The synthetics are still in the testing phase, but the researchers are optimistic about results in pigs. The research also plans to restore other types of tissue, such as the heart and bladder.
Roberto Naporvazan **
In China, scientists have developed an “electronic rod”. The synthetic tissue has restored penile function in pigs and promises, in the future, for use in humans in cases of erectile dysfunction. The product mimics a fibrous sheath necessary — called the tunica albuginea — to maintain an erection, which pumps blood into the penis.
The pigs participating in the study regained normal erectile function with the help of the developed product, according to experts from the South China University of Technology.
said study author and researcher at Xuetao University Shi.
According to the specialist, his team’s research now wants to focus on male reproductive health problems, including erectile dysfunction, infertility and Peyronie’s disease – a disorder that causes pain in the penis.
It is estimated that about half of men between the ages of 40 and 70 suffer from erectile dysfunction in some way. In addition, about 5% suffer from Peyronie’s disease.
In previous studies, researchers attempted to repair damaged tissue in the tunica albuginea but by grafting other tissues in the patient’s body. The problem with this method is that the immune system may reject it or there may be complications.
Thus, now Chinese scientists have developed ATA based on polyvinyl alcohol, which has a wound fiber structure similar to that of normal tissues. So there is no risk of rejection.
During the research, the experts found that the synthetic material should not be harmful to the body. They then tested the product on miniature pigs with lesions on the tunica albuginea.
In tests, scientists found that the substance restored erectile function to such an extent that it was roughly equivalent to normal penile tissue. After analyzing it for a month, they found that it helped achieve a normal erection after injecting the penis with saline.
“Our work at this stage is focused on repairing a single tissue in the penis, and the next stage will be looking at repairing a general penile defect or building a penis prosthesis from a comprehensive perspective,” Shi said.
The researcher also plans to recover other types of tissue, such as the heart and bladder.
*** Source: IG health
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