apelin-13-peptide and Erectile-Dysfunction

An increased fibrosis of the corpora cavernosa is a prevalent process that underlies most cases of erectile dysfunction. Apelin, an endogenous circulating peptide, has been documented as an important effector on cardiovascular homeostasis, controlling vascular function and reducing fibrosis in multiple pathological conditions. Recently, initial studies have shown that Apelin, acting through the APJ receptor, also modulates penile erection, however, the role of this system on penile structure and intracorporal collagen remodeling has not been investigated yet.. Here we sought to investigate the effect of chronic Apelin treatment on the corpus cavernosum structure of hyperchOlesterolemic mice.. Local expression of Apelin-13 in mouse corpus cavernosum and its protective effect against fibrosis.. These results point out Apelin/APJ system as a potential target to treat intracavernosal fibrosis-related disorders.. These results provide the first evidence of the Apelin system's positive role on erectile tissue structure/remodeling. Nevertheless, additional functional study addressing erectile response would bring extended validation regarding the relevance of such effect.. These results suggest a local modulation of the Apelin system within the corpus cavernosum. Remarkably, Apelin-13 reduced intracavernosal fibrosis in hypercholesterolemic mice by: (i) enhancing MMPs expression and activity; and (ii) inhibiting fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblast. Altogether, these results suggest an essential protective role of Apelin, indicating Apelin/APJ system as a promising candidate for the development of fibrosis-associated erectile dysfunction treatments. Sturny M, Anguenot L Costa-Fraga FP, et al. Apelin-13 Protects Corpus Cavernosum Against Fibrosis Induced by High-Fat Diet in an MMP-Dependent Mechanism. J Sex Med 2021;18:875-888.

Topics: Animals; Apelin; Diet, High-Fat; Erectile Dysfunction; Fibrosis; Humans; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Male; Matrix Metalloproteinases; Mice; NIH 3T3 Cells; Penile Erection; Penis