血管紧张素1-7对糖尿病大鼠肾小管间质纤维化的影响

目的 研究血管紧张素1-7(Ang1-7)对糖尿病大鼠肾小管间质纤维化的影响及其可能机制.方法 32只雄性Wistar大鼠被随机分为4组:健康对照组(NC组)、模型组(DM组)、替米沙坦组(TM组)、治疗组(T组).建模成功后第9周末检测各组大鼠24 h尿蛋白量、尿NAG/Cr、血糖、血胰岛素、三酰甘油(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、BUN、Scr、血K+及血Na+ ;PAS染色观察肾脏病理改变 ;实时定量PCR法检测各组大鼠肾脏组织中转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)、过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体(PPAR)γ、α平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)mRNA水平 ;Western印迹法检测PPARγ、α-SMA、TGF-β1蛋白表达.结果 (1)第9周末,DM组大鼠血压、尿蛋白量、肾质量/体质量较NC组显著升高(P＜0.05),TM组及T组较DM组显著降低(P＜0.05),且T组变化更明显.(2)DM组第9周末肾间质损伤指数显著高于NC组(P＜0.05),TM组及T组则低于DM组(P＜0.05).(3)实时定量PCR结果显示,DM组TGF-β1、α-SMAmRNA水平显著升高(P＜0.05),PPARγ mRNA水平显著下降(P＜0.05),TM组及T组较DM组TGF-β1、α-SMA mRNA水平均显著下降(P＜0.05),PPARγ mRNA水平显著上升(P＜0.05),且T组变化更明显.(4)Western印迹结果显示,DM组TGF-β1、α-SMA蛋白水平显著升高(P＜0.05),PPARγ蛋白水平显著下降(P＜0.05),TM组及T组较DM组TGF-β1、α-SMA蛋白水平均显著下降(P＜0.05),PPARγ蛋白水平显著上升(P＜0.05),且T组变化更明显.结论 Ang1-7在体内可通过上调PPARγ表达,抑制α-SMA表达,对糖尿病大鼠肾小管间质纤维化可能具有抑制作用.     

氧化应激介导糖尿病大鼠肾小管上皮细胞转分化及普罗布考的干预作用

目的 研究氧化应激在糖尿病肾病（DN）大鼠肾小管上皮细胞转分化中的作用,探讨抗氧化剂普罗布考对大鼠DN的肾脏保护作用。 方法 30只雄性SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组、DN组和普罗布考干预组（1％普罗布考饮食）,每组10只。分别于第3周、第8周及第12周检测24 h尿蛋白（UTP）;12周末检测各组大鼠血糖、血脂（胆固醇、三酰甘油）、Scr、肌酐清除率（Ccr）、肾脏组织匀浆液丙二醛（MDA）含量及谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（GSH-Px）活性。肾组织病理切片行 HE和Masson染色;采用免疫组化和Western印迹检测肾组织核转录因子Sp1、α平滑肌肌动蛋白（α-SMA）及E钙黏蛋白（E-cadherin）表达。 结果 与正常对照组比较,DN组血糖、Scr、肾组织匀浆MDA和24 h UTP水平显著增高（均P < 0.01）,Ccr显著降低（P < 0.01）;肾组织肾小管损伤分数、α-SMA和 Sp1蛋白表达水平明显增高（均P < 0.01）;肾组织E-cadherin蛋白表达明显下调。肾组织MDA含量分别与α-SMA及Sp1蛋白表达呈正相关（r ＝ 0.896,P < 0.01;r ＝ 0.862,P < 0.01）,与E-cadherin蛋白表达呈负相关（r = -0.673, P < 0.01）。普罗布考干预组Scr、24 h UTP、肾组织MDA、肾小管损伤分数及肾组织α-SMA、 Sp1蛋白表达水平较DN组均明显降低（均P < 0.01）;Ccr和肾组织E-cadherin蛋白表达水平较DN组均明显增加（均P < 0.01）。 结论 氧化应激在DN大鼠肾小管上皮细胞转分化中起重要作用。普罗布考可能通过抗氧化、下调肾组织Sp1蛋白表达及抑制肾小管上皮细胞转分化延缓DN大鼠肾脏病变进展。     

