MicroRNA-29b attenuates fibrosis in a rat model of Peyronie's disease.

BACKGROUND: Peyronie's disease is characterized by the formation of fibrotic plaques in the penile tunica albuginea. Effective treatments are limited, warranting the investigation of new promising therapies, such as the application of microRNAs that regulate fibrosis-related genes. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of mimicking microRNA-29b in a fibrin-induced rat model of Peyronie's disease. MATERIAL/METHODS: The study was designed in two phases. To establish an optimal Peyronie's disease model, rats received either human fibrin and thrombin or saline solutions into the tunica albuginea on days 0 and 5. The animal model validation was done through expression and histopathological analyses, the latest by an experienced uropathologist. After validation, we performed microRNA-29b treatment on days 14, 21, and 28 of the study. This phase had control (normal saline) and scramble (microRNA scramble) groups. The mid-penile shaft was removed on day 30 for histological examination and molecular analyses in both study stages. RESULTS: The control group displayed typical tunica albuginea histologic architecture in the animal model validation. In Peyronie's disease group, the Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson Trichrome staining methods demonstrated an interstitial inflammatory process with concomitant dense fibrotic plaques as well as disarrangement of collagen fibers. Additionally, we found out that reduced microRNA-29b (p = 0.05) was associated with significantly increased COL1A1 and transforming growth factor ß1 genes and proteins (p > 0.05) in the Peyronie's disease group. After treatment with mimic microRNA-29b stimulation, the Hematoxylin & eosin and Masson Trichrome staining revealed a discrete and less dense fibrotic plaque. This result was associated with significantly decreasing expression of COL1A1, COL3A1, and transforming growth factor ß1 genes and proteins (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: The fibrin-induced animal model showed significant histopathological and molecular changes compared to the Control group, suggesting that our model was appropriate. Previous findings have shown that increased expression of microRNA-29b was associated with decreased pathological fibrosis. In the present study, treatment with microRNA-29b decreased the gene and protein expression of collagens and transforming growth factor ß1. This study reveals the therapeutic potential for Peyronie's disease involving molecular targets. CONCLUSION: MicroRNA-29b application on the rat's tunica albuginea attenuated fibrosis, arising as a novel potential strategy for Peyronie's disease management.

Global Perspective on the Management of Peyronie's Disease.

Introduction: Peyronie's disease is the disease that results in an alteration in the curvature of the penis, which can lead to a shortening of length, pain in erection, or difficulties in penetration, thus leading the patient to psychological alterations due to loss of functionality such as aesthetic alteration. That is why there are several studies to define the best form of treatment, which currently continues to be the first choice surgical treatment. Objective: We present the most recommended therapies for Peyronie's disease and suggest an algorithm as a guide to direct therapy. Methods: We used the PubMed platform to review the literature related to Peyronie's disease. Various editorials were reviewed as well as original articles and reviews focusing on the various treatments as well as their indications and results. Results: Peyronie's disease in which conservative or drug treatment does not have a response, surgical treatment with corporoplasty, penile prosthesis implantation or both may be indicated. Corporoplasty refers to both the plication of the tunica albuginea as well as the incision of the tunica with the placement of a graft. An accurate history should always be carried out to identify erectile dysfunction as well as to be able to guide you on the repercussions of the treatment. If refractory erectile dysfunction is present, placement of a penile prosthesis with or without further adjunctive straightening maneuvers is recommended. We reviewed the indications, advantages, disadvantages, and results of the available techniques, and proposed a surgical treatment algorithm. Conclusion: Penile shortening procedures are usually indicated in curvatures <60°, in penises with adequate length. Partial excision/incision and grafting are indicated for curvatures >60°, hourglass or hinge deformities, and short penises, if the patient's erectile function is adequate. The presence of "borderline" erectile function and/or ventral curvature tilts the choice toward shortening procedures, and refractory erectile dysfunction is an indication for penile prosthesis placement. An accurate risk/benefit assessment of the individual patient as well as meticulous patient counseling are critically important.

