Comparison of Apoptotic Gene Expression Profiles Between Peyronie's Disease Plaque and Tunica Albuginea* Porównanie profili ekspresji genów apoptotycznych płytki włóknistej występującej w chorobie Peyroniego i osłonki białawej

Background. The fibrotic plaques of Peyronie’s disease and other localized fibrotic conditions have been considered to be the result of an abnormal wound healing process. The potential role of regulatory disorders of apoptosis in abnormal wound healing may also play a role in the development of Peyronie’s disease. Objectives. To examine the phenomenon of apoptosis in Peyronie’s disease, authors quantified differential levels of gene expression of apoptotic proteins, Fas, Fas Ligand, Bcl-2, p53, Caspase 3 and 8 in Peyronie’s plaque and tunica albuginea. Material and Methods. Eight patients with Peyronie’s disease undergoing surgical correction of the curvature had biopsy specimens taken from both the Peyronie’s plaque and normal tunica albuginea. Messenger RNA expression of the apoptotic proteins in the plaque and normal tunica was measured by reverse transcriptase PCR.