Reliability of prostate imaging reporting and data system version 2.1 for excluding clinically significant prostate cancer using a 1.5 tesla scanner.

INTRODUCTION: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) of the prostate gland is now the recommended initial investigation of choice for the detection of Prostate cancer (PCa). It effectively identifies patients who require prostate biopsies due to the risk of clinically significant PCa. It helps patients with clinically insignificant PCa avoid the invasive biopsies and possible accompanying complications. Large clinical trials have investigated the accuracy of mpMRI in detecting PCa. We performed a local review to examine the reliability of omitting tissue sampling in men with a negative (PIRADS 2 (P2) or less) mpMRI in the primary diagnostic setting. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients with clinical suspicion of PCa within a 2-year period. Patients had a mpMRI prior to having trans-perineal prostate gland biopsies. Clinically significant disease was defined as Gleason 7 and above. The descriptive data was analysed using contingency table methods. A p-value less than 0.05 was statistically significant. RESULTS: Out of 700 patients 90 had an mpMRI score of PIRADS 2. Seventy-seven (85.5%) of these patients had a negative biopsy, 9(10%) showed Gleason 6, 4 patients showed Gleason 7 or above. 78 patients with PIRADS 2 had a PSA density of < 0.15, none of which had a clinically significant biopsy result. The negative predictive value of mpMRI from this study is 95%. CONCLUSION: Our results are in line with negative predictive values demonstrated in the current literature. This local study, likely applicable to other district general hospitals, shows that mpMRI is a safe and reliable initial investigation to aid decisions on which patients require biopsies.

Improving bone health in prostate cancer patients starting androgen deprivation therapy: does Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX®) enhance stratification and targeted management?

Androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer can lead to osteoporosis and increased fracture risk. The Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX®) questionnaire can be used for risk stratification, and our study has demonstrated that the majority of men (91%) in our cohort commencing ADT for prostate cancer were considered low risk for future osteoporotic fracture. PURPOSE/INTRODUCTION: Long-term use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer patients results in increased bone turnover and decreased bone mineral density (BMD). Proper assessment of any existing osteoporotic fracture risk is crucial prior to starting treatment. However, this risk assessment is poorly performed in these patients in spite of available validated tools including the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX®). The objective of this study was to assess the distribution of osteoporotic fracture risk in a cohort of men commencing ADT for prostate cancer using the FRAX® algorithm. METHODS: Between July 2020 and May 2022, 200 men filled in the FRAX® questionnaire just before ADT. They were stratified into the high-risk (> 20% probability of a MOF over the next 10 years), intermediate-, and low-risk categories for fragility fractures. We also measured their serum vitamin D and calcium levels. RESULTS: The average age was 73.5 years (54-89). It took less than 10 min to complete the assessment. Only six patients were at high-risk, were started on bisphosphonates immediately, and referred for a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. Twelve patients in the intermediate-risk category were referred for DEXA scans for bone mineral density measurements. A total of 182 patients (91%), were in the low-risk category and given lifestyle advice only. All had normal calcium levels but 134 (67%) patients, mostly in the low-risk category, had reduced vitamin D levels (< 50 nmol/L). CONCLUSION: The FRAX® questionnaire is simple and immediately identifies patients who are at risk of fragility fractures. Our study has demonstrated that the majority of men (91%) in our cohort commencing ADT for prostate cancer were considered low risk for future osteoporotic fracture. We were surprised that more than half of our patients had low vitamin D levels.

Cardiovascular diseases and erectile dysfunction: the two faces of the coin of androgen deficiency.

Traditionally, clinical conditions synonymous with the ageing male included cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and sexual dysfunction, and were widely regarded as independent clinical entities. Over the last decade, interrelationship of clinical conditions has been convincingly demonstrated. Declining testosterone levels in the elderly, once regarded as an academic endocrinological question, appear to be central to the listed pathologies. It is now clear that erectile dysfunction is an expression of endothelial dysfunction. Testosterone deficiency is associated with an increased incidence of CVD and DM. The latter is often the sequel of the metabolic syndrome. Visceral obesity, a pivotal characteristic of the metabolic syndrome, suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis leading to diminished testosterone production. Conversely, substantial androgen deficiency leads to signs and symptoms of metabolic syndrome. It is erroneous not to include testosterone measurements in the progress of the CVD, DM and erectile dysfunction. These conditions correlate strongly with testosterone deficiency.