Caracterización clínica epidemiológica de los pacientes con enfermedad de la Peyronie infiltrados con células mononucleares / Clinical Epidemiological Characterization of Peyronie's Disease Patients Infiltrated With Mononuclear Cells

Introducción: La enfermedad de la Peyronie resulta poco común e involucra a hombres de mediana edad. Objetivo: Caracterizar los aspectos clínicos y epidemiológicos de los pacientes con enfermedad de la Peyronie infiltrados con células mononucleares. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico, longitudinal prospectivo en el Hospital General Docente "Comandante Pinares" desde junio de 2015 hasta mayo de 2018, con una muestra de 159 pacientes. Se controlaron las variables de edad, color de la piel, factores etiológicos, curvatura y desviación del pene además de síntomas y signos. Resultados: El mayor número de pacientes correspondieron a la edad de 50-59 años, de piel blanca, grados de curvatura entre 20o y 39o. Después del tratamiento 115 pacientes se encontraron con curvatura menor a 20o y desviación dorsal. Las causas más frecuentes de los microtraumas a nivel de pene resultan durante al acto sexual o en estado flácido del pene (105/159). La diabetes mellitus y la hipertensión arterial, con 59,7 y 30,8 por ciento, respectivamente resultan los factores etiológicos más frecuentes; los síntomas y signos fueron el dolor y la curvatura, 115 pacientes presentaron ausencia de dolor al hacer la comparación de la media al concluir el tratamiento, resultando significativo (p= 0,0000). Conclusiones: La enfermedad de la Peyronie resulta frecuente en pacientes de la quinta década de la vida, con color de piel blanca. La causa más frecuente son los microtraumas en la actividad sexual, la diabetes mellitus y la hipertensión arterial como antecedentes patológicos personales. Existe mejoría de la sintomatología en los pacientes infiltrados con células mononucleares(AU)

Introduction: Peyronie's disease is rare and involves middle-aged men. Objective: To characterize the clinical and epidemiological aspects of patients with Peyronie's disease infiltrated with mononuclear cells. Methods: An observational, analytical, prospective longitudinal study was carried out at the "Comandante Pinares" General Teaching Hospital from June 2015 to May 2018, with a sample of 159 patients. The variables of age, skin color, etiological factors, curvature and deviation of the penis, as well as symptoms and signs, were controlled. Results: The largest number of patients corresponded to the age of 50-59 years, white skin, degrees of curvature between 20o and 39o. After treatment, 115 patients were found to have curvature less than 20o and dorsal deviation. The most frequent cause of penile microtrauma is during sexual intercourse or in the flaccid state of the penis (105/159). Diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension, with 59.7 and 30.8 percent, respectively, are the most frequent etiological factors; the symptoms and signs were pain and curvature, 115 patients presented absence of pain when comparing the mean at the end of the treatment, being significant (p= 0.0000). Conclusions: Peyronie's disease is frequent in patients of the fifth decade of life, with white skin color. The most frequent cause are microtraumas in sexual activity, diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension as personal pathological antecedents. There is improvement of the symptoms in patients infiltrated with mononuclear cells(AU)

Downregulation of miR-29b is associated with Peyronie's disease.

BACKGROUND: Peyronie's disease (PD) is characterized by the formation of fibrous plaque in tunica albuginea, causing several problems in patients. The etiology of this disease is not fully understood, and there are few effective treatments. To better understand the molecular pathways of PD, we studied miR-29b, a microRNA that could be involved with this illness. MicroRNAs are endogenous molecules that act by inhibiting messenger RNA. MiR-29b regulates 11 of 20 collagen genes and the TGF-ß1 gene, which are related to PD progression. METHODS: We compared miR-29b expression in 11 patients with PD and 14 patients without PD (control group). For the patients with PD, we utilized samples from the fibrous plaque (n = 9), from the tunica albuginea (n = 11), and from the corpus cavernosum (n = 8). For the control group, we utilized samples from the tunica albuginea (n = 14) and from the corpus cavernosum (n = 10). MiR-29b expression was determined by q-PCR. RESULTS: We found a downregulation of miR-29b in the fibrous plaque, tunica albuginea and corpus cavernosum of patients with PD in comparison with the control group (p = 0.0484, p = 0.0025, and p = 0.0016, respectively). CONCLUSION: Although our study has a small sample, we showed for the first time an evidence that the downregulation of miR-29b is associated with PD.

New in vivo model to assess macroscopic, histological, and molecular changes in Peyronie's disease.

