Aim: To further investigate the relaxation mechanism of neferine (NED, a bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid extracted (isolated) from the green seed embryo of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn in China, on rabbit corpus cavern...Aim: To further investigate the relaxation mechanism of neferine (NED, a bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid extracted (isolated) from the green seed embryo of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn in China, on rabbit corpus cavernosum tissue in vitro. Methods: The effects of Nef on the concentrations of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in isolated and incubated rabbit corpus cavernosum tissue were recorded using ^125I radioimmunoassay. Results: The basal concentration of cAMP in corpus cavernosum tissue was 5.67 ± 0.97 pmol/mg. Nef increased the cAMP concentration in a dose-dependent manner (P 〈 0.05), but this effect was not inhibited by an adenylate cyclase inhibitor (cis-N-[2-phenylcyclopentyl]azacyclotridec-1-en-2-amine, MDL-12, 330A) (P 〉 0.05). The accumulation of cAMP induced by prostaglandin Et (PGEt, a stimulator of cAMP production) was also augmented by Nef in a dose-dependent manner (P 〈 0.05). The basal concentration of cGMP in corpus cavernosum tissue is 0.44 ± 0.09 pmol/mg. Nef did not affect this concentration of cGMP, either in the presence or in the absence of a guanyl cyclase inhibitor (1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one, ODQ) (P 〉 0.05). Also, sodium nitroprusside (SNP, a stimulator of cGMP production)-induced cGMP production was not enhanced by Nef (P 〉 0.05). Conclusion: Nef, with its relaxation mechanism, can enhance the concentration of cAMP in rabbit corpus cavernosum tissue, probably by inhibiting phosphodiesterase activity. (Asian JAndro12008 Mar; 10: 307-312)展开更多
AIM To investigate the potential effect of inhibitors of phosphodiesterase-5(PDE-5) for therapy of portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis.METHODS In the rat model of thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis/cirrhosis the ...AIM To investigate the potential effect of inhibitors of phosphodiesterase-5(PDE-5) for therapy of portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis.METHODS In the rat model of thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis/cirrhosis the nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate(NO-cGMP) pathway was investigated. Expression and localization of PDE-5, the enzyme that converts vasodilating cGMP into inactive 5'-GMP, was in the focus of the study. Hepatic gene expression of key components of the NO-cGMP pathway was determined by qRT-PCR: Endothelial NO synthase(eNOS), inducible NO synthase(iNOS), soluble guanylate cyclase subunits α1 and β1(sGCa1, sGCb1), and PDE-5. Hepatic PDE-5 protein expression and localization were detected by immunohistochemistry. Serum cGMP concentrations were measured using ELISA. Acute effects of the PDE-5 inhibitor Sildenafil(0.1 mg/kg or 1.0 mg/kg) on portal and systemic hemodynamics were investigated using pressure transducers.RESULTS Hepatic gene expression of eNOS(2.2-fold; P = 0.003), sGCa1(1.7-fold; P = 0.003), sGCb1(3.0-fold; P = 0.003), and PDE-5(11-fold; P = 0.003) was increased in cirrhotic livers compared to healthy livers. Overexpression of PDE-5(7.7-fold; P = 0.006) was less pronounced in fibrotic livers. iNOS expression was only detected in fibrotic and cirrhotic livers. In healthy liver, PDE-5 protein was localized primarily in zone 3 hepatocytes and to a lesser extent in perisinusoidal cells. This zonation was disturbed in cirrhosis: PDE-5 protein expression in perisinusoidal cells was induced approximately 8-fold. In addition, PDE-5-expressing cells were also found in fibrous septa. Serum cGMP concentrations were reduced in rats with cirrhotic livers by approximately 40%. Inhibition of PDE-5 by Sildenafil caused a significant increase in serum cGMP concentrations [+ 64% in healthy rats(P = 0.024), + 85% in cirrhotic rats(P = 0.018)]. Concomitantly, the portal venous pressure was reduced by 19% in rats with liver cirrhosis. CONCLUSION Overexpression and abrogated zonation of PDE-5 likely contribute to the pathogenesis of cirrhotic portal hypertension. PDE-5 inhibition may therefore be a reasonable therapeutic approach for portal hypertension.展开更多
