Single-cell transcriptome atlas of the human corpus cavernosum.

The corpus cavernosum is the most important structure for penile erection, and its dysfunction causes many physiological and psychological problems. However, its cellular heterogeneity and signalling networks at the molecular level are poorly understood because of limited access to samples. Here, we profile 64,993 human cavernosal single-cell transcriptomes from three males with normal erection and five organic erectile dysfunction patients.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound for regenerating peripheral nerves: potential for penile nerve.

Peripheral nerve damage, such as that found after surgery or trauma, is a substantial clinical challenge. Much research continues in attempts to improve outcomes after peripheral nerve damage and to promote nerve repair after injury. In recent years, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has been studied as a potential method of stimulating peripheral nerve regeneration.

[The in vitro and in vivo experimental models of erectile nerve regeneration].

Neurogenic erectile dysfunction (NED) caused by pelvic floor surgeries/radiation therapies and associated with Parkinsons disease and diabetes remains a challenging healthcare issue. To facilitate NED research we have developed in vitro and in vivo experimental models. The in vitro model comprises the isolation, culture and treatment of rat major pelvic ganglia (MPG), which then produce outgrowing neurites whose length and molecular composition are indicative of the neurotrophic effect of the treatment agent.

Up-regulation of estrogen responsive genes in hypospadias: microarray analysis.

Purpose: An unexplained increase in the incidence of hypospadias has been reported, and yet to our knowledge the molecular events and their regulation leading to hypospadias remain unknown, although environmental compounds capable of endocrine activity are suspected. We screened on a global scale abnormalities in gene expression in human hypospadiac tissue compared to those in nonhypospadiac tissue. Additionally, microarray analysis of tissue from a pair of fraternal twins, including 1 with and 1 without hypospadias, served as a control for genetic variability.

Identification of potential biomarkers of Peyronie's disease.

Aim: To identify proteins that are differentially expressed in cells derived from normal and diseased tunica albuginea (TA) as related to Peyronie's disease (PD).

Methods: Cells with characteristics of fibroblasts were isolated from two tissue sources. Those from the plaque of patients with PD were designated as PT cells, and those from the normally-appearing TA of the same patients were designated as NT cells.

[Primary artery erectile dysfunction: one case report].

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between the deformation of penile artery and the primary artery erectile dysfunction, and to improve the treatment and diagnosis of primary artery erectile dysfunction.

Methods: One case of primary artery erectile dysfunction was presented with its primary clinic data.

Results: The dorsal artery of the penis was thin and the bilateral penile arteries were lacking by arteriography.

The effect of neural embryonic stem cell therapy in a rat model of cavernosal nerve injury.

Objective: To isolate embryonic stem cells that have differentiated along the neuronal cell line, and to assess whether injecting these neural stem cells into the corpus cavernosum influences cavernosal nerve regeneration and functional status.

Materials And Methods: Embryonic neural stem cells were obtained; 26 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: five had a sham operation; eight (controls) had a bilateral cavernosal nerve crush and injection of culture medium into the corpora cavernosa; four had an injection of neural embryonic stem (NES) cells into the major pelvic ganglion (MPG); and nine had bilateral cavernosal nerve crush and injection of NES cells into the corpora cavernosa. Erectile response was assessed by cavernosal nerve electrostimulation at 3 months, and penile tissue samples were evaluated histochemically for nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-containing fibres, tyrosine hydroxylase and neurofilament staining.

[Wnt/Frizzled signaling pathway in renal carcinoma].

Objective: To investigate the transduction of Wnt/Frizzled signaling pathway, especially the function of T cell factor 4 (TCF(4)), in renal carcinoma.

Methods: A renal carcinoma yeast two hybrid library and a human TCF(4) yeast two hybrid expression vector were constructed. Proteins interacting with the bait protein human TCF(4) were obtained from the renal carcinoma yeast two hybrid library by reverse yeast two hybrid system.