BACKGROUND: Peyronie's Disease (PD) is a connective tissue disorder that affects the tunica albuginea (TA) of the penis causing curvature and erectile dysfunction. The pathophysiology is not well understood and, for this reason, treatment options are limited. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to analyze and compare whether single or multiple instillations of plasma in the TA of rats is capable of triggering macroscopic, histopathological, and molecular changes consistent with PD. MATERIAL/METHODS: Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Group 1: a single instillation of plasma in the TA; Group 2: a single instillation of distilled water in the TA; Group 3: four instillations of plasma in the TA (1x per week); and Group 4: four instillations of distilled water in the TA (1× per week). Forty-five days after the last instillation a manual inspection of the corpus cavernosum, a penile erection test and a penectomy were performed to obtain material for histopathological and molecular analysis. RESULTS: It was observed that 31.25% of the rats that received repeated instillations of plasma presented penile curvature according to the erection test, while none of the rats from the control group or group with one instillation of plasma presented curvature. In the animals that received four instillations of plasma, the following differences were observed in relation to the control group: increase in fibrosis and the deposition of collagen I. The protein expression of heparanase (HPSE) and TGF-ß increased in the groups that received a single or four instillations of plasma, and the protein expression of heparanase-2 (HPSE-2), metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) and metalloproteinase inhibitor (TIMP-2) showed an increase in the group that received four instillations of plasma. There was a significant increase in the gene expression of HPSE, MMP-9, and TGF-ß in the group that received four instillations of plasma. In the analysis of the glycosaminoglycans, an increase was observed in the secretion of galactosaminoglycans chondroitin sulfate and dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) in the group that received four instillations of plasma. DISCUSSION: Previous studies have demonstrated increased protein expression. of HPSE, MMP-9 and TGF-ß with instillation of blood in the TA; however, there was no increase in gene expression. In the present study, the increase in the expression of TGF-ß with plasma instillations, proved to be more reliable. The two models with plasma (one or four instillations) demonstrated significant histopathological and molecular changes when compared to the control group. However, only in the group with four plasma instillations there was a macroscopic change. The idea is that repeatedly extravasation of TGF-ß present in plasma of predisposed individuals acts as a trigger for the development and maintenance of changes in the extracellular matrix that perpetuate an anomalous inflammatory process present in PD. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that the repeated instillation of plasma is a low cost in vivo model for the study of PD.

Utilización de pentoxifilina en fase aguda de enfermedad de La Peyronie / Use of Pentoxifylline in the acute phase of Peyronie's disease

INTRODUCCIÓN: existe una gran variedad de tratamientos orales para la Enfermedad de La Peyronie (EP), pero ninguno demostró ser efectivo. En los últimos años se ha propuesto a la Pentoxifilina (PTX) como un potencial agente para su tratamiento. OBJETIVO: evaluar la evolución clínica de los pacientes que recibieron PTX al menos 3 meses durante la fase aguda de la EP. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: estudio de cohorte retrospectivo y observacional. Los datos se obtuvieron de las historias clínicas de pacientes con diagnóstico de EP entre enero y octubre de 2017. Para la evaluación objetiva, se utilizaron autofotografías y técnica de Kelami. RESULTADOS: 93 hombres cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. El tiempo medio de tratamiento con PTX fue de 7,9 meses, y el de seguimiento, 10,8 meses. El 59,1% de los pacientes no tuvo modificaciones en su curvatura, el 9,7% mejoró, mientras que el 31,2% empeoró. De 49 pacientes que penetraban sin dificultad, 34 (69,4%) no tuvieron cambios, 12 (24,5%) pasaron a tener dificultad y 3 (6,1%) se convirtieron en no penetradores (p 0,0001). De los 41 pacientes que tenían dificultad en la penetración, 13 (31,7%) pudieron penetrar sin dificultad, 7 (17,1%) pasaron a no poder hacerlo, mientras que el resto (21 pacientes) se mantuvo sin cambios (p 0,0001). La correlación entre la curvatura inicial y la curvatura luego del tratamiento medido en todos los pacientes fue significativa (p 0,028). CONCLUSIÓN: la PTX podría tener un efecto positivo en estabilizar la enfermedad, y los hombres con EP en fase aguda podrían beneficiarse con el tratamiento.

