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Yang S, Shi W, Liu Q, Song Y, Fang J. Nrf2 enhances the therapeutic efficiency of adipose-derived stem cells in the treatment of neurogenic erectile dysfunction in a rat model. Basic Clin Androl 2023; 33:39. [PMID: 38114903 PMCID: PMC10731878 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-023-00214-x] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Erectile dysfunction (ED) caused by intraoperative nerve injury is a major complication of pelvic surgery. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have presented therapeutic potential in a rat model of bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI), while inadequate in vivo viability has largely limited their application. Nuclear factor-E2-related Factor (Nrf2) is a key transcription factor that regulates cellular anti-oxidative stress. In this work, we investigated the effect of Nrf2 expression regulation on the viability of ADSCs, and explore its repair potential in a BCNI rat model. RESULTS The survival time of tert-Butylhydroquinone (tBHQ)-ADSCs in BCNI model increased obviously. In addition, the tBHQ-ADSCs group presented better restoration of major pelvic ganglion (MPG) nerve contents and fibers, better improvement of erectile function, and less penile fibrosis than the other groups. Moreover, the expression of Nrf2 and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) were higher than those of other groups. CONCLUSION Nrf2 could enhance the anti-oxidative stress ability of ADSCs, so as to improve the therapeutic effect of ADSCs on BCNI rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangbin Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe Road 600, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Wancheng Shi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shenshan Medical Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shanwei, 516621, China
| | - Qianhui Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe Road 600, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yingqiu Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe Road 600, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jiafeng Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe Road 600, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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Wang Y, Zou J, Wang Y, Wang J, Ji X, Zhang T, Chu Y, Cui R, Zhang G, Shi G, Wu Y, Kang Y. Hydralazine inhibits neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in APP/PS1 mice via TLR4/NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways. Neuropharmacology 2023; 240:109706. [PMID: 37661037 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder, and curative treatment has not been developed. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential effects of hydralazine (Hyd, a hypertension treatment drug) on the development process of AD and its mechanisms. We treated 6-month-old male APP/PS1 mice with Hyd for 5 weeks, measured changes in behavior and pathological status, and analyzed differences in gene expression by RNA sequencing. The results demonstrated that Hyd improved cognitive deficits and decreased amyloid beta protein deposition in the cortex and hippocampus, while RNA sequencing analysis suggested that the regulation of neuroinflammation and energy metabolism might play pivotal roles for Hyd's beneficial effects. Therefore, we further investigated inflammatory response, redox state, and mitochondrial function, as well as the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor Kappa B (NF-κB)-dependent neuroinflammation gene and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated antioxidant gene in AD mice. The results showed that Hyd reduced the damage of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, improved mitochondrial dysfunction, downregulated pro-inflammation gene expression, and upregulated antioxidant gene expression. The results in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV2 cell model demonstrated that Hyd suppressed pro-inflammatory response via TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. In addition, by silencing the Nrf2 gene expression, it was found that Hyd can reduce LPS-induced reactive oxygen species production by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Therefore, administration of Hyd in the early stage of AD might be beneficial in delaying the pathological development of AD via inhibiting neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Postdoctoral Research Station of Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Jiayang Zou
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Jinyang Wang
- The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 139 Ziqiang Road, Qiaoxi District, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China
| | - Xiaoming Ji
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Tianyun Zhang
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Postdoctoral Research Station of Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Yun Chu
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Rui Cui
- Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Guoliang Zhang
- Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Geming Shi
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Yuming Wu
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
| | - Yunxiao Kang
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
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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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Ma X, Yang W, Nie P, Zhang Z, Chen Z, Wei H. Implantation of skin-derived precursor Schwann cells improves erectile function in a bilateral cavernous nerve injury rat model. Basic Clin Androl 2023; 33:11. [PMID: 37198550 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-023-00187-x] [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: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was conducted to investigate the therapeutic potential of the skin-derived precursor Schwann cells for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in a rat model of bilateral cavernous nerve injury. RESULTS The skin-derived precursor Schwann cells-treatment significantly restored erectile functions, accelerated the recovery of endothelial and smooth muscle tissues in the penis, and promoted nerve repair. The expression of p-Smad2/3 decreased after the treatment, which indicated significantly reduced fibrosis in the corpus cavernosum. CONCLUSIONS Implantation of skin-derived precursor Schwann cells is an effective therapeutic strategy for treating erectile dysfunction induced by bilateral cavernous nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Ma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe Road 600, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Wende Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe Road 600, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Pan Nie
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe Road 600, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zhenbin Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe Road 600, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zehong Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe Road 600, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Hongbo Wei
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe Road 600, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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Effects of platelet-rich plasma glue placement at the prostatectomy site on erectile function restoration and cavernous nerve preservation in a nerve-sparing prostatectomy rat model. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114499. [PMID: 36913891 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the widespread use of nerve-sparing prostatectomy techniques, the incidence of post-operative erectile dysfunction (ED) remains high. Early intracavernous (IC) injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) after nerve crushing improves erectile function (EF) in rats by promoting cavernous nerve (CN) regeneration and preventing structural changes in the corpus cavernosum. However, the neuroprotective effects of the in situ application of PRP glue in rats after CN-sparing prostatectomy (CNSP) remain unclear. AIM This study aimed to investigate the effects of PRP glue treatment on EF and CN preservation in rats after CNSP. METHODS After prostatectomy, male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with PRP glue, IC PRP injection, or their combination. The intracavernous pressure (ICP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and CN preservation status in the rats were evaluated after 4 weeks. Results were corroborated using histology, immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS The PRP glue-treated rats showed 100% CN preservation and significantly higher ICP responses (the ratio of maximum ICP to MAP (0.79 ± 0.09)) than the CNSP rats (the ratio of maximum ICP to MAP (0.33 ± 0.04)). PRP glue also significantly increased neurofilament-1 expression, indicating its positive effect on the CNs. Furthermore, this treatment significantly increased the expression of α-smooth muscle actin. Electron micrographs revealed that PRP glue preserved the myelinated axons and prevented atrophy of the corporal smooth muscle by maintaining the adherens junctions. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that PRP glue is a potential solution for EF preservation by neuroprotection in patients with prostate cancer who are likely to undergo nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy.
