Hiperplasia prostática benigna (HPB), sintomas do trato urinário inferior (LUTS) e função sexual / Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS), and Sexual Function

A hiperplasia prostática benigna (HPB) representa o crescimento não maligno do tecido da próstata. Proliferação de células estromais e epiteliais na zona de transição da próstata causa compressão uretral e obstrução do fluxo vesical. Isso pode levar a manifestações de LUTS (lower urinary tract symptoms): urgência urinária, noctúria, dificuldades de micção, esvaziamento incompleto da bexiga, menor força e/ ou interrupção do jato e inflamações. Mecanismos do LUTS/HPB compartilhados afetam a função sexual masculina. Atividade aumentada de subtipos de receptores α1-adrenérgicos na próstata está associada à HPB. Tais receptores, também presentes no pênis, podem inibir a ereção, devido à HPB. Quanto à correlação entre LUTS e disfunção sexual, aventa-se que ambas resultem da contração anômala da musculatura lisa, por ativação dos receptores α1-adrenérgicos. LUTS/HPB causam desconforto nos homens, devido à obstrução urinária, ejaculação dolorosa, disfunção erétil (DE), distúrbios ejaculatórios e baixa libido, que prejudicam a qualidade de vida, deles e de suas parcerias. A noctúria interfere negativamente na qualidade do sono e na disposição para a atividade sexual. Tratamentos para LUTS/HPB podem induzir disfunções sexuais. Entre eles, ressecção transuretral (RTU), α1-bloqueadores, inibidores da 5α-redutase e terapia combinada (α1-bloqueador e 5α-redutase). Os efeitos prejudiciais do LUTS/HPB e de seu tratamento sobre a função sexual ainda são subdiagnosticados e insuficientemente tratados. A atividade sexual deve ser investigada antes e durante o tratamento, também orientando o paciente sobre os possíveis efeitos de cada opção terapêutica sobre a função sexual, evitando-se assim o abandono do tratamento.

Application of Rat Model of Neurotic Erectile Dysfunction in Experiment / 中国医学科学院学报

Erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to the persistent inability to achieve and/or maintain a sufficient erection of the penis to obtain a satisfactory sexual life,which affects the quality of life of the patients and their sexual partners.To decipher the pathophysiological mechanism of ED,researchers have established a variety of animal models and achieved a series of progress.The cavernous nerve (CN) of rodents,anatomically similar to that of humans,is cost-effective,thick,and easy to be identified,which has gradually become the mainstream of animal models.In this paper,we reviewed the modeling methods of the neurological ED caused by bilateral CN injury in rats in recent years,summarized the model evaluation indicators,and discussed the application and progress of ED models in basic experimental research.

Governor vessel moxibustion combined with wenyang yiqi qiwei decoction for erectile dysfunction with spleen-kidney deficiency and its effect on testosterone and vascular endothelial function / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the therapeutic effect of governor vessel moxibustion combined with wenyang yiqi qiwei decoction on erectile dysfunction (ED) with spleen-kidney deficiency and to explore the possible mechanism.@*METHODS@#A total of 130 ED patients with spleen-kidney deficiency were randomized into an observation group (65 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (65 cases, 3 cases dropped off). The control group was given wenyang yiqi qiwei decoction orally, one dose daily. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, governor vessel moxibustion was applied from Dazhui (GV 14) to Yaoshu (GV 2) in the observation group, 110 min a time, once a day. The treatment of 4 weeks was required in both groups. Before and after treatment, 5-question international index of erectile function (IIEF-5) score, erection quality scale (EQS) score, erectile hardness assessment (EHS) score, TCM syndrome score, serum testosterone (T) level and vascular endothelial function indexes (prostaglandin I2 [PGI2], endothelin-1 [ET-1] and nitric oxide [NO] levels) were observed respectively, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated in both groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the scores of IIEF-5, EQS, EHS and serum levels of T, PGI2, NO were increased compared before treatment (P<0.01), the TCM syndrome scores and serum ET-1 levels were decreased compared before treatment (P<0.01) in the two groups; the scores of IIEF-5, EQS, EHS and serum levels of T, PGI2, NO in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05), the TCM syndrome score and serum ET-1 level were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The total effective rate was 88.9% (56/63) in the observation group, which was superior to 74.2% (46/62) in the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Governor vessel moxibustion combined with wenyang yiqi qiwei decoction can improve the erectile function and increase the erection hardness and quality in ED patients with spleen-kidney deficiency, its mechanism may relate to improving serum T level and vascular endothelial function.