INTRODUCTION: There is a wide variety of oral treatments for Peyronie's Disease (PD) but none proved to be effective. In recent years, Pentoxifylline (PTX) has been proposed as a potential agent for the treatment. Objective: To evaluate the clinical evolution of patients who received PTX at least 3 months during the acute phase of PD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective and observational cohort study. The data were obtained from the clinical records of patients diagnosed with PE between January 2007 and October 2017. For their objective evaluation, autographs and the Kelami technique were used. RESULTS: 93 men met the inclusion criteria. The mean time of treatment with PTX was 7.9 months and the follow-up time was 10.8 months. 59.1% of patients had no changes in their curvature, 9.7% improved, while 31.2% worsened. Of 49 patients who entered without difficulty in penetrating, 34 (69.4%) had no changes, 12 (24.4%) had difficulty and 3 (6.1%) became non-penetrators (p 0.0001). Of the 41 patients who had difficulty in penetrating, 13 (31.7%) could penetrate without difficulty, 7 (17.1%) were unable to do so, while the rest (21 patients) remained unchanged (p. 0.0001). The correlation between initial curvature and curvature after treatment measured in all patients was significant (p 0.028). CONCLUSION: PTX could have a positive effect in stabilizing the disease and men with acute phase PE could benefit with treatment.

Surgical Treatment of Peyronie's Disease: Systematic Review of Techniques Involving or Not Tunica Albuginea Incision.

INTRODUCTION: Peyronie's disease is characterized by abnormal healing of the tunica albuginea (TA), resulting in the production of a fibrotic plaque that leads to penile curvature and considerable psychological impact. Precise knowledge of various surgical techniques is of fundamental importance for proper management of the patient. AIM: To compare results (including surgical success on quality of life and sexual satisfaction and complications) between 2 different techniques: with TA incision vs without TA incision. METHODS: The search was performed according to PRISMA in PubMed and Embase through September 2018. Key words searched were ["Peyronie" or "Peyronie's disease" or "penile curvature" or "penile induration"] and ["technique" or "surgery" or "surgical"] and ["quality of life" or "sexual quality of life" or "sexual satisfaction" or "outcome" or "outcomes"]. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Thirty-one articles were considered for this review. The main outcomes were reported descriptively. RESULTS: The most significant results included penile straightening (88.5% vs 70.9% favoring not opening TA), perception of a palpable nodule (13.2% vs 27.4% favoring not opening TA), and loss of sensibility (11% vs 20% favoring not opening TA). Neither a prospective randomized study nor a direct comparison study has been performed for these techniques. There is no consensus among the studies on how to measure results. Subjective criteria were primarily used for evaluation, and there is a paucity of objective tools to quantify the outcomes. CONCLUSION: There is no consensus on which technique achieves better results or fewer complications; therefore, the decision on which technique to use is a matter of surgeon preference. Studies comparing distinctive techniques and either opening or not opening the tunica albuginea should be performed to support surgical decision making. In addition, guidelines that could assist in the standardization of criteria should be investigated in future studies, with the aim of better evaluating outcomes. Barbosa, ARG, Takemura LS, Cha JD, et al. Surgical Treatment of Peyronie's Disease: Systematic Review of Techniques Involving or Not Tunica Albuginea Incision. Sex Med Rev 2020;8:324-332.

The Effects of Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum on Plantar Fibromatosis: A Case Study.

Plantar fibromatosis, also known as Ledderhose's disease, is a rare disorder of benign fibroblast proliferation involving the plantar aponeurosis (i.e., plantar fascia). Traditionally, surgical intervention has been the most common treatment for plantar fibromatosis. However, numerous studies have reported high recurrence rates of plantar fibromatosis after surgical intervention, as well as wound healing difficulties and nerve injury. Plantar fibromatosis often coexists with other superficial fibrous diseases such as Dupuytren's contracture and Peyronie's disease; immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analyses suggest a relationship between Ledderhose's disease and Dupuytren's contracture. The US Food and Drug Administration approved collagenase Clostridium histolyticum for the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture in 2010 and Peyronie's disease in 2013. This case study presents the successful treatment of Ledderhose's disease almost 4 years (45.5 months) after off-label use of collagenase C. histolyticum injection in a 22-year-old white female who had recurrent plantar fibromatosis after surgical intervention.

