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Galimberti D, Vila Echague A, Ko EA, Pieri L, Comito A, Fusco I, Zingoni T. Novel emerging therapy for erectile dysfunction: efficacy and safety of flat magnetic stimulation. Arch Ital Urol Androl 2024:12506. [PMID: 38713081 DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2024.12506] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The erectile dysfunction (ED), which is the inability to achieve and/or sustain a penile erection sufficient to result in a satisfying sexual performance, represents a very common complaint. for men over forty years old. The aim of the study was to evaluate if Flat Magnetic Stimulation (FMS) technology could help individuals with symptomatic erectile dysfunction. METHODS Twenty patients with erectile dysfunction, underwent eight sessions of about 30 minutes each in a twice a week frequency with the study device. During treatments, every potential side effect was assessed. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) was compiled by all patients at the beginning, after the eighth treatment and at 1 month from the end of the last treatment. The questionnaire scores were presented as median values along with the interquartile range (IQR) and we set the significance threshold at 0.01. RESULTS After the treatment and at 1-month follow-up, the increase in questionnaire scores was statistically significant compared to the baseline, thus supporting the clinical usefulness of this treatment. In particular, the result of the study indicates a statistically significant difference between IIEF score before treatment (Median = 34) and IIEF score after the end of treatment (Median = 45) and between IIEF score before treatment and IIEF score at 1-month follow-up (Median = 54). CONCLUSIONS The study findings showed that FMS represents a promising treatment option to individuals affected by symptomatic erectile dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agustina Vila Echague
- Médica Dermatologa, Directora de Grupo de Láser SAD (Sociedad Argentina de Dermatología), Buenos Aires.
| | - Ery A Ko
- Dermatóloga, Fellow de Láser y Estética Derma Internacional, Buenos Aires.
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Hu D, Liu C, Ge Y, Ye L, Guo Q, Xi Y, Zhu W, Wang D, Xu T, Qiu J. Poly-L-lactic acid/gelatin electrospun membrane-loaded bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells attenuate erectile dysfunction caused by cavernous nerve injury. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 265:131099. [PMID: 38522706 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Radical prostatectomy (RP) can cause neurogenic erectile dysfunction (ED), which negatively affects the quality of life of patients with prostate cancer. Currently, there is a dearth of effective therapeutic strategies. Although stem cell therapy is promising, direct cell transplantation to injured cavernous nerves is constrained by poor cell colonization. In this study, poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)/gelatin electrospun membranes (PGEM) were fabricated to load bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) as a patch to be placed on injured nerves to alleviate ED. This study aimed to establish a promising and innovative approach to mitigate neurogenic ED post-RP and lay the foundation for modifying surgical procedures. Electrospinning and molecular biotechnology were performed in vitro and in vivo, respectively. It was observed that PGEM enhanced the performance of BM-MSCs and Schwann cells due to their excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. The transplanted PGEM and loaded BM-MSCs synergistically improved bilateral cavernous nerve injury-related ED and the corresponding histopathological changes. Nevertheless, transplantation of BM-MSCs alone has been verified to be ineffective. Overall, PGEM can serve as an ideal carrier to supply a more suitable survival environment for BM-MSCs and Schwann cells, thereby promoting the recovery of injured cavernous nerves and erectile function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoyuan Hu
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Joint and Trauma Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Yunlong Ge
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Lei Ye
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Qiang Guo
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Yuhang Xi
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Wenliang Zhu
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Dejuan Wang
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China.
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Center for Bio-intelligent Manufacturing and Living Matter Bioprinting, Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518057, China; East China Institute of Digital Medical Engineering, Shangrao 334000, China.
| | - Jianguang Qiu
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China.
