Abstract
IntroductionSince penile erection is dependent on competent vascularization, substances that are known to damage vessels and their functions can affect it. An example is excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic and excessive alcohol consumption has a cytotoxic effect that harms health in general, but especially in events that are dependent on the integrity of vascularization such as penile erection. Previous studies from our group described some consequences of using ethanol on penile erection. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms surrounding microRNAs, apoptosis process and their relationship with erectile dysfunction associated with alcohol consumption are still poorly understood.ObjectivesTo evaluate the mechanism of apoptosis by the expression of AIF and PARP, as well as their regulatory microRNAs: miR‐145, miR‐210 and miR‐486, in the corpus cavernosum of rats submitted to a semivoluntary alcoholism model.Material and methods24 Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control (C) and treated with 20% ethanol (A) for seven weeks. The corpus cavernosum samples were prepared for immunohistochemical analysis of AIF and PARP protein expression, and gene expression for miR‐145, miR‐210, miR‐486 microRNAs in cavernous tissue was quantified by real time PCR.ResultsThe immunohistochemical analysis showed little nuclear positive labeling for the protein PARP and AIF in the corpus cavernosum of both control and ethanol treated animals. The analysis of miR‐145, ‐210 and ‐486 microRNA expression in the 12 animals studied showed no significant difference between the control and alcoholized groups.ConclusionsThe expression of AIF and PARP and their regulatory microRNAs involved in apoptotic process (miR‐145, miR‐210 and miR‐486) were not altered in the corpus cavernosum of rats submitted to the semivoluntary alcoholism.Support or Funding InformationFAPESP, CNPq, CAPES and FAEPA
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