Early administration of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors after induction of diabetes in a rat model may prevent erectile dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: The possible role of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) in prevention of negative effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on erectile function is not well settled. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of early administration of vardenafil on erectile function, cavernosal structure, and genes expression in a rat model of DM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This experimental study was carried out at Suez Canal University's research laboratory. This study was conducted on a total of 60 adult male Albino Wistar rats, aged 60-80 days and weighing an average of 200 g. Rats were equally divided into six groups of 10 rats each: Group I (sham); Group II (DM with no treatment); Groups III, IV, V, and VI received vardenafil started at day 1, week 4, week 8, and week 12 after induction of DM, respectively. Functional study assessment of all groups was performed before euthanization, and then tissues were harvested for histopathological, ultrastructural, and molecular examinations. RESULTS: There was a significant difference of intracavernosal pressure between early (94 ± 2.18) and late (40.5 ± 1.94) treatment groups (p = 0.011). Histopathological and ultrastructural changes of DM with no treatment and late treatment groups showed distorted cavernous architecture and extensive fibrosis. There was significant difference of smooth muscle to collagen ratio between early and late treatment groups (p = 0.035). There was significant upregulation of nNOS(p = 0.021) and iNOS (p = 0.047) in early vs. late treatment group. The difference was insignificant in eNOS (p = 0.386) or TGF-ß1(p = 0.149). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Early treated rats with vardenafil had preserved erection and normal cavernosal structure, ultrastructure and gene expression of iNOS, nNOS, eNOS, and TGF-ß1. Quantification of gene expression would improve our knowledge regarding cytokines expression and molecular background of DM-associated ED. Clinical application of this result may encourage early administration of PDE5I to prevent deleterious effects of DM on erectile function in newly diagnosed DM patients with probable uncontrolled blood glucose.

Type 2 diabetes-associated androgen alteration in patients with erectile dysfunction.

Our objective was to assess the pattern of type-2 diabetes-associated androgen alteration in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). A total of 127 diabetic male patients with ED were enrolled in this study. Erectile function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). At the time of assessment, patients were also interviewed and assessed for socio-demographic and medical history that includes duration and severity of diabetes mellitus (DM). Patients underwent routine laboratory investigations, in addition to total testosterone (T), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) and insulin assessment. The mean age +/- SD was 53.8 +/- 9.3 years. Of patients 25.2% (n = 32/127), 6.3% (n = 8/127) and 31.5% (n = 40/127) had low total T, low DHEA-S and hyperinsulinaemia respectively. There were significant association between the increase in age and body mass index and the presence of low T level. Of the patients 37.5% (n = 12/32) with low T level had glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) >7% while, 22.1% (n = 21/95) of the patients with normal T level had HbA1c >7% (p < 0.05). There were significant associations between the number of patients with low level of total T or DHEA-S and poor control of DM. Patients with low T level were two times more likely (56.3%, n = 18/32) to have severe ED than patients with normal T level (27.4%, n = 26/95) (p < 0.01). There were significant differences between the mean levels of total T or DHEA-S and poor control of DM. No significant associations were detected between hyperinsulinaemia and the level of fasting blood sugar, duration of DM, metabolic control of DM or ED severity. Patients with low T level were three times as likely to have hyperinsulinaemia as those patients with normal T level (p < 0.05). The current study clearly demonstrated that there were significant associations between low level of total T or DHEA-S and poor control of DM.

Association between leukocytospermia and semen interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in infertile men.

