Exosomes derived from miR-301a-3p-overexpressing adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells reverse hypoxia-induced erectile dysfunction in rat models.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Erectile dysfunction (ED) has often been observed in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Research on adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADSC)-derived exosomes has shown that they have significant therapeutic effects in many diseases including ED.

Methods

In this study, ED was induced in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats using chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) exposure. CIH-mediated influences were then measured in the corpus cavernous smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs).

Results

Our data showed that miR-301a-3p-enriched exosome treatment significantly recovered erectile function in rats and CCSMCs by promoting autophagy and inhibiting apoptosis. The treatment also significantly recovered the level of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in rats and CCSMCs. Bioin

SUBMITTER: Liang L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7836493 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature