title: Advances in stem cell research for the treatment of male sexual dysfunctions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To summarize recent literature on basic stem cell research in erectile dysfunction in cavernous nerve injury, aging, diabetes, and Peyronie's disease and to provide a perspective on clinical translation of these cellular therapies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Stem cell research has been concentrated on mesenchymal stem (stromal) cells from bone marrow and adipose tissue. Application of both cell types has produced positive effects on erectile function in various animal models of erectile dysfunction. In acute animal models, such as cavernous nerve injury-induced erectile dysfunction and chemically induced Peyronie's disease, engraftment and differentiation have not been observed, and stem cells are believed to interact with the host tissue in a paracrine fashion, whereas in chronic disease models some evidence suggests both engraftment and paracrine factors may support improved function. Clinical trials are now investigating therapeutic efficacy of cellular therapy, whereas the first safety studies in humans have recently been published.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Evidence from preclinical studies has established stem cells as a potential curative treatment for erectile dysfunction and early phase clinical trials are currently performed.
authors.affiliation: aLaboratory of Experimental Urology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium bDepartment of Urology, Faculty of Medicine Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia.
authors.forename: M Ayodhia
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Soebadi
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Moris
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Castiglione
authors.forename: Emmanuel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Weyne
authors.forename: Maarten
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Albersen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010411:Penile Induration / Q000628:therapy; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000628:therapy*; D057905:Stem Cell Research