Seminal cytokines were previously reported to adversely affect process of spermatogenesis and ultimately induce poor semen quality. However, association between both IL-6 and TNF-α and leukocytospermia was not yet settled. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between leukocytospermia and levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in semen of infertile men. This cross-sectional study included 100 age-matched (≥18-45 years.) men. Participants were divided into four groups with 25 patients in each group: Group (A) - infertile patients with leukocytospermia and normal other semen parameters; Group (B) - infertile patients with leukocytospermia and abnormal semen parameters; Group (C) - infertile patients with oligospermia and/or asthenospermia and/or teratospermia but with no leukocytospermia; Group (D) - fertile patients with normal semen parameters and without leukocytospermia. All patients were assessed by detailed medical, sexual, fertility history, and complete physical examination. Laboratory assessment included hormonal and semen analysis and assessment of IL-6 and TNF-α in semen plasma. There were significant differences among the study groups regarding total sperm count, sperm concentration, and progressive motility (p < 0.05 for each). There was significant increase in semen WBC counts in groups A and B vs. groups C and D (p = 0.003). There were significant associations between increase levels of WBCs ≥ 5/HPF and decrease levels of total sperm count (p = 0.023), sperm concentration (p = 0.001), and sperm progressive motility (p = 0.02). There were significant upregulations in mean level of IL-6 (p = 0.001) and mean level of TNF-α (p = 0.003) in groups A and B vs. groups C and D. Overall, leukocytospermia is associated with reduction in sperm count, progressive motility and further upregulation of seminal IL-6 and TNF-α. The effect of treatment of leukocytospermia on the level of seminal cytokines is important point of future research.

Testosterone level and endothelial dysfunction in patients with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction.

The association between endothelial dysfunction and late onset hypogonadism (LOH) in patients with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) is not yet well settled. Our objective was to assess the association between LOH and endothelial dysfunction in patients with vasculogenic ED. Throughout 2014-2015 a total of 90 men were enrolled in this cross-sectional observational study. Of them 60 patients with a clinical diagnosis of ED were further subdivided into two equal groups: patients with vasculogenic ED and LOH (A); patients with vasculogenic ED and euogonadal (B). Thirty age-matched men with no ED or hypogonadism were enrolled as control group (C). All patients were subjected to detailed medical and sexual history, total testosterone (TT), calculated free (FT) and bioavailable testosterone (BT), flow cytometric evaluation for endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) (CD45negative/CD34positive/CD144positive) and endothelial microparticles (EMPs) (CD45negative/CD144positive/annexin V positive). The mean age ± SD of the three groups A, B and C were 51.3 ± 11.1, 53.6 ± 10.6 and 48.3 ± 5 years, respectively, with insignificant age differences (p = 0.089). The diagnostic criteria of LOH were adapted according to European male aging study, 2010. The means of TT(ng/mL) were 2.32 ± 0.21, 6.43 ± 0.36 and 5.37 ± 0.30 in groups A, B and C, respectively. There were highly significant differences between group A and groups B and C (p < 0.001 for each). The means of EPCs were 0.43 ± 0.070, 0.22 ± 0.05 and 0.032 ± 0.013 in groups A, B and C, respectively. The means of EMPs were 0.15 ± 0.029, 0.056 ±  .013 and 0.014 ± 0.002 in groups A, B and C, respectively. There were significant differences between group C and groups A and B (p < 0.05 for each). This study clearly demonstrated that there is a significant association between LOH and the higher expression of EPCs and EMPs in patients with vasculogenic ED.

Intracavernosal prostaglandin E1 self vs office injection therapy in patients with erectile dysfunction.

We have investigated the reliability of intracavernosal prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) office vs self-injection therapy in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). A total of 298 male patients with ED were enrolled in this study. In all patients, intracavernosal titration of the PGE1 dose was performed. A total of 106 patients were enrolled in the self-injection program, and 192 patients were enrolled in the office injection program. There were significant differences between number of injections and amount of PGE1 per month, total number of injections, and total amount of PGE1 on office and self-injection programs (P < 0.05 for each). There was a significant increase in the dropout rate in the office injection group compared with the self-injection group (P < 0.05). There was an increase in penile fibrosis in the self-injection program compared with the office program (P < 0.05). A self-injection program is reliable. Office injection program can be reserved for a subset of ED patients with special preferences.

What is the current role of intracavernosal injection in management of erectile dysfunction?

