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Xi Y, Feng Z, Xia T, Hong Y, Wu J, Chen J, Ge Y, Xiao H. Caveolin-1 scaffolding domain-derived peptide enhances erectile function by regulating oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells in rats with cavernous nerve injury. Life Sci 2024; 348:122694. [PMID: 38718855 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
AIM Increased corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) apoptosis in the penis due to cavernous nerve injury (CNI) is a crucial contributor to erectile dysfunction (ED). Caveolin-1 scaffolding domain (CSD)-derived peptide has been found to exert potential antiapoptotic properties. However, whether CSD peptide can alleviate CCSMCs apoptosis and ED in CNI rats remains unknown. The study aimed to determine whether CSD peptide can improve bilateral CNI-induced ED (BCNI-ED) by enhancing the antiapoptotic processes of CCSMCs. MAIN METHODS Fifteen 10-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly classified into three groups: sham surgery (Sham) group and BCNI groups that underwent saline or CSD peptide treatment respectively. At 3 weeks postoperatively, erectile function was assessed and the penis tissue was histologically examined. Furthermore, an in vitro model of CCSMCs apoptosis was established using transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) to investigate the mechanism of CSD peptide in treating BCNI-ED. KEY FINDINGS In BCNI rats, CSD peptide significantly prevented ED and decreased oxidative stress, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and the levels of caspase3. TGF-β1-treated CCSMCs exhibited severe oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis. However, CSD peptide partially reversed these alterations. SIGNIFICANCE Exogenous CSD peptide could improve BCNI-ED by inhibiting oxidative stress, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and caspase3 expression in penile tissue. The underlying mechanism might involve the regulatory effects of CSD peptide on oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis of CCSMCs following CNI. This study highlights CSD peptide as an effective therapy for post-radical prostatectomy ED (pRP-ED).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Xi
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, China
| | - Zejia Feng
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, China
| | - Tian Xia
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, China
| | - Yude Hong
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, China
| | - Jianjie Wu
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, China
| | - Jialiang Chen
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, China
| | - Yunlong Ge
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, China; Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230000, China.
| | - Hengjun Xiao
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, China.
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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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Ilg MM, Stafford SJ, Mateus M, Bustin SA, Carpenter MJ, Muneer A, Bivalacqua TJ, Ralph DJ, Cellek S. Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors and Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators Can Prevent But Not Reverse Myofibroblast Transformation in Peyronie's Disease. J Sex Med 2020; 17:1848-1864. [PMID: 32771352 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myofibroblast transformation is a key step in the pathogenesis of Peyronie's disease (PD). Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5is) and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) can prevent the formation of fibrosis in in vitro and in vivo models of PD. However, it is unknown whether these drugs can also reverse established fibrosis. AIM To investigate whether PDE5is and SERMs can reverse transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)-induced myofibroblast transformation and determine the point of no return. METHODS In-Cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast transformation of human primary fibroblasts isolated from tunica albuginea (TA) of patients undergoing surgery for treatment of PD. Extracellular matrix production and collagen contraction assays were used as secondary assays. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and In-Cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to measure drug target expression. PDE5i (vardenafil) and SERM (tamoxifen) were applied at various time points after TGF-β1. OUTCOMES Reversibility of myofibroblast transformation and drug target expression were investigated in a time-dependent manner in TA-derived fibroblasts. RESULTS Vardenafil or tamoxifen could not reverse the myofibroblast traits of alpha-smooth muscle actin expression and extracellular matrix production, whereas only tamoxifen affected collagen contraction after 72 hours of TGF-β1 treatment. Phosphodiesterase 5A and estrogen receptor (ER)-β were downregulated after 72 hours, and estrogen receptor -α protein could not be quantified. Tamoxifen could prevent myofibroblast transformation until 36 hours after TGF-β1 treatment, whereas vardenafil could prevent only 24 hours after TGF-β1 treatment. This was mirrored by downregulation of drug targets on mRNA and protein level. Furthermore, antifibrotic signaling pathways, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and betaglycan (TGFB receptor III), were significantly downregulated after 36 hours of TGF-β1 exposure, as opposed to upregulation of profibrotic thrombospondin-1 at the same time point. CLINICAL TRANSLATION This study suggests that using PDE5is and SERMs might only help for early-phase PD and further highlights the need to test drugs at the appropriate stage of the disease based on their mechanism of action. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS The study uses primary human TA-derived fibroblasts that enhances translatability of the results. Limitations include that only 1 example of PDE5i- and SERM-type drug was tested. Time course experiments were only performed for marker expression experiments and not for functional assays. CONCLUSION This is the first study to demonstrate that timing for administration of drugs affecting myofibroblast transformation appears to be vital in in vitro models of PD, where 36 hours of TGF-β1 treatment can be suggested as a "point of no return" for myofibroblast transformation. Ilg MM, Stafford SJ, Mateus M, et al. Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors and Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators Can Prevent But Not Reverse Myofibroblast Transformation in Peyronie's Disease. J Sex Med 2020;17:1848-1864.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus M Ilg
- Medical Technology Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, Essex, UK.
