New horizons in erectile and endothelial dysfunction research and therapies.
Penile erection is a neurovascular process controlled by numerous tightly regulated events, and occurs in response to the activation of pro-erectile autonomic pathways. It is dependent on an adequate inflow of blood to the erectile tissue through both endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and corporal smooth muscle relaxation. Pathologic alteration in the endothelium of penile vasculature and/or erectile tissue and/or impairment of neurovascular processes can result in erectile dysfunction (ED). Both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and ED have been linked to endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction is a vascular condition resulting in a diminished vasodilatory response to pharmacologic and physiologic stressors. Endothelial dysfunction may be a pathophysiologic mechanism underlying both ED and CVD, forming a unifying link between these two conditions. Furthermore, in the general population and in men with diabetes or obesity, ED may be a valuable early marker for serious subclinical CVD, coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis.
Giuliano
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Neuro-Urology-Andrology, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Garches, France. giuliano@cyber-sante.org
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000502:physiology*; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism
D015415:Biomarkers; D009569:Nitric Oxide