Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: EC:2.7.11.1 (protein kinase)
81,284 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED), defined as the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance, increases with age and with risk factors for vascular disease, including smoking, diabetes and hypertension. Penile erection results from an arousal-induced synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) in nonadrenergic-noncholinergic nerves (NANC), endothelial cells and cavernosal smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Vasodilation and relaxation of cavernosal SMCs engorges the corpora cavernosa with blood at arterial pressure. The subcellular mechanism by which tumescence occurs involves NO-induced activation of soluble guanylate cyclase, increased cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels and activation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG). PKG phosphorylates numerous ion channels and pumps, each promoting a reduction in cytosolic calcium. In particular, PKG activates high-conductance Ca2+(-)sensitive K+ (BKCa) channels, which hyperpolarize the arterial and cavernosal SMC membranes, causing relaxation. This mechanism appears to be compromised with age and with vascular disease, leading to ED. Thus, increasing cavernosal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression, cGMP levels and/or BKCa channel expression is an effective therapy for experimental ED. Future therapies may involve augmenting K+ channel expression by gene transfer or increasing channel function through the use of Type 5 phosphodiesterase (Type 5 PDE) inhibitors or phosphatase inhibitors.
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PMID:Potassium channels and erectile dysfunction. 1237 24

Aging is a complex process modulated by multiple interactions between environmental and genetic factors. Myotonic dystrophy (DM1) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by an unstable (CTG)n repeat expansion in the DM1 protein kinase (DMPK) gene. The affected male patients' life expectancy at birth (53.2 years) is more than two decades below that observed in most occidental populations. The DMPK gene expression is pleiotropic and includes the premature expression of several age-related signs, symptoms and metabolic disturbances including hormonal dysfunctions, progressive decrease in muscular mass, presenile cataracts, alopecia, reduced alertness, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, erectile dysfunction and hypogonadism. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between aging covariates and the severity of DM1 expression in 136 DM1 male subjects. DM1 clinical expression was assessed on a validated neuromuscular disability rating scale and was correlated with plasma total testosterone (rs = -0.31, p < 0.001), luteinizing hormone (LH) (rs = 0.52, p < 0.001) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (rs = 0.54, p < 0.001) levels. Following LH releasing hormone stimulation, FSH and LH concentrations increased as a function of DM1 severity (p < 0.05). Muscular disability in DM1 was also positively associated with fasting plasma insulin and triglyceride concentrations (p < 0.05). The association of plasma apolipoprotein B and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels with DM1 was not linear across their distribution and tended to reflect cell membrane damage progression. These results suggest that DM1, a simple Mendelian trait, can represent a valuable model to illustrate the complex relationships between variables associated with male aging.
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PMID:The pleiotropic expression of the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase gene illustrates the complex relationships between genetic, biological and clinical covariates of male aging. 1263 69

Increased guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), induced by nitric oxide release, is crucial for corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (CCSM) relaxation within the penis. This CCSM relaxation (necessary for penile erection) is impaired in men with erectile dysfunction (ED), especially those men with diabetes. One of the effector proteins for cGMP is cGMP-dependent protein kinase-1 (PKG-1). PKG-1 knockout mice exhibit detrusor overactivity (Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 279: R1112-R1120, 2000) and, more relevant to this study, ED (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 97: 2349-2354, 2000), suggesting an in vivo role for PKG-1 in urogenital smooth muscle relaxation. In the current study, using normal rabbit CCSM, Western blot analysis revealed high expression of PKG-1 at levels almost equivalent to aorta (previously shown to have high PKG-1 expression) and that the two known alternatively spliced isoforms of PKG-1 (alpha and beta) are expressed in nearly equal amounts in the CCSM. However, in response to alloxan-induced diabetes, there was a decrease in expression of both PKG-1 isoforms at the mRNA and protein levels as determined by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively, but with the PKG-1alpha isoform expression decreased to a greater extent. Moreover, diabetes was associated with significantly decreased PKG-1 activity of CCSM in vitro, correlating with decreased CCSM relaxation. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed a diabetes-associated decrease in PKG-1 in the CCSM cells. In conclusion, our results demonstrate for the first time a significant downregulation of PKG-1 expression associated with decreased PKG-1 activity in the CCSM in response to diabetes. Furthermore, these results suggest a mechanistic basis for the decreased efficacy of phosphodiesterase V inhibitors in treating diabetic patients with ED.
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PMID:Downregulation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase-1 activity in the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle of diabetic rabbits. 1571 34