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Hu D, Ge Y, Ye L, Xi Y, Chen J, Zhu W, Wang Z, Sun Z, Su Y, Wang D, Xiao S, Qiu J. d-Galactose induces the senescence and phenotype switch of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:124-134. [PMID: 37942832 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Studies regarding age-related erectile dysfunction (ED) based on naturally aging models are limited by their high costs, especially for the acquisition of primary cells from the corpus cavernosum. Herein, d-galactose ( d-gal) was employed to accelerate cell senescence, and the underlying mechanism was explored. As predominant functional cells involved in the erectile response, corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) were isolated from 2-month-old rats. Following this, d-gal was introduced to induce cell senescence, which was verified via β-galactosidase staining. The effects of d-gal on CCSMCs were evaluated by terminal deoxynucleoitidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL), immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, western blot, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Furthermore, RNA interference (RNAi) was carried out for rescue experiments. Subsequently, the influence of senescence on the corpus cavernosum was determined via scanning electron microscopy, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, TUNEL, and Masson stainings. The results revealed that the accelerated senescence of CCSMCs was promoted by d-gal. Simultaneously, smooth muscle alpha-actin (alpha-SMA) expression was inhibited, while that of osteopontin (OPN) and Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), as well as fibrotic and apoptotic levels, were elevated. After knocking down KLF4 expression in d-gal-induced CCSMCs by RNAi, the expression level of cellular alpha-SMA increased. Contrastingly, the OPN expression, apoptotic and fibrotic levels declined. In addition, cellular senescence acquired partial remission. Accordingly, in the aged corpus cavernosum, the fibrotic and apoptotic rates were increased, followed by downregulation in the expression of alpha-SMA and the concurrent upregulation in the expression of OPN and KLF4. Overall, our results signaled that d-gal-induced accelerated senescence of CCSMCs could trigger fibrosis, apoptosis and phenotypic switch to the synthetic state, potentially attributed to the upregulation of KLF4 expression, which may be a multipotential therapeutic target of age-related ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoyuan Hu
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunlong Ge
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Ye
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhang Xi
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jialiang Chen
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenliang Zhu
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenqing Wang
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhuolun Sun
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, München, Germany
| | - Ying Su
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dejuan Wang
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiwei Xiao
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Province People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Jianguang Qiu
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Zhu B, Niu Y, Guo H, Jin X, Liu F. Pyroptosis and inflammation‑mediated endothelial dysfunction may act as key factors in the development of erectile dysfunction (Review). Mol Med Rep 2023; 28:165. [PMID: 37449500 PMCID: PMC10407613 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2023.13052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent disease that causes sexual dysfunction in males. Inflammation‑induced endothelial dysfunction is a fundamental pathophysiological symptom of ED, which is impacted by cell death. Pyroptosis is a type of programmed cell death mediated by the inflammasome that was discovered in inflammatory disorders. The activation of nucleotide‑binding oligomerization domain‑like receptors, particularly downstream inflammatory factors, such as IL‑1β and IL‑18, is indicative of caspase‑dependent pyroptosis. Although the underlying mechanisms of pyroptosis have been investigated in several disorders, the role of pyroptosis in ED remains to be fully elucidated. At present, studies on pyroptosis have focused on improving the understanding of ED pathogenesis and promoting the development of novel therapeutic options. The present review article aimed to discuss the literature surrounding the mechanisms underlying pyroptosis, and summarize the role of pyroptosis in the development and progression of inflammation‑mediated ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Zhu
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 830011, P.R. China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Endemic Diseases, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 830011, P.R. China
| | - Yangjiu Niu
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 830011, P.R. China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Endemic Diseases, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 830011, P.R. China
| | - Haoqiang Guo
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 830011, P.R. China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Endemic Diseases, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 830011, P.R. China
| | - Xiufang Jin
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 830011, P.R. China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Endemic Diseases, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 830011, P.R. China
| | - Fengxia Liu
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 830011, P.R. China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Endemic Diseases, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 830011, P.R. China
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Argiolas A, Argiolas FM, Argiolas G, Melis MR. Erectile Dysfunction: Treatments, Advances and New Therapeutic Strategies. Brain Sci 2023; 13:802. [PMID: 37239274 PMCID: PMC10216368 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13050802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get and maintain an adequate penile erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Due to its negative impacts on men's life quality and increase during aging (40% of men between 40 and 70 years), ED has always attracted researchers of different disciplines, from urology, andrology and neuropharmacology to regenerative medicine, and vascular and prosthesis implant surgery. Locally and/or centrally acting drugs are used to treat ED, e.g., phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (first in the list) given orally, and phentolamine, prostaglandin E1 and papaverine injected intracavernously. Preclinical data also show that dopamine D4 receptor agonists, oxytocin and α-MSH analogues may have a role in ED treatment. However, since pro-erectile drugs are given on demand and are not always efficacious, new strategies are being tested for long lasting cures of ED. These include regenerative therapies, e.g., stem cells, plasma-enriched platelets and extracorporeal shock wave treatments to cure damaged erectile tissues. Although fascinating, these therapies are laborious, expensive and not easily reproducible. This leaves old vacuum erection devices and penile prostheses as the only way to get an artificial erection and sexual intercourse with intractable ED, with penile prosthesis used only by accurately selected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Argiolas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.M.A.); (M.R.M.)