To confirm the existence of heme oxygenase (HO)-carbon monoxide (CO)- cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway in the cultured human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMCs) in vitro, and to evaluate the inductive role...To confirm the existence of heme oxygenase (HO)-carbon monoxide (CO)- cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway in the cultured human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMCs) in vitro, and to evaluate the inductive role of hemin on this pathway, HTMCs of the third to fourth generation were cultured in vitro. Reverse transcripase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed for detection of HO-1 and HO-2 mRNA. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect HO-1 and HO-2 proteins. Hemin was added into the culture solution. The HO-1 mRNA levels were quantified by RT-PCR. The relative amount of carbon monoxide released into the media was measured with the quantifying carbon monoxide hemoglobin (HbCO) by spectrophotometry. Radioimmunoassay was used to determine changes of cGMP in HTMCs. The results showed that cultured cells had the specific characteristics of HTMCs. Both HO-1 and HO-2 genes were expressed in HTMCs, as well as HO-1 and HO-2 proteins in HTMCs. Hemin induced HO-1 mRNA, HbCO and cGMP in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, HO-CO-cGMP pathway exists in the cultured HTMCs and can be induced by hemin. Pharmacological stimulation of HO-CO-cGMP pathway may constitute a novel therapeutic approach to rescuing glaucoma.展开更多
Objectives To study the relationship between serum nitric oxide (NO and plasma cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and prolonged bleeding after medical abortion. Methods A total of 120 women having receiv...Objectives To study the relationship between serum nitric oxide (NO and plasma cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and prolonged bleeding after medical abortion. Methods A total of 120 women having received medical abortions at random were recruited and divided into two groups: the one (Group A,n=60) taking 'Gong Fu Mixture(Uterus Recovering Mixture)' and the other (Group B,n=60) not taking it after abortion. On d 10, 20 and 30 after medical abortion, serum NO and plasma cGMP were tested before and after mifepristone administration and 10 d later by Gresis reaction method and radioimmunoassay respectively. Results NO concentration in serum and cGMP concentration in plasma decreased significantly after taking mifepristone given (P<0.05). Ten days later, the number of those with bleeding discontinuation in the group A was significantly greater than that in the group B (P<0.05). Serum NO level and plasma cGMP level in the group A decreased more significantly than those in the group B (P<0.05). Conclusion The slow decrease of serum NO and plasma cGMP is closely related to prolonged bleeding after medical abortion. “Gong Fu Mixture (uterus recovering mixture)” is effective in prevention and treatment of prolonged bleeding.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG)on endothelial dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR).Methods:Wistar-Kyoto(WKY)rats and SHR were divided into four groups;WKY control...Objective:To investigate the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG)on endothelial dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR).Methods:Wistar-Kyoto(WKY)rats and SHR were divided into four groups;WKY control,SHR control and SHR treated with EGCG(50 mg/kg/day)or losartan(10 mg/kg/day).The treatment was given daily for 4 weeks by oral gavage and the blood pressure was monitored by tail-cuff method every 3 days.Acetylcholineinduced endothelium-dependent relaxations were assessed in isolated phenylephrine-precontracted aortic rings at the end of treatment.The vascular levels of reactive oxygen species,nitric oxide,tetrahydrobiopterin,and cyclic guanosine monophosphate were also measured.Moreover,the expression of angiotensinⅡtype 1(AT_(1))receptor protein was determined.Results:The systolic blood pressure was significantly decreased in SHR treated with EGCG.The impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation was significantly improved in aortic ring isolated from the EGCG-treated SHR group.EGCG also significantly increased the levels of nitric oxide,tetrahydrobiopterin,and cyclic guanosine monophosphate,while decreasing the level of reactive oxygen species and the protein expression of AT_(1)receptor in SHR.Conclusions:EGCG attenuates endothelial dysfunction in SHR by decreasing oxidative stress and increasing vascular nitric oxide bioavailability,which may be modulated partly by inhibition of vascular AT_(1)receptors.An increase in endothelium-dependent relaxation may contribute to a decrease in blood pressure in hypertensive animals.展开更多