怡肾汤对腺嘌呤致肾衰竭大鼠肾间质BMP-7及α-SMA表达的影响

目的：研究怡肾汤对腺嘌呤致肾衰竭大鼠肾间质骨形态发生蛋白-7（BMP-7）及α-平滑肌肌动蛋白（α-SMA）表达的影响,并对其肾间质纤维化作用机制进行初探。方法：采用腺嘌呤灌胃诱导肾间质纤维化的动物模型,将32只SD大鼠完全随机分为正常组、模型组、依那组和怡肾组。大鼠适用性饲养1周后造模：正常组予生理盐水按10mg·kg-1.d-1灌胃,其他3组予2.5%的腺嘌呤混悬液按250mg·kg-1.d-1灌胃。造模与药物干预同天进行：怡肾组（怡肾汤）、模型组和正常组（等体积生理盐水）、依那组（依那普利）,每日1次,共21d。观察大鼠肾功能、肾组织形态,用免疫组化法检测BMP-7及α-SMA的表达。结果：（1）造模后大鼠与正常组比较Scr、BUN明显升高,治疗组与模型组相比,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）,各治疗组间差异无统计学意义。（2）细胞形态学观察：正常组无异常,模型组单核巨噬细胞、淋巴细胞浸润,肾间质水肿较两治疗组严重,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）,两治疗组间差异无统计学意义。（3）正常组α-SMA仅在小动脉表达,BMP-7在肾间质高度表达,两治疗组相对模型组肾间质α-SMA表达减少,BMP-7表达增强,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）。结论：怡肾汤可以减轻肾间质损伤和炎细胞浸润,抑制α-SMA表达、促进BMP-7表达,延缓肾功能恶化和减轻肾间质纤维化。     

Antifibrogenic role of valproic acid in streptozotocin induced diabetic rat penis

We investigated the therapeutic effects of valproic acid (VPA) on erectile dysfunction and reducing penile fibrosis in streptozocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats. Eighteen male rats were divided into three experimental groups (Control, STZ‐DM, STZ‐DM plus VPA) and diabetes was induced by transperitoneal single dose STZ. Eight weeks after, VPA and placebo treatments were given according to groups for 15 days. All rats were anesthetised for the measurement of in vivo erectile response to cavernous nerve stimulation. Afterward penes were evaluated histologically in terms of immune labelling scores of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1). Slides were also evaluated in terms of collagen/smooth muscle ratio and penile apoptosis. After the treatment with VPA, erectile responses were found as improved when compared with STZ‐DM rats but not statistically meaningful. eNOS and VEGF immune expressions diminished in penile corpora of STZ‐DM rats and improved with VPA treatment. VPA led to decrease in TGF‐β1 expression and collagen content of diabetic rats’ penes. Penile apoptosis was not diminished with VPA. In conclusion, VPA treatment seems to be effective for reducing penile fibrosis in diabetic rats and more prolonged treatment period may enhance erectile functions.     

胰岛素对糖尿病大鼠阴茎内nNOS神经纤维的影响

目的探讨糖尿病性阴茎勃起功能障碍（ED）的发病机制及胰岛素的治疗作用。方法注射链脲佐菌素建立糖尿病（DM）大鼠模型，胰岛素治疗组于成模后注射胰岛素。7周和12周后注射阿扑吗啡（APO）进行大鼠阴茎勃起功能实验，取大鼠阴茎和血浆，用ABC免疫组织化学法观察nNOS神经纤维的变化。测定血浆NOS活性。结果（1）与对照组相比，DM组大鼠阴茎勃起次数明显减少;胰岛素治疗后症状缓解;（2）与对照组相比，DM组血浆NOS活性明显增高;DM组血浆NOS活性与病程延长呈负相关;与DM组比较，胰岛素治疗组血浆NOS活性明显降低;（3）与对照组相比，DM组阴茎内nNOS阳性神经纤维明显减少;与DM组比较，胰岛素治疗组nNOS阳性神经纤维表达增加。结论糖尿病性ED阴茎内nNOS阳性纤维的数量及光密度随DM病程的延长而下降;早期给予胰岛素治疗可预防糖尿病大鼠ED的出现及阴茎内nNOS含量的下降。     

Myocardin restores erectile function in diabetic rats: phenotypic modulation of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells

