Effect of intracorporeal human adipose–derived stem cells (hADSCs) on corpora cavernosa transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) and collagen type i concentration in wistar rat priapism model

Abstract

Introduction: The ischemic process in priapism can lead to displacement of normal tissue with fibrotic tissue, due to collagen deposition, and eventually leads to erectile dysfunction. Many studies have identified that the supernatant of adipose tissue–derived stem cells (ADSCs) significantly ameliorates fibrosis of different tissue, but limited attention has been paid to its efficacy on fibrosis of the corpora cavernosa. Methods: A total of 22 Wistar rats divided into five groups, with two groups each consisting of five male wistar rats with priapism without human ADSC (hADSC) therapy (group I) and two other groups consisting of five rats with priapism, were given 106 cells' intracorporeal hADSC injection after 12 hours of penile clamping (group II) were euthanized after 2 and 4 weeks of observation. The last group consisted of two rats without any treatment or model (group III). Following euthanasia, penises were harvested for TGFβ1 and collagen type I measurement using ELISA. Statistical analysis using independent-sample t-tests was done with SPSS 21.0. Results: Penile TGFβ1 concentration in the treatment group was significantly lower in the second and fourth weeks of observation (p2 =0.004, p4 =0.003), and collagen type I was significantly lower in the second and fourth weeks (p2 =0.003, p4=0.011). Conclusion: Intracorporeal hADSC injection limited the fibrosis process in a priapism model. Although the mechanism was unclear, it may be related to the potential of hADSCs to produce various growth factors that could limit TGFβ1 and collagen production.