Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a non-invasive sonodynamic therapy that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for clinical use. Clinical trials have demonstrated that LIPUS ameliorates mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction without adverse events. Histological analysis of the corpus cavernosum suggests that the therapeutic benefits of LIPUS may be attributed to alleviation of fibrosis, enhanced neovascularization, and promotion of innervation. Further investigations have revealed that LIPUS facilitates cavernous tissue repair through non-thermal mechanisms, including a cavitation effect, acoustic streaming, mass transfer enhancement, and direct mechanical stimulation. Mechanobiological transduction triggers molecular signaling cascades within endogenous cavernous cells, thereby stimulating cell proliferation, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and stem cell differentiation. Although LIPUS has the potential to induce cavernous rehabilitation in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, further investigations are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms via which LIPUS regulates each type of cavernous cell to determine the optimal parameters for this innovative therapy.
Male ; Humans ; Erectile Dysfunction/therapy* ; Ultrasonic Therapy/methods* ; Penis/pathology* ; Ultrasonic Waves

Ultrasound has emerged as a non-invasive neural modulation technique. Its mechanisms of action in the brain involve mechanical, cavitation, and thermal effects, which modulate neural activity by activating mechanosensitive ion channels, enhancing cell permeability, and improving blood circulation. The ultrasound-piezo-electric systems, based on the coupling between ultrasound and piezoelectric materials, can generate wireless electrical stimulation to promote neural repair, significantly improving therapeutic outcomes for neurodegenerative diseases and showing potential as a replacement for traditional invasive deep brain stimulation techniques. The ultrasound-responsive piezoelectric drug delivery system combines mechano-electrical conversion capability of piezoelectric materials with the non-invasive penetration advantage of ultrasound. This system achieves synergistic therapeutic effects for neurodegenerative diseases through on-demand drug release and wireless electrical stimulation in deep brain regions. It can effectively overcome the blood-brain barrier limitation, enabling precisely targeted drug delivery to specific brain regions. Simultaneously, it generates electrical stimulation in deep brain areas to exert synergistic neuroreparative effects. Together, these capabilities provide a more precise, efficient, and safe solution for treating neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarizes the neural regulatory mechanisms, technical advantages, and research progress of the ultrasound-responsive piezoelectric drug delivery systems for neurodegenerative disease therapy, aiming to offer novel insights for the field.
Humans ; Neurodegenerative Diseases/drug therapy* ; Drug Delivery Systems/methods* ; Blood-Brain Barrier ; Ultrasonic Waves ; Brain ; Ultrasonic Therapy ; Deep Brain Stimulation/methods*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of shockwave therapy, acupuncture, hyperthermia, biofeedback therapy, electrical nerve stimulation, magnetotherapy and ultrasound therapy in the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome(CP/CPPS), and to provide evidence-based support for clinical decision-making. METHODS: Two researchers independently searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and Chinese Biomedical Literature databases for randomized controlled trials(RCTs) on the effects of different interventions on CP/CPPS from the establishment of the databases to August 2024. We evaluated the quality of the included literature and extracted the relevant data according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, followed by network meta-analysis using Revman 5.3, R 4.33 and Stata17 software. RESULTS: A total of 25 RCTs involving 1 794 cases were included. The results of network meta-analysis showed that electrical nerve stimulation, shockwave therapy, biofeedback therapy, magnetotherapy, ultrasound therapy and acupuncture were significantly superior to conventional medication and placebo in the total NIH-CPSI scores(P< 0.05), and so were electrical nerve stimulation and shockwave therapy to acupuncture and hyperthermia(P< 0.05), magnetic therapy to hyperthermia, and ultrasound therapy to placebo(P< 0.05). Shockwave therapy, biofeedback therapy, electrical nerve stimulation, magnetotherapy and ultrasound therapy achieved remarkably better clinical efficacy than conventional medication and placebo in the treatment of CP/CPPS, and so did shockwave therapy than electrical nerve stimulation, hyperthermia, ultrasonic therapy, magnetotherapy and acupuncture. CONCLUSION For the treatment of CP/CPPS, electrical nerve stimulation is advantageous over the other interventions in improving total NIH-CPSI scores, and shockwave therapy is advantageous in relieving pain symptoms and clinical efficacy. This conclusion, however, needs to be further verified by more high-quality clinical studies.
Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Biofeedback, Psychology ; Chronic Disease ; Electric Stimulation Therapy ; Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy ; Magnetic Field Therapy ; Pelvic Pain/therapy* ; Prostatitis/therapy* ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Ultrasonic Therapy

