueous Fractions of Red Maca Methanolic Extract Exerts Opposite Effects on Androgen and Oestrogens Receptors (Alpha and Beta) in Rats with Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) affects, worldwide, 50% of 60-year-old men. The Peruvian plant red maca (Lepidium meyenii) inhibits BPH in rodents. This study aimed to determine the effects of methanolic red maca extract and its n-butanol and aqueous fractions on expression of androgen and oestrogen receptors in rats with testosterone enanthate-induced BPH. Thirty-six rats in six groups were studied. Control group received 2 mL of vehicle orally and 0.1 mL of propylene glycol intramuscularly. The second group received vehicle orally and testosterone enanthate (TE) (25 mg/0.1 mL) intramuscularly in days 1 and 7. The other four groups were BPH-induced with TE and received, during 21 days, 3.78 mg/mL of finasteride, 18.3 mg/mL methanol extract of red maca, 2 mg/mL of n-butanol fraction, or 16.3 mg/mL of aqueous fraction from red maca. Treatments with red maca extract and its n-butanol but not aqueous fraction reduced prostate weight similar to finasteride. All maca treated groups restored the expression of ERβ, but only the aqueous fraction increased androgen receptors and ERα. In conclusion, butanol fraction of red maca reduced prostate size in BPH by restoring expression of ERβ without affecting androgen receptors and ERα. This effect was not observed with aqueous fraction of methanolic extract of red maca.

Corn silk extract improves benign prostatic hyperplasia in experimental rat model

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of a corn silk extract on improving benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

MATERIALS/METHODS

The experimental animals, 6-week-old male Wistar rats, were divided into sham-operated control (Sham) and experimental groups. The experimental group, which underwent orchiectomy and received subcutaneous injection of 10 mg/kg of testosterone propionate to induce BPH, was divided into a Testo Only group that received only testosterone, a Testo+Fina group that received testosterone and 5 mg/kg finasteride, a Testo+CSE10 group that received testosterone and 10 mg/kg of corn silk extract, and a Testo+CSE100 group that received testosterone and 100 mg/kg of corn silk extract. Prostate weight and concentrations of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), 5α-reductase 2 (5α-R2), and prostate specific antigen (PSA) in serum or prostate tissue were determined. The mRNA expressions of 5α-R2 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in prostate tissue were also measured.

RESULTS

Compared to the Sham group, prostate weight was significantly higher in the Testo Only group and decreased significantly in the Testo+Fina, Testo+CSE10, and Testo+CSE100 groups (P < 0.05), results that were consistent with those for serum DHT concentrations. The concentrations of 5α-R2 in serum and prostate as well as the mRNA expression of 5α-R2 in prostate were significantly lower in the Testo+Fina, Testo+CSE10, and Testo+CSE100 groups than that in the Testo Only group (P < 0.05). Similarly, the concentrations of PSA in serum and prostate were significantly lower in the Testo+Fina, Testo+CSE10, and Testo+CSE100 groups (P < 0.05) than in the Testo Only group. The mRNA expression of PCNA in prostate dose-independently decreased in the Testo+CSE-treated groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

BPH was induced through injection of testosterone, and corn silk extract treatment improved BPH symptoms by inhibiting the mRNA expression of 5α-R2 and decreasing the amount of 5α-R2, DHT, and PSA in serum and prostate tissue.

Genomic and non-genomic effects of androgens in the cardiovascular system: clinical implications

The principle steroidal androgens are testosterone and its metabolite 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is converted from testosterone by the enzyme 5α-reductase. Through the classic pathway with androgens crossing the plasma membrane and binding to the androgen receptor (AR) or via mechanisms independent of the ligand-dependent transactivation function of nuclear receptors, testosterone induces genomic and non-genomic effects respectively. AR is widely distributed in several tissues, including vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Androgens are essential for many developmental and physiological processes, especially in male reproductive tissues. It is now clear that androgens have multiple actions besides sex differentiation and sexual maturation and that many physiological systems are influenced by androgens, including regulation of cardiovascular function [nitric oxide (NO) release, Ca²⁺ mobilization, vascular apoptosis, hypertrophy, calcification, senescence and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation]. This review focuses on evidence indicating that interplay between genomic and non-genomic actions of testosterone may influence cardiovascular function.

Potential ameliorative effects of grape seed-derived polyphenols against cadmium induced prostatic deficits

Grape (Vitis vinifera) is consumed as fruit and wine for people. In this study, rat model of prostatic deficits was induced by orally receiving 60mg/L cadmium chlorine (CdCl₂) through drinking water for 20 weeks. Grape seed-derived polyphenols extract (GSP) was orally given for 20 weeks. Finally, the prostatic levels of E-cadherin, fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin were measured by immunohistochemical and qPCR analysis. The oxidative stress was measured by detecting the levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione and enzymatic antioxidant status. Additionally, the prostatic expressions of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), type I TGF-β receptor (TGF-βRI), Smad3, phosphorylation-Smad3 (p-Smad3), Smad7, nuclear related factor-2 (Nrf-2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and γ-glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (γ-GCLC) were measured by western blot. The levels of microRNA (miR)-133a/b were measured by qPCR. It was observed that GSP ameliorated the prostatic oxidative stress and fibrosis induced by CdCl₂. GSP also inhibited the over-generation of TGF-β1 and p-Smad3, as well as enhanced the levels of Smad7, Nrf-2, HO-1, γ-GCLC and miR-133a/b. These results showed that GSP could attenuate Cd-induced prostatic deficits.