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Characteristics of penile growth in pubertal rats and a non‐invasive method to lengthen the penis
Author(s) -
Li Tao,
Fu Fudong,
Wu Changjing,
Qin Feng,
Yuan Jiuhong
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
andrology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.947
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 2047-2927
pISSN - 2047-2919
DOI - 10.1111/andr.12845
Subject(s) - lysyl oxidase , pyridinoline , hydroxyproline , elastin , penis , desmosine , erectile dysfunction , endocrinology , chemistry , medicine , oxidase test , enzyme , biochemistry , surgery , pathology , alkaline phosphatase , osteocalcin
Abstract Background Males with short penises may suffer from sexual dysfunction and psychological problems. However, currently, managing short penis is a huge challenge. Objectives To explore whether inhibition of lysyl oxidase (LOX) activity (anti‐LOX) combined with a vacuum device could lengthen the penis of pubertal rat. Materials and Methods Male rats of different ages were purchased, their exposed penile lengths and weights were measured, and protein expression and lysyl oxidase activity in the corpus cavernosum were analyzed. Fifteen‐day‐old rats were then purchased and divided into six groups: control, Anti‐lysyl oxidase, −200 mm Hg (vacuum device under −200 mm Hg value), −200 mm Hg + Anti‐lysyl oxidase, −300 mm Hg, and −300 mm Hg + Anti‐lysyl oxidase groups. After the intervention duration of 7 weeks, rats' penile length was measured and erectile function was assessed. The corpus cavernosum was harvested for histopathology and molecular assessments. Results Exposed penile length and weight significantly increased with age, especially between 4 and 8 weeks. Both the protein expression and lysyl oxidase activity in corpus cavernosum were the highest at 2 weeks; however, they quickly decreased with age and slowly declined after 8 weeks. Anti‐lysyl oxidase significantly increased the penile length by 10.79% over controlled rats, −200 mm Hg + Anti‐lysyl oxidase lengthened it by 14.05%, and −300 mm Hg + Anti‐lysyl oxidase increased it by 19.84%. Anti‐lysyl oxidase significantly reduced lysyl oxidase activity to decrease pyridinoline concentration; however, it did not change desmosine ( P = .28), hydroxyproline ( P = .14), and total elastin ( P = .06) levels. Anti‐lysyl oxidase with or without a vacuum device did not diminish erectile function or impair the normal microstructure of corpus cavernosum. Discussion and Conclusion The rats' penile growth peaks occurred between 4 and 8 weeks. Anti‐lysyl oxidase with a vacuum device promoted penile lengthening by inhibiting pyridinoline production to induce tunica albuginea remodeling. The penile lengthening effect was more obvious in pubertal rats than the adult rats. None of the procedures decreased erectile function.