Tratamento da Doença de Peyronie com hipertermia, vitamina D e testosterona ­ Estudo piloto randomizado controlado / TREATMENT OF PEYRONIE'S DISEASE WITH HYPERTERMIA, VITAMIND AND TESTOSTERONE ­ A PILOT RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

A doença de Peyronie caracteriza-se pela presença de placas de fibrose no pênis, com ou sem curvatura, estrangulamento e encurtamento do pênis e, em muitos casos, disfunção erétil. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a eficácia da combinação de hipertermia usando laser infravermelho (aplicado pelo próprio paciente), testosterona intramuscular e gel 10% diretamente no pênis e vitamina D por via oral VS hipertermia isolada usando o mesmo regime de laser infravermelho. Vinte pacientes que preencheram os critérios de inclusão foram randomizados em dois grupos de dez pacientes. Os dois grupos apresentaram significativa diminuição da placa. Conclusão: este estudo piloto demonstrou que a hipertermia usando laser infravermelho isoladamente pode ser um método promissor para tratar a doença de Peyronie

The Multiple-Slit Technique (MUST) for Penile Length and Girth Restoration.

BACKGROUND: Patients with severe erectile dysfunction (ED) and penile size issues, especially seen in Peyronie's disease (PD), are candidates for more invasive penile prosthesis insertion techniques that aim for penile length and girth reconstruction. AIM: To present the feasibility and safety of penile length and girth restoration based on the so-called multiple-slit technique (MUST) for patients with severe ED and significant penile shortening with or without PD. METHODS: From July 2013 through January 2016, 138 patients underwent the MUST. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction were completed. OUTCOMES: Outcome analysis was focused on penile length restoration, penile curvature correction, intra- and postoperative complications, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: 138 patients underwent the procedure (103 malleable and 35 inflatable devices). Etiologies of penile shortening and narrowing were PD, severe ED, post-radical prostatectomy, and androgen-deprivation therapy with or without brachytherapy or external radiotherapy for prostate cancer, and post-penile fracture in 60.1%, 24.6%, 10.1%, 3.6%, and 2.2%, respectively. In PD cases, the mean deviation of the penile axis was 55° (range = 0-90°). Mean subjective penile length loss reported was 3.2 cm (range = 1-5 cm), and shaft constriction was present in 44.9%. Median follow-up was 15.2 months (range = 6-36 months). Mean penile length gain was 3.1 cm (range = 2-5 cm). No penile prosthesis infection caused device explantation. One glans necrosis was encountered. The average IIEF score increased from 22 points at baseline to 66 points at 6-month follow-up. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The MUST helps address penile size issues in cases of severe ED with concomitant conditions that impair penile length or girth. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: The strength of the study is its applicability to provide surgeons with a solution for cases in which patients have severe ED and penile size impairment owing to underlying conditions such as PD. The study is limited by the relatively short follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The MUST is an effective, safe, and viable treatment option for a selected patient cohort. Because of the potential complications, proper counseling should take place and only experienced surgeons should perform this type of surgery. Egydio PH, Kuehhas FE. The Multiple-Slit Technique (MUST) for Penile Length and Girth Restoration. J Sex Med 2018;15:261-269.

Extracellular matrix alterations in the Peyronie's disease.

Peyronie's disease is characterized by fibrous plaque formation of the tunica albuginea, causing penile deformity and fertility problems. The aim of the present study was to investigate alterations in the extracellular matrix in Peyronie's disease. The study used tissues collected by surgical procedure from individuals that presented a well-established disease, while control samples were obtained by biopsies of fresh cadavers. Immunohistochemistry analysis followed by digital quantification was performed to evaluate TGF-ß, heparanases and metalloproteinases (MMPs). The profile of sulfated glycosaminoglycans, chondroitin sulfate and dermatan sulfate was determined by agarose gel electrophoresis, while hyaluronic acid quantification was obtained by an ELISA-like assay. The expression of mRNA was investigated for syndecan-1 proteoglycan (Syn-1), interleukine-6 (IL-6), hyaluronic acid synthases, and hyaluronidases. Pathologic features showed decreased apoptosis and blood vessel number in Peyronie's tissues. TGF-ß and IL-6 were significantly enhanced in Peyronie's disease. There was an increased expression of heparanases, though no alteration was observed for MMPs. Hyaluronic acid as well as hyaluronic acid synthases, hyaluronidases, and dermatan sulfate were not changed, while the level of chondroitin sulfate was significantly (P = 0.008, Mann-Whitney test) increased in Peyronie's samples. Heparanases and sulfated glycosaminoglycans seem to be involved in extracellular matrix alterations in Peyronie's disease.

