1.Expert consensus on clinical application of parenteral direct thrombin inhibitors in perioperative period
Mingyu JIANG ; Yuan BIAN ; Lizhu HAN ; Qinan YIN ; Fengjiao KANG ; Anhua WEI ; Danjie ZHAO ; Lin WANG ; Ying SHAO ; Li TANG ; Yi WANG ; Shuhong LIANG ; Huijuan LIU ; Guirong XIAO ; Yue LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):689-699
OBJECTIVE To form an expert consensus on the clinical application of parenteral direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs) in patients during the perioperative period. METHODS Led by Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital (the Affiliated Hospital of UESTC), a multidisciplinary working group was established. Through literature review and the Delphi method, clinical questions related to the rational perioperative use of parenteral DTIs were identified. A structured design was adopted using the “Population-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome” framework; systematic searches were conducted in CNKI, Medline, Embase and other databases. Relevant evidence from randomized controlled trials and cohort studies was included and synthesized. Evidence quality was assessed using the Grades of Recommendations Assessment,Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, and recommendations were formulated through multiple rounds of Delphi surveys and expert consensus meetings. RESULTS &CONCLUSIONS Seven recommendations (each with an expert consensus rate exceeding 90%) on the use of parenteral DTIs in perioperative patients were developed. These recommendations specify drug selection, dosing ranges, key monitoring points, and safety management strategies for parenteral DTIs in various scenarios, including the perioperative period of ventricular assist device implantation, the perioperative period of cardiac surgery, perioperative patients with lower-extremity atherosclerotic disease, the perioperative period of percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute coronary syndrome, the perioperative period of carotid artery stenting in patients with carotid stenosis, the perioperative period of patients with right heart thrombosis, and patients who develop related thrombosis and dysfunction after a central venous catheter insertion. In addition, warning and management pathways for perioperative bleeding and thrombotic events were proposed. This expert consensus, which is formulated based on the best available evidence, provides evidence-based guidance for standardized and individualized use of parenteral DTIs in perioperative period.
2.Clinical rapid evaluation of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors for hypercholesterolemia
Xin YAO ; Fengjiao KANG ; Qinan YIN ; Lizhu HAN ; Yuan BIAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):149-154
OBJECTIVE To conduct a clinical rapid evaluation of the marketed proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors in China, including evolocumab, tafolecimab, recaticimab, ebronucimab, ongericimab and inclisiran. METHODS Based on the Rapid Guide for Drug Evaluation and Selection in Chinese Medical Institutions (second edition), drug instructions, clinical diagnosis and treatment guidelines, and literature for six drugs were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and related official websites. The clinical rapid evaluation was conducted from five aspects: pharmaceutical characteristics, effectiveness, safety, economy, and other attributes. RESULTS The pharmaceutical characteristics, effectiveness, safety, economy, other attributes, and total score of evolocumab scored 24, 27, 15.7, 10, 5.3, and 82 points, respectively. Tafolecimab scored 23.5, 23, 11.5, 9.97, 4.6, and 72.57 points, respectively. Recaticimab scored 20.5, 22, 15.5, 6.37, 3.5, and 67.87 points. Ebronucimab scored 20, 23, 11, 6.48, 3.5, and 63.98 points. Ongericimab scored 20.5, 23, 8.5, 4.83, 3.5, and 60.33 points. Inclisiran scored 25.5, 24, 13, 6.48, 5, and 73.98 points. CONCLUSIONS Evolocumab is the optimal choice for treating hypercholesterolemia and is recommended as the first-line option. Tafolecimab is the second-line option, and recaticimab is suitable for patients who are sensitive to drug adverse reactions. Inclisiran is suitable for patients with poor compliance. Ebronucimab and ongericimab are weakly recommended due to their later market introduction. Clinicians should make individualized drug selections based on factors such as patient risk level and compliance requirements.
