Evaluation of plasma-transforming growth factor-β1 in active-phase Peyronie’s disease

Abstract

Background Peyronie’s disease (PD) is an acquired disorder of the penile tunica albuginea. PD may manifest in the form of palpable penile plaques, penile curvature, erectile dysfunction, and/or painful erections, all of which carry significant morbidity and psychological distress for both patients and partners. The underlying etiopathogenesis of PD is not well understood but is thought to be caused by injury to the penis, usually through sexual activity. The study of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is of particular interest in the identification of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in PD tunical fibroses and in the activation of inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis-associated cytokines. Aim The aim of the study was to determine and evaluate the plasma TGF-β1 level in patients with active-phase PD compared with control individuals and determine the association between TGF-β1 level and disease activity. Methods The study was carried out on 30 patients with clinically suspected and ultrasonographically confirmed PD, and the results were compared with 20 matched healthy individuals who formed the control group. All participants were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination, ultrasonographic evaluation, and measurement of plasma TGF-β1 levels. Results A significant increase in plasma TGF-β1 levels was found in active-phase PD patients when compared with controls, especially in patients suffering from pain and deformity and patients with associated comorbidities such as diabetes or hypertension ( P Conclusions Assessment of plasma TGF-β1 levels from peripheral blood samples is a simple method for detecting cavernous TGF-β1 expression without the need for penile blood samples. TGF-β1 may be a marker for PD.