The relationship between erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms and the role of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors

Efficacy and safety of PDE5 inhibitors in middle-aged and old patients with and without hypogonadism

PURPOSE

Although several reviews have evaluated the use of PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5i) for treating erectile dysfunction (ED), their specific use in middle-aged and old patients has not been fully evaluated. Given that elderly patients with ED often have a complex combination of systemic and sexual health risk factors, the safety and efficacy of PDE5i in such a context are hereby reviewed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A thorough examination of existing literature has been conducted on PubMed.

RESULTS

PDE5i has good safety and efficacy, but the situation is more complex for patients with hypogonadism than those with normal testosterone levels, with reduced responsiveness to PDE5i. In this case, combination therapy with testosterone is recommended, safe and effective.

CONCLUSIONS

Eliminating or reducing reversible risk factors and controlling or slowing the development of irreversible factors is an important foundation for using PDE5i to treat ED in all patients, especially middle-aged and elderly ones.

The bitter taste receptor (TAS2R) agonist denatonium promotes a strong relaxation of rat corpus cavernosum

Bitter taste receptors (TAS2R) are found in numerous extra-oral tissues, including smooth muscle (SM) cells in both vascular and visceral tissues. Upon activation, TAS2R stimulate the relaxation of the SM. Nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling pathway is involved in penile erection, and type 5 phosphodiesterase (PDE5) inhibitors, a cGMP-specific hydrolase are used as first-line treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED). Nevertheless, PDE5 inhibitors are ineffective in a considerable number of patients, prompting research into alternative pharmacological targets for ED. Since TAS2R agonists regulate SM contractility, this study investigates the role of TAS2Rs in rat corpus cavernosum (CC). We performed immunohistochemistry to detect TAS2R10, isometric force recordings for TAS2R agonists denatonium and chloroquine, the slow-release H2S donor GYY 4137, the NO donor SNAP, the β-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol and electrical field stimulation (EFS), as well as measurement of endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production. The immunofluorescence staining indicated that TAS2R10 was broadly expressed in the CC SM and to some extent in the nerve fibers. Denatonium, chloroquine, SNAP, and isoproterenol cause potent dose-dependent SM relaxations. H2S production was decreased by NO and H2S synthase inhibitors, while it was enhanced by denatonium. In addition, denatonium increased the relaxations induced by GYY 4137 and SNAP but failed to modify EFS- and isoproterenol-induced responses. These results suggest neuronal and SM TAS2R10 expression in the rat CC, where denatonium induces a strong SM relaxation per se and promotes the H2S- and NO-mediated inhibitory gaseous neurotransmission. Thus, TAS2R10 might represent a valuable therapeutic target in ED.

Molecular Regulation of Concomitant Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Erectile Dysfunction in Pelvic Ischemia

Aging correlates with greater incidence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED) in the male population where the pathophysiological link remains elusive. The incidence of LUTS and ED correlates with the prevalence of vascular risk factors, implying potential role of arterial disorders in concomitant development of the two conditions. Human studies have revealed lower bladder and prostate blood flow in patients with LUTS suggesting that the severity of LUTS and ED correlates with the severity of vascular disorders. A close link between increased prostatic vascular resistance and greater incidence of LUTS and ED has been documented. Experimental models of atherosclerosis-induced chronic pelvic ischemia (CPI) showed increased contractile reactivity of prostatic and bladder tissues, impairment of penile erectile tissue relaxation, and simultaneous development of detrusor overactivity and ED. In the bladder, short-term ischemia caused overactive contractions while prolonged ischemia provoked degenerative responses and led to underactivity. CPI compromised structural integrity of the bladder, prostatic, and penile erectile tissues. Downstream molecular mechanisms appear to involve cellular stress and survival signaling, receptor modifications, upregulation of cytokines, and impairment of the nitric oxide pathway in cavernosal tissue. These observations may suggest pelvic ischemia as an important contributing factor in LUTS-associated ED. The aim of this narrative review is to discuss the current evidence on CPI as a possible etiologic mechanism underlying LUTS-associated ED.

Comparison of Tamsulosin and Tadalafil effects in LUTS treatment considering patients' atherosclerosis risk level

Introduction

To date, no study evaluates the effect of atherosclerosis risk level on the efficacy of BPH drug therapies. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the effect of atherosclerosis risk levels on the effectiveness of Tamsulosin and Tadalafil in LUTS treatment.

