Penile erection and cardiovascular function: effects and pathophysiology.

Penile erection (PE) is a hemodynamic event that results from a neuroendocrine process, and it is influenced by the cardiovascular status of the patient. However, it may also modulate an individual's cardiovascular events. The present study provides the mechanisms involved in the association of PE and cardiovascular function. Erection upsurges the cardiac rate, blood pressure, and oxygen uptake. Sex-enhancing strategies, such as phosphodiesterase inhibitors, alprostadil, and testosterone also promote vasodilatation and cardiac performance, thus preventing myocardial infarction. More so, drugs that are used in the treatment of hypertensive heart diseases (such as angiotensin system inhibitors and ß-blockers) facilitate vasodilatation and PE. These associations have been linked with nitric oxide- and testosterone-dependent enhancing effects on the vascular endothelium. In addition, impaired cardiovascular function may negatively impact PE; therefore, impaired PE may be a pointer to cardiovascular pathology. Hence, evaluation of the cardiovascular status of an individual with erectile dysfunction (ED) is essential. Also, employing strategies that are used in maintaining optimal cardiac function may be useful in the management of ED.

Erección prolongada dolorosa / Prolonged painful erection

El priapismo es una erección peneana prolongada y dolorosa, que ocurre sin estímulo sexual previo. Existen dos tipos principales, el priapismo de alto flujo y el priapismo de bajo flujo. Aunque en la mayoría de las ocasiones la causa subyacente será desconocida, puede ser la primera manifestación de una enfermedad grave. En el paciente pediátrico con una erección prolongada se debe diferenciar entre la erección peneana recurrente y los distintos tipos de priapismo, puesto que cada entidad requiere un manejo concreto e implica un pronóstico diferente. (AU)

Priapism is a prolonged and painful penile erection, which occurs without prior sexual stimulation. There are two main types, high-flow priapism and low-flow priapism. Although on most occasions the underlying cause will be unknown, it may be the first manifestation of serious disease. In the pediatric patient with prolonged erection we must differentiate between recurrent penile erection and the different types of priapism since each entity requires a specific management and implies a different prognosis. (AU)

Penile Erection Morphometry: The Need for a Novel Approach.

For many males, sexual function holds significant value in determining their quality of life. Despite the importance of male erectile function, no quantitative method to measure it accurately is currently available. Standardized assessment methods such as RigiScan™, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and the stamp test are used to evaluate sexual function, but those methods cannot repetitively and quantitatively measure erectile function. Only direct measurement can quantitatively assess the shape of an erect penis. This paper presents the essential requirements for developing an ideal measurement method for penile erection. It also introduces current approaches for diagnosing male sexual function and reviews ongoing research to quantitatively measure erectile function. The paper further summarizes and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of each method with respect to the essential requirements. Finally, the paper discusses the future direction toward the development of Penile Erection Morphometry.

6-Nitrodopamine is an endogenous mediator of the rabbit corpus cavernosum relaxation.

BACKGROUND: 6-Nitrodopamine (6-ND) is a novel endogenous catecholamine that has a potent relaxant action on vascular smooth muscle in vitro. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the basal release of 6-ND and noradrenaline from rabbit-isolated corpus cavernosum (RbCC) and its relaxing action on this tissue. METHODS: Rabbit corpus cavernosa were dissected and suspended in a 5-mL organ bath containing oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit's solution. 6-ND and noradrenaline release was quantified by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The relaxant activity of 6-ND was assessed in RbCC strips pre-contracted with endothelin-1 (10 nM). RESULTS: Rabbit corpus cavernosum presented basal release of both 6-ND (2.9 ± 0.8 ng/mL, n = 12) and noradrenaline (1.7 ± 1.3 ng/mL, n = 12). The 6-ND release was reduced by pre-treatment with Nω -nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) (100 µM), whereas that of noradrenaline was unaffected. Tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1 µM) abolished the noradrenaline release but had no effect on 6-ND release, indicating a non-neurogenic origin for 6-ND. 6-ND and the selective dopamine D2 -agonist L-741,626 caused concentration-dependent RbCC relaxations (pEC50 of 11 ± 0.15 and 11.15 ± 0.28, respectively). Pre-treatment with either l-NAME or the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-on (ODQ) (100 µM) caused a rightward shift of the concentration-response curve to 6-ND, without affecting the L-741,626 responses. In TTX (100 nM)-pre-treated preparations, neither l-NAME nor ODQ shifted the 6-ND concentration-response curve. Dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline caused concentration-dependent RbCC contractions. Pre-incubation with 6-ND concentration-dependently inhibited the dopamine-induced contractions, without affecting those induced by either noradrenaline or adrenaline. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: 6-Nitrodopamine is the most potent endogenous relaxant agent in RbCC ever described and represents a novel mechanism by which NO causes corpus cavernosum smooth muscle relaxation. The finding that 6-ND acts as a truly selective dopamine D2 -receptor antagonist indicates that the balance of dopamine and 6-ND release/synthesis may be the main mechanism that modulates corpus cavernosum smooth muscle tonus in vivo.

