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Ghatak K, Yin GN, Hong SS, Kang JH, Suh JK, Ryu JK. Heat Shock Protein 70 in Penile Neurovascular Regeneration Requires Cystathionine Gamma-Lyase. World J Mens Health 2022; 40:580-599. [PMID: 36047068 PMCID: PMC9482852 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.210249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Diabetes mellitus, one of the major causes of erectile dysfunction, leads to a poor response to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), a ubiquitous molecular chaperone, is known to play a role in cell survival and neuroprotection. Here, we aimed to assess whether and how Hsp70 improves erectile function in diabetic mice. Materials and Methods Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice and Hsp70-Tg mice were used in this study. We injected Hsp70 protein into the penis of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Detailed mechanisms were evaluated in WT or Hsp70-Tg mice under normal and diabetic conditions. Primary MCECs, and MPG and DRG tissues were cultivated under normal-glucose and high-glucose conditions. Results Using Hsp70-Tg mice or Hsp70 protein administration, we demonstrate that elevated levels of Hsp70 restores erectile function in diabetic mice. We found that cystathionine gamma-lyase (Cse) is a novel target of Hsp70 in this process, showing that Hsp70-Cse acts through the SDF1/HO-1/PI3K/Akt/eNOS/NF-κB p65 pathway to exert its neurovascular regeneration-promoting effects. Coimmunoprecipitation and pull-down assays using mouse cavernous endothelial cells treated with Hsp70 demonstrated physical interactions between Hsp70 and Cse with a dissociation constant of 1.8 nmol/L. Conclusions Our findings provide novel and solid evidence that Hsp70 acts through a Cse-dependent mechanism to mediate neurovascular regeneration and restoration of erectile function under diabetic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyan Ghatak
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Guo Nan Yin
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Soon-Sun Hong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Ju-Hee Kang
- Department of Pharmacology, Medicinal Toxicology Research Center, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Jun-Kyu Suh
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Ji-Kan Ryu
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
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Kharazi U, Badalzadeh R. A review on the stem cell therapy and an introduction to exosomes as a new tool in reproductive medicine. Reprod Biol 2020; 20:447-459. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Yin GN, Ock J, Limanjaya A, Minh NN, Hong SS, Yang T, Longo FM, Ryu JK, Suh JK. Oral Administration of the p75 Neurotrophin Receptor Modulator, LM11A-31, Improves Erectile Function in a Mouse Model of Cavernous Nerve Injury. J Sex Med 2020; 18:17-28. [PMID: 33243690 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer can not only induce cavernous nerve injury (CNI), but also causes cavernous hypoxia and cavernous structural changes, which lead to a poor response to phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors. AIM To investigate the therapeutic effect of oral administration of LM11A-31, a small molecule p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) ligand and proNGF antagonist, in a mouse model of bilateral CNI, which mimics nerve injury-induced erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy. METHODS 8-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were divided into sham operation and CNI groups. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups: phosphate-buffered saline and LM11A-31 (50 mg/kg/day) being administered once daily starting 3 days before CNI via oral gavage. 2 weeks after CNI, we measured erectile function by electrical stimulation of the bilateral cavernous nerve. The penis was harvested for histologic examination and Western blot analysis. The major pelvic ganglia was harvested and cultured for assays of ex vivo neurite outgrowth. OUTCOMES Intracavernous pressure, neurovascular regeneration in the penis, in vivo or ex vivo functional evaluation, and cell survival signaling were measured. RESULTS Erectile function was decreased in the CNI group (44% of the sham operation group), while administration of LM11A-31 led to a significant improvement of erectile function (70% of the sham operation group) in association with increased neurovascular content, including cavernous endothelial cells, pericytes, and neuronal processes. Immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses showed significantly increased p75NTR expression in the dorsal nerve of CNI mice, which was attenuated by LM11A-31 treatment. Protein expression of active PI3K, AKT, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase was increased, and cell death and c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling was significantly attenuated after LM11A-31 treatment. Furthermore, LM11A-31 promoted neurite sprouting in cultured major pelvic ganglia after lipopolysaccharide exposure. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS LM11A-31 may be used as a strategy to treat erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy or in men with neurovascular diseases. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS Unlike biological therapeutics, such as proteins, gene therapies, or stem cells, the clinical application of LM11A-31 would likely be relatively less complex and low cost. Our study has some limitations. Future studies will assess the optimal dosing and duration of the compound. Given its plasma half-life of approximately 1 hour, it is possible that dosing more than once per day will provide added efficacy. CONCLUSION Specific inhibition of the proNGF-p75NTR degenerative signaling via oral administration of LM11A-31 represents a novel therapeutic strategy for erectile dysfunction induced by nerve injury. Yin GN, Ock J, Limanjaya A, et al. Oral Administration of the p75 Neurotrophin Receptor Modulator, LM11A-31, Improves Erectile Function in a Mouse Model of Cavernous Nerve Injury. J Sex Med 2021;18:17-28.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Nan Yin
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyeon Ock
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Anita Limanjaya
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Nguyen Naht Minh
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon-Sun Hong
- Department of Drug Development, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Frank M Longo
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ji-Kan Ryu
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jun-Kyu Suh
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
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Yin GN, Park SH, Ock J, Choi MJ, Limanjaya A, Ghatak K, Song KM, Kwon MH, Kim DK, Gho YS, Suh JK, Ryu JK. Pericyte-Derived Extracellular Vesicle-Mimetic Nanovesicles Restore Erectile Function by Enhancing Neurovascular Regeneration in a Mouse Model of Cavernous Nerve Injury. J Sex Med 2020; 17:2118-2128. [PMID: 32855091 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.07.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extracellular vesicle (EV)-mimetic nanovesicles (NVs) from embryonic stem cells have been observed to stimulate neurovascular regeneration in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse. Pericytes play important roles in maintaining penile erection, yet no previous studies have explored the effects of pericyte-derived NVs (PC-NVs) in neurovascular regeneration in the context of erectile dysfunction. AIM To investigate the potential effect of PC-NVs in neurovascular regeneration. METHODS PC-NVs were isolated from mouse cavernous pericytes, and neurovascular regeneration was evaluated in an in vitro study. Twelve-week-old C57BL/6J mice were used to prepare cavernous nerve injury model. Erectile function evaluation, histologic examination of the penis, and Western blots were assessed 2 weeks after model creation and PC-NVs treatment. OUTCOMES The main outcomes of this study are PC-NVs characterization, intracavernous pressure, neurovascular regeneration in the penis, and in vitro functional evaluation. RESULTS The PC-NVs were extracted and characterized by cryotransmission electron microscopy and EV-positive (Alix, TSG101, CD81) and EV-negative (GM130) markers. In the in vivo studies, PC-NVs successfully improved erectile function in cavernous nerve injury mice (∼82% of control values). Immunofluorescence staining showed significant increases in pericytes, endothelial cell, and neuronal contents. In the in vitro studies, PC-NVs significantly increased mouse cavernous endothelial cells tube formation, Schwann cell migration, and dorsal root ganglion and major pelvic ganglion neurite sprouting. Finally, Western blot analysis revealed that PC-NVs upregulated cell survival signaling (Akt and eNOS) and induced the expression of neurotrophic factors (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin-3, and nerve growth factor). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS PC-NVs may be used as a strategy to treat erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy or in men with neurovascular diseases. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS We evaluated the effect of PC-NVs in vitro and in a mouse nerve injury model, cavernous nerve injury. Additional studies are necessary to determine the detailed mechanisms of neurovascular improvement. Further study is needed to test whether PC-NVs are also effective when given weeks or months after nerve injury. CONCLUSION PC-NVs significantly improved erectile function by enhancing neurovascular regeneration. Local treatment with PC-NVs may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of neurovascular diseases. Yin GN, Park S-H, Ock J, et al. Pericyte-Derived Extracellular Vesicle-Mimetic Nanovesicles Restore Erectile Function by Enhancing Neurovascular Regeneration in a Mouse Model of Cavernous Nerve Injury. J Sex Med 2020;17:2118-2128.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Nan Yin
- Department of Urology and National Research Center for Sexual Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Hwan Park
- Department of Urology, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyeon Ock
- Department of Urology and National Research Center for Sexual Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Ji Choi
- Department of Urology and National Research Center for Sexual Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Anita Limanjaya
- Department of Urology and National Research Center for Sexual Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kalyan Ghatak
- Department of Urology and National Research Center for Sexual Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kang-Moon Song
- Department of Urology and National Research Center for Sexual Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Hye Kwon
- Department of Urology and National Research Center for Sexual Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Kyun Kim
- Center for Biomolecular & Cellular Structure, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Song Gho
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Kyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Kyu Suh
- Department of Urology and National Research Center for Sexual Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji-Kan Ryu
- Department of Urology and National Research Center for Sexual Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
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Peng D, Reed-Maldonado AB, Zhou F, Tan Y, Yuan H, Banie L, Wang G, Tang Y, He L, Lin G, Lue TF. Exosome Released From Schwann Cells May Be Involved in Microenergy Acoustic Pulse-Associated Cavernous Nerve Regeneration. J Sex Med 2020; 17:1618-1628. [PMID: 32669249 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) is often refractory to treatment because of insufficient functional nerve recovery after injury or insult. Noninvasive mechano-biological intervention, such as microenergy acoustic pulse (MAP), low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, and low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave treatment, is an optimal approach to stimulate nerve regeneration. AIM To establish a new model in vitro to simulate nerve injury in neurogenic ED and to explore the mechanisms of MAP in vitro. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were used to isolate Schwann cells (SCs), major pelvic ganglion (MPG), and cavernous nerve with MPG (CN/MPG). SCs were then treated with MAP (0.033 mJ/mm2, 1 Hz, 100 pulses), and SC exosomes were isolated. The MPG and CN/MPG were treated with MAP (0.033 mJ/mm2, 1 Hz) at different dosages (25, 50, 100, 200, or 300 pulses) or exosomes derived from MAP-treated SCs in vitro. OUTCOMES Neurite growth from the MPG fragments and CN was photographed and measured. Expression of neurotropic factors (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor, and neurotrophin-3) was checked. RESULTS Neurite outgrowth from MPG and CN/MPG was enhanced by MAP in a dosage response manner, peaking at 100 pulses. MAP promoted SC proliferation, neurotropic factor (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor, and neurotrophin-3) expression, and exosome secretion. SC-derived exosomes significantly enhanced neurite outgrowth from MPG in vitro. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS MAP may have utility in the treatment of neurogenic ED by SC-derived exosomes. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS We confirmed that MAP enhances penile nerve regeneration through exsomes. Limitations of this study include that our study did not explore the exact mechanisms of how MAP increases SC exosome secretion nor whether MAP modulates the content of exosomes. CONCLUSION This study revealed that neurite outgrowth from MPG was enhanced by MAP and by SC-derived exosomes which were isolated after MAP treatment. Our findings indicate that one mechanism by which MAP induces nerve regeneration is by stimulation of SCs to secrete exosomes. Peng D, Reed-Maldonado AB, Zhou F, et al. Exosome Released From Schwann Cells May Be Involved in Microenergy Acoustic Pulse-Associated Cavernous Nerve Regeneration. J Sex Med 2020;17:1618-1628.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyi Peng