This study aimed to investigate whether gene transfer of myocardin to the penis of diabetic rats can modulate corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (CCSM) cells phenotype and restore erectile function. Five normal control rats, and 22 diabetic rats were randomly divided into four groups: rats transfected with adCMV‐myocardin (N = 6), treated with empty vector (N = 6), injected with medium (N = 5), and sham‐operated rats (N = 5). The erectile response was measured 7 days after transfection. The percent of smooth muscle and the expressions of SMα‐actin, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SMMHC), calponin were evaluated. The increases in intracorporal pressure(ICP)/mean arterial pressure and total ICP in response to nerve stimulation in the adCMV‐myocardin treated rats were significantly greater than those in the empty vector (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001), medium only (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001), and sham‐operated rats (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001). The suppressed expressions of SMα‐actin, SMMHC and calponin were completely restored, and the amount of smooth muscle in diabetic rats were not restored after treatment. It is concluded that myocardin ameliorated erectile responses in diabetic rats mainly via promoting phenotypic modulation of CCSM cells from a proliferative to a contractile state.     

Reduction in Peyronie's‐like plaque size using a vacuum erection device in a rat model of Peyronie's disease via the TGF‐β/SMAD signalling pathway

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a fibrotic disorder of the tunica albuginea (TA). This study aimed to determine the therapeutic effects of a vacuum erection device (VED) in an animal model of PD and explore the possible mechanisms. Twenty‐seven male Sprague‐Dawley rats were used. The sham group (group A) (N = 9) received a 50‐μl‐saline vehicle injection into the TA, while the remaining 18 rats (groups B and C) received a TGF‐β1 injection into the TA. The treatment group (group C) underwent VED therapy for 10 days after the TGF‐β1 injection. Erectile function was then assessed at day 42. Rats injected with TGF‐β1 showed significantly lower intracavernous pressures than those in the sham group (p < 0.0001). After VED therapy, erectile function was significantly better in the treatment group than in the PD group (group B) (p < 0.0147). Masson's trichrome staining confirmed Peyronie's‐like plaques at the TGF‐β1 injection site in the PD group. Furthermore, the treatment group showed markedly smaller fibrotic plaque sizes than the PD group. A significant increase in TGF‐β1, SMAD2, SMAD3 and p‐SMAD2/3 protein expression was observed 6 weeks after the TGF‐β1 injection. However, the expression of the same proteins decreased after VED therapy. Protein expression trends were confirmed using immunohistochemistry analysis. The findings of this study demonstrate that VED therapy can reduce Peyronie's‐like plaque size in a rat model of PD while simultaneously improving erectile function.     

Antioxidant treatment ameliorates diabetes‐induced dysfunction of the vas deferens in a rat model

Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects the male ejaculatory function. This study was designed to evaluate the role of oxidative stress in the development of diabetes‐induced dysfunction of vas deferens (VD) in the rat. DM was induced by streptozotocin in 40 male Wistar rats. Subsequently, the diabetic animals were divided into three groups: DM group, DM + Eda group and DM + Tau group. These groups were administered saline, edaravone and taurine, respectively, daily for 4 weeks. Another group of ten rats served as a control group. DM was diagnosed in the 40 streptozotocin‐injected rats. DM significantly reduced the VD weight. Additionally, DM induced in vitro VD hypercontractility, VD histological abnormalities and increased the serum and VD tissue concentration of malondialdehyde. VD immunohistochemistry revealed overexpression of three markers of oxidative stress. DM significantly reduced serum testosterone levels. No live birth was documented in all DM rats in mating experiments. Antioxidants significantly improved all the aforementioned parameters, except the testosterone levels. This study indicates a deleterious impact of DM‐induced oxidative stress on VD histological and functional features. Antioxidant treatment may provide an adjunct tool to alleviate ejaculatory disorders for male patients with type 1 diabetes.     

Effect of basic fibroblast growth factor incorporating gelatin microspheres on erectile function in the diabetic rat