Tissue anisotropy and collagenomics in porcine penile tunica albuginea: Implications for penile structure-function relationships and tissue engineering.

The tunica albuginea (TA) of the penis is an elastic layer that serves a structural role in penile erection. Disorders affecting the TA cause pain, deformity, and erectile dysfunction. There is a substantial clinical need for engineered replacements of TA, but data are scarce on the material properties and biochemical composition of healthy TA. The objective of this study was to assess tissue organization, protein content, and mechanical properties of porcine TA to establish structure-function relationships and design criteria for tissue engineering efforts. TA was isolated from six pigs and subjected to histomorphometry, quantification of collagen content and pyridinoline crosslinks, bottom-up proteomics, and tensile mechanical testing. Collagen was 20 ± 2%/wet weight (WW) and 53 ± 4%/dry weight (DW). Pyridinoline content was 426 ±131 ng/mg WW, 1011 ± 190 ng/mg DW, and 45 ± 8 mmol/mol hydroxyproline. Bottom-up proteomics identified 14 proteins with an abundance of >0.1% of total protein. The most abundant collagen subtype was type I, representing 95.5 ± 1.5% of the total protein in the samples. Collagen types III, XII, and VI were quantified at 1.7 ± 1.0%, 0.8 ± 0.2%, and 0.4 ± 0.2%, respectively. Tensile testing revealed anisotropy: Young's modulus was significantly higher longitudinally than circumferentially (60 ± 18 MPa vs. 8 ± 5 MPa, p < 0.01), as was ultimate tensile strength (16 ± 4 MPa vs. 3 ± 3 MPa, p < 0.01). Taken together, the tissue mechanical and compositional data obtained in this study provide important benchmarks for the development of TA biomaterials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The tunica albuginea of the penis serves an important structural role in physiologic penile erection. This tissue can become damaged by disease or trauma, leading to pain and deformity. Treatment options are limited. Little is known about the precise biochemical composition and biomechanical properties of healthy tunica albuginea. In this study, we characterize the tissue using proteomic analysis and tensile testing to establish design parameters for future tissue engineering efforts. To our knowledge, this is the first study to quantify tissue anisotropy and to use bottom-up proteomics to characterize the composition of penile tunica albuginea.

Zinc improves sexual and erectile function in HAART-treated rats via the upregulation of erectogenic enzymes and maintenance of redox balance.

PURPOSE: HAART has been shown to impair sexual function and penile erection via perturbation of penile redox balance, while zinc has been established to exert antioxidant activity. Therefore, this study focused on the role and associated molecular mechanism of zinc in HAART-induced sexual and erectile dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly grouped into four (n = 5 rats per group); the control, zinc-treated, HAART-treated, and HAART + zinc-treated groups. Treatments were per os daily for eight weeks. RESULTS: Zinc co-administration significantly improved HAART-induced increase in the latencies of mount, intromission, and ejaculations. Zinc also attenuated HAART-induced reduction in the motivation to mate, penile reflex/erection, and frequencies of mount, intromission, and ejaculations. In addition, zinc co-treatment improved HAART-induced decline in penile NO and cGMP, dopamine, and serum testosterone. More so, zinc prevented HAART-induced rise in penile activities of monoamine oxidase, acetylcholinesterase, phosphodiesterase-5, and arginase. Furthermore, concomitant treatment with zinc ameliorated HAART-induced penile oxidative stress and inflammation. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our present findings show that zinc improves sexual and erectile function in HAART-treated rats by upregulating erectogenic enzymes via the maintenance of penile redox balance.

Producción científica en investigación sobre avances terapéuticos de la Enfermedad de Peyronie durante los últimos 62 años. Un análisis bibliométrico / Scientific production on research on therapeutic advances in Peyronie's Disease during the last 62 Years. A bibliometric analysis / Produção científica em pesquisa sobre avanços terapêuticos na Doença de Peyronie nos últimos 62 anos. Uma análise bibliométrica

