Ginsenoside Rb1 mitigates diabetes-induced erectile dysfunction in rats by reducing oxidative stress and modulating...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Pharmacology
• Urology

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus-related erectile dysfunction (DMED) is a prevalent complication with limited effective treatments.
• Oxidative stress, fibrosis, and apoptosis are key pathological mechanisms in DMED.
• Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) possesses antioxidant properties and therapeutic potential for DMED.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Rb1 in a rodent model of streptozotocin-induced DMED.
• To investigate the underlying mechanisms of Rb1's action on erectile function and penile tissue.

Main Methods:

• A streptozotocin-induced DMED rat model was established.
• Rats were treated with Rb1 via gavage for 8 weeks.
• Erectile function was assessed, and penile tissues were analyzed using western blot, qPCR, ELISA, immunofluorescence, TUNEL, and Masson's trichrome staining.

Main Results:

• Rb1 significantly improved erectile function in DMED rats.
• Rb1 treatment reduced corpus cavernosum fibrosis (collagen content) and increased smooth muscle content.
• Rb1 modulated inflammatory markers, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity and nitric oxide (NO) levels, and decreased lipid peroxidation.
• Rb1 activated the PI3K/AKT/eNOS signaling pathway and inhibited apoptosis in penile tissues.

Conclusions:

• Ginsenoside Rb1 effectively ameliorates erectile dysfunction in a diabetic rodent model.
• Rb1 exerts its therapeutic effects by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis, and inhibiting apoptosis.
• Activation of the PI3K/AKT/eNOS pathway is a key mechanism underlying Rb1's beneficial effects in DMED.