1
|
Hu D, Ge Y, Ye L, Xi Y, Chen J, Zhu W, Wang Z, Sun Z, Su Y, Wang D, Xiao S, Qiu J. d-Galactose induces the senescence and phenotype switch of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:124-134. [PMID: 37942832 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Studies regarding age-related erectile dysfunction (ED) based on naturally aging models are limited by their high costs, especially for the acquisition of primary cells from the corpus cavernosum. Herein, d-galactose ( d-gal) was employed to accelerate cell senescence, and the underlying mechanism was explored. As predominant functional cells involved in the erectile response, corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) were isolated from 2-month-old rats. Following this, d-gal was introduced to induce cell senescence, which was verified via β-galactosidase staining. The effects of d-gal on CCSMCs were evaluated by terminal deoxynucleoitidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL), immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, western blot, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Furthermore, RNA interference (RNAi) was carried out for rescue experiments. Subsequently, the influence of senescence on the corpus cavernosum was determined via scanning electron microscopy, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, TUNEL, and Masson stainings. The results revealed that the accelerated senescence of CCSMCs was promoted by d-gal. Simultaneously, smooth muscle alpha-actin (alpha-SMA) expression was inhibited, while that of osteopontin (OPN) and Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), as well as fibrotic and apoptotic levels, were elevated. After knocking down KLF4 expression in d-gal-induced CCSMCs by RNAi, the expression level of cellular alpha-SMA increased. Contrastingly, the OPN expression, apoptotic and fibrotic levels declined. In addition, cellular senescence acquired partial remission. Accordingly, in the aged corpus cavernosum, the fibrotic and apoptotic rates were increased, followed by downregulation in the expression of alpha-SMA and the concurrent upregulation in the expression of OPN and KLF4. Overall, our results signaled that d-gal-induced accelerated senescence of CCSMCs could trigger fibrosis, apoptosis and phenotypic switch to the synthetic state, potentially attributed to the upregulation of KLF4 expression, which may be a multipotential therapeutic target of age-related ED.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daoyuan Hu
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunlong Ge
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Ye
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhang Xi
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jialiang Chen
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenliang Zhu
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenqing Wang
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhuolun Sun
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, München, Germany
| | - Ying Su
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dejuan Wang
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiwei Xiao
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Province People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Jianguang Qiu
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Casanova MR, Mota P, Vala H, Nóbrega C, Morais ADS, Silva CS, Barros AA, Reis RL, Lima E, Martins A, Neves NM. Functional recovery of injured cavernous nerves achieved through endogenous nerve growth factor-containing bioactive fibrous membrane. Acta Biomater 2023; 168:416-428. [PMID: 37467838 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.07.015] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Radical prostatectomy is a highly successful treatment for prostate cancer, among the most prevalent manifestations of the illness. Damage of the cavernous nerve (CN) during prostatectomy is the main cause of postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED). In this study, the capability of a personalized bioactive fibrous membrane to regenerate injured CN was investigated. The fibrous membrane bioactivity is conferred by the selectively bound nerve growth factor (NGF) present in the rat urine. In a rat model of bilateral CN crush, the implanted bioactive fibrous membrane induces CN regeneration and restoration of erectile function, showing a significantly increased number of smooth muscle cells and content of endothelial and neuronal nitric oxide synthases (eNOS; nNOS). In addition, the bioactive fibrous membrane promotes nerve regeneration by increasing the number of myelinated axons and nNOS-positive cells, therefore reversing the CN fibrosis found in untreated rats or rats treated with a bare fibrous membrane. Therefore, this personalized regenerative strategy could overcome the recognized drawbacks of currently available treatments for CN injuries. It may constitute an effective treatment for prostate cancer patients suffering from ED after being subject to radical prostatectomy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The present work introduces a unique strategy to address post-surgical ED resulting from CN injury during pelvic surgery (e.g., radical prostatectomy, radical cystoprostatectomy, abdominoperineal resection). It comprises a bioactive and cell-free fibrous implant, customized to enhance CN recovery. Pre-clinical results in a rat model of bilateral CN crush demonstrated that the bioactive fibrous implant can effectively heal injured CN, and restore penile structure and function. This implant selectively binds NGF from patient fluids (i.e. urine) due to its functionalized surface and high surface area. Moreover, its local implantation reduces adverse side effects. This tailored regenerative approach has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of ED in prostate cancer patients following radical prostatectomy, overcoming current treatment limitations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta R Casanova