Application characteristics of Qugu (CV 2) in ancient and modern literature / 中国针灸

To summarize and analyze the clinical application characteristics of Qugu (CV 2) in ancient and modern literature based on data mining technology. The Chinese Medical Code (the 5th edition) was taken as the retrieval source of ancient literature, while the CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases were taken as the retrieval source of modern literature. The indications of Qugu (CV 2) used alone or with compatible acupoints, compatible acupoints, acupuncture-moxibustion manipulation, etc., were systematically sorted out. As a result, a total of 140 articles of ancient literature were included. The common indications of Qugu (CV 2) used alone were urinary retention, profuse vaginal discharge and hernia. The common indications of Qugu (CV 2) used with compatible acupoints were profuse vaginal discharge, stranguria and hernia. Sixty-four acupoints were concurrently used with Qugu (CV 2), Qugu (CV 2) was mainly compatible with acupoints of conception vessel, bladder meridian and liver meridian, and the high-frequency acupoints included Zhongji (CV 3), Guanyuan (CV 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6); five-shu points were the most used special acupoints, and moxibustion therapy was often used. A total of 73 modern articles were included. The common indications of Qugu (CV 2) used alone were urinary retention, erectile dysfunction and chronic prostatitis; the common indications of Qugu (CV 2) used with compatible scupoints were urinary retention, erectile dysfunction and prostatic hyperplasia. Thirty-six acupoints were concurrently used with Qugu (CV 2), Qugu (CV 2) was mainly compatible with acupoints of conception vessel, kidney meridian and spleen meridian, and the high-frequency acupoints included Zhongji (CV 3), Guanyuan (CV 4) and Zusanli (ST 36); front-mu points were the most used special acupoints, and acupuncture therapy was often used. Qugu (CV 2) treats a wide range of diseases in ancient times, the distant treatment effectiveness of acupoints is emphasized; and it mainly treats local diseases in modern times, the nearby treatment effectiveness of acupoints is emphasized.

Electroacupuncture at Baliao points for erectile dysfunction after stroke: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical effect of electroacupuncture at Baliao points in patients with erectile dysfunction after stroke.@*METHODS@#A total of 58 patients with erectile dysfunction after stroke were randomly divided into an observation group (29 cases, 1 case dropped off, 1 case discontinued) and a control group (29 cases, 1 case dropped off). Both groups were given basic treatment, including routine medical treatment, routine acupuncture treatment, rehabilitation training and pelvic floor biofeedback electrical stimulation treatment. The observation group was treated with electroacupuncture at Baliao points, and the control group was treated with shallow acupuncture combined with electroacupuncture at the control points (8 points at 20 mm horizontally beside Baliao points), continuous wave, frequency in 50 Hz, current intensity in 1-5 mA, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. The 5-item version of the international index of erectile function (IIEF-5) score, erectile dysfunction effect on quality of life (ED-EQoL) score and pelvic floor muscle contraction amplitude were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the IIEF-5 scores and the contraction amplitude of fast muscle fiber, comprehensive muscle fiber and slow muscle fiber in the two groups were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05), the ED-EQoL scores were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the changes of above indexes in the observation group were larger than the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Electroacupuncture at Baliao points can improve the erectile function of patients with erectile dysfunction after stroke, increase the contraction amplitude of pelvic floor muscles, and promote the quality of life of patients.

