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Wang W, Liu Y, Zhu ZB, Pang K, Wang JK, Gu J, Li ZB, Wang J, Shi ZD, Han CH. Research Advances in Stem Cell Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction. BioDrugs 2024; 38:353-367. [PMID: 38520608 PMCID: PMC11055746 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-024-00650-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common clinical condition that mainly affects men aged over 40 years. Various causes contribute to the progression of ED, including pelvic nerve injury, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, age, Peyronie's disease, smoking, and psychological disorders. Current treatments for ED are limited to symptom relief and do not address the root cause. Stem cells, with their powerful ability to proliferate and differentiate, are a promising approach for the treatment of male ED and are gradually gaining widespread attention. Current uses for treating ED have been studied primarily in experimental animals, with most studies observing improvements in erectile quality as well as improvements in erectile tissue. However, research on stem cell therapy for human ED is still limited. This article summarizes the recent literature on basic stem cell research on ED, including cavernous nerve injury, aging, diabetes, and sclerosing penile disease, and describes mechanisms of action and therapeutic effects of various stem cell therapies in experimental animals. Stem cells are also believed to interact with host tissue in a paracrine manner, and improved function can be supported through both implantation and paracrine factors. To date, stem cells have shown some preliminary promising results in animal and human models of ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zuo-Bin Zhu
- Xuzhou Engineering Research Center of Medical Genetics and Transformation, Key Laboratory of Genetic Foundation and Clinical Application, Department of Genetics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Kun Pang
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jing-Kai Wang
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jun Gu
- The Affiliated Jiangsu Shengze Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhen-Bei Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhen-Duo Shi
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China.
| | - Cong-Hui Han
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China.
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Yao L, Cong R, Zhou X, Zhou X, Ji C, Wei X, Meng X, Song N. Lacosamide alleviates bilateral cavernous nerve injury-induced erectile dysfunction in the rat model by ameliorating pathological changes in the corpus cavernosum. Int J Impot Res 2024; 36:283-290. [PMID: 36922697 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-023-00674-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Bilateral cavernous nerve injury-related erectile dysfunction (BCNI-ED) shows a limited response to type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Furthermore, lacosamide (LCM) can alleviate peripheral neuropathy. To explore whether LCM can improve the erectile response after BCNI, we randomly divided 30 young Sprague-Dawley rats into three groups (n = 10 per group), namely, the sham operation, 0.9% normal saline-treated (BCNI + 0.9% NS), and LCM-treated BCNI (BCNI + LCM) groups. LCM was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 90 mg/kg/day for 7 consecutive days. Erectile function was assessed by measuring the ratio of peak intracavernous pressure (ICP) to mean arterial pressure (MAP), and tissues were harvested for transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, Masson's trichrome staining, TUNEL staining, and Western blot analysis. The BCNI + 0.9% NS group showed reduced ICP/MAP ratio (0.93 ± 0.04 vs. 0.44 ± 0.05, P < 0.0001). An increased proportion of TUNEL-positive cells (0.04 ± 0.01 vs 0.87 ± 0.03, P < 0.0001) and a decreased smooth muscle/collagen ratio (0.44 ± 0.01 vs. 0.33 ± 0.01, P < 0.001) were observed in the BCNI + 0.9% NS compared with the sham group. Administration of LCM significantly restored the ICP/MAP ratio (0.44 ± 0.05 vs. 0.74 ± 0.05, P < 0.001) and decreased the proportion of TUNEL positive cells (0.87 ± 0.03 vs. 0.60 ± 0.04, P < 0.0001) in the corpus cavernosum following BCNI. The ratio of smooth muscle to collagen (0.43 ± 0.01vs. 0.33 ± 0.01, P < 0.01) and expression of α-SMA (P < 0.0001) in the BCNI + LCM group significantly increased compared with BCNI + 0.9% NS group, indicating alleviation of fibrosis. Apoptotic markers, including Bax/Bcl-2 (P < 0.01) and Caspase-3 (P < 0.0001) in the BCNI + LCM group was significantly lower than that in the BCNI + 0.9% NS group. LCM treatment partially upregulated the expression of vWF and eNOS in cavernous tissue in rats subjected to BCNI (P < 0.05). Increases in S100-β and nNOS expression in the major pelvic ganglion (MPG) were observed after LCM administration. In summary, LCM can recover erectile function in BCNI-ED rat model by suppressing corporal apoptosis and fibrosis, and protecting the cavernous nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangyu Yao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Rong Cong
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Chengjian Ji
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Xiyi Wei
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Xianghu Meng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| | - Ninghong Song
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Kezhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Kezhou, Xinjiang, 845350, China.