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Urology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Amanda B Reed-Maldonado
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Feng Zhou
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yan Tan
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Huixing Yuan
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lia Banie
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Guifang Wang
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yuxin Tang
- Department of Urology, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Leye He
- Department of Urology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guiting Lin
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tom F Lue
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Kwon MH, Song KM, Limanjaya A, Choi MJ, Ghatak K, Nguyen NM, Ock J, Yin GN, Kang JH, Lee MR, Gho YS, Ryu JK, Suh JK. Embryonic stem cell-derived extracellular vesicle-mimetic nanovesicles rescue erectile function by enhancing penile neurovascular regeneration in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse. Sci Rep 2019; 9:20072. [PMID: 31882614 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54431-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have attracted particular interest in various fields of biology and medicine. However, one of the major hurdles in the clinical application of EV-based therapy is their low production yield. We recently developed cell-derived EV-mimetic nanovesicles (NVs) by extruding cells serially through filters with diminishing pore sizes (10, 5, and 1 μm). Here, we demonstrate in diabetic mice that embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived EV-mimetic NVs (ESC-NVs) completely restore erectile function (~96% of control values) through enhanced penile angiogenesis and neural regeneration in vivo, whereas ESC partially restores erectile function (~77% of control values). ESC-NVs promoted tube formation in primary cultured mouse cavernous endothelial cells and pericytes under high-glucose condition in vitro; and accelerated microvascular and neurite sprouting from aortic ring and major pelvic ganglion under high-glucose condition ex vivo, respectively. ESC-NVs enhanced the expression of angiogenic and neurotrophic factors (hepatocyte growth factor, angiopoietin-1, nerve growth factor, and neurotrophin-3), and activated cell survival and proliferative factors (Akt and ERK). Therefore, it will be a better strategy to use ESC-NVs than ESCs in patients with erectile dysfunction refractory to pharmacotherapy, although it remains to be solved for future clinical application of ESC.
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Yin GN, Wang L, Lin XN, Shi L, Gao ZL, Han FC, Li P, Jin YC, Suh JK, Ryu JK, Wang X, Jin HR. Combination of stromal vascular fraction and Ad-COMP-Ang1 gene therapy improves long-term therapeutic efficacy for diabetes-induced erectile dysfunction. Asian J Androl 2019; 20:465-472. [PMID: 29667617 PMCID: PMC6116680 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_16_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Men with diabetic erectile dysfunction (ED) respond poorly to the currently available oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. Therefore, functional therapies for diabetic ED are needed. Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and the adenovirus-mediated cartilage oligomeric matrix angiopoietin-1 (Ad-COMP-Ang1) gene are known to play critical roles in penile erection. We previously reported that SVF and Ad-COMP-Ang1 have only a short-term effect in restoring erectile function. Further improvements to ED therapy are needed for long-lasting effects. In the present study, we aimed to test if the combination of SVF and Ad-COMP-Ang1 could extend the erection effect in diabetic ED. We found that the combination therapy showed a long-term effect in restoring erectile function through enhanced penile endothelial and neural cell regeneration. Combination therapy with SVF and Ad-COMP-Ang1 notably restored cavernous endothelial cell numbers, pericyte numbers, endothelial cell–cell junctions, decreased cavernous endothelial cell permeability, and promoted neural regeneration for at least 4 weeks in diabetic mice. In summary, this is an initial description of the long-term effect of combination therapy with SVF and Ad-COMP-Ang1 in restoring erectile function through a dual effect on endothelial and neural cell regeneration. Such combination therapy may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of diabetic ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Nan Yin
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22332, Korea
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Urology, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Qingdao University, Yantai 264000, China
| | - Xiang-Nan Lin
- Department of Urology, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Qingdao University, Yantai 264000, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Urology, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Qingdao University, Yantai 264000, China
| | - Zhen-Lin Gao
- Department of Urology, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Qingdao University, Yantai 264000, China
| | - Feng-Chan Han
- Key Laboratory for Genetic Hearing Disorders in Shandong, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Ping Li
- Key Laboratory for Genetic Hearing Disorders in Shandong, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Yin-Chuan Jin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264000, China
| | - Jun-Kyu Suh
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22332, Korea
| | - Ji-Kan Ryu
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22332, Korea
| | - Xiong Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai 264000, China
| | - Hai-Rong Jin
- Department of Urology, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Qingdao University, Yantai 264000, China
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Yin GN, Jin HR, Choi MJ, Limanjaya A, Ghatak K, Minh NN, Ock J, Kwon MH, Song KM, Park HJ, Kim HM, Kwon YG, Ryu JK, Suh JK. Pericyte-Derived Dickkopf2 Regenerates Damaged Penile Neurovasculature Through an Angiopoietin-1-Tie2 Pathway. Diabetes 2018; 67:1149-1161. [PMID: 29559443 DOI: 10.2337/db17-0833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Penile erection requires well-coordinated interactions between vascular and nervous systems. Penile neurovascular dysfunction is a major cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients with diabetes, which causes poor response to oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. Dickkopf2 (DKK2), a Wnt antagonist, is known to promote angiogenesis. Here, using DKK2-Tg mice or DKK2 protein administration, we demonstrate that the overexpression of DKK2 in diabetic mice enhances penile angiogenesis and neural regeneration and restores erectile function. Transcriptome analysis revealed that angiopoietin-1 and angiopoietin-2 are target genes for DKK2. Using an endothelial cell-pericyte coculture system and ex vivo neurite sprouting assay, we found that DKK2-mediated juxtacrine signaling in pericyte-endothelial cell interactions promotes angiogenesis and neural regeneration through an angiopoietin-1-Tie2 pathway, rescuing erectile function in diabetic mice. The dual angiogenic and neurotrophic effects of DKK2, especially as a therapeutic protein, will open new avenues to treating diabetic ED.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Angiopoietin-1/agonists
- Angiopoietin-1/genetics
- Angiopoietin-1/metabolism
- Animals
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cells, Cultured
- Coculture Techniques
- Crosses, Genetic
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/complications
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/pathology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/pathology
- Diabetic Angiopathies/drug therapy
- Diabetic Angiopathies/metabolism
- Diabetic Angiopathies/pathology
- Diabetic Nephropathies/drug therapy
- Diabetic Nephropathies/metabolism
- Diabetic Nephropathies/pathology
- Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects
- Endothelium, Vascular/innervation
- Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism
- Endothelium, Vascular/pathology
- Erectile Dysfunction/complications
- Erectile Dysfunction/drug therapy
- Erectile Dysfunction/metabolism
- Erectile Dysfunction/pathology
- Humans
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/chemistry
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/therapeutic use
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Penis/blood supply
- Penis/innervation
- Penis/metabolism
- Penis/pathology
- Pericytes/drug effects
- Pericytes/metabolism
- Pericytes/pathology
- Receptor, TIE-2/agonists
- Receptor, TIE-2/metabolism
- Wnt Signaling Pathway
- Young Adult
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Nan Yin
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hai-Rong Jin
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Urology, Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Min-Ji Choi
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Anita Limanjaya
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kalyan Ghatak
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Nguyen Nhat Minh
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyeon Ock
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Hye Kwon
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kang-Moon Song
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Heon Joo Park
- Hypoxia-Related Disease Research Center, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Min Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Guen Kwon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Kan Ryu
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- Inha Research Institute for Medical Sciences, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Kyu Suh
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
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9
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Abstract
In this study, we investigated the feasibility of using autologous vein graft and platelet-derived growth factors to bridge transected cavernous nerve in a rat model. A short defect in the bilateral cavernous nerve was created and repaired with vein graft from the right jugular vein or vein graft plus platelet-derived growth factors. The 32 rats were divided into four groups, namely Group 1 - no repair as a negative control, Group 2 - vein graft alone, Group 3 - vein graft plus platelet-derived growth factors, and Group 4 - sham operation as a positive control. We evaluated nerve regeneration and functional recovery using retrograde tracing study with FluoroGold, Toluidine blue staining of cavernous nerve, and the intracavernous pressure at 3 months. Three months after surgery, rich FluoroGold-positive cells were observed in the sham and vein graft plus platelet-derived growth factors group, but very few were found in the no repair group. The number of myelinated axons of regenerated cavernous nerve and intracavernous pressure were increased obviously in the two vein graft groups, especially in the vein graft plus platelet-derived growth factors group. These findings confirm the feasibility of using autologous vein as guides for cavernous nerve regeneration, and the regeneration can be further enhanced when the vein is filled with platelet-derived growth factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xie-Gang Ding
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Shi-Wen Li
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xin-Min Zheng
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xing-Huan Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yi Luo
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
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10
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Abstract
In men undergoing radical treatment for prostate cancer, erectile function is one of the most important health-related quality-of-life outcomes influencing patient choice in treatment. Penile rehabilitation has emerged as a therapeutic measure to prevent erectile dysfunction and expedite return of erectile function after radical prostatectomy. Penile rehabilitation involves a program designed to increase the likelihood of return to baseline-level erectile function, as opposed to treatment, which implies the therapeutic treatment of symptoms, a key component of post–radical prostatectomy management. Several pathological theories form the basis for rehabilitation, and a plethora of treatments are currently in widespread use. However, whilst there is some evidence supporting the concept of penile rehabilitation from animal studies, randomised controlled trials are contradictory in outcomes. Similarly, urological guidelines are conflicted in terms of recommendations. Furthermore, it is clear that in spite of the lack of evidence for the role of penile rehabilitation, many urologists continue to employ some form of rehabilitation in their patients after radical prostatectomy. This is a significant burden to health resources in public-funded health economies, and no effective cost-benefit analysis has been undertaken to support this practice. Thus, further research is warranted to provide both scientific and clinical evidence for this contemporary practice and the development of preventative strategies in treating erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Blecher
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 16-18 Westmoreland Street, London, W1G 8PH, UK
| | - Khaled Almekaty
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 16-18 Westmoreland Street, London, W1G 8PH, UK.,Urology Department, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Odunayo Kalejaiye