The emerging of intracavernosal injection (ICI) of vasoactive materials was a major breakthrough in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the current state and future direction of ICI role in the armamentarium of diagnosis, prevention and treatment of ED are not well defined. The aim of this study was to address the current place of ICI in the armamentarium of ED diagnosis and treatment. An English-language MEDLINE review for the utilization of 'intracavernosal injection & erectile dysfunction' was performed from 1990 to present time. Four hundred forty-eight articles were analyzed and classified according to the current utilization of ICI in the following conditions; diagnosis of ED, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5I) non-responders, diabetes, post radical prostatectomy (RP), stem cells and gene therapy, new intracavernosal drugs, adverse effects and couple satisfaction. This paper is not a standard systematic review; it is eventually a literature review of original peer-reviewed manuscripts and clinical trials reported in Medline. The comprehensive analyses of all the reviewed data were not possible as the level of evidence for utility of ICI in each topic was not available. Current date have established the role of ICI of vasoactive materials as a very common alternative domain in treatment of severe ED particularly in diabetic patients, post-RP, PDE5I non-responders. Further, new studies have denoted the potential future role of intracavernosal treatment for ED in the era of stem cells and gene therapy. ICI of vasoactive material continues to be a highly effective and safe treatment tool for men with wide varieties of ED etiologies. Several experimental and clinical studies are currently investigating new ICI materials. Hopefully in the near future, we might witness evolved molecules and innovative strategies that could help to treat ED patients with different etiologies.

Characteristics of erectile dysfunction in Saudi patients.

We investigated the characteristics of erectile dysfunction (ED) in ambulatory Saudi patients. A total of 680 male patients were assessed for ED using IIEF. Patients were also interviewed for sociodemographic data, medical history and risk factors for ED. Assessment for penile vasculature using color Doppler ultrasonography and rigidometer was performed. In all, 21.4% of the patients with severe ED were <50 y and 78.6% of them were > or =50 y (P<0.001). Of the patients, 20% had psychogenic, while 80% had organic causes of ED. Of the patients, 10% had mild, 39.3% had moderate and 50.7% had severe ED. There was a significant association between increasing severity of ED and the presence of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, increased BMI, increased values of EDV, decreased values of PSV, RI and rigidometer (P<0.001 for each). Moderate to severe ED is common among Saudi patients. This study provides a quantitative estimate of the characteristics of ED in ambulatory Saudi patients.

Association between International Index of Erectile Function and axial penile rigidity in patients with erectile dysfunction.

We investigated the association between the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and axial penile rigidity parameters in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). A total of 516 male patients (491 patients with ED and 25 patients without ED) were assessed using IIEF. Patients were assessed for axial penile rigidity (APR) using a digital inflection rigidometer. Mean age+/-s.d. was 52.4+/-9.9 y. ED was mild in 11.4% of the patients, moderate in 40.1%, and severe in 48.5%. Regarding APR, the following was found: (1) no significant difference between patients who had a mild degree of ED and patients who had no ED (P>0.05); (2) a significant difference between patients with different degrees of ED (P<0.05 for each); (3) a significant association between overall presence of ED and low APR (P<0.05). IIEF score is associated with APR and can differentiate between patients with and without ED.

Effects of diabetes on nitric oxide synthase and growth factor genes and protein expression in an animal model.

Erectile dysfunction occurs frequently in humans with diabetes mellitus; the molecular basis of this phenomenon is not known. We investigated the effects of diabetes on penile erection, nitric oxide synthase and growth factors expression in an animal model. Forty male rats were divided into two groups: the experimental group (n = 30) received intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin (STZ) dissolved in citrate buffer to induce diabetes; ten age-matched control rats received injection of citrate buffer vehicle only. Before euthanization at eight weeks, erectile function was assessed by electrostimulation of the cavernous nerves. NADPH diaphorase staining was used to identify NOS and immunostaining technique was used to identify nNOS in the penile nerve fibers. RT-PCR was used to identify mRNA expression of nNOS, eNOS, iNOS, ER-beta, ER-alpha, NGF, IGF-I, TGF-beta 1, and AR. Western blot was used to identify nNOS, IGF-I, NGF, and TFG-beta protein expressions. In the diabetic group, there was: (1) a significant decrease in NOS containing nerve fibers in the dorsal and intracavernosal nerves; (2) a significant lower maximal intracavernosal pressure. RT-PCR showed down-regulation of nNOS (large form), iNOS and ER-beta mRNA expression, Immunoblot showed down-regulation of nNOS protein expression and nNOS immunostaining showed less positive staining in the dorsal and intracavernous nerves in the diabetic group. These molecular changes may provide the basis for further studies to explore the association between diabetes and impotence.

