Experimental research of the inhibitory effect of modified italicBuyang Huanwu Decoction/italic（补阳还五汤） on corpora cavernosa fibrosis in rats with bilateral cavernous nerve injury

Key Points

• The study aims to explore the inhibitory effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction on fibrosis in rat corpora cavernosa following bilateral cavernous nerve injury.
• Established corpora cavernosa fibrosis model using microsurgical clamps on cavernous nerves in rats.
• Divided 32 rats into four groups: normal, model, low-dose, and high-dose BHD.
• Administered BHD to low and high-dose groups and saline to control groups.
• Measured intracavernous pressure (ICP) for erectile function assessment.
• Used Masson staining, immunofluorescence, and Western Blot to evaluate fibrosis and protein expression.
• In the model group, Max ICP and smooth muscle contents were significantly reduced compared to normal (P<0.05).
• Max ICP and smooth muscle contents increased significantly in the BHD treatment groups compared to the model group (P<0.05).
• TGF-β1 and collagen I expressions were decreased in the treatment groups (P<0.05).
• Nerve type nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and α-SMA expressions were significantly increased with BHD treatment (P<0.05).