Enfermedad de La Peyronié, un trastorno infradiagnosticado / La Peyronié´s disease, an infra-diagnosed disorder

La enfermedad de La Peyronie es una entidad patológica descrita por primera vez en 1743, por François Gigot de la Peyronie, que se manifiesta como una induración en la albugínea de los cuerpos cavernosos del pene. Es un reconocido problema que afecta a los hombres de la mediana edad. En estudios realizados se constata que su incidencia real es muy superior a la del diagnóstico. Su sintomatología consiste en la incurvación del pene durante la erección, dolor y pobre consistencia en la zona de incurvación. Debido al infradiagnóstico de esta patología y la repercusión que tiene para el paciente, se decide realizar la presentación de un caso de enfermedad de La Peyronié. Paciente ACS con 25 años de edad, blanco, que acude a consulta por dolor y aumento de volumen de la porción proximal del pene, acompañado de un cuadro depresivo, con antecedente familiar de madre con enfermedad de Ledderhose. El ultrasonido del pene mostró múltiples placas de fibrosis, el resto de los complementarios sin alteración. Se hace necesaria la divulgación de la enfermedad para la realización de un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno (AU).

La Peyronié´s disease is a pathological entity firstly described in 1743, by François Gigot de la Peyronie, presented as an induration in the albuginia of the cavernous body of the penis. It is a recognized problem affecting middle-aged men. In carried-out studies it is stated that its real incidence is much higher than the diagnostic incidence. The symptoms are penis curvature during the erection, pain and poor consistence in the zone of the curvature. Due to this disease's infra-diagnosis and the repercussion it has for the patient, we decided to present a case of La Peyronie´s disease. ACS patient, aged 25 years, white, assisting the consultation because of a pain and a volume increase of the penis proximal portion, accompanied by depression, and family antecedents of mother with Ledderhose´s disease. The penis ultrasound imaging showed fibrosis plaques; the rest of the complementary tests showed no alterations. It is necessary to popularize this disease for its opportune diagnosis and treatment (AU).

Penile lengthening and widening without grafting according to a modified 'sliding' technique.

OBJECTIVE: To present the feasibility and safety of penile length and girth restoration based on a modified 'sliding' technique for patients with severe erectile dysfunction (ED) and significant penile shortening, with or without Peyronie's disease (PD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2013 and January 2014, 143 patients underwent our modified 'sliding' technique for penile length and girth restoration and concomitant penile prosthesis implantation. It is based on three key elements: (i) the sliding manoeuvre for penile length restoration; (ii) potential complementary longitudinal ventral and/or dorsal tunical incisions for girth restoration; and (iii) closure of the newly created rectangular bow-shaped tunical defects with Buck's fascia only. RESULTS: In all, 143 patients underwent the procedure. The causes of penile shortening and narrowing were: PD in 53.8%; severe ED with unsuccessful intracavernosal injection therapy in 21%; post-radical prostatectomy 14.7%; androgen-deprivation therapy, with or without brachytherapy or external radiotherapy, for prostate cancer in 7%; post-penile fracture in 2.1%; post-redo-hypospadias repair in 0.7%; and post-priapism in 0.7%. In patients with ED and PD, the mean (range) deviation of the penile axis was 45 (0-100)°. The mean (range) subjective penile shortening reported by patients was 3.4 (1-7) cm and shaft constriction was present in 53.8%. Malleable penile prostheses were used in 133 patients and inflatable penile prostheses were inserted in 10 patients. The median (range) follow-up was 9.7 (6-18) months. The mean (range) penile length gain was 3.1 (2-7) cm. No penile prosthesis infection caused device explantation. The average International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score increased from 24 points at baseline to 60 points at the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Penile length and girth restoration based on our modified sliding technique is a safe and effective procedure. The elimination of grafting saves operative time and, consequently, decreases the infection risk and costs associated with surgery.

A geometric model of plaque incision and graft for Peyronie's disease with geometric analyses of different techniques.

