Evaluation of relaxant responses properties of cinnamon essential oil and its major component, cinnamaldehyde on human and rat corpus cavernosum

ABSTRACT Cinnamomum cassia (Cinnamon) is a well-known traditional medicine with therapeutic benefits for centuries. We evaluated the effects of cinnamon essential oil (CEO) and its main component cinnamaldehyde (CA) on human corpus cavernosum (HCC) and rat CC. The essential oil of cinnamon was analyzed for the confirmation of the oil profile. HCC specimens from patients undergoing penile prosthesis surgery (age 48-69 years) were utilized for functional studies. In addition, erectile responses in anesthetized control and diabetic rats were evaluated in vivo after intracavernosal injection of CEO and CA, and rat CC strips were placed in organ baths. After precontraction with phenylephrine (10µM), relaxant responses to CEO and CA were investigated. CA (96.9%) was found as the major component. The maximum relaxation responses to CEO and CA were 96.4±3.5% and 96.0±5.0% in HCC and 97.5±5.5% and 96.8±4.8% in rat CC, respectively. There was no difference between control and diabetic rats in relaxation responses to CEO and CA. The relaxant responses obtained with essential oil and CA were not attenuated in the presence of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, and soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor (sGS) in CC. In vivo, erectile responses in diabetic rats were lower than in control rats, which was restored after intracavernosal injection of CEO and CA. CEO and CA improved erectile function and relaxation of isolated strips of rat CC and HCC by a NO/cGMP-independent mechanism. Further investigations are warranted to fully elucidate the restorative effects of CEO and CA on diabetic erectile dysfunction.

Evaluation of relaxant responses properties of cinnamon essential oil and its major component, cinnamaldehyde on human and rat corpus cavernosum.

Cinnamomum cassia (Cinnamon) is a well-known traditional medicine with therapeutic benefits for centuries. We evaluated the effects of cinnamon essential oil (CEO) and its main component cinnamaldehyde (CA) on human corpus cavernosum (HCC) and rat CC. The essential oil of cinnamon was analyzed for the confirmation of the oil profile. HCC specimens from patients undergoing penile prosthesis surgery (age 48-69 years) were utilized for functional studies. In addition, erectile responses in anesthetized control and diabetic rats were evaluated in vivo after intracavernosal injection of CEO and CA, and rat CC strips were placed in organ baths. After precontraction with phenylephrine (10µM), relaxant responses to CEO and CA were investigated. CA (96.9%) was found as the major component. The maximum relaxation responses to CEO and CA were 96.4±3.5% and 96.0±5.0% in HCC and 97.5±5.5% and 96.8±4.8% in rat CC, respectively. There was no difference between control and diabetic rats in relaxation responses to CEO and CA. The relaxant responses obtained with essential oil and CA were not attenuated in the presence of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, and soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor (sGS) in CC. In vivo, erectile responses in diabetic rats were lower than in control rats, which was restored after intracavernosal injection of CEO and CA. CEO and CA improved erectile function and relaxation of isolated strips of rat CC and HCC by a NO/cGMP-independent mechanism. Further investigations are warranted to fully elucidate the restorative effects of CEO and CA on diabetic erectile dysfunction.

Visceral adiposity index is useful for evaluating obesity effect on erectile dysfunction.

Studies show that erectile dysfunction (ED) is associated with obesity, and it has been shown that the possibility of developing sexual dysfunction in obese men is 30% higher compared to those with normal weight. Obesity is measured using various methods, for example waist circumference (WC) measurement or body mass index (BMI), but recently, visceral adiposity index (VAI) has also been utilised to better assess obesity and metabolic syndrome. In our study, the potential link between VAI and ED was investigated. The data of 176 patients who presented to the urology outpatient clinic with erection complaints were retrospectively screened. A control group was also established with 122 men without complaints of erectile dysfunction. The erectile functions of all participants were determined using the International Erectile Function Index-5 (IIEF-5) scoring. In addition, their serum fasting blood glucose, total testosterone (TT), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels were measured. The physical examination comprised the measurement of WC, height and weight, and BMI. The mean age of the participants was 58.7 ± 8.4 for the ED group and 57.1 ± 7.5 for the control group. The mean VAI was statistically significantly higher in the ED group (5.32 ± 2.77) compared to the control group (4.11 ± 1.93) (p < 0.001). Since VAI contains both physical and metabolic parameters, our findings suggest that it discloses the effects of WC, BMI, HDL and TG more clearly. VAI is considered useful for the assessment of the effect of obesity on ED patients.

Effects of silodosin, a selective alpha-1A adrenoceptor antagonist, on erectile function in a rat model of partial bladder outlet obstruction.

