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Chi J, Bi W, Lou K, Ma J, Wu J, Cui Y. Research advances in Peyronie's disease: a comprehensive review on genomics, pathways, phenotypic manifestation, and therapeutic targets. Sex Med Rev 2024; 12:477-490. [PMID: 38456235 DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeae006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Penile induration disease, commonly known as Peyronie's disease (PD), is a connective tissue disorder that affects the penis, leading to the development of fibrous plaques, penile curvature, and erectile dysfunction. PD is a common male reproductive system disease with a complex etiology involving multiple genes, signaling pathways, and different phenotypes. OBJECTIVES The etiology and pathogenesis of PD remain poorly understood, hindering the development of effective treatment strategies. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of PD, we can pave the way for targeted therapies and improved patient outcomes. METHODS We reviewed the epidemiology and pathophysiology of PD. We performed database searches on Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science from inception to September 2023. The literature reviewed included priapism guidelines, review articles, current trial studies, and various literature related to PD. RESULTS This article provides a comprehensive overview of the current research progress on the disease, focusing on its genetic factors, signaling pathways, cellular mechanisms, phenotypic manifestations, and therapeutic targets. It can help identify individuals at higher risk, aid in early detection and intervention, and provide insights into fibrosis and tissue remodeling. It can also reveal potential therapeutic targets, guide accurate diagnoses and treatment strategies, and address the impact of the disease on patients' quality of life. CONCLUSION By integrating insights from genomics, molecular pathways, clinical phenotypes, and therapeutic potentials, our research aims to achieve a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of PD, propelling the field toward innovative strategies that enhance the lives of those affected by PD. The complex manifestations and pathogenesis of PD necessitate the use of multiple treatment methods for personalized care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junpeng Chi
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, China
| | - Wenhua Bi
- Department of Urology, Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang, 265400, China
| | - Keyuan Lou
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, China
| | - Jian Ma
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, China
| | - Jitao Wu
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, China
| | - Yuanshan Cui
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, China
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Paulis G, De Giorgio G, Paulis A. Clinical Presentation of Peyronie's Disease: A Retrospective Study of 564 Cases. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1125. [PMID: 38893650 PMCID: PMC11172383 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14111125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Peyronie's disease (PD) affects the penile albuginea, resulting in penile deformity, pain, erectile dysfunction (ED), and an anxious-depressive state. PD diagnosis involves a thorough medical history, penile palpation, documentation of the penile deformation, a dynamic penile echo color Doppler ultrasound (PCDU), and the completion of questionnaires for the evaluation of pain, ED, and psychometric tests. The aim of this study was to evaluate the symptoms of PD and their prevalence in PD patients in the active phase who had access to our andrology clinic. Inclusion criteria: availability of data on patients diagnosed with PD, including detailed medical history, blood tests, penile palpation, photographic documentation of penile deformity, and penile PCDU. Exclusion criteria: PD patients in the stable phase or those without the specified tests and data mentioned above. Our study found a higher prevalence of PD in younger patients (24.2%), a higher coexistence of PD with chronic prostatitis (35.6%), a higher percentage of cases of association between penile deformity and penile curvature (84.4%), a higher prevalence of "significant anxiety" (88.4%), a higher presence of plaque calcification (35.6%), and the detection of a longer duration of the first phase of PD (>18 months). The most frequently observed type of penile curvature was dorsal, followed by left lateral, right lateral, and, less commonly, ventral. We observed a significant statistical correlation between patient age and IIEF score, indicating that patients over the age of 40 years are at a higher risk of experiencing ED. We found a strong statistical relationship between VAS score and age. As age increases, the VAS score decreases, suggesting that younger patients reported more penile pain compared to those who were older than 40 years. Furthermore, we found that penile pain has a significant impact on the psychological state of PD patients. We also found that 38.8% of PD patients suffered from severe anxiety. In relation to this, psychotherapy should be integrated into PD treatment to improve the quality of life and treatment adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianni Paulis
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Peyronie’s Care Center, Castelfidardo Clinical Analysis Center, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni De Giorgio
- Section of Ultrasound Diagnostics, Department of Urology and Andrology, Castelfidardo Clinical Analysis Center, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Andrea Paulis
- Bambino Gesu’ Children’s Research Hospital, IRCCS (Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico), 00165 Rome, Italy;
- Neurosystem for Applied Psychology and Neuroscience, Janet Clinical Centre, 00195 Rome, Italy