INTRODUCTION: A surgical approach with plaque incision and graft (PIG) to correct Peyronie's disease is the best method for complex, large deviations. However, the geometric and mechanical consequences of this intervention are poorly understood. AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze the geometric and mechanical consequences of PIG on penile straighten surgery. METHOD: A tridimensional penile simile model with a curvature of 85° was created to test all of the most common PIG techniques. PIG with double-Y, H-shape, and Egydio techniques were used to rectify the curved penile model. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The results that differed from a rectified cylinder shape were highlighted. RESULTS: All of the analyzed techniques created a geometric distortion that could be linked to poor surgical results. We suggest a new technique to resolve these abnormalities. CONCLUSION: Current techniques designed to correct penile deviation using PIG present geometric and mechanical imperfections with potential consequences to the postoperative success rate. The new technique proposed in this report could be a possible solution to solve the geometric distortion caused by PIG.

Treatments for fibrosis of the corpora cavernosa.

INTRODUCTION: Corporal fibrosis usually occurs after explantation of an infected penile prosthesis, severe penile trauma, refractory low-flow priapism, Peyronie's disease, or the chronic intracavernous injection of vasoactive drugs. METHODS: We analysed current treatmentss for penile fibrosis. We searched PubMed using the keywords 'penile corporal fibrosis', 'treatment' and 'penile fibrosis', resulting in 63 matches, of which 19 articles met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: This review covers conservative medical therapy for corporal fibrosis and surgical therapeutic methods. The roles of phosphodiesterase- 5 inhibitors and pentoxifylline are analysed. Surgical therapy includes implantation of a penile prosthesis and corporal reconstruction, and these are reviewed. Corporal fibrosis is a major problem for patients, and is associated with severe erectile dysfunction. Conservative treatment options can be applicable in the early phase, but simultaneous corporal reconstruction procedures with concomitant implantation of a penile prosthesis should be attempted in severe cases of corporal fibrosis.

Long-term follow-up of penile curvature correction utilizing autologous albugineal crural graft

PURPOSE: Peyronie's disease is an acquired connective tissue disorder of the penile tunica albuginea with fibrosis and inflammation. The disease produces palpable plaques, penile curvature and pain during erections. Usually it results in impairment of the quality of life. Our objective is to review the long-term results of the albugineal grafting harvested from the penile crura for the treatment of severe penile curvature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients with Peyronie's disease were submitted to a grafting with tunica albuginea from the penile crura for the correction of penile curvature. The results were evaluated after 6 months of the procedure. Variables studied were overall satisfaction with the procedure, correction of the penile curvature, erectile capacity, penile shortening and the presence of surgical complications. RESULTS: Mean follow-up after surgery was 41 months. Complete correction of the curvature was achieved in 30 patients (90%). The mean preoperative curvature was 91.8 degrees and median plaque length was 2 cm (ranged from 1 to 5 cm). Three patients (9%) experienced recurrence of the penile curvature and required a new procedure. In 30 men (90%) the procedure fulfilled their expectations and in 31 patients (93.9%) their opinions were that sexual partners were satisfied with the penile correction. Penile shortening or augmentation was referred in 6 (18.1%) and 1 (3%) patient, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our series demonstrated that grafting the albugineal defect after incision of the tunica albuginea with tunica from the crus for the correction of penile curvature is safe and results in satisfactory straight erections duringa long-term follow-up.

Actualización sobre la enfermedad de Peyronie / Update on Peyronie´s disease

La enfermedad de Peyronie es un trastorno de la túnica albugínea del pene caracterizada por la formación de placas fibrosas que conlleva a curvaturas patológicas del mismo. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo revisar los nuevos conceptos y los avances en los tratamientos, tanto quirúrgicos como no quirúrgicos, los orales o intralesionales, para manejar adecuadamente al paciente o para seguir un tratamiento que conlleve la mejoría de la sintomatología y de la calidad de vida de los hombres que padecen esta enfermedad. La enfermedad de Peyronie es un trastorno que no es tan infrecuente en la población masculina, que se acompaña de disfunción eréctil, una de las alteraciones que genera más consultas urológicas.