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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Song G, Hu P, Song J, Liu J, Ruan Y. Molecular pathogenesis and treatment of cavernous nerve injury-induced erectile dysfunction: A narrative review. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1029650. [PMID: 36277218 PMCID: PMC9582663 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1029650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common complication after radical prostatectomy (RP), and it seriously affects the quality of life in patients and their partners. The primary trigger of postoperative ED is surgical injury to the cavernous nerves that control penile erection and run along the anterolateral aspect of the prostate. Despite the introduction and ongoing innovation of nerve-sparing techniques, a significant number of patients still suffer from moderate cavernous nerve injury (CNI), which is thought to be transient and reversible. Therefore, early postoperative penile rehabilitation therapy may salvage patients’ erectile function by promoting cavernous nerve regeneration and preventing penile structural alterations.Aims: To present a comprehensive overview of the current molecular pathogenesis of CNI-induced ED, as well as novel therapeutic strategies and their potential mechanisms.Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed. Search terms included erectile dysfunction, cavernous nerve injury, pathogenesis, pathway, and treatment.Results: The NOS/NO pathway, oxidative stress-related pathway, RhoA/ROCK pathway, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), sonic hedgehog (Shh), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are involved in the molecular pathogenesis of CNI-induced ED. Multiple neurotrophins, including brain-derived nerve growth factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and neurturin (NTN), were found to promote cavernous nerve regeneration. Emerging therapeutic approaches can be roughly summarized into four categories, namely small molecule and drug, stem cell-based therapy (SCT), micro-energy therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.Conclusion: These pathways collectively lead to the irreversible damage to the penile structure after CNI. The combined early rehabilitation strategies of promoting upstream nerve regeneration and recovering abnormal molecular signals of downstream penis are presumed to save patients’ erectile function after RP. In future studies, the cross-talk between these molecular pathways needs to be further clarified, and the questions of how denervation injury induces the molecular alterations in the penis also need to be addressed.
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Single-cell transcriptome atlas of the human corpus cavernosum. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4302. [PMID: 35879305 PMCID: PMC9314400 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31950-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The corpus cavernosum is the most important structure for penile erection, and its dysfunction causes many physiological and psychological problems. However, its cellular heterogeneity and signalling networks at the molecular level are poorly understood because of limited access to samples. Here, we profile 64,993 human cavernosal single-cell transcriptomes from three males with normal erection and five organic erectile dysfunction patients. Cell communication analysis reveals that cavernosal fibroblasts are central to the paracrine signalling network and regulate microenvironmental homeostasis. Combining with immunohistochemical staining, we reveal the cellular heterogeneity and describe a detailed spatial distribution map for each fibroblast, smooth muscle and endothelial subcluster in the corpus cavernosum. Furthermore, comparative analysis and related functional experiments identify candidate regulatory signalling pathways in the pathological process. Our study provides an insight into the human corpus cavernosum microenvironment and a reference for potential erectile dysfunction therapies. The corpus cavernosum is the most important structure for penile erection, and its dysfunction causes physiological and psychological problems. Here the authors perform single-cell RNA-sequencing on corpus cavernosum samples from males with normal erection and erectile dysfunction patients, providing insights into this pathology.
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Wang J, Song J, Song G, Feng Y, Pan J, Yang X, Xin Z, Hu P, Sun T, Liu K, Xu W, Wang T, Wang S, Liu J, Ruan Y. Acetyl-L-carnitine improves erectile function in bilateral cavernous nerve injury rats via promoting cavernous nerve regeneration. Andrology 2022; 10:984-996. [PMID: 35420721 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurogenic erectile dysfunction (NED) caused by cavernous nerve (CN) injury is a typical complication after pelvic surgery, which lacks efficient treatments. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) has been proven to promote nerve repair. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effect and potential mechanism of ALCAR in the treatment of NED. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) group, BCNI + lower-dose ALCAR (50 mg/kg/day) group, BCNI + higher-dose (100 mg/kg/day) group and sham-operated group. Erectile function was assessed 14 days after daily intraperitoneal injection of ALCAR or placebo. The penile tissues were gathered for subsequent histological and molecular biological analysis. Rat Schwann cell (SC) line S16 was used to verify the mechanism of ALCAR in vitro. RESULTS We found that the erectile function of the rats in BCNI group was severely impaired, which was improved considerably in both BCNI+ALCAR-LD and BCNI+ALCAR-HD groups. Also, we observed decreased smooth muscle and increased collagen content in corpus cavernosum in BCNI group. The expressions of fibrosis markers TGF-β, CTGF, and Smad 2/3 were significantly up-regulated in the BCNI group. The above changes were alleviated after the administration of lower and higher-dose ALCAR. Meanwhile, the NO/cGMP pathway was promoted and the RhoA/ROCK pathway was inhibited in the corpus cavernosum of BCNI rats after ALCAR treatment, accompanied by increased nNOS and down-regulated Tyrosine Hydroxylase. In vitro, ALCAR promoted the migration and proliferation of SC, and increased the expression of Pmp22 and NGF. Further, rats treated with ALCAR had high expression of ATF3 and S100 in the distal nerve tissues of the CN extrusion site. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION ALCAR could promote nerve repair and regeneration, inhibit penile fibrosis and improve penile erection by promoting the proliferation and migration of SC and the secretion of NGF. Our study confirms that ALCAR may be a potential treatment strategy for NED. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingyu Song
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guoda Song
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuhong Feng
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiancheng Pan
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoqing Yang
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhongcheng Xin
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Andrology Center, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.,China-Korea Joint Research Center for Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Institute of Urology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Peng Hu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Taotao Sun
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kang Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenchao Xu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shaogang Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yajun Ruan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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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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Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy promotes recovery of sciatic nerve injury and the role of mechanical sensitive YAP/TAZ signaling pathway for nerve regeneration. Chin Med J (Engl) 2021; 134:2710-2720. [PMID: 34845995 PMCID: PMC8631414 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000001431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Histological and functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is of significant clinical value as delayed surgical repair and longer distances to innervate terminal organs may account for poor outcomes. Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LiESWT) has already been proven to be beneficial for injured tissue recovery on various pathological conditions. The objective of this study was to explore the potential effect and mechanism of LiESWT on PNI recovery. Methods: In this project, we explored LiESWT's role using an animal model of sciatic nerve injury (SNI). Shockwave was delivered to the region of the SNI site with a special probe at 3 Hz, 500 shocks each time, and 3 times a week for 3 weeks. Rat Schwann cells (SCs) and rat perineurial fibroblasts (PNFs) cells, the two main compositional cell types in peripheral nerve tissue, were cultured in vitro, and LiESWT was applied through the cultured dish to the adherent cells. Tissues and cell cultures were harvested at corresponding time points for a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. Multiple groups were compared by using one-way analysis of variance followed by the Tukey-Kramer test for post hoc comparisons. Results: LiESWT treatment promoted the functional recovery of lower extremities with SNI. More nerve fibers and myelin sheath were found after LiESWT treatment associated with local upregulation of mechanical sensitive yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional co-activator with a PDZ-binding domain (TAZ) signaling pathway. In vitro results showed that SCs were more sensitive to LiESWT than PNFs. LiESWT promoted SCs activation with more expression of p75 (a SCs dedifferentiation marker) and Ki67 (a SCs proliferation marker). The SCs activation process was dependent on the intact YAP/TAZ signaling pathway as knockdown of TAZ by TAZ small interfering RNA significantly attenuated this process. Conclusion: The LiESWT mechanical signal perception and YAP/TAZ upregulation in SCs might be one of the underlying mechanisms for SCs activation and injured nerve axon regeneration.