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical efficacy of Wenshen Chushi Decoction combined with low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on erectile dysfunction (ED) caused by renal deficiency and phlegm-dampness syndrome. METHODS: One hundred and twenty ED patients were included from the Department of Andrology in the First Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The patients in control group were treated with Wenshen Chushi Decoction. While the patients in observation group were treated with Wenshen Chushi Decoction combined with LIPUS for 8 consecutive weeks. After the treatment, the efficacy was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) score, Penile Flow Index (PFI), Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Score, Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) score, and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) score. Safety was also observed. And the efficacy was followed up 4 weeks after the end of treatment. RESULTS: Fifty-seven cases were enrolled into control group finally with 55 cases in the treatment group. After the treatment, all the patients in both of groups showed an improvement in IIEF-5 scores (P<0.01). Compared with the control group (19.09 ± 2.22), the IIEF-5 score in observation group (20.42 ± 2.39) increased significantly (P<0.01). After the treatment, the scores of PFI, TCM syndrome and SDS in both groups decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the control group (［3.77 ± 1.21］, ［9.91 ± 1.71］ and ［39.88 ± 2.63］ points), the observation group (［2.92 ± 1.08］, ［4.78 ± 1.45］, and ［34.51 ± 2.09］ points） showed a more significant decrease (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in total effective rate between the two groups (P>0.05). During follow-up, the IIEF-5 scores of both groups of patients were higher than those before (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the observation group score was higher than that in the control group (［17.15 ± 3.37］ vs ［13.63 ± 1.96］, P<0.01). No adverse reaction and abnormality of indicators occurred in both of two groups. CONCLUSION Wenshen Chushi Decoction has a significant therapeutic effect on ED caused by renal deficiency and phlegm-dampness syndrome. It can not only improve the quality of erection, but also improve the physical and mental symptoms associated with ED， which makes therapeutic effect lasting longer.
Humans ; Male ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Erectile Dysfunction/etiology* ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Ultrasonic Therapy ; Phytotherapy

Retained products of conception (RPOC) represent a common pregnancy-related condition that may lead to complications such as abnormal uterine bleeding, infection, secondary arteriovenous fistula, intrauterine adhesions, and infertility. Currently, the main clinical treatments for RPOC include surgical intervention, medical therapy, and expectant management, sometimes supplemented by high-intensity focused ultrasound or uterine artery embolization when necessary. However, no standardized treatment guidelines exist. Medical and expectant management may help some patients avoid or reduce the need for surgery, though these approaches often involve a prolonged disease course. While surgery yields rapid results, patients with large lesions may require multiple procedures, increasing the risk of endometrial damage and intrauterine adhesions. There is still a lack of robust evidence-based guidance for selecting the optimal or individualized treatment approach. This review explores recent advances in the management of RPOC, with an emphasis on strategies that effectively preserve the endometrium, safeguard fertility, and support more precise, minimally invasive, and efficient personalized treatment.
Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Placenta, Retained/surgery* ; Uterine Artery Embolization/methods* ; Tissue Adhesions ; Endometrium ; High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation

OBJECTIVES: Hysterectomy remains the only definitively effective treatment for diffuse uterine leiomyomatosis (DUL). However, no standardized management strategy exists for DUL patients wishing to preserve fertility. This study summarizes and analyzes 5 cases of individualized treatment in DUL patients desiring fertility preservation, aiming to provide a clinical reference for personalized management of similar patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 5 DUL patients with fertility intentions admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. To preserve fertility, individualized treatment plans were selected based on clinical manifestations and fibroid distribution. One patient received high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU); one underwent hysteroscopic myomectomy (HM) combined with laparoscopic myomectomy (LRM); one underwent HIFU combined with HM and LRM; one received drug therapy combined with staged HM; and one underwent HIFU combined with staged HM and drug therapy. Treatment outcomes and pregnancy results were analyzed. RESULTS: After treatment, all 5 patients showed marked improvement in menstrual volume or dysmenorrhea symptoms and significant reduction in uterine volume; mild intrauterine adhesions occurred in 3 cases. All 5 patients achieved successful pregnancy. One patient with chronic hypertension developed severe preeclampsia at 34 weeks and underwent cesarean section, while the remaining 4 delivered at term by cesarean section. Three cases of placenta accreta and 2 cases of postpartum hemorrhage occurred. During long-term follow-up, one patient underwent hysterectomy 2 years postpartum due to increased menstrual volume, while the other 4 remained stable. CONCLUSIONS Individualized treatment tailored to DUL patients' conditions can preserve fertility, support successful pregnancy, and achieve favorable pregnancy outcomes.
Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Leiomyomatosis/therapy* ; Uterine Neoplasms/therapy* ; Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; Fertility Preservation/methods* ; Hysterectomy ; Uterine Myomectomy/methods* ; High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation ; Pregnancy Outcome

OBJECTIVES: To explore the efficacy of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) combined with nystatin for treatment of vaginal Candida albicans biofilm infection. METHODS: In vitro cultured Candida albicans biofilm were treated with LIPUS, nystatin, or both, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of nystatin was determined. Crystal violet staining, confocal laser microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy were used to quantify the biofilm and observe the activity and morphological changes of the biofilms; DCFH-DA was used to detect the changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS). Twenty female New Zealand White rabbits with vaginal inoculation of Candida albicans biofilm were randomized into 4 groups for treatment with normal saline, LIPUS, nystatin, or both LIPUS and nystatin. The changes in vulvar symptoms of the rabbits were observed, and the histopathological and ultrastructural changes of the vagina before and after treatment were observed using HE staining and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: In the combined treatment group, the MIC₅₀ and MIC₈₀ of nystatin in Candida albicans biofilms were both reduced by 50% compared with those in nystatin group, and the biofilm clearance rate increased by 26% and 68% compared with nystatin and LIPUS groups, respectively. Compared with nystatin and LIPUS treatment alone, the combined treatment produced stronger effects for inhibiting biofilm activity, causing structural disruption and promoting ROS production. In the rabbit models, the combined treatment more effectively improved vulvar symptoms and inflammatory infiltration, reduced residual vaginal hyphae/strains, and improved ultrastructure of the vaginal epithelium than LIPUS and nystatin treatment alone. CONCLUSIONS LIPUS combined with nystatin produces a significant synergistic antifungal effect against Candida albicans biofilm both in vitro and in vivo.
Animals ; Rabbits ; Female ; Biofilms/drug effects* ; Candida albicans/physiology* ; Nystatin/therapeutic use* ; Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal/microbiology* ; Ultrasonic Waves ; Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use* ; Vagina/microbiology* ; Ultrasonic Therapy ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Combined Modality Therapy

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are characterized by extensive pathological involvement and high prevalence and cause a significant disease burden. Long-term drug administration often causes by adverse effects with poor therapeutic efficacy. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), as a specialized therapeutic modality, delivers acoustic energy at a low intensity in a pulsed wave mode, thus ensuring stable energy transmission to the target tissues while minimizing thermal effects. This non-invasive approach has demonstrated significant potential for MSD treatment by delivering effective physical stimulations. Extensive animal and clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of LIPUS for accelerating the healing process of fresh fractures and nonunions, promoting soft tissue regeneration and suppressing inflammatory responses. Emerging evidence suggests promising applications of LIPUS in skeletal muscle injury treatment and promoting tissue regeneration and repair. This review outlines the recent advancements and mechanistic studies of LIPUS for treatment of common MSDs including fractures, nonunions, muscle injuries, and osteoarthritis, addressing also the technical parameters of commercially available LIPUS devices, current therapeutic approaches, the existing challenges, and future research directions.
Humans ; Ultrasonic Therapy/methods* ; Musculoskeletal Diseases/therapy* ; Ultrasonic Waves ; Osteoarthritis/therapy* ; Muscle, Skeletal/injuries*