| | - Simon J Stafford
- Medical Technology Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, Essex, UK
| | - Marta Mateus
- Medical Technology Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, Essex, UK
| | - Stephen A Bustin
- Medical Technology Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, Essex, UK
| | - Michael J Carpenter
- Medical Technology Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, Essex, UK
| | - Asif Muneer
- Department of Urology, University College London, London, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Trinity J Bivalacqua
- James Buchanan Brady Urologic Institute, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David J Ralph
- Department of Urology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Selim Cellek
- Medical Technology Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, Essex, UK
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Human Tissue Kallikrein 1 Improves Erectile Dysfunction of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats by Inhibition of Excessive Oxidative Stress and Activation of the PI3K/AKT/eNOS Pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:6834236. [PMID: 32190176 PMCID: PMC7066404 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6834236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of human tissue kallikrein 1 (hKLK1) on type 1 diabetes mellitus- (DM-) induced erectile dysfunction in rats. Materials and Methods. The homozygous transgenic rats (TGR) harboring the hKLK1 gene and age-matched wild-type Sprague Dawley rats (WTR) were involved, and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin was utilized to induce diabetes in rats. Forty-eight-week-old male rats were randomly divided into a WTR group, TGR group, diabetic WTR group (WTDM), diabetic TGR group (TGDM), and TGDM with HOE140 group (TGDMH), with eight rats in each group. Twelve weeks later, the erectile response of all rats was detected by cavernous nerve electric stimulation, and corpus cavernosums were harvested to evaluate the levels of cavernous oxidative stress (OS), apoptosis, fibrosis, and involved pathways. Moreover, cavernous smooth muscle cells (CSMC) and endothelial cells (EC) were primarily isolated to build a coculture system for a series of in vitro verification. Results The hKLK1 gene and age-matched wild-type Sprague Dawley rats (WTR) were involved, and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin was utilized to induce diabetes in rats. Forty-eight-week-old male rats were randomly divided into a WTR group, TGR group, diabetic WTR group (WTDM), diabetic TGR group (TGDM), and TGDM with HOE140 group (TGDMH), with eight rats in each group. Twelve weeks later, the erectile response of all rats was detected by cavernous nerve electric stimulation, and corpus cavernosums were harvested to evaluate the levels of cavernous oxidative stress (OS), apoptosis, fibrosis, and involved pathways. Moreover, cavernous smooth muscle cells (CSMC) and endothelial cells (EC) were primarily isolated to build a coculture system for a series of Conclusions hKLK1 preserves erectile function of DM rats through its antitissue excessive OS, apoptosis, and fibrosis effects, as well as activation of the PI3K/AKT/eNOS/cGMP pathway in the penis. Moreover, hKLK1 promotes relaxation and prevents high glucose-induced injuries of CSMC mediated by EC-CSMC crosstalk.
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Effects of Vitamin D Restricted Diet Administered during Perinatal and Postnatal Periods on the Penis of Wistar Rats. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:6030646. [PMID: 29850540 PMCID: PMC5937572 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6030646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency is common in pregnant women and infants. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin D restricted diet on the Wistar rats offspring penis morphology. Mother rats received either standard diet (SC) or vitamin D restricted (VitD) diet. At birth, offspring were divided into SC/SC (from SC mothers, fed with SC diet) and VitD/VitD (from VitD mothers, fed with VitD diet). After euthanasia the penises were processed for histomorphometric analysis. The VitD/VitD offspring displayed metabolic changes and reduction in the cross-sectional area of the penis, corpus cavernosum, tunica albuginea, and increased area of the corpus spongiosum. The connective tissue, smooth muscle, and cell proliferation percentages were greater in the corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum in the VitD/VitD offspring. The percentages of sinusoidal spaces and elastic fibers in the corpus cavernosum decreased. The elastic fibers in the tunica albuginea of the corpus spongiosum in the VitD/VitD offspring were reduced. Vitamin D restriction during perinatal and postnatal periods induced metabolic and structural changes and represented important risk factors for erectile dysfunction in the penis of the adult offspring. These findings suggest that vitamin D is an important micronutrient in maintaining the cytoarchitecture of the penis.
