Dietary Modification Is Associated with Normalization of Penile Hemodynamics in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

Effects of diet and antihyperglycemic drugs on erectile dysfunction: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Erectile dysfunction is recognized as one of the complications of diabetes mellitus. To date, a wide gap of knowledge is present on the efficacy of pharmacological treatments of diabetes mellitus on erectile function, acting not only through metabolic control. Similarly, the effects of different diet regimens on erectile dysfunction are still debated.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to explore the effects of diet and antihyperglycemic drugs, considering both old and novel therapeutic approaches, on erectile function.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We performed a systematic review, following the PRISMA guidelines. The research was conducted on studies reporting erectile dysfunction assessment in subjects with diabetes and the relationship with diet and antihyperglycemic drugs.

RESULTS

The Mediterranean diet was effective in most studies for the protection of erectile function. Furthermore, antihyperglycemic drugs seem to show an overall protective role on erectile function.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Although encouraging results are present for all classes of antihyperglycemic drugs, several studies are needed in humans, mainly on acarbose, pioglitazone, dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 inhibitors, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors.

Combining effect of camellia oil and squalene on hyperlipidemia-induced reproductive damage in male rats

Introduction

Camellia oil (CO), a common edible oil in China, contains a variety of active ingredients. In this study, we explored the combining effect and optimal feeding time of CO and squalene on hyperlipemia-induced reproductive damage rats and probably provided supportive data for use of CO for health benefits.

Methods

We established the hyperlipidaemia-induced reproductive damage model, and then the successfully modeled rats were randomly classified into four groups including a model control (MC) group, a camellia oil (CO) group, a camellia oil + squalene (COS) group, and a sildenafil (SN) group, which were feeding with different subjects during days 30 and 60. The normal (NC) group was fed under the same conditions.

Results

Our results showed that compared with the MC group, the CO, COS, and SN groups could significantly decline the serum TG, TC and LDL-C levels, increase the serum testosterone levels, the sperm counts in epididymidis and organ coefficients of penises, and no pathological change in penis and testis at days 30 and 60. Compared with the pure CO, the mixture of CO and squalene could significantly enhance the effect of decreasing the concentrations of TG, TC, and LDL-C and increasing the serum testosterone level and sperm count of epididymal tail, and the results of day 30 were better than those of day 60.

Discussion

CO and squalene have a combining effect on lowering blood lipid, improving the level of testosterone and the number of epididymal tail sperm, and promoting the recovery of erectile and sexual function on hyperlipidemia-induced reproductive damage rats on day 30.

Erectile Dysfunction Is a Hallmark of Cardiovascular Disease: Unavoidable Matter of Fact or Opportunity to Improve Men's Health?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an early manifestation of cardiovascular (CV) disease. For this reason, men with ED should be carefully assessed for CV risk factors in order to prevent future major adverse CV events (MACE). Traditional risk factors are not found in all subjects at high CV risk. In fact, a relevant proportion of MACE occurs in men who are apparently risk factor free. In men with ED, it is important to take into account not only traditional risk factors but also unconventional ones. Several parameters that derive from good clinical assessment of subjects with ED have proven to be valuable predictors of MACE. These include family history of cardiometabolic events, alcohol abuse, fatherhood, decreased partner’s sexual interest, severe impairment in erection during intercourse or during masturbation, impaired fasting glucose, increased triglycerides, obesity even without metabolic complications, decreased penile blood flows or impaired response to an intra-cavernosal injection test. Recognizing these risk factors may help in identifying, among subjects with ED, those who merit stricter lifestyle or pharmacological interventions to minimize their CV risk. Effective correction of risk factors in ED men considered as high risk, besides reducing CV risk, is also able to improve erectile function.

The Combination of High-Fat Diet and Oral Marijuana Promotes the Development of Fibrosis in the Mouse Corpora Cavernosa

INTRODUCTION

The link between cannabis use and erectile dysfunction remains unclear. Moreover, the effect of cannabis in tandem with current Western dietary habits is an area in male sexual health that has yet to be explored. This study seeks to investigate the impact of diet and cannabis on penile health in an animal model.

AIM

To determine the effects of diet and oral cannabis extract on fibrosis and oxidative stress within the corpora cavernosa of mice.

METHODS

This is a pilot animal study in which groups of 2-month old C57BL/6J male mice were fed a normal chow diet (NCD) or high-fat diet (HFD) daily and treated with or without either MJ or THC extract for 2 months. After euthanization, mouse penises were isolated and processed for immunohistochemical studies to determine: (i) smooth muscle cell to collagen content, (ii) myofibroblast proliferation, and (iii) anti-oxidative activity.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Quantitative assessment of immunohistochemical markers of fibrosis and oxidative stress within the corpora cavernosa of mice fed a high-fat diet in combination with either oral marijuana (MJ) or Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol extract (THC).