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Pentoxifylline Enhances Antioxidative Capability and Promotes Mitochondrial Biogenesis in D-Galactose-Induced Aging Mice by Increasing Nrf2 and PGC-1 α through the cAMP-CREB Pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:6695613. [PMID: 34257818 PMCID: PMC8245236 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6695613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a complex phenomenon associated with oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential ameliorative effects of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor pentoxifylline (PTX) on the aging process and its underlying mechanisms. We treated D-galactose- (D-gal-) induced aging mice with PTX and measured the changes in behavior, degree of oxidative damage, and mitochondrial ultrastructure and content as well as the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2- (Nrf2-) mediated antioxidant genes and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1-alpha- (PGC-1α-) dependent mitochondrial biogenesis genes. The results demonstrated that PTX improved cognitive deficits, reduced oxidative damage, ameliorated abnormal mitochondrial ultrastructure, increased mitochondrial content and Nrf2 activation, and upregulated antioxidant and mitochondrial biogenesis gene expression in the hippocampus of wild-type aging mice. However, the above antiaging effects of PTX were obviously decreased in the brains of Nrf2-deficient D-gal-induced aging mice. Moreover, in hydrogen peroxide-treated SH-SY5Y cells, we found that cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element-binding protein (CREB) and Nrf2/PGC-1α act in a linear way by CREB siRNA transfection. Thus, PTX administration improved the aging-related decline in brain function by enhancing antioxidative capability and promoting mitochondrial biogenesis, which might depend on increasing Nrf2 and PGC-1α by activating the cAMP-CREB pathway.
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Li H, Zhang Z, Fang D, Tang Y, Peng J. Local continuous glial cell derived neurotrophic factor release using osmotic pump promotes parasympathetic nerve rehabilitation in an animal model of cavernous nerve injury induced erectile dysfunction. Transl Androl Urol 2021; 10:258-271. [PMID: 33532315 PMCID: PMC7844500 DOI: 10.21037/tau-20-1110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nerve injury-related erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the types that respond poorly to conventional ED treatments. Our previous experiments have demonstrated the paracrine of various neurotrophic factors (NTFs) by stem cells or other treatment modalities as a potential mechanism in the recovery of nerve injury-related ED. Glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is one of the essential NTFs for the regeneration of nerve fibers, especially for parasympathetic nerves. The aim of this study is to explore if local continuous GDNF administration is beneficial for the functional and histological recovery of nerve injury induced ED. Methods Eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were used for this study. Rats were randomly grouped into 5: Sham surgery (Sham), bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) and placebo treatment, BCNI and 0.1 µg/100 µL GDNF treatment (BCNI+GDNF 0.1), BCNI and 1 µg/100 µL GDNF treatment (BCNI+GDNF 1), BCNI and 10 µg/100 µL GDNF treatment (BCNI+GDNF 10). GDNF was administered using an osmotic pump technique which would deliver GDNF locally and continuously for 28 days without the need for external connections or frequent handling of animals. Recovery of sexual function, nerve fibers regeneration, and expression of neurotrophic receptors were examined and compared among groups after the treatment. Results Local continuous GDNF release treatment increased the average number of intromissions in the sexual behavior test and intracavernous pressure (ICP) in the erectile function test in a dose dependent manner. Osmotic pump implantation induced increased local GDNF concentration and mild inflammatory response. Gene expression of GDNF receptors in major pelvic ganglion (MPG) and nerve regeneration along the urethra were partially promoted by GDNF. These changes were associated with increased nerve fibers especially the parasympathetic nerve fibers in dorsal nerve of penis (DNP) in GDNF treated groups. Conclusions In conclusion, our project illustrated the promising effects of local continuous GDNF administration for the functional and histological recovery of nerve injury-induced ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixi Li
- Andrology Center, Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhichao Zhang
- Andrology Center, Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Fang
- Andrology Center, Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Tang
- Andrology Center, Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Andrology Center, Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
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14
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Yuan H, Ruan Y, Tan Y, Reed-Maldonado AB, Chen Y, Zhao D, Wang Z, Zhou F, Peng D, Banie L, Wang G, Liu J, Lin G, Qi LS, Lue TF. Regenerating Urethral Striated Muscle by CRISPRi/dCas9-KRAB-Mediated Myostatin Silencing for Obesity-Associated Stress Urinary Incontinence. CRISPR J 2020; 3:562-572. [PMID: 33346712 PMCID: PMC7757699 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2020.0077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Overweight females are prone to obesity-associated stress urinary incontinence (OA-SUI), and there are no definitive medical therapies for this common urologic condition. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that regenerative therapy to restore urethral striated muscle (stM) and pelvic floor muscles might represent a valuable therapeutic approach. For the in vitro experiment, single-guide RNAs targeting myostatin (MSTN) were used for CRISPRi/dCas9-Kruppel associated box (KRAB)-mediated gene silencing. For the in vivo experiment, a total of 14 female lean ZUC-Leprfa 186 and 14 fatty ZUC-Leprfa 185 rats were used as control and CRISPRi-MSTN treated groups, respectively. The results indicated that lentivirus-mediated expression of MSTN CRISPRi/dCas9-KRAB caused sustained downregulation of MSTN in rat L6 myoblast cells and significantly enhanced myogenesis in vitro. In vivo, the urethral sphincter injection of lentiviral-MSTN sgRNA and lentiviral-dCas9-KRAB significantly increased the leak point pressure, the thickness of the stM layer, the ratio of stM to smooth muscle, and the number of neuromuscular junctions. Downregulation of MSTN with CRISPRi/dCas9-KRAB-mediated gene silencing significantly enhanced myogenesis in vitro and in vivo. It also improved urethral continence in the OA-SUI rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixing Yuan
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Yajun Ruan
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Yan Tan
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Amanda B. Reed-Maldonado
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Urology, Tripler Army Medical Center, 1 Jarrett White Road, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; and Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Yinwei Chen
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Dehua Zhao
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Zhao Wang
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Feng Zhou
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Dongyi Peng
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Lia Banie
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Guifang Wang
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Guiting Lin
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Lei S. Qi
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Tom F. Lue
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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Wang Y, Kang Y, Qi C, Zhang T, Zhao H, Ji X, Yan W, Huang Y, Cui R, Zhang G, Shi G. Pentoxifylline enhances antioxidative capability and promotes mitochondrial biogenesis for improving age-related behavioral deficits. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:25487-25504. [PMID: 33231568 PMCID: PMC7803534 DOI: 10.18632/aging.104155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pentoxifylline (PTX) is a non-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor with pleiotropic effects that is routinely used to treat peripheral vascular disease. In this study, we tested whether PTX could also counteract the detrimental effects of aging in the brain. To accomplish that, we treated aged rats with PTX and measured resulting behavioral alterations as well as changes in dopaminergic neurochemical levels, oxidative balance markers, mitochondrial function, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) and downstream gene expression, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) content in the brain. The results demonstrated that PTX improved motor and cognitive deficits and restored levels of dopamine and its metabolites in the brains of aged rats. PTX also reduced malondialdehyde levels and increased the GSH/GSSG ratio, mitochondrial ATP, nuclear Nrf2, and cAMP levels, and upregulated PGC-1α, nuclear respiratory factor 1, and mitochondrial transcription factor A expression in the substantia nigra and hippocampus of aged rats. Thus, increased nuclear Nrf2 levels and upregulation of PGC-1α, which enhance antioxidative capability and promote mitochondrial biogenesis, may be responsible for PTX-induced amelioration of behavioral deficits in aged rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Yunxiao Kang
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Chunxiao Qi
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Tianyun Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Xiaoming Ji
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Wensheng Yan
- Department of Sports Medicine, Hebei Sport University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Yuanxiang Huang
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Rui Cui
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Guoliang Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.,Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Geming Shi
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.,Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.,Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
