BERKELEY, CA (UroToday.com) - Another basic science study evaluated both virology (herpes simplex Type I and II, and cytomegalovirus) and immunity as a potential etiology of PD.³ These investigators performed urologic assessment, measured interferon status, and did immunologic evaluation in 41 PD and 266 control men. Immunologic evaluation revealed only grade 1 - 2 cell-mediated immunity in 37% of the PD men, mainly because of decreased regulatory subpopulations of T-lymphocytes. Also, there were changes in the interferon state in the form of decrease synthesis of virus-induced γ-interferon in 98%, mitogen-induced γ-interferon in 51%, and elevation of serum interferon in 27% of PD men. There were significant increases of IgG antibodies (88%) and chronic herpes Type II infection carriage (27%) in the PD patients compared to controls. These findings invoke a possible viral or immunity-based etiology to the causation of PD. Further scrutinizing and replication of these studies is warranted.

References:

• Mazo F, Ivanchenko L, Maufagued M. New in the pathogenesis of Peyronie's disease. J Sex Med 2005; 3 (Suppl 1):44 (Abstract #96).

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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