Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Growth Factor Concentration Varies in Men with Erectile Dysfunction

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a novel therapy rich in growth factors and cytokines used to target the underlying causes of erectile dysfunction (ED). It is not known, however, if the composition of growth factors in PRP varies between men. Aim To evaluate PRP growth factor variability among men with ED. Methods Whole blood was collected from 8 participants with at least a 6-month history of ED. Seven men with Peyronie’s disease and 1 healthy male (without sexual dysfunction) were used as the control group. PRP was extracted from whole blood using the Arthrex Angel system. A Human Growth Factor Antibody Array for 41 proteins was performed using 3 participants and the healthy control. Using all 16 samples, quantitative detection of factors from the array that were decreased by 1.5-fold were validated with western blot. Outcomes From the growth factor array, 2 growth factors—granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor and transforming growth factor-β were identified as having a 1.5-fold decrease between the participants and the control. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was selected because androgens can upregulate VEGF production. Other than a weak negative correlation between VEGF expression and age, we found no correlation between growth factor expression for granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor or transforming growth factor-β and age, body mass index, or comorbidities. Clinical Translation PRP growth factor concentration appears to vary among men with ED. PRP treatment for ED may need to be personalized for patients, depending on individual growth factor concentration. Strengths and Limitations This study demonstrates the variability in PRP growth factors among men with ED. This is an important finding in the investigation of PRP as a restorative treatment option for men with ED. Our study, however, was limited by a small sample size. Conclusion PRP growth factors vary among men with ED.