RESUMO
Objective: This study aims to explore the impact of Nesfatin-1 on type 2 diabetic erectile dysfunction (T2DMED) and its underlying mechanism in regulating the phenotypic switching of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs). Methods: Twenty-four 4-week-old male C57 wild-type mice were randomly assigned to the control group, model group, and Nesfatin-1 treatment group. Monitoring included body weight, blood glucose levels, and penile cavernous pressure (ICP). Histochemistry and Western blot analyses were conducted to assess the expressions of α-SMA, OPN, and factors related to the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. CCSMCs were categorized into the control group, high glucose and high oleic acid group (GO group), Nesfatin-1 treatment group (GO + N group), sildenafil positive control group (GO + S group), and PI3K inhibitor group (GO + N + E group). Changes in phenotypic markers, cell morphology, and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway were observed in each group. Results: (1) Nesfatin-1 significantly ameliorated the body size, body weight, blood glucose, glucose tolerance, and insulin resistance in T2DMED mice. (2) Following Nesfatin-1 treatment, the ICP/MSBP ratio and the peak of the ICP curve demonstrated a significant increase. (3) Nesfatin-1 significantly enhanced smooth muscle and reduced collagen fibers in the corpus cavernosum. (4) Nesfatin-1 notably increased α-SMA expression and decreased OPN expression in CCSMCs. (5) Nesfatin-1 elevated PI3K, p-AKT/AKT, and p-mTOR/mTOR levels in penile cavernous tissue. Conclusions: Nesfatin-1 not only effectively improves body weight and blood glucose levels in diabetic mice but also enhances erectile function and regulates the phenotypic switching of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle. The potential mechanism involves Nesfatin-1 activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway to induce the conversion of CCSMCs to a contractile phenotype.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between environmental tobacco smoke( ETS) and blood pressure in children. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to study the effects of ETS and children's blood pressure among 1623 children aged 5 to 17 years, who were selected randomly from 10 primary and secondary schools in Shenyang from 2012-2013, Liaoning Province. The basic information of children was collected through questionnaires, including demographic characteristics, living environment, history of disease and passive smoking status. We also measured the height, weight and blood pressure of these children. Multiple Logistic regression analyses were used to determine whether ETS was associated with the risk of hypertension after adjustment for potential confounders. RESULTS: Nearly half of the participants( 37%, n = 600) had current ETS exposures, and in for 34% of the children( n = 514), their current ETS exposure was from tobacco use by their father. The adjusted odds ratios( a OR) for hypertension and ETS exposure in utero were 1. 59( 95% CI 1. 02-2. 48) in males and 2. 88( 95% CI 1. 82-4. 56) in females. Current ETS exposure( a OR = 2. 22, 95% CI 1. 47-3. 34) and current ETS exposure from the child's father( a OR = 2. 20, 95% CI 1. 46-3. 31), in addition different intensity of ETS exposure during workdays and during days off were associated with a higher rate of hypertension only in females. CONCLUSION: Prenatal and postnatal ETS exposure was significantly associated with increased odds of hypertension in children, especially in females.
