Research on treating atherosclerotic erectile dysfunction by magnetic adipose-derived stem cells

Objective To explore the effect of magnetic adipose-derived stem cells(ADSCs) on treating atherosclerotic erectile dysfunction(ASED). Methods ADSCs were extracted from para-epididymis fat of SD rats aged 2 to 3 months for culture and identification. ADSCs were labeled with the magnetic resonance contrast agent superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles(SPIONs). Meanwhile, the labeling efficiency, as well as effect on cell viability and proliferation was evaluated using Prussian blue, trypan blue staining and MTT method. The paramagnetism of ADSCs after SPIONs labeling was evaluated through the action of the exterior magnetic field. The atherosclerosis rat model was constructed, and ADSCs were injected into the corpus cavernosum afterwards. Intracorporeal pressure(ICP) was determined in the normal group, atherosclerosis group, ADSCs treatment with no action of magnetic field group, and ADSCs treatment with action of exterior magnetic field group after 4 weeks.Contents of smooth muscle and endothelium in corpus cavernosum of rats were detected using immunohistochemical staining. In addition, SOD and NOS activities, as well as MDA content were detected by ELISA. Results ADSCs extracted from para-epididymis fat of rats had grown actively and had high purity. Besides, they showed multi-lineage differentiation. SPIONs could be effectively absorbed by ADSCs, which would not remarkably inhibit the proliferation and cell viability of ADSCs. Iron content in cell was positively correlated with the iron concentration in the labeled SPIONs, and ADSCs showed paramagnetism after SPIONs labeling. ADSCs transplantation could notably improve the erectile function of ASED rats and enhanced the endothelium and smooth muscle contents in corpus cavernosum. Moreover, it could also correct the oxidative stress state in corpus cavernosum tissue, and some ADSCs had differentiated into smooth muscle and endothelial cells. Conclusions ADSCs transplantation can markedly improve the erectile function of ASED rats. Furthermore, magnetic induction has promoted the colonization of ADSCs in the corpus cavernosum, which contributes to enhancing the therapeutic effect of ADSCs and provides a new thinking and concept for stem cell therapy. Key words: Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Erectile Dysfunction; Mesenchymal Stem Cells