(O-12) MODULATION OF MMP EXPRESSION AND COLLAGEN DEPOSITION IN THE TUNICA ALBUGINEA IN PEYRONIE´S DISEASE INDUCED AFTER TREATMENT WITH MYCOPHENOLATE MOFETIL

Abstract

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a progressive fibrotic disorder affecting the tunica albuginea (TA) of the penis. MMF was evaluated previously after experimental induction of PD. We investigate the modulation of metalloprotease (MMP) expression and collagen deposition in the TA in PD induced after treatment with MMF in rats. Rats were divided into: control group; sham (injection of saline solution); only TGFβ injection (7 or 30 days); TGFβ injection and treatment with MMF (7 or 30 days). Samples were collected for histochemical and immunohistochemistry, measurements of collagen fibers and MMP expression were performed in random fields. Statistical analyses were checked for normality using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, followed by ANOVA test or Kruskal-Wallis test. Collagen type I (COLI) was decreased in 7 and 30 days (43.19% ± 1.22; 38.14%1.23), and collagen type III (COLIII) was increased in both periods in the TGFβ induction (56.81% ± 1.22; 61.86% ± 1.23). COLI/COLIII ratio of MMF treatment (7 days) was enhanced (54.74% ± 2.86; 45.26% ± 2.88). COLI (7 and 30 days) were statistically different, as well as 30 days of MMF treatment decreased COLIII (27.41% ± 3.11). MMP was increased at 7 days after TGFβ induction. However, 30 days after induction, MMP expression decreased (1.67% ± 0.16), whereas, with MMF treatment, increased (2.44% ± 0.22). MMP3 expression was similar in both groups. Within 7 days, MMP was enhanced (4.77% ± 0.37; 4.43% ± 0.43) and decreased in 30 days (3.73% ± 0.38; 3.20% ± 0.33). MMP presented an enhancement at 7 days in TGFβ-induction, with (17.56% ± 0.97) or without (13.41% ± 1.31) MMF treatment. However, with MMF treatment at 7 days, MMP showed increased values, and, at 30 days, MMP no differences were observed. Induction with TGFβ promoted an imbalance the COLI/COLIII ratio of the tunica albuginea, and the MMF treatment promoted recovery of collagen status. MMP expression were altered, and MMF promoted the collagen recovery by MMP modulation. No conflict.