MicroRNA-205 is associated with diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction via down-regulating the androgen receptor.

As a major class of regulatory genes in majority metazoans, microRNAs (miRs) play an important role in various diseases including diabetes mellitus (DM). Lack of androgens has previously been associated with DM-induced erectile dysfunction (DMED). In addition, the biological functioning of androgen is mediated by androgen receptor (AR). Herein, we sought to investigate whether miRs participate in AR-associated DMED. Sprague-Dawlay rats were employed to establish DMED models. After modelling, levels of miR-205 and AR in their cavernous bodies were measured. The relationship between miR-205 and AR was verified using a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. The underlying regulatory mechanisms of miR-205 were investigated in concert with the treatment of mimics or inhibitors of miR-205, or AR overexpression in the cavernous smooth muscle cells (CSMCs) isolated from rats with DMED. Meanwhile, the effects of miR-205 and AR on cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated using MTT assay and flow cytometry respectively. Rats with DMED presented with increased miR-205 and decreased AR levels in the cavernous bodies. AR was identified as a target gene of miR-205. Down-regulation of miR-205 or up-regulation of AR could increase proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of CSMCs in addition to improvements in the erectile functioning of rats with DMED. In summary, miR-205 may contribute to the pathogenesis of DMED via down-regulation of AR expressions.