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 16-18 Westmoreland Street, London, W1G 8PH, UK
| | - Suks Minhas
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 16-18 Westmoreland Street, London, W1G 8PH, UK
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11
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Zhang N, Chen J, Ferraro GB, Wu L, Datta M, Jain RK, Plotkin SR, Stemmer-Rachamimov A, Xu L. Anti-VEGF treatment improves neurological function in tumors of the nervous system. Exp Neurol 2017; 299:326-333. [PMID: 28911884 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Research of various diseases of the nervous system has shown that VEGF has direct neuroprotective effects in the central and peripheral nervous systems, and indirect effects on improving neuronal vessel perfusion which leads to nerve protection. In the tumors of the nervous system, VEGF plays a critical role in tumor angiogenesis and tumor progression. The effect of anti-VEGF treatment on nerve protection and function has been recently reported - by normalizing the tumor vasculature, anti-VEGF treatment is able to relieve nerve edema and deliver oxygen more efficiently into the nerve, thus reducing nerve damage and improving nerve function. This review aims to summarize the divergent roles of VEGF in diseases of the nervous system and the recent findings of anti-VEGF therapy in nerve damage/regeneration and function in tumors, specifically, in Neurofibromatosis type 2 associated schwannomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhang
- Edwin Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jie Chen
- Edwin Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Gino B Ferraro
- Edwin Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Limeng Wu
- Edwin Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Meenal Datta
- Edwin Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Rakesh K Jain
- Edwin Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Scott R Plotkin
- Department of Neurology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, USA
| | - Anat Stemmer-Rachamimov
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Lei Xu
- Edwin Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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12
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Das ND, Yin GN, Choi MJ, Song KM, Park JM, Limanjaya A, Ghatak K, Minh NN, Ock J, Park SH, Kim HM, Ryu JK, Suh JK. Effectiveness of Intracavernous Delivery of Recombinant Human Hepatocyte Growth Factor on Erectile Function in the Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mouse. J Sex Med 2017; 13:1618-1628. [PMID: 27770854 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diabetic erectile dysfunction is a disease mostly of vascular origin and men with diabetic erectile dysfunction respond poorly to oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a pleiotropic factor that plays an essential role in the regulation of cell proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis. AIM To determine the effectiveness of recombinant human (rh)-HGF in restoring erectile function in diabetic mice. METHODS Four groups of mice were used: control non-diabetic mice and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice receiving two successive intracavernous injections of phosphate buffered saline (days -3 and 0), a single intracavernous injection of rh-HGF (day 0), or two successive intracavernous injections of rh-HGF (days -3 and 0). We also examined the effect of rh-HGF in primary cultured mouse cavernous endothelial cells and in major pelvic ganglion culture in vitro, which was incubated under a normal-glucose (5 mmol/L) or a high-glucose (30 mmol/L) condition. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Two weeks after treatment, we measured erectile function by electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve and the penis was harvested for histologic studies. RESULTS Repeated intracavernous injections of rh-HGF protein induced significant restoration of erectile function in diabetic mice (89-100% of control values), whereas a single intracavernous injection of rh-HGF protein elicited modest improvement. Rh-HGF significantly induced phosphorylation of its receptor c-Met, increased the content of endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, and decreased the generation of reactive oxygen species (superoxide anion and peroxynitrite) and extravasation of oxidized low-density lipoprotein in diabetic mice. Under the high-glucose condition, rh-HGF protein also promoted tube formation in mouse cavernous endothelial cells and enhanced neurite sprouting in major pelvic ganglion culture in vitro. CONCLUSION The dual angiogenic and neurotrophic effects of HGF could open a new avenue through which diabetic erectile dysfunction can be treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nando Dulal Das
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea; Epigenetics Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Structural and Synthetic Biology, RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Suehiro-cho, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Guo Nan Yin
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Ji Choi
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kang-Moon Song
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Mi Park
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Anita Limanjaya
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kalyan Ghatak
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Nguyen Nhat Minh
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyeon Ock
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Hwan Park
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Min Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Kan Ryu
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Kyu Suh
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Ekman M, Zhu B, Swärd K, Uvelius B. Neurite outgrowth in cultured mouse pelvic ganglia - Effects of neurotrophins and bladder tissue. Auton Neurosci 2017; 205:41-49. [PMID: 28347639 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophic factors regulate survival and growth of neurons. The urinary bladder is innervated via both sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons located in the major pelvic ganglion. The aim of the present study was to characterize the effects of the neurotrophins nerve growth factor (NGF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin 3 (NT-3) on the sprouting rate of sympathetic and parasympathetic neurites from the female mouse ganglion. The pelvic ganglion was dissected out and attached to a petri dish and cultured in vitro. All three factors (BDNF, NT-3 and NGF) stimulated neurite outgrowth of both sympathetic and parasympathetic neurites although BDNF and NT-3 had a higher stimulatory effect on parasympathetic ganglion cells. The neurotrophin receptors TrkA, TrkB and TrkC were all expressed in neurons of the ganglia. Co-culture of ganglia with urinary bladder tissue, but not diaphragm tissue, increased the sprouting rate of neurites. Active forms of BDNF and NT-3 were detected in urinary bladder tissue using western blotting whereas tissue from the diaphragm expressed NGF. Neurite outgrowth from the pelvic ganglion was inhibited by a TrkB receptor antagonist. We therefore suggest that the urinary bladder releases trophic factors, including BDNF and NT-3, which regulate neurite outgrowth via activation of neuronal Trk-receptors. These findings could influence future strategies for developing pharmaceuticals to improve re-innervation due to bladder pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Ekman
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Baoyi Zhu
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guang Dong, China
| | - Karl Swärd
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Bengt Uvelius
- Department of Urology, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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14
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Yin GN, Park SH, Song KM, Limanjaya A, Ghatak K, Minh NN, Ock J, Ryu JK, Suh JK. Establishment of in vitro model of erectile dysfunction for the study of high-glucose-induced angiopathy and neuropathy. Andrology 2016; 5:327-335. [PMID: 27992968 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Revised: 10/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Penile erection requires complex interaction between vascular endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, pericytes, and autonomic nerves. Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction (ED) and multiple pathogenic factors, such as cavernous angiopathy and autonomic neuropathy, are associated with diabetic ED. Although a variety of animal models of diabetic ED play an important role in understanding pathophysiologic mechanisms of diabetes-induced ED, these animal models have limitations for addressing the exact cellular or molecular mechanisms involved in ED. Therefore, we established an in vitro model of ED for the study of high-glucose-induced angiopathy and neuropathy. We successfully isolated and cultivated mouse cavernous endothelial cells (MCECs) and mouse cavernous pericytes (MCPs). The cells were exposed to the normal-glucose (5 mmoL) or high-glucose (30 mmoL) condition for 48 h. In vitro matrigel assay revealed impairments in tube formation in primary cultured MCECs or MCPs exposed to high-glucose condition. To study cellular interaction between MCECs and MCPs, co-culture systems including indirect contact, indirect non-contact, and direct mixed co-culture system, were established. We observed impaired tube formation and increased permeability in MCECs-MCPs co-culture exposed to high-glucose condition. To evaluate the effect of high-glucose on neurite sprouting, the mouse major pelvic ganglion (MPG) tissue was harvested and cultivated in matrigel. Neurite outgrowth and nNOS-positive nerve fibers were significantly lower in MPG tissues exposed to the high-glucose condition than in the tissues exposed to the normal-glucose condition. We believe that in vitro model of ED will aid us to understand the role of each cellular component in the pathogenesis of diabetic ED, and also be a useful tool for determining the efficacy of candidate therapeutics targeting vascular or neuronal function. This model would present a new avenue for drug discovery and development of novel therapeutic modalities for erectile dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- G N Yin
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - S-H Park
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - K-M Song
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - A Limanjaya
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - K Ghatak
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - N N Minh
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - J Ock
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - J-K Ryu
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea.,Inha Research Institute for Medical Sciences, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - J-K Suh
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
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15
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Matsui H, Musicki B, Sopko NA, Liu X, Hurley PJ, Burnett AL, Bivalacqua TJ, Hannan JL. Early-stage Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Impairs Erectile Function and Neurite Outgrowth From the Major Pelvic Ganglion and Downregulates the Gene Expression of Neurotrophic Factors. Urology 2016; 99:287.e1-287.e7. [PMID: 27639791 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2016.08.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess neurite sprouting and gene expression of neurotrophic factors, nerve markers, and apoptosis in the major pelvic ganglia (MPGs) of rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as it relates to erectile function. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male rats were fed high-fat diet for 2 weeks followed by 2 low-dose injections of streptozotocin (20 mg/kg). In 3 groups (controls, 3-week, or 5-week T2DM), erectile function was measured by ratios of intracavernosal pressure to mean arterial pressure after cavernous nerve stimulation. MPGs were harvested, and gene expressions of neurotrophic factor 3, nerve growth factor, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, caspase-1, -3, -9, beta tubulin type III, and neuronal nitric oxide synthase were quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Additional MPGs were harvested and cultured in Matrigel. Neurite outgrowth from the MPG was evaluated at 48 hours after culture. RESULTS Erectile function was significantly decreased in all rats with T2DM. Gene expressions of neurotrophic factor 3, nerve growth factor, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were slightly lower at 3 weeks and significantly lower at 5 weeks after T2DM induction. Gene expression of apoptotic markers caspase-1, -3, -9, and neuronal markers beta tubulin type III and neuronal nitric oxide synthase remained unchanged. Rats with T2DM had shorter neurite length and less neurite sprouting than did the control MPG. CONCLUSION Early-stage T2DM downregulates neurotrophic factors, induces erectile dysfunction, and impairs MPG neurite outgrowth, suggesting that erectile dysfunction may be prevented by supplementing neurotrophic factors at early-stage T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hotaka Matsui
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Biljana Musicki
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Nikolai A Sopko
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Xiaopu Liu
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Paula J Hurley
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Arthur L Burnett
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Trinity J Bivalacqua
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Johanna L Hannan
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC.
