title: Statins and erectile dysfunction: a critical summary of current evidence.
abstract: Recently, it was reported that the administration of statins  (lipid-lowering drugs) is associated with reduced levels of testosterone, and  this evidence has opened a debate on the consequences these widely used drugs  might have on the quality of erection. This is a very important clinical  problem because patients with dyslipidemia are at increased risk of developing  erectile dysfunction (ED); hence, statins exert a protective effect. At the  same time, the administration of these drugs reduce endothelial dysfunction, a  key etiopathogenetic factor in the onset of ED. Moreover, statins are  universally considered a key element of secondary prevention for vascular  events; therefore, several points are opened. In this critical summary, we  attempt to evaluate the effects of statins on ED and to understand the  mechanisms through which statins improve the quality of erection and the  possible synergism with V phosphodiesterase inhibitors, drugs largely used for  the treatment of ED.
authors: Section of Endocrinology, Andrology, and Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine and Systemic Diseases, University of Catania, Policlinico G. Rodolico, S Sofia 78, Catania, Italy. sandrolavignera@email.it
authors: Sandro
authors: S
authors: La Vignera
authors: Rosita A
authors: RA
authors: Condorelli
authors: Enzo
authors: E
authors: Vicari
authors: Aldo E
authors: AE
authors: Calogero
mesh_terms: D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000187:drug effects*; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors