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Angulo J, El Assar M, Sevilleja-Ortiz A, Fernández A, Sánchez-Ferrer A, Romero-Otero J, Martínez-Salamanca JI, La Fuente JM, Rodríguez-Mañas L. Short-term pharmacological activation of Nrf2 ameliorates vascular dysfunction in aged rats and in pathological human vasculature. A potential target for therapeutic intervention. Redox Biol 2019; 26:101271. [PMID: 31302408 PMCID: PMC6626891 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress contributes to endothelial dysfunction, a key step in cardiovascular disease development. Ageing-related vascular dysfunction involves defective antioxidant response. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-like-2 (Nrf2), orchestrates cellular response to oxidative stress. We evaluated the impact of Nrf2-activation on endothelium-dependent and H2O2-mediated vasodilations in: aorta (RA), mesenteric artery (RMA), coronary artery (RCA) and corpus cavernosum (RCC) from ageing rats and in human penile arteries (HPRA) and corpus cavernosum (HCC) from erectile dysfunction (ED) patients. Relaxant responses were evaluated in organ chambers and wire myographs. Nrf2 content and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were determined by ELISA. Superoxide and Nrf2 were detected by immunofluorescence. Pharmacological activation of Nrf2 with sulforaphane (SFN) improved NO- and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilation and H2O2-induced relaxation in vascular beds from aging rats. SFN-induced effects were associated with increased Nrf2 (RMA, RCA) and reduced superoxide detection in RCA. Improvement of vascular function was confirmed in HPRA and HCC from ED patients and mimicked by another Nrf2 activator, oltipraz. Nrf2 increase and superoxide reduction together with HO-1 increase by Nrf2 activation was evidenced in HCC from ED patients. PDE5 inhibitor-induced relaxations of HPRA and HCC from ED patients were enhanced by SFN. Nrf2 short-term pharmacological activation attenuates age-related impairment of endothelium-dependent and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced vasodilation in different rat and human vascular territories by upregulation of Nrf2-related signaling and decreased oxidative stress. In ED patients target tissues, Nrf2 potentiates the functional effect of ED conventional pharmacological therapy suggesting potential therapeutic implication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Angulo
- Servicio de Histología-Investigación, Unidad de Investigación Traslacional en Cardiología (IRYCIS-UFV), Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariam El Assar
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Fundación para la Investigación Biomédica del Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Getafe, Spain
| | - Alejandro Sevilleja-Ortiz
- Servicio de Histología-Investigación, Unidad de Investigación Traslacional en Cardiología (IRYCIS-UFV), Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Argentina Fernández
- Servicio de Histología-Investigación, Unidad de Investigación Traslacional en Cardiología (IRYCIS-UFV), Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Sánchez-Ferrer
- Fundación para la Investigación Biomédica del Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Getafe, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Leocadio Rodríguez-Mañas
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Fundación para la Investigación Biomédica del Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Getafe, Spain; Servicio de Geriatría, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Getafe, Spain.
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Bai Y, Zhang L, Jiang Y, Ju J, Li G, Xu J, Jiang X, Zhang P, Lang L, Sadkovaya O, Glybochko PV, Zhang W, Yang B. Identification and Functional Verification of MicroRNAs in the Obese Rat With Erectile Dysfunction. Sex Med 2017; 5:e261-e271. [PMID: 28970082 PMCID: PMC5693398 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2016] [Revised: 06/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obesity is a potential risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the expression of genes involved in various pathophysiologic processes. AIM To identify the miRNA profile in the corpus cavernosum (CC) of obese rats with ED and elucidate the potential function of miRNA in the pathogenesis of ED. METHODS Obesity was induced in rats by a high-fat diet. After the erectile function test, experimental animals were divided into two groups: obese rats with ED and obese rats with normal erectile function. The CCs from these rats were collected for miRNA microarray analysis. The results were verified by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Subsequently, the targets of differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted. Bioinformatics analysis was applied to predict the functions of differentially expressed miRNAs in ED. Apomorphine-induced penile erection and intracavernous pressure measurements were used to evaluate the effects of miRNA on the erectile function of rats. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES MiRNA expression in the CC of obese rats with ED and those with normal erectile function was detected by miRNA microarray analysis. Candidate miRNAs were validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Bioinformatics analysis was used to predict the functions of miRNAs. Apomorphine-induced penile erection and intracavernous pressure measurements were used to reflect the erectile function of rats. RESULTS Sixty-eight miRNAs were differentially expressed in the CC of obese rats with ED (≥1.5-fold change). The real-time polymerase chain reaction results were consistent with the miRNA microarray analysis results. Specifically, miR-328a was significantly upregulated in rats with ED compared with control rats and was chosen for functional evaluation in the pathogenesis of ED. Overexpression of miR-328a noticeably decreased the erectile response to apomorphine and the expression of heme oxygenase-1. CONCLUSION MiRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of obesity-related ED. MiR-328a might facilitate the induction of ED. Bai Y, Zhang L, Jiang Y, et al. Identification and Functional Verification of MicroRNAs in the Obese Rat With Erectile Dysfunction. Sex Med 2017;5:e261-e271.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Bai
- Department of Pharmacology, State Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine and Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China.
