RhoA/ROCK pathway inhibitor ameliorates erectile dysfunction induced by radiation therapy in rats

Nrf2 enhances the therapeutic efficiency of adipose-derived stem cells in the treatment of neurogenic erectile dysfunction in a rat model

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.

The protective effect of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 on the intestinal barrier is mediated by inhibition of RhoA/ROCK2/MLC signaling via TLR-4

AIMS

This study investigated the protective effect of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) on intestinal barrier and the mechanism in the context of acute severe inflammation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, mice received lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intraperitoneal injection with or without EcN administration to construct a mouse model of endotoxemia. Clinical scores, intestinal permeability, inflammatory cytokines and histopathological analysis of four main organs from different groups were assessed. The expression of tight junction proteins and activation of RhoA/ROCK2/MLC signaling were examined using western blotting. The localization of tight junction proteins was examined by immunofluorescence. Caco-2 monolayers with or without TLR-4 knockdown were incubated with EcN or TNF-α/IFN-γ and the monolayer barrier function was assessed by transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and FITC-dextran 4000 Da (FD-4) flux. The expression of tight junction proteins and activation of RhoA/ROCK2/MLC signaling were examined by western blotting. The localization of tight junction proteins was examined by immunofluorescence.

KEY FINDINGS

We found that EcN downregulated the RhoA/ROCK2/MLC signaling pathway to preserve barrier function and alleviated systemic inflammation in mouse model. And EcN also protected barrier function of Caco-2 monolayers by inhibiting the activation of RhoA/ROCK2/MLC signaling via TLR-4.

SIGNIFICANCE

The results indicated that EcN protected the intestinal barrier function in endotoxemia through inhibiting the activation of RhoA/ROCK2/MLC signaling via TLR-4.

Prostate Cancer Radiotherapy: Increased Biochemical Control and Late Toxicity in Men With Medication Allergies

Background

Given similarities in the mediators of medication allergy (MA) and tissue response to radiotherapy, we assessed whether outcomes following prostate radiotherapy differ in patients with MAs.

Methods

A total 587 men with known MA history and nonmetastatic prostate cancer underwent radiotherapy from 1989 to 2006. Clinicopathologic and treatment variables were analyzed for association with freedom from biochemical failure (FFBF) and late treatment–related, physician-defined Radiation Therapy Oncology Group gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicity. Covariates identified on univariate analysis for toxicity and disease control were examined on multivariable analysis. All statistical tests were 2-sided, and a P less than .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 155 of 587 men (26.4%) had 1 or more MAs, most commonly to penicillin (n = 71), sulfa (n = 35), and aspirin or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (n = 28). On univariate analysis, men with MAs had superior 10-y FFBF (71.5% vs 63.5%, P = .02) and higher incidence of late GI grade 2 or higher (G2+; 20.6% vs 13.2%, P = .04) and grade 3 or higher (G3+; 7.5% vs 3.9%, P = .08) as well as late GU G2+ (42.5% vs 33.2%, P = .04) and G3+ (7.5% vs 3.0%, P = .02) toxicity than men without MAs. On multivariable analysis, MA history remained a statistically significant predictor of FFBF (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.43 to 0.93, P = .02), late G2+ GI (HR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.06 to 2.90, P=.03), and G3+ GU (HR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.16 to 6.27, P = .02) toxicity after controlling for corresponding covariates in each model.

Conclusions

Men with MAs had improved FFBF and increased treatment-related toxicity following radiotherapy for prostate cancer. MA history could be a relevant consideration in the management of men with localized prostate cancer.