Retroperitoneal operations, such as radical prostatectomy, often damage the cavernous nerve, resulting in a high incidence of erectile dysfunction. Although improved nerve-sparing techniques have reduced the incidence...Retroperitoneal operations, such as radical prostatectomy, often damage the cavernous nerve, resulting in a high incidence of erectile dysfunction. Although improved nerve-sparing techniques have reduced the incidence of nerve injury, and the administration of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors has revolutionized the treatment of erectile dysfunction, this problem remains a considerable challenge. In recent years, scientists have focused on brain-derived neurotrophic factor and vascular endothelial growth factor in the treatment of cavernous nerve injury in rat models. Results showed that both compounds were capable of enhancing the regeneration of the cavernous nerve and that activation of the Janus kinase （JAK）/signal transducer and activator of transcription （STAT） pathway played a major role in the process.展开更多
The pathophysiology of LaPeyronie＇s disease （PD） is considered to be multifactorial, involving genetic predisposition, trauma, inflammation and altered wound healing. However, these factors have not yet been valida...The pathophysiology of LaPeyronie＇s disease （PD） is considered to be multifactorial, involving genetic predisposition, trauma, inflammation and altered wound healing. However, these factors have not yet been validated using animal models. In this study, we have presented a new model obtained by tunica albuginea allograft. A total of 40, 16-week-old male rats were used. Of these, 8 rats served as controls and underwent a 10 × 2-mm-wide tunical excisionwith subsequent autografting, whereas the remaining 32 underwent the same excision with grafting of the defect with another rat＇s tunica. Morphological and functional testing was performed at 1, 3, 7 and 12 weeks after grafting. Intracavernous pressure, the degree of penile curvature and elastic fiber length were evaluated for comparison between the allograft and control groups. The tissues were obtained for histological examination. The penile curvature was significantly greater in the allografted rats as compared with the control rats. The erectile function was maintained in all rats, except in those assessed at 12 weeks. The elastin fiber length was decreased in the allografted tunica as compared to control. SMAD2 expression was detected in the inner part of the allograff, and both collagen-Ⅱ- and osteocalcin-positive cells were also noted. Tunica albuginea （TA） allograft in rats is an excellent model of PD. The persistence of curvature beyond 12 weeks and the presence of ossification in the inner layer of the TA were similar to those observed in men with PD. Validation studies using this animal model would aid understanding of the PD pathophysiology for effective therapeutic interventions.展开更多
Priapism is a rare condition that involves persistent penile erection for greater than 4 h. Distinct variants exist, each with unique characteristics. Ischemic priapism is a painful medical emergency that may occur as...Priapism is a rare condition that involves persistent penile erection for greater than 4 h. Distinct variants exist, each with unique characteristics. Ischemic priapism is a painful medical emergency that may occur as a result of veno-occlusion leading to hypoxia and tissue death. Recurrent bouts of ischemic priapism, or stuttering priapism, require treatment for individual attacks as well as long-term prevention. Non-ischemic priapism is associated with trauma and may be managed conservatively. Recent advances into the pathophysiology of priapism have allowed the development of treatment algorithms that specifically target the mechanisms involved. In this review, we outline the basics of smooth muscle contraction and describe how derangement of these pathways results in priapism. A pathophysiological approach to the treatment of priapism is proposed with duration-based algorithms presented to assist in management.展开更多
The intricate anatomy of the corpus cavernosum in both the flaccid and tumescent state has not been fully elucidated. We report our experience using a three-dimensional （3D） scanner to reconstruct cadaveric casts an...The intricate anatomy of the corpus cavernosum in both the flaccid and tumescent state has not been fully elucidated. We report our experience using a three-dimensional （3D） scanner to reconstruct cadaveric casts and compare them with 3D images of two prototypes of penile prosthesis. Two different models of the Titan Coloplast inflatable penile prosthesis were analyzed using a 3D scanner. The first was the standard model and the second was a newer model with a rounder silicone tip. Two cadaveric phalluses were harvested using Smooth-Cast 300Q polyurethane molding. The molds were excised and scanned along side the penile prosthesis. 3D scans were completed and analyzed using Leios Mesh software, and GOM Inspect software. The 3D scans demonstrated the mean human corporal radii 2 mm from the distal tip to be 36.51 mm （36.01-37.0 mm）, which is an obtuse angle. The standard Titan penile prosthesis spherical radius at the same level was 202.52 mm, while the new silicone tip prosthesis had a radius of 139.33 mm. 3D mapping further demonstrated the trajectory of the cavernosa appeared curvilinear and the distal ends appeared blunt. The use of cadaveric cavernosal molds in combination with the 3D scanner allowed us to accurately image the corpus cavernosum for the first time. Our findings suggest that anatomically accurate corporal tips appear to be relatively blunt and that the new Titan silicone tip penile prosthesis more closely resembles the human corporal tip.展开更多
Transplanted stem cells （SCs）, owing to their regenerative capacity, represent one of the most promising methods to restore erectile dysfunction （ED）. However, insufficient source, invasive procedures, ethical and...Transplanted stem cells （SCs）, owing to their regenerative capacity, represent one of the most promising methods to restore erectile dysfunction （ED）. However, insufficient source, invasive procedures, ethical and regulatory issues hamper their use in clinical applications. The endogenous SCs/progenitor cells resident in organ and tissues play critical roles for organogenesis during development and for tissue homeostasis in adulthood. Even without any therapeutic intervention, human body has a robust self-healing capability to repair the damaged tissues or organs. Therefore, SCs-for-ED therapy should not be limited to a supply-side approach. The resident endogenous SCs existing in patients could also be a potential target for ED therapy. The aim of this review was to summarize contemporary evidence regarding： （1） SC niche and SC biological features in vitro; （2） localization and mobilization of endogenous SCs; （3） existing evidence of penile endogenous SCs and their possible mode of mobilization. We performed a search on PubMed for articles related to these aspects in a wide range of basic studies. Together, numerous evidences hold the promise that endogenous SCs would be a novel therapeutic approach for the therapy of ED.展开更多
文摘Retroperitoneal operations, such as radical prostatectomy, often damage the cavernous nerve, resulting in a high incidence of erectile dysfunction. Although improved nerve-sparing techniques have reduced the incidence of nerve injury, and the administration of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors has revolutionized the treatment of erectile dysfunction, this problem remains a considerable challenge. In recent years, scientists have focused on brain-derived neurotrophic factor and vascular endothelial growth factor in the treatment of cavernous nerve injury in rat models. Results showed that both compounds were capable of enhancing the regeneration of the cavernous nerve and that activation of the Janus kinase （JAK）/signal transducer and activator of transcription （STAT） pathway played a major role in the process.