AIM: We investigated the effects of silodosin (selective α1A -adrenoceptor antagonist) on erectile dysfunction (ED) in a rat model of bladder outlet obstruction. METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 32) were divided into four groups: (i) sham-operated control; (ii) silodosin-treated (sham) control (0.1 mg/kg/day); (iii) partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO); and (iv) silodosin-treated with PBOO. PBOO was induced by ligation of the urethra for 6 weeks. In vivo, erectile responses were monitored by evaluating ratios of intracavernosal pressure (ICP)/mean arterial pressure (MAP). Organ-bath studies were performed on corpus cavernosum (CC) strips. Penises were assessed at baseline for protein expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK2) by Western blot. Immunohistochemistry and Masson trichrome staining were performed for analysis of nNOS protein levels and tissue alterations. RESULTS: The ratio of ICP/MAP was significantly decreased in obstructed rats (0.26 ± 0.043, P < 0.01) compared to sham-control rats (0.64 ± 0.10), which was restored by the treatment (0.59 ± 0.14, P < 0.01) compared with obstructed rats. Relaxation responses were significantly reduced in strips from the obstructed group. Silodosin restored nitrergic relaxant responses. nNOS expression in the obstructed group decreased, which was improved by treatment. The decreased smooth muscle/collagen ratio in the bladder obstructed group was reversed by the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Silodosin improves erectile function in obstructed rats. Further clinical trials are needed to explore fully the potential benefits of silodosin in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)/lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in association with ED. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:597-603, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Association between pre-biopsy white blood cell count and prostate biopsy - related sepsis.

INTRODUCTION: Despite all preventive measures and improved biopsy techniques, serious, life-threatening complications of prostate biopsy, including sepsis, still exist. In the present study, in order to identify the risk factors that may be associated with sepsis development after prostate-biopsy, we aimed to analyze retrospectively the data of our patients who underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 889 patients who underwent prostate biopsy at our clinic. We compared pre-biopsy parameters (age, prostate volume, white blood cell (WBC) count, fasting blood glucose, free and total prostate specific antigen levels) between patients who developed sepsis and those who were sepsis-free following prostate biopsy. RESULTS: 28 patients (3.1%) developed sepsis. Among the risk factors evaluated, only pre-biopsy WBC count was found to be a significant risk factor for biopsy-related sepsis. A 5.1 fold increase was detected in the risk for sepsis development, when the cut-off value of WBC was accepted as 11.165/µL, OR: 5.1 (95% CI: 2.3-11.5). The post-biopsy sepsis development rate in patients with pre-biopsy WBC count greater and less than 11.165/µL was 13.7% (n = 10) and 3% (n = 18) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a pre-biopsy WBC count greater than 11.165/µL should be informed of the increased risk of developing post-biopsy sepsis.

The importance of prostate volume in prostate needle biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: Although ultrasound-guided prostate needle biopsy is the gold standard method in the diagnosis of prostate cancer, biopsy schemes and the number of repeated biopsies are still controversial today. It is known that the rate of prostate cancer decreases with increasing prostate volume. In this study, we evaluated the effects of prostate volume on cancer detection in our patient series. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In our clinic, data for 992 patients who had gray zone PSA levels (2.5-10 ng/mL) and whose 10 core biopsies were taken between 2004 and 2010 were evaluated. Among them, 500 patients from whom 6 to 8 biopsies were taken, whose information was lacking and who had suspicious cancer findings after digital rectal examination were excluded from the study. Patient ages, free/total PSA levels (f/TPSA), PSA densities (PSAD), Gleason scores, and prostate volumes were compared between patients with (Group 1) or without biopsy-proven prostate cancer (Group 2). Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: According to biopsy findings, prostate cancer was detected in 74 patients while no cancer was detected in 418 patients. The mean age of Groups 1, and 2 were 65±8.6, and 64±8.1 years, respectively The mean prostate volume in Groups 1, and 2 were 45±23 cc, and 58±26 cc, respectively. CONCLUSION: In line with the literature, the average prostate volume of the prostate cancer group was significantly lower. This supports the notion that cancer detection is more probable in small prostates than in high-volume prostates.

Incomplete recovery of erectile function in rat after discontinuation of dual 5-alpha reductase inhibitor therapy.