Background:This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of Wa medicine Niang-Mu-Liang medicinal liquor(NML)on rats with diabetes mellitus erectile dysfunction(DMED)and its impact on the ferroptosis signaling ...Background:This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of Wa medicine Niang-Mu-Liang medicinal liquor(NML)on rats with diabetes mellitus erectile dysfunction(DMED)and its impact on the ferroptosis signaling pathway.Methods:Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups:Control,DMED,and NML.After establishing the DMED model,treatments were administered for 8 weeks.After the administration,apomorphine hydrochloride tests were conducted to measure the mass and organ index of testes and epididymides,sperm concentration and viability in each group.Penile corpus cavernosum tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin.Nitric oxide and cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels in the penile corpus cavernosum tissues were determined using biochemical kits and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,while the expression of proteins related to the ferroptosis signaling pathway was measured by Western blot.Results:Compared to the DMED group,the DMED rats treated with NML showed significantly increased erection frequency,testicular and epididymal mass and index,sperm count and viability,along with noticeable improvement in the pathological morphology of penile corpus cavernosum.The content of nitric oxide and cyclic guanosine monophosphate,and the expression of ferritin heavy chain,ferritin light chain,and glutathione peroxidase 4 proteins in penile corpus cavernosum tissue were elevated,while the expression of transferrin and STEAP3 proteins was reduced.Conclusion:NML can improve erectile function in DMED rats by inhibiting the ferroptosis signaling pathway.展开更多
Carcinogenesis is associated with malfunction in the cGMP-mediated regulation of cytosolic Ca<sup>2+</sup> and reactive oxygen species. Chemotherapy resistant cancer cells are re-sensitised to apoptosis by...Carcinogenesis is associated with malfunction in the cGMP-mediated regulation of cytosolic Ca<sup>2+</sup> and reactive oxygen species. Chemotherapy resistant cancer cells are re-sensitised to apoptosis by the action of a substantial number of natural compounds on cell membrane multidrug resistant proteins. Chemical structures of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic compounds demonstrate relative molecular similarity to cGMP. This study uses a computational chemistry program to investigate molecular similarity within cGMP and chemo-preventative structures. Chemotherapeutic drugs and resistance modulators provide multiple fits to a nucleotide template that differ in their relationship to the cyclised ring of cGMP. The alternative fits of drug and modulator structures may relate to the development and unblocking of apoptosis and drug resistance.展开更多
Tumor promoters, apoptosis and autophagy modulators, chemotherapy drugs, and endogenous steroids demonstrate molecular similarity relative to cyclic nucleotide structure. This study explores relative molecular similar...Tumor promoters, apoptosis and autophagy modulators, chemotherapy drugs, and endogenous steroids demonstrate molecular similarity relative to cyclic nucleotide structure. This study explores relative molecular similarity within established human carcinogen structures using computational chemistry software. Molecular structures of conventional carcinogenic drugs and industrial agents demonstrate molecular similarity with a focus on the guanine base and nucleotide cyclized ring. Structures of volatile and gaseous anesthetic carcinogens do not conform to conventional 3-point pharmacophore-based fits characteristic of receptor-binding drugs. The results of this study provide some insight into how carcinogen structures may interact with endogenous compounds to disrupt cyclic nucleotide-driven homeostatic mechanisms.展开更多
基金Acknowledgment The authors thank Prof. Jia-Ling Wang for kindly supplying the neferine. The technical support from Prof. Bo-Hua Shu is also greatly appreciated. This study was sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30471736) and China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (No. 20070410176).
文摘Aim: To further investigate the relaxation mechanism of neferine (NED, a bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid extracted (isolated) from the green seed embryo of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn in China, on rabbit corpus cavernosum tissue in vitro. Methods: The effects of Nef on the concentrations of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in isolated and incubated rabbit corpus cavernosum tissue were recorded using ^125I radioimmunoassay. Results: The basal concentration of cAMP in corpus cavernosum tissue was 5.67 ± 0.97 pmol/mg. Nef increased the cAMP concentration in a dose-dependent manner (P 〈 0.05), but this effect was not inhibited by an adenylate cyclase inhibitor (cis-N-[2-phenylcyclopentyl]azacyclotridec-1-en-2-amine, MDL-12, 330A) (P 〉 0.05). The accumulation of cAMP induced by prostaglandin Et (PGEt, a stimulator of cAMP production) was also augmented by Nef in a dose-dependent manner (P 〈 0.05). The basal concentration of cGMP in corpus cavernosum tissue is 0.44 ± 0.09 pmol/mg. Nef did not affect this concentration of cGMP, either in the presence or in the absence of a guanyl cyclase inhibitor (1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one, ODQ) (P 〉 0.05). Also, sodium nitroprusside (SNP, a stimulator of cGMP production)-induced cGMP production was not enhanced by Nef (P 〉 0.05). Conclusion: Nef, with its relaxation mechanism, can enhance the concentration of cAMP in rabbit corpus cavernosum tissue, probably by inhibiting phosphodiesterase activity. (Asian JAndro12008 Mar; 10: 307-312)