RESULTS

The combination of HFD with MJ resulted in: (i) a decrease in the smooth/collagen ratio in the corpora cavernosa, (ii) an increase in alpha-smooth muscle actin expression in the tunica albuginea compatible with myofibroblast proliferation, and (iii) a decrease in heme oxygenase 1 expression indicating an increase in oxidative stress. Significant histological changes were not observed in the HFD + THC group.

CONCLUSIONS

HFD combined with oral MJ extract led to structural alterations in erectile tissue that are associated with accelerated corporal fibrosis. However, the addition of THC to the diet did not exacerbate histological changes within the corpora. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the discrepant effects between MJ and THC in order to optimize the therapeutic potential of cannabis and minimize its adverse effects on penile health. S Nguyen, M Mangubat, S Eleswarapu, et al. The Combination of High-Fat Diet and Oral Marijuana Promotes the Development of Fibrosis in the Mouse Corpora Cavernosa. Sex Med 2021;9:100312.

Intracavernous Injection of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Ameliorates Hyperlipidemia-Associated Erectile Dysfunction in a Rat Model

Introduction

Hyperlipidemia is associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) mediated by endothelial damage. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains numerous angiogenic growth factors. Currently, evidence supporting the use of PRP for ED treatment is limited.

Aim

We investigated PRP in a rat model of hyperlipidemia-associated ED.

Methods

Thirty 2-month-old male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. 20 rats were fed a high-fat diet for 5 months and were randomly divided into 2 groups: (i) rats in the H group received supernatant injection into the corpus cavernosum weekly for 4 weeks; (ii) rats in the H + PRP group received PRP injection into the corpus cavernosum weekly for 4 weeks. 10 rats were fed a standard diet for 5 months and received supernatant injection into the corpus cavernosum weekly for 4 weeks (N group). 7 days after the 4th injection, all rats underwent erectile function testing and then euthanasia.

Main outcome measures

Erectile function was evaluated by measuring intracavernous pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Serum and penile tissue were collected for metabolic variable assessment and histochemical examination, respectively.

Results

Intracavernous pressure/MAP and area under the curve/MAP ratios were significantly higher in the N and H + PRP groups than in the H group. Insulin-like growth factor-1, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor levels were significantly higher in the H + PRP group than in the N and H groups. Corporal neuronal nitric oxide synthase, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and endothelial cells were weakly expressed in the H group compared with the N and H + PRP groups. Intracorporal oxidative stress and apoptotic index were significantly higher in the H group than in the N and H + PRP groups.

Conclusions

This preclinical evidence suggests that clinical trials of PRP in men with ED should be considered. PRP may play a role in ED management.

Huang YC, Wu CT, Chen MF, et al. Intracavernous Injection of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Ameliorates Hyperlipidemia-Associated Erectile Dysfunction in a Rat Model. Sex Med 2021;9:100317.

The influence of smoking exposure and cessation on penile hemodynamics and corporal tissue in a rat model

Background

While epidemiological studies have clearly documented that smoking cessation significantly enhances sexual health, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Thus, we wished to explore possible mechanisms by using a rat model of smoking-associated erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods

Forty 8-week old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups. Ten rats were exposed only to room air (N group). The remaining 30 rats were passively exposed to cigarette smoke over a 12-week period. At the end of 12 weeks, the smoking (S, n=10) group underwent immediate erectile function testing and were sacrificed. The remaining 20 rats were exposed to room air only for 4 (Q4W, n=10) or 8 (Q8W, n=10) weeks and then underwent erectile function testing and sacrifice. Erectile function was evaluated by measuring intracavernous pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). After blood collection for serum testosterone determination, rats were sacrificed to obtain corporal tissue for immunohistochemistry.

Results

Mean ICP/MAP ratio was significantly lower in the S group compared to the N and Q8W groups (0.52±0.11, 0.94±0.05, and 0.94±0.12, respectively, P=0.0189). Smooth muscle/collagen ratio was also significantly lower in the S group compared to the N and Q8W groups (11.8±0.94, 17.5±1.82, and 16.4±0.60, respectively, P=0.0008). Oxidative stress and apoptotic indices were significantly higher in the S group compared to the N and Q8W groups. Neuronal and endothelial nitric oxide synthases were significantly less expressed in the S group compared to the N and Q8W groups.

Conclusions

Smoking cessation is associated with partial recovery of penile hemodynamics in a rat model of smoking associated ED.