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Yilmaz-Oral D, Sezen SF, Turkcan D, Asker H, Kaya-Sezginer E, Kirlangic OF, Kopru CZ, Elci MP, Ozen FZ, Korkusuz P, Oren S, Oztekin CV, Ates I, Gur S. Dual Strategy with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells and l-arginine Recovered Cavernosal Functions in a Rat Model of Radical Prostatectomy. Stem Cells Dev 2024; 33:43-53. [PMID: 37847152 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2023.0178] [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] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
As standard therapy for prostate cancer, radical prostatectomy causes cavernous nerve (CN) injury and increases fibrosis and hypoxia-induced penile structural alterations. This study aimed to determine the potential beneficial effects of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and l-arginine alone or in combination on the penile erection in a rat model of erectile dysfunction caused by bilateral cavernous nerve transection (CNT). Male rats (n = 35) were randomized into five groups: Sham-operated; CNT (4-weeks); CNT plus ADSCs (1 × 106 cells by intracavernosal injection); CNT plus l-arginine (4 weeks, 10 mg/kg/day, oral); and ADSCs combined with l-arginine in CNT. In vivo erectile responses and in vitro relaxant responses were measured. Western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses were used to determine the expression and localization of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, transforming growth factor-beta 1, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), and apoptosis markers (Bax and Bcl-2). The ratio of smooth muscle to collagen and nerve regeneration were calculated using Masson's trichrome and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-diaphorase staining. The combined treatment restored diminished erectile responses, endothelium-dependent acetylcholine, and electrical field stimulation-induced relaxation of the corpus cavernosum in rats with CNT, whereas either monotherapy produced only partial improvements. All treatment regimens restored increases in the protein expression of HIF-1 and Bax in rats with CNT. The decrease in smooth muscle mass and NADPH-diaphorase-positive nerve fibers was partially ameliorated by monotherapy, whereas combined therapy led to recovery. These findings indicate that combined treatment with ADSCs and l-arginine may restore erectile function in rats with CNT by inhibiting hypoxia-induced neurotoxicity and preserving endothelium function and smooth muscle content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didem Yilmaz-Oral
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Sena F Sezen
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
- Drug and Pharmaceutical Technology Application and Research Center, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Damla Turkcan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Heba Asker
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara Medipol University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ecem Kaya-Sezginer
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Omer Faruk Kirlangic
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Cagla Zubeyde Kopru
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Yüksek İhtisas University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mualla Pınar Elci
- Gulhane Institute of Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fatma Zeynep Ozen
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Amasya University, Amasya, Turkey
| | - Petek Korkusuz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sema Oren
- Gulhane Institute of Health Sciences R&D Center, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Cetin Volkan Oztekin
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kyrenia, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Ilker Ates
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Serap Gur
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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Fadl A, Leask A. Hiding in Plain Sight: Human Gingival Fibroblasts as an Essential, Yet Overlooked, Tool in Regenerative Medicine. Cells 2023; 12:2021. [PMID: 37626831 PMCID: PMC10453328 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs), the most abundant cells in the oral cavity, are essential for maintaining oral homeostasis. Compared with other tissues, adult oral mucosal wounds heal regeneratively, without scarring. Relative to fibroblasts from other locations, HGFs are relatively refractory to myofibroblast differentiation, immunomodulatory, highly regenerative, readily obtained via minimally invasive procedures, easily and rapidly expanded in vitro, and highly responsive to growth factors and cytokines. Consequently, HGFs might be a superior, yet perhaps underappreciated, source of adult mesenchymal progenitor cells to use in tissue engineering and regeneration applications, including the treatment of fibrotic auto-immune connective tissue diseases such as scleroderma. Herein, we highlight in vitro and translational studies that have investigated the regenerative and differentiation potential of HGFs, with the objective of outlining current limitations and inspiring future research that could facilitate translating the regenerative potential of HGFs into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Leask
