Presidentialism: What it Holds for the Future of Turkey

A transformation from parliamentarism to presidentialism has been an important debate in Turkey since 1980s. After 2010, discussions turned to creating a Turkish-style presidential system which brings many uncertainties for Turkey. Different scholars and politicians focus on the adaptation of presidential system; however, none of these studies provide any empirical work. They only evaluate the literature and conclude that a presidential system will provide political stability and improve Turkey’s economic, political, and social development. In order to fill this gap, this dissertation examines the applicability of a presidential system in Turkey by using quantitative analysis and country-based comparisons. The political instability issue has been the central topic of regime transformation. I evaluate this instability and parliamentary system puzzle and argue that the instability problem is not a result of the current parliamentary system; instead, it is based on the electoral system and highly fractionalized party structure. I further explore the relationship between government system and political, economic, social development in a time-series analysis covering the period from 1975-2010. The results suggest strongly that parliamentary systems have important advantages over presidential systems across a wide range of indicators of political and economic development. However, the results in these areas are not equally impressive for presidential systems. Lastly, I provide a country-based comparison in which Turkey is compared with other states that have or have tried a presidential system since 1975 by examining social, economic, political variables. It appears that each country has its own characteristics and may have different factors that affect its economic or political success. In other words, it is not proper to expect that a regime transformation to a presidential system will, per se, dramatically improve Turkey’s economic, political, social development. I find as well that there may be some difficulties with Turkey’s parliamentary system, but these alleged problems do not warrant a whole system change. It is important to analyze all the processes and develop a very well organized plan based on the features of Turkey. Because of the 1982 constitution and a new election procedure for president, it is crucial to focus on a new constitution

Potential therapeutic applications of mesenchymal stem cells for erectile dysfunction in diabetes mellitus: From preclinical/clinical perspectives

Diabetes-related complications affect all body organ systems, including the penis. Diabetes-induced erectile dysfunction (ED) is caused by neuropathy of the penile nerves and vasculopathy of the smooth muscle and endothelium corpus cavernosum. To present an overview of Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) research in diabetic animal models of ED, focusing on the function, signaling, and niches that have a prominent role in the regeneration of cavernosal cells and restoration of penile tissues. We highlight common erectile pathologies caused by diabetes and review relevant preclinical trials. We also discuss paracrine mechanisms of various MSC therapies involved in the repair of endothelial cells and cavernous nerves in these diabetic models. A PubMed search was performed, with dates ranging from inception until November 20, 2019. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the various strategies that have been investigated for improving MSC delivery methods, through preclinical literature and published clinical trials regarding ED in men with diabetes. MSC-type applications have been beneficial to erectile function in diabetic models of ED. This review examines the progress and remaining challenges in diabetes-related SC research regarding ED. Moving forward, it is only with a combined effort of basic biology and translational work that the potential of MSC-based therapies in diabetes can be realized.&nbsp;</p

Effect of aerial part and root extracts from Ferulago mughlae Pesmen and Ferulago sandrasica Pesmen & Quezel growing in Turkey on erectile dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

WOS: 000459615300010Ferulago species have been utilised since ancient times as antihelmentic, peptic, sedative and aphrodisiac, and as the seasoning in view of their special odors. In Turkish traditional medicine, the roots from some members of this genus are utilized as aphrodisiac, so we determined to show in vitro relaxant effect of F. mughlae Pesmen and F. sandrasica Pesmen & Quezel species extracts on corpus cavernosum (CC). A totality of 20 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (diabetic and control groups) were induced by single intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg of Streptozotocin. In vitro organ bath tests were carried out on rats to evaluate isometric pressure. Tissues were stretched with phenylephrine (Phe), and relaxation responses relevant to acetylcholine (ACh, 1 mM), sodium nitroprusside (SNP 0.1 mu M) and electrical field stimulation (EFS, frequency 20 Hz) were gained. Whole these concentration-response curves were replicated with aqueous extracts obtained from the aerial parts and roots. The extracts were active in both groups. It was found that root extracts of F. mughlae and F. sandrasica yielded 97.80% and 97.55% relaxation. Among the extracts of roots (especially roots of F. mughlae) showed the best activity. On the other hand, lyophilized aqueous extracts of aerial part (especially F. sandrasica) showed the worst activity. Based on this findings, the roots of this species deserve further in vivo assessments for their aphrodisiac potential

Evaluation of combined therapeutic effects of hydrogen sulfide donor sodium hydrogen sulfide and phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor tadalafil on erectile dysfunction in a partially bladder outlet obstructed rat model