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16
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Abstract
Schwann cells (SCs) are the principal glia of the peripheral nervous system. The end point of SC development is the formation of myelinating and nonmyelinating cells which ensheath large and small diameter axons, respectively. They play an important role in axon regeneration after injury, including cavernous nerve injury that leads to erectile dysfunction (ED). Despite improvement in radical prostatectomy surgical techniques, many patients still suffer from ED postoperatively as surgical trauma causes traction injuries and local inflammatory changes in the neuronal microenvironment of the autonomic fibers innervating the penis resulting in pathophysiological alterations in the end organ. The aim of this review is to summarize contemporary evidence regarding: (1) the origin and development of SCs in the peripheral and penile nerve system; (2) Wallerian degeneration and SC plastic change following peripheral and penile nerve injury; (3) how SCs promote peripheral and penile nerve regeneration by secreting neurotrophic factors; (4) and strategies targeting SCs to accelerate peripheral nerve regeneration. We searched PubMed for articles related to these topics in both animal models and human research and found numerous studies suggesting that SCs could be a novel target for treatment of nerve injury-induced ED.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Guiting Lin
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA,
| | - Tom F Lue
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA,
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17
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Lin G, Zhang H, Sun F, Lu Z, Reed-Maldonado A, Lee YC, Wang G, Banie L, Lue TF. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor promotes nerve regeneration by activating the JAK/STAT pathway in Schwann cells. Transl Androl Urol 2016; 5:167-75. [PMID: 27141442 PMCID: PMC4837308 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2016.02.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Radical prostatectomy (RP) carries the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) due to cavernous nerve (CN) injury. Schwann cells are essential for the maintenance of integrity and function of peripheral nerves such as the CNs. We hypothesize that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) activates the Janus kinase (JAK)/(signal transducer and activator of transcription) STAT pathway in Schwann cells, not in neuronal axonal fibers, with the resultant secretion of cytokines from Schwann cells to facilitate nerve recovery. Methods Using four different cell lines—human neuroblastoma BE(2)-C and SH-SY5Y, human Schwann cell (HSC), and rat Schwann cell (RSC) RT4-D6P2T—we assessed the effect of BDNF application on the activation of the JAK/STAT pathway. We also assessed the time response of JAK/STAT pathway activation in RSCs and HSCs after BDNF treatment. We then assayed cytokine release from HSCs as a response to BDNF treatment using oncostatin M and IL6 as markers. Results We showed extensive phosphorylation of STAT3/STAT1 by BDNF at high dose (100 pM) in RSCs, with no JAK/STAT pathway activation in human neuroblastoma cell lines. The time response of JAK/STAT pathway activation in RSCs and HSCs after BDNF treatment showed an initial peak at shortly after treatment and then a second higher peak at 24–48 hours. Cytokine release from HSCs increased progressively after BDNF application, reaching statistical significance for IL6. Conclusions We demonstrated for the first time the indirect mechanism of BDNF enhancement of nerve regeneration through the activation of JAK/STAT pathway in Schwann cells, rather than directly on neurons. As a result of BDNF application, Schwann cells produce cytokines that promote nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiting Lin
- 1 Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA ; 2 Minimally Invasive Urology Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China ; 3 Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China ; 4 Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Haiyang Zhang
- 1 Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA ; 2 Minimally Invasive Urology Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China ; 3 Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China ; 4 Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Fionna Sun
- 1 Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA ; 2 Minimally Invasive Urology Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China ; 3 Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China ; 4 Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Zhihua Lu
- 1 Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA ; 2 Minimally Invasive Urology Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China ; 3 Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China ; 4 Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Amanda Reed-Maldonado
- 1 Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA ; 2 Minimally Invasive Urology Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China ; 3 Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China ; 4 Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Chin Lee
- 1 Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA ; 2 Minimally Invasive Urology Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China ; 3 Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China ; 4 Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Guifang Wang
- 1 Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA ; 2 Minimally Invasive Urology Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China ; 3 Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China ; 4 Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Lia Banie
- 1 Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA ; 2 Minimally Invasive Urology Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China ; 3 Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China ; 4 Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tom F Lue
- 1 Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA ; 2 Minimally Invasive Urology Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China ; 3 Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China ; 4 Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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18
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Abstract
Cerebral hypoxia or ischemia results in cell death and cerebral edema, as well as other cellular reactions such as angiogenesis and the reestablishment of functional microvasculature to promote recovery from brain injury. Vascular endothelial growth factor is expressed in the central nervous system after hypoxic/ischemic brain injury, and is involved in the process of brain repair via the regulation of angiogenesis, neurogenesis, neurite outgrowth, and cerebral edema, which all require vascular endothelial growth factor signaling. In this review, we focus on the role of the vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway in the response to hypoxic/ischemic brain injury, and discuss potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Guo
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Medical Cosmetology, Chengdu Second People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yi Qu
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Dan Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yu Tong
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Yang
- Department of Urology; the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University; Nanjing China
| | - F. Fang
- Department of Pharmacology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing China
| | - J. Wang
- The first people's Hospital of Xiaoshan District; Hangzhou China
| | - H. Guo
- Department of Urology; the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University; Nanjing China
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Daviaud N, Garbayo E, Sindji L, Martínez-Serrano A, Schiller PC, Montero-Menei CN. Survival, differentiation, and neuroprotective mechanisms of human stem cells complexed with neurotrophin-3-releasing pharmacologically active microcarriers in an ex vivo model of Parkinson's disease. Stem Cells Transl Med 2015; 4:670-84. [PMID: 25925835 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2014-0139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Stem cell-based regenerative therapies hold great potential for the treatment of degenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD). We recently reported the repair and functional recovery after treatment with human marrow-isolated adult multilineage inducible (MIAMI) cells adhered to neurotrophin-3 (NT3) releasing pharmacologically active microcarriers (PAMs) in hemiparkinsonian rats. In order to comprehend this effect, the goal of the present work was to elucidate the survival, differentiation, and neuroprotective mechanisms of MIAMI cells and human neural stem cells (NSCs), both adhering to NT3-releasing PAMs in an ex vivo organotypic model of nigrostriatal degeneration made from brain sagittal slices. It was shown that PAMs led to a marked increase in MIAMI cell survival and neuronal differentiation when releasing NT3. A significant neuroprotective effect of MIAMI cells adhering to PAMs was also demonstrated. NSCs barely had a neuroprotective effect and differentiated mostly into dopaminergic neuronal cells when adhering to PAM-NT3. Moreover, those cells were able to release dopamine in a sufficient amount to induce a return to baseline levels. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analyses identified vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stanniocalcin-1 as potential mediators of the neuroprotective effect of MIAMI cells and NSCs, respectively. It was also shown that VEGF locally stimulated tissue vascularization, which might improve graft survival, without excluding a direct neuroprotective effect of VEGF on dopaminergic neurons. These results indicate a prospective interest of human NSC/PAM and MIAMI cell/PAM complexes in tissue engineering for PD. SIGNIFICANCE Stem cell-based regenerative therapies hold great potential for the treatment of degenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD). The present work elucidates and compares the survival, differentiation, and neuroprotective mechanisms of marrow-isolated adult multilineage inducible cells and human neural stem cells both adhered to neurotrophin-3-releasing pharmacologically active microcarriers in an ex vivo organotypic model of PD made from brain sagittal slices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Daviaud
- INSERM U1066, Micro et nanomédecines biomimétiques, Angers, France; L'université Nantes, Angers, Le Mans, Angers University, Angers, France; Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Molecular Biology and Center of Molecular Biology "Severo Ochoa," Autonomous University of Madrid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Campus Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain; Miami Veterans Healthcare System, Department of Orthopedics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Elisa Garbayo
- INSERM U1066, Micro et nanomédecines biomimétiques, Angers, France; L'université Nantes, Angers, Le Mans, Angers University, Angers, France; Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Molecular Biology and Center of Molecular Biology "Severo Ochoa," Autonomous University of Madrid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Campus Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain; Miami Veterans Healthcare System, Department of Orthopedics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Laurence Sindji
- INSERM U1066, Micro et nanomédecines biomimétiques, Angers, France; L'université Nantes, Angers, Le Mans, Angers University, Angers, France; Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Molecular Biology and Center of Molecular Biology "Severo Ochoa," Autonomous University of Madrid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Campus Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain; Miami Veterans Healthcare System, Department of Orthopedics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Alberto Martínez-Serrano
- INSERM U1066, Micro et nanomédecines biomimétiques, Angers, France; L'université Nantes, Angers, Le Mans, Angers University, Angers, France; Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Molecular Biology and Center of Molecular Biology "Severo Ochoa," Autonomous University of Madrid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Campus Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain; Miami Veterans Healthcare System, Department of Orthopedics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Paul C Schiller
- INSERM U1066, Micro et nanomédecines biomimétiques, Angers, France; L'université Nantes, Angers, Le Mans, Angers University, Angers, France; Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Molecular Biology and Center of Molecular Biology "Severo Ochoa," Autonomous University of Madrid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Campus Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain; Miami Veterans Healthcare System, Department of Orthopedics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Claudia N Montero-Menei
- INSERM U1066, Micro et nanomédecines biomimétiques, Angers, France; L'université Nantes, Angers, Le Mans, Angers University, Angers, France; Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Molecular Biology and Center of Molecular Biology "Severo Ochoa," Autonomous University of Madrid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Campus Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain; Miami Veterans Healthcare System, Department of Orthopedics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Abstract