Methods

The present study was a randomized clinical trial that assessed men with LUTS symptoms (at least six months). The inclusion criteria were being older than 50 years, international prostate symptom score (IPSS) ≥ 13, and maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) between 4 and 15 ml/s. Framingham Risk Score was used to measure atherosclerosis risk. The patients were classified into four groups, including group 1: Patients with low risk and treated with Tamsulosin (0.4 mg/day), group 2: Patients with low risk and treated with Tadalafil (5 mg/day), group 3: Patients with high risk and treated with Tamsulosin (0.4 mg/day), group 4: Patients with high risk and treated with Tadalafil (5 mg/day).

Results

The study included 44 and 38 patients receiving Tamsulosin and Tadalafil, respectively. The means (SD) of the baseline age for the Tamsulosin and Tadalafil groups were equal to 60.6 (6.8) and 58.8 (6.7), respectively (p-value = 0.213). The models revealed no impact of the atherosclerosis risk level on the drugs' effects (p-values = 0.378, 0.975, 0.743 for IPSS, QMAX, and VOID, respectively).

Conclusions

The present study's findings could not show the impact of atherosclerosis risk levels on the efficiency of Tamsolusin and Tadalafil in men with LUTS.

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Assessing the impact of atherosclerosis risk level on the effectiveness of Tamsulosin and Tadalafil in LUTS treatment.

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The present study's findings could not show the impact of atherosclerosis risk level on the efficiency of Tamsulosin and Tadalafil in men with LUTS.

Tadalafil monotherapy in management of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a randomized double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial

Purpose

In this placebo-controlled trial, we aimed to evaluate the clinical results of using PDE-5 inhibitor, tadalafil 5 mg OD, for management of CP/CPPS.

Patients and methods

140 patients ≤ 45 years old with moderate/severe CP/CPPS associated with ED (IIEF-5 < 22) were randomly divided and received either tadalafil 5 mg OD (tadalafil-group) or placebo (control-group) for 6 weeks. Post-treatment CPSI scores were compared to baseline and to placebo. Clinically significant responders (≥ 25% reduction from baseline score) were calculated. Tadalafil-induced changes in IIE-5 were evaluated in correlation to that of CPSI scores.

Results

By the 6th week, 59 and 56 patients were available in both groups respectively. Compared to baseline, tadalafil-group patients showed significant improvement in total, pain, urinary and Qol domains of CPSI (19.1 ± 5.26, 10.42 ± 3.55, 4.2 ± 1.72 and 4.47 ± 1.64 vs. 24.21 ± 5.05, 12.14 ± 3.57, 6.08 ± 1.53 and 6.22 ± 1.76), p < 0.5. When compared to placebo, all 6th week CPSI domains scores, except for pain, were significantly better in tadalafil-group (p < 0.05). Post-treatment pain score didn't significantly differ between both groups (10.42 ± 3.55, vs. 11.71 ± 3.9, p > 0.05). Clinically significant responders were 30 patients (50.8%) in tadalafil-group vs. 3 patients (5.4%) in control. Tadalafil-induced changes in IIEF-5 score had weak but significant correlation to Qol domain (r = − 0.28, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Tadalafil 5 mg OD can significantly improve all CPSI domains as compared to baseline. Post-treatment CPSI scores, except for pain, were better than placebo. About 50.8% of patients can develop ≥ 25% reduction in their total CPSI scores after treatment. Apart from Qol domain, these changes are not significantly correlated to tadalafil-induced IIEF-5 scores changes.

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors enhance chemotherapy in preclinical models of esophageal adenocarcinoma by targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts

The chemotherapy resistance of esophageal adenocarcinomas (EACs) is underpinned by cancer cell extrinsic mechanisms of the tumor microenvironment (TME). We demonstrate that, by targeting the tumor-promoting functions of the predominant TME cell type, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i), we can enhance the efficacy of standard-of-care chemotherapy. In ex vivo conditions, PDE5i prevent the transdifferentiation of normal fibroblasts to CAF and abolish the tumor-promoting function of established EAC CAFs. Using shotgun proteomics and single-cell RNA-seq, we reveal PDE5i-specific regulation of pathways related to fibroblast activation and tumor promotion. Finally, we confirm the efficacy of PDE5i in combination with chemotherapy in close-to-patient and in vivo PDX-based model systems. These findings demonstrate that CAFs drive chemotherapy resistance in EACs and can be targeted by repurposing PDE5i, a safe and well-tolerated class of drug administered to millions of patients world-wide to treat erectile dysfunction.