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, 105 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A2, Canada;
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Chung DY, Ryu JK, Yin GN. Regenerative therapies as a potential treatment of erectile dysfunction. Investig Clin Urol 2023; 64:312-324. [PMID: 37417556 DOI: 10.4111/icu.20230104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common sexual dysfunction disease in adult males. ED can be caused by many factors, such as vascular disease, neuropathy, metabolic disturbances, psychosocial causes, and side effects of medications. Although current oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors can achieve a certain effect, they cause temporary dilatation of blood vessels with no curative treatment effects. Emerging targeted technologies, such as stem cell therapy, protein therapy, and low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT), are being used to achieve more natural and long-lasting effects in treating ED. However, the development and application of these therapeutic methods are still in their infancy, and their pharmacological pathways and specific mechanisms have not been fully discovered. This article reviews the preclinical basic research progress of stem cells, proteins, and Li-ESWT therapy, as well as the current status of clinical application of Li-ESWT therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doo Yong Chung
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Ji-Kan Ryu
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
- Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Guo Nan Yin
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea.
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Overexpression of PRDX2 in Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Enhances the Therapeutic Effect in a Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction Rat Model by Inhibiting Ferroptosis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2023; 2023:4952857. [PMID: 36819780 PMCID: PMC9931470 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4952857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Neurogenic erectile dysfunction (NED) is a common and serious complication after pelvic surgery. The clinical translation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADSC) therapies in NED remains a major challenge due to their low survival rate and limited therapeutic effect. Peroxiredoxin 2 (PRDX2) is a member of the peroxidase family that exerts its therapeutic effects by inhibiting oxidative stress (OS) and ferroptosis, and PRDX2 is expected to enhance the therapeutic effect of ADSCs in treating NED. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether PRDX2 could improve the survival of ADSCs and determine whether overexpression of PRDX2 in ADSCs (PRDX2-ADSCs) could enhance the therapeutic effect of NED. This study investigated the potential role of PRDX2-ADSCs through a NED model induced by bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) and three in vitro models established by H2O2-stimulated ADSCs, H2O2-stimulated corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs), and RSL3-stimulated CCSMCs. We found that PRDX2 could significantly improve the viability of ADSCs by suppressing apoptosis and OS in H2O2-stimulated ADSCs. We also found that BCNI triggered ferroptosis of the corpus cavernosum, which was manifested by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), total iron content, and MDA as well as decreased SOD and GSH. Our results further demonstrated changes in the expression of key proteins (GPX4 and ACSL4) in the ferroptosis pathway, whereas PRDX2-ADSCs ameliorated BCNI-induced erectile dysfunction and ferroptosis of the corpus cavernosum in NED rats. Consistently, PRDX2-ADSCs attenuated OS in H2O2-stimulated CCSMCs and inhibited ferroptosis in RSL3-stimulated CCSMCs, as evidenced by the decrease in ROS, total iron content, and MDA and the increase in SOD and GSH together with changes in ferroptosis-related protein (GPX4 and ACSL4) expression. In conclusion, overexpression of PRDX2 in ADSCs enhanced the therapeutic effect in a rat model of neurogenic erectile dysfunction by inhibiting ferroptosis via regulation of the GPX4/ACSL4 axis.