文摘AIM To investigate the potential effect of inhibitors of phosphodiesterase-5(PDE-5) for therapy of portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis.METHODS In the rat model of thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis/cirrhosis the nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate(NO-cGMP) pathway was investigated. Expression and localization of PDE-5, the enzyme that converts vasodilating cGMP into inactive 5'-GMP, was in the focus of the study. Hepatic gene expression of key components of the NO-cGMP pathway was determined by qRT-PCR: Endothelial NO synthase(eNOS), inducible NO synthase(iNOS), soluble guanylate cyclase subunits α1 and β1(sGCa1, sGCb1), and PDE-5. Hepatic PDE-5 protein expression and localization were detected by immunohistochemistry. Serum cGMP concentrations were measured using ELISA. Acute effects of the PDE-5 inhibitor Sildenafil(0.1 mg/kg or 1.0 mg/kg) on portal and systemic hemodynamics were investigated using pressure transducers.RESULTS Hepatic gene expression of eNOS(2.2-fold; P = 0.003), sGCa1(1.7-fold; P = 0.003), sGCb1(3.0-fold; P = 0.003), and PDE-5(11-fold; P = 0.003) was increased in cirrhotic livers compared to healthy livers. Overexpression of PDE-5(7.7-fold; P = 0.006) was less pronounced in fibrotic livers. iNOS expression was only detected in fibrotic and cirrhotic livers. In healthy liver, PDE-5 protein was localized primarily in zone 3 hepatocytes and to a lesser extent in perisinusoidal cells. This zonation was disturbed in cirrhosis: PDE-5 protein expression in perisinusoidal cells was induced approximately 8-fold. In addition, PDE-5-expressing cells were also found in fibrous septa. Serum cGMP concentrations were reduced in rats with cirrhotic livers by approximately 40%. Inhibition of PDE-5 by Sildenafil caused a significant increase in serum cGMP concentrations [+ 64% in healthy rats(P = 0.024), + 85% in cirrhotic rats(P = 0.018)]. Concomitantly, the portal venous pressure was reduced by 19% in rats with liver cirrhosis. CONCLUSION Overexpression and abrogated zonation of PDE-5 likely contribute to the pathogenesis of cirrhotic portal hypertension. PDE-5 inhibition may therefore be a reasonable therapeutic approach for portal hypertension.
文摘To confirm the existence of heme oxygenase (HO)-carbon monoxide (CO)- cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway in the cultured human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMCs) in vitro, and to evaluate the inductive role of hemin on this pathway, HTMCs of the third to fourth generation were cultured in vitro. Reverse transcripase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed for detection of HO-1 and HO-2 mRNA. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect HO-1 and HO-2 proteins. Hemin was added into the culture solution. The HO-1 mRNA levels were quantified by RT-PCR. The relative amount of carbon monoxide released into the media was measured with the quantifying carbon monoxide hemoglobin (HbCO) by spectrophotometry. Radioimmunoassay was used to determine changes of cGMP in HTMCs. The results showed that cultured cells had the specific characteristics of HTMCs. Both HO-1 and HO-2 genes were expressed in HTMCs, as well as HO-1 and HO-2 proteins in HTMCs. Hemin induced HO-1 mRNA, HbCO and cGMP in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, HO-CO-cGMP pathway exists in the cultured HTMCs and can be induced by hemin. Pharmacological stimulation of HO-CO-cGMP pathway may constitute a novel therapeutic approach to rescuing glaucoma.
文摘Objectives To study the relationship between serum nitric oxide (NO and plasma cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and prolonged bleeding after medical abortion. Methods A total of 120 women having received medical abortions at random were recruited and divided into two groups: the one (Group A,n=60) taking 'Gong Fu Mixture(Uterus Recovering Mixture)' and the other (Group B,n=60) not taking it after abortion. On d 10, 20 and 30 after medical abortion, serum NO and plasma cGMP were tested before and after mifepristone administration and 10 d later by Gresis reaction method and radioimmunoassay respectively. Results NO concentration in serum and cGMP concentration in plasma decreased significantly after taking mifepristone given (P<0.05). Ten days later, the number of those with bleeding discontinuation in the group A was significantly greater than that in the group B (P<0.05). Serum NO level and plasma cGMP level in the group A decreased more significantly than those in the group B (P<0.05). Conclusion The slow decrease of serum NO and plasma cGMP is closely related to prolonged bleeding after medical abortion. “Gong Fu Mixture (uterus recovering mixture)” is effective in prevention and treatment of prolonged bleeding.
