Lard and/or canola oil-rich diets induce penile morphological alterations in a rat model

Abstract

PURPOSE:To investigate the effect of dietary lipid quantity and/or quality on penis morphology in adult rats. METHODS:Thirty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: normal lipid diet (NL), high-fat diet rich in saturated fatty acids (HF-S), high-fat diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (HF-P), and high-fat diet rich in saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (HF-SP). Blood samples were collected and the penises were removed for histomorphometrical and immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS:All high-fat diets promoted an increase in the body mass (p<0.0001). The HF-S and HF-SP groups presented hyperglycemia (p=0.0060), hyperinsulinemia (p=0.0030), and hypercholesterolemia (p=0.0020). Concerning the penis, the high-fat diets led to an increase in the collagen fibers (p<0.0001) and smooth muscle cell density area (p=0.0027), and a decline in the sinusoidal space density area (p<0.0001) and corpus cavernosum cell proliferation (p=0.0003). CONCLUSION:Diets rich in saturated and/or polyunsaturated fatty acids promoted overweight and induced penile changes in rodent models, which may lead to the development of erectile dysfunction.

Neuroprotective effect of docosahexaenoic acid nanoemulsion on erectile function in a rat model of bilateral cavernous nerve injury

“…It is well known that apoptosis, loss of smooth muscle cells, fibrosis, and abnormal neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) activity occur in response to CN injury 8 . Additionally, it has been suggested that PUFAs are capable of altering penile morphological features including the density of smooth muscle cells and collagen fibers 9 , which are often implicated in cavernous nerve injury. Therefore, DHA can be considered a candidate therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction following CN injury.…”

Seminal Parameters and Sexual Behavior on Farm Rabbits Provided with a Diet Supplemented with Canola Oil at the Start of Puberty

“…Further studies are needed in domestic rabbit under farming conditions that allow the assessment for longer periods of time, the effect of diets with high vegetable oil content, in order to ascertain their effect on the development of behaviors associated with sexual maturity and its repercussion in the functional structure of the male reproductive organs. Similar research has been carried out in male rats (Medeiros Júnior et al, 2014). Information obtained in this field is also relevant for determining the benefits or disadvantages of diets supplemented with vegetable oil in terms of the reproductive efficiency of buck rabbits.…”

Erectile Dysfunction: Key Role of Cavernous Smooth Muscle Cells

“…Erectile dysfunction is, predominantly, a vascular and benign disease, but it affects both physical and psychological health and has a significant impact on the quality of life of men and their partners, mainly due to the reduction of self-esteem and the commitment of the interpersonal relationship. The prevalence of the disease increases with age and can be seen as a serious public health problem ( Medeiros-Júnior et al, 2014 ). The etiology is multifactorial, and, among the risk factors, the presence of cardiovascular diseases, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, diabetes, depression, anxiety and obesity are prominent ( Alves et al, 2012 ).…”