Effects of therapy in experimental models of Peyronie's disease: A scoping review

Background: Peyronie's disease (PD) is a fibrotic disorder affecting the penile tunica albugínea, with unclear pathophysiology despite centuries of recognition. Aim: This scoping review maps the effects of interventions in basic PD research, synthesizing evidence from in vivo and in vitro studies to guide future investigation. Methods: In October-November 2023, a systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase (Ovid), Science of Web, and Scopus, following SRYCLE's guidelines. Relevant studies were screened for data on interventions targeting PD in vivo and in vitro, with no language or time restrictions. Outcomes: Primary outcomes included changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, myofibroblast activity, and plaque size. Results: Of 683 articles screened, 40 studies were included. Key interventions such as phosphodiesterase inhibitors and stem cell therapies reduced ECM proteins and myofibroblast activity, particularly in early-stage PD models. However, none of the studies adhered to the ARRIVE guidelines, highlighting a gap in reporting standards. Clinical translation: Findings suggest potential benefits of early and multimodal treatment strategies, but further human trials are needed to bridge the gap in clinical practice. Strengths and limitations: This review systematically synthesizes animal and cellular research on PD, highlighting significant preclinical findings. However, the lack of standardized reporting and limited human studies restricts direct clinical applicability. Conclusion: Further research should prioritize adherence to reporting standards, optimize treatment timing, and explore combination therapies to advance PD management.