Female sexual function is under-studied, and mechanisms of clitoral engorgement-relaxation are incompletely understood. Penile erection results from nitric oxide (NO) -induced cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) accumulation. cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) activates large-conductance, calcium-activated potassium channels (BK(Ca)), thereby hyperpolarizing and relaxing vascular and trabecular smooth muscle cells, allowing engorgement. We hypothesize rat clitorises relax by a similar mechanism. Rat clitorises express components of the proposed pathway: neuronal and endothelial NO synthases, soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), type 5 phosphodiesterase (PDE-5), and BK(Ca) channels. The NO donor diethylamine NONOate (DEANO), the PKG activator 8-pCPT-cGMP, and the PDE-5 inhibitor sildenafil, cause dose-dependent clitoral relaxation that is inhibited by antagonists of PKG (Rp-8-Br-cGMPS) or BK(Ca) channels (iberiotoxin). Electrical field stimulation induces tetrodotoxin-sensitive NO release and relaxation that is inhibited by the Na+ channel blocker tetrodotoxin or sGC inhibitor 1H-(1,2,4)oxadiozolo(4,3-a)quinoxalin-1-one. Human BK(Ca) channels, transferred to Chinese hamster ovary cells via an adenoviral vector, and endogenous rat clitoral smooth muscle K+ current are activated by this PKG-dependent mechanism. Laser confocal microscopy reveals protein expression of BK(Ca) channels on clitoral smooth muscle cells; these cells exhibit BK(Ca) channel activity that is activated by both DEANO and sildenafil. We conclude that neurovascular derived NO causes clitoral relaxation via a PKG-dependent activation of BK(Ca) channels. The BK(Ca) channel is an appealing target for drug therapy of female erectile dysfunction.
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PMID:The neurovascular mechanism of clitoral erection: nitric oxide and cGMP-stimulated activation of BKCa channels. 1533 81

Beta-adrenergic agonists stimulate cardiac contractility and simultaneously blunt this response by coactivating NO synthase (NOS3) to enhance cGMP synthesis and activate protein kinase G (PKG-1). cGMP is also catabolically regulated by phosphodiesterase 5A (PDE5A). PDE5A inhibition by sildenafil (Viagra) increases cGMP and is used widely to treat erectile dysfunction; however, its role in the heart and its interaction with beta-adrenergic and NOS3/cGMP stimulation is largely unknown. In nontransgenic (control) murine in vivo hearts and isolated myocytes, PDE5A inhibition (sildenafil) minimally altered rest function. However, when the hearts or isolated myocytes were stimulated with isoproterenol, PDE5A inhibition was associated with a suppression of contractility that was coupled to elevated cGMP and increased PKG-1 activity. In contrast, NOS3-null hearts or controls with NOS inhibited by N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, or soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) inhibited by 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline-1-one, showed no effect of PDE5A inhibition on beta-stimulated contractility or PKG-1 activation. This lack of response was not attributable to altered PDE5A gene or protein expression or in vitro PDE5A activity, but rather to an absence of sGC-generated cGMP specifically targeted to PDE5A catabolism and to a loss of PDE5A localization to z-bands. Re-expression of active NOS3 in NOS3-null hearts by adenoviral gene transfer restored PDE5A z-band localization and the antiadrenergic efficacy of PDE5A inhibition. These data support a novel regulatory role of PDE5A in hearts under adrenergic stimulation and highlight specific coupling of PDE5A catabolic regulation with NOS3-derived cGMP attributable to protein subcellular localization and targeted synthetic/catabolic coupling.
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PMID:cGMP catabolism by phosphodiesterase 5A regulates cardiac adrenergic stimulation by NOS3-dependent mechanism. 1557 51