The description of the nerve-sparing technique of radical prostatectomy by Walsh was one of the major breakthroughs in the surgical treatment of prostate cancer in the 20(th) century. However, despite this advance and consequent technological refinements to nerve-sparing surgery, a large proportion of men still suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED) as a complication of prostatectomy. A plethora of therapeutic approaches have been proposed to optimize erectile function recovery in these patients. Several preclinical and translational studies have shown benefits of therapies including PDE5 inhibitor (PDE5I) treatment, immunomodulation, neurotrophic factor administration, and regenerative techniques, such as stem cell therapy, in animal models. However, most of these approaches have either failed to translate to clinical use or have yet to be studied in human subjects. Penile rehabilitation with PDE5Is is currently the most commonly used clinical strategy, in spite of the absence of solid clinical evidence to support its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Weyne
- Laboratory for Experimental Urology, Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, Box 802, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Fabio Castiglione
- Urological Research Institute, San Raffaele Scientific Institution, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Frank Van der Aa
- Laboratory for Experimental Urology, Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, Box 802, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Trinity J Bivalacqua
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Marburg 420, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Maarten Albersen
- Laboratory for Experimental Urology, Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, Box 802, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Hannan JL, Albersen M, Stopak BL, Liu X, Burnett AL, Hoke A, Bivalacqua TJ. Temporal changes in neurotrophic factors and neurite outgrowth in the major pelvic ganglion following cavernous nerve injury. J Neurosci Res 2015; 93:954-63. [PMID: 25644064 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Revised: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy, nerve damage and erectile dysfunction (ED) prevail, and preventing neurodegeneration is of great importance. Neurotrophic factors and neurite outgrowth were characterized in major pelvic ganglia (MPG) following bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI). Young male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent sham or BCNI surgery, and the intracavernosal pressure to mean arterial pressure ratio was measured 2, 7, 14, 21, 30, and 60 days following injury (n = 8/group). MPG gene expression (qPCR) and Western blot were performed for glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), neurturin, neurotrophin (NT)-3, NT4, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor, and activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3). Additional rats were injured, and MPGs were removed 24 hr, 48 hr, 3 days, and 7 days following BCNI (n = 3/group). MPGs were cultured in Matrigel, and neurite outgrowth was measured. Erections were impaired early and improved by 60 days in BCNI rats. GDNF, NGF, BDNF, and ATF3 gene expression was significantly increased and NT3 was decreased in MPGs following BCNI (48 hr to 21 days, P < 0.05). GDNF and NGF protein levels were elevated in 48-hr BCNI rats. MPG neurite outgrowth from 24-hr and 48-hr BCNI was higher than sham (658 ± 19 μm, 607 ± 24 μm, 393 ± 23 μm, respectively, P < 0.05). Further studies examining the roles of neurotrophic factors in modulating signaling pathways may provide therapeutic avenues for neurogenically mediated ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna L Hannan
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Bai GY, Zhou F, Hui Y, Xu YD, Lei HE, Pu JX, Xin ZC. Effects of Icariside II on corpus cavernosum and major pelvic ganglion neuropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:23294-306. [PMID: 25517034 DOI: 10.3390/ijms151223294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2014] [Revised: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic erectile dysfunction is associated with penile dorsal nerve bundle neuropathy in the corpus cavernosum and the mechanism is not well understood. We investigated the neuropathy changes in the corpus cavernosum of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes and the effects of Icariside II (ICA II) on improving neuropathy. Thirty-six 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly distributed into normal control group, diabetic group and ICA-II treated group. Diabetes was induced by a one-time intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Three days later, the diabetic rats were randomly divided into 2 groups including a saline treated placebo group and an ICA II-treated group (5 mg/kg/day, by intragastric administration daily). Twelve weeks later, erectile function was measured by cavernous nerve electrostimulation with real time intracorporal pressure assessment. The penis was harvested for the histological examination (immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining) and transmission electron microscopy detecting. Diabetic animals exhibited a decreased density of dorsal nerve bundle in penis. The neurofilament of the dorsal nerve bundle was fragmented in the diabetic rats. There was a decreased expression of nNOS and NGF in the diabetic group. The ICA II group had higher density of dorsal nerve bundle, higher expression of NGF and nNOS in the penis. The pathological change of major pelvic nerve ganglion (including the microstructure by transmission electron microscope and the neurite outgrowth length of major pelvic nerve ganglion tissue cultured in vitro) was greatly attenuated in the ICA II-treated group (p < 0.01). ICA II treatment attenuates the diabetes-related impairment of corpus cavernosum and major pelvic ganglion neuropathy in rats with Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes.
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Malykhina AP, Lei Q, Erickson CS, Epstein ML, Saban MR, Davis CA, Saban R. VEGF induces sensory and motor peripheral plasticity, alters bladder function, and promotes visceral sensitivity. BMC Physiol 2012; 12:15. [PMID: 23249422 PMCID: PMC3543727 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6793-12-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This work tests the hypothesis that bladder instillation with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) modulates sensory and motor nerve plasticity, and, consequently, bladder function and visceral sensitivity.In addition to C57BL/6J, ChAT-cre mice were used for visualization of bladder cholinergic nerves. The direct effect of VEGF on the density of sensory nerves expressing the transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily 1 (TRPV1) and cholinergic nerves (ChAT) was studied one week after one or two intravesical instillations of the growth factor.To study the effects of VEGF on bladder function, mice were intravesically instilled with VEGF and urodynamic evaluation was assessed. VEGF-induced alteration in bladder dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons was performed on retrogradly labeled urinary bladder afferents by patch-clamp recording of voltage gated Na+ currents. Determination of VEGF-induced changes in sensitivity to abdominal mechanostimulation was performed by application of von Frey filaments. RESULTS In addition to an overwhelming increase in TRPV1 immunoreactivity, VEGF instillation resulted in an increase in ChAT-directed expression of a fluorescent protein in several layers of the urinary bladder. Intravesical VEGF caused a profound change in the function of the urinary bladder: acute VEGF (1 week post VEGF treatment) reduced micturition pressure and longer treatment (2 weeks post-VEGF instillation) caused a substantial reduction in inter-micturition interval. In addition, intravesical VEGF resulted in an up-regulation of voltage gated Na(+) channels (VGSC) in bladder DRG neurons and enhanced abdominal sensitivity to mechanical stimulation. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, evidence is presented indicating that VEGF instillation into the mouse bladder promotes a significant increase in peripheral nerve density together with alterations in bladder function and visceral sensitivity. The VEGF pathway is being proposed as a key modulator of neural plasticity in the pelvis and enhanced VEGF content may be associated with visceral hyperalgesia, abdominal discomfort, and/or pelvic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna P Malykhina
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Glenolden, 19036-2307, USA
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Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common sexual disorder reported by men to their health-care providers and the most investigated male sexual dysfunction. Currently, the treatment of ED focuses on 'symptomatic relief' of ED and, therefore, tends to provide temporary relief rather than providing a cure or reversing the cause. The identification of a large population of "difficult-to-treat" patients has triggered researchers to identify novel treatment approaches, which focus on cure and restoration of the underlying cause of ED. Regenerative medicine has developed extensively in the past few decades and preclinical trials have emphasized the benefit of growth factor therapy, gene transfer, stem cells and tissue engineering for the restoration of erectile function. Development of clinical trials involving immunomodulation in postprostatectomy ED patients and the use of maxi-K channels for gene therapy are illustrative of the advances in the field. However, the search for novel treatment targets and a wealth of preclinical studies represent a dynamic and continuing field of enquiry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukman Hakim
- Laboratory of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Sun C, Lin H, Yu W, Li X, Chen Y, Qiu X, Wang R, Dai Y. Neurotrophic effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells for erectile dysfunction in diabetic rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 35:601-7. [PMID: 22428616 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2012.01250.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that intracavernous injection of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) had beneficial effects on improving erectile function in type-1 diabetic rats. This study was designed to investigate the neurotrophic effect of BM-MSCs for type-1 diabetic rats. Streptozocin-induced type-1 diabetic rats were randomly divided into three groups: diabetic group, BM-MSCs-treated group and BM-MSCs-conditioned medium-treated group. At the 3d, 1 and 2w time points after BM-MSCs injection, three randomly selected rats in MSCs group were sacrificed and penile samples were harvested to detect BM-MSCs in penile tissue. Four weeks after intracavernous injection of BM-MSCs or BM-MSCs-conditioned medium, intracavernous pressure (ICP) was assessed to evaluate the erectile function. Immunohistochemistry was used to track labelled BM-MSCs in penile tissue and to detect neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and neurofilament (NF) positive fibres in penile dorsal nerve. Enzyme lined immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in BM-MSCs-conditioned medium. BM- MSCs secreted detectable levels of VEGF, BDNF and NGF. Intracavernous injection of BM-MSCs improved erectile function in diabetic rats. The functional improvement was accompanied by promoted nNOS and NF positive nerve fibres within penile dorsal nerve in type-1 diabetic rats. Histological data revealed a time-dependent decrease in the number of BM-MSCs in the corpus cavernosum following injection. Furthermore, the beneficial effect of BM-MSCs was partially repeated by BM-MSCs-conditioned medium. Intracavernous injection of BM-MSCs is effective in improving nerve regeneration in diabetic rats. Paracrine effects of BM-MSCs are probably involved in the improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sun
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Calenda G, Strong TD, Pavlovich CP, Schaeffer EM, Burnett AL, Yu W, Davies KP, Bivalacqua TJ. Whole genome microarray of the major pelvic ganglion after cavernous nerve injury: new insights into molecular profile changes after nerve injury. BJU Int 2012; 109:1552-64. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2011.10705.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Abstract
Proper vascular regulation is of paramount importance for the control of blood flow to tissues. In particular, the regulation of peripheral resistance arteries is essential for several physiological processes, including control of blood pressure, thermoregulation and increase of blood flow to central nervous system and heart under stress conditions such as hypoxia. Arterial tone is regulated by the periarterial autonomic nervous plexus, as well as by endothelium-dependent, myogenic and humoral mechanisms. Underscoring the importance of proper vascular regulation, defects in these processes can lead to diseases such as hypertension, orthostatic hypotension, Raynaud's phenomenon, defective thermoregulation, hand-foot syndrome, migraine and congestive heart failure. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms controlling the development of the periarterial nerve plexus, retrograde and localized signalling at neuro-effector junctions, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of vascular regulation and adult plasticity and maintenance of periarterial innervation. We particularly highlight a newly discovered role for vascular endothelial growth factor in the structural and functional maintenance of arterial neuro-effector junctions. Finally, we discuss how defects in neuronal vascular regulation can lead to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Storkebaum
- Molecular Neurogenetics Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Muenster, Germany.