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Zhou F, Reed-Maldonado AB, Tan Y, Yuan H, Peng D, Banie L, Wang G, Hou J, Lin G, Lue TF. Development of Male External Urethral Sphincter and Tissue-Resident Stem/Progenitor Cells in Rats. Stem Cells Dev 2020; 29:133-143. [PMID: 31822215 PMCID: PMC6987740 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2019.0241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after prostate surgery is primarily caused by urethral sphincter damage. There are few effective therapeutic approaches for male SUI due to both insufficient study of the structure of the external urethral sphincter (EUS) and incomplete understanding of the resident EUS stem/progenitor cells. The goals of this study were to localize and to determine the distribution of tissue-resident stem/progenitor cells in the male EUS throughout EUS development and to understand the anatomic temporal patterns of the EUS. Newborn Sprague Dawley rats were intraperitoneally injected with the thymidine analogue, 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU), and the EUS was harvested at five time points (1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 weeks postinjection). The tissue was then processed for EdU staining and immunofluorescence staining for stem cell markers Ki67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. We counted the EdU+ label-retaining cells (LRCs) at each time point and colocalized with each stem cell marker, also we isolated and cultured the cells in vitro. The results revealed that the number of EdU+ LRCs in each EUS cross-section decreased over time and that the LRCs were located immediately under the basal membrane of laminin, densely adherent to the muscle fibers. In addition, the thickness of the striated muscle layer developed much faster than the smooth muscle layer during EUS development. By 4 weeks, the structure of the EUS layers was well differentiated. The EUS resident stem/progenitor cells were isolated with MACS® MicroBeads system, and myogenesis was confirmed. In this study, we defined both the time-course development of the EUS and the distribution of resident stem/progenitor cells. This information is crucial for forthcoming studies regarding male micturition and for development of novel therapeutic approaches for postoperative male SUI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhou
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Amanda B. Reed-Maldonado
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
- Department of Urology, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Yan Tan
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Huixing Yuan
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Dongyi Peng
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Lia Banie
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Guifang Wang
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Jianquan Hou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Guiting Lin
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Tom F. Lue
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
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Yang W, Chen Z, Ma X, Ouyang X, Fang J, Wei H. Co-overexpression of VEGF and GDNF in adipose-derived stem cells optimizes therapeutic effect in neurogenic erectile dysfunction model. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12756. [PMID: 31943490 PMCID: PMC7046481 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the rapid repair potential of adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) co‐overexpressing VEGF and GDNF on bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) in rat models. Progressive fibrosis of the penis that occurs shortly after BCNI is a key cause of clinical treatment difficulty of erectile dysfunction (ED). Traditional medications are ineffective for ED caused by BCNI. ADSCs have shown therapeutic effects in animal models, but disappointing in clinical treatment suggests that we should explore optimal treatment of it. Materials and methods We extracted ADSCs from rat epididymis. Lentiviral transfection was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. Thirty‐six SD rats (10 weeks old) were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6 per group): sham surgery, and remaining five BCNI groups transplanted PBS or ADSCs which were genetically modified by vehicle, VEGF (ADSC‐V), GDNF (ADSC‐G), or VEGF&GDNF (ADSC‐G&V) around major pelvic ganglion (MPG). We investigated the therapeutic effects of BCNI rat model which is characterized by ED, penile tissue fibrosis and hypoxia, and lack of nitrogen nerves or vascular atrophy. Results Erectile function was almost recovered after 2 weeks of transplantation of ADSC‐G&V, promoted cavernous nerve repair, prevented penile fibrosis and preserving the vascular endothelium, which was significant differences amongst ADSC‐V or ADSC‐G. Moreover, GM‐ADSCs were detected in MPG and penis, indicating that their participation in repair of target organs and transverse nerves. Conclusions These promising data indicate that ADSCs co‐overexpressed VEGF and GDNF‐induced synergistic effects, make it a potential tool for recovering of erectile function speedily after BCNI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wende Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zehong Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolei Ma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Ouyang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiafeng Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongbo Wei
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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18
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Li M, Yuan YM, Yang BC, Gu SJ, Li HX, Xin ZC, Fang D, Guan RL. Comparative study of intracavernous pressure and cavernous pathology after bilateral cavernous nerve crushing and resection in rats. Asian J Androl 2020; 22:629-635. [PMID: 32235099 PMCID: PMC7705970 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_10_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the effects of bilateral cavernous nerve crushing (BCNC) and bilateral cavernous nerve resection (BCNR) on intracavernous pressure (ICP) and cavernous pathology in rats and to explore the optimal treatment time for the BCNC and BCNR models. Seventy-two male rats aged 12 weeks were randomly divided into three equal groups: Sham (both cavernous nerves exposed only), BCNC (BCN crushed for 2 min), and BCNR (5 mm of BCN resected). Erectile function was then measured at 1 week, 3 weeks, and 5 weeks after nerve injury, and penile tissues were harvested for histological and molecular analyses by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blot, and cytokine array. We found that erectile function parameters including the maximum, area, and slope of ICP/mean arterial pressure (MAP) significantly decreased after BCNR and BCNC at 1 week and 3 weeks. At 5 weeks, no significant differences were observed in ICP/MAP between the BCNC and Sham groups, whereas the ICP/MAP of the BCNR group remained significantly lower than that of the Sham group. After BCNC and BCNR, the amount of neuronal-nitric oxide synthase-positive fibers, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells decreased, whereas the amount of collagen III content increased. These pathological changes recovered over time, especially in the BCNC group. Our findings demonstrate that BCNC leads to acute and reversible erectile dysfunction, thus treatment time should be restricted to the first 3 weeks post-BCNC. In contrast, the self-healing ability of the BCNR model is poor, making it more suitable for long-term treatment research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li
- Molecular Biology Laboratory of Andrology Center, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Yi-Ming Yuan
- Molecular Biology Laboratory of Andrology Center, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Bi-Cheng Yang
- Molecular Biology Laboratory of Andrology Center, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Sheng-Ji Gu
- Molecular Biology Laboratory of Andrology Center, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Hui-Xi Li
- Molecular Biology Laboratory of Andrology Center, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Zhong-Cheng Xin
- Molecular Biology Laboratory of Andrology Center, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Dong Fang
- Molecular Biology Laboratory of Andrology Center, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Rui-Li Guan
- Molecular Biology Laboratory of Andrology Center, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100034, China
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Wang B, Ruan Y, Zhou T, Wang L, Li H, Peng D, Reed-Maldonado AB, Sanford MT, Lee YC, Zhou J, Wang HS, Banie L, Wang G, Liu J, Lin G, Lue TF. The effects of microenergy acoustic pulses on an animal model of obesity-associated stress urinary incontinence. Part 1: Functional and histologic studies. Neurourol Urodyn 2019; 38:2130-2139. [PMID: 31483063 DOI: 10.1002/nau.24160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AIM Obesity is a strong independent risk factor for urinary incontinence. Effective therapeutic approaches for obesity-associated stress urinary incontinence (OA-SUI) are lacking as the mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of our study is to explore the impacts of microenergy acoustic pulse (MAP) therapy on urethral and pelvic floor muscle structure and function in female lean and fatty rats. METHODS A total 24 Zucker fatty (ZF) and 24 Zucker lean (ZL) female 24-week-old rats were grouped into four groups: ZL control, ZLMAP, ZF control, and ZFMAP. For MAP treatment, 500 pulses were delivered at an energy level of 0.033 mJ/mm 2 and a frequency of 3 Hz and were applied twice a week for 4 weeks. After a 1-week washout, all rats underwent conscious cystometry and leak-point pressure (LPP) measurements followed by ex vivo organ-bath assay and histological study. RESULTS ZF rats had lower LPP as compared to ZL rats, and MAP treatment significantly improved LPP in ZF rats (P < .05). Impaired muscle contractile activity (MCA) in organ-bath study was noted in ZF rats. MAP treatment significantly increased MCA in ZF rats (P < .05) and also increased the thickness of the striated muscle layer and the number of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). In situ, MAP activated muscle satellite cells significantly (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Obesity impairs the function of both the urethral sphincter and the pelvic floor and leads to atrophy and distortion of the striated muscle in obese female rats. These issues contribute to OA-SUI. MAP improves continence by stimulating muscle regeneration and nerve innervation as well as by activating satellite cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohan Wang
