BERKELEY, CA (UroToday.com) - In two basic science studies, researchers sought to determine if there was an altered protein expression in the tunica albuginea (TA) of peyronie's disease (PD) patients compared to controls.^{1, 2}

Western blot and immunocytochemistry were performed on tissue and primary cell cultures obtained from 10 men undergoing penile implants (controls) and from 10 PD-affected TA samples from men undergoing reconstructive surgery.¹ The investigators found increased tissue levels of TGFβ and beta-catenin in diseased tissue compared with controls. Furthermore, a 10-fold increase of smooth muscle α-actin 2-fold increase of TGFβ 1/3 receptors, transglutaminase II, fibronectin, and HSPA47 in cultured fibroblasts derived from PD plaque tissue compared with controls. Western blot analysis confirmed these findings.

This same group performed surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization (SELDI) time-of-flight mass spectrometry on these same two groups of TA samples that were placed in primary cell culture.² In brief, there was a significant increase in protein expression of varying molecular weights between the PD and the normal TA samples.

These molecular-based studies provide potential biomarkers for classification of PD severity and for the likelihood of eventual progression. Furthermore, different treatments modalities (e.g., oral, intralesional, etc.) can be followed over time to determine varying efficacies.

References:

• De Young L, Bella A, Gan BS, Brock G. The pathogenesis of Peyronie's disease: a state of altered wound healing. J Sex Med 2005; 3 (Suppl 1):24 (Abstract #34).
• Brock G, Bella A, Gan BS, De Young L. Use of SELDI to determine whether Peyronie's disease protein expression can predict progression. J Sex Med 2005; 3 (Suppl 1):18 (Abstract #15).

Addtional References

Summary of SMSNA Meeting, New York, New York, November 17 - 20, 2005
Author: Wayne J. G. Hellstrom, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Reviewed and Edited: GA Broderick

Written by Gregory A. Broderick, MD, a Contributing Editor with UroToday.

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