A review of current progress in gene and stem cell therapy for erectile dysfunction.
BACKGROUND
Current gene-based strategies for treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) are based on the nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP system; although growth factors, calcium sensitization, and potassium channel expression have been studied. Initial investigations of stem-cell-based therapy have attracted attention. Results of the first gene transfer clinical trial for treatment of ED with maxi-K channels are positive. Moreover, there is progress in gene and stem-cell therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular (CV) diseases.


OBJECTIVE
To improve understanding of gene and stem-cell therapy for CV disease, with emphasis on ED.


METHODS
Review of current literature.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment and prevention of ED can be improved by the application of CVD gene/cell-based therapy. New discoveries based on gene- and cell-based therapy will lead to new advances in the treatment of ED.
Gur
Serap
S
Tulane University Health Sciences Center, Department of Urology, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-42, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
Kadowitz
Philip J
PJ
Hellstrom
Wayne J G
WJ
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D017690:Cell Transplantation; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000628:therapy*; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013234:Stem Cells