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Tienforti D, Hoxha M, Di Pasquale AB, Rizza V, Barbonetti A. Analysis of evidence on nutraceutical interventions for Peyronie's disease: a guideline-based critical review. Sex Med Rev 2024:qeae038. [PMID: 38807529 DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeae038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The management of Peyronie's disease (PD) is a challenge for the clinician. Despite the lack of etiologic therapy, different nonsurgical approaches have often been empirically proposed. The most used treatment is based on nutraceutical drugs with antioxidant activity, although such an intervention remains controversial. OBJECTIVES We reviewed the evidence from the randomized controlled trials included in the recommendations of the American Urological Association (AUA), Canadian Urological Association (CUA), European Association of Urology, and International Society for Sexual Medicine. METHODS We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials, reviews, and guidelines on nutraceutical interventions for PD. RESULTS Our analysis provides detailed information on potential interventions, underlying the inconsistent evidence. Acetyl esters of carnitine, although not recommended by any of the available guidelines, showed potential benefit in some selected studies. Omega-3 fatty acids are not recommended due to withdrawn study evidence. The CUA and AUA were the only societies to consider the use of coenzyme Q10. While the CUA suggested that it might be offered as a treatment option, the AUA refrained from taking a definitive stance due to insufficient evidence. Similarly, conflicting recommendations have been produced on potassium para-aminobenzoate. While the CUA considers potassium para-aminobenzoate potentially useful in slowing PD progression, the AUA deems the evidence insufficient. Conversely, both the International Society for Sexual Medicine and European Association of Urology do not recommend its use. CONCLUSION This critical comparative analysis of the most recent guidelines produced by the leading scientific societies highlights some inconsistencies in the recommendations on nutraceutical intervention for PD, even within a background of overall ineffectiveness of this treatment approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Tienforti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Malvina Hoxha
- Department for Chemical-Toxicological and Pharmacological Evaluation of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel, 1000 Tirana, Albania
| | | | - Vinicio Rizza
- General Surgery Unit, Surgical Department, S.S. Maria Dello Splendore Hospital, 64021 Giulianova (TE), Italy
| | - Arcangelo Barbonetti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy
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Paulis G, Paulis A, De Giorgio G, Quattrocchi S. Measurement of Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) in Penile Corpora Cavernosa and Peripheral Blood of Peyronie's Disease Patients: A Report of 49 Cases. Metabolites 2024; 14:55. [PMID: 38248858 PMCID: PMC10821449 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14010055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Peyronie's disease (PD) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the penile albuginea. Oxidative stress (OS) is important for the development of the disease; therefore, it seemed interesting to us to directly measure OS at both the site of the disease and in peripheral blood. For a precise OS study, it is necessary to evaluate not only the single results of the total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) but also their ratio: OS index (OSI) (arbitrary unit) = TOS/TAS × 100. This study included 49 PD patients examined and diagnosed in our Peyronie's care center and a control group of 50 cases. We collected blood samples from both the penis and a vein in the upper extremity; we used d-ROMs and PAT-test (FRAS kit) for OS measurement. Pearson's study found a statistical correlation between penile OSI values and PD plaque volumes: p-value = 0.002. No correlation was found between systemic OSI values and PD plaque volumes: p-value = 0.27. Penile OSI values were significantly reduced after the elimination of the PD plaque (p < 0.00001). The mean value of the penile OSI indices in the PD patients after plaque elimination corresponded to 0.090 ± 0.016 (p = 0.004). The comparison between the penile OSI values of the PD patients (with plaque elimination) and the control group revealed no statistically significant differences (p = 0.130). The absence of a correlation between Peyronie's plaque volume and systemic OSI values indicates that it is preferable to carry out the OS study by taking a sample directly from the site of the disease. By carrying out a penile OSI study, it would be possible to obtain a precise plaque-volume-dependent oxidative marker. Even if the study did not demonstrate any correlation between OSI indices and anxious-depressive state, we detected a high prevalence of anxiety (81.6%) and depression (59.1%) in PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianni Paulis
- Peyronie’s Care Center, Department of Urology and Andrology, Castelfidardo Clinical Analysis Center, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Paulis
- Neurosystem for Applied Psychology and Neuroscience, Janet Clinical Centre, 00195 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giovanni De Giorgio
- Section of Ultrasound Diagnostics, Department of Urology and Andrology, Castelfidardo Clinical Analysis Center, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Salvatore Quattrocchi
- Clinical Analysis Laboratory, Castelfidardo Clinical Analysis Center, 00185 Rome, Italy;
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Hinz J, Soave A, Cremers JF. [Current treatment concepts for Peyronie's disease]. UROLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 62:1332-1342. [PMID: 37922029 DOI: 10.1007/s00120-023-02213-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
Plastic induration of the penis (PIP, Peyronie's disease) is an acquired and chronic disease of the penis, which is characterized by penile pain, distortion and deformation of the penis as well as the resulting impairments in sexual activity of the patient. The most probable causes are microtrauma and macrotrauma within the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa, which due to an abnormal wound healing subsequently leads to the formation of fibrosis in this region. Various predisposing factors and also a genetic predisposition are discussed. The PIP occurs most frequently in the fifth to sixth decades of life. The prevalence is 0.3-20% depending on the investigated collective and the risk factors present. The PIP is subdivided into an acute inflammatory phase and a chronic postinflammatory phase. Various conservative and surgical treatment options include oral medication, penile traction therapy, intralesional injections and surgical procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Hinz
- Urologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinik Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Armin Soave
- Urologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinik Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Deutschland.