3.Cost-effectiveness analysis of cefiderocol for the treatment of confirmed or suspected carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria serious infections
Yuan GONG ; Shuo KANG ; Yibing HOU ; Xiaohui WANG ; Ying NIE ; Jing WANG ; Zhenhua PAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):192-197
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of cefiderocol versus best available therapy (BAT) or standard-of- care (SOC) for the treatment of confirmed or suspected carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacterial (CRGNB) serious infections from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system, and to explore its reasonable pricing. METHODS A decision tree model was constructed based on data from two phase Ⅲ clinical trials (CREDIBLE-CR and GAME CHANGER) to simulate the cost- effectiveness of cefiderocol in two scenarios: salvage therapy for confirmed CRGNB infection (scenario 1) and empirical therapy for suspected CRGNB infection (scenario 2). The primary outcome measure was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). The willingness-to-pay (WTP) was set at 1 to 3 times China’s per capita GDP in 2024. To verify the robustness of the results, one- way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted, and based on these, a reasonable price range for cefiderocol in the Chinese market was explored. RESULTS The results for scenario 1 showed that the clinical cure rate in the cefiderocol group was higher than that in the BAT group (47.50% vs. 34.21%), but its ICER was 415 065.03 yuan per cured case, exceeding three times China’s GDP per capita. Scenario 2 revealed that the ICER for cefiderocol relative to SOC was as high as 1 362 446.16 yuan per cured case, far exceeding the WTP. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the treatment duration and price of cefiderocol were key factors affecting its cost-effectiveness. In the two scenarios described above, the unit price of cefiderocol must fall below 683.47 and 242.00 yuan/g, respectively, to be considered cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS Based on the current market price, cefiderocol lacks sufficient cost-effectiveness for treating confirmed or suspected CRGNB serious infections within China’s healthcare system. To improve its accessibility, price negotiations or a tiered medical insurance payment strategy are required.
4.Relationship between Alzheimer's disease and sarcopenia and body mass index:analysis of GWAS datasets for European populations
Qiwang HE ; Bo CHEN ; Fuchao LIANG ; Zewei KANG ; Yuan ZHOU ; Anxu JI ; Xialin TANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):1036-1046
BACKGROUND:Alzheimer's disease has been associated with sarcopenia,but a causal relationship has not been established.Exploring the causal relationship between the two most common disability-burdening diseases in the aging population-Alzheimer's disease and sarcopenia-and their potential mediating factors holds certain implications for further alleviating the healthcare costs and socioeconomic burden for older adults in China.OBJECTIVE:To explore the potential causal relationship between Alzheimer's disease and sarcopenia in the general population using a Mendelian randomization study and to explore the role of body mass index in this context.METHODS:Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis based on published genome-wide association studies(GWAS)were used to infer causality,and univariate Mendelian randomization and mediation analyses were used in the study design.Through the Integrative Epidemiology Unit(IEU)database,ieu-b-2 was selected as the Alzheimer's disease dataset(sample size:63 926),ieu-b-4816 as the body mass index dataset(99 998),ebi-a-GCST90000027 as the appendicular lean mass dataset(244 730),ukb-b-7478 as the left hand grip strength dataset(461 026),ukb-b-10215 as the right hand grip strength dataset(461 089)and ukb-b-4711 as the walking pace dataset(459 915).Inverse-variance weighting was used as the primary analysis method,and the results were validated by pleiotropy and heterogeneity analysis.The Steiger Directionality Test was performed to validate the reasonableness of the causal direction.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The Mendelian randomization analyses provided evidence that Alzheimer's disease predicted the risk of appendicular lean mass[odds ratio(OR)=1.009;95%confidence interval(Cl),1.001-1.017;P=0.023),and walking pace(OR=1.010;95%Cl,1.003-1.017;P=0.008).No correlation with hand grip strength was observed.(2)Alzheimer's disease was negatively correlated with body mass index(OR=0.893;95%Cl,0.811-0.984;P=0.022);body mass index was positively correlated with appendicular lean mass(OR=1.084;95%Cl,1.031-1.141;P=0.002)and negatively correlated with walking pace(OR=0.975;95%Cl,0.969-0.980;P<0.001).(3)Mediation analyses showed that the causal relationship between Alzheimer's disease and appendicular lean mass and walking pace was partially mediated by body mass index,with the proportion of mediations being 50.25%and 32.11%,respectively.(4)The results of this study suggest that based on large-scale population studies,genetic prediction of Alzheimer's disease is a potential risk factor for sarcopenia,in which body mass index plays an important mediating role.This suggests that in clinical practice,attention should be paid to the muscle condition of patients with Alzheimer's disease,and weight management should be implemented,as maintaining a body mass index within the normal high range may have a preventive effect on the occurrence of sarcopenia in patients with Alzheimer's disease.However,further research is needed to verify the applicability of this conclusion to other ethnic groups.This study utilized an international public database for analysis,providing a reference for research on the correlation between Alzheimer's disease and sarcopenia in the Chinese population.It also highlights the significant mediating role of body mass index,offering insights for further prevention and treatment of sarcopenia among Chinese individuals.