- 3B's Research Group; I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradable and Biomimetics - University of Minho, European Institute of Excellence in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Headquarters, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra - Avepark, Barco, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Paulo Mota
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal; Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga 4710-057, Portugal; Department of Urology, Hospital of Braga, E.P.E, Braga, Portugal
| | - Helena Vala
- Agrarian Superior School of Viseu (ESAV), Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Viseu 3500-606, Portugal; Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Portugal
| | - Carmen Nóbrega
- Agrarian Superior School of Viseu (ESAV), Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Viseu 3500-606, Portugal; Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Portugal
| | - Alain da Silva Morais
- 3B's Research Group; I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradable and Biomimetics - University of Minho, European Institute of Excellence in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Headquarters, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra - Avepark, Barco, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Catarina S Silva
- 3B's Research Group; I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradable and Biomimetics - University of Minho, European Institute of Excellence in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Headquarters, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra - Avepark, Barco, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Alexandre A Barros
- 3B's Research Group; I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradable and Biomimetics - University of Minho, European Institute of Excellence in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Headquarters, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra - Avepark, Barco, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3B's Research Group; I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradable and Biomimetics - University of Minho, European Institute of Excellence in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Headquarters, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra - Avepark, Barco, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Estevão Lima
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal; Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga 4710-057, Portugal; Department of Urology, Hospital of Braga, E.P.E, Braga, Portugal
| | - Albino Martins
- 3B's Research Group; I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradable and Biomimetics - University of Minho, European Institute of Excellence in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Headquarters, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra - Avepark, Barco, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno M Neves
- 3B's Research Group; I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradable and Biomimetics - University of Minho, European Institute of Excellence in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Headquarters, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra - Avepark, Barco, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ge Y, Hu D, Xi Y, Wang H, Xia T, Chen J, Pu X, Xiao H. An animal model induced by bilateral cavernous nerve crushing mimics post-radical prostatectomy erectile dysfunction in old rats. Life Sci 2023; 325:121767. [PMID: 37172816 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
AIM Over the years, the cavernous nerve (CN) crushing injury rat model has been frequently used for studying post-radical prostatectomy erectile dysfunction (pRP-ED). However, models based on young and healthy rats reportedly exhibit spontaneous recovery of erectile function. Our investigation purpose was to evaluate bilateral CN crushing (BCNC) effects on erectile function besides penile corpus cavernosum pathology in young and old rats and verify whether the BCNC modeling in old rats is more suitable to mimic pRP-ED. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty young and old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats had been divided into three groups in a random manner: sham-operated group (Sham), CN-injured 2-week group (BCNC-2W), and CN-injured 8-week group (BCNC-8W). At 2 and 8 weeks postoperatively, mean arterial pressure (MAP) along with intracavernosal pressure (ICP) had been determined, respectively. Then, the penis was harvested for histopathological studies. KEY FINDING We found that young rats exhibited erectile function spontaneous recovery 8 weeks following BCNC, while old ones failed to recover erectile function. After BCNC, the abundance of nNOS-positive nerve and smooth muscle were reduced, whereas apoptotic levels and collagen I content increased. These pathological modifications gradually resumed over time in young rats, unlike in old rats. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings demonstrate that 18-month-old rats do not spontaneously regain erectile function at 8 weeks after BCNC. Therefore, CN-injury ED modeling in 18-month-old rats may be more suitable for studying pRP-ED.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Ge