AIM: The association of 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (5ARI) therapy and sexual dysfunction has been reported. Some patients claim persistent erectile dysfunction despite long-term discontinuation of 5ARI treatment. The aim of this study was to assess erectile function after cessation of 5ARI therapy using a rat model. METHODS: Twenty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: (i) control (N = 10); (ii) 8-week dutasteride treatment (0.5 mg/rat/day, in drinking water, N = 8); and (iii) 6-week dutasteride treatment followed by a 2-week washout period (N = 8). The experiments were performed after 8 weeks from the initiation of treatment in all groups. In vivo erectile activity and in vitro contractile and relaxant responses of cavernosal smooth muscle were investigated. RESULTS: In vivo erectile activity (intracavernosal pressure [ICP]/mean arterial pressure [MAP] and total ICP) in treatment groups were significantly decreased compared with controls (ICP/MAP: P < 0.001 for 2.5 v, 5 v, and 7.5 v; total ICP: P < 0.001 for 5 v and P < 0.01 for 7.5 v). Acetylcholine-induced relaxations were diminished in treatment groups (P < 0.05). Relaxant responses to electrical field stimulation (EFS) were decreased in the 8-week treatment group (P < 0.05) but were similar to controls in the washout group. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced endothelium-independent relaxations were reduced in the 8-week dutasteride treatment group (P < 0.01), while these responses were restored in the washout group. The contractile responses to the alpha1-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine were decreased in treatment groups compared with controls (P < 0.01). Direct neurogenic contractile responses in the dutasteride groups were significantly lower than controls between 1 and 15 Hz frequencies (but not at 20 Hz) and washout partially restored the responses at 10 and 15 Hz. CONCLUSION: Discontinuation of dutasteride improved the relaxant responses to EFS and SNP, while cholinergic and adrenergic responses remained depressed. Our findings suggest a time-dependent detriment of dutasteride on erectile function. The withdrawal/washout effect of 5ARIs on parameters of human sexual function warrants further investigation.

The effects of transurethral resection of the prostate on morbidity and mortality in patients with nondialysis-requiring renal insufficiency.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the prevalence of preoperative co-morbid factors and complications of transurethral resection of prostate (TUR-P) in patients with normal and non-dialysis requiring elevated serum creatinine levels. METHODS: The records of 357 consecutive patients with IPSS≥20, serum creatinine level ≤ 3 mg/dl, residual urine volume ≤ 300 ml and with no upper urinary tract dilatation or evidence of prostate cancer that underwent TUR-P were retrospectively evaluated. 60 patients who did not fulfill the inclusion criteria were excluded. The preoperative Na, K, creatinine levels and the early changes observed in these parameters after TUR-P of the patients with normal (Group1, n = 272) and elevated (Group2, n = 25) serum creatinine levels, as well as the preoperative baseline data and postoperative complications were compared. RESULTS: Preoperative PSA, serum urea, creatinine and K levels were significantly higher in group2. No significant differences were observed between early and late postoperative complications of the two groups. Co-morbid diseases were significantly more common in group2. No progression in renal failure or de novo need for hemodialysis was observed in group2. CONCLUSIONS: TUR-P can be safely performed in BPH patients with mild serum creatinine elevations (1.6-3 mg/dl) and moderately increased prostate volumes without additional morbidity and mortality.

The correlation among the percentage of positive biopsy cores from the dominant side of prostate, adverse pathology, and biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation among various preoperative clinical variables, including certain prostate needle biopsy parameters, biochemical failure, and adverse pathology, after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). We retrospectively evaluated the records of our 156 patients who underwent RRP because of localized prostate cancer. Serum prostate-specific antigen level, clinical stage, and the information obtained from biopsy [Gleason score, number of positive cores, percentage of positive cores (PPCs) from the dominant side of prostate, and overall PPC] were evaluated as predictors of adverse pathology and biochemical failure. Of the patients, 30.2% (n=38) had nonorgan-confined disease, 19.1% (n=24) had positive surgical margins, 11.9% (n=15) had positive seminal vesicle invasion, and 16.7% (n=21) had biochemical failure after RRP. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that a PPC value of 55% or more from the dominant side of prostate is the only independent predictor of nonorgan-confined disease and seminal vesicle invasion. Clinical stage (T2b), biopsy Gleason score, and PPC values of 55% or more from the dominant side of prostate were found to be statistically significant predictors of positive surgical margin and biochemical failure. Our results support that PPC from the dominant side of prostate is a useful parameter for the prediction of adverse pathology and biochemical failure after RRP.

Stage-by-stage effects of surgical margin status on biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of pathological stage and surgical margin status on biochemical failure rates after radical prostatectomy (RP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 205 patients who underwent RP for clinically localized prostate cancer (CaP) were evaluated. Known risk factors for biochemical failure (BF) were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The effects of surgical margin status together with pathological stage on BF were evaluated. p values lower than 0.05 were accepted to be statistically significant. RESULTS: Pathological stage, positive surgical margin (PSM), seminal vesicle invasion, lymph node involvement, biopsy Gleason score and postoperative Gleason score were the factors associated with BF in univariate analysis. Logistic regression analysis revealed that pT3a patients with PSM had a significant BF rate when compared to pT2 patients with a negative surgical margin (NSM) (OR 7.46, p = 0.002). pT3a patients with a NSM had a similar BF rate to that of pT2 patients with PSM. CONCLUSIONS: pT2 patients with PSM had a similar biochemical prognosis to that of pT3a patients without PSM, implicating that a PSM may have a negative effect on prognosis similar to that of extracapsular invasion.