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Zhang HY, Jin XB, Lue TF. Three important components in the regeneration of the cavernous nerve: brain-derived neurotrophic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor and the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Asian J Androl 2010; 13:231-5. [PMID: 21170078 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2010.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Retroperitoneal operations, such as radical prostatectomy, often damage the cavernous nerve, resulting in a high incidence of erectile dysfunction. Although improved nerve-sparing techniques have reduced the incidence of nerve injury, and the administration of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors has revolutionized the treatment of erectile dysfunction, this problem remains a considerable challenge. In recent years, scientists have focused on brain-derived neurotrophic factor and vascular endothelial growth factor in the treatment of cavernous nerve injury in rat models. Results showed that both compounds were capable of enhancing the regeneration of the cavernous nerve and that activation of the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway played a major role in the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Yang Zhang
- Minimally Invasive Urology Center, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250021, China
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Zhang H, Yang R, Wang Z, Lin G, Lue TF, Lin CS. Adipose tissue-derived stem cells secrete CXCL5 cytokine with neurotrophic effects on cavernous nerve regeneration. J Sex Med 2010; 8:437-46. [PMID: 21114767 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.02128.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previously we reported that paracrine actions likely mediated the therapeutic effects of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) on a rat model of cavernous nerve (CN) injury. AIM To identify potential neurotrophic factors in ADSC's secretion, test the most promising one, and identify the molecular mechanism of its neurotrophic action. METHODS Rat major pelvic ganglia (MPG) were cultured in conditioned media of ADSC and penile smooth muscle cells (PSMCs). Cytokine expression in these two media was probed with a cytokine antibody array. CXCL5 cytokine was quantified in these two media by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Activation of Janus Kinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK/STAT) by CXCL5 was tested in neuroblastoma cell lines BE(2)C and SH-SY5Y as well as in Schwann cell line RT4-D6P2T by Western blot. Involvement of CXCL5 and JAK/STAT in ADSC-conditioned medium's neurotrophic effects was confirmed with anti-CXCL5 antibody and JAK inhibitor AG490, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Neurotrophic effects of ADSC and PSMC-conditioned media were quantified by measuring neurite length in MPG cultures. Secretion of CXCL5 in these two media was quantified by ELISA. Activation of JAK/STAT by CXCL5 was quantified by densitometry on Western blots for STAT1 and STAT3 phosphorylation. RESULTS MPG neurite length was significantly longer in ADSC than in PSMC-conditioned medium. CXCL5 was secreted eight times higher in ADSC than in PSMC-conditioned medium. Anti-CXCL5 antibody blocked the neurotrophic effects of ADSC-conditioned medium. CXCL5 activated JAK/STAT concentration-dependently from 0 to 50 ng/mL in RT4-D6P2T Schwann cells. At 50 ng/mL, CXCL5 activated JAK/STAT time-dependently, peaking at 45 minutes. AG490 blocked these activities as well as the neurotrophic effects of ADSC-conditioned medium. CONCLUSIONS CXCL5 was secreted by ADSC at a high level, promoted MPG neurite growth, and activated JAK/STAT in Schwann cells. CXCL5 may contribute to ADSC's therapeutic efficacy on CN injury-induced ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Zhang
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory-Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a major men's health problem. Although the high success rate of treating ED by phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors has been reported, there are a significant number of ED patients who do not respond to currently available treatment modalities. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW To elucidate the current status of gene therapy applications for ED, gene therapy approaches for ED treatment are reviewed. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN Gene therapy strategies that can enhance nitric oxide (NO) production or NO-mediated signaling pathways, growth factor-mediated nerve regeneration or K(+) channel activity in the smooth muscle could be promising approaches for the treatment of ED. Although the majority of gene therapy studies are still in the preclinical phase, the first clinical trial using non-viral gene transfer of Ca(2+)-activated, large-conductance K(+) channels into the corpus cavernosum of ED patients showed positive results. TAKE HOME MESSAGE Gene therapy represents an exciting future treatment option for ED, especially for people with severe ED unresponsive to current first-line therapies such as PDE5 inhibitors although the long-term safety of both viral and non-viral gene therapies should be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Yoshimura
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Urology, Suite 700 Kaufmann Medical Building, 3471 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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Shindel AW, Xin ZC, Lin G, Fandel TM, Huang YC, Banie L, Breyer BN, Garcia MM, Lin CS, Lue TF. Erectogenic and neurotrophic effects of icariin, a purified extract of horny goat weed (Epimedium spp.) in vitro and in vivo. J Sex Med 2010; 7:1518-28. [PMID: 20141584 PMCID: PMC3551978 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01699.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epimedium species (aka horny goat weed) have been utilized for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in Traditional Chinese Medicine for many years. Icariin (ICA) is the active moiety of Epimedium species. AIM To evaluate the penile hemodynamic and tissue effects of ICA in cavernous nerve injured rats. We also studied the in vitro effects of ICA on cultured pelvic ganglia. METHODS Rats were subjected to cavernous nerve injury and subsequently treated for 4 weeks with daily gavage feedings of a placebo solution of normal saline and Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) vs. ICA dissolved in DMSO at doses of 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg. A separate group underwent a single dose of ICA 10 mg/kg 2 hours prior to functional testing. Functional testing with cavernous nerve stimulation and real-time assessment of intracavernous pressure (ICP) was performed at 4 weeks. After functional testing, penile tissue was procured for immunohistochemistry and molecular studies. In separate experiments, pelvic ganglia were excised from healthy rats and cultured in the presence of ICA, sildenafil, or placebo culture media. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Ratio of ICP and area under the curve (AUC) to mean arterial pressure (MAP) during cavernous nerve stimulation of subject rodents. We also assayed tissue expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), eNOS: endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), calponin, and apoptosis via immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Differential length of neurite outgrowth was assessed in cultured pelvic ganglia. RESULTS Rats treated with low-dose ICA demonstrated significantly higher ICP/MAP and AUC/MAP ratios compared with control and single-dose ICA animals. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were revealing of significantly greater positivity for nNOS and calponin in penile tissues of all rats treated with ICA. ICA led to significantly greater neurite length in cultured specimens of pelvic ganglia. CONCLUSION ICA may have neurotrophic effects in addition to known phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibiting effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan W Shindel
- University of California Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory-Department of Urology, School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Abstract
Erectile dysfunction is a prevalent condition that leads to significant morbidity and distress, not just for affected men but also for their partners. Very few currently available treatments ameliorate the underlying causes of the disorder and 'cure' the disease state. Much recent effort has been focused on the development of gene and cell-based approaches to rectify the molecular and tissue defects responsible for ED. Gene therapy has been investigated in animal models as a means to restore normal function to the penis; at this time, however, only one human trial has been published in the peer-reviewed literature. Recent gene therapy studies have focused on the modulation of enzymes associated with the NOS/cGMP pathway, and supplementation of trophic factors, peptides and potassium channels. Stem cell therapy has been a topic of interest in more recent years but there are currently very few published reports in animal models and none in human men. Although stem cell therapy offers the potential for restoration of functional tissues, legitimate concerns remain regarding the long-term fate of stem cells. The long-term safety of both gene and stem cell therapy must be thoroughly investigated before large-scale human studies can be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Harraz
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0738, USA
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KATO R, BENNETT NE, KIM JH, WOLFE D, COYLE CH, HUANG S, WECHUCK JB, GOINS WF, DE MIGUEL F, TSUKAMOTO T, NELSON JB, GLORIOSO JC, CHANCELLOR MB, YOSHIMURA N. Gene Therapy for Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction. Low Urin Tract Symptoms 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1757-5672.2009.00045.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Surgical therapies for prostate cancer and other pelvic malignancies often result in neuronal damage and debilitating loss of sexual function due to cavernous nerve (CN) trauma. Advances in the neurobiology of growth factors have heightened clinical interest in the development of protective and regenerative neuromodulatory strategies targeting CN recovery following injury. AIM The aim of this review was to offer an examination of current and future nerve growth factor (NGF) modulation of the CN response to injury with a focus on brain-derived nerve growth factor (BDNF), growth differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5), and neurturin (NTN). METHODS Information for this presentation was derived from a current literature search using the National Library of Medicine PubMed Services producing publications relevant to this topic. Search terms included neuroprotection, nerve regeneration, NGFs, neurotrophic factors, BDNF, GDF-5, NTN, and CNs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Basic science studies satisfying the search inclusion criteria were reviewed. RESULTS In this session, BDNF, atypical growth factors GDF-5 and NTN, and their potential influence upon CN recovery after injury are reviewed, as are the molecular pathways by which their influence is exerted. CONCLUSIONS Compromised CN function is a significant cause of erectile dysfunction development following prostatectomy and serves as the primary target for potential neuroprotective or regenerative strategies utilizing NGFs such as BDNF, GDF-5, and NTN, and/or targeted novel therapeutics modulating signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Bella
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
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Long JB, Jay SM, Segal SS, Madri JA. VEGF-A and Semaphorin3A: modulators of vascular sympathetic innervation. Dev Biol 2009; 334:119-32. [PMID: 19631637 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2009.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2009] [Revised: 06/29/2009] [Accepted: 07/09/2009] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Sympathetic nerve activity regulates blood pressure by altering peripheral vascular resistance. Variations in vascular sympathetic innervation suggest that vascular-derived cues promote selective innervation of particular vessels during development. As axons extend towards peripheral targets, they migrate along arterial networks following gradients of guidance cues. Collective ratios of these gradients may determine whether axons grow towards and innervate vessels or continue past non-innervated vessels towards peripheral targets. Utilizing directed neurite outgrowth in a three-dimensional (3D) co-culture, we observed increased axon growth from superior cervical ganglion explants (SCG) towards innervated compared to non-innervated vessels, mediated in part by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and Semaphorin3A (Sema3A) which both signal via neuropilin-1 (Nrp1). Exogenous VEGF-A, delivered by high-expressing VEGF-A-LacZ vessels or by rhVEGF-A/alginate spheres, increased sympathetic neurite outgrowth while exogenous rhSema3A/Fc decreased neurite outgrowth. VEGF-A expression is similar between the innervated and non-innervated vessels examined. Sema3A expression is higher in non-innervated vessels. Spatial gradients of Sema3A and VEGF-A may promote differential Nrp1 binding. Vessels expressing high levels of Sema3A favor Nrp1-PlexinA1 signaling, producing chemorepulsive cues limiting sympathetic neurite outgrowth and vascular innervation; while low Sema3A expressing vessels favor Nrp1-VEGFR2 signaling providing chemoattractive cues for sympathetic neurite outgrowth and vascular innervation.