Introducción. La enfermedad de Peyronie es una malformación adquirida del pene, originada por la deposición de placas fibróticas en la túnica albugínea. La prevalencia en Estados Unidos oscila entre el 0.39% y 11.8%, en Europa 8.9%, en Latinoamérica no existe un porcentaje puntual de prevalencia actual debido a la escasez de reportes de esta patología. Este análisis bibliométrico busca describir la evolución terapéutica de la Enfermedad de Peyronie en la literatura de los últimos 62 años, así como la distribución geográfica de estas publicaciones. Metodología. Estudio observacional, descriptivo, un análisis bibliométrico desde 1957 hasta 2019, utilizando GoPubMed y FABUMED. Resultados. Se obtuvieron 721 referencias sobre tratamiento quirúrgico en enfermedad de Peyronie, con un aumento de la producción científica a lo largo del periodo de estudio. The Journal of Urology fue la revista con mayor cantidad de publicaciones, el 57.9% dentro de la categoría de artículo científico. El país líder fue Estados Unidos con 191 publicaciones. Discusión. Existe poca literatura sobre los avances terapéuticos para el tratamiento de enfermedad de Peyronie, lo que dificulta la comparación de las investigaciones a lo largo de los años en diferentes zonas del mundo. La investigación en Latinoamérica es escasa. Conclusión. La investigación sobre el tratamiento quirúrgico en enfermedad de Peyronie muestra un patrón ascendente en la productividad científica durante los años estudiados. Los países con mayores ingresos económicos son de mayor desarrollo en el tema y en menor medida regiones con recursos limitados. El análisis evidencia la importancia de aumentar producción científica en Colombia, así como estimular la investigación sobre este tema, ya que existen muy pocas publicaciones sobre la evolución del tratamiento quirúrgico para esta enfermedad. Palabras clave: Induración Peniana; Enfermedades del Pene; Bibliometría; Fibrosis; Erección Peniana

Introduction. Peyronie's disease is an acquired malformation of the penis, caused by the deposition of fibrotic plaques in the tunica albuginea. The prevalence in the United States ranges between 0.39% and 11.8%, in Europe 8.9%, in Latin America there is no specific percentage of current prevalence due to the scarcity of reports of this pathology. This bibliometric analysis seeks to describe the therapeutic evolution of Peyronie's Disease in the literature over the last 62 years, as well as the geographic distribution of these publications. Methodology. This is an observational, descriptive study, with a bibliometric analysis from 1957 to 2019, using GoPubMed and FABUMED. Results. 721 references on surgical treatment in Peyronie's disease were obtained, with an increase in scientific production throughout the study period. The Journal of Urology was the journal with the highest number of publications, 57.9% within the scientific article category. The leading country was the United States with 191 publications. Discussion. There is a limited amount of literature on therapeutic advances for the treatment of Peyronie's disease, which makes it difficult to compare research over the years in different areas of the world. Research in Latin America is scarce. Conclusion. Research on surgical treatment in Peyronie's disease shows an increasing pattern in scientific productivity over the years. Countries with higher economic income have greater development in the subject and to a lesser extent regions with limited resources. The analysis shows the importance of increasing scientific production in Colombia, as well as stimulating research on this topic, since there are few publications on the evolution of surgical treatment for this disease. Keywords: Penile Induration; Penile Diseases; Bibliometrics; Fibrosis; Penile Erection

Introdução. A doença de Peyronie é uma malformação adquirida do pênis, causada pela deposição de placas fibróticas na túnica albugínea. A prevalência nos Estados Unidos varia entre 0.39% e 11.8%, na Europa 8.9%, na América Latina não existe um percentual específico de prevalência atual devido à escassez de relatos desta patologia. Esta análise bibliométrica tem como objetivo descrever a evolução terapêutica da Doença de Peyronie na literatura dos últimos 62 anos, bem como a distribuição geográfica destas publicações. Metodologia. Estudo observacional, descritivo, análise bibliométrica de 1957 a 2019, utilizando GoPubMed e FABUMED. Resultados. Foram obtidas 721 referências sobre tratamento cirúrgico na doença de Peyronie, com aumento da produção científica ao longo do período do estudo. The Journal of Urology foi o periódico com maior número de publicações, 57.9% dentro da categoria artigo científico. O país líder foram os Estados Unidos com 191 publicações. Discussão. Há pouca literatura sobre avanços terapêuticos para o tratamento da doença de Peyronie, o que dificulta a comparação de pesquisas ao longo dos anos em diferentes partes do mundo. As pesquisas na América Latina são escassas. Conclusão. As pesquisas sobre o tratamento cirúrgico da doença de Peyronie mostram um padrão crescente de produtividade científica ao longo dos anos estudados. Os países com maior rendimento económico são mais desenvolvidos no assunto e, em menor medida, regiões com recursos limitados. A análise mostra a importância de aumentar a produção científica na Colômbia, bem como estimular a pesquisa sobre o tema, uma vez que existem poucas publicações sobre a evolução do tratamento cirúrgico desta doença. Palavras-chave: Induração Peniana; Doenças do Pênis; Bibliometria; Fibrose; Ereção Peniana

A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Clinical Trial Using a Second-Generation Duolith SD1 Low-Intensity Shockwave Machine in Males with Vascular Erectile Dysfunction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and patient satisfaction rates of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy LIESWT) in men with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) using Duolith SD1 machine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial included 60 men who were randomly assigned to LIESWT (n=30, active group) or placebo (n=30) over 6 weeks. Patient demographics, change in International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5, Erection Hardness Score (EHS) and Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) scores, and an overall satisfaction score (on a 5-point scale), were recorded. All patients were reviewed at 1, 3, and 6 months after completion of therapy. RESULTS: There were 21 (70%) patients in the LIESWT group and 3 (10%) patients in the placebo group who had a 5-point or greater increase in IIEF-5 score (p=0.018). At 6-month study period, the mean IIEF-5 score was 18.8 (standard deviation [SD], 3.8) in the LIESWT group versus 14.8 (SD, 3.6) in the placebo group, difference in means between groups was 4.0 (95% confidence interval, 2.1-5.9; p<0.001). The EHS scores were higher in the LIESWT group with a mean of greater than 1.2 across the 1, 3, and 6 months compared to the placebo group (p<0.05). All patients completed the treatment study and there was no adverse event reported in terms of penile pain, bruising or deformity. There was a positive correlation between men who reported improvement in EF and treatment satisfaction level with LiESWT (p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: LIESWT improves erectile function in the short-term especially in men with mild to moderate ED, and those without a cardiometabolic disease.

Expression and Distribution of Free Zinc in Penile Erectile Tissue.

PURPOSE: Several studies have shown that zinc has a significant influence on erectile function. However, no studies evaluating the cellular distribution of free zinc in penile erectile tissue have been performed. Therefore, this study aimed to test whether free zinc is present in penile tissue and whether it may be involved in the electrical stimulation (ES)-induced penile erection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects for this study were 26 young (8-week-old) male C57BL/6J mice. After the cavernous nerve was exposed through a midline stomach incision, 14 mice received ES of the cavernous nerve (ES group), whereas 12 mice did not (control group). Intracavernous pressure (ICP) (consisting of 10 V at a duration of 1 min, frequency of 12 Hz and a pulse width of 1 m/s) was recorded during ES. Immediately after ICP was recorded, penile tissues were harvested for histological and biochemical analysis, including analysis of zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3) and intracellular free zinc levels. RESULTS: The expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) in penile tissue was significantly greater in the ES group than in the control group (p=0.036 and 0.016, respectively). And then, ZnT3 and intracellular free zinc were present in the penile tissue of both groups. However, ZnT3 immunofluorescence in the ES group was more intense in the dorsal nerve bundle (22% increase, p=0.032). The ES group also showed higher intensity N-(6-methoxy-8-quinolyl)-para-toluenesulfonamide (TSQ) fluorescence signals indicative of intracellular free zinc level in the penile tissue compared to the control group (49% increase in dorsal nerve bundle, p=0.001; 50% increase in corpus cavernosum, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study supported the expression and distribution of free zinc in penile tissue and increased levels after penile erection. Therefore, this study provides anatomical evidence for the potential role of free zinc in penile erection.

Difference in Nocturnal Erectile Function Between SRPE Patients and Normal People / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo compare the nocturnal erectile function between SRPE patients and normal people. MethodsFrom July 1st， 2019 to December 15th， 2022， a clinical comparative study was conducted on 29 SRPE patients （experimental group） and 58 volunteers （control group） who visited our urology department. The Rigiscan System was used to monitor sleep monitoring time， the number of nocturnal erections and the rigidity， duration and circumference growth of the penis when the erection reached 60%～79% and 80%～100%， respectively. The patients and volunteers were asked to make written records when they woke up， and then the total number of awakenings and the number of awakenings when the penis erection reached 60% and 80% were compared between the two groups. ResultsAge was eliminated by matching. There was no statistically significant difference in sleep monitoring time， rigidity， circumference growth and duration of the penis when the erection reached 60%～79% and 80%～100%. between the two groups. In terms of sleep， there was a statistically significant difference in the total number of awakenings between the two groups［3（2 ~ 4）vs 0（0 ~ 0），P<0.01］ .And the same was true for the number of awakenings when the penis erection exceeded 60%～79% ［1（0 ~ 1）vs 0（0 ~ 0），P<0.01］and 80%～100% ［2（1 ~ 3）vs 0（0 ~ 0），P<0.01］. ConclusionRigiscan monitoring showed that there was no difference between SRPE patients and normal male in nocturnal penile erection function. Painful awakening usually occurs when the penis erection reaches 60%～79% or 80%～100%， which reveals that SRPE may be caused by abnormal sensation of nocturnal erections or pain sensitivity in some of these patients.

