Intracavernous Injection of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Ameliorates Hyperlipidemia-Associated Erectile Dysfunction in a Rat Model

Yun-Ching Huang; Chun-Te Wu; Miao-Fen Chen; Yi-Hung Kuo; Jhy-Ming Li; Chung-Sheng Shi

doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2020.100317

Intracavernous Injection of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Ameliorates Hyperlipidemia-Associated Erectile Dysfunction in a Rat Model

Sex Med. 2021 Apr;9(2):100317. doi: 10.1016/j.esxm.2020.100317. Epub 2021 Jan 30.

Authors

Yun-Ching Huang¹, Chun-Te Wu², Miao-Fen Chen³, Yi-Hung Kuo⁴, Jhy-Ming Li⁴, Chung-Sheng Shi⁵

Affiliations

¹ Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan. Electronic address: chrishyc@gmail.com.
² Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan.
³ Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan.
⁴ Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
⁵ Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan. Electronic address: csshi@mail.cgu.edu.tw.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Diet; Erectile Dysfunction; Fat; Hyperlipidemia; Platelet rich plasma.