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Daoyuan Hu
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuhang Xi
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tian Xia
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jialiang Chen
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoyong Pu
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Hengjun Xiao
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cellek S, Bivalacqua TJ, Burnett AL, Chitaley K, Lin C. Common Pitfalls in Some of the Experimental Studies in Erectile Function and Dysfunction: A Consensus Article. J Sex Med 2012; 9:2770-84. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.02916.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
5
|
Kim IG, Piao S, Lee JY, Hong SH, Hwang TK, Kim SW, Kim CS, Ra JC, Noh I, Lee JY. Effect of an adipose-derived stem cell and nerve growth factor-incorporated hydrogel on recovery of erectile function in a rat model of cavernous nerve injury. Tissue Eng Part A 2012; 19:14-23. [PMID: 22834730 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2011.0654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Postprostatectomy erectile dysfunction (ED) is the major problem for patients with clinically localized prostate cancer. Recently, gene and stem cell-based therapy of the corpus cavernosum has been attempted for postprostatectomy ED, but those therapies are limited by rapid blood flow and disruption of the normal architecture of the corpus cavernosum. In this study, we attempted to regenerate the damaged cavernous nerve (CN), which is the main cause of ED. We investigated the effectiveness of human adipose-derived stem cell (hADSC) and nerve growth factor-incorporated hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel (NGF-hydrogel) application on the CN in a rat model of bilateral cavernous nerve crush injury. Four weeks after the operation, erectile function was assessed by detecting the intracavernous pressure (ICP)/arterial pressure level by CN electrostimulation. The ICP was significantly increased by application of hADSC with NGF-hydrogel compared to the other experimental groups. CN and penile tissue were collected for histological examination. PKH-26 labeled hADSC colocalized with beta III tubulin were shown in CN tissue sections. hADSC/NGF-hydrogel treatment prevented smooth muscle atrophy in the corpus cavernosum. In addition, the hADSC/NGF-hydrogel group showed increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase protein expression. This study suggests that application of hADSCs with NGF-hydrogel on the CN might be a promising treatment for postprostatectomy ED.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- In Gul Kim
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Prota C, Gomes CM, Ribeiro LHS, de Bessa J, Nakano E, Dall'Oglio M, Bruschini H, Srougi M. Early postoperative pelvic-floor biofeedback improves erectile function in men undergoing radical prostatectomy: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Int J Impot Res 2012; 24:174-8. [PMID: 22573231 DOI: 10.1038/ijir.2012.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) and urinary incontinence are common complications following radical prostatectomy (RP). Although pelvic-floor biofeedback training (PFBT) may improve urinary continence following RP, its effects on the recovery of potency are unknown. Fifty-two patients selected for RP were prospectively randomized for a treatment group (n=26) receiving PFBT once a week for 3 months and home exercises or a control group (n=26), in which patients received verbal instructions to contract the pelvic floor. Erectile function (EF) was evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) before surgery and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Patients were considered potent when they had a total IIEF-5 score>20. Continence status was assessed and defined as the use of no pads. Groups were comparable in terms of age, body mass index, diabetes, pathological tumor stage and neurovascular bundle preservation. A significant reduction in IIEF-5 scores was observed after surgery in both groups. In the treatment group, 8 (47.1%) patients recovered potency 12 months postoperatively, as opposed to 2 (12.5%) in the control group (P=0.032). The absolute risk reduction was 34.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.8-64%) and the number needed to treat was 3 (95% CI: 1.5-17.2). A strong association between recovery of potency and urinary continence was observed, with continent patients having a 5.4 higher chance of being potent (P=0.04). Early PFBT appears to have a significant impact on the recovery of EF after RP. Urinary continence status was a good indicator of EF recovery, with continent patients having a higher chance of being potent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Prota
- Division of Urology, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|