PURPOSE: We report the potential of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) incorporating gelatin microspheres to preserve erectile function in a diabetic rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 48 adult male rats were divided into 3 groups, namely control (nondiabetic rats), diabetes mellitus (DM) (diabetic rats that received gelatin microspheres with saline) and bFGF (diabetic rats that received gelatin microspheres with bFGF). After 4 and 8 weeks we examined intracavernous pressure responses with electrical stimulation to the cavernous nerve. For histological examination of the penis we performed Azan-Mallory staining for smooth muscle and collagen, and immunohistochemistry for endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in endothelium and neuronal NOS in cavernous nerve fiber. RESULTS: Although the intracavernous pressure response was significantly lower in the DM group than in the control group, pressure in the bFGF group was maintained at the normal level found in controls. Azan-Mallory staining showed a mass decrease in smooth muscle in cavernous tissue in the DM group. However, that in the bFGF group was maintained. There was no significant difference in endothelial NOS positive areas and the distribution of the diameter of neuronal NOS positive nerve fibers in cavernous tissue among the 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS: We report the maintenance of erectile function with bFGF incorporating gelatin microspheres in diabetic rats. The rationale of this maneuver is smooth muscle preservation by the long-term release of bFGF. This is a novel therapeutic option that is clinically applicable for diabetes induced erectile dysfunction.     

Combined strategy of mesenchymal stem cell injection with vascular endothelial growth factor gene therapy for the treatment of diabetes-associated erectile dysfunction

This study was designed to investigate the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor 164 adenovirus (Ad-VEGF(164))-transfected mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) on improving erectile function in diabetic rats. Forty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with streptozotocin to develop type 1 diabetes, whereas 10 served as normal controls. Diabetic rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: rats that underwent intracavernous injection with phosphate-buffered saline (DM+PBS), unmodified MSCs (DM+MSC), and Ad-VEGF(164)-transfected MSCs (DM+VMSC). Normal controls received intracavernous injection of PBS. Four weeks after injection, erectile function was measured by cavernous nerve electrostimulation. Penile tissue was harvested for histology and enzyme-linked immunoassay. Prior to injection, high expression of VEGF was confirmed in Ad-VEGF(164)-transfected MSCs by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Four weeks after injection, the erectile function, as well as the content of smooth muscle and endothelium in corpus cavernosum increased significantly in the MSC-injected groups compared with the DM+PBS group. There was a significant improvement of erectile function, the content of smooth muscle and endothelium, and the VEGF concentration in the corpus cavernosum in the DM+VMSC group compared with the DM+MSC group. Our study validates the effect of intracavernous injection of MSCs for diabetes-associated erectile dysfunction in an animal model. The combined strategy of MSC injection with VEGF gene therapy-enhanced therapy of MSCs for the treatment of diabetes-associated erectile dysfunction.     

膀胱出口部分梗阻中转化生长因子β1/Smads信号通路的激活及低剂量紫杉醇的干预作用

目的探讨膀胱出口部分梗阻(BOO)后转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)相关的Smads信号通路的激活及低剂量紫杉醇的干预作用。方法雌性Sprague-Dawley大鼠30只,随机分为空白对照组、BOO组和紫杉醇组。BOO组和紫杉醇组行尿道近端梗阻方式制备膀胱出口部分梗阻模型,空白对照组采用假手术方式处理。术后紫杉醇组给予低剂量紫杉醇腹腔注射(0.3mg/kg),每周2次。空白对照组与BOO组以等体积生理盐水同时间腹腔注射。4周后测量膀胱重量,行HE和Masson染色,并计算胶原纤维的含量;透射电镜观察逼尿肌超微结构改变;采用逆转录多聚酶链反应(RT-PCR)检测TGF-β1、Smad 7和α-SMA mRNA的表达;免疫组织化学法检测TGF-β1、磷酸化Smad 2(p-Smad 2)和α-SMA蛋白的表达和分布。结果相比空白对照组,BOO组膀胱重量明显增加,胶原纤维增多,膀胱组织中TGF-β1和α-SMA mRNA表达水平增高(P0.05),TGF-β1、p-Smad 2和α-SMA蛋白表达增高(P0.05)。相比BOO组,紫杉醇组膀胱重量显著降低,胶原纤维面积比值下降(P0.05)。TGF-β1、pSmad 2和α-SMA的表达减少(P0.05),Smad 7表达上升(P0.05)。结论 TGF-β1相关的Smads信号通路的激活可能是BOO后膀胱纤维化的机制之一,低剂量紫衫醇可能通过阻断这一信号通路,在一定程度上有延缓BOO膀胱纤维化进程的作用。     

Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transdifferentiation of Renal Tubular Epithelial Cell Mediated by Oxidative Stress and Intervention Effect of Probucol in Diabetic Nephropathy Rats

