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

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.

Erectile dysfunction: Is platelet-rich plasma the new frontier for treatment in patients with erectile dysfunction? A review of the existing evidence

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“…PRP treatment for ED might be linked to cellular structural remodeling. Current research revealed that PRP is rich in growth factors such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF), PDGF, TGF-β, epidermal growth factor (EGF), VEGF, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) ( 29 ). The plasma, abundant in nutrients, vitamins, hormones, electrolytes, and proteins, plays a pivotal role in cell survival, thereby being instrumental for cell differentiation and proliferation ( 30 ).…”

“…The plasma, abundant in nutrients, vitamins, hormones, electrolytes, and proteins, plays a pivotal role in cell survival, thereby being instrumental for cell differentiation and proliferation ( 30 ). Moreover, a couple of studies have reported that intracavernous injection of PRP in the corpus cavernosum post-cavernous nerve injury can alleviate ED by reducing markers of cell apoptosis and fibrosis ( 29 , 31 ). Hence, our study focused on examining the effectiveness and safety of PRP treatment for ED.…”

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