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Published on: June 2, 2019
Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor improves erectile function in streptozotocin-induced
Fitri Rahma Fridayana1,2, Jiyeon Ock1, Fang-Yuan Liu1
1National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon 22332, Republic of Korea.
Background:
Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) serves as a pro-angiogenic factor; however, there is to our knowledge currently no reported research on the relationship between HB-EGF and diabetic erectile dysfunction (ED).
Aim:
In this study we aimed to determine whether HB-EGF can improve the erectile function of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice and to explore the related mechanisms.
Methods:
Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were used for diabetes induction. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced by low-dose injections of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) for 5 consecutive days. Eight weeks after streptozotocin injections, DM was determined by measuring blood glucose and body weight. Diabetic mice were treated with two intracavernous administrations of phosphate-buffered saline (20 μL) or various doses of HB-EGF (days -3 and 0; 1, 5, and 10 μg in 20 μL of phosphate-buffered saline). The angiogenesis effect of HB-EGF was confirmed by tube formation and migration assays in mouse cavernous endothelial cells and mouse cavernous pericytes under high-glucose conditions. Erectile function was measured by electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve, as well as histological examination and Western blot analysis for mechanism assessment.
Outcomes:
In vitro angiogenesis, cell proliferation, in vivo intracavernous pressure, neurovascular regeneration, cavernous permeability, and survival signaling were the outcomes measured.
Results:
Expression of HB-EGF was reduced under diabetic conditions. Exogenous HB-EGF induced angiogenesis in mouse cavernous endothelial cells and mouse cavernous pericytes under high-glucose conditions. Erectile function was decreased in the DM group, whereas administration of HB-EGF resulted in a significant improvement of erectile function (91% of the age-matched control group) in association with increased neurovascular content, including cavernous endothelial cells, pericytes, and neuronal cells. Histological and Western blot analyses revealed a significant increase in the permeability of the corpus cavernosum in DM mice, which was attenuated by HB-EGF treatment. The protein expression of phospho-Akt Ser473 and phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase Ser1177 increased after HB-EGF treatment.
Clinical Implications:
The use of HB-EGF may be an effective strategy to treat ED associated with DM or other neurovascular diseases.
Strengths And Limitations:
Similarly to other pro-angiogenic factors, HB-EGF has dual roles in vascular and neuronal development. Our study focused on broadly evaluating the role of HB-EGF in diabetic ED. In view of the properties of HB-EGF as an angiogenic factor, its dose concentration should be strictly controlled to avoid potential side effects.
Conclusion:
In the diabetic ED mouse model in this study erectile function was improved by HB-EGF, which may provide new treatment strategies for patients with ED who do not respond to phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors.