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Kutlu O, Karaguzel E, Okatan AE, Mentese A, Yulug E, Kazaz IO, Kutlu S, Dil E, Eren H, Alver A. Dipyridamole reduces penile apoptosis in a rat model of post-prostatectomy erectile dysfunction. Int Braz J Urol 2017; 43:966-973. [PMID: 28727374 PMCID: PMC5678531 DOI: 10.1590/s1677-5538.ibju.2017.0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Despite the nerve-sparing technique, many patients suffer from erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy (RP) due to cavernous nerve injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate dipyridamole as a potential treatment agent of post-radical prostatectomy erectile dysfunction. Material and methods: A total of 18 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three experimental Groups (SHAM+DMSO, BCNI+DMSO and BCNI+DIP). An animal model of bilateral cavernous nerve crush injury (BCNI) was established to mimic the partial nerve damage during nerve-sparing RP. After creating of BCNI, dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) was administered transperitoneally as a vehicle to SHAM+DMSO and BCNI+DMSO Groups. BCNI+DIP Group received dipyiridamole (10mg/kg/day) as a solution in DMSO for 15 days. Afterwards, rats were evaluated for in vivo erectile response to cavernous nerve stimulation. Penile tissues were also analyzed biochemically for transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) level. Penile corporal apoptosis was determined by TUNEL method. Results: Erectile response was decreased in rats with BCNI and there was no significant improvement with dipyridamole treatment. TGF-β1 levels were increased in rats with BCNI and decreased with dipyridamole treatment. Dipyridamole led to reduced penile apoptosis in rats with BCNI and there was no significant difference when compared to sham operated rats. Conclusions: Although fifteen-day dipyridamole treatment has failed to improve erectile function in rats with BCNI, the decline in both TGF-β1 levels and apoptotic indices with treatment may be helpful in protecting penile morphology after cavernous nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Kutlu
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.,Department of Urology School of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Ersagun Karaguzel
- Department of Urology School of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Ali Ertan Okatan
- Department of Urology School of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Mentese
- Program of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Vocational School of Health Sciences. Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Esin Yulug
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Ilke Onur Kazaz
- Department of Urology School of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Selcuk Kutlu
- Department of Urology, Aydin State Hospital, Aydin, Turkey
| | - Eyup Dil
- Department of Urology School of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Eren
- Department of Urology School of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Alver
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
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Luan Y, Ruan Y, Wang T, Zhuan L, Wen Z, Chen R, Zhang Y, Cui K, Yang J, Wang S, Liu J, Ye Z, Wang D. Preserved Erectile Function in the Aged Transgenic Rat Harboring Human Tissue Kallikrein 1. J Sex Med 2017; 13:1311-1322. [PMID: 27555503 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human tissue kallikrein 1 (hKLK1) has enormous potential for the protection of vasodilation and endothelial function in the cardiovascular system. Our previous study proved the decreased expression of kallikrein 1 in the corpus cavernosum (CC) of aged rats, but the role of kallikrein 1 in age-related erectile dysfunction remains unknown. AIM To explore the effect and underlying mechanisms of hKLK1 on age-related erectile dysfunction. METHODS Male wild-type Sprague-Dawley rats (WTR) and transgenic rats harboring the hKLK1 gene (TGR) were fed to 4 and 27 months of age, respectively, and divided into four groups: young WTR (yWTR) as the control, young TGR (yTGR), aged WTR (aWTR), and aged TGR (aTGR). Rats' erectile function was evaluated by the cavernous nerve electrostimulation method. Then, CCs were collected for verification of hKLK1 followed by measurement of nitric oxide (NO)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and RhoA-Rho-kinase (ROCK) signaling activities. Masson trichrome staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase 2'-deoxyuridine 5'-triphosphate nick end labeling assay were conducted to evaluate penile fibrosis and apoptosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Erectile response, NO-cGMP and RhoA-ROCK pathway-related indices, ratio of smooth muscle to collagen, and apoptosis index. RESULTS The hKLK1 alleviated the decrease of erectile function in the aWTR group. Endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and phospho-eNOS(Ser1177) expressions, NO synthase activity, and NO and cGMP levels were decreased, whereas phospho-eNOS(Thr495), L-type Ca(2+) channel, RhoA, ROCK1, ROCK2, and transforming growth factor β1 proteins were increased in the CCs of the aWTR group compared with the control yWTR group. These changes were obviously mitigated in the aTGR group. Moreover, hKLK1 prevented the sharp decrease of the ratio of smooth muscle to collagen and the increase of the apoptosis index in the CCs of the aWTR group. CONCLUSION These results suggest that hKLK1 could play a preventive role in age-related erectile dysfunction by activation of the NO-cGMP pathway and inhibition of the RhoA-ROCK pathway and by antitissue fibrotic and apoptotic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Luan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yajun Ruan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Li Zhuan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zheng Wen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ruibao Chen
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Kai Cui
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shaogang Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Zhangqun Ye
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Daowen Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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