文摘The pathophysiology of LaPeyronie＇s disease （PD） is considered to be multifactorial, involving genetic predisposition, trauma, inflammation and altered wound healing. However, these factors have not yet been validated using animal models. In this study, we have presented a new model obtained by tunica albuginea allograft. A total of 40, 16-week-old male rats were used. Of these, 8 rats served as controls and underwent a 10 × 2-mm-wide tunical excisionwith subsequent autografting, whereas the remaining 32 underwent the same excision with grafting of the defect with another rat＇s tunica. Morphological and functional testing was performed at 1, 3, 7 and 12 weeks after grafting. Intracavernous pressure, the degree of penile curvature and elastic fiber length were evaluated for comparison between the allograft and control groups. The tissues were obtained for histological examination. The penile curvature was significantly greater in the allografted rats as compared with the control rats. The erectile function was maintained in all rats, except in those assessed at 12 weeks. The elastin fiber length was decreased in the allografted tunica as compared to control. SMAD2 expression was detected in the inner part of the allograff, and both collagen-Ⅱ- and osteocalcin-positive cells were also noted. Tunica albuginea （TA） allograft in rats is an excellent model of PD. The persistence of curvature beyond 12 weeks and the presence of ossification in the inner layer of the TA were similar to those observed in men with PD. Validation studies using this animal model would aid understanding of the PD pathophysiology for effective therapeutic interventions.
文摘Priapism is a rare condition that involves persistent penile erection for greater than 4 h. Distinct variants exist, each with unique characteristics. Ischemic priapism is a painful medical emergency that may occur as a result of veno-occlusion leading to hypoxia and tissue death. Recurrent bouts of ischemic priapism, or stuttering priapism, require treatment for individual attacks as well as long-term prevention. Non-ischemic priapism is associated with trauma and may be managed conservatively. Recent advances into the pathophysiology of priapism have allowed the development of treatment algorithms that specifically target the mechanisms involved. In this review, we outline the basics of smooth muscle contraction and describe how derangement of these pathways results in priapism. A pathophysiological approach to the treatment of priapism is proposed with duration-based algorithms presented to assist in management.
文摘The intricate anatomy of the corpus cavernosum in both the flaccid and tumescent state has not been fully elucidated. We report our experience using a three-dimensional （3D） scanner to reconstruct cadaveric casts and compare them with 3D images of two prototypes of penile prosthesis. Two different models of the Titan Coloplast inflatable penile prosthesis were analyzed using a 3D scanner. The first was the standard model and the second was a newer model with a rounder silicone tip. Two cadaveric phalluses were harvested using Smooth-Cast 300Q polyurethane molding. The molds were excised and scanned along side the penile prosthesis. 3D scans were completed and analyzed using Leios Mesh software, and GOM Inspect software. The 3D scans demonstrated the mean human corporal radii 2 mm from the distal tip to be 36.51 mm （36.01-37.0 mm）, which is an obtuse angle. The standard Titan penile prosthesis spherical radius at the same level was 202.52 mm, while the new silicone tip prosthesis had a radius of 139.33 mm. 3D mapping further demonstrated the trajectory of the cavernosa appeared curvilinear and the distal ends appeared blunt. The use of cadaveric cavernosal molds in combination with the 3D scanner allowed us to accurately image the corpus cavernosum for the first time. Our findings suggest that anatomically accurate corporal tips appear to be relatively blunt and that the new Titan silicone tip penile prosthesis more closely resembles the human corporal tip.
文摘Transplanted stem cells （SCs）, owing to their regenerative capacity, represent one of the most promising methods to restore erectile dysfunction （ED）. However, insufficient source, invasive procedures, ethical and regulatory issues hamper their use in clinical applications. The endogenous SCs/progenitor cells resident in organ and tissues play critical roles for organogenesis during development and for tissue homeostasis in adulthood. Even without any therapeutic intervention, human body has a robust self-healing capability to repair the damaged tissues or organs. Therefore, SCs-for-ED therapy should not be limited to a supply-side approach. The resident endogenous SCs existing in patients could also be a potential target for ED therapy. The aim of this review was to summarize contemporary evidence regarding： （1） SC niche and SC biological features in vitro; （2） localization and mobilization of endogenous SCs; （3） existing evidence of penile endogenous SCs and their possible mode of mobilization. We performed a search on PubMed for articles related to these aspects in a wide range of basic studies. Together, numerous evidences hold the promise that endogenous SCs would be a novel therapeutic approach for the therapy of ED.