| | - Jann-Frederik Cremers
- Centrum für Reproduktionsmedizin und Andrologie, Universitätsklinik Münster, Münster, Deutschland
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Paulis G, Paulis A. Calcification in Peyronie's disease: Its role and clinical influence on the various symptoms and signs of the disease, including psychological impact. Our study of 551 patients. Arch Ital Urol Androl 2023; 95:11549. [PMID: 37791557 DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2023.11549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of study was to evaluate the impact of plaque calcification on symptoms of patients with Peyronie's disease (PD) and to evaluate mental health in PD patients with or without calcification. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of the clinical database of a single andrology clinic. We extracted 551 PD patients, and we sorted them into two groups: the first group included 201 PD patients with plaque calcification; the second group included 350 PD patients without plaque calcification. The inclusion criteria for both groups were as follows: aged between 21 and 81 years; thorough and available data on clinical history; baseline levels of blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, cholesterol, and triglycerides; photographic documentation of the penile curvature; dynamic penile eco-color Doppler ultrasound with plaque measurements and volume calculation; and completion of the generalized anxiety disorder-7 questionnaire, patient health questionnaire-9 (for depression), visual analog scale for penile pain measurements, and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. RESULTS Plaque calcification was present in 36.4% of cases. The presence of calcification affects the presence and severity of penile curvature. Calcification is associated with the presence of hypertension. In PD patients, the prevalence of significant anxiety and significant depression was 89.1% and 57.3%, respectively. Calcification is associated with the presence of anxiety and depression but does not lead to an increase in their prevalence. CONCLUSIONS In PD patients, the calcification was present in more than one third of cases. The size of the plaque calcification was < 15 mm in most cases. Calcification influences the presence of the curve and influences its severity. There was a prominent prevalence of anxiety and depression in PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianni Paulis
- Peyronie's Care Center, Department of Uro-Andrology, Castelfidardo Clinical Analysis Center, Rome.
| | - Andrea Paulis
- Neurosystem Center for applied Psychology and Neuroscience, Janet Clinical Centre, Rome.
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Mitsui Y, Yamabe F, Hori S, Uetani M, Kobayashi H, Nagao K, Nakajima K. Molecular Mechanisms and Risk Factors Related to the Pathogenesis of Peyronie's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10133. [PMID: 37373277 PMCID: PMC10299070 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Peyronie's disease (PD) is a benign condition caused by plaque formation on the tunica albuginea of the penis. It is associated with penile pain, curvature, and shortening, and contributes to erectile dysfunction, which worsens patient quality of life. In recent years, research into understanding of the detailed mechanisms and risk factors involved in the development of PD has been increasing. In this review, the pathological mechanisms and several closely related signaling pathways, including TGF-β, WNT/β-catenin, Hedgehog, YAP/TAZ, MAPK, ROCK, and PI3K/AKT, are described. Findings regarding cross-talk among these pathways are then discussed to elucidate the complicated cascade behind tunica albuginea fibrosis. Finally, various risk factors including the genes involved in the development of PD are presented and their association with the disease summarized. The purpose of this review is to provide a better understanding regarding the involvement of risk factors in the molecular mechanisms associated with PD pathogenesis, as well as to provide insight into disease prevention and novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yozo Mitsui
- Department of Urology, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo 143-8540, Japan; (F.Y.); (S.H.); (M.U.); (H.K.); (K.N.); (K.N.)
