Significant alterations of serum cytokine levels in patients with Peyronie's disease

Abstract

Objective: To determine the expression of the cytokines transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum from patients with Peyronie's disease (PD) compared to healthy controls. Materials and Methods: Ninety-one consecutive PD patients aged 20 -74 years were included in this study. All patients were diagnosed with symptomatic PD for the first time and had a palpable penile plaque. The patients previously had the disease for 6 -72 months. None of the patients had a severe infectious disease or known systemic illness. For cytokine analyses, peripheral venous blood samples were obtained before treatment. Fifty healthy male blood donors aged 22 -64 years served as the control group. TGF-β1, IFN-γ, Il-6, and TNF-α were analyzed quantitatively with commercial immunoassays. Results: Mean cytokine levels in serum from patients were increased for TGF-β1 and IFN-γ compared to healthy controls. The difference for TGF-β1 was considered statistically significant (p < 0.001). IL-6 was not detectable in PD patients (p < 0.01) and TNF-α was decreased (p < 0.0001). Conclusion:The significantly elevated serum level of the profibrotic TGF-β1 cytokine underscores the effect of cytokines in the pathophysiology of PD. The significantly decreased TNF-α serum level suggested no acute immunomodulatory process. Therefore, the relevance for therapeutic administration of TNF-α should be further investigated. Quantification of TGF-β1 in serum of PD patients provides a possible diagnostic tool and target for therapy. The data on altered cytokine levels in PD patients also provide a new understanding for etiopathogenesis of PD, which warrants further investigation.

Role of interleukin‐6 and pentraxin 3 as an early marker in Peyronie's disease

“…It was concluded that there existed an opportunity to use TGF‐β1 as a therapeutic target. The main difference between our results and those of Zimmermann et al [3] is that, because we included only patients in the acute phase of PD, IL‐6 levels were significantly higher in our study group possibly due to the ongoing local inflammation.…”

“…Zimmermann et al [3], analyzing interferon‐γ, TGF‐β1, tumor necrosis factor‐α and IL‐6 serum levels in 91 patients with PD, reported increased levels of serum cytokines in the stable phase of the disorder. In PD patients, the mean TGF‐β1 and interferon‐γ levels were significantly higher, while tumor necrosis factor‐α and IL‐6 (proinflammatory) levels were significantly lower compared with those in healthy controls.…”

“…Although the exact etiology of PD is not known, repetitive microtrauma to the penis followed by fibrosis or impaired wound‐healing process of the connective tissue affecting the tunica albuginea of the corpora covarnosa is implicated in the development of plaques and curvature [2]. The abundant collagen fibers in the erectile tissue of PD patients may be the result of an immune‐mediated fibroblast proliferation or a reaction to an infectious agent [3].…”

Peyronie's Disease and Autoimmunity—A Real-Life Clinical Study and Comprehensive Review

“…Zimmerman et al. [19] reported increased serum transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 levels and decreased serum tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 levels in PD patients as compared with healthy controls. Conversely, Pavone et al.…”

“…Molecular markers of fibrosis and inflammation have been inquired as well in this context. Zimmerman et al [19] reported increased serum transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 levels and decreased serum tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels in PD patients as compared with healthy controls. Conversely, Pavone et al found no difference in cytokine genes expression at plaque level (even though case and control groups were not homogeneously comparable) [20].…”