In vitro inhibition of phosphodiesterase type 4 enhances rat corpus cavernosum nerve-mediated relaxation induced by gasotransmitters

AIMS

Nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are involved in nerve-mediated corpus cavernosum (CC) relaxation. Expression of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) and type 4 (PDE4), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)- and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-specific, respectively, has been described and PDE5- and PDE4-inhibitors induce cavernous smooth muscle relaxation. Whereas the NO/cGMP signaling pathway is well established in penile erection, the cAMP-mediated mechanism is not fully elucidated. The aim of this study is to investigate the localization and the functional significance of PDE4 in rat CC tone regulation.

MAIN METHODS

We performed immunohistochemistry for the detection of the PDE4A isoenzyme. Isometric tension recordings for roflumilast and tadalafil, PDE4 and PDE5 inhibitors, respectively, electrical field stimulation (EFS) and β-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol and endogenous H2S production measurement.

KEY FINDINGS

A marked PDE4A expression was detected mainly localized in the nerve cells of the cavernous smooth muscle. Furthermore, roflumilast and tadalafil exhibited strong corpus cavernous relaxations. Endogenous H2S production was decreased by NO and H2S synthase inhibitors and increased by roflumilast. Isoproterenol- and EFS-induced relaxations were increased by roflumilast.

SIGNIFICANCE

These results indicate that PDE4A is mainly expressed within the nerves cells of the rat CC, where roflumilast induces a potent corpus cavernous relaxation per se and potentiates the response induced by β-adrenoceptor activation. The fact that roflumilast enhances H2S production, as well as EFS-elicited responses suggests that PDE4 inhibitors modulate, in a positive feedback fashion, nerve-mediated relaxation induced by gasotransmitters, thus indicating a key role for neuronal PDE4 in penile erection.

Cellular Stress and Molecular Responses in Bladder Ischemia

The concept of bladder ischemia as a contributing factor to detrusor overactivity and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is evolving. Bladder ischemia as a consequence of pelvic arterial atherosclerosis was first documented in experimental models and later in elderly patients with LUTS. It was shown that early-stage moderate ischemia produces detrusor overactivity, while prolonged severe ischemia provokes changes consistent with detrusor underactivity. Recent studies imply a central role of cellular energy sensors, cellular stress sensors, and stress response molecules in bladder responses to ischemia. The cellular energy sensor adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase was shown to play a role in detrusor overactivity and neurodegeneration in bladder ischemia. The cellular stress sensors apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 and caspase-3 along with heat shock proteins were characterized as important contributing factors to smooth muscle structural modifications and apoptotic responses in bladder ischemia. Downstream pathways seem to involve hypoxia-inducible factor, transforming growth factor beta, vascular endothelial growth factor, and nerve growth factor. Molecular responses to bladder ischemia were associated with differential protein expression, the accumulation of non-coded amino acids, and post-translational modifications of contractile proteins and stress response molecules. Further insight into cellular stress responses in bladder ischemia may provide novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets against LUTS.

Sexual Dysfunction in Patients With Urinary Bladder Stones but no Bladder Outlet Obstruction

Objective: To explore the correlates of sexual dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in male patients with urinary bladder stones and to determine the effect of stone extraction on recovery of sexual function.

Materials and Methods: A total of 87 male patients with primary bladder stones were studied from January 2015 to May 2016. All patients underwent pneumatic lithotripsy for bladder stones. Sexual dysfunction was assessed based on sexual function assessment scales. The relationship of bladder stones with sexual dysfunction or LUTS was assessed using a two-sample t-test. Postoperative improvement of sexual function was assessed by repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).

Results: Forty-one patients had primary bladder stones and 46 had secondary stones from the kidneys. Eighty-three of 87 patients (95%) had sexual dysfunction; 79 patients (91%) had both sexual dysfunction and LUTS. There was a significant association between bladder stones and sexual dysfunction, between sexual dysfunction and LUTS, and between bladder stone and LUTS (p < 0.05). There was no significant association between the course of illness, size and number of bladder stones, or urinary tract infection with sexual function (p > 0.05). In addition, among 83 patients with both bladder stone and sexual dysfunction, 61 patients (73%) had benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 22 patients (27%) had no BPH. On postoperative evaluation at 3 months, sexual dysfunction scores were significantly improved in 77 patients (88.5%)

Conclusion: Patients with bladder stones have a high incidence of sexual dysfunction, particularly those with co-existing LUTS and BPH. About 1/3 patients without BPH had sexual dysfunction and surgical removal of bladder stones significantly improved sexual function and LUTS.

