Introduction: The link between cannabis use and erectile dysfunction remains unclear. Moreover, the effect of cannabis in tandem with current Western dietary habits is an area in male sexual health that has yet to be explored. This study seeks to investigate the impact of diet and cannabis on penile health in an animal model.
Aim: To determine the effects of diet and oral cannabis extract on fibrosis and oxidative stress within the corpora cavernosa of mice.
Methods: This is a pilot animal study in which groups of 2-month old C57BL/6J male mice were fed a normal chow diet (NCD) or high-fat diet (HFD) daily and treated with or without either MJ or THC extract for 2 months. After euthanization, mouse penises were isolated and processed for immunohistochemical studies to determine: (i) smooth muscle cell to collagen content, (ii) myofibroblast proliferation, and (iii) anti-oxidative activity.
Main Outcome Measures: Quantitative assessment of immunohistochemical markers of fibrosis and oxidative stress within the corpora cavernosa of mice fed a high-fat diet in combination with either oral marijuana (MJ) or Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol extract (THC).
Results: The combination of HFD with MJ resulted in: (i) a decrease in the smooth/collagen ratio in the corpora cavernosa, (ii) an increase in alpha-smooth muscle actin expression in the tunica albuginea compatible with myofibroblast proliferation, and (iii) a decrease in heme oxygenase 1 expression indicating an increase in oxidative stress. Significant histological changes were not observed in the HFD + THC group.
Conclusions: HFD combined with oral MJ extract led to structural alterations in erectile tissue that are associated with accelerated corporal fibrosis. However, the addition of THC to the diet did not exacerbate histological changes within the corpora. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the discrepant effects between MJ and THC in order to optimize the therapeutic potential of cannabis and minimize its adverse effects on penile health. S Nguyen, M Mangubat, S Eleswarapu, et al. The Combination of High-Fat Diet and Oral Marijuana Promotes the Development of Fibrosis in the Mouse Corpora Cavernosa. Sex Med 2021;9:100312.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.esxm.2020.100312 | DOI Listing |
J Sex Med
January 2025
Department of Urology, Holmesglen Private Hospital, Moorabbin 3189, Victoria, Australia.
Background: The penile suspensory ligament (PSL) plays a significant role in penile support and erection and its injury or congenital absence may result in functional impairment of erectile function.
Aim: To describe the diagnosis and surgical repair technique for PSL abnormalities and overall outcomes.
Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was performed to understand the anatomic relevance of the PSL and historical management of PSL defects.
Int J Impot Res
November 2024
Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Francisco University Medical School, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil.
Priapism, a prevalent complication in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients, manifests as prolonged and painful erections unrelated to sexual arousal. The detailed mechanisms contributing to this condition, especially regarding sympathetic function in the corpus cavernosum that maintains penile flaccidity, remain to be elucidated. In this study, it was hypothesized that the pathways of the sympathetic nervous system would be down-regulated, thereby contributing to the development of ischemic priapism in sickle cell disease.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt Urol Nephrol
November 2024
Urology Department, LA RABTA Hospital, University of Tunis El Manar, BAB SAADOUN, 1006, Tunis, Tunisia.
Basic Clin Androl
November 2024
Morphological Sciences Department, Anatomy Discipline, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila" Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania.
Background: The septum of the penis or the pectiniform septum (from Latina pecten) is a connective structure that separates the two corpora cavernosa of the penis. It is formed through the joining of the circular fibers of the tunica albuginea, which envelops the corpora cavernosa. The septum neither completely separates, nor entirely joins the two corpora cavernosa.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCancer Radiother
December 2024
Department of Physics, centre Eugène-Marquis, 35000 Rennes, France.
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the dosimetric impact of sexual-sparing radiotherapy for prostate cancer, with magnetic resonance-only treatment planning.
Material And Methods: Fifteen consecutive patients receiving prostate cancer radiotherapy were selected. A synthetic CT was generated with a deep learning method from each T2-weighted MRI performed at the time of treatment planning.
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