Objective: To elucidate the relationship of oxidative stress and specificity protein 1 (Sp1) in the process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transdifferentiation (EMT) and also to investigate the molecular mechanism of protective effect of probucol on the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Methods: Thirty male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control group, diabetic group, and diabetic group under probucol therapy (n = 10 per group). The biochemical indicators including 24-h urinary total protein (24-h UTP) excretion, blood glucose (BG), lipids [triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol (TC)], serum creatinine (Scr), creatinine clearance rate (Ccr), kidney tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity were assessed in all groups. The renal pathological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining. The protein expression of Sp1, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and E-cadherin was also measured and analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Results: Compared with the control group, the BG, TC, Scr, 24-h UTP, and MDA level of renal tissue increased significantly and the Ccr reduced in the rats of diabetic group (all p < 0.01). The pathological scores and the expression of Sp1 and α-SMA in renal tissue were up-regulated (p < 0.01) and the expression of E-cadherin was down-regulated significantly in the diabetic animals (p < 0.01). In the diabetic animals treated with probucol, the renal injuries were alleviated (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Oxidative stress may play an important role in the EMT process of tubular epithelial cells. Probucol could ameliorate renal disease progression in this model of diabetic nephropathy, which might be due to an antioxidant action, down-regulation of Sp1 protein expression, and inhibition of renal tubular EMT.     

泽泻对单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠肾组织补体C_3及肾纤维化的影响

目的：探讨泽泻对单侧输尿管梗阻（unilateral uretreal obstructire,UUO）大鼠肾小管上皮细胞间充质转分化（epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition,EMT）的作用及其机制。方法：采用单侧输尿管梗阻方法制作大鼠肾间质纤维化模型。30只雄性SD大鼠随机分为假手术组、UUO组和泽泻治疗组。术前3d开始,泽泻治疗组给予中药泽泻9g·kg-1·d-1饮片溶于适量生理盐水中灌胃用。术后14d处死大鼠,观察梗阻侧肾组织病理损害和间质纤维化,免疫组化检测α-SMA、E-cadherin、补体成分C3在肾组织中的表达。结果：UUO组大鼠肾间质纤维化明显,泽泻干预后肾间质纤维化程度减轻。免疫组化结果表明UUO组大鼠C3和α-SMA表达明显增加,E-cadherin表达明显减少;泽泻干预后,C3和α-SMA的表达明显低于UUO组（P〈0.05）,E-cadherin的表达高于UUO组（P〈0.05）。结论：UUO大鼠肾小管上皮细胞的C3表达增加,中药泽泻能减轻UUO大鼠C3的表达,抑制肾小管上皮细胞EMT。     

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy combined with engineered mesenchymal stem cells expressing stromal cell-derived factor-1 can improve erectile dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

BackgroundFor erectile dysfunction (ED) in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients who have poor response to drugs, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and engineered mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy have been studied as alternative treatment options. The objective of this study is to investigate whether ESWT in combination with stromal cell-derived factor-1 expressing engineered mesenchymal stem cell (SDF-1 eMSC) therapy can have synergistic effects on ED in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.MethodsFifty 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups (N=10 per group): (I) Normal group, (II) DM ED, (III) DM ED + ESWT group, (IV) DM ED + SDF-1 eMSC group, and (V) DM ED + ESWT + SDF-1 eMSC group. Each groups were treated with bilateral injections of SDF-1 eMSC or ESWT following the experiment protocol for eight weeks.ResultsThe ratio of ICP/MAP was distinctly higher in the DM ED + ESWT + SDF-1 eMSC group than that in the DM ED group. Concentration of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was elevated the highest in the DM ED + ESWT + SDF-1 eMSC group. Additionally, ESWT increased the intensity of SDF-1 expression in the corpus cavernosum. ESWT + SDF-1 eMSC treatment also induced neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and NO/cGMP expression in the corpus cavernosum. Furthermore, numbers of penile progenitor cells were increased in DM ED rats.ConclusionsCombined treatment of ESWT with SDF-1 eMSC treatment is more effective than by a single therapy. It could be used as a potential and effective synergistic treatment for DM ED.     