| | - Francesco Mario Argiolas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.M.A.); (M.R.M.)
| | - Giacomo Argiolas
- General Medicine Unit, Hospital San Michele, ARNAS“G. Brotzu”, Piazzale Ricchi 1, 09100 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Maria Rosaria Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.M.A.); (M.R.M.)
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Ruze A, Wang B, Jin J, Hou P, Tuerxun D, Amuti S. Bradykinin B1 receptor antagonist protects against cold stress–induced erectile dysfunction in rats. Sex Med 2023; 11:qfac004. [PMID: 37007851 PMCID: PMC10065187 DOI: 10.1093/sexmed/qfac004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Erectile dysfunction (ED) demonstrates seasonal variation with higher rates in winter, and we hypothesize that endothelial damage in erectile tissue caused by bradykinin receptor B1 (B1R) might be detrimental to this change.
Aim
To find out direct correlations between cold stress and ED, through which to further investigate the functional roles of B1R in erectile tissue and to elucidate the therapeutic roles of the B1R antagonist in a cold stress–induced ED rat model.
Methods
Cold stress rat models are established through long-term intermittent exposure to low temperature. After their erectile function was assessed, ED rats were treated with the B1R antagonist through intraperitoneal injection. Penile tissues were obtained at the end of the experiment after measurement of intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICP/MAP); the location and distribution of cytokine expression were determined by immunohistochemistry; cytokine levels and NOS and CD31 expression were detected by Western blotting; and collagen fibers and smooth muscles were observed through Masson staining.
Outcomes
Cold stress impairs erectile function, and the B1R antagonist protects against it.
Results
We observed decreased erection frequency, prolonged erection latency time, decreased ICP/MAP, overexpression of B1R, increased expression of cytokines on cavernous sinus endothelium, and increased levels of collagen fibers/smooth muscles on erectile tissue in response to cold stress. Also, NOS and CD31 expression was downregulated. B1R antagonist treatment shows enhanced erectile function through increased erection frequency, shortened erection latency time, and increased ICP/MAP. Also, it reduces collagen fibers/smooth muscles, TNF-α, TGF-β1, and IL-6 and upregulates the expression of nNOS and CD31.
Clinical Translation
Our findings cast new light on the correlations between cold stress and erectile function and potential new applications of existing B1R antagonist drugs in the field of ED.
Strengths and Limitations
Our data support that cold stress impairs erectile function. B1R-mediated, cytokine-induced corpus cavernosum fibrosis and endothelial damage might be the main reason behind it, and B1R inhibition protects against fibrosis and endothelial damage. Other ways of B1R antagonist blocking methods in different types of ED still need to be investigated.
Conclusion
Long-term intermittent cold stress impairs erectile function, and B1R-mediated, cytokine-induced corpus cavernosum fibrosis and endothelial damage might be the main reason behind it. B1R inhibition also protects against fibrosis and endothelial damage. Our data support the hypothesis that cold stress impairs erectile function and that B1R blockade ameliorates the symptoms of ED, possibly by reversing fibrosis and endothelial damage in erectile tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abudureyimujiang Ruze
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Xinjiang Medical University, Shuimogou District, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region 830017, China
| | - Binghua Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Xinjiang Medical University, Shuimogou District, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region 830017, China
| | - Jin Jin
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Xinjiang Medical University, Shuimogou District, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region 830017, China
| | - Pengcheng Hou
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Xinjiang Medical University, Shuimogou District, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region 830017, China
| | - Diliyaer Tuerxun
- Clinical College of Chinese Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province 730000, China
| | - Siyiti Amuti
- Corresponding author: Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Xinjiang Medical University, No. 567, Shangde North Road, Shuimogou District, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region 830017, China.