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California.,Department of Urology, The Second Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yajun Ruan
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California.,Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tie Zhou
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California.,Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Huixi Li
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Dongyi Peng
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Amanda B Reed-Maldonado
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Melissa T Sanford
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Yung-Chin Lee
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Jun Zhou
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Hsun Shuan Wang
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Lia Banie
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Guifang Wang
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guiting Lin
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Tom F Lue
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
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20
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Kang N, Peng D, Wang B, Ruan Y, Zhou J, Reed-Maldonado AB, Banie L, Wang G, Xing N, Tang Y, Lin G, Lue TF. The effects of microenergy acoustic pulses on animal model of obesity-associated stress urinary incontinence. Part 2: In situ activation of pelvic floor and urethral striated muscle progenitor cells. Neurourol Urodyn 2019; 38:2140-2150. [PMID: 31452249 DOI: 10.1002/nau.24152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the possibility and mechanism of microenergy acoustic pulses (MAP) for activating tissue resident stem/progenitor cells within pelvic and urethral muscle and possible mechanism. METHODS The female Zucker Lean and Zucker Fatty rats were randomly divided into four groups: ZL control, ZLMAP, ZF control, and ZFMAP. MAP was applied at 0.033 mJ/mm2 , 3 Hz for 500 pulses, and the urethra and pelvic floor muscles of each rat was then harvested for cell isolation and flow cytometry assay. Freshly isolated cells were analyzed by flow cytometry for Pax-7, Int-7α, H3P, and EdU expression. Meanwhile, pelvic floor muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) were harvested through magnetic-activated cell sorting, MAP was then applied to MDSCs to assess the mechanism of stem cell activation. RESULTS Obesity reduced EdU-label-retaining cells and satellite cells in both pelvic floor muscle and urethra, while MAP activated those cells and enhanced cell proliferation, which promoted regeneration of striated muscle cells of the pelvic floor and urethral sphincter. Activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) /Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways by MAP is the potential mechanism. CONCLUSIONS MAP treatment activated tissue resident stem cells within pelvic floor and urethral muscle in situ via activating FAK-AMPK and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Kang
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California.,Department of Urology, Chaoyang Hospital, Beijing Captial Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dongyi Peng
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California.,Department of Urology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bohan Wang
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Yajun Ruan
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Jun Zhou
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Amanda B Reed-Maldonado
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Lia Banie
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Guifang Wang
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Nianzeng Xing
- Department of Urology, Chaoyang Hospital, Beijing Captial Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxin Tang
- Department of Urology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Guiting Lin
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Tom F Lue
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
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21
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Zhang H, Zhang S, Jia L, Li H. MyD88 overexpression deteriorates Ang-II-induced ED via upregulating MPO and COX2 and downregulating eNOS in the corpus cavernosum of rats. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:7133-7146. [PMID: 30484894 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common sexual problem for men and the exploration of its treatment is still in mire demand. We aim to investigate the role of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of angiotensin II (Ang-II) induced ED. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawlay rats were treated with Ang-II and intracavernous pressure (ICP) was measured to confirm the occurrence of ED. The corpus cavernosum penises of rats were transfected with plasmids to overexpressed MyD88. Inflammatory and vascular parameters including myeloperoxidase (MPO), cyclooxygenase2 (COX2), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cytokines in treated and untreated ED rats were measured. Flow cytometry was used to determine the apoptosis of endothelial cells of corpus cavernosum penises of rats. RESULTS Ang-II-induced ED rats were found to contain upregulated TLR4, MyD88, MPO, and COX2, and downregulated eNOS. MyD88 overexpression deteriorates cavernous structural damage, reduces ICP and ICP/MAP values and reverses the therapeutic effect of anti-TLR4 antibodies in rats with Ang-II-induced ED. Moreover, overexpression of MyD88 further upregulated MPO and COX2, downregulated eNOS, promoted oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell apoptosis rate via positively regulating the TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway, while anti-TLR4 antibodies downregulated MPO and COX2, upregulated eNOS, suppressed oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell apoptosis rate via inactivating the TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway in the rat corpus cavernosum penises. Furthermore, MyD88 overexpression promotes oxidative stress and inflammation and reverses the effect of anti-TLR4 antibodies in the penis of ED rats. CONCLUSION MyD88 overexpression deteriorates Ang-II-induced ED via upregulating MPO and COX2 and downregulating eNOS in the corpus cavernosum rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haishan Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shujuan Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Linpei Jia
- Department of Nephrology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hai Li
- Department of Urology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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22
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Huang AC, Wu JM, Chang YH, Dubey NK, Chiu AW, Yeh CY, Tsai TH, Yeh KY. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase activity mediates Lycium barbarum polysaccharides-enhanced sexual performance without stimulating noncontact erection in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:1293-1301. [PMID: 30539267 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5141-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) is known to promote reproductive functions. However, its role in noncontact erection (NCE) of penis initiated by brain regions including medial preoptic area (MPOA) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) regions responsible for sexual behavior has not been investigated. OBJECTIVES Therefore, this study initially investigated the effects of LBP on male sexual function, and subsequently, the mechanistic insight was investigated through assessing the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the MPOA and PVN. METHODS The adult male rats were treated with 100 mg/kg of LBP or vehicle by oral gavage. Before and after 14 days of treatment, copulatory behavior and noncontact erection (NCE) were recorded. After the last behavioral test, the brain was isolated to measure nNOS expression in the MPOA and PVN. RESULTS Data showed that LBP treatment significantly increased both the frequencies of intromission as well as ejaculation, compared to the control group. Whereas, a reduced post-ejaculatory interval was observed compared to same group on day 0. Furthermore, the treatment led to an increased intromission ratio, inter-intromission interval, and the number of MPOA nNOS-immunoreactive cells (nNOS-ir). Additionally, a significantly positive correlation between ejaculation frequency and MPOA nNOS-ir cells was recorded. Of note, LBP treatment had no effects on NCE and PVN nNOS-ir expression. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that LBP enhances sexual behavior through increased nNOS expression in the MPOA in male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy C Huang
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Urology, Taipei City Hospital Ren-Ai Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Min Wu
- Department of Physical Therapy, Hung Kuang University, No. 1018, Sec. 6, Taiwan Boulevard, Shalu District, Taichung, 43302, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Han Chang
- Department of Physical Therapy, Hung Kuang University, No. 1018, Sec. 6, Taiwan Boulevard, Shalu District, Taichung, 43302, Taiwan
| | - Navneet Kumar Dubey
- Ceramics and Biomaterials Research Group, Advanced Institute of Materials Science, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Allen W Chiu
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Urology, Taipei City Hospital Ren-Ai Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Yu Yeh
- Department of Nursing, Ching Kuo Institute of Management and Health, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Hu Tsai
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Chemical Engineering, National United University, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Kuei-Ying Yeh
- Department of Physical Therapy, Hung Kuang University, No. 1018, Sec. 6, Taiwan Boulevard, Shalu District, Taichung, 43302, Taiwan.
