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Intracavernous Injection of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Ameliorates Hyperlipidemia-Associated Erectile
Yun-Ching Huang1, Chun-Te Wu2, Miao-Fen Chen3
1Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Introduction:
Hyperlipidemia is associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) mediated by endothelial damage. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains numerous angiogenic growth factors. Currently, evidence supporting the use of PRP for ED treatment is limited.
Aim:
We investigated PRP in a rat model of hyperlipidemia-associated ED.
Methods:
Thirty 2-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. 20 rats were fed a high-fat diet for 5 months and were randomly divided into 2 groups: (i) rats in the H group received supernatant injection into the corpus cavernosum weekly for 4 weeks; (ii) rats in the H + PRP group received PRP injection into the corpus cavernosum weekly for 4 weeks. 10 rats were fed a standard diet for 5 months and received supernatant injection into the corpus cavernosum weekly for 4 weeks (N group). 7 days after the 4th injection, all rats underwent erectile function testing and then euthanasia.
Main Outcome Measures:
Erectile function was evaluated by measuring intracavernous pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Serum and penile tissue were collected for metabolic variable assessment and histochemical examination, respectively.
Results:
Intracavernous pressure/MAP and area under the curve/MAP ratios were significantly higher in the N and H + PRP groups than in the H group. Insulin-like growth factor-1, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor levels were significantly higher in the H + PRP group than in the N and H groups. Corporal neuronal nitric oxide synthase, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and endothelial cells were weakly expressed in the H group compared with the N and H + PRP groups. Intracorporal oxidative stress and apoptotic index were significantly higher in the H group than in the N and H + PRP groups.
Conclusions:
This preclinical evidence suggests that clinical trials of PRP in men with ED should be considered. PRP may play a role in ED management. Huang YC, Wu CT, Chen MF, et al. Intracavernous Injection of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Ameliorates Hyperlipidemia-Associated Erectile Dysfunction in a Rat Model. Sex Med 2021;9:100317.