Successful Management of Intraoperative Priapism under General Anesthesia during Transurethral Surgery - A Case Series with Review of Its Management.

Penile erection under general anesthesia is a rare occurrence. It may cause delay, complications or can even lead to cancellation of an elective transurethral surgery. In literature, various methods and techniques have been mentioned with variable rates of success and side effects. However, the management becomes challenging and it needs a tailored approach according to the patient's clinical condition with the aim of minimizing complications. Hereby, reporting two cases of successful management of intraoperative priapism in patients undergoing transurethral surgery under general anesthesia.

Dopamine, Erectile Function and Male Sexual Behavior from the Past to the Present: A Review.

Early and recent studies show that dopamine through its neuronal systems and receptor subtypes plays different roles in the control of male sexual behavior. These studies show that (i) the mesolimbic/mesocortical dopaminergic system plays a key role in the preparatory phase of sexual behavior, e.g., in sexual arousal, motivation and reward, whereas the nigrostriatal system controls the sensory-motor coordination necessary for copulation, (ii) the incertohypothalamic system is involved in the consummatory aspects of sexual behavior (penile erection and copulation), but evidence for its role in sexual motivation is also available, (iii) the pro-sexual effects of dopamine occur in concert with neural systems interconnecting the hypothalamus and preoptic area with the spinal cord, ventral tegmental area and other limbic brain areas and (iv) D2 and D4 receptors play a major role in the pro-sexual effects of dopamine. Despite some controversy, increases or decreases, respectively, of brain dopamine activity induced by drugs or that occur physiologically, usually improves or worsens, respectively, sexual activity. These findings suggest that an altered central dopaminergic tone plays a role in mental pathologies characterized by aberrant sexual behavior, and that pro-erectile D4 receptor agonists may be considered a new strategy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men.

Effects of cannabinoid and vanilloid receptor antagonists on nicotine induced relaxation response enhancement in rabbit corpus cavernosum.

Objectives: Endocannabinoids and nicotine regulate the neurotransmitter release in different central and peripheral synapses. Various studies in the literature demonstrate the interaction between endocannabinoid and nicotinic systems, especially in the central nervous system. The interaction between nicotinic and endocannabinoid systems was investigated in this study. We aimed to show the effects of cannabinoid and vanilloid receptor antagonists on nicotine-induced relaxation response increases in rabbit corpus cavernosum. Materials and Methods: From a total of seven male albino rabbits, three or four equal strips were cut from each corpus cavernosum and inserted in isolated organ baths. Tissues were contracted with phenylephrine (3×10-5 M). After contraction reached a plateau, strips were stimulated with EFS, and with the stabilization of EFS relaxation responses, 10-4 M of nicotine was administered to tissues. After that, in order to investigate the effects of AM251 (CB1 antagonist), AM630 (CB2 inverse agonist) or capsazepine (a vanilloid receptor antagonist) were given to different tissues, after the resting period. Results: Nicotine (10-4 M) increased the EFS-induced relaxation responses (14.60%±2.94%, P<0.05). AM630 decreased the enhancement of nicotine-induced EFS relaxation responses (nicotine 10-4 M enhancement: 17.16%±3.19%; nicotine 10-4 M enhancement in the presence of AM630 10-6 M: 4.44%±3.43% P<0.05; n=6), whereas effects of AM251 and capsazepine were not significant. Conclusion: In the present study, nicotine increased the amplitudes of EFS-induced relaxation responses probably via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors located on the nitrergic nerves of the corpus cavernosum. We showed the role of cannabinoid-like endo-ligands in nicotine-induced enhancement via CB2 receptors but not CB1 and VR1 receptors.

Aphrodisiac Performance of Bioactive Compounds from Mimosa pudica Linn.: In Silico Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation Approach.