雌激素对单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠肾间质纤维化的保护作用

目的探讨雌激素对单侧输尿管梗阻（UUO）大鼠肾间质纤维化的作用。方法雌性SD大鼠30只，随机分为4组：Ⅰ组对照组；Ⅱ组生理雌激素组；Ⅲ组低雌激素组；Ⅳ组高雌激素组。UUO术后21d处死各组大鼠，光镜观察梗阻肾组织病理变化，并分别用免疫组化和RT-PCR方法检测各组肾组织α-平滑肌肌动蛋白（α-SMA）和金属蛋白酶1组织抑制剂（TIMP-1）的表达。结果低雌激素组间质纤维化病变最明显，高雌激素组病变显著减轻（P〈0．01）。与生理雌激素组相比，低雌激素组α—SMA和TIMP-1蛋白和基因的表达增加（P〈0．05）；高雌激素组上述物质表达则减少（P〈0．05）。结论雌激素可能通过抑制α-SMA和TIMP-1的表达进而减少细胞外基质的沉积而发挥肾保护作用。     

益肾胶囊对糖尿病肾病大鼠肾组织JAK/STAT信号通路及α-SMA、FN的影响

目的:探讨益肾胶囊对糖尿病肾病(DN)大鼠24h尿蛋白定量、尿素氮(BUN)、血肌酐(Scr)、JAK/STAT及α-平滑肌激动蛋白(α-SMA)、纤维连接蛋白(FN)的影响及其机制。方法:SD大鼠55只,随机留取10只为正常对照组(N)。利用一次性腹腔注射链脲佐菌素的方法建立DN大鼠模型。造模成功大鼠按随机数字表法分为糖尿病肾病模型组(DN)、益肾胶囊治疗组(DN+Y)、氯沙坦钾治疗组(DN+L)、氯沙坦钾+益肾胶囊治疗组(DN+L+Y),每组10只,连续灌胃12周。于实验的12周检测24h尿蛋白定量;12周末处死大鼠,检测血糖、BUN、Scr;取大鼠肾组织做组织病理学观察;免疫组化法检测肾组织磷酸化JAK2(p-JAK2)、磷酸化STAT3(p-STAT3)、α-SMA、FN的表达。结果:实验12周末,与DN组比较,益肾胶囊治疗组24h尿蛋白定量、BUN、Scr明显降低(P<0.05),肾组织形态学改变较轻,p-JAK2、p-STAT3、α-SMA、FN的表达显著降低(P<0.05)。氯沙坦钾联合益肾胶囊治疗组与氯沙坦钾治疗组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:益肾胶囊可能通过抑制糖尿病肾病大鼠肾组织JAK/STAT信号通路的活化,下调α-SMA、FN的表达,延缓了糖尿病肾病的进展;益肾胶囊联合氯沙坦钾可更好地保护肾脏功能,提示二者联合使用有协同作用。     

Berberine modulates crucial erectogenic biomolecules and alters histological architecture in penile tissues of diabetic rats

Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid, found in several plants. Diabetes induces erectile dysfunction (ED) via reduction in some hormones and enzymes implicated in sexual function. This study aimed to investigate the role of berberine on crucial biomolecules linked to penile function in diabetic rats. Sixty-three (63) adult male rats were used and distributed into nine groups (each = 7). Group I–IV normal rats administered with citrate buffer (pH 4.5), sildenafil citrate (SD, 5.0 mg/kg), 50 and 100 mg/kg of berberine, respectively, via oral gavage. Rats in groups V–IX were diabetic rat with ED treated with buffer, SD, 50 and 100 mg/kg of berberine, and acarbose (25 mg/kg ACA) respectively. The result revealed that histological architecture in penile tissues were altered in diabetic groups treated with berberine, sildenafil citrate and acarbose when compared to the diabetic control group. Treatment with berberine, increased testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone in diabetic rat with ED. Also, reduced prolactin level and acetylcholinesterase, angiotensin-1 converting enzyme, adenosine deaminase and arginase activities were observed in berberine treated diabetic rat with ED. Molecular docking analysis revealed that berberine had strong binding affinities for these enzymes. Thus, berberine could represent a potential therapeutic agent for diabetes-induced ED.     

Chronic treatment with a type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor suppresses apoptosis of corporal smooth muscle by potentiating Akt signalling in a rat model of diabetic erectile dysfunction

Objectives

To examine whether chronic treatment with a type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor (PDE5I) could suppress corporal apoptosis via potentiation of Akt signalling in diabetic erectile dysfunction.

