Uncovering the genetic links of diabetic erectile dysfunction and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Mapping the knowledge domains of literature on hepatocellular carcinoma and liver failure: a bibliometric approach

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 75-85% of primary liver cancers, with its incidence continually rising, posing a threat to socio-economic development. Currently, liver resection is the standard treatment for HCC. However, post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is a severe and formidable postoperative complication that increases patients' medical expenses and mortality risk. Additionally, liver failure can occur at any stage of HCC development, severely affecting patients' quality of life and prognosis.

Method

Using the Web of Science Core Collection, this bibliometric study analyzed English articles and reviews on HCC and liver failure from 2003 to 2023. Bibliometric tools like CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and R-studio were employed for data visualization and analysis, focusing on publication trends, citation metrics, explosive intensity, and collaborative networks. Use the Comparative Toxicogenomics and Genecards databases to screen for genes related to liver failure, and perform enrichment analyses using Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and PubMed on the identified differentially expressed genes.

Results

The study identified a significant increase in publications on HCC and liver failure, with key contributions from journals such as the World Journal of Gastroenterology and the Journal of Hepatology. The United States, China, and Japan were the leading countries in research output. Prominent authors and institutions, including Kudo Masatoshi and Sun Yat-sen University, were identified. Enrichment analysis showed drug metabolism, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and other pathways are closely related to this field. Research hotspots included risk prediction models and novel therapies.

Conclusion

This bibliometric analysis highlights the growing research interest and advancements in HCC and liver failure. Future research should focus on improving risk prediction, developing new therapies, and enhancing international collaboration to address these critical health issues.

Identification of fibrosis-related genes and biomarkers in diabetic erectile dysfunction

Background

Diabetic erectile dysfunction (DMED) has a high incidence and is poorly treated.

Aim

This study investigates fibrosis's genetic profiling and explores potential mechanisms for DMED.

Methods

The DMED model was constructed in rats using streptozotocin. Erectile function was quantified using cavernous nerve electrostimulation. Fibrosis was evaluated using Masson's staining. RNA-seq was employed to analyze differentially expressed genes and fibrosis-related genes (FRGs) were acquired. Function enrichment analyses were performed, and genetic interaction was analyzed. Hub FRGs were screened using machine learning algorithms and Cytoscape tools and validated in Gene Expression Omnibus databases. Moreover, biological roles and subpopulation distribution of hub FRGs were determined.

Outcomes

Fibrosis-related genetic functions may play a vital role in DMED.

Results

Based on comprehensive analysis, 45 differentially expressed FRGs were identified. These genes participate in regulating smooth muscle cell proliferation, vasoconstriction, and collagen-associated activities. Final analyses identified and validated a core gene signature comprising TIMP1, BMP7, and POSTN. They were closely associated with diabetic complications-related signaling pathways and extracellular matrix-receptor interaction.

Clinical Translation

The identified fibrosis-related gene signature may serve as the novel biomarkers for treating DMED.

Strengths and Limitations

The study is the first to investigate the genetic profiles behind fibrosis and DMED using comprehensive approaches. However, the validation is not adequate and more animal experiments are needed.

Conclusion

The gene profiling and biological functions of FRGs in DMED were identified. These results broaden the understanding of fibrosis in DMED.

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome impairs erectile function by inducing apoptosis in a rat model of experimental autoimmune prostatitis

Over the years, numerous epidemiological studies have shown that chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) promotes erectile dysfunction. Nonetheless, the precise underlying mechanism remains to be fully clarified. The objective of this research was to identify crucial signaling pathways responsible for CP/CPPS-induced erectile dysfunction. Thirty 8-week-old male Sprague‒Dawley rats were randomly assigned to either the CP/CPPS model group or the control group. The CP/CPPS rat model was established through subcutaneous injection of a combination of rat prostate protein and Freund's adjuvant. Penile erectile function assessment was conducted 45 days after immunization through electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve. RNA sequencing of the corpus cavernosum of the penis was then performed using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and protein‒protein interaction network analysis. Western blotting was performed on the cavernous tissue. Cell apoptosis assays, cell counting kit-8 assays, cell cloning assays, and Western blotting were conducted on rat endothelial cells. Erectile function was significantly lower in the CP/CPPS model group than in the control group (p < 0.001). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes were predominantly enriched in the apoptosis pathway. Moreover, an increase in apoptosis in the rat corpus cavernosum, along with a decrease in the protein expression of CD31 (p = 0.0089) and eNOS (p = 0.0069) following CP/CPPS induction, was observed. In a protein‒protein interaction network, Pitx2 was recognized as a central gene. The role of Pitx2 in regulating apoptosis was demonstrated in experiments using rat endothelial cell lines, and it was found to be regulated by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This study highlights the occurrence of cavernous endothelial cell apoptosis in CP/CPPS-induced erectile dysfunction, and the potential mechanism of apoptosis may involve inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin/Pitx2 pathway.

The pathogenic role of the immune system in erectile dysfunction and Peyronie's disease: focusing on immunopathophysiology and potential therapeutic strategies

INTRODUCTION

Erectile dysfunction (ED) represents the major cause of male sexual dysfunction, which is often associated with obesity, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and cigarette smoking. Peyronie's disease is a chronic disorder associated with irreversible fibrotic damage of the tunica albuginea leading to ED, painful erection, coital disturbance, and physical and social complaints. Both conditions are characterized by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and significant changes in intracavernous hydrodynamics. In this scenario, oxidized lipoproteins, M1-polarized macrophages, proinflammatory cytokines (such as the tumor necrosis factor α), endothelial nitric oxide synthase, penile smooth muscle cells, and toll-like receptors represent the main triggers of the inflammatory process in ED. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors are the most common treatment for ED. This treatment is used intermittently, as it is conceived as a symptomatic and not curative therapy. Moreover, not all patients respond to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (35%-85%), particularly those with dysmetabolic phenotypes. Additional or alternative treatments are therefore desirable, mostly in refractory cases.

OBJECTIVES

In this review, we describe the immune-mediated pathogenesis of ED and Peyronie's disease (PD). In our literature search we placed particular emphasis on potentially practical therapeutic approaches, including natural products (such as polyphenols), due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, stem cell therapy, and platelet-derived preparations.

METHODS

We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and institutional websites. Original studies, narrative reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses written in English were searched, screened, and selected.

RESULTS

In animal models of ED and PD, therapeutic approaches, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents, stem cell therapy, and platelet-derived preparations, have provided positive results, including improved penile function, reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, and promotion of tissue repair. However, clinical evidence of improvement in human patients is still insufficient.

CONCLUSION

Promising results for treating ED and PD have been shown in preclinical and pilot clinical studies, but specific clinical trials are needed to validate the efficacy of these therapeutic approaches in men with ED.