Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL) and Its Death Receptor (DR5) in Peyronie's Disease. A Biomolecular Study of Apoptosis Activation

Abstract

Introduction: Peyronie's disease (PD) is a connective tissue disorder of tunica albuginea (TA), a thick fibrous sheath surrounding the corpora cavernosa of the penis. Relatively, little is known about the disease itself. Aim: To investigate whether the apoptosis cascade in degenerated and macroscopically deformed TA from men with PD is activated through the extrinsic pathway, by assessing the immunoexpression of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and its death receptor, DR5. Methods: TA plaques from 15 men with PD and from four unaffected men were processed for TRAIL and DR5 immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Main Outcome Measures: A greater understanding of the pathophysiology of PD through a molecular approach, to gain insights that may lead to novel forms of treatment. Results: Activation of the apoptosis mechanisms through the extrinsic pathway was demonstrated by TRAIL and DR5 overexpression in fibroblasts and myofibroblasts from affected TA. Conclusion: The finding that apoptosis activation in TA plaques occurs, at least in part, via the extrinsic pathway may help devise novel therapeutic options for these patients. © 2010 International Society for Sexual Medicine.