Research Advances on the Relationship between Overt Hyperthyroidism and Risk of Erectile Dysfunction / 中国医学科学院学报

Studies have demonstrated the detrimental effects of overt hyperthyroidism on sexual functioning.Here,we comprehensively reviewed the studies that focused on the association between overt hyperthyroidism and erectile dysfunction (ED).After the systematic searching for relevant studies,we find that overt hyperthyroidism is significantly associated with the high risk of ED.The prevalence of ED in patients with hyperthyroidism ranges from 3.05% to 85%,while that in general population is 2.16% to 33.8%.A study reported that the erectile functioning of the hyperthyroidism patients was improved (International Index of Erectile Function:22.1±6.9 vs. 25.2±5.1) after the achievement of euthyroidism.The underlying mechanism of the increase in the risk of ED by overt hyperthyroidism might be correlated to the dysfunction of hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis,dysregulation of sex hormones,abnormal expression of thyroid hormone receptors,and psychiatric or psychological disturbances (e.g.,depression,anxiety,and irritability).Since limited clinical trials have been conducted,additional well-designed cohorts with sizable samples are warranted to elucidate the evidence and mechanism of hyperthyroidism predisposing to ED.The present review indicates that overt hyperthyroidism and the risk of ED are associated,which reminds the clinicians should assess the thyroid stimulating hormone in hyperthyroidism patients presenting with ED,especially in those without positive conventional laboratory findings for causing ED.

Transsphenoidal surgery for prolactinomas in male patients: a retrospective study / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Male patients with prolactinomas usually present with typical hyperprolactinemia symptoms, including sexual dysfunction and infertility. However, clinical factors related to sexual dysfunction and surgical outcomes in these patients remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of male patients with prolactinomas after transsphenoidal surgery and the risk factors affecting sexual dysfunction. This study was conducted on 58 male patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery for prolactinomas between May 2014 and December 2020 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. We evaluated the sexual function of patients before and after surgery through International Index of Erectile Function-5 scores, libido, and frequency of morning erection. Of the 58 patients, 48 (82.8%) patients had sexual intercourse preoperatively. Among those 48 patients, 41 (85.4%) patients presented with erectile dysfunction. The preoperative International Index of Erectile Function-5 scores in patients with macroprolactinomas were significantly higher than those in patients with giant prolactinomas (17.63 ± 0.91 vs 13.28 ± 1.43; P = 0.01). Postoperatively, the incidence of erectile dysfunction was 47.9%, which was significantly lower than that preoperatively (85.4%; P = 0.01). Twenty-eight (68.3%) patients demonstrated an improvement in erectile dysfunction. Tumor size and invasiveness were significantly correlated with the improvement of erectile dysfunction. Preoperative testosterone <2.3 ng ml-1 was an independent predictor of improvement in erectile dysfunction. In conclusion, our results indicated that tumor size and invasiveness were important factors affecting the improvement of sexual dysfunction in male patients with prolactinoma. The preoperative testosterone level was an independent predictor related to the improvement of erectile dysfunction.

The association between heavy metal exposure and erectile dysfunction in the United States / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Literature regarding the impacts of heavy metal exposure on erectile dysfunction (ED) is scarce. We aimed to evaluate the correlation between 10 urinary metals and ED in a large, nationally representative adult male sample. The dataset was extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) during the period of 2001-2002 and 2003-2004. Weighted proportions and multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounding variables were utilized to determine the relationship between metal exposure and ED. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression was utilized to evaluate the impact of a mixture of urinary metals on ED. A total of 1328 participants were included in our study. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, cobalt (Co) and antimony (Sb) were positively associated with ED (odds ratio [OR]: 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-1.73, P = 0.020; and OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.12-1.77, P = 0.018, respectively) after full adjustment. Men in tertile 4 for Co (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.02-2.41, P for trend = 0.012) and Sb (OR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.08-2.40, P for trend = 0.041) had significantly higher odds of ED than those in tertile 1. Furthermore, the WQS index was significantly linked with increased odds of ED after full adjustment (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.04-1.72, P < 0.05). Our study expanded on previous literature indicating the possible role of heavy metal exposure in the etiology of ED. The evaluation of heavy metal exposure should be included in the risk assessment of ED.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on erectile function in Chinese CP/CPPS patients / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