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Sexual Dysfunction in Male: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: An association between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and risk of sexual dysfunction in male remains controversial in recent decades. Materials and Methods: PubMed and Web of Science were searched up to October 28, 2020, for articles reporting the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in men with LUTS. The main outcomes were results from sexual dysfunction assessments. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. The quality assessment of the included studies was performed by using The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) or JBI Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI). Results: A total of 24 full-manuscript papers met the inclusion criteria. The pooled OR for 21 studies suggested that patients with severer LUTS had a higher risk of sexual dysfunction (OR = 3.31, 95% CI: 2.43 to 4.49, p < 0.001, I ² = 90%). A significant decrease in scores of assessment tools for sexual dysfunction was observed in the patients with higher severity of LUTS compared with those patients with lower severity (WMD = -5.49, 95%CI: -7.25 to -3.27, P < 0.001, I ² = 96%). Similar outcomes were also found in subgroup analyses. In a detailed analysis of specific sexual function domains, the severity of LUTS was associated with erectile dysfunction, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction, except for sexual desire. Conclusion: The study demonstrates an association between exposure of lower urinary tract symptoms and risk of sexual dysfunction in male. Assessment of sexual function is necessary for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. Systematic Review Registration: http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier: CRD42020208747.

Are Beta 3 Adrenergic Agonists Now the Preferred Pharmacologic Management of Overactive Bladder?

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

This paper discusses the recent evidence supporting beta 3 adrenergic agonists as the preferred pharmacological management of overactive bladder syndrome.

RECENT FINDINGS

Mirabegron has a similar efficacy profile to first-line antimuscarinics with favorable adverse effects profile. Treatment of OAB with beta-3 adrenergic agonist should be favored in patients at higher risk of anticholinergic adverse events. The efficacy and tolerability of beta-3 adrenergic agonists are consistently reported in older OAB patients, whether used alone or with other antimuscarinics. Mirabegron is cost-effective in treating OAB unless the symptoms were severe or refractory. Combination therapy of mirabegron and other pharmacotherapy has proven to be efficient in controlling OAB symptoms without inducing serious add-on adverse effects. While beta-3 adrenergic agonists bear favorable advantages in OAB treatment, physicians should perform a thorough and careful pre-treatment planning to optimize treatment benefits and adherence.

Mirabegron elicits rat corpus cavernosum relaxation and increases in vivo erectile response

Mirabegron is the first β3-adrenoceptor agonist approved on the market and may offer beneficial pharmacological action in patients with overactive bladder and erectile dysfunction. Here, we further investigate the mechanisms by which mirabegron induces rat corpus cavernosum (CC) relaxation. Adult male Wistar rats were used. The CC were isolated for in vitro functional assays and β-adrenoceptors subtypes mRNA expression evaluation. Animals were treated orally with mirabegron (30 mg/kg, 3 h), tadalafil (10 mg/kg, 3 h) or both for intracavernous pressure (ICP). Intracellular levels of cAMP and cGMP were also determined. The β₁-, β₂- and β₃-adrenoceptors subtypes were expressed in rat CC. Mirabegron produced concentration-dependent CC relaxations that were unaffected by the β₁-, β₂- or β₃-adrenoceptor antagonists atenolol (1 μM), ICI-118,551 (1 μM) and L748,337 (10 μM), respectively. Mirabegron-induced relaxations were not affected by the phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibitor, rolipram, or the adenylyl cyclase selective inhibitor, SQ 22,536. Potassium channel- or calcium influx-blockade are not involved in mirabegron-induced relaxations. In contrast, mirabegron produced rightward shifts in the contractile response induced by the α1-adrenoceptor agonist, phenylephrine. Finally, cavernous nerve stimulation caused frequency-dependent ICP increases, which were significantly increased in rats treated with mirabegron in a similar degree of tadalafil-treated rat, without promoting a significant cAMP or cGMP accumulation. Together, our results demonstrate that mirabegron induced CC relaxation through α1-adrenoceptor blockade. Care should be taken to translate the effect of mirabegron into the clinic, especially when using rat as an animal model of erectile dysfunction.

