Objective:

2

To explore the intrinsic relationship between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and erectile dysfunction (ED) and evaluate the therapeutic effects of Bazi Bushen Capsule (BZBS).

Methods:

2

A model of BPH concomitant with ED was established by using testosterone-supplemented spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Forty SHR

s were divided into 4 groups based on the random number table (

n

=10 per group)

including the model group (SHR+T)

the BZBS low-dose group (SHR+T+BZ-low)

the BZBS high-dose group (SHR+T+BZ-high)

and the finasteride group (SHR+T+Fi). Ten Wistar-Kyoto rats were set up as the control group. Except for the control group

SHRs were subcutaneously injected with 3 mg/kg testosterone

and treated with different therapeutic modalities at the same time for 28 d. The androgen signaling markers related to the prostate

markers of cell proliferation and apoptosis

indicators of corpus cavernosum fibrosis and contraction/relaxation function

inflammatory markers in the prostate and corpus cavernosum tissue were assessed. Network pharmacology analysis was conducted to identify the key therapeutic targets of BZBS and to further validate the experimental findings.

Results:

2

BZBS significantly reduced prostate wet weight and prostate index

and improved pathological changes (

P

<

0.01). BZBS modulated expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen

Bcl-2-associated X protein

and B-cell lymphoma 2 expression(

P

<

0.05 or

P

<

0.01). BZBS alleviated corpus cavernosum fibrosis

increased the smooth muscle area

upregulated α-smooth muscle actin expression

and improved functional markers—including Ras homolog family member A

Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2

endothelial nitric oxide synthase

nitric oxide

and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (

P

<

0.05 or

P

<

0.01). BZBS also regulated androgen levels

including dihydrotestosterone

5α-reductase type Ⅱ

and prostate-specific antigen (

P

<

0.05 or

P

<

0.01). Notably

BZBS effectively attenuated inflammatory responses in both the prostate and corpus cavernosum tissue (

P

<

0.05 or

P

<

0.01). Unlike finasteride—which primarily reduces prostate inflammation—BZBS

exhibited a dual therapeutic effect on both BPH and ED. Network pharmacology further suggested that BZBS exerts its effects through multiple inflammationrelated targets and pathways.

Conclusions:

2

Chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in both BPH and ED. BZBS effectively ameliorates these conditions by modulating inflammatory processes.