Effects of androgen on extracellular vesicles from endothelial cells in rat penile corpus cavernosum

Low androgen levels induce ferroptosis of rat penile cavernous endothelial cells

Background

Endothelial dysfunction caused by low androgen levels in penile tissue can lead to erectile dysfunction. The exact mechanism of endothelial dysfunction has not been thoroughly studied.

Objective

The study sought to verify whether low androgen levels induce ferroptosis of endothelial cells in rat penile tissue.

Methods

Rat penile cavernous endothelial cells (CP-R133) were divided into a no-androgen group (Dihydrotestosterone (DHT): 0 nmol/L), very low-androgen group (DHT: 0.1 nmol/L), low-androgen group (DHT: 1 nmol/L), DHT = 10 nmol/L group, DHT (0 nmol/L) + ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) group, DHT (0.1 nmol/L) + Fer-1 group, DHT (1 nmol/L) + Fer-1 group, DHT (10 nmol/L) + Fer-1 group. Cell viability, intracellular ferrous ion (Fe2+), malondialdehyde (MDA), GSH into oxidized glutathione (GSSG), reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), transferrin receptor 1 protein (TfR1), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and phospho-eNOS (p-eNOS) were detected.

Outcomes

Low androgen levels could induce ferroptosis of rat penile cavernous endothelial cells in vivo by upregulating the expressions of TfR1 and ACSL4 and downregulating the expressions of SLC7A11 and GPX4.

Results

Cell viability, the levels of glutathione (GSH), NO, SLC7A11, GPX4, and p-eNOS/eNOS in the DHT = 0 nmol/L group were lower than those in the other groups (P < .05). The levels of Fe2+, ROS, MDA, GSSG, TfR1, and ACSL4 in the DHT = 0 nmol/L group were higher than those in the other groups (P < .05). Cell viability and the levels of GSH, NO, SLC7A11, GPX4, and p-eNOS/eNOS in the DHT = 1 nmol/L group were lower than those in the DHT (1 nmol/L) + Fer-1 group, DHT = 10 nmol/L group, and DHT (10 nmol/L) + Fer-1 group (P < .05). The levels of Fe2+, ROS, MDA, GSSG, TfR1, and ACSL4 in the DHT = 1 nmol/L group were higher than those in the DHT (1 nmol/L) + Fer-1 group, DHT = 10 nmol/L group, and DHT (10 nmol/L) + Fer-1 group (P < .05).

Clinical Implications

A ferroptosis inhibitor might be a novel drug for treating erectile dysfunction caused by low androgen level.

Strengths and Limitations

The results of this study need to be further confirmed in in vitro and in human studies. Meanwhile, further investigation is needed to clarify whether low androgen levels affect ferroptosis of rat penile cavernous smooth muscle and nerve cells.

Conclusion

Low androgen levels can induce ferroptosis of endothelial cells in rat penile tissue. Inhibition of ferroptosis can reverse endothelial dysfunction caused by low androgen levels.

The Effect of Extracellular Vesicles on Thrombosis

The risk of cardiovascular events caused by acute thrombosis is high, including acute myocardial infarction, acute stroke, acute pulmonary embolism, and deep vein thrombosis. In this review, we summarize the roles of extracellular vesicles of different cellular origins in various cardiovascular events associated with acute thrombosis, as described in the current literature, to facilitate the future development of a precise therapy for thrombosis caused by such vesicles. We hope that our review will indicate a new horizon in the field of cardiovascular research with regard to the treatment of acute thrombosis, especially targeting thrombosis caused by extracellular vesicles secreted by individual cells. As more emerging technologies are being developed, new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies related to EVs are expected to be identified for related diseases in the future.