The relationship of salivary testosterone and male sexual dysfunction in opioid-associated androgen deficiency (OPIAD)

BACKGROUND

Opioids are an effective treatment for chronic non-malignant pain (CNP). Long-term use risks and side effects such as opioid-induced androgen deficiency (OPIAD) exist. This could be measured by saliva testosterone (Sal-T).

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate OPIAD in long-term opioid use in CNP patients.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study included CNP male outpatients under opioid treatment. Total-Testosterone (Total-T), Free-Testosterone (Free-T), Bio-Testosterone (Bio-T) and Sal-T were measured. Correlations were calculated by Spearman's rho (SPSS 20).

RESULTS

From 2012 to 2014, 134 from 249 (54%) consecutive male outpatients reported erectile dysfunction (ED), 37% of them related to opioids and 19% evidenced OPIAD. A total of 120 subjects (94 cases and 26 matched-controls) were included. A significantly lower luteinizing hormone, Total-T and Free-T were found, as well as, a significant correlation between Sal-T and Total-T (r = 0.234, p = 0.039), Bio-T (r = 0.241, p = 0.039), IIEF (r = 0.363, p = 0.003) and HAD-anxiety (r = -0.414, p = 0.012) in OPIAD patients. Sal-T levels were significantly lower in patients with severe-moderate ED versus mild ED (p = 0.045) and in patients with severe ED versus moderate-mild ED (p = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate the high prevalence of ED in long-term use of opioids, part of this is associated to OPIAD, which can be tested by Sal-T as a non-invasive approach.

[Lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia and erectile dysfunction: A systematic review]

AIM

To provide a systematic review of epidemiological data regarding the association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men.

SEARCH STRATEGY

A research has been conducted on the Medline database using the keywords: ("erectile dysfunction" or "sexual dysfunction") and ("benign prostatic hyperplasia" or "lower urinary tract symptoms"). The eligibility of studies was defined using the PICOS method in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Cross-sectional studies and prospective cohorts assessing the association between LUTS and ED in the primary care setting or in general practice (i.e. exclusion of patients seen in outpatient urology or andrology) were included.

RESULTS

Among 898 reports assessed, seven studies were included in this systematic review (whole cohort: 1,196,393 men). There were five cross-sectional studies and two prospective cohorts. The whole seven studies reported an association between LUTS and ED (range of odds-ratio: 1.52-4.03). Four common pathogenic mechanisms were found in the literature, all of them being somewhat related with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors: reduced nitric oxide (NO) pathway signalling, increased RhoA-Rho kinase signalling, autonomic nervous system hyperactivity and pelvic atherosclerosis.

LIMITATIONS

The main limitations of this review were: a possible publication bias, the relatively low number of included studies and the lack of assessment of potential confounders such as factors related to sexual partner.

CONCLUSION

The close epidemiological and pathogenic links between LUTS and ED have given rise to a new nosological entity: the erectile urogenital dysfunction, which should be assessed globally with special considerations to frequently associated comorbidities such as metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors.

The impact of surgical treatments for lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia on male erectile function: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)/benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is common in adult men and can impair erectile function (EF). It was believed surgical treatments for this illness can improve EF due to the relief of LUTS while they were also reported harmed EF as heating or injury effect. Current network meta-analysis aimed to elucidate this discrepancy.Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified. Direct comparisons were conducted by STATA and network meta-analysis was conducted by Generate Mixed Treatment Comparison. Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled standard mean difference and 95% confidence intervals and to incorporate variation between studies.Eighteen RCTs with 2433 participants were analyzed. Nine approaches were studied as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), plasmakinetic resection of the prostate (PKRP), plasmakinetic enucleation of the prostate (PKEP), Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), Holmium laser resection of the prostate (HoLRP), photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP), Thulium laser, open prostatectomy (OP), and laparoscopic simple prostatectomy (LSP). In direct comparisons, all surgical treatments did not decrease postoperative International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 score except PVP. Moreover, patients who underwent HoLEP, PKEP, Thulium laser, and TURP had their postoperative EF significantly increased. Network analysis including direct and indirect comparisons ranked LSP at the highest position on the variation of postoperative IIEF-5 score, followed by PKRP, HoLEP, TURP, Thulium laser, PKEP, PVP, HoLRP, and OP. In subgroup analysis, only PVP was found lower postoperative EF in the short term and decreased baseline group, whereas TURP increased postoperative IIEF-5 score only for patients with normal baseline EF. However, HoLEP and PKEP showed pro-erectile effect even for patients with decreased baseline EF and short-term follow-up. Our novel data demonstrating surgical treatments for LUTS/BPH showed no negative impact on postoperative EF except PVP. Moreover, HoLEP and PKEP were found pro-erectile effect for all subgroups. New technologies, such as LSP, PKRP, and Thulium laser, were ranked at top positions in the network analysis, although they had no pro-erectile effect in direct comparison due to limited original studies or poor baseline EF. Therefore, further studies and longer follow-up are required to substantiate our findings.

