Guilingji capsules enhances erectile function by promoting testosterone-dependent angiogenesis in the corpus...

Area of Science:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Pharmacology
• Urology

Background:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent condition affecting male sexual health.
• Guilingji capsules (GLJC) are a traditional Chinese medicine formulation used for treating ED.
• The precise mechanisms underlying GLJC's efficacy in ED remain to be fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential molecular mechanisms of GLJC in treating ED.
• To identify key targets and pathways involved in GLJC's therapeutic effects on ED.
• To validate these mechanisms through in vivo experiments.

Main Methods:

• Network pharmacology analysis of GLJC components and ED-related targets.
• Molecular docking to assess binding affinity of GLJC components to identified targets.
• In vivo validation using d-galactose-induced aging rat model and orchiectomized rats.

Main Results:

• Network pharmacology identified Androgen receptor (AR) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) as key targets.
• Molecular docking confirmed effective binding of GLJC components to AR and FGF2.
• GLJC treatment increased erection frequency, serum free testosterone, and penile AR expression in aged rats.
• GLJC promoted angiogenesis and inhibited penile fibrosis by regulating FGF2, RICTOR/P-AKT/P-FOXO1 signaling.

Conclusions:

• GLJC treats ED by enhancing testosterone utilization and promoting angiogenesis in a testosterone-dependent manner.
• The mechanism involves regulating the FGF2, RICTOR/P-AKT/P-FOXO1 signaling pathway.
• GLJC promotes corpus cavernosum survival and inhibits penile fibrosis, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for ED.