Impotence

Scientists at College of Medicine target erectile dysfunction

"This article reviews recent developments that increase our understanding of the role of the opiorphin family of peptides in erectile physiology. During a microarray screen of gene changes that occur in a rat diabetic model of erectile dysfunction (ED), Vesa1 was one of the most down-regulated genes in the rat corpora. Quantitative real-time polymerise chain reaction demonstrated that in at)cast three models of diseases that result in ED (diabetes, aging, and cavernous nerve [CN] transection), Vesa1 was down-regulated in the rat corpora. The human opiorphin family of genes (bSMR3A/B and ProL1) also acts as markers of erectile function in patients with ED. The reader will be informed of the most current research regarding the role of opiorphins in urogenital smooth muscle biology. These observations led to the suggestion that genes encoding opiorphins (and potentially their peptide products) can act as markers of ED. Gene transfer of plasmids overexpressing Vesa1 in aging rats, as well as intracorporal injection of sialorphin, led to an improvement in erectile function. In organ bath studies, we demonstrated that sialorphin can cause increased rates of relaxation of corporal smooth muscle (CSM). We have also demonstrated that in vitro, Vesa1 causes changes in the expression of G-protein-coup led receptors (GPCRs). This has led us to suggest that the action of Vesa1 on erectile physiology may act through relaxation of CSM by its ability to act as an inhibitor of NEP, therefore prolonging the action of peptide agonists at their GPCRs. Overall, there is a growing body of evidence that the opiorphins play a role in regulating CSM tone and thereby erectile function. Davies KP. The role of opiorphins (endogenous neutral endopeptidase inhibitors) in urogenital smooth muscle biology," wrote K.P. Davies and colleagues, College of Medicine.

The researchers concluded: "J Sex Med 2009;6(suppl 3):286-291.."

Davies and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine (The Role of Opiorphins (Endogenous Neutral Endopeptidase Inhibitors) in Urogenital Smooth Muscle Biology. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2009;6(Suppl. 3):286-291).

Additional information can be obtained by contacting K.P. Davies, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Dept. of Urology, 1300 Morris Pk Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.

The publisher of the Journal of Sexual Medicine can be contacted at: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc., Commerce Place, 350 Main St., Malden 02148, MA, USA.

Keywords: United States, Bronx, Aging, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Endopeptidase, Enzyme Research, Erectile Dysfunction, Impotence, Peptide, Physiology, Proteins, Proteomics, College of Medicine.

This article was prepared by Diabetes Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Diabetes Week via NewsRx.com.