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7
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Pang K, Pan D, Xu H, Ma Y, Wang J, Xu P, Wang H, Zang G. Advances in physical diagnosis and treatment of male erectile dysfunction. Front Physiol 2023; 13:1096741. [PMID: 36699684 PMCID: PMC9868413 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1096741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common male sexual dysfunction by far and the prevalence is increasing year after year. As technology advances, a wide range of physical diagnosis tools and therapeutic approaches have been developed for ED. At present, typical diagnostic devices include erection basic parameter measuring instrument, erection hardness quantitative analysis system, hemodynamic testing equipment, nocturnal erection measuring instrument, nerve conduction testing equipment, etc. At present, the most commonly used treatment for ED is pharmacological therapy represented by phosphodiesterase five inhibitors (PDE5i). As a first-line drug in clinical, PDE5i has outstanding clinical effects, but there are still some problems that deserve the attention of researchers, such as cost issues and some side effects, like visual disturbances, indigestion, myalgia, and back pain, as well as some non-response rates. Some patients have to consider alternative treatments. Moreover, the efficacy in some angiogenic EDs (diabetes and cardiovascular disease) has not met expectations, so there is still a need to continuously develop new methods that can improve hemodynamics. While drug have now been shown to be effective in treating ED, they only control symptoms and do not restore function in most cases. The increasing prevalence of ED also makes us more motivated to find safer, more effective, and simpler treatments. The exploration of relevant mechanisms can also serve as a springboard for the development of more clinically meaningful physiotherapy approaches. Therefore, people are currently devoted to studying the effects of physical therapy and physical therapy combined with drug therapy on ED. We reviewed the diagnosis of ED and related physical therapy methods, and explored the pathogenesis of ED. In our opinion, these treatment methods could help many ED patients recover fully or partially from ED within the next few decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Pang
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, The Affiliated Xuzhou Hospital of Medical College of Southeast University, The Affiliated Xuzhou Center Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Deng Pan
- Graduate School, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Graduate School, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Yuyang Ma
- Graduate School, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Jingkai Wang
- Graduate School, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Graduate School, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hailuo Wang
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, The Affiliated Xuzhou Hospital of Medical College of Southeast University, The Affiliated Xuzhou Center Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guanghui Zang
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, The Affiliated Xuzhou Hospital of Medical College of Southeast University, The Affiliated Xuzhou Center Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,*Correspondence: Guanghui Zang,
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8
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Song J, Wang J, Liu K, Xu W, Sun T, Liu J. The role of microRNAs in erectile dysfunction: From pathogenesis to therapeutic potential. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1034043. [PMID: 36387873 PMCID: PMC9640492 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1034043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common male sexual dysfunction disease, and it was predicted that the number of ED patients worldwide will reach 322 million by 2025. However, the pathogenesis of ED is complex and the current treatment options are still limited, so it is urgent to explore new treatment strategies. Recent studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in ED, and these single-stranded non-coding small RNA molecules are involved in key pathophysiological processes in the occurrence and development of ED. Therefore, miRNAs have remarkable potential as therapeutic targets in ED. Here, this review introduces the physiological basis of erectile function and the pathophysiological changes in ED and summarizes the current knowledge on the expression, biological functions, and molecular mechanisms of miRNAs in ED, especially the potential of miRNA-targeted therapies to improve ED. This review will provide a comprehensive view of the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of ED and the potential value of miRNAs in the treatment of ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Song
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kang Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenchao Xu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Taotao Sun
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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9
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Abstract