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Ti Y, Yang M, Chen X, Zhang M, Xia J, Lv X, Xiao D, Wang J, Lu M. Comparison of the therapeutic effects of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells and adipose-derived stem cells on erectile dysfunction in a rat model of bilateral cavernous nerve injury. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1019063. [PMID: 36277409 PMCID: PMC9585154 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1019063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cavernous nerve injury (CNI) is the leading cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) after radical prostatectomy and pelvic fracture. Transplantation of human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) has been widely used to restore erectile function in CNI-ED rats and patients. Umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (CBMSCs) are similarly low immunogenic but much primitive compared to ASCs and more promising in large-scale commercial applications due to the extensive establishment of cord blood banks. However, whether CBMSCs and ASCs have differential therapeutic efficacy on CNI-ED and the underlying mechanisms are still not clear. Materials and methods: A bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) rat model was established by crushing the bilateral cavernous nerves. After crushing, ASCs and CBMSCs were intracavernously injected immediately. Erectile function, Masson staining, and immunofluorescence analyses of penile tissues were assessed at 4 and 12 weeks. PKH-26-labeled ASCs or CBMSCs were intracavernously injected to determine the presence and differentiation of ASCs or CBMSCs in the penis 3 days after injection. In vitro experiments including intracellular ROS detection, mitochondrial membrane potential assay, EdU cell proliferation staining, cell apoptosis assay, and protein chip assay were conducted to explore the underlying mechanism of CBMSC treatment compared with ASC treatment. Results: CBMSC injection significantly restored erectile function, rescued the loss of cavernous corporal smooth muscles, and increased the ratio of smooth muscle to collagen. PKH-26-labeled CBMSCs or ASCs did not colocalize with endothelial cells or smooth muscle cells in the corpus cavernosum. Moreover, the conditioned medium (CM) of CBMSCs could significantly inhibit the oxidative stress and elevate the mitochondria membrane potential and proliferation of Schwann cells. Better therapeutic effects were observed in the CBMSC group than the ASC group both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, the content of neurotrophic factors and matrix metalloproteinases in CBMSC-CM, especially NT4, VEGF, MMP1, and MMP3 was significantly higher than that of ASC-CM. Conclusion: Intracavernous injection of CBMSCs exhibited a better erectile function restoration than that of ASCs in CNI-ED rats owing to richer secretory factors, which can promote nerve regeneration and reduce extracellular matrix deposition. CBMSC transplantation would be a promising therapeutic strategy for CNI-ED regeneration in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunrong Ti
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengbo Yang
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinda Chen
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Xia
- Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangguo Lv
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongdong Xiao
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Dongdong Xiao, ; Jiucun Wang, ; Mujun Lu,
| | - Jiucun Wang
- Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Guangzhou, China
- Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Dongdong Xiao, ; Jiucun Wang, ; Mujun Lu,
| | - Mujun Lu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Dongdong Xiao, ; Jiucun Wang, ; Mujun Lu,
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Shao J, Nie P, Yang W, Guo R, Ding D, Liang R, Wei B, Wei H. An EPO-loaded multifunctional hydrogel synergizing with adipose-derived stem cells restores neurogenic erectile function via enhancing nerve regeneration and penile rehabilitation. Bioeng Transl Med 2022; 7:e10319. [PMID: 36176612 PMCID: PMC9471998 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurogenic erectile dysfunction (nED) is one of the most common and intractable postoperative complications of rectal and prostate cancer surgery and sometimes accompanies patients lifelong. The transplantation of stem cells has been proved a promising way for treatment. However, the therapeutic efficacy is severely impaired by excessive cell loss and death and poor accumulation in the injury site along with the traditional implantation strategy. Herein, an EPO-loaded multifunctional hydrogel was designed. The hydrogels' adhesive property and mechanical strength were enhanced by adding catechol-catechol adducts, thus significantly improving adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) retention and rescuing cell loss in the injury site. Meanwhile, the sustained release of EPO effectively ameliorated the viability and paracrine activity of ADSC, leading to enhanced migration of Schwann cells and differentiation of PC12 cells in vivo. On a bilateral cavernous nerve injury rat model, the present stem cell-EPO-hydrogel implanted strategy could significantly alleviate erectile dysfunction. The higher expression of Tuj1 and lower expression of GFAP in the major pelvic ganglia (MPG) indicated the acceleration of neural differentiation while the suppressing development of astrocytes. Also, the combined therapy restored the expression levels of eNOs, nNOs, and α-SMA in penile tissues, suggesting the rehabilitation of the penis. Further analysis of Masson trichrome staining and apoptosis evaluation of the corpus cavernosum showed the preservation of vascular endothelium content and the prevention of penile fibrosis after denervation. Overall, we believe that this combined strategy presents a promising way not only for restoring neurogenic erectile function but also for the clinical translation of stem cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Shao