This study aimed to investigate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on erectile function in Chinese patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). A retrospective study was conducted on 657 CP/CPPS patients who visited The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University (Changsha, China) from November 2018 to November 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on the timeline before and after the COVID-19 outbreak in China. The severity of CP/CPPS, penile erection status, anxiety, and depression was evaluated using the National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scales, respectively. Compared with patients before the COVID-19 outbreak, more CP/CPPS patients developed severe erectile dysfunction (ED) due to depression and anxiety caused by the pandemic. After developing moderate-to-severe ED, mild and moderate-to-severe CP/CPPS patients exhibited more apparent symptoms of anxiety and depression ( P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively), forming a vicious cycle. The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the psychological status of CP/CPPS patients, exacerbating their clinical symptoms and complicating ED. The exacerbation of clinical symptoms further worsens the anxiety and depression status of patients, forming a vicious cycle. During the COVID-19 pandemic, paying more attention to the mental health of CP/CPPS patients, strengthening psychological interventions, and achieving better treatment outcomes are necessary.

Buyang Huanwu Decoction Ameliorates Damage of Erectile Tissue and Function Following Bilateral Cavernous Nerve Injury / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To verify the effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BHD) in ameliorating erectile dysfunction (ED) after radical prostatectomy (RP).@*METHODS@#The composition of BHD was verified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) analysis. Bilateral cavernous nerve crush injury (BCNI) in rats was used to mimic the neurovascular injury occurring after RP. By the envelope method, forty rats were randomly divided into 4 groups as follows: sham (cavernous nerves exposed only), model (BCNI), low-dosage BHD [LBHD, 12.8 g/(kg·d)], and high-dosage BHD [HBHD, 51.2 g/(kg·d)] groups, 10 rats in each group, feeding for 3 weeks respectively. Erectile function was evaluated by measuring intracavernosal pressure (ICP). Changes in the histopathology of corpus cavernosum (CC) were examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Meanwhile, the fibrosis of CC was measured by Masson's trichrome staining and Western blot was used to detect the expressions of collagen I, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF- β 1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Apoptosis index was detected by terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) and Western blot for determining the expressions of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X (Bax). The oxidative stress in the CC were assessed by the superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The proteins expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and c-Jun were detected by Western blot. In addition, the expression of α-SMA and p-c-Jun in the CC was observed by double immunofluorescence staining.@*RESULTS@#The UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis showed that BHD contained calycosin-7-O- β -D-glucoside, ononin, calycosin and formononetin. Compared with the model group, LBHD and HBHD treatment improved the ICP and the circumference, area, and weight of CC (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Furthermore, LBHD and HBHD treatments increased CC smooth muscle content and decreased apoptosis index (P<0.05 or P<0.01). LBHD and HBHD also elevated SOD and expression level of α -SMA and Bcl-2, and reduced MDA and ROS levels, as well as expression of TGF- β 1, collagen I, Bax, p-c-JNK, p-JNK in the CC compared with the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The double immunofluorescence staining showed that the fluorescence degree of p-c-Jun in both LBHD and HBHD treatment groups was significantly reduced, whereas the α -SMA expression increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#BHD can improve ED of rats with BCNI, which is related to inhibiting fibrosis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress of CC. The ROS/JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway may play an important role in the process.

Genetically predicted insomnia causally increases the risk of erectile dysfunction / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Sleep has attracted extensive attention due to its significance in health. However, its association with erectile dysfunction (ED) is insufficiently investigated. To investigate the potential causal links between sleep traits (insomnia, sleep duration, and chronotype) and ED, this study was performed. The single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with insomnia, sleep duration, and chronotype were retrieved from previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS). A conventional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to estimate the causal links between sleep traits and ED. The summary statistics of ED were from individuals of European ancestry (6175 cases vs 217 630 controls). As shown by the random effect inverse-variance-weighting (IVW) estimator, genetically predicted insomnia was causally associated with a 1.15-fold risk of ED (95% confidence interval: 1.07-1.23, P < 0.001). Sleep duration and morningness were not causally associated with ED, as indicated by the IVW (all P > 0.05). These findings were consistent with the results of sensitivity analyses. Based on genetic data, this study provides causal evidence that genetically predicted insomnia increases the risk of ED, whereas sleep duration and chronotype do not.