Methods

Sprague-Dawley rats (12 wk old) were divided into three groups (n = 12 in each): normal control, diabetes (DM), and diabetes treated with PDE5I (DM+PDE5I). The rats in the diabetic groups received a single injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg), and from 8 wk after establishment of diabetes, DM and DM+PDE5I were treated with vehicle and PDE5I (SK-3530, 10 mg/kg), respectively, for 4 wk. After 12 wk of streptozotocin injections, six rats in each group underwent cavernosometry with cavernous nerve electrostimulation (2 V, 0.2 ms, 50 s, 2.5–20 Hz). The penile tissues from the remaining six rats were used for immunohistochemical evaluation of apoptosis, immunoblotting for the phosphorylation of Akt and its downstream molecule Bad, and a colorimetric assay of caspase activity.

Results

Rats in the DM group showed markedly lower erectile parameters than those in the control group, whereas rats in the DM+PDE5I group showed normalized results. Despite persistent hyperglycaemia, PDE5I treatment significantly reduced the mean apoptotic index (39.6 ± 4.6 vs. 21.3 ± 1.7, p < 0.05). Densitometry revealed significantly higher levels of Akt and Bad phosphorylation, implying inhibition of pro-apoptotic stimuli. PDE5I treatment also significantly inhibited the activities of cavernosal caspase 3 and caspase 9, the main effectors of apoptosis.

Conclusions

Chronic treatment with PDE5I activated Akt signalling, which suppressed pro-apoptotic stimuli and maintained erectile function in rat model of diabetic erectile dysfunction.     

Enhanced effects of salidroside on erectile function and corpora cavernosa autophagy in a cavernous nerve injury rat model

We explored the efficacy and mechanisms of salidroside treatment for erectile dysfunction induced by bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI). Forty male rats were divided into four groups as follows: sham (cavernous nerves exposed only) (S); BCNI (M); BCNI + rapamycin (M + rapamycin); and BCNI + salidroside (M + salidroside). Erectile function in the rats was measured by intracavernosal pressure. Penile tissue was harvested for transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Masson's trichrome staining, haematoxylin–eosin staining, TdT-mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling and western blotting. The M group exhibited a decrease in erectile responses and increased apoptosis and fibrosis compared to these in the S group. Meanwhile, nerve content and the penile atrophy index were also decreased in the M group. Treatment with salidroside and rapamycin for 3 weeks partially restored erectile function and significantly attenuated corporal apoptosis, fibrosis, nerve content and penile atrophy in the M group. Moreover, the autophagy level was further enhanced in the M + salidroside group, which was the same as that in the positive observation group (M + rapamycin). Salidroside treatment not only improved erectile function in rats with BCNI, but also inhibited apoptosis and fibrosis and ameliorated the loss of nerve content and endothelial and corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells by promoting protective autophagy.     

LOX-1、VCAM-1在糖尿病肾病动脉粥样硬化大鼠中的表达及普罗布考的影响

目的 观察普罗布考（PL）对糖尿病肾病动脉粥样硬化大鼠模型肾脏及腹主动脉LOX-1、VCAM-1表达的干预,阐明PL减轻其肾脏及主动脉氧化应激的机制。方法 50只雄性SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组和模型组。对照组予以普通饮食,实验组给予高糖、高脂、高胆固醇饮食。8周后模型组予以腹腔注射链脲佐菌素（STZ）40mg/kg,将造模成功的大鼠随机分为糖尿病肾病组（DN组）和PL治疗组,PL组经口灌胃PL(500mg?kg-1?d-1)。第18周测鼠重,血糖及24h尿蛋白定量,处死大鼠抽取血液观察血清生化指标及SOD和MDA,取肾脏及腹主动脉行组织切片观察其病理改变,免疫组织化学法检测肾脏及腹主动脉内LOX-1、VCAM-1蛋白的表达,RT-PCR方法检测肾脏及腹主动脉内LOX-1、VCAM-1核酸的表达。结果 PL能减轻模型组大鼠蛋白尿,改善血清白蛋白,降低血清肌酐、尿素氮,降低甘油三酯、胆固醇及MDA;下调肾脏及腹主动脉LOX-1、VCAM-1蛋白及核酸的表达。结论 PL可减轻肾脏及主动脉的氧化应激,其机制可能与PL降低LOX-1、VCAM-1的表达相关,进而保护肾脏及主动脉内膜功能。