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Ouyang X, Han X, Chen Z, Fang J, Huang X, Wei H. MSC-derived exosomes ameliorate erectile dysfunction by alleviation of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle apoptosis in a rat model of cavernous nerve injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2018; 9:246. [PMID: 30257719 PMCID: PMC6158845 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-018-1003-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study investigated the therapeutic effects of MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) on erectile function in a rat model of cavernous nerve injury (CNI). Methods MSCs were isolated from rat bone marrow and exosomes were isolated from the supernatants by ultracentrifugation. The tissue explant adherent method was used to isolate and culture corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs). MSCs and CCSMCs were identified by flow cytometry, in vitro differentiation or immunofluorescence staining. Thirty-two 10-week-old male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups: a sham operation group and bilateral CNI groups that received intracavernosal (IC) injection of either PBS, MSCs or MSC-Exos. Four weeks after CNI and treatment, the erectile function of the rats was measured by electrically stimulating the cavernous nerve. The penile tissues were harvested for blinded histologic analysis and western blotting. H2O2 was used to induce apoptosis in the CCSMCs, and a flow cytometer was used to measure the cell viability of the CCSMCs treated with or without exosomes in vitro. Results Recovery of erectile function was observed in the MSC-Exos group. The MSC-Exos treatment significantly enhanced smooth muscle content and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the corpus cavernosum. The ratio of smooth muscle to collagen in the corpus cavernosum was significantly improved in the MSC-Exos treatment group compared to the PBS vehicle group. WB confirmed these biological changes. Cell viability of the CCSMCs was increased in the MSC-Exos-treated groups, and caspase-3 expression was decreased after the MSC-Exos treatment in vivo and in vitro. Conclusions Exosomes isolated from MSCs culture supernatants by ultracentrifugation could ameliorate CNI-induced ED in rats by inhibiting apoptosis in CCSMCs, with similar potency to that observed in the MSCs-treated group. Therefore, this cell-free therapy has great potential for application in the treatment of CNI-induced ED for replacing cell therapy. Graphical abstract MSC-derived exosomes ameliorate erectile dysfunction in a rat model of cavernous nerve injury![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Ouyang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe Road 600, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xiaoyan Han
- Central Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe Road 600, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zehong Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe Road 600, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jiafeng Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe Road 600, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xuna Huang
- Central Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe Road 600, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Hongbo Wei
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe Road 600, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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Li M, Lei H, Xu Y, Li H, Yang B, Yu C, Yuan Y, Fang D, Xin Z, Guan R. Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells exert therapeutic effect in a rat model of cavernous nerves injury. Andrology 2018; 6:927-935. [PMID: 30009463 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Li
- Molecular Biology Laboratory of Andrology Center; Peking University First Hospital; Peking University; Beijing China
| | - H. Lei
- Department of Urology; Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital; Capital Medical University; Beijing China
| | - Y. Xu
- Department of Urology; First Hospital Affiliated to Chinese; PLA General Hospital; Beijing China
| | - H. Li
- Molecular Biology Laboratory of Andrology Center; Peking University First Hospital; Peking University; Beijing China
| | - B. Yang
- Molecular Biology Laboratory of Andrology Center; Peking University First Hospital; Peking University; Beijing China
| | - C. Yu
- Department of Urology; General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University; Ningxia Medical University; Ningxia China
| | - Y. Yuan
- Molecular Biology Laboratory of Andrology Center; Peking University First Hospital; Peking University; Beijing China
| | - D. Fang
- Molecular Biology Laboratory of Andrology Center; Peking University First Hospital; Peking University; Beijing China
| | - Z. Xin
- Molecular Biology Laboratory of Andrology Center; Peking University First Hospital; Peking University; Beijing China
| | - R. Guan
- Molecular Biology Laboratory of Andrology Center; Peking University First Hospital; Peking University; Beijing China
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25
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Wang HS, Oh BS, Wang B, Ruan Y, Zhou J, Banie L, Lee YC, Tamaddon A, Zhou T, Wang G, Lin G, Lue TF. Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy ameliorates diabetic underactive bladder in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. BJU Int 2018; 122:490-500. [PMID: 29603534 DOI: 10.1111/bju.14216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the therapeutic effect of once-weekly low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) on underactive bladder (UAB) in the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS In all, 36 female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: normal control (NC), diabetes mellitus control (DMC), and DM with Li-ESWT (DM Li-ESWT). The two DM groups received an intraperitoneal 60 mg/kg STZ injection to induce DM. The Li-ESWT was applied toward the pelvis of the rats starting 4 weeks after STZ administration and lasting for 4 weeks. The Li-ESWT was given once weekly, with an energy flux density of 0.02 mJ/mm2 at 3 Hz for 400 pulses. All rats underwent conscious cystometry, leak-point pressure (LPP) assessment, ex vivo organ-bath study, histology, immunofluorescence, and Western Blot analysis. RESULTS Conscious cystometry revealed voiding dysfunction in the DMC group, whereas the DM Li-ESWT group showed significantly improved voiding function, reflected in a reduced post-void residual urine volume and increased LPP compared to the DMC group. Ex vivo organ-bath studies showed that Li-ESWT enhanced muscle contractile activity of the bladder and urethra during electrical-field stimulation and drug stimulation. Histologically, Li-ESWT significantly restored bladder morphology, reflected by a reduction in the intravesical lumen area and increased muscle proportion of the bladder wall. Western Blot analysis showed higher smooth muscle actin expression in the bladder wall in the DM Li-ESWT group compared to the DMC group. Immunofluorescence showed decreased nerve-ending distribution, and destroyed and shortened nerve fibres in the DMC group, and recovery of neuronal integrity and innervation in the DM Li-ESWT group. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, Li-ESWT ameliorated UAB and urinary incontinence in the diabetic UAB rat model. The improvement appears to be the result of restoration of bladder and urethral structure and function by Li-ESWT. Li-ESWT is non-invasive and may become a better alternative therapy for UAB. Further investigations are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsun Shuan Wang
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Municipal Hsiaokang Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Byung Seok Oh
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bohan Wang
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yajun Ruan
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jun Zhou
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lia Banie
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yung Chin Lee
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Municipal Hsiaokang Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Arianna Tamaddon
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tie Zhou
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Guifang Wang
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Guiting Lin
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tom F Lue