Male sexual dysfunction is a series of conditions, most notably including erectile dysfunction (ED), Peyronie's disease (PD), and premature ejaculation (PE), defined by impaired sexual functioning. The prevalence of male sexual dysfunction increases with age and is relatively high with greater than 50% of men aged 40 to 70 describing some degree of erectile dysfunction. Risk factors for male sexual dysfunction include age, diabetes mellitus (DM), cancer, stroke, hypertension, penile trauma, depression, anxiety, and disturbance in central serotonin neurotransmission and 5-HT postsynaptic receptor functioning. Sexual questionnaires including the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction, Sexual Health Inventory for Men, and the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool are useful in screening for these disorders. Focused history and physical can establish diagnoses. For a condition to be diagnosed as male sexual dysfunction, the patient or their partner must view their sexual functioning as impaired. Treatment of male sexual dysfunction is etiology dependent. For ED, first-line therapy is a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor or mental health care for psychogenic ED. More complicated cases may be treated with injections, surgery, or shockwave therapy. PD is either treated with medications for pain management, collagenase clostridium histolyticum injection, corpoplasty, plication, or shockwave therapy. PE may be treated behaviorally or with SSRIs as first line medication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Laforge
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport
| | - Maggie M Ross
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport
| | | | - Jamal Hasoon
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School
| | - Omar Viswanath
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School; Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants, Envision Physician Services; Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix; Department of Anesthesiology, Creighton University School of Medicine
| | - Alan D Kaye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport
| | - Ivan Urits
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport; Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School
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10
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Zaghloul AS, El-Nashaar AM, Said SZ, Osman IA, Mostafa T. Assessment of the intracavernosal injection platelet-rich plasma in addition to daily oral tadalafil intake in diabetic patients with erectile dysfunction non-responding to on-demand oral PDE5 inhibitors. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14421. [PMID: 35301742 DOI: 10.1111/and.14421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ICI of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in addition to daily oral tadalafil intake in diabetic erectile dysfunction (ED) patients non-responding to PDE5 inhibitors. Overall, 48 patients complaining of ED non-responding to on-demand PDE5 inhibitors were allocated into 2 equal groups, diabetics and non-diabetics that were given a daily dose of 5 mg tadalafil plus vardenafil 20 mg on demand during the study besides being subjected to 3 doses of ICI of PRP, 4 weeks apart. Responses to on-demand PDE5 inhibitors, International index of erectile function-5 (IIEF-5) score, erection hardness scores (EHS) and pharmaco-dynamic duplex studies were assessed. After PRP injections, 33% and 50% of cases were satisfied with on-demand PDE5 inhibitors, respectively, whereas 41% and 66% of them showed improved EHS response. Compared with baseline scores, the mean IIEF-5 scores were significantly improved after PRP therapy in the diabetic ED group (12.1 vs. 8.04, p = 0.003) as well as in the non-diabetic ED group (14.8 vs. 10.2, p = 0.001) linked to pharmaco-penile duplex readings. Both good and fair diabetic control exhibited significant responses to ICI therapy of PRP compared with bad controlled cases. The significant improvement included; the IIEF-5 score increase (86.7%, 126% vs. 16.1%), improved EHS as well as penile duplex readings. Baseline HbA1C demonstrated a significant negative correlation with IIEF-5 score before (p = 0.019) and after PRP therapy (p = 0.002) respectively. It could be concluded that ICI of PRP could be an effective therapy for treating ED patients non-responding to on-demand oral PDE5 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed S Zaghloul
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Shady Z Said
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ihab A Osman
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Taymour Mostafa
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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11
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Jiang N, Wu C, Zhou X, Zhai G, Wu J. Cavernous Nerve Injury Resulted Erectile Dysfunction and Regeneration. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:5353785. [PMID: 34970630 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5353785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an important cause of reduced quality of life for men and their partners. Recent studies have found that cavernous nerve injury (CNI) during prostate cancer surgery and other pelvic surgery results in medically induced CNIED in more than 80% of patients. The efficacy of first- and second-line treatment options for ED is poor. A great deal of research has been devoted to exploring new methods of neuroprotection and nerve regeneration to save erectile function in patients with CNIED, especially in patients with cavernous nerve injury after prostate cancer surgery. In addition, such as neuromodulatory proteins, proimmune ligands, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and the current cutting-edge low-energy shock wave therapy have shown advantages in basic research and limited clinical studies. In the context of today's modern medicine, these new therapeutic techniques are expected to be new tools in the treatment of cavernous nerve injury erectile dysfunction. This article presents the main causes, mechanisms, and treatment of cavernous nerve injury erectile dysfunction and combines them with new treatment strategies.