基金funded by the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Research fund(IPSR/RMC/UTARRF/2019-C2/L08)。
文摘Objective:To investigate the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG)on endothelial dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR).Methods:Wistar-Kyoto(WKY)rats and SHR were divided into four groups;WKY control,SHR control and SHR treated with EGCG(50 mg/kg/day)or losartan(10 mg/kg/day).The treatment was given daily for 4 weeks by oral gavage and the blood pressure was monitored by tail-cuff method every 3 days.Acetylcholineinduced endothelium-dependent relaxations were assessed in isolated phenylephrine-precontracted aortic rings at the end of treatment.The vascular levels of reactive oxygen species,nitric oxide,tetrahydrobiopterin,and cyclic guanosine monophosphate were also measured.Moreover,the expression of angiotensinⅡtype 1(AT_(1))receptor protein was determined.Results:The systolic blood pressure was significantly decreased in SHR treated with EGCG.The impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation was significantly improved in aortic ring isolated from the EGCG-treated SHR group.EGCG also significantly increased the levels of nitric oxide,tetrahydrobiopterin,and cyclic guanosine monophosphate,while decreasing the level of reactive oxygen species and the protein expression of AT_(1)receptor in SHR.Conclusions:EGCG attenuates endothelial dysfunction in SHR by decreasing oxidative stress and increasing vascular nitric oxide bioavailability,which may be modulated partly by inhibition of vascular AT_(1)receptors.An increase in endothelium-dependent relaxation may contribute to a decrease in blood pressure in hypertensive animals.
基金supported by the Yunnan Provincial Science and Technology Department Science and Technology Plan Project (202101AZ070001-064).
文摘Background:This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of Wa medicine Niang-Mu-Liang medicinal liquor(NML)on rats with diabetes mellitus erectile dysfunction(DMED)and its impact on the ferroptosis signaling pathway.Methods:Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups:Control,DMED,and NML.After establishing the DMED model,treatments were administered for 8 weeks.After the administration,apomorphine hydrochloride tests were conducted to measure the mass and organ index of testes and epididymides,sperm concentration and viability in each group.Penile corpus cavernosum tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin.Nitric oxide and cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels in the penile corpus cavernosum tissues were determined using biochemical kits and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,while the expression of proteins related to the ferroptosis signaling pathway was measured by Western blot.Results:Compared to the DMED group,the DMED rats treated with NML showed significantly increased erection frequency,testicular and epididymal mass and index,sperm count and viability,along with noticeable improvement in the pathological morphology of penile corpus cavernosum.The content of nitric oxide and cyclic guanosine monophosphate,and the expression of ferritin heavy chain,ferritin light chain,and glutathione peroxidase 4 proteins in penile corpus cavernosum tissue were elevated,while the expression of transferrin and STEAP3 proteins was reduced.Conclusion:NML can improve erectile function in DMED rats by inhibiting the ferroptosis signaling pathway.
文摘Carcinogenesis is associated with malfunction in the cGMP-mediated regulation of cytosolic Ca<sup>2+</sup> and reactive oxygen species. Chemotherapy resistant cancer cells are re-sensitised to apoptosis by the action of a substantial number of natural compounds on cell membrane multidrug resistant proteins. Chemical structures of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic compounds demonstrate relative molecular similarity to cGMP. This study uses a computational chemistry program to investigate molecular similarity within cGMP and chemo-preventative structures. Chemotherapeutic drugs and resistance modulators provide multiple fits to a nucleotide template that differ in their relationship to the cyclised ring of cGMP. The alternative fits of drug and modulator structures may relate to the development and unblocking of apoptosis and drug resistance.
文摘Tumor promoters, apoptosis and autophagy modulators, chemotherapy drugs, and endogenous steroids demonstrate molecular similarity relative to cyclic nucleotide structure. This study explores relative molecular similarity within established human carcinogen structures using computational chemistry software. Molecular structures of conventional carcinogenic drugs and industrial agents demonstrate molecular similarity with a focus on the guanine base and nucleotide cyclized ring. Structures of volatile and gaseous anesthetic carcinogens do not conform to conventional 3-point pharmacophore-based fits characteristic of receptor-binding drugs. The results of this study provide some insight into how carcinogen structures may interact with endogenous compounds to disrupt cyclic nucleotide-driven homeostatic mechanisms.