Sildenafil for erectile dysfunction in the Middle East: observational analysis of patients with diabetes and/or hypertension treated in the clinical practice setting.

The effectiveness and tolerability of 12 weeks of open-label treatment with sildenafil citrate for erectile dysfunction (ED) associated with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension were assessed in clinical practice in three Middle Eastern countries. The dose was initially 50 mg and was adjusted by the physician as needed (permissible dose range 25 - 100 mg). Total mean ± SD score on the five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (severe ED, score 0 - 7; no ED, score 22 - 25) was 13.6 ± 5.7 at baseline (4556 patients) and increased significantly to 21.7 ± 4.1 at week 12. Global effectiveness was rated as good or very good by 91.4% of patients, 93.9% rating their sexual activity as spontaneous and 91.4% as natural. Discontinuation of sildenafil due to adverse events was infrequent (0.5%). Tolerability was rated as good or very good by 95.7% of patients. It is concluded that sildenafil was a well-tolerated and highly effective treatment of ED in outpatients with diabetes and/or hypertension from the three Middle Eastern countries studied.

Venous patch graft for Peyronie's disease. Part I: technique.

PURPOSE: We describe our technique of plaque incision and venous patch grafting to correct complex penile deformity associated with Peyronie's disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Graft material is obtained from the lower and upper saphenous and deep dorsal veins. The configuration, size and number of tunical incisions depend on the site and size of the lesion. In most cases an H-shaped tunical incision is adequate to release the contracture. With the aid of a vascular stapler several vein segments can be assembled easily into 1 piece to cover the defect. RESULTS: The incidence of penile shortening and erectile dysfunction, following other corrective procedures, is lessened with the tunical incision and venous grafting technique. CONCLUSION: The venous graft provides an anatomical and functional tunical substitute. Results in correction of Peyronie's disease are highly encouraging.

Lengthening shortened penis caused by Peyronie's disease using circular venous grafting and daily stretching with a vacuum erection device.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the results of chronic intermittent stretching with a vacuum erection device after circumferential tunical incision and circular venous grafting in 4 patients with penile shortening from severe Peyronie's disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed complete circumferential tunical incision and covered the defect with a circular venous graft in 4 patients with shortened penis as a result of Peyronie's disease. Preoperative evaluation included determination of patient and partner expectations, potency status, measurement of penile length after intracavernous injection and color duplex ultrasonography to determine possible vascular communication. Lower saphenous, upper saphenous and deep dorsal veins served as graft materials. We advised patients to use a vacuum device on a daily basis for 6 months starting 1 month after surgery. Postoperative evaluations were done at 6 and 18 months postoperatively. RESULTS: At 6-month followup 1 patient who did not use the vacuum device gained 1 inch in penile length and was not available for further followup. The other 3 patients each gained 2 inches but had decreased erectile rigidity due to narrowing in the grafted area (hourglass deformity). One patient who wanted a more natural erection elected penile prosthesis implantation about 1 year after grafting. The remaining 2 patients gained 3 inches at 18-month followup and regained partial penile rigidity similar to preoperative erections when the hourglass deformity improved. All patients were satisfied and indicated that surgery improved psychological well-being as well as relationships with partners. CONCLUSIONS: The results in this small group are satisfactory. Our technique offers a reasonable solution for correction of penile shortening in patients with Peyronie's disease.

Peyronie's disease.

The pathogenesis of Peyronie's disease is still not well understood. As a result, the treatment of Peyronie's disease remains a dilemma and new therapies continue to evolve. This article discusses present understanding, controversy and new discoveries related to this condition.

Venous grafting for the correction of penile curvature in Peyronie's disease.

A number of procedures have been developed to correct penile deformity secondary to Peyronie's disease. In many cases, tunica-shortening procedures have had reasonable success. The most popular of these are tunical plication and Nesbit's wedge resection. However, these procedures shorten the penis and do not correct the hourglass deformity. Tunica-lengthening by using autologous or synthetic materials has been reported with varying success. However, notable shortcomings including graft contracture, recurrence, and impotence have been reported. This review describes our experience with tunica incision and venous grafting.

Venous patch graft for Peyronie's disease. Part II: outcome analysis.