5.Relationship between Alzheimer's disease and sarcopenia and body mass index:analysis of GWAS datasets for European populations
Qiwang HE ; Bo CHEN ; Fuchao LIANG ; Zewei KANG ; Yuan ZHOU ; Anxu JI ; Xialin TANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):1036-1046
BACKGROUND:Alzheimer's disease has been associated with sarcopenia,but a causal relationship has not been established.Exploring the causal relationship between the two most common disability-burdening diseases in the aging population-Alzheimer's disease and sarcopenia-and their potential mediating factors holds certain implications for further alleviating the healthcare costs and socioeconomic burden for older adults in China.OBJECTIVE:To explore the potential causal relationship between Alzheimer's disease and sarcopenia in the general population using a Mendelian randomization study and to explore the role of body mass index in this context.METHODS:Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis based on published genome-wide association studies(GWAS)were used to infer causality,and univariate Mendelian randomization and mediation analyses were used in the study design.Through the Integrative Epidemiology Unit(IEU)database,ieu-b-2 was selected as the Alzheimer's disease dataset(sample size:63 926),ieu-b-4816 as the body mass index dataset(99 998),ebi-a-GCST90000027 as the appendicular lean mass dataset(244 730),ukb-b-7478 as the left hand grip strength dataset(461 026),ukb-b-10215 as the right hand grip strength dataset(461 089)and ukb-b-4711 as the walking pace dataset(459 915).Inverse-variance weighting was used as the primary analysis method,and the results were validated by pleiotropy and heterogeneity analysis.The Steiger Directionality Test was performed to validate the reasonableness of the causal direction.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The Mendelian randomization analyses provided evidence that Alzheimer's disease predicted the risk of appendicular lean mass[odds ratio(OR)=1.009;95%confidence interval(Cl),1.001-1.017;P=0.023),and walking pace(OR=1.010;95%Cl,1.003-1.017;P=0.008).No correlation with hand grip strength was observed.(2)Alzheimer's disease was negatively correlated with body mass index(OR=0.893;95%Cl,0.811-0.984;P=0.022);body mass index was positively correlated with appendicular lean mass(OR=1.084;95%Cl,1.031-1.141;P=0.002)and negatively correlated with walking pace(OR=0.975;95%Cl,0.969-0.980;P<0.001).(3)Mediation analyses showed that the causal relationship between Alzheimer's disease and appendicular lean mass and walking pace was partially mediated by body mass index,with the proportion of mediations being 50.25%and 32.11%,respectively.(4)The results of this study suggest that based on large-scale population studies,genetic prediction of Alzheimer's disease is a potential risk factor for sarcopenia,in which body mass index plays an important mediating role.This suggests that in clinical practice,attention should be paid to the muscle condition of patients with Alzheimer's disease,and weight management should be implemented,as maintaining a body mass index within the normal high range may have a preventive effect on the occurrence of sarcopenia in patients with Alzheimer's disease.However,further research is needed to verify the applicability of this conclusion to other ethnic groups.This study utilized an international public database for analysis,providing a reference for research on the correlation between Alzheimer's disease and sarcopenia in the Chinese population.It also highlights the significant mediating role of body mass index,offering insights for further prevention and treatment of sarcopenia among Chinese individuals.
