JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Hypospadias is a common congenital anomaly characterized by the displacement of the urethral opening to the ventral side of the penis. Surgical correction is often necessary for functional and psychological reasons. The etiology involves genetic and environmental factors, and chordee, a downward curvature of the penis, is a common complication. Proteins like fibulin-1, elastin, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) play roles in hypospadias development.

Objective:

The aim is to investigate the differences of mRNA expression of fibulin-1, elastin, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), basic fibroblast growth factors (bFGF), and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) between ventral and dorsal tunica dartos in hypospadias with chordee patients

Methods:

This prospective cohort study aims to investigate differences in mRNA expression of the mentioned proteins between the ventral and dorsal tunica dartos in hypospadias patients with chordee. Ethics approval has been obtained, and consent from parents is obtained before data collection. Eligible participants are aged 6-18 months, diagnosed with hypospadias and chordee, and planned for urethroplasty. Tissue samples are collected from both aspects of the tunica dartos and analyzed using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Data analysis involves statistical tests and normalization to housekeeping genes.

Results:

This study is at the protocol development stage. A pilot study regarding its feasibility has been going on as of August 2023. The study results are expected to be available by the end of 2024.

Conclusions:

The study of mRNA expressions of various proteins in the tunica dartos of hypospadias with chordee patients is expected to improve the understanding and expanding the knowledge of pathophysiology of hypospadias and chordee.