(O-03) Changes in the extracellular matrix in an animal model of Peyronie’s disease and the effects of treatment with Mycophenolate Mofetil

PD is characterized by fibrosis of the tunica albuginea (TA), which may lead to penile problems, as well as impairment of the patient’s sexual activity. Since its etiology is not fully understood, the lack of effectiveness of oral drugs or topical treatment encourages new trials to establish the mechanisms of the disease and new treatments. We evaluate the histological, histochemical, and stereological changes caused by Mycophenolate Mofetil(MMF) on the TA of the rats. We used 26 adult male Wistar rats, were divided into 5 groups. Group Control: animals free of experimental handling; Group SHAM: animals received an injection of saline solution 0,9%; Group TGF-beta 7 days, animals received an injection of TGF-beta and euthanized after seven days of induction; Group TGF-beta 30 days: animals received an injection of TGF-beta and euthanized after 30 days (D) of induction; Group TGF-beta + MMF 7D:animals treated with MMF for 7D after induction with TGF-beta and euthanized after this period GroupTGF-beta +MMF 30D: animals treated with MMF for 30D after induction with TGF-beta and euthanized after this period. Analysis of Matrix Metalloproteinases(MMP) and stromal cellular elements was performed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) of the tunica albuginea. Statistical analyses (p < 0.05). In the histochemical, we found changes in the quantity and ratio of collagen III/I during PD induction with a return to the initial pattern after treatment with MMF. In the immunohistochemistry evaluation, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were expressed differently after induction of PD and intreatment with MMF; there was a change in the proportion of fibroblasts/myofibroblasts after treatment with MMF. MMF acted as an antifibrotic agent, remodeling extracellular matrix elements. The results have shown us the effective participation of proteoglycans and especially MMP in the disease genesis process and mitigation of the effects with MMF treatment. Financing No conflict.