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12
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Cecerska-Heryć E, Goszka M, Serwin N, Roszak M, Grygorcewicz B, Heryć R, Dołęgowska B. Applications of the regenerative capacity of platelets in modern medicine. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2021; 64:84-94. [PMID: 34924312 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [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: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Platelets produce platelet growth factors such as PDGF, IGF-1, EGF-, HGF, TGFβ, bFGF, and VEGF, which are crucial in regulating all stages of the wound healing process. The source of these substances is platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Over the past five decades, the interest and use of the regenerative properties of platelets have increased significantly in many different fields of medicine around the world. PRP and PRF plate preparations are used in: 1. Dentistry (they reduce bleeding, facilitate and accelerate soft tissue healing and bone regeneration - FGF 2, IGF-1, IGF-2, TGF-β1, and PDGF); 2. Sports medicine - IGF-1, IGF-2, TGF-β, VEGF, PDGF and bFGF, EGF); 3. dermatology and cosmetology (treatment of alopecia, hair reconstruction - FGF-7, HGF, acne scars, skin rejuvenation and regeneration, treatment of chronic and poorly healing wounds, burns, and acquired vitiligo); 4. Gynecology and reproductive medicine (treatment of infertility, erectile dysfunction - PDGF-β, TGF-β, IGF-1, in sexual dysfunction - PDGF, in vaginal atrophy); 5 Ophthalmology (in the healing of corneal epithelial wounds, in the treatment of dormant corneal ulcers, dry eye syndrome and the reconstruction of the corneal surface; 6. Neurology (regeneration of neurons, pain alleviation, and clinical symptoms - TGF-β 1, IGF-1, PDGF, VEGF) and FGF). Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a very interesting alternative and complement to traditional methods of treatment. However, the potential for using platelets is still not fully understood. The composition of platelet-rich plasma depends on many factors that may affect its use's efficacy and clinical benefits. Further research is necessary to standardize PRP delivery's preparation procedures and methods for a specific disease entity or clinical case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Cecerska-Heryć
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University of Szczecin, Powstancow Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Goszka
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University of Szczecin, Powstancow Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Natalia Serwin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University of Szczecin, Powstancow Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Marta Roszak
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University of Szczecin, Powstancow Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Grygorcewicz
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University of Szczecin, Powstancow Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Rafał Heryć
- Department of Nephrology, Transplantology and Internal Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University of Szczecin, Powstancow Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Barbara Dołęgowska
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University of Szczecin, Powstancow Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
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13
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Towe M, Peta A, Saltzman RG, Balaji N, Chu K, Ramasamy R. The use of combination regenerative therapies for erectile dysfunction: rationale and current status. Int J Impot Res 2021; 34:735-738. [PMID: 34253869 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-021-00456-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. Available treatments for ED provide only symptomatic relief, which is for the most part temporary. Regenerative therapies such as Low Intensity Shockwave, Platelet-Rich Plasma, and Stem Cell therapy can potentially provide a "cure" for ED by reversing the underlying pathology of ED rather than just treating the symptoms. Low Intensity Shockwave therapy is the most evidence based at this point and is thought to act by improving penile blood flow, repairing previous nerve damage, and activating stem cells. Stem Cell therapy takes advantage of the self-replicative potential of stem cells to create new corporal tissue, but also to recruit host cells and angiogenic factors to stimulate endogenous repair. Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy uses concentrated growth factors that already exist within the bloodstream to repair damaged nerves and increase penile blood flow. The use of combination restorative therapy may provide an additive or synergistic benefit greater than any one therapy alone because of its overlapping mechanisms of action on the penis but is a topic that remains to be studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell Towe
- Department of Urology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Akhil Peta
- Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Russell G Saltzman
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Navin Balaji
- Department of Urology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Kevin Chu
- Department of Urology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ranjith Ramasamy
- Department of Urology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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14