PURPOSE: We evaluate the results of tunical incision and venous patch grafting for correcting penile deformity in Peyronie's disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 113 [corrected] patients with symptoms of Peyronie's disease for more than a year indications for surgery included penile shortening, persistent pain, severe curvature, penile narrowing or indentation and/or failure of previous surgery. Preoperative evaluation included determination of patient and partner expectation, potency status, circumcision status, measurement of penile length (short and long side) and saphenous vein, and color duplex ultrasonography to evaluate possible accessory vascular communication. Patients underwent plaque incision and venous patch grafting. The configuration, size and number of tunical incisions depended on the size and shape of the lesion. Lower and upper saphenous, and deep dorsal veins served as the graft materials. Postoperative followup was as long as 18 months. RESULTS: In 96% of patients the penis became straight, while residual curvature was 30 degrees in 3% and 15 degrees in 1%. In 94% of patients narrowing and indentation were absent and in 83% penile length was the same or longer postoperatively. Of the patients who were potent preoperatively 88% experienced the same or better erectile quality after surgery. In 10% of cases a change in sensation occurred lasting longer than 6 months. Overall satisfaction was expressed by 92% of men who believed that surgery improved the psychological state as well as the relationship with the partner. CONCLUSIONS: The results are satisfactory and this procedure offers a reasonable solution for correction of Peyronie's disease.

An animal model of Peyronie's-like condition associated with an increase of transforming growth factor beta mRNA and protein expression.

PURPOSE: Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) is involved in numerous vital processes including tissue fibrosis. Our objective was to study the role of TGF-beta in the induction of a Peyronie's-like condition and to produce an animal model for the further study of Peyronie's disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups. Different concentrations of cytomodulin, a synthetic heptopeptide with TGF-beta-like activity, were injected into the tunica of each rat from the first group (n = 18). Rats in the second group (n = 6) received saline injections as a control. The tunical tissues were taken after 3 days, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks and were examined using Hart and Trichrome stains. In the same tissue samples, TGF-beta mRNA and protein expression were studied. RESULTS: Histological alterations were observed in 15 out of 18 cytomodulin-injected rats, especially in tissue examined after 6 weeks. The most prominent changes were chronic cellular infiltration, focal and diffuse elastosis, thickening, disorganization and clumping of the collagen bundles. Results from immunoblot revealed remarkable TGF-beta1 protein expression in all the cytomodulin-injected rats only after 2 and 6 weeks. No remarkable TGF-beta2 or TGF-beta3 protein expression was observed. TGF-beta1 mRNA expression in the cytomodulin-injected rats was noticed in rats injected with higher concentrations after 3 days, while it was expressed in all rats after 2 weeks. There was no expression in the control group after either 3 days or 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Cytomodulin can induce Peyronie's-like condition in the rat penis, which may explain the role of TGF-beta in the pathogenesis of Peyronie's disease.

Peyronie's disease is associated with an increase in transforming growth factor-beta protein expression.

PURPOSE: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has been implicated in many chronic fibrotic conditions such as pulmonary and hepatic fibrosis. We postulated that TGF-beta may play a role in the pathogenesis of Peyronie's disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tissues from the tunica albuginea of 30 Peyronie's disease patients (study group) and from 6 patients without Peyronie's disease, who had undergone penile prosthesis surgery for organic impotence (control group), were subjected to histological examination using Hart and trichrome stains and Western blotting for the detection of TGF-beta protein expression. RESULTS: The results of these experiments demonstrate that all tissue from Peyronie's disease patients showed a variety of histological changes of the tunica, ranging from chronic inflammatory cellular infiltration to complete calcification and ossification of the tissues. The most prominent changes observed in the majority of patients were focal or diffused elastosis, fenestration and disorganization of the collagen bundles. TGF-beta1 protein expression was detected in 26 patients (86%), while only 7 (23%) and 5 (17%) patients showed TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3 protein expression, respectively. One patient in the control group showed fibrosis of the tunica albuginea and protein expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2. This patient had undergone surgery for the revision of his prosthesis twice. Five patients from the control group showed normal histological patterns of the tunica albuginea and no protein expression for TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3. CONCLUSIONS: TGF-beta1 protein expression is significantly associated with Peyronie's disease, which may provide a new insight and the potential for the prevention and treatment of this disease.