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Paulis G, Paulis A. Chronic prostatitis as possible risk factor for Peyronie's disease: Psychological, sexual and prostatitis-like symptoms in patients with PD. Arch Ital Urol Androl 2023:11406. [PMID: 37259816 DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2023.11406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate a possible relationship between chronic prostatitis (CP) and Peyronie's disease (PD) and to characterize the psychological profile of patients suffering from PD, with or without concomitant CP. METHODS We included 539 patients with PD, of which 200 were found to have underlying CP. As a comparator population, we selected 2201 patients without PD, referring to our tertiary care clinic. In this population, we detected 384 subjects with CP. All 539 PD patients underwent photographic documentation of the penile deformation, and dynamic penile eco-color Doppler with plaque and volume measurements and answered the following questionnaires: the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Visual Analog Scale for penile pain measurements, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and the NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index. RESULTS The overall prevalence of chronic prostatitis in PD patients was 37.1% compared to a prevalence of 17.4% in the non-PD control population (OR = 2.79 and p < 0.0001). The severity of CP symptom total scores (NIH-CPSI) correlated significantly with the severity of erectile dysfunction (p < 0.0001). Significant anxiety was present in 89.2% of PD patients and it is more prevalent in PD patients with CP than in PD patients without CP (93.0% vs. 87.0%, respectively; p = 0.0434). Significant depression was detected in 57.1% of PD patients and it is more prevalent in PD patients with CP than in PD patients without CP (64.0% vs. 53.09%, respectively; p = 0.0173). CONCLUSION Chronic prostatitis (CP) and Peyronie's disease (PD) are frequently associated. Our results demonstrate the strong impact of chronic prostatitis on the mental status of PD patients. Anxiety and depression were significantly more pronounced in PD patients with CP than in PD patients without CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianni Paulis
- Peyronie's Care Center, Department of Uro-Andrology, Castelfidardo Clinical Analysis Center, Rome.
| | - Andrea Paulis
- Neurosystem Center for applied Psychology and Neuroscience, Janet Clinical Centre, Rome.
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Paulis G, Paulis A, Perletti G. Congenital penile curvature as a possible risk factor for the onset of Peyronie's disease, and psychological consequences of penile curvature. Arch Ital Urol Androl 2023; 95:11238. [PMID: 36924365 DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2023.11238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate a possible relationship between a history of congenital penile curvature (CPC) and Peyronie's disease (PD), and to characterize the psychological profile of patients suffering from PD, with or without concomitant CPC. METHODS We included 519 patients with Peyronie's disease (PD), of which 73 were found to have underlaying CPC. As a comparator population, we selected 2166 patients without PD, referring to our tertiary care clinic. In this population we detected 15 subjects with CPC. All patients completed the GAD-7 (Generalized-Anxiety-Disorder - 7 questions) and the PHQ-9 (Patient-Health-Questionnaire - 9 questions) questionnaires. RESULTS The overall prevalence of CPC in PD-patients was 14.07%, compared to a prevalence of 0.69% in the non-PD control population (p < 0.00001). Moderate-to-severe anxiety was found to be present in 89.4% of all PD-patients. Significantly higher proportions of patients with CPC associated with PD showed severe anxiety, compared to patients with PD alone (57.5% vs. 36.7%, respectively, p = 0.0008). Moderate- severe depression was found to be present in 57.8% of all PD- patients. Significantly higher proportions of PD patients with a history of CPC showed severe depression, compared to patients with PD alone (13.6% vs. 3.36%, respectively, p < 0.0002). GAD-7 median scores were significantly higher in patients with more severe penile curvatures (> 45°; p = 0.029). We did not detect a statistically significant difference between PHQ-9 medi- an scores based on the severity of PD (p = 0.53). Analysis of PHQ-9 and GAD-7 median scores showed significantly worse depressive and anxious symptoms in younger patients (p < 0.001 and p = 0.0013, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The presence of congenital-penile-curvature may represent a risk factor for the subsequent onset of Peyronie's disease. Moderate/severe anxiety and moderate/severe depression were reported in a high fraction of cases. Anxiety was significantly higher in patients with more severe penile-curvatures, and depression was present independently of the degree of penile curvature. Depression and anxiety were found to be more severe in younger subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianni Paulis
- Peyronie's Care Center, Department of Uro-Andrology, Castelfidardo Clinical Analysis Center, Rome.
| | - Andrea Paulis
- Neurosystem Center for applied Psychology and Neuroscience, Janet Clinical Centre, Rome.
| | - Gianpaolo Perletti
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Section of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese.
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Sicignano E, Imperatore V, Sciorio C, Di Girolamo A. The clinical potential of flavonoids in Peyronie's disease. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2023; 34:121-123. [PMID: 36790332 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2023-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Sicignano
- Department of Neuroscience and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences of University of Naples "Federico II" Naples, Italy
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