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Identification and Functional Verification of MicroRNAs in the Obese Rat With Erectile Dysfunction
Yunlong Bai1, Liangshuan Zhang1, Yanan Jiang1
1Department of Pharmacology, State Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine and Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China.
Introduction:
Obesity is a potential risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the expression of genes involved in various pathophysiologic processes.
Aim:
To identify the miRNA profile in the corpus cavernosum (CC) of obese rats with ED and elucidate the potential function of miRNA in the pathogenesis of ED.
Methods:
Obesity was induced in rats by a high-fat diet. After the erectile function test, experimental animals were divided into two groups: obese rats with ED and obese rats with normal erectile function. The CCs from these rats were collected for miRNA microarray analysis. The results were verified by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Subsequently, the targets of differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted. Bioinformatics analysis was applied to predict the functions of differentially expressed miRNAs in ED. Apomorphine-induced penile erection and intracavernous pressure measurements were used to evaluate the effects of miRNA on the erectile function of rats.
Main Outcome Measures:
MiRNA expression in the CC of obese rats with ED and those with normal erectile function was detected by miRNA microarray analysis. Candidate miRNAs were validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Bioinformatics analysis was used to predict the functions of miRNAs. Apomorphine-induced penile erection and intracavernous pressure measurements were used to reflect the erectile function of rats.
Results:
Sixty-eight miRNAs were differentially expressed in the CC of obese rats with ED (≥1.5-fold change). The real-time polymerase chain reaction results were consistent with the miRNA microarray analysis results. Specifically, miR-328a was significantly upregulated in rats with ED compared with control rats and was chosen for functional evaluation in the pathogenesis of ED. Overexpression of miR-328a noticeably decreased the erectile response to apomorphine and the expression of heme oxygenase-1.
Conclusion:
MiRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of obesity-related ED. MiR-328a might facilitate the induction of ED. Bai Y, Zhang L, Jiang Y, et al. Identification and Functional Verification of MicroRNAs in the Obese Rat With Erectile Dysfunction. Sex Med 2017;5:e261-e271.
Insights
Obesity-related erectile dysfunction (ED) involves microRNAs (miRNAs). Upregulated miR-328a in obese rats with ED decreased erectile function and heme oxygenase-1 expression, suggesting its role in ED development.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Obesity is a significant risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED).
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression implicated in various pathophysiological processes, including ED.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the specific miRNA profile in the corpus cavernosum (CC) of obese rats exhibiting ED.
- To investigate the functional role of identified miRNAs in the pathogenesis of ED.
Main Methods:
- Obesity was induced in rats using a high-fat diet, followed by erectile function assessment.
- miRNA expression profiling was performed using microarray analysis on CC tissue, with validation via real-time polymerase chain reaction.
- Bioinformatics tools were employed to predict miRNA targets and functions, and apomorphine-induced erection tests assessed functional impacts.
Main Results:
- Sixty-eight miRNAs showed differential expression (≥1.5-fold change) in the CC of obese rats with ED.
- Real-time polymerase chain reaction confirmed microarray findings.
- miR-328a was significantly upregulated in rats with ED and its overexpression reduced erectile response and heme oxygenase-1 expression.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of obesity-related ED.
- miR-328a may act as a facilitator in the induction of ED.
