Articles: erectile-dysfunction.
-
Men with erectile dysfunction (ED) respond poorly to oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors following radical prostatectomy. Recent studies have reported that up-regulation of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and activation of the Smad signaling pathway play important roles in cavernous fibrosis and in the deterioration of erectile function in a mouse model of cavernous nerve injury (CNI) and in patients with spinal cord injury. The mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 7 (Smad7) is known to inhibit the phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3. ⋯ The adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of Smad7 successfully restored erectile function by enhancing endothelial cell function and through antifibrotic effects. These findings suggest that inhibition of the TGF-β signaling pathway by use of Smad7 may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for ED induced by radical prostatectomy.
-
Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs · Dec 2013
Multicenter StudyThe CHARMS Study: cardiac patients' experiences of sexual problems following cardiac rehabilitation.
Sexual problems are common among cardiac patients. Further information is required on patients' experiences of sexuality and preferences for sexual counselling. ⋯ Sexual inactivity and sexual problems are common in this group. Health professionals should address sexual issues with their patients, ideally in a private setting and within the broader context of addressing psychological wellbeing.
-
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is more common in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity, and/or the metabolic syndrome (MetS). ⋯ Poor glycemic control, impaired insulin sensitivity, and the MetS are associated with a heightened risk of ED.
-
Much attention has recently been focused on therapeutic angiogenesis as a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). The apelin and apelin receptor (APJ) system is known to cause endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and to be involved in angiogenesis. ⋯ These findings suggest that apelin-APJ signaling is a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of vasculogenic ED. Further studies are needed to develop a potent agonist for APJ and to determine the role of repeated dosing of apelin on long-term recovery of erectile function.