The TRIDAX PROCUMBENS LEAF AMELIORATES ALTERED CORPORA CAVERNOSA ACTIVITY IN DIABETIC WISTAR RATS VIA NITRIC OXIDE, K-ATP, AND RECEPTOR-OPERATED CALCIUM CHANNELS
The modulatory potential of Tridax procumbens in diabetes-induced erectile impairment
Abstract
Background: Tridax procumbens leaf is known for its antidiabetic potential, but its effect on diabetes-induced erectile tissue dysfunction is unclear. This study investigates Tridax procumbens ethanol leaf (TPL) treatment in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats.
Methods: Thirty adult male Wistar rats were grouped as follows: 1) non-diabetic rats treated with normal saline (control), 2) non-diabetic rats treated with TPL (100 mg/kg), 3) diabetic non-treated rats, 4) diabetic rats treated with TPL (100 mg/kg), and 5) diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide (5 mg/kg). Fasting blood glucose, C-reactive protein, and testosterone levels were measured. Cavernosa contractile responses were assessed using various stimuli with the Ugo Basile data capsule acquisition system.
Results: TPL treatment significantly reduced fasting blood sugar in diabetic rats. Serum C-reactive protein was notably elevated in diabetic non-treated rats compared to diabetic + TPL co-treated rats. Serum testosterone levels were significantly reduced in the diabetic non-treated group but were higher in the control and diabetic + TPL co-treated groups. Cavernosa tissue relaxation responses to acetylcholine were significantly enhanced in diabetic + TPL co-treated rats, indicating improved NO-mediated relaxation. Calcium ion influx-mediated contraction of cavernosa tissue was significantly inhibited in both the diabetic + TPL co-treated and non-diabetic TPL-treated groups compared to diabetic non-treated rats, suggesting modulation of impaired cavernosa activity.
Conclusion: TPL treatment in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats enhanced cavernosa activity by improving NO, guanylyl cyclase, and ATP-sensitive potassium channels while inhibiting receptor-operated calcium channels. TPL's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and androgenic properties contribute to this modulation of cavernosa activity in diabetes.