6.Safety and Efficacy of Radiofrequency Ablation for Superficial Parotid Pleomorphic Adenoma
Chih-Ying LEE ; Wei-Che LIN ; Sheng-Dean LUO ; Pi-Ling CHIANG ; An-Ni LIN ; Cheng-Kang WANG ; Chun-Yuan CHAO
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(5):460-470
Objective:
To retrospectively compare the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with parotidectomy for superficial pleomorphic adenoma (PA).
Materials and Methods:
From March 2022 to October 2023, 88 patients diagnosed with superficial parotid PA underwent either RFA (n = 12; mean age, 47.1 years) or parotidectomy (n = 76; mean age, 47.8 years). Patients in the RFA group were matched to those in the surgery group in a 1:1 ratio using propensity scores based on age, sex, tumor volume, diameter, location, and comorbidities. Ultrasound characteristics, cosmetic scores (0–4), numerical rating scale scores (0–10), and complications were assessed before the procedures and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Outcomes were compared between baseline and follow-up in the RFA group and between the RFA and surgery groups.
Results:
In the RFA group, significant reductions in tumor volume were observed between baseline (median, 2.02 cm 3 ) and the 1-month follow-up (median, 1.21 cm 3 ; P = 0.015), between the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups (median, 0.53 cm 3 ; P= 0.002), and between the 3- and 6-month follow-ups (median, 0.23 cm 3 ; P = 0.003). The volume reduction ratios at 1, 3, and 6 months were 39.7%, 79.9%, and 88.0%, respectively. The cosmetic score was significantly lower at 3- and 6-month followup compared to baseline (median 1 and 1 vs. 4, P = 0.04). The numerical rating scale scores did not differ significantly from baseline throughout follow-up. In the propensity score-matched analysis (12 patients per group), RFA was associated with a shorter median procedure time (61.5 vs. 253.3 minutes; P < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (0 vs. 4 days; P < 0.001), and lower cost (1859.9 vs. 3512.4 USD; P < 0.001) than parotidectomy, with no significant difference in overall complication rates (33.3% [4/12] vs. 41.7% [5/12]; P = 1.000).
Conclusion
RFA may be a safe and effective alternative to surgery for superficial parotid PA, offering a shorter median procedure time, shorter hospital stay, and lower costs.
7.In situ Analytical Techniques for Membrane Protein Interactions
Zi-Yuan KANG ; Tong YU ; Chao LI ; Xue-Hua ZHANG ; Jun-Hui GUO ; Qi-Chang LI ; Jing-Xing GUO ; Hao XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1206-1218
Membrane proteins are integral components of cellular membranes, accounting for approximately 30% of the mammalian proteome and serving as targets for 60% of FDA-approved drugs. They are critical to both physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Their functional protein-protein interactions form the basis for many physiological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, and cell communication. Membrane protein interactions are characterized by membrane environment dependence, spatial asymmetry, weak interaction strength, high dynamics, and a variety of interaction sites. Therefore, in situ analysis is essential for revealing the structural basis and kinetics of these proteins. This paper introduces currently available in situ analytical techniques for studying membrane protein interactions and evaluates the characteristics of each. These techniques are divided into two categories: label-based techniques (e.g., co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, resonance energy transfer, and proximity labeling) and label-free techniques (e.g., cryo-electron tomography, in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, and structure prediction tools). Each technique is critically assessed in terms of its historical development, strengths, and limitations. Based on the authors’ relevant research, the paper further discusses the key issues and trends in the application of these techniques, providing valuable references for the field of membrane protein research. Label-based techniques rely on molecular tags or antibodies to detect proximity or interactions, offering high specificity and adaptability for dynamic studies. For instance, proximity ligation assay combines the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of PCR amplification, while proximity labeling enables spatial mapping of interactomes. Conversely, label-free techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography, provide near-native structural insights, and Raman spectroscopy directly probes molecular interactions without perturbing the membrane environment. Despite advancements, these methods face several universal challenges: (1) indirect detection, relying on proximity or tagged proxies rather than direct interaction measurement; (2) limited capacity for continuous dynamic monitoring in live cells; and (3) potential artificial influences introduced by labeling or sample preparation, which may alter native conformations. Emerging trends emphasize the multimodal integration of complementary techniques to overcome individual limitations. For example, combining in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry with proximity labeling enhances both spatial resolution and interaction coverage, enabling high-throughput subcellular interactome mapping. Similarly, coupling fluorescence resonance energy transfer with nuclear magnetic resonance and artificial intelligence (AI) simulations integrates dynamic structural data, atomic-level details, and predictive modeling for holistic insights. Advances in AI, exemplified by AlphaFold’s ability to predict interaction interfaces, further augment experimental data, accelerating structure-function analyses. Future developments in cryo-electron microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and machine learning are poised to refine spatiotemporal resolution and scalability. In conclusion, in situ analysis of membrane protein interactions remains indispensable for deciphering their roles in health and disease. While current technologies have significantly advanced our understanding, persistent gaps highlight the need for innovative, integrative approaches. By synergizing experimental and computational tools, researchers can achieve multiscale, real-time, and perturbation-free analyses, ultimately unraveling the dynamic complexity of membrane protein networks and driving therapeutic discovery.
