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The Clinical Implications of Basic Science Research in Peyronie’s Disease

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Peyronie’S Disease

Part of the book series: Current Clinical Urology ((CCU))

Abstract

Despite centuries of recognition, the condition that is Peyronie’s disease remains a puzzle. Conventional wisdom suggests that trauma to the erect or semi-erect penis is the inciting event that sets off a cascade of events at the cellular level that results in localized fibrosis of the tunica albuginea. However, many questions remain unanswered at this juncture, among the most important of which are why do so few men manifest this condition? Why is there such an ethnic predilection? What are the cofactors that, along with penile trauma, lead to plaque development? Historically, cytokine overexpression, autoimmune, and genetic factors have been cited as contributors. This chapter endeavors to conduct an evidence-based assessment of the literature as it pertains to the pathophysiology of Peyronie’s disease. Furthermore, an effort is made to evaluate contemporary literature pertaining to novel concepts in Peyronie’s disease pathogenesis including nitric oxide synthase alterations, free radical generation, pathogen involvement, and animal model development. In conclusion, although plausible that the near future will see improved developments in our understanding of this condition, groundbreaking work will require research funding beyond that which is currently available.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Urology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York Presbyterian Hospital, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY

    John P. Mulhall MD

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  1. John P. Mulhall MD
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL

    Laurence A. Levine MD, FACS

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© 2007 Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ

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Mulhall, J.P. (2007). The Clinical Implications of Basic Science Research in Peyronie’s Disease. In: Levine, L.A. (eds) Peyronie’S Disease. Current Clinical Urology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-161-1_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-161-1_4

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-614-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59745-161-1

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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