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Bilateral Cavernous Nerve Crush Injury in the Rat Model: A Comparative Review of Pharmacologic Interventions. Sex Med Rev 2018; 6:234-241. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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27
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Ruan Y, Lin G, Kang N, Tamaddon A, Zhou J, Wang B, Wang HS, Wang G, Banie L, Xin Z, Liu J, Lue TF. In Situ Activation and Preservation of Penile Progenitor Cells Using Icariside II in an Obesity-Associated Erectile Dysfunction Rat Model. Stem Cells Dev 2018; 27:207-215. [PMID: 29179669 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2017.0220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity-associated erectile dysfunction (ED) involves pathologic change that may be related to deficit of the penile endogenous stem/progenitor cells. Therefore, an in-depth study of the penile stem/progenitor cells in the pathogenesis of ED is warranted. For this study, eight Zucker Lean (ZUC-Leprfa 186; ZL group) and 16 Zucker Fatty (ZUC-Leprfa 185; ZF) male rats received an intraperitoneal injection of 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU) to track endogenous stem cells. Twelve weeks later, the ZF rats were randomized to gavage feeding with 1.5 mg/kg/day of icariside II (ZF + ICA II group) or the solvent (ZF group). Treatment lasted 4 weeks and was followed by a 1-week washout period. ZF rats had impaired erectile function with related pathologic changes compared with ZL rats. ICA II treatment restored erectile function and prevented smooth muscle atrophy, endothelial dysfunction, and lipid accumulation compared with no treatment. EdU label-retaining cell levels were higher in the ZF + ICA II group compared with the ZF group. Histone 3 phosphorylation at Ser 10, a specific mitotic cell marker, was additionally used to identify dividing cells. ICA II activated more penile stem cells to proliferate in ZF rats compared with ZL rats. These results suggest that ZF rats can be used as a model for obesity-associated ED and that ICA II improves erectile function and pathologic changes through endogenous progenitor cell preservation and proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Ruan
- 1 Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,2 Department of Urology , Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan, China
| | - Guiting Lin
- 1 Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Ning Kang
- 1 Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Arianna Tamaddon
- 1 Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Jun Zhou
- 1 Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Bohan Wang
- 1 Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Hsun Shuan Wang
- 1 Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Guifang Wang
- 1 Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Lia Banie
- 1 Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Zhongcheng Xin
- 3 Department of Urology, Andrology Center, Peking University , Beijing, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- 2 Department of Urology , Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan, China
| | - Tom F Lue
- 1 Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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28
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Zhang HB, Wang ZQ, Chen FZ, Ding W, Liu WB, Chen ZR, He SH, Wei AY. Maintenance of the contractile phenotype in corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells by Myocardin gene therapy ameliorates erectile dysfunction in bilateral cavernous nerve injury rats. Andrology 2017; 5:798-806. [PMID: 28544569 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of erectile dysfunction post radical prostatectomy is not clearly clarified, and the low efficacy of traditional PDE5i treatment remains a major complaint in contemporary practice. This study aimed to demonstrate phenotypic modulation in bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) rats within 7 days, and subsequently validate gene therapy with Myocardin (Mycod) by maintaining a contractile phenotype in corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells. Initially, 36 male rats were randomly divided into BCNI and negative control (NC) groups for histological and phenotypic molecular measurements at 3, 5, and 7 days. Afterwards, an additional 30 rats received a single intra-cavernous injection of 50 μL PBS, Ad-Myocd (1 × 1011 pfu/ml) or Ad-vector for 10 animals each, namely the NC+PBS, BCNI+Ad-Myocd, and BCNI+Ad-vector groups. Finally, the validity and mechanism of Myocd transfection was explored at 21 days in vivo and 48 h in vitro. Western blotting showed canonical declines in Myocd, α-SMA, and Calponin expression, as well as elevated Osteopontin (OPN) expression, before corporeal morphological and SM-to-collagen ratio changes at day 5 after injury. Overexpression of Myocd maintained the contractile phenotype of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells, ameliorated bilateral cavernous nerve injury rat erectile dysfunction, as well as promoted cell contractility and suppressed proliferative capacity. Simultaneously, confocal imaging revealed up-regulation and co-localization of serum response factor in gene-transferred cells. In conclusion, our study is the first to investigate corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells phenotypes in the early stages of cavernous injury model rats, and Myocd reversed phenotypic modulation by activating serum response factor. The experimental results demonstrated the validity of gene therapy for erectile dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- H-B Zhang
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Z-Q Wang
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - F-Z Chen
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - W Ding
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guiyang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - W-B Liu
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Z-R Chen
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - S-H He
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - A-Y Wei
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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29
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Ryu JK, Suh JK, Burnett AL. Research in pharmacotherapy for erectile dysfunction. Transl Androl Urol 2017; 6:207-215. [PMID: 28540228 PMCID: PMC5422707 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2016.11.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Although oral phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors are generally accepted as an effective therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED), men with ED from diabetes or radical prostatectomy respond poorly to these drugs. Many researchers have tried to develop novel therapeutics that target alternative molecular pathways. A group of therapeutics belongs to centrally acting agents that target dopamine and melanocortin receptors. The other one is the peripherally acting agents that target soluble guanylate cyclase, Rho-kinase pathway, and Maxi-K channel, etc. Also, a variety of preclinical studies by the application of biotherapies in the concept of therapeutic angiogenesis or neural regeneration as well as anti-fibrosis to regenerate damaged erectile tissue have been reported. This article will address the current therapeutic targets for ED under clinical or preclinical development, including pharmacotherapy and biotherapy which comprises protein therapy and gene therapy. In spite of numerous clinical trials that target alternative pathways, these agents have yet to reach the market. The results from preclinical studies targeting therapeutic angiogenesis, neural regeneration, and anti-fibrosis are promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Kan Ryu
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 400-711, Korea
| | - Jun-Kyu Suh
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 400-711, Korea
| | - Arthur L Burnett
- Department of Urology, The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Ruan Y, Li M, Wang T, Yang J, Rao K, Wang S, Yang W, Liu J, Ye Z. Response and Rebuttal to Letter to the Editor regarding "Taurine Supplementation Improves Erectile Function in Rats with Streptozotocin-Induced Type 1 Diabetes via Amelioration of Penile Fibrosis and Endothelial Dysfunction". J Sex Med 2016; 13:1571-2. [PMID: 27641924 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Ruan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingchao Li
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Rao