La disfunción eréctil como factor determinante en la salud sexual y reproductiva en tiempos de la COVID-19 / Erectile dysfunction: A determinant factor in sexual and reproductive health in times of COVID-19

Señor Editor: En su revista se publicó un artículo de revisión titulado Salud sexual y reproductiva en tiempos de la COVID-19 en el que los autores describen como incide la COVID-19 en la salud sexual y reproductiva a diferentes niveles. Este es un tema tratado con frecuencia debido al carácter reciente de la pandemia, la cual se ha caracterizado por provocar nuevas y variadas consecuencias patológicas de manera continua.1 El artículo abarca el tema en casi todas sus aristas, pero consideramos que no se mencionó un factor determinante que afecta a la salud sexual y reproductiva que es la disfunción eréctil que puede ocasionar la COVID-19. La evidencia sólida acumulada en las últimas décadas respalda la noción de que la función eréctil es un excelente marcador sustituto de la salud sistémica en general y del rendimiento vascular en particular, que comparte muchos factores de riesgo con las enfermedades cardiovasculares. Esto se describe mediante la ecuación DEndt = DE (la disfunción endotelial es igual a la disfunción eréctil y viceversa). La integridad vascular es necesaria para la función eréctil, y es probable que el daño vascular asociado a la COVID-19 afecte el frágil lecho vascular del pene, lo que resultará en una función eréctil deteriorada.2,3 Como lo demuestran las pruebas radiológicas posteriores a la recuperación, puede haber una fibrosis significativa en el intersticio pulmonar por COVID-19. Con la fibrosis pulmonar, la función pulmonar fisiológica se ve afectada, lo que lleva a un intercambio de gases...(AU)

Evaluación de la salud sexual, mental y sueño en hombres chilenos posterior a infección por SARS-CoV-2 / Sexual, physical, mental and sleep sequelae four months after SARS-CoV-2 disease

BACKGROUND: Long term sequelae can be observed after SARS-CoV2. AIM: To describe the sexual, physical, mental and sleep sequelae four months after SARS-CoV2 diagnosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients recovering from SARS-CoV2 with different degrees of disease severity were consecutively included and separated in two study groups, namely Group 1 including patients that had an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and Group 2 including those with mild or moderate COVID-19. Handgrip strength, respiratory polygraphy (RP), Quality of life using the SF-12 questionnaire, and the international index of erectile (IIEF-5) function were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty patients who had ARDS, and 10 without ARDS were included. Erectile dysfunction was observed in 77 and 10% of patients with and without ARDS, respectively (p < 0.01). The figures for sleep obstructive apnea were 82 and 40% respectively (p = 0.02) and for the physical domain SF-12 score were 39.2 and 47.9 points respectively (p = 0.01). No differences in muscle strength were observed. After a multivariable analysis, previous ARDS due to COVID-19 was independently associated with erectile dysfunction, with an odds ratio of 30.6 (95% confidence intervals, 3.08300.3, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Among men with ARDS due to COVID-19, the prevalence of erectile dysfunction was high and independently associated with a severe disease four months after discharge.

Neurovascular bundle preservation in robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy: How I do it after 15. 000 cases

ABSTRACT Despite the neuroanatomy knowledge of the prostate described initially in the 1980's and the robotic surgery advantages in terms of operative view magnification, potency outcomes following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy still challenge surgeons and patients due to its multifactorial etiology. Recent studies performed in our center have described that, in addition to the surgical technique, some important factors are associated with erectile dysfunction (ED) following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). These include preoperative Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) score, age, preoperative Gleason score, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). After performing 15,000 cases, in this article we described our current Robotic-assisted Radical Prostatectomy technique with details and considerations regarding the optimal approach to neurovascular bundle preservation.

Evaluación crítica de la literatura: ¿Nuevos usos del tadalafilo? / Critical Appraisal of Literature: ¿New Indications for Tadalafil?