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Lin G, Shindel AW, Fandel TM, Bella AJ, Lin CS, Lue TF. Neurotrophic effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and vascular endothelial growth factor in major pelvic ganglia of young and aged rats. BJU Int 2009; 105:114-20. [PMID: 19493269 DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2009.08647.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the neurotrophic effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in cultured major pelvic ganglia (MPG) derived from young and aged rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS The dorsocaudal region of the MPG was isolated from 12 6-month-old male rats and 12 24-month-old male rats. The MPGs were treated with BDNF, VEGF, or both, at 0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 150 ng/mL to determine the effective concentration for 50% activity (EC(50)) and optimum dosage for promoting neurite growth. Neurite outgrowth from treated MPGs was measured by microscopy. NADPH diaphorase and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) staining was used to characterize neurites. RESULTS Both BDNF and VEGF promoted neurite sprouting from MPG. Neurite growth was more robust in MPGs derived from young rats (6 months) than from aged rats (24 months). The EC(50) for BDNF, VEGF and combined treatment were 10.6, 11.9 and 52 ng/mL in young rats, and 11.3, 12 and 0.75 ng/mL in old rats, respectively. The optimum dosage of both factors for promoting MPG neurite growth in all groups was 25-50 ng/mL. VEGF appeared to favour NADPH diaphorase-positive neurites, whereas BDNF favoured TH-positive neurites. CONCLUSION BDNF and VEGF promote neurite growth from cultured MPG; combined treatment produced the most robust neurite outgrowth. Neurite growth from MPGs derived from aged rats was not as robust as it was from MPGs from younger rats. Further studies on the effect of neurotrophins after cavernous nerve injury are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiting Lin
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Abstract
The development of the nervous and vascular systems constitutes primary events in the evolution of the animal kingdom; the former provides electrical stimuli and coordination, while the latter supplies oxygen and nutrients. Both systems have more in common than originally anticipated. Perhaps the most striking observation is that angiogenic factors, when deregulated, contribute to various neurological disorders, such as neurodegeneration, and might be useful for the treatment of some of these pathologies. The prototypic example of this cross-talk between nerves and vessels is the vascular endothelial growth factor or VEGF. Although originally described as a key angiogenic factor, it is now well established that VEGF also plays a crucial role in the nervous system. We describe the molecular properties of VEGF and its receptors and review the current knowledge of its different functions and therapeutic potential in the nervous system during development, health, disease and in medicine.
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Ding XG, Li SW, Zheng XM, Hu LQ, Hu WL, Luo Y. The effect of platelet-rich plasma on cavernous nerve regeneration in a rat model. Asian J Androl 2009; 11:215-21. [PMID: 19151738 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2008.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on cavernous nerve (CN) regeneration and functional status in a nerve-crush rat model. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into three equal groups: eight had a sham operation, eight underwent bilateral nerve crushing with no further intervention and eight underwent bilateral nerve crushing with an immediate application of PRP on the site of injury. Erectile function was assessed by CN electrostimulation at 3 months and nerve regeneration was assessed by toluidine blue staining of CN and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-diaphorase staining of penile tissue. Three months after surgery, in the group that underwent bilateral nerve crushing with no further intervention, the functional evaluation showed a lower mean maximal intracavernous pressure (ICP) and maximal ICP per mean arterial pressure (MAP) with CN stimulation than those in the sham group. In the group with an immediate application of PRP, the mean maximal ICP and maximal ICP/MAP were significantly higher than those in the injured control group. Histologically, the group with the application of PRP had more myelinated axons of CNs and more NADPH-diaphorase-positive nerve fibres than the injured control group but fewer than the sham group. These results show that the application of PRP to the site of CN-crush injury facilitates nerve regeneration and recovery of erectile function. Our research indicates that clinical application of PRP has potential repairing effect on CN and peripheral nerves.
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Tokushige N, Markham R, Russell P, Fraser IS. Effects of hormonal treatment on nerve fibers in endometrium and myometrium in women with endometriosis. Fertil Steril 2008; 90:1589-98. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.08.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2007] [Revised: 08/24/2007] [Accepted: 08/31/2007] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Abstract
This study is to investigate the effect of local phVEGF(165) injection on sciatic nerve regeneration in the rats and to search for a new way in the further treatment of peripheral nerve injuries. Forty-five adult male Wistar rats received a neurotomy to bilateral sciatic nerves, which were subsequently reconnected with 10/0 epineurial nylon sutures. The injured segments was locally injected with normal saline (group A), or 25 microg of phVEGF(165) (group B) or 50 microg phVEGF(165) (group C). Nerve conduction and regeneration were evaluated in terms of the histological changes, weight of gastrocnemius muscles, electrophysiology and morphometric results. Our study demonstrated that rats of group C showed the best results in terms of nerve regeneration, followed by group B and group A. Our findings suggested that local injection of phVEGF165 can facilitate nerve regeneration and promote functional recovery in a dose-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongyang Fu
- Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
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Bella AJ, Lin G, Tantiwongse K, Garcia M, Lin CS, Brant W, Lue TF. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) acts primarily via the JAK/STAT pathway to promote neurite growth in the major pelvic ganglion of the rat: part I. J Sex Med 2006; 3:815-820. [PMID: 16942526 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2006.00291.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Identification of the molecular mechanism of cavernous nerve regeneration is essential for future development of neuroprotective and regenerative strategies. AIM To identify specific signal transduction pathway(s) associated with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) enhanced cavernous nerve regeneration in an in vitro model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using 6-month-old male Fisher rats, inhibitors of four candidate signaling pathways were added to BDNF-treated explant cultures of major pelvic ganglia with attached cavernous nerve fragments. Study groups comprised of controls, BDNF alone at 50 ng/mL, or BDNF 50 ng/mL and inhibitors against MEK, PI3-K, PKA, and JAK/STAT pathways at increasing concentrations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The maximal neurite length for each tissue culture was measured and the mean maximal length +/- standard deviation was determined for all groups at 24, 36, and 48 hours. RESULTS The JAK/STAT specific inhibitor AG490 significantly reduced BDNF-enhanced neurite growth. Maximum neurite lengths at 24, 36, and 48 hours for BDNF 50 ng/mL treated groups were 182.3, 348.1, and 528.1 microm, compared with AG490 at 25 microM (86.4, 165.1, 278.3 microm), 50 microM (78.8, 151.7, 235.3 microm), and 100 microM (71.83, 107.0, 219.6 microm) (P < 0.05). Neurite measures for BDNF with 25 and 50 microM U0126 (MEK pathway) were reduced to 402.0 and 424.3 microm at 48 hours, respectively (P < 0.05), likely reflecting an accessory molecular pathway. A similar observation was made for 100 uM LY294002 (PI3-K). No difference was observed for PKA inhibition. CONCLUSION The JAK/STAT pathway is the major signal-transduction pathway of BDNF-enhanced cavernous nerve growth in an in vitro rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Bella
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Guiting Lin
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kavirach Tantiwongse
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Maurice Garcia
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ching-Schwun Lin
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - William Brant
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tom F Lue
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Bella AJ, Lin G, Garcia MM, Tantiwongse K, Brant WO, Lin CS, Lue TF. Upregulation of penile brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and activation of the JAK/STAT signalling pathway in the major pelvic ganglion of the rat after cavernous nerve transection. Eur Urol 2006; 52:574-80. [PMID: 17097800 DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2006.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2006] [Accepted: 10/18/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Increasing attention is being focused on identifying novel approaches to recover cavernous nerve (CN) function after injury or secondary to disease states such as diabetes mellitus. We examined penile brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) expression, and activation of the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) molecular pathway in the major pelvic ganglion (MPG) after CN injury in the rat. METHODS Five groups of eight male Sprague-Dawley rats (4 mo, 250-300 g) were used in this study. The penis and MPG with attached CN segment were harvested at 0 h (controls), 12, and 24 h, as well as at 5 and 12 d after CN axotomy, for protein, messenger RNA (mRNA), and immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS mRNA and protein expression of BDNF was upregulated in the penis after injury (p<0.05). Levels of NT-3 were unchanged. The JAK/STAT pathway was activated in the MPG after transection, as evidenced by increased STAT1 (peak: 24 h) and STAT3 (peak: 5 d) phosphorylation (p<0.01 vs. controls). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates increased expression of penile BDNF and upregulation of phosphorylated STAT1 and STAT3 in the MPG in response to CN transection. Activation of the JAK/STAT pathway after injury represents a promising new molecular target for modulating CN survival and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Bella