| | - Liangshuan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, State Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine and Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanan Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, State Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine and Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaming Ju
- North China Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Guiyang Li
- Department of Pharmacology, State Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine and Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Xu
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, State Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine and Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, State Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine and Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Linchuan Lang
- Department of Pharmacology, State Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine and Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Olga Sadkovaya
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Wei Zhang
- North China Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Baofeng Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, State Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine and Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Melbourne School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common disorders in male and is often associated with other age-related comorbidities. The aging process affects the structural organization and function of penile erectile components such as smooth muscle cell and vascular architecture. These modifications affect penile hemodynamics by impairing cavernosal smooth muscle cell relaxation, reducing penile elasticity, compliance and promoting fibrosis. This review aims to identify the mechanisms of ED in the penile aging process in experimental and clinical data. It also highlights areas that are in need of more research. The search strategies yielded total records screened from PubMed. Clarification of the molecular mechanisms that accompanies corpus cavernosum aging and aging-associated ED will aid new perspectives in the development of novel mechanism-based therapeutic approaches. Age is not a limiting factor for ED medical management, and it is never too late to treat. Hypogonadism should be managed regardless of age, and synergistic effects have been found during testosterone (T) replacement therapy when used along with oral phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. Therefore, the clinical management of ED related to aging can be done by therapeutic interventions that include PDE-5 inhibitors, and other pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ecem Kaya
- a Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology , Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University , Ankara , Turkey and
| | - Suresh C Sikka
- b Department of Urology and Pharmacology , Tulane University Health Sciences Center , New Orleans , LA , USA
| | - Philip J Kadowitz
- b Department of Urology and Pharmacology , Tulane University Health Sciences Center , New Orleans , LA , USA
| | - Serap Gur
- a Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology , Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University , Ankara , Turkey and
- b Department of Urology and Pharmacology , Tulane University Health Sciences Center , New Orleans , LA , USA
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Ultrasound up-regulates expression of heme oxygenase-1 gene in endothelial cells. J Med Ultrason (2001) 2015; 42:467-75. [DOI: 10.1007/s10396-015-0635-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abdel Aziz MT, Rezq AM, Atta HM, Fouad H, Zaahkouk AM, Ahmed HH, Sabry D, Yehia HM. Molecular signalling of a novel curcumin derivative versus Tadalafil in erectile dysfunction. Andrologia 2014; 47:616-25. [PMID: 25059462 DOI: 10.1111/and.12309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of a novel curcumin derivative (NCD) versus tadalafil in erectile signalling was assessed. Ten control male rats and 50 diabetic male rats were used and divided into the following: diabetic (DM), curcumin (CURC), NCD, tadalafil and NCD combined with tadalafil rat groups. Cavernous tissue gene expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Nrf2, NF-B and p38, enzyme activities of heme oxygenase (HO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), cGMP and intracavernosal pressure (ICP)/mean arterial pressure (MAP) were assessed. Results showed that 12 weeks after induction of diabetes, erectile dysfunction (ED) was confirmed by the significant decrease in ICP/MAP, a significant decrease in cGMP, NOS, HO enzyme activities, a significant decrease in HO-1 gene and a significant increase in NF-Ҡβ, p38 genes. Administration of all therapeutic interventions led to a significant increase in ICP/MAP, cGMP levels, a significant increase in HO-1 and NOS enzymes, a significant increase in HO-1, and Nrf2 gene expression, and a significant decrease in NF-Ҡβ, p38 gene expression. NCD or its combination with tadalafil showed significant superiority and more prolonged duration of action. In conclusion, a tendency was observed that CURC and NCD have high efficacy and more prolonged duration of action in enhancing erectile function.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Abdel Aziz
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - A M Rezq
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - H M Atta
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.,Clinical Biochemistry Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - H Fouad
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - A M Zaahkouk
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - H H Ahmed
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - D Sabry
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - H M Yehia