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de Oliveira PS, Ziegelmann MJ. Low-intensity shock wave therapy for the treatment of vasculogenic erectile dysfunction: a narrative review of technical considerations and treatment outcomes. Transl Androl Urol 2021; 10:2617-2628. [PMID: 34295748 PMCID: PMC8261418 DOI: 10.21037/tau-20-1286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) impacts a significant portion of the aging male population. Standard treatments such as oral medications, intracavernosal injections, intraurethral suppositories, vacuum erection aids, and penile prosthesis placement have stood the test of time. Recently, there has been a growing interest in the concept of regenerative medicine with the goal of restoring or renewing functional tissue. Low intensity shock wave therapy (LiSWT) is one example of a regenerative therapy. A strong body of basic science data suggests that shockwaves, when applied to local tissue, will encourage blood vessel and nerve regeneration. Clinical evidence supports the use of LiSWT to treat conditions ranging from ischemic heart disease, musculoskeletal injuries, and even chronic non-healing wounds. LiSWT is also being used to treat male sexual dysfunction conditions such as Peyronie's Disease and ED. The first studied application of LiSWT for ED was published in 2010. Since then multiple randomized, sham-controlled trials have sought to evaluate outcomes for this novel therapy in men with vasculogenic ED. Additionally, several meta-analyses are available with pooled data suggesting that LiSWT results in a significantly greater improvement in erectile function relative to sham-control. Despite these promising findings, the current body of literature is marred by significant heterogeneity relating to treatment protocols, patient populations, and follow-up duration. Further work is necessary to determine optimal device technologies, patient characteristics, and treatment duration prior to considering LiSWT as standard of care for men with ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Simoes de Oliveira
- Department of Urology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal.,Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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15
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Poulios E, Mykoniatis I, Pyrgidis N, Zilotis F, Kapoteli P, Kotsiris D, Kalyvianakis D, Hatzichristou D. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Improves Erectile Function: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. J Sex Med 2021; 18:926-935. [PMID: 33906807 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal studies postulate that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections improve key elements of the pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to erectile dysfunction (ED). AIM To conduct the first double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial assessing the efficacy and safety of PRP injections in patients with mild and moderate ED. METHODS Sixty sexually active patients with mild and moderate ED were randomly assigned to two sessions, with a one-month difference, of 10 mL PRP (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) intracavernosal injections. An FDA-approved separation system was used. Patients were evaluated at 1, 3 and 6 months after completion of the treatment protocol. A per-protocol analysis was applied. All participants withheld any ED treatment during the trial. OUTCOMES The achievement of minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in the International Index of Erectile Function - Erectile Domain (IIEF-EF) from baseline to 6 months after final treatment. Erectile function at all time points, as well as safety of PRP injections, were also evaluated. RESULTS At 6 months, a MCID was achieved by 20/29 (69%) patients in the PRP group compared to 7/26 (27%) in the placebo group. The risk difference between the two groups was 42% (95%CI: 18-66), P < 0.001 and the baseline-adjusted mean between-group-difference in the IIEF-EF score was 3.9 points (95%CI: 1.8-5.9). Similarly, a statistically significant difference of both the number of participants attaining a MCID and the IIEF-EF score was also observed at the 1- and 3-month evaluation between the two groups. Accordingly, patients receiving PRP were more satisfied with the treatment. No adverse events were observed during the study period. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Intracavernosal PRP injection therapy used as outlined in this trial appears to be a safe and effective short-term treatment for the management of mild to moderate ED. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS We conducted the first clinical trial exploring the role of PRP in the management of ED. Conversely, our findings lack external validity due to single-center design. Furthermore, our results cannot be extrapolated to other PRP separation systems. CONCLUSIONS PRP intracavernosal injections may be a promising addition to the urologist's armamentarium for the management of ED. Still, further high-quality studies are warranted to corroborate our findings. Evangelos P, Mykoniatis I, Pyrgidis N, et al. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Improves Erectile Function: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. J Sex Med 2021;18:926-935.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Poulios
- First Department of Urology, G. Gennimatas Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Mykoniatis
- First Department of Urology, G. Gennimatas Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; Institute for the Study of Urological Diseases, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Nikolaos Pyrgidis
- First Department of Urology, G. Gennimatas Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; Institute for the Study of Urological Diseases, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Filimon Zilotis
- First Department of Urology, G. Gennimatas Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Kapoteli
- First Department of Urology, G. Gennimatas Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kotsiris
- First Department of Urology, G. Gennimatas Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kalyvianakis
- First Department of Urology, G. Gennimatas Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; Institute for the Study of Urological Diseases, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Hatzichristou