Penile erection is dependent on the nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (PKGI) pathway. One important target of PKGI in smooth muscle is the large-conductance, calcium-activated potassium (BK) channel, which upon activation hyperpolarizes the smooth muscle cell membrane, causing relaxation. Relaxation of arterial and corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (CCSM) is necessary to increase blood flow into the corpora cavernosa that leads to penile tumescence. We investigated the functional role of BK channels in the corpus cavernosum utilizing a knock-out mouse lacking the Slo gene (Slo-/-) responsible for the pore-forming subunit of the BK channel. Whole-cell currents were recorded from isolated CCSM cells of Slo+/+ and Slo-/- mice. Iberiotoxin-sensitive voltage- and [Ca2+]-activated K+ currents, the latter activated by local transient calcium releases (calcium sparks), were present in Slo+/+ CCSM cells, but absent in Slo-/- cells. CCSM strips from Slo-/- mice demonstrated a four-fold increase in phasic contractions, in the presence of phenylephrine. Nerve-evoked relaxations of precontracted strips were reduced by 50%, both in strips from Slo-/- mice and by blocking BK channels with iberiotoxin in the Slo+/+ strips. Consistent with the in vitro results, in vivo intracavernous pressure exhibited pronounced oscillations in Slo-/- mice, but not in Slo+/+ mice. Furthermore, intracavernous pressure increases to nerve stimulation, in vivo, were reduced by 22% in Slo-/- mice. These results indicate that the BK channel has an important role in erectile function, and loss of the BK channel leads to erectile dysfunction.
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PMID:Erectile dysfunction in mice lacking the large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channel. 1602 Apr 53

The historical basis for understanding erectile function as a neurovascular phenomenon and the advance from fanciful to effective treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) are reviewed, with emphasis on patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). ED occurs in 60% of CVD patients by 40 years of age. Male ED and female sexual dysfunction (FSD) diminish quality of life and often warn of occult CVD. ED is often unrecognised but is readily diagnosed during a 5-minute interview using a truncated International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire. Erection of the penis and clitoral engorgement result from local, arousal-induced release of neuronal and endothelial-derived nitric oxide (NO). Arterial vasodilatation and relaxation of cavernosal smooth muscle cells cause arterial blood to flood trabecular spaces, compressing venous drainage, resulting in tumescence. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-induced activation of protein kinase G mediates the effects of NO by enhancing calcium sequestration and activating large-conductance, calcium-sensitive K+ channels. Future treatment strategies will likely enhance these pathways. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil) increase cGMP levels in erectile tissue. These agents are effective in 80% of CVD patients with ED and can be used safely, even in the presence of stable coronary disease or congestive heart failure, provided nitrates are avoided and patients do not have hypotension, severe aortic stenosis or evocable myocardial ischaemia. Second-line therapies (vacuum constrictor device and transurethral or intracavernosal prostaglandin E1) can also be used in CVD patients. Treatment of FSD and its relationship to CVD are less well established, but similarities to ED exist. ED can be prevented by reduction of CVD risk factors, exercise, weight loss and abstinence from smoking.
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PMID:Aetiology and management of male erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction in patients with cardiovascular disease. 1624 57