Plants and their derived molecules have been traditionally used to manage numerous pathological complications, including male erectile dysfunction (ED). Mimosa pudica Linn. commonly referred to as the touch-me-not plant, and its extract are important sources of new lead molecules in drug discovery research. The main goal of this study was to predict highly effective molecules from M. pudica Linn. for reaching and maintaining penile erection before and during sexual intercourse through in silico molecular docking and dynamics simulation tools. A total of 28 bioactive molecules were identified from this target plant through public repositories, and their chemical structures were drawn using Chemsketch software. Graph theoretical network principles were applied to identify the ideal target (phosphodiesterase type 5) and rebuild the network to visualize the responsible signaling genes, proteins, and enzymes. The 28 identified bioactive molecules were docked against the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) enzyme and compared with the standard PDE5 inhibitor (sildenafil). Pharmacokinetics (ADME), toxicity, and several physicochemical properties of bioactive molecules were assessed to confirm their drug-likeness property. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation modeling was performed to investigate the stability of PDE5-ligand complexes. Four bioactive molecules (Bufadienolide (-12.30 kcal mol-1), Stigmasterol (-11.40 kcal mol-1), Isovitexin (-11.20 kcal mol-1), and Apigetrin (-11.20 kcal mol-1)) showed the top binding affinities with the PDE5 enzyme, much more powerful than the standard PDE5 inhibitor (-9.80 kcal mol-1). The four top binding bioactive molecules were further validated for a stable binding affinity with the PDE5 enzyme and conformation during the MD simulation period as compared to the apoprotein and standard PDE5 inhibitor complexes. Further, the four top binding bioactive molecules demonstrated significant drug-likeness characteristics with lower toxicity profiles. According to the findings, the four top binding molecules may be used as potent and safe PDE5 inhibitors and could potentially be used in the treatment of ED.

Uretroplastia término terminal y reconstrucción cavernosa temprana en ruptura bilateral de origen traumático / End-to-End Urethroplasty and Early Cavernous Reconstruction in Bilateral Rupture of Traumatic Origin / Uretroplastia término-terminal e reconstrução cavernosa precoce em rotura bilateral de origem traumática

Introducción. La fractura de pene es una emergencia urológica rara, se desconoce la incidencia real dado el subregistro causado por la reducida consulta de los pacientes, resultado del embarazoso contexto. En Estados Unidos alcanza un 38% donde la etiología de índole sexual predomina. En Colombia hay escasos reportes publicados. El diagnóstico de esta entidad es netamente clínico. El objetivo de este trabajo es reportar una evolución satisfactoria en términos de función miccional y eréctil en un paciente sometido a reconstrucción cavernosa y uretral temprana en rotura bilateral de origen traumático mediante una técnica quirúrgica poco convencional, de acuerdo con lo hallado en la literatura. Presentación del caso. Paciente masculino de 30 años, previamente sano, quien consultó al servicio de urgencias por uretrorragia, edema y dolor peneano secundario a trauma contuso del mismo durante relación sexual. El reporte ecográfico mostró disrupción en túnica albugínea del cuerpo esponjoso, hematoma y aparente transección uretral; se realizó exploración quirúrgica 6 horas después, con evidencia de fractura de cuerpos cavernosos, laceración del 40% de la circunferencia, transección completa de la uretra y cuerpo esponjoso. Se realizó rafia de cuerpos cavernosos y uretroplastia término terminal de uretra bulbar, con evolución clínica satisfactoria. Discusión. La reconstrucción quirúrgica en menos de 24 horas en fractura de pene disminuye significativamente la estancia hospitalaria y complicaciones precoces; asimismo, desciende el riesgo de disfunción eréctil, erecciones dolorosas y problemas miccionales. No hay publicaciones que comparen resultados a largo plazo entre los dos abordajes quirúrgicos. Conclusiones. La fractura de pene es una patología poco frecuente con diagnóstico clínico, la cual debe manejarse de manera temprana por cualquier urólogo y, en caso de ser posible, con experiencia reconstructiva y excelentes resultados en la función sexual y miccional.

Introduction. Penile fracture is a rare urological emergency, the real incidence is unknown given the underreporting caused by the reduced consultation of patients, resulting from the embarrassing context. In the United States it reaches 38%, where sexual etiology predominates. In Colombia there are few published reports. The diagnosis of this entity is purely clinical. The aim of this work is to report a satisfactory evolution in terms of voiding and erectile function in a patient who underwent early cavernous and urethral reconstruction in bilateral rupture of traumatic origin by means of an unconventional surgical technique, in accordance with what has been found in the literature. Case Presentation. A 30-year-old male patient, previously healthy, consulted the emergency department for urethrorrhagia, edema and penile pain secondary to blunt trauma to the penis during sexual intercourse. The ultrasound report showed disruption in the tunica albuginea of the corpus spongiosum, hematoma and apparent urethral transection; surgical exploration was performed 6 hours later, with evidence of fracture of the corpora cavernosa, laceration of 40% of the circumference, complete transection of the urethra and corpus spongiosum. Sutures to the corpora cavernosa and end-to-end urethroplasty of the bulbar urethra were performed, with satisfactory clinical evolution. Discussion. Surgical reconstruction in less than 24 hours in penile fractures significantly reduces hospital stay and early complications; it also reduces the risk of erectile dysfunction, painful erections and voiding problems. There are no publications comparing long-term results between the two surgical approaches. Conclusions. Penile fracture is a rare pathology with clinical diagnosis, which should be managed early by any urologist and, if possible, with reconstructive experience and excellent results in sexual and voiding function.