8.Network Meta-analysis of efficacy of different Chinese medicine injections in treating transient ischemic attack.
Jin HAN ; Yong-Kang SUN ; Yue YUAN ; Fang-Biao XU ; Yan-Bo SONG ; Wei-Jie WANG ; Xin-Zhi WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2282-2297
This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Chinese medicine injections in treating transient ischemic attack(TIA) based on network Meta-analysis. Randomized controlled trial(RCT) about Chinese medicine injections in treating TIA were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMbase, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, and SinoMed with the time interval from inception to March 1, 2024. The methodological quality of the included articles was assessed by ROB 2.0, and the GRADE system was employed to evaluate the quality of evidence. The gemtc package of R 4.1.2 was used to perform the network Meta-analysis. Finally, 63 RCTs with a total sample size of 5 750 cases were included, involving 11 Chinese medicine injections(Shuxuetong Injection, Danhong Injection, Shuxuening Injection, Ginkgo Damo Injection, Shenxiong Glucose Injection, Ligustrazine Injection, Salviae Miltiorrhizae and Ligustrazine Hydrochloride Injection, Salvianolic Acids for Injection, Dengzhan Xixin Injection, Guhong Injection, and Xueshuantong Injection). All patients received conventional western medicine treatment, and the experimental group was additionally treated with Chinese medicine injection. Network Meta-analysis yielded the following results.(1) In terms of improving the clinical total response rate, 11 Chinese medicine injections combined with conventional western medicine outperformed conventional western medicine alone, and Dengzhan Xixin Injection + conventional western medicine had the best effect.(2) In terms of reducing plasma viscosity, 7 Chinese medicine injections combined with conventional western medicine outperformed conventional western medicine alone, and Shenxiong Glucose Injection + conventional western medicine had the best effect.(3) In terms of reducing whole blood high shear viscosity, 6 Chinese medicine injections combined with conventional western medicine outperformed conventional western medicine alone, and Guhong Injection + conventional western medicine had the best effect.(4) In terms of reducing whole blood low shear viscosity, 6 Chinese medicine injections combined with conventional western medicine outperformed conventional western medicine alone, and Shuxuening Injection + conventional western medicine had the best effect.(5) In terms of reducing fibrinogen, 9 Chinese medicine injections combined with conventional western medicine outperformed conventional western medicine alone, and Ginkgo Damo Injection + conventional western medicine had the best effect.(6) In terms of increasing the average blood flow velocity, 3 Chinese medicine injections combined with conventional western medicine outperformed conventional western medicine alone, and Shuxuening Injection + conventional western medicine had the best effect. In summary, compared with conventional western medicine alone, Chinese medicine injections combined with conventional western medicine were effective in improving the clinical total response rate and the average blood flow velocity, as well as reducing plasma viscosity, whole blood high shear viscosity, whole blood low shear viscosity, and fibrinogen. However, due to the limited quality and quantity of the included articles, the above conclusions need to be verified by more high-quality, multi-center, and large-sample RCT.