Aims: To evaluate the impacts of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor, sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS), and phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor (PDE5i), tadalafil per se and their combination treatment on partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO)-induced erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into five groups: (a) sham-operated control; (b) PBOO; (c) PBOO-treated with NaHS (5.6 mg/kg/day, ip); (d) PBOO-treated with tadalafil (2 mg/kg/day, oral); and (e) PBOO-treated with combination of NaHS and tadalafil. The obstruction was created by urethral ligation for 6 weeks. In vivo erectile responses, in vitro relaxant and contractile responses in penile tissue as well as protein expression of nitric oxide synthases (NOS), H2S synthesis enzymes, oxidative stress, hypoxia, fibrosis markers, and the smooth muscle/collagen ratio and apoptosis were analyzed. Results: Combined treatment entirely returned increased bladder mass, reduced erectile responses, relaxation responses to acetylcholine, and electrical field stimulation in obstructed rats, while partial amelioration was observed after mono-treatment. Decreased neuronal NOS and 3-mercaptopiruvate transferase enzyme expressions in penile tissue from obstructed rats were also entirely restored by the combined treatment. Mono-treatment partially improved increased hypoxia, oxidative stress, fibrosis markers, decreased smooth muscle mass, and H2S levels, while combined therapy completely recovered. Conclusions: The combination therapy with H2S donor and PDE5i had positive effects on erectile responses through the improvement of ischemia-induced morphological and functional penile alterations in obstruction. H2S and NO may likely play a synergistic role in the regulation of erectile function and have constructive effects on clinical outcomes in male patients with ED and benign prostatic hyperplasia/lower urinary tract symptoms

Update on Drug Interactions With Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors Prescribed as First-Line Therapy for Patients with Erectile Dysfunction or Pulmonary Hypertension

Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i, sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil and avanafil) are a first-line medical therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED). In all likelihood, PDE5i usage will increase because sildenafil (Viagra(R) and Revatio(R)) and tadalafil (Cialis(R) and Adcirca(R)) have recently been recommended as first-line therapy for patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). PDE5i exhibit higher plasma concentrations when co-administered with cytochrome P (CYP) 3A inhibitors, which influences their side-effect profile. The higher PDE5i plasma concentrations, caused by CYP3A inhibitors, influence the severity and timing of PDE5i drug interactions and require dose adjustment. PDE5i are safe when used with most antihypertensive agents, but co-administration with nitrates or alpha-blockers can cause severe hypotension and syncope. Dose adjustment is also necessary when PDE5i are co-administered with CYP3A inducers. The combination of oral tadalafil and bosentan (endothelin receptor antagonist) reduces tadalafil levels and requires dose adjustment. Current literature reports a number of interactions between PDE5i and other agents and further studies are needed to expand our knowledge base of these interactions. This review discusses relevant PDE5i drug interactions, including those with CYP 450 inhibitors and inducers which are frequently used during the treatment of ED and PH

The beneficial effect of clove essential oil and its major component, eugenol, on erectile function in diabetic rats.

Diabetic men are at a higher risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). A tropical plant, clove (Syn. Eugenia caryophyllata, Caryophyllus aromaticus L., Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry) from the Myrtaceae family has displayed aphrodisiac activity. The present research aimed to investigate the impacts of clove essential oil (CEO) and the ingredient of CEO, eugenol (E) on ED in diabetic rats. We divided Sprague-Dawley rats into control and diabetic groups. Erectile function was evaluated before and after CEO and E intracavernosal injection. CEO- and E-induced relaxation responses were investigated in isolated corpus cavernosum (CC) using various inhibitors. The intracavernous administration of CEO and E restored erectile responses in diabetic rats. CEO and E induced remarkable relaxation in all groups. CEO- and E-induced relaxation responses were partially inhibited after pre-contraction with KCl. Tetraethylammonium and glibenclamide inhibited the relaxation response to CEO. Glibenclamide inhibited maximum relaxation to E. The inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), soluble guanylyl cyclase and nifedipine did not change CEO- and E-induced relaxation responses. The current results suggest that CEO and the major compound of the essential oil, E improved diabetes-induced ED in rats, and CEO caused CC relaxation via K channels independently NO signalling pathway

The beneficial effect of clove essential oil and its major component, eugenol, on erectile function in diabetic rats.

Diabetic men are at a higher risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). A tropical plant, clove (Syn. Eugenia caryophyllata, Caryophyllus aromaticus L., Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry) from the Myrtaceae family has displayed aphrodisiac activity. The present research aimed to investigate the impacts of clove essential oil (CEO) and the ingredient of CEO, eugenol (E) on ED in diabetic rats. We divided Sprague-Dawley rats into control and diabetic groups. Erectile function was evaluated before and after CEO and E intracavernosal injection. CEO- and E-induced relaxation responses were investigated in isolated corpus cavernosum (CC) using various inhibitors. The intracavernous administration of CEO and E restored erectile responses in diabetic rats. CEO and E induced remarkable relaxation in all groups. CEO- and E-induced relaxation responses were partially inhibited after pre-contraction with KCl. Tetraethylammonium and glibenclamide inhibited the relaxation response to CEO. Glibenclamide inhibited maximum relaxation to E. The inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), soluble guanylyl cyclase and nifedipine did not change CEO- and E-induced relaxation responses. The current results suggest that CEO and the major compound of the essential oil, E improved diabetes-induced ED in rats, and CEO caused CC relaxation via K channels independently NO signalling pathway