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0738, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE Erectile dysfunction is a recognized, common adverse consequence of radical prostatectomy as well as various other pelvic surgeries. While a host of management options have been considered to decrease this complication, neuromodulatory therapy has recently been advanced as an intervention that may be applied for this purpose. We evaluated concepts regarding the neuropathic basis for erectile dysfunction following pelvic surgery, principles for establishing neuromodulatory therapy in this clinical context, evidence from preclinical studies supporting neuromodulatory approaches as a therapeutic strategy and the progress of early clinical developments in this field. MATERIALS AND METHODS The exercise principally consisted of a current literature search using the National Library of Medicine PubMed Services, a survey of recent abstract proceedings from national meetings relevant to the topic and an Internet online search for current information on federally and privately supported clinical trials specific to this topic. References were made to such key words as neuroprotection, nerve regeneration, nerve growth factors, neurotrophic factors, cavernous nerves, nerve guides and penile erection. RESULTS Basic science research and clinical studies support the concept that erectile loss after pelvic surgery is frequently related to neuropathic effects, resulting in penile vascular impairment. An assortment of neurobiological studies using rodent models of cavernous nerve injury have shown nerve reconstitutive actions for a host of neurotrophic substances, including classic neurotrophins, growth hormone, cytokines and atypical neurotrophic mediators. Clinical trials of several proposed neuroprotective and neurotrophic applications have been done or are in progress. CONCLUSIONS Erectile dysfunction is a well recognized and yet ineffectively averted complication of pelvic surgery. Neuromodulatory therapy offers a therapeutic approach for addressing the neuropathic changes of the penis that occurs in this context with the goal of maximally preserving erectile function postoperatively. While several specific neuromodulatory applications have gained interest for their potential benefit with pelvic surgery, determining their actual roles awaits the completion of controlled clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur L Burnett
- Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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Lin G, Bella AJ, Lue TF, Lin CS. Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Acts Primarily via the JAK/STAT Pathway to Promote Neurite Growth in the Major Pelvic Ganglion of the Rat: Part 2. J Sex Med 2006; 3:821-829. [PMID: 16942527 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2006.00292.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Surgical and radiation therapies of bladder and prostate cancers may damage cavernous nerves and cause erectile dysfunction (ED). We previously showed that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) could restore erectile function in a neurogenic ED rat model. We now investigated the signaling mechanism of BDNF in major pelvic ganglia (MPG) explants. AIM To identify the signaling mechanism that mediates the neurotrophic effect of BDNF in cultured MPG. METHODS Major pelvic ganglia was isolated from male rats for immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining to locate BDNF receptors, pan-neurotrophin 75 (p75), tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), and tropomyosin-related kinase C (TrkC). The dorso-caudal region of MPG was treated with BDNF to determine the optimal dosage for promoting neurite growth. Specific kinase inhibitors AG490, KT5720, LY294002, and U0126 were then used to treat MPG either alone or prior to BDNF treatment. The treated MPG was examined for neurite growth and for expression and phosphorylation of JAK2, STAT1, and STAT3 by Western blot analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Lengths of neurite growth from MPG were measured to quantify the effects of BDNF and to identify specific signaling pathways. Ratios of phosphorylated vs. unphosphoryated proteins of JAK2, STAT1, and STAT2 in control and treated MPG were determined to confirm JAK/STAT as the principal signaling pathway. RESULTS Tropomyosin-related kinase B and TrkC were localized to neurons whereas p75 to perineuronal satellite glial cells (SGC). The optimal dosage of BDNF for promoting MPG neurite growth was between 25 and 50 ng/mL. Among the four specific kinase inhibitors, AG490 was the strongest in suppressing MPG neurite growth as well as BDNF-induced phosphorylation of JAK2, STAT1, and STAT3. CONCLUSIONS In rat MPG, TrkB and TrkC were expressed in neurons, whereas p75 in SGC. Optimal BDNF dosage for promoting MPG neurite growth was between 25 and 50 ng/mL. BDNF promotes MPG neurite growth primarily by activating the JAK/STAT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiting Lin
- Knuppe Molecular Urology, Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Anthony J Bella
- Knuppe Molecular Urology, Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tom F Lue
- Knuppe Molecular Urology, Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ching-Shwun Lin
- Knuppe Molecular Urology, Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Webster JC, Davila HH, Parker J, Carrion RE. Neuromodulatory drugs for the radical prostatectomy patient: Current and future applications. Curr sex health rep 2006; 3:120-124. [DOI: 10.1007/s11930-006-0014-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Burnett AL. Neuromodulatory therapy with applications for the radical pelvic surgery patient. Current Sexual Health Reports 2005; 2:69-73. [DOI: 10.1007/s11930-005-0007-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Hiltunen JO, Laurikainen A, Klinge E, Saarma M. Neurotrophin-3 is a target-derived neurotrophic factor for penile erection-inducing neurons. Neuroscience 2005; 133:51-8. [PMID: 15893630 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2005.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2004] [Revised: 12/18/2004] [Accepted: 01/05/2005] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine whether the neurotrophins nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neurotrophin (NT)-3 could act as endogenous target-derived trophic factors for erection-inducing, i.e. penis-projecting major pelvic ganglion (MPG) neurons, and/or penile sensory neurons in adult rat. This was accomplished by studying the expression of NT mRNAs in the penis and their cognate receptors in the MPG and dorsal root ganglia (DRGs), and the retrograde axonal transport of radioiodinated NTs injected into the corpora cavernosa. Northern hybridization showed that NGF, BDNF, and NT-3 mRNAs are expressed in the shaft of the penis. In situ hybridization combined with usage of the retrograde tracer Fluoro-Gold showed that TrkC and p75 receptors are expressed in penis-projecting neurons of the MPG whereas the mRNAs for TrkA and TrkB receptors were undetectable. However, all the NT receptor mRNAs were expressed in penile sensory neurons of sacral level 1 (S1) DRG. (125)I-NT-3 injected into the shaft of the penis was retrogradely transported into the MPG and S1 DRG, whereas radioiodinated NGF and BDNF were transported specifically into the S1 DRG, thus confirming the existence of functional NT receptors in these penile neurons. In conclusion, these data suggest that NT-3 may act as a target-derived neurotrophic factor for both erection-inducing and penile sensory neurons, whereas NGF and BDNF may be more important for the sensory innervation of the penis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Autoradiography
- Blotting, Northern
- Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/biosynthesis
- Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/pharmacokinetics
- Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/physiology
- DNA, Complementary/biosynthesis
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- Fluorescent Dyes
- Ganglia, Spinal/physiology
- Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
- In Situ Hybridization
- Iodine Radioisotopes
- Male
- Nerve Growth Factors/biosynthesis
- Nerve Growth Factors/physiology
- Neural Pathways/physiology
- Neurons/physiology
- Neurotrophin 3/biosynthesis
- Neurotrophin 3/physiology
- Penile Erection/physiology
- Penis/innervation
- Penis/physiology
- RNA, Complementary/biosynthesis
- RNA, Complementary/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Radiopharmaceuticals
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/physiology
- Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor/physiology
- Stilbamidines
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Affiliation(s)
- J O Hiltunen
- Institute of Biotechnology, P.O. Box 56, Viikki Biocenter, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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Bennett NE, Kim JH, Wolfe DP, Sasaki K, Yoshimura N, Goins WF, Huang S, Nelson JB, de Groat WC, Glorioso JC, Chancellor MB. IMPROVEMENT IN ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION AFTER NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR GENE THERAPY IN DIABETIC RATS. J Urol 2005; 173:1820-4. [PMID: 15821595 DOI: 10.1097/01.ju.0000158056.66236.1f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common but difficult to treat complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). We have previously reported herpes simplex virus (HSV) vector mediated delivery of nerve growth factor into the bladder to treat diabetic cystopathy and neurotrophin-3 (NT3) gene transfer for pyridoxine treatment. Nerve growth factor and NT3 are neurotrophic factors that may protect nerves from mechanical and metabolic damage. We investigated the effects of HSV mediated delivery of NT3 for the treatment of diabetic ED. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 300 to 400 gm were injected with 65 mg/kg streptozotocin to induce DM. After 4 weeks 20 microl containing 5 x 10 pfu replication defective HSV vector expressing lacZ (6 rats) or NT3 (6) were injected directly into the cavernous nerve sheath with a 30 gauge needle. Four weeks later the animals underwent measurement of intracavernous pressure under electrical stimulation (20 Hz, 0.5 millisecond and 10 V) of the cavernous nerve. Staining for lacZ and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the major pelvic ganglia was also performed. RESULTS beta-Galactosidase staining revealed lacZ positive neurons in the major pelvic ganglia. Maximal intracavernous pressure induced by electrical stimulation showed statistically significant mean values +/- SEM of 15.1 +/- 2.1 and 43.8 +/- 11.1 cm H2O in the lacZ and NT3 vector injected groups, respectively (p = 0.03). The mean number of neuronal nitric oxide synthase positive neurons per section in the NT3 group was significantly higher than that in the lacZ control group at 3.33 +/- 0.23 and 0.64 +/- 0.14 neurons per high power field, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS We report that gene therapy for the treatment of diabetic ED is feasible with HSV vectors. NT3 gene therapy may be applicable for the treatment of ED induced by DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson E Bennett
- Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
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