The nitric oxide (NO)-dependent signal transduction system, which is an essential mediatory pathway for penile erection, contains several molecular targets available for pharmacologic manipulation to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). The most prominent target identified thus far is phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), which enzymatically converts the intracellular second messenger molecule cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) to its inactive form. By its preservation, cGMP activates cGMP-dependent protein kinase I, which pivotally drives a biochemical cascade resulting in corporal smooth muscle relaxation and, hence, penile erection. This system mechanistically requires the synthesis of cGMP, secondary to the production and release of NO during sexual arousal. Accordingly, PDE5 inhibitors augment the erectile response. Key to erectogenesis are the relatively high concentrations of PDE5 enzymes in the corporal smooth muscle of the penis relative to other structures of the body. At present, 3 PDE5 inhibitors are approved for the therapeutic management of ED. All 3 have been studied extensively, both at the molecular pharmacologic level and in clinical trials. They have shown excellent clinical efficacy and safety. This presentation affirms the value of PDE5 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for ED.
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PMID:Phosphodiesterase 5 mechanisms and therapeutic applications. 1638 63

There is ample evidence from many epidemiological studies that lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and sexual dysfunction are strongly linked, independently of age and comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia and coronary heart disease. However, a causal link between both conditions is not yet established. Four pathophysiological mechanisms currently support the relationship between LUTS and erectile dysfunction (ED): (i) The nitric oxide synthase (NOS)/NO theory; there is a reduction in NOS-containing nerves in the prostate and bladder/urethra in patients with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), and that lack of NO or loss of protein kinase G causes ED; (ii) The autonomic hyperactivity and metabolic syndrome hypothesis: benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may be part of the metabolic syndrome, which includes cardiovascular diseases (e.g. hypertension, ischaemic heart disease) and diabetes mellitus, known risk factors for ED. Hypertension, obesity, and hyperinsulinaemia have all been claimed to be associated with an increased sympathetic activity. Increased sympathetic activity is involved in LUTS/BPH and may have a role in ED/sexual dysfunction, with noradrenaline and alpha1-adrenoceptors representing a common link; (iii) the Rho-kinase activation/endothelin pathway; there can be increased Rho-kinase activity, and consequently calcium sensitivity of the contractile machinery, in prostate smooth muscle in BPH, the detrusor in BOO, corpora cavernosa in ED, and in the resistance vessels in hypertension. The actions of several factors beside noradrenaline (e.g. endothelin-1, angiotensin II), possibly involved in the increased smooth muscle activity found in both LUTS/BPH and sexual dysfunction, are dependent on Rho-kinase activity. Thus increased Rho-kinase activity might represent a common link between LUTS and sexual dysfunction; (iv) Pelvic atherosclerosis; animal models mimicking pelvic ischaemia and hypercholesterolaemia show similar smooth muscle alterations of the detrusor and corpora. Pelvic ischaemia may induce the biological modifications described above and may thus represent as well a common link between LUTS and sexual dysfunction. Studies treating one condition (e.g. ED) and measuring the impact on the other (e.g. LUTS) should further contribute to support this common link.
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PMID:Lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual dysfunction: epidemiology and pathophysiology. 1650 50

Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor and is predominantly used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. While maintaining an excellent safety and tolerability profile in the management of erectile dysfunction, sildenafil also provides a prolonged benefit in various other diseases. Sildenafil has been shown to have a potential therapeutic efficacy for disorders related to the central nervous system and pulmonary system. In the central nervous system, it exerts its neuroprotective effects in multiple sclerosis and has a significant memory enhancing action. Sildenafil also significantly enhances neurogenesis. Several lines of evidence indicate that targeting PDE5 with sildenafil offers novel strategies in the treatment of age-related memory impairment. Guanylate cyclase/cGMP/protein kinase G pathway or glutamate/nitric oxide/cGMP pathway appears to mediate memory enhancing effects. Some of the positive cognitive features of sildenafil therapy are likely attributable to the mechanisms reviewed here. Sildenafil has been shown to reduce pulmonary hypertension and alleviate pain in animals and humans. The present review primarily focuses on the various pharmacological effects of sildenafil with regard to its influence on the nervous and pulmonary system.
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PMID:Versatile effects of sildenafil: recent pharmacological applications. 1755 93


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