Peyronie’s disease, it is a disorder of the tunica albuginea of the penis, characterized by the formation of fibrotic plates that cause pathological curvatures of this organ. The present article aims to update new concepts, and advances in the both surgical and non surgical oral or intralesional treatments, in order to manage adequately the patient, or to follow a treatment that would improve their symptomatology and the quality of life. Peyronie’s disease is a disorder, not so infrequent in the masculine population which accompanies erectile dysfunction, one of the disorders that seen in urological services.

Enfermedad de la Peyronie: algunas impresiones sobre la cirugía de la enfermedad avanzada / Peyronie-s disease: some impressions of surgery for the advanced disease

Introducción: La enfermedad de La Peyronie es una entidad relativamente poco frecuente entre la población masculina, pero sus efectos pueden llegar a ser sexual y sicológicamente devastadores para el hombre afectado por ésta. De etiología poco definida, las alternativas terapéuticas son dirigidas solamente a la corrección del defecto. Múltiples técnicas quirúrgicas han sido desarrolladas. Se presenta aquí la experiencia con el uso de vena safena como parche autólogo para cubrir el defecto de la incisión de placa. Material y métodos: Ocho pacientes portadores de enfermedad avanzada, con incurvación y/o deformación incapacitante funcional al pene, son sometidos a esta cirugía. Son evaluados a los tres y cinco meses posoperatoriamente. Resultados: En 4/8 el resultado funcional no es óptimo por la pérdida progresiva de rigidez, lo que obliga a un implante protésico en un segundo tiempo quirúrgico en estos casos para una resolución más definitiva. Conclusión: La edad puede ser un factor pronóstico relacionado y se sugiere para este subgrupo de pacientes considerar el uso conjunto del implante protésico en el primer tiempo, a fin de evitar la necesidad de un segundo tiempo quirúrgico, evitando así la frustración y la incomodidad de volver a ser sometido a una cirugía tanto para el paciente como para el urólogo. No se ha encontrado inconvenientes mayores con el uso de prótesis semirígidas en estos pacientes en su seguimiento a más largo plazo.

Introduction: Peyronie’s disease is a fibrotic disorder with a significant psycologic and physical stress for many men, although the prevalence of the disease has been reported to be low. Up to date the aetiology is unknown, and currently the therapeutic approachremains as a considerable dilemma to practicing physicians. Herein is presented the author’s experience with the use of a saphenous graft to cover a relaxing H-shaped incision of the plaque. Material and methods: 8 patients, with severe disease (curvature or deformity inabiling for a well functioning penis) were surgically treated with thistechnique. They were clinically controlled at 3 and 5 months postoperatively. Results: In 4/8 the final result is not functionally good, at the 5 month control, because ofprogressive lost of erectile rigidity. In this cases a second-time surgery was done for a penile prosthesis implant. Conclussion: Aging could be an important factor related to failure of a one step surgery in this complexed cases using an venous autologous graft.It is suggested to plannify an straigthing venous graft technique with imultaneousprosthesis implant in older men.

Significant alterations of serum cytokine levels in patients with Peyronie's disease

OBJECTIVE: To determine the expression of the cytokines transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in serum from patients with Peyronie's disease (PD) compared to healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-one consecutive PD patients aged 20 - 74 years were included in this study. All patients were diagnosed with symptomatic PD for the first time and had a palpable penile plaque. The patients previously had the disease for 6 - 72 months. None of the patients had a severe infectious disease or known systemic illness. For cytokine analyses, peripheral venous blood samples were obtained before treatment. Fifty healthy male blood donors aged 22 - 64 years served as the control group. TGF-beta1, IFN-gamma, Il-6, and TNF-alpha were analyzed quantitatively with commercial immunoassays. RESULTS: Mean cytokine levels in serum from patients were increased for TGF-beta1 and IFN-gamma compared to healthy controls. The difference for TGF-beta1 was considered statistically significant (p < 0.001). IL-6 was not detectable in PD patients (p < 0.01) and TNF-alpha was decreased (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The significantly elevated serum level of the profibrotic TGF-beta1 cytokine underscores the effect of cytokines in the pathophysiology of PD. The significantly decreased TNF-alpha serum level suggested no acute immunomodulatory process. Therefore, the relevance for therapeutic administration of TNF-alpha should be further investigated. Quantification of TGF-beta1 in serum of PD patients provides a possible diagnostic tool and target for therapy. The data on altered cytokine levels in PD patients also provide a new understanding for etiopathogenesis of PD, which warrants further investigation.