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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Yetik-Anacak G, Sorrentino R, Linder AE, Murat N. Gas what: NO is not the only answer to sexual function. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 172:1434-54. [PMID: 24661203 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Revised: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to get and keep an erection is important to men for several reasons and the inability is known as erectile dysfunction (ED). ED has started to be accepted as an early indicator of systemic endothelial dysfunction and subsequently of cardiovascular diseases. The role of NO in endothelial relaxation and erectile function is well accepted. The discovery of NO as a small signalling gasotransmitter led to the investigation of the role of other endogenously derived gases, carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulphide (H2 S) in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. The role of NO and CO in sexual function and dysfunction has been investigated more extensively and, recently, the involvement of H2 S in erectile function has also been confirmed. In this review, we focus on the role of these three sister gasotransmitters in the physiology, pharmacology and pathophysiology of sexual function in man, specifically erectile function. We have also reviewed the role of soluble guanylyl cyclase/cGMP pathway as a common target of these gasotransmitters. Several studies have proposed alternative therapies targeting different mechanisms in addition to PDE-5 inhibition for ED treatment, since some patients do not respond to these drugs. This review highlights complementary and possible coordinated roles for these mediators and treatments targeting these gasotransmitters in erectile function/ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Yetik-Anacak
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey
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Hakim L, Van der Aa F, Bivalacqua TJ, Hedlund P, Albersen M. Emerging tools for erectile dysfunction: a role for regenerative medicine. Nat Rev Urol 2012; 9:520-36. [PMID: 22824778 DOI: 10.1038/nrurol.2012.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common sexual disorder reported by men to their health-care providers and the most investigated male sexual dysfunction. Currently, the treatment of ED focuses on 'symptomatic relief' of ED and, therefore, tends to provide temporary relief rather than providing a cure or reversing the cause. The identification of a large population of "difficult-to-treat" patients has triggered researchers to identify novel treatment approaches, which focus on cure and restoration of the underlying cause of ED. Regenerative medicine has developed extensively in the past few decades and preclinical trials have emphasized the benefit of growth factor therapy, gene transfer, stem cells and tissue engineering for the restoration of erectile function. Development of clinical trials involving immunomodulation in postprostatectomy ED patients and the use of maxi-K channels for gene therapy are illustrative of the advances in the field. However, the search for novel treatment targets and a wealth of preclinical studies represent a dynamic and continuing field of enquiry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukman Hakim
- Laboratory of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Decaluwé K, Pauwels B, Boydens C, Van de Voorde J. Divergent molecular mechanisms underlay CO- and CORM-2-induced relaxation of corpora cavernosa. J Sex Med 2012; 9:2284-92. [PMID: 22759233 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.02831.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Similar to nitric oxide (NO), the principal mediator of penile erection, carbon monoxide (CO) possesses vasodilator capacities. However, whether CO could be a therapeutic target for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) is unexplored. The danger associated with systemic administration of CO has led to the development of CO-releasing molecules (CORMs), releasing CO in a local, safe and controlled way. These CORMs have shown positive outcomes in cardiovascular studies. More knowledge on the (patho)physiological functions of CO in erectile function and the potential therapeutic role of CORMs is required. AIM The present study aims the assessment of the effect of CO and CO donor CORM-2 on the corporal tension and the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS Organ bath studies were performed measuring isometric tension on isolated mice corpora cavernosa (CC) strips. Responses to CO (10-300 µmol/L) and CORM-2 (10-100 µmol/L) were measured in the presence/absence of activators/inhibitors of different molecular pathways. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES CO and CORM-2 relax corporal strips concentration dependently, although the molecular mechanisms behind the corporal relaxation seem to differ completely. RESULTS CO induces corporal relaxation by activating soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), increasing cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) concentrations. The molecular mechanism involved in CORM-2-induced corporal relaxation is not related to sGC activation and remains obscure. CONCLUSIONS Both CO and CORM-2 induce corporal relaxation, although the underlying molecular mechanisms show no resemblance. That CO induces corporal relaxation through a mechanism similar to that of NO could be of importance as it indirectly offers the possibility that endogenous CO might serve as a backup system for insufficient NO availability in cases of ED. Whether CORM-2 possesses the same capacity remains questionable and requires further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Decaluwé
- Department of Pharmacology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Decaluwé K, Pauwels B, Verpoest S, Van de Voorde J. New Therapeutic Targets for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction. J Sex Med 2011; 8:3271-90. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02459.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Chung E, Brock GB. Emerging and Novel Therapeutic Approaches in the Treatment of Male Erectile Dysfunction. Curr Urol Rep 2011; 12:432-43. [DOI: 10.1007/s11934-011-0216-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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11
