Antifibrogenic role of valproic acid in streptozotocin induced diabetic rat penis

Autophagy in erectile dysfunction: focusing on apoptosis and fibrosis

ABSTRACT

In most types of erectile dysfunction, particularly in advanced stages, typical pathological features observed are reduced parenchymal cells coupled with increased tissue fibrosis. However, the current treatment methods have shown limited success in reversing these pathologic changes. Recent research has revealed that changes in autophagy levels, along with alterations in apoptosis and fibrosis-related proteins, are linked to the progression of erectile dysfunction, suggesting a significant association. Autophagy, known to significantly affect cell fate and tissue fibrosis, is currently being explored as a potential treatment modality for erectile dysfunction. However, these present studies are still in their nascent stage, and there are limited experimental data available. This review analyzes erectile dysfunction from a pathological perspective. It provides an in-depth overview of how autophagy is involved in the apoptotic processes of smooth muscle and endothelial cells and its role in the fibrotic processes occurring in the cavernosum. This study aimed to develop a theoretical framework for the potential effectiveness of autophagy in preventing and treating erectile dysfunction, thus encouraging further investigation among researchers in this area.

Exploring novel drug targets for erectile dysfunction through plasma proteome with genome

Background

Currently, the treatment and prevention of erectile dysfunction (ED) remain highly challenging.

Aim

This study conducted a systematic druggable genome-wide Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to identify potential therapeutic targets for ED.

Methods

A proteome-wide MR approach was employed to investigate the causal effects of plasma proteins on ED. Subsequently, summary data-based MR (SMR) analysis was performed to identify potential drug targets for ED. Enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks revealed the functional characteristics and biological relevance of these potential therapeutic targets. Drug prediction and molecular docking studies were conducted to validate the pharmacological activity of these identified targets. Finally, a systematic MR analysis was conducted to assess upstream intervention factors, such as lifestyles and diseases, associated with these targets, providing insights for the prevention and treatment of ED.

Outcomes

This study identified several potential therapeutic targets for ED.

Results

Proteome-wide MR analysis revealed that 126 genetically predicted plasma proteins were causally associated with ED. SMR analysis indicated that TMEM9 was associated with an increased risk of ED, while MDH1, NQO1, QDPR, ARL4D, TAGLN2, and PPP1R14A were associated with a decreased risk of ED. These potential targets were primarily enriched in metabolic and redox-related biological processes. Molecular docking indicated that the predicted drugs had favorable binding affinities with the proteins, further confirming the pharmacological value of these targets. Finally, 6 plasma proteins (MDH1, NQO1, QDPR, ARL4D, TAGLN2, and TMEM9) could be modulated by lifestyle- and disease-related factors.

Clinical Implications

This study provides new insights into the etiology and potential drug targets of ED and contributes to the development of more effective treatments for ED and reducing the cost of drug development.

Strengths and Limitations

This is a systematic and extensive study exploring the causal relationship between plasma proteins and ED, which helps to provide a comprehensive perspective to understand the role of potential targets in ED. However, we did not conduct this study in different types of ED or different stages of ED progression.

Conclusion

In summary, this study identified 7 plasma proteins causally associated with ED and provided new insights into the etiology and potential drug targets for ED.