Con respecto al estudio de Espitia-De La Hoz[1] publicado en su prestigiosa revista, quisiéramos expresar algunas particularidades importantes. Esperando que dichos argumentos ayuden a mejorar la lectura crítica de artículos científicos. Para poner en contexto y como primer punto, este estudio se plantea como intervención el uso del tadalafilo a una dosis de 2,5 mg diarios durante 12 semanas en mujeres. Llama la atención que no se especifican los motivos por los cuales se establece esta dosis. En Colombia se encuentran disponibles las presentaciones de 5 mg, 10 mg y 20 mg para hombres con disfunción erectil, hiperplasia prostática benigna o su combinación.[2] Además, los registros sanitarios de Instituto Nacional de Vigilância de Medicamentos e Alimentos (INVIMA) no dan registro de esta presentación ni el uso en mujeres.[3] Se deja como mensaje a la comunidad científica, que el tadalafilo es un comprimido recubierto, sin ranuras, por lo tanto no debe dividirse de ninguna forma.[4] [5] Adicionalmente, su uso en mujeres sería off label y solo debería realizarse en el contexto de un estudio de investigación.

With respect to the study by Espitia-De La Hoz[1] published in your prestigious journal, we would like to express some important particularities. We hope that these arguments will help to improve the critical reading of scientific articles. To put in context and as a first point, this study proposes as an intervention the use of tadalafil at a dose of 2.5 mg daily for 12 weeks in women. It is noteworthy that the reasons for establishing this dose are not specified. In Colombia, 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg presentations are available for men with erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia or their combination.[2] Furthermore, the health records of the Instituto Nacional de Vigilância de Medicamentos e Alimentos (INVIMA) give no record of this presentation or its use in women. [3] It is left as a message to the scientific community that tadalafil is a coated tablet, without grooves, therefore it should not be divided in any way. 4] [5] In addition, its use in women would be off label and should only be performed in the context of a research study.

Ten-year experience with penile prosthetic surgery for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: outcomes of a tertiary referral center and predictors of early prosthetic infection / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

We aimed to evaluate ten-year outcomes of penile prosthesis (PP) implantation for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and to assess predictors of early prosthetic infection (EPI). We identified 549 men who underwent 576 PP placements between 2008 and 2018. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify potential predictors of EPI. An EPI predictive nomogram was developed. Thirty-five (6.1%) cases of EPI were recorded with an explant rate of 3.1%. In terms of satisfaction, 82.0% of the patients defined themselves as "satisfied," while partner's satisfaction was 88.3%. Diabetes (P = 0.012), longer operative time (P = 0.032), and reinterventions (P = 0.048) were associated with EPI risk, while postoperative ciprofloxacin was inversely associated with EPI (P = 0.014). Rifampin/gentamicin-coated 3-piece inflatable PP (r/g-c 3IPP) showed a higher EPI risk (P = 0.019). Multivariate analyses showed a two-fold higher risk of EPI in diabetic patients, redo surgeries, or when a r/g-c 3IPP was used (all P < 0.03). We showed that diabetes, longer operative time, and secondary surgeries were the risk factors for EPI. Postoperative ciprofloxacin was associated with a reduced risk of EPI, while r/g-c 3IPP had higher EPI rates without an increased risk of PP explant. After further validation, the proposed nomogram could be a useful tool for the preoperative counseling of PP implantation.

Human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation could improve diabetic intracavernosal pressure / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) secrete various cytokines with angiogenic and neuroprotective effects. This study aimed to assess the effects of human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly-derived MSCs (hWJ-MSCs) on diabetes-related intracavernosal pressure (ICP) impairment in rats. hWJ-MSCs were isolated from human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly and transplanted into the corpus cavernosum of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats by unilateral injection. The erectile function was evaluated at 4 weeks, as well as the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1). STZ-induced diabetic rats showed impaired ICP, which was significantly improved by hWJ-MSC treatment. VEGF, eNOS, IGF1, and bFGF expression levels were higher in hWJ-MSC injection sites than those in control ones in STZ-induced diabetic rats. These results suggest that hWJ-MSC transplantation might improve diabetic erectile dysfunction through increased production of paracrine growth factors, highlighting a novel potential therapeutic option for erectile dysfunction.