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Pan Nie
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Wende Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Rui Guo
- Key Laboratory of Biomaterials of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Centre for Drug Carrier Development, Department of Biomedical EngineeringJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Dongbing Ding
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Rongpu Liang
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Bo Wei
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Hongbo Wei
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
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Zhang Z, Nie P, Yang W, Ma X, Chen Z, Wei H. Lipopolysaccharide-preconditioned allogeneic adipose-derived stem cells improve erectile function in a rat model of bilateral cavernous nerve injury. Basic Clin Androl 2022; 32:5. [PMID: 35337262 PMCID: PMC8953072 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-022-00156-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Erectile dysfunction (ED) often occurs due to cavernous nerve injury (CNI) after colorectal surgery. Cell-based therapies have great potential for the treatment of CNI-related ED; however, it needs to be optimised. In this study, we explored the therapeutic effects of lipopolysaccharide-preconditioned allogeneic adipose-derived stem cells (L-ADSCs) on CNI-induced ED in rats. Results The results of this in vitro study revealed that low-dose lipopolysaccharide could increase the viability of ADSCs, inhibit caspase 3 activation induced by hydrogen peroxide and promote cell migration. Compared with the ADSC supernatant, the L-ADSC supernatant could better reduce fibrosis in the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells induced by transforming growth factor-beta 1 protein. In the in vivo study, it was compared to ADSCs therapy, where the L-ADSCs therapy indicated that could better improve erectile function by increasing smooth muscle content and alleviating penile fibrosis in rats 2 weeks after CNI. The outcome may be related to the increase in the hepatocyte growth factor content in the corpus cavernosum and myelin basic protein in the major pelvic ganglion. Conclusions L-ADSC treatment may be a promising approach for restoring erectile function after CNI. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12610-022-00156-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenbin Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510630, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pan Nie
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510630, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wende Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510630, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolei Ma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510630, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zehong Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510630, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongbo Wei
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510630, Guangzhou, China.
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Miyata Y, Matsuo T, Nakamura Y, Mitsunari K, Ohba K, Sakai H. Pathological Significance of Macrophages in Erectile Dysfunction Including Peyronie's Disease. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9111658. [PMID: 34829887 PMCID: PMC8615952 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Erectile function is regulated by complex mechanisms centered on vascular- and nerve-related systems. Hence, dysregulation of these systems leads to erectile dysfunction (ED), which causes mental distress and decreases the quality of life of patients and their partners. At the molecular level, many factors, such as fibrosis, lipid metabolism abnormalities, the immune system, and stem cells, play crucial roles in the etiology and development of ED. Although phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are currently the standard treatment agents for patients with ED, they are effective only in a subgroup of patients. Therefore, further insight into the pathological mechanism underlying ED is needed to discuss ED treatment strategies. In this review, we focused on the biological and pathological significance of macrophages in ED because the interaction of macrophages with ED-related mechanisms have not been well explored, despite their important roles in vasculogenic and neurogenic diseases. Furthermore, we examined the pathological significance of macrophages in Peyronie’s disease (PD), a cause of ED characterized by penile deformation (visible curvature) during erection and pain. Although microinjury and the subsequent abnormal healing process of the tunica albuginea are known to be important processes in this disease, the detailed etiology and pathophysiology of PD are not fully understood. This is the first review on the pathological role of macrophages in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tomohiro Matsuo
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-95-819-7340; Fax: +81-95-819-7343
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