The Efficacy of Intralesional Baicalein Injection in Rat Peyronie's Model

TGF-β1 plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of Peyronie's disease, driving the excessive extracellular matrix accumulation and fibroblast activation characteristic of fibrosis. As in many fibrotic disorders, its action via Smad transcription factors presents a key therapeutic target. Given the notable deficiency in proven effective conservative treatments for Peyronie's disease, particularly in its acute phase, this study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Baicalein, a flavonoid known to inhibit the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, thereby offering a promising therapeutic strategy. We established a rat model of Peyronie's disease and administered Baicalein intralesionally at low, moderate, and high doses. Our comprehensive analysis of histopathological and immunohistochemical parameters, including tunica albuginea thickness, fibrosis severity, and smooth muscle content, demonstrated that intralesional Baicalein dose-dependently suppresses fibrotic plaque formation, preserves crucial cavernosal smooth muscle tissue, and effectively prevents pathological increases in tunica albuginea thickness. Importantly, systemic toxicity was not detected. As the first study to investigate intralesional Baicalein for Peyronie's disease, our findings positively contribute to the literature and underscore its potential as a safe, accessible, and highly effective agent. Further in vitro and in vivo research is warranted to fully explore Baicalein's capacity to address current treatment gaps in this challenging condition.