Humans
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Injections
;
Ischemic Attack, Transient/drug therapy*
;
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
;
Treatment Outcome
9.Safety and Efficacy of Radiofrequency Ablation for Superficial Parotid Pleomorphic Adenoma
Chih-Ying LEE ; Wei-Che LIN ; Sheng-Dean LUO ; Pi-Ling CHIANG ; An-Ni LIN ; Cheng-Kang WANG ; Chun-Yuan CHAO
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(5):460-470
Objective:
To retrospectively compare the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with parotidectomy for superficial pleomorphic adenoma (PA).
Materials and Methods:
From March 2022 to October 2023, 88 patients diagnosed with superficial parotid PA underwent either RFA (n = 12; mean age, 47.1 years) or parotidectomy (n = 76; mean age, 47.8 years). Patients in the RFA group were matched to those in the surgery group in a 1:1 ratio using propensity scores based on age, sex, tumor volume, diameter, location, and comorbidities. Ultrasound characteristics, cosmetic scores (0–4), numerical rating scale scores (0–10), and complications were assessed before the procedures and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Outcomes were compared between baseline and follow-up in the RFA group and between the RFA and surgery groups.
Results:
In the RFA group, significant reductions in tumor volume were observed between baseline (median, 2.02 cm 3 ) and the 1-month follow-up (median, 1.21 cm 3 ; P = 0.015), between the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups (median, 0.53 cm 3 ; P= 0.002), and between the 3- and 6-month follow-ups (median, 0.23 cm 3 ; P = 0.003). The volume reduction ratios at 1, 3, and 6 months were 39.7%, 79.9%, and 88.0%, respectively. The cosmetic score was significantly lower at 3- and 6-month followup compared to baseline (median 1 and 1 vs. 4, P = 0.04). The numerical rating scale scores did not differ significantly from baseline throughout follow-up. In the propensity score-matched analysis (12 patients per group), RFA was associated with a shorter median procedure time (61.5 vs. 253.3 minutes; P < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (0 vs. 4 days; P < 0.001), and lower cost (1859.9 vs. 3512.4 USD; P < 0.001) than parotidectomy, with no significant difference in overall complication rates (33.3% [4/12] vs. 41.7% [5/12]; P = 1.000).
Conclusion
RFA may be a safe and effective alternative to surgery for superficial parotid PA, offering a shorter median procedure time, shorter hospital stay, and lower costs.
10.Exogenous administration of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor improves erectile function in mice with bilateral cavernous nerve injury.
Minh Nhat VO ; Mi-Hye KWON ; Fang-Yuan LIU ; Fitri Rahma FRIDAYANA ; Yan HUANG ; Soon-Sun HONG ; Ju-Hee KANG ; Guo Nan YIN ; Ji-Kan RYU
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(6):697-706
Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death in men worldwide. Radical prostatectomy (RP) is the standard treatment for localized prostate cancer, but the procedure often results in postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED). The poor efficacy of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors after surgery highlights the need to develop new therapies to enhance cavernous nerve regeneration and improve the erectile function of these patients. In the present study, we aimed to examine the potential of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) in preserving erectile function in cavernous nerve injury (CNI) mice. We found that HB-EGF expression was reduced significantly on the 1 st day after CNI in penile tissue. Ex vivo and in vitro studies showed that HB-EGF promotes major pelvic ganglion neurite sprouting and neuro-2a (N2a) cell migration. In vivo studies showed that exogenous HB-EGF treatment significantly restored the erectile function of CNI mice to 86.9% of sham levels. Immunofluorescence staining showed that mural and neuronal cells were preserved by inducing cell proliferation and reducing apoptosis and reactive oxygen species production. Western blot analysis showed that HB-EGF upregulated protein kinase B and extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation and neurotrophic factor expression. Overall, HB-EGF is a major promising therapeutic agent for treating ED in postoperative RP.
Animals
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Male
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Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor/therapeutic use*
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Erectile Dysfunction/etiology*
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Mice
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Penis/drug effects*
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Nerve Regeneration/drug effects*
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Penile Erection/drug effects*
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Peripheral Nerve Injuries/drug therapy*
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Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
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Cell Movement/drug effects*
;
Prostatectomy/adverse effects*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*

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