Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). The exact role of the NGF/TrkA signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of diabetic ED is largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the role of the NGF/TrkA signaling pathway in Sprague-Dawley rats with diabetic ED. Animals were divided into 2 groups: the normal group and the DM ED model group. The model group included the blank subgroup, the negative control (NC) subgroup, the TrkA subgroup and the TrkA + NGF subgroup. Erectile function, intracavernous pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure were measured respectively. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the number of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expressing nerve fibers. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was applied to detect the mRNA expressions of NGF and TrkA in the cavernous tissue. Further, Western blotting was conducted to detect the expressions of NGF, TrkA and its downstream ERK pathway-related proteins. Higher erectile frequency, ICP values and diastolic function, more nNOS-positive nerve fibers, and decreased systolic function of the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle were found in the TrkA and TrkA+NGF groups when compared with the blank and the NC groups. Moreover, significantly higher mRNA expressions of NGF and TrkA, and upregulated protein expressions of NGF, TrkA, c-raf, ERK1/2 and CREB1 were found in the TrkA and the TrkA + NGF groups. In conclusion, downregulation in the NGF/TrkA signaling pathway may contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic ED.
Highlights
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for perfect performance during sexual practice [1]
40 diabetic ED rats were divided into 4 groups: the blank group (n = 9), the negative control (NC) group (n = 10), the tropomyosin-receptor kinase A (TrkA) group (n = 11) and the TrkA + Nerve growth factor (NGF) group (n = 10)
We explored the role of the NGF/TrkA signaling pathway in diabetic ED
Summary
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for perfect performance during sexual practice [1]. The most important organic causes of ED are vascular, diabetes, neurogenic, hormonal and side effects of drugs [2]. Epidemiological data have revealed that 35%-90% of diabetic men may suffer from ED [3, 4]. The occurrence of ED is increased with age and the severity of diabetes mellitus (DM) [1]. As to the diagnosis of ED, the RigiScan device is the most reliable tool to diagnose ED and to distinguish psychogenic from organic cases by detecting penile tumescence and rigidity [5]. Common therapies of ED include oral phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors, vacuum constriction devices, intraurethral suppositories, hormones, intracavernosal injection of vasoactive agents, and prosthesis implantation [6]. The efficacy of the first-line medicinal treatment, namely PDE-5 inhibitors, is only about 51%-62% [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
