Circulating endothelial progenitor cells and endothelial function after chronic Tadalafil treatment in subjects with erectile dysfunction.
We evaluated the effect of a chronic treatment with Tadalafil on progenitor cells (PCs) number and endothelial function in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) with or without cardiovascular risk factors. Twenty-six subjects with ED and 23 aged matched controls were studied. All subjects underwent blood tests, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), Nocturnal Penile Tumescence Rigidity Monitoring test (NPTRM), brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and PCs count. International index of erectile function, FMD and PC count were re-evaluated in all subjects at the end of Tadalafil and placebo treatment. With respect to controls patients had lower basal FMD (P < 0.05) and basal PCs (P < 0.05). Treatment with Tadalafil determined a significant increase in PCs (P < 0.001) and FMD (P < 0.001) with respect to basal level. Positive correlation was found between basal FMD and PCs (P < 0.05) and between basal FMD and PCs increase after Tadalafil treatment (P < 0.05). Tadalafil promotes a mobilization of PCs and improves endothelial function in ED patients.
Department of Histology, Microbiology and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Padova, Padova, Italy. carlo.foresta@unipd.it
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Foresta
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Ferlin
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De Toni
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Lana
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Vinanzi
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Galan
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Caretta
D000328:Adult; D002243:Carbolines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002465:Cell Movement; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects*; D000068581:Tadalafil
D002243:Carbolines; D000068581:Tadalafil