Introdução. A fratura peniana é uma emergência urológica rara, a real incidência é desconhecida dada a subnotificação causada pela reduzida consulta de pacientes, resultado do contexto constrangedor. Nos Estados Unidos chega a 38% onde predomina a etiologia de natureza sexual. Na Colômbia há poucos relatórios publicados. O diagnóstico desta entidade é puramente clínico. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar uma evolução satisfatória da função miccional e erétil em um paciente submetido à reconstrução cavernosa e uretral precoce em ruptura bilateral de origem traumática por meio de técnica cirúrgica não convencional, de acordo com o que foi encontrado na literatura. Apresentação do caso. Paciente do sexo masculino, 30 anos, previamente saudável, procurou o pronto-socorro por uretrorragia, edema e dor peniana secundária a trauma contuso durante a relação sexual. O relatório do ultrassom mostrou ruptura na túnica albugínea do corpo esponjoso, hematoma e transecção uretral aparente; a exploração cirúrgica foi realizada 6 horas depois, com evidência de fratura dos corpos cavernosos, laceração de 40% da circunferência, transecção completa da uretra e corpo esponjoso. Foram realizadas ráfia dos corpos cavernosos e uretroplastia término-terminal da uretra bulbar, com evolução clínica satisfatória. Discussão. A reconstrução cirúrgica em menos de 24 horas nas fraturas penianas reduz significativamente o tempo de internação e as complicações precoces. Da mesma forma, diminui o risco de disfunção erétil, ereções dolorosas e problemas de micção. Não há publicações comparando os resultados a longo prazo entre as duas abordagens cirúrgicas. Conclusões. A fratura peniana é uma patologia rara com diagnóstico clínico, que deve ser tratada precocemente por qualquer urologista e, se possível, com experiência reconstrutiva e excelentes resultados na função sexual e miccional.

Potential Effect of the Circadian Clock on Erectile Dysfunction.

The circadian rhythm is an internal timing system, which is generated by circadian clock genes. Because the circadian rhythm regulates numerous cellular, behavioral, and physiological processes, organisms have evolved with intrinsic biological rhythms to adapt the daily environmental changes. A variety of pathological events occur at specific times, while disturbed rhythms can lead to metabolic syndrome, vascular dysfunction, inflammatory disorders, and cancer. Therefore, the circadian clock is considered closely related to various diseases. Recently, accumulated data have shown that the penis is regulated by the circadian clock, while erectile function is impaired by an altered sleep-wake cycle. The circadian rhythm appears to be a novel therapeutic target for preventing and managing erectile dysfunction (ED), although research is still progressing. In this review, we briefly summarize the superficial interactions between the circadian clock and erectile function, while focusing on how disturbed rhythms contribute to risk factors of ED. These risk factors include NO/cGMP pathway, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, lipid abnormalities, testosterone deficiency, as well as dysfunction of endothelial and smooth muscle cells. On the basis of recent findings, we discuss the potential role of the circadian clock for future therapeutic strategies on ED, although further relevant research needs to be performed.

Histologic and physiologic analysis of the relationship between the dorsal nerve of the penis and the corpus cavernosum on a rat model. A complementary pathway on the innervation of penile erection?

AIM: The dorsal nerve of the penis (DNP) is the terminal branch of the pudendal nerve which is responsible for the somatic innervation of the penis. This study aims to outline any direct role of the DNP in the hemodynamics of erection histologically and physiologically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen Wistar albino rats were sorted into the electrical activity (n = 6), intracavernous pressure (n = 4), and control (n = 5) groups. The dorsal nerve was electrostimulated and the simultaneous changes in intracavernous pressure and smooth muscle activity were recorded. Penile tissues were collected, fixed, and sectioned, the slides were stained with either hematoxylin-eosin for morphological evaluation or using the indirect immunoperoxidase technique to analyze the distributions of eNOS, iNOS, and nNOS. RESULTS: During electrostimulation, there was a simultaneous statistically significant decrease in the electrical activity inside the corpora in electromyography and an increase in intracavernous pressure. eNOS and iNOS immunoreactivities were higher in the study group than in the control group. nNOS immunoreactivity was moderate in both study and control groups. CONCLUSION: Some fibers in the dorsal nerve of penis continue into the corpora cavernosa through the tunica albuginea and have an active, direct role in the hemodynamic process of erection, which may be complementary to the main route of innervation.