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shaogang Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weiming Yang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhangqun Ye
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Low-energy Shock Wave Therapy Ameliorates Erectile Dysfunction in a Pelvic Neurovascular Injuries Rat Model. J Sex Med 2016; 13:22-32. [PMID: 26755082 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2015.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Erectile dysfunction (ED) caused by pelvic injuries is a common complication of civil and battlefield trauma with multiple neurovascular factors involved, and no effective therapeutic approach is available. AIMS To test the effect and mechanisms of low-energy shock wave (LESW) therapy in a rat ED model induced by pelvic neurovascular injuries. METHODS Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats injected with 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) at newborn were divided into 4 groups: sham surgery (Sham), pelvic neurovascular injury by bilateral cavernous nerve injury and internal pudendal bundle injury (PVNI), PVNI treated with LESW at low energy (Low), and PVNI treated with LESW at high energy (High). After LESW treatment, rats underwent erectile function measurement and the tissues were harvested for histologic and molecular study. To examine the effect of LESW on Schwann cells, in vitro studies were conducted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS The intracavernous pressure (ICP) measurement, histological examination, and Western blot (WB) were conducted. Cell cycle, Schwann cell activation-related markers were examined in in vitro experiments. RESULTS LESW treatment improves erectile function in a rat model of pelvic neurovascular injury by leading to angiogenesis, tissue restoration, and nerve generation with more endogenous EdU(+) progenitor cells recruited to the damaged area and activation of Schwann cells. LESW facilitates more complete re-innervation of penile tissue with regeneration of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-positive nerves from the MPG to the penis. In vitro experiments demonstrated that LESW has a direct effect on Schwann cell proliferation. Schwann cell activation-related markers including p-Erk1/2 and p75 were upregulated after LESW treatment. CONCLUSION LESW-induced endogenous progenitor cell recruitment and Schwann cell activation coincides with angiogenesis, tissue, and nerve generation in a rat model of pelvic neurovascular injuries.
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Caspase-3 dependent nitrergic neuronal apoptosis following cavernous nerve injury is mediated via RhoA and ROCK activation in major pelvic ganglion. Sci Rep 2016; 6:29416. [PMID: 27388816 PMCID: PMC4937405 DOI: 10.1038/srep29416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Axonal injury due to prostatectomy leads to Wallerian degeneration of the cavernous nerve (CN) and erectile dysfunction (ED). Return of potency is dependent on axonal regeneration and reinnervation of the penis. Following CN injury (CNI), RhoA and Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) increase in penile endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Previous studies indicate that nerve regeneration is hampered by activation of RhoA/ROCK pathway. We evaluated the role of RhoA/ROCK pathway in CN regulation following CNI using a validated rat model. CNI upregulated gene and protein expression of RhoA/ROCK and caspase-3 mediated apoptosis in the major pelvic ganglion (MPG). ROCK inhibitor (ROCK-I) prevented upregulation of RhoA/ROCK pathway as well as activation of caspase-3 in the MPG. Following CNI, there was decrease in the dimer to monomer ratio of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) protein and lowered NOS activity in the MPG, which were prevented by ROCK-I. CNI lowered intracavernous pressure and impaired non-adrenergic non-cholinergic-mediated relaxation in the penis, consistent with ED. ROCK-I maintained the intracavernous pressure and non-adrenergic non-cholinergic-mediated relaxation in the penis following CNI. These results suggest that activation of RhoA/ROCK pathway mediates caspase-3 dependent apoptosis of nitrergic neurons in the MPG following CNI and that ROCK-I can prevent post-prostatectomy ED.
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Deficits in coordinated motor behavior and in nigrostriatal dopaminergic system ameliorated and VMAT2 expression up-regulated in aged male rats by administration of testosterone propionate. Exp Gerontol 2016; 78:1-11. [PMID: 26956479 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2016.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Revised: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The effects of testosterone propionate (TP) supplements on the coordinated motor behavior and nigrostriatal dopaminergic (NSDA) system were analyzed in aged male rats. The present study showed the coordinated motor behavioral deficits, the reduced activity of NSDA system and the decreased expression of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) in 24 month-old male rats. Long term TP treatment improved the motor coordination dysfunction with aging. Increased tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter, as well as dopamine and its metabolites were found in the NSDA system of TP-treated 24 month-old male rats, indicative of the amelioratory effects of TP supplements on NSDA system of aged male rats. The enhancement of dopaminergic (DAergic) activity of NSDA system by TP supplements might underlie the amelioration of the coordinated motor dysfunction in aged male rats. TP supplements up-regulated VMAT2 expression in NSDA system of aged male rats. Up-regulation of VMAT2 expression in aged male rats following chronic TP treatment might be involved in the maintenance of DAergic function of NSDA system in aged male rats.
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Survey of the Literature for September 2015 Issue of Sexual Medicine Journal. Sex Med 2015. [PMCID: PMC4599550 DOI: 10.1002/sm2.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Weyne E, Castiglione F, Van der Aa F, Bivalacqua TJ, Albersen M. Landmarks in erectile function recovery after radical prostatectomy. Nat Rev Urol 2015; 12:289-97. [PMID: 25868558 DOI: 10.1038/nrurol.2015.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The description of the nerve-sparing technique of radical prostatectomy by Walsh was one of the major breakthroughs in the surgical treatment of prostate cancer in the 20(th) century. However, despite this advance and consequent technological refinements to nerve-sparing surgery, a large proportion of men still suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED) as a complication of prostatectomy. A plethora of therapeutic approaches have been proposed to optimize erectile function recovery in these patients. Several preclinical and translational studies have shown benefits of therapies including PDE5 inhibitor (PDE5I) treatment, immunomodulation, neurotrophic factor administration, and regenerative techniques, such as stem cell therapy, in animal models. However, most of these approaches have either failed to translate to clinical use or have yet to be studied in human subjects. Penile rehabilitation with PDE5Is is currently the most commonly used clinical strategy, in spite of the absence of solid clinical evidence to support its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Weyne
- Laboratory for Experimental Urology, Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, Box 802, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Fabio Castiglione
- Urological Research Institute, San Raffaele Scientific Institution, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Frank Van der Aa
- Laboratory for Experimental Urology, Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, Box 802, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Trinity J Bivalacqua
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Marburg 420, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Maarten Albersen
- Laboratory for Experimental Urology, Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, Box 802, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Weyne E, Bivalacqua TJ, Albersen M. Immunosympathectomy for Preservation of Erectile Function Following Cavernous Nerve Injury. Eur Urol 2015; 67:727-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2014.10.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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