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant health concern globally, necessitating effective treatment options. Typical treatment methods for early stage, particularly localized PCa, encompass radical procedures, such as radical prostatectomy (RP) and radiotherapy (RT), and nonradical focal therapy (FT). FT is a focused approach mainly used for treating small lesions limited to a specific zone of the prostate. Its objective is to achieve cancer control when minimizing damage to benign tissue. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is one of the most used modalities in FT for the management of PCa. The progress in HIFU technology showcases continuous advancements, offering clinicians a variety of strategies to cater to diverse patient requirements. The advancements include the development of transrectal and transurethral HIFU machines that offer enhanced treatment distances, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) fusion capabilities, real-time monitoring, and precise ablation. These improvements contribute to increased treatment effectiveness and better outcomes for patients. This narrative review aims to summarize the use of HIFU technology and its evolution, offering diverse options to clinicians, and explores the safety, effectiveness, and quality of different HIFU strategies, such as whole-gland ablation, hemigland ablation, and focal ablation. We conclude that nonwhole-gland HIFU offers similar cancer control with better short-term functional outcomes and fewer complications compared to whole-gland ablation. Combining HIFU with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) improves urinary function and reduces catheterization time. Focal ablation and hemigland ablation show promise in achieving cancer control when preserving continence and potency.
Humans ; Male ; Prostatic Neoplasms/surgery* ; High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation/methods* ; Ultrasound, High-Intensity Focused, Transrectal/methods* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation of magnetic resonance (MR) T₂-weighted image (T₂WI) signal characteristics of adenomyosis and the efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation. METHODS: Based on the presence or absence of patchy hyperintense foci on preoperative MR T₂WI, the patients with adenomyosis undergoing HIFU treatment were divided into homogeneous signal group and heterogeneous signal group, and the heterogeneous group was further divided into heterogeneous hypointense group and heterogeneous isointense group according to signal intensity of the lesions. The patients in heterogeneous signal group were matched with the patients in the homogeneous group at a 1:1 ratio using the propensity score matching, and similarly, the patients in the heterogeneous hypointense group were matched with those in the heterogeneous isointense group at a 1:1 ratio. The non-perfused volume ratio (NPVR) and relief of dysmenorrhea were used to assess the therapeutic efficacy in the 4 groups. RESULTS: A total of 299 patients were enrolled, who had a median preoperative dysmenorrhea score of 7.0 (6.0, 8.0) and a median NPVR of 53.5% (35.4, 70.1)%. After propensity score matching, the NPVR in homogeneous signal group was significantly higher than that in heterogeneous signal group [(60.3 ± 21.8)% vs (44.6±21.6)%, P < 0.05]. At 3, 6 and 12 months after HIFU, dysmenorrhea relief rates were higher in homogeneous signal group than in heterogeneous signal group, and the difference was statistically significant at 12 months (91.1% vs 76.8%, P < 0.05). The NPVR of heterogeneous hypointense group was higher than that of heterogeneous isointense group [(54.0±22.0) % vs (47.3± 22.9) %, P < 0.05]. At 6 months after HIFU, dysmenorrhea relief rate was significantly higher in heterogeneous hypointense group than in heterogeneous isointense group (91.5% vs 80.9%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The signal characteristics of adenomyosis on T₂WI are closely related with the outcome of HIFU ablation, and its efficacy is better for homogeneous than for heterogeneous adenomyosis, and better for heterogeneous hypointense adenomyosis than for heterogeneous isointense adenomyosis.
Female ; Humans ; Adenomyosis/pathology* ; Dysmenorrhea ; Cohort Studies ; Propensity Score ; High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation/methods* ; Treatment Outcome