Fast voltage-dependent sodium (NaV ) currents are functionally expressed in mouse corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (CCSM) exhibits phasic contractions that are coordinated by ion channels. Mouse models are commonly used to study erectile dysfunction, but there are few published electrophysiological studies of mouse CCSM. We describe the voltage-dependent sodium (NaV ) currents in mouse CCSM and investigate their function. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: We used electrophysiological, pharmacological and immunocytochemical methods to study the NaV currents in isolated CCSM cells from C57BL/6 mice. Tension measurements were carried out using crural sections of the corpus cavernosum in whole tissue. KEY RESULTS: Fast, voltage-dependent, sodium currents in mouse CCSM were induced by depolarising steps. Steady-state activation and inactivation curves revealed a window current between -60 and -30 mV. Two populations of NaV currents, 'TTX-sensitive' and 'TTX-insensitive', were identified. TTX-sensitive currents showed 48% block with the NaV channel subtype-specific blockers ICA-121431 (NaV 1.1-1.3), PF-05089771 (NaV 1.7) and 4,9-anhydro-TTX (NaV 1.6). TTX-insensitive currents were resistant to blockade by A803467, specific for NaV 1.8 channels. Immunocytochemistry confirmed expression of NaV 1.5 and NaV 1.4 in freshly dispersed CCSM cells. Veratridine, a NaV channel activator, reduced time-dependent inactivation of NaV currents and increased duration of evoked action potentials. Veratridine induced phasic contractions in CCSM strips, reversible with TTX and nifedipine but not KB-R7943. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: There are fast, voltage-dependent, sodium currents in mouse CCSM. Stimulation of these currents increased contractility of CCSM in vitro, suggesting an involvement in detumescence and potentially providing a clinically relevant target in erectile dysfunction. Further work will be necessary to define its role.

Effects of modified radical prostatectomy via an extraperitoneal approach on urinary control and sexual function in patients with prostate cancer / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effects of modified radical prostatectomy via an extraperitoneal approach on urinary control and sexual function in patients with prostate cancer.Methods:Fifty-six patients with stable prostate cancer who received treatment in Deqing People's Hospital between March 2015 and March 2018 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into observation and control groups ( n = 28/group). The observation group was subjected to modified radical prostatectomy via an extraperitoneal approach. The control group underwent standard laparoscopic surgery. Clinical efficacy and the effects of modified radical prostatectomy via an extraperitoneal approach on urinary control and sexual function were compared between the two groups. Results:Amount of blood loss and postoperative drainage were (125.39 ± 11.12) mL and (65.39 ± 10.12) mL in the observation group, and (224.79 ± 14.01) mL and (104.79 ± 15.01) mL in the control group. There were no significant differences in amount of blood loss and postoperative drainage between the two groups ( t = 18.83, 15.67, both P < 0.05). At 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery, the percentage of patients who had urinary control recovery in the observation group was 53.57% (15/28), 78.57% (22/28), 98.21% (27/28), respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group [21.43% (6/28), 35.71% (10/28), 67.86% (19/28), χ2 = 4.12, 7.21, 5.01, all P < 0.05]. At 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery, the score of erectile function recovery in the observation group was (15.98 ± 0.28) points, (15.99 ± 0.72) points, and (18.91 ± 0.48) points, which were significantly higher than those in the control group [(17.11 ± 0.34) points, (13.11 ± 0.48) points, (13.41 ± 0.39) points, t = 3.01, 12.89, 15.78, all P < 0.05]. Conclusion:Modified radical prostatectomy via an extraperitoneal approach can improve postoperative urinary control and sexual dysfunction.

Erectile Function and Sexual Behavior: A Review of the Role of Nitric Oxide in the Central Nervous System.

Nitric oxide (NO), the neuromodulator/neurotransmitter formed from l-arginine by neuronal, endothelial and inducible NO synthases, is involved in numerous functions across the body, from the control of arterial blood pressure to penile erection, and at central level from energy homeostasis regulation to memory, learning and sexual behavior. The aim of this work is to review earlier studies showing that NO plays a role in erectile function and sexual behavior in the hypothalamus and its paraventricular nucleus and the medial preoptic area, and integrate these findings with those of recent studies on this matter. This revisitation shows that NO influences erectile function and sexual behavior in males and females by acting not only in the paraventricular nucleus and medial preoptic area but also in extrahypothalamic brain areas, often with different mechanisms. Most importantly, since these areas are strictly interconnected with the paraventricular nucleus and medial preoptic area, send to and receive neural projections from the spinal cord, in which sexual communication between brain and genital apparatus takes place, this review reveals that central NO participates in concert with neurotransmitters/neuropeptides to a neural circuit controlling both the consummatory (penile erection, copulation, lordosis) and appetitive components (sexual motivation, arousal, reward) of sexual behavior.