- First Department of Urology, G. Gennimatas Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; Institute for the Study of Urological Diseases, Thessaloniki, Greece
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16
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Drury R, Natale C, Hellstrom WJG. Reviewing the evidence for shockwave- and cell-based regenerative therapies in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Ther Adv Urol 2021; 13:17562872211002059. [PMID: 33796149 PMCID: PMC7968013 DOI: 10.1177/17562872211002059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is both a common and complex disease process. Existing ED treatments do not always achieve adequate results. There is clinical interest in employing regenerative therapies, including low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT), platelet rich plasma (PRP), and stem cell therapy (SCT), in the treatment of ED as adjunct or alternative treatments. Here, we present evidence for emerging shockwave- and cell-based regenerative therapies for the treatment of ED following a thorough review of the existing PubMed literature pertaining to Li-ESWT, PRP, and SCT in relation to the treatment of ED. Li-ESWT causes microtrauma in tissue that hypothetically upregulates angiogenesis and recruits stem cells. Several large-scale systematic reviews and meta-analyses have reported that Li-ESWT improved ED in humans. Additionally, evidence has commenced to show that Li-ESWT may be effective against two recognized and complex etiologies of ED: diabetic and neurogenic. PRP delivers an autologous sample rich in growth factors to damaged tissue. Animal model studies have demonstrated improved erectile function recovery as well as preservation of cavernous nerve axons. Studies with PRP in humans are limited. SCT utilizes the regenerative potential of stem cells for healing of damaged tissue. In the treatment of ED, SCT has been used in the setting of diabetic and post-prostatectomy ED. Results of human studies are varied, although SCT treatments did result in increased erectile rigidity with some patients recovering the ability to achieve penetration. While these regenerative therapies show potential to augment the current treatment regimen for ED, there is a paucity of evidence to support the safety and efficacy of these treatments. Further research is necessary to define the role of these alternative therapies in the treatment of ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Drury
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Caleb Natale
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
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Li H, Zhang Z, Fang D, Tang Y, Peng J. Local continuous glial cell derived neurotrophic factor release using osmotic pump promotes parasympathetic nerve rehabilitation in an animal model of cavernous nerve injury induced erectile dysfunction. Transl Androl Urol 2021; 10:258-271. [PMID: 33532315 PMCID: PMC7844500 DOI: 10.21037/tau-20-1110] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nerve injury-related erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the types that respond poorly to conventional ED treatments. Our previous experiments have demonstrated the paracrine of various neurotrophic factors (NTFs) by stem cells or other treatment modalities as a potential mechanism in the recovery of nerve injury-related ED. Glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is one of the essential NTFs for the regeneration of nerve fibers, especially for parasympathetic nerves. The aim of this study is to explore if local continuous GDNF administration is beneficial for the functional and histological recovery of nerve injury induced ED. Methods Eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were used for this study. Rats were randomly grouped into 5: Sham surgery (Sham), bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) and placebo treatment, BCNI and 0.1 µg/100 µL GDNF treatment (BCNI+GDNF 0.1), BCNI and 1 µg/100 µL GDNF treatment (BCNI+GDNF 1), BCNI and 10 µg/100 µL GDNF treatment (BCNI+GDNF 10). GDNF was administered using an osmotic pump technique which would deliver GDNF locally and continuously for 28 days without the need for external connections or frequent handling of animals. Recovery of sexual function, nerve fibers regeneration, and expression of neurotrophic receptors were examined and compared among groups after the treatment. Results Local continuous GDNF release treatment increased the average number of intromissions in the sexual behavior test and intracavernous pressure (ICP) in the erectile function test in a dose dependent manner. Osmotic pump implantation induced increased local GDNF concentration and mild inflammatory response. Gene expression of GDNF receptors in major pelvic ganglion (MPG) and nerve regeneration along the urethra were partially promoted by GDNF. These changes were associated with increased nerve fibers especially the parasympathetic nerve fibers in dorsal nerve of penis (DNP) in GDNF treated groups. Conclusions In conclusion, our project illustrated the promising effects of local continuous GDNF administration for the functional and histological recovery of nerve injury-induced ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixi Li
- Andrology Center, Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhichao Zhang
- Andrology Center, Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Fang
- Andrology Center, Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Tang
- Andrology Center, Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Andrology Center, Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
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18
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Lin YH, Liao CH, Wong SM, Chiang BJ, Chen HC, Wu YN. A short term follow up for intracavernosal injection of platelet rich plasma for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Urol Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/uros.uros_22_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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