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Wu XJ, Song B, Zhang JH, Zhou ZS, Li LK, Li XM. Effect of exogenous l-arginine and ageing on NO and ET-1 in penile tissue of rat. Andrologia 2011; 43:303-6. [PMID: 21793865 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2010.01064.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and significance of l-arginine and ageing on nitric oxide (NO)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway and ET-1 in penile tissue of rats. The different months old rats were divided into control group and experiment group randomly, the content of NO, cGMP, the changes of activity of Nitrous Oxide Systems (NOS) and the content of endothelin-1(ET-1) in penile tissue were determined. Along with ageing, NO and the activity of NOS in penile tissue increased at first and then decreased (P < 0.001). The content of cGMP reduced obviously (P < 0.001), the content of ET-1 had a tendency to increase, and the ratio of ET-1/NO increased significantly (P < 0.001 or P < 0.01). After feeding rats with l-arginine for some time, both the activity of NOS and the content of cGMP increased significantly in penile tissue (P < 0.001), while there was no obvious change in the content of ET-1. Our study shows that whether the smooth muscle cells relax or contract might be decided by the content of cGMP and value of ET-1/NO in penile tissue. l-arginine had significant effect on increasing the activity of NOS and the content of NO and cGMP, indicating that l-arginine has potential clinical value to be used in treating ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- X-J Wu
- Institute of Urinary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Harraz A, Shindel AW, Lue TF. Emerging gene and stem cell therapies for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Nat Rev Urol 2010; 7:143-52. [PMID: 20157303 DOI: 10.1038/nrurol.2010.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction is a prevalent condition that leads to significant morbidity and distress, not just for affected men but also for their partners. Very few currently available treatments ameliorate the underlying causes of the disorder and 'cure' the disease state. Much recent effort has been focused on the development of gene and cell-based approaches to rectify the molecular and tissue defects responsible for ED. Gene therapy has been investigated in animal models as a means to restore normal function to the penis; at this time, however, only one human trial has been published in the peer-reviewed literature. Recent gene therapy studies have focused on the modulation of enzymes associated with the NOS/cGMP pathway, and supplementation of trophic factors, peptides and potassium channels. Stem cell therapy has been a topic of interest in more recent years but there are currently very few published reports in animal models and none in human men. Although stem cell therapy offers the potential for restoration of functional tissues, legitimate concerns remain regarding the long-term fate of stem cells. The long-term safety of both gene and stem cell therapy must be thoroughly investigated before large-scale human studies can be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Harraz
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0738, USA
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Abdel Aziz MT, El Asmer MF, Mostafa T, Atta H, Mahfouz S, Fouad H, Rashed L, Sabry D, Hassouna A, Abdel Aziz AT, Senbel A, Demery A. Effects of losartan, HO-1 inducers or HO-1 inhibitors on erectile signaling in diabetic rats. J Sex Med 2009; 6:3254-64. [PMID: 19804535 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01517.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Activation of the renin-angiotensin system which is common in diabetes mellitus might affect heme oxygenase (HO-1) gene expression. AIM Assessment of the effects of administration of angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor antagonist (losartan) with HO-1 inducer or inhibitor on erectile signaling in diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy male rats were divided equally into seven groups; healthy controls, streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, rats on citrate buffer, diabetic rats on losartan, diabetic rats on HO-1 inducer (cobalt protoporphyrin [CoPP]), diabetic rats on losartan and CoPP, and diabetic rats on losartan and HO-1 inhibitor (stannus mesoporphyrin [SnMP]). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE HO enzyme activity, HO-1 gene expression, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) assay, intracavernosal pressure (ICP), and cavernous tissue sinusoids surface area. RESULTS HO-1 gene expression, HO enzymatic activity, and cGMP were significantly decreased in the cavernous tissue of diabetic rats. These parameters were significantly elevated with the use of CoPP that restored the normal control levels of HO enzyme activity. Administration of losartan exhibited a significant enhancing effect on these parameters compared with the diabetic group, but not restored to the control levels, whereas administration of CoPP combined with losartan led to the restoration of their normal levels. ICP demonstrated significant decline in diabetic rats. The use of CoPP and/or losartan led to its significant improvement compared with diabetic rats. Administration of either losartan and/or CoPP led to a significant increase in the cavernous sinusoids surface area of diabetic rats. Administration of losartan with SnMP significantly decreased the enhancing effect of losartan on the studied parameters. CONCLUSION The decline in erectile function in diabetes mellitus could be attributed to the downregulation of HO-1 gene expression. HO-1 induction added to Ang II receptor antagonist could improve erectile function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Talaat Abdel Aziz
- Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Medical Biochemistry, Unit of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cairo, Egypt
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