Optimization of sonic hedgehog delivery to the penis from self-assembling nanofiber hydrogels to preserve penile morphology after cavernous nerve injury

In this study we optimize the animal model, SHH concentration, duration of suppression, and location of delivery, to maximize SM preservation. SHH treatment suppressed apoptosis and preserved SM 48%. Increased SHH duration preserved SM 100%. Simultaneous penis/CN delivery increased SM 127%. Optimization of SHH PA delivery is essential for clinical translation to ED patients, and the PA vehicle has wide applicability as an in vivo delivery tool.Graphical AbstractThese studies show that Sonic hedgehog treatment of the penis and cavernous nerve by peptide amphiphile nanofiber hydrogel reduces apoptosis, preserves smooth muscle, and suppresses collagen induction that occurs in response to CN crush injury. Optimizing the method and duration of PA delivery improved smooth muscle preservation 80%, with implications towards preservation of erectile function.
Source: Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine - Category: Nanotechnology Source Type: research