LUTS in pelvic ischemia: a new concept in voiding dysfunction

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a group of voiding symptoms affecting both genders as they age. Traditionally, LUTS in men were commonly attributed to bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). It was later shown that, in approximately one-third to more than one-half of cases, LUTS in men are not associated with BOO. Urodynamic changes in the male bladder and symptom scores in aging men were found to be identical to their age-matched female counterparts. These observations suggested that LUTS in the elderly do not necessarily relate to BOO and may result from local changes in bladder muscle, nerves, and blood vessels. However, aging factors predisposing to bladder dysfunction and LUTS remain unknown. Growing evidence suggests that aging-associated pelvic ischemia may be a primary factor in the development of nonobstructed nonneurogenic overactive bladder and LUTS. First identified in experimental models and later in clinical studies, pelvic ischemia has been shown to compromise the lower urinary tract structure and lead to dysfunction. Structural and functional consequences of bladder and prostate ischemia have been documented in animal models. Clinical studies have shown that bladder and prostate blood flow decreases with aging. The severity of LUTS in elderly patients correlates with the degrees of bladder ischemia. LUTS improvement with α blockers has been associated with increased bladder blood flow. Pelvic ischemia may be an independent factor in nonobstructed nonneurogenic bladder instability and LUTS. Further research into the pathophysiology of LUTS in pelvic ischemia may lead to better management of this problem in the elderly population.

Drug Concentration in Rat Plasma, Bladder, and Prostate After Mirodenafil Administration in a Chronic Pelvic Ischemia Model

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the distribution of a daily phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor dose (mirodenafil) in rat plasma and bladder and prostate tissue in a model of atherosclerosis-induced chronic pelvic ischemia.

METHODS

Thirty-two 18-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into two groups. Group I (n = 16) comprised a chronic pelvic ischemia model treated with mirodenafil and group II (n = 16) comprised a sham-operated model also treated with mirodenafil. The mirodenafil concentrations in each organ were measured at specific time points after 14 days of daily mirodenafil administration. The drug distribution ratio of group I to group II of each organ was measured, and the bladder tissue-to-plasma and prostate tissue-to-plasma ratios were calculated.

RESULTS

The mean drug concentration in the bladder of the rats in group I did not differ significantly from that of group II after mirodenafil administration. In the prostate, the mean drug concentration of group I was significantly higher than that of group II at 1 and 4 hours after drug administration. The drug concentration was higher in the bladder tissue than in the prostate tissue and the bladder tissue-to-plasma ratio was significantly higher than the prostate tissue-to-plasma ratio.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that mirodenafil levels might be sufficient in the target tissue after daily treatment in an ischemia-induced aging model. Considering the difficulties of tissue distribution study in human subjects, the results of this investigation provided meaningful evidence of the application of daily doses of mirodenafil for treating lower urinary tract symptoms in an aging population.

Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor and Erectile Dysfunction in Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common diseases in older men and mostly induces lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Multiple studies have shown that BPH inducing LUTS are intensely correlated with erectile dysfunction (ED) and that severity of LUTS was proportional to ED severity. Although a direct causal relationship has not been clarified, a tentative pathophysiology has been suggested to interpret the relationship between two disorders. Androgen plays an important role in the maintenance of the functional and structural integrity of the lower urinary tract and penis. Low testosterone, especially free testosterone, worsened detrusor overactivity and replacement of testosterone improved LUTS in the hypogonadal BPH patients. Nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide are decreased in the transition zone of the hyperplastic prostate but phosphodiesterase types 4, 5, 11 are prominent in transition zone of hyperplastic prostate. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor with a long half-life could obtain the desired effect; therefore, tadalafil and undenafil frequently have been used to evaluate the effects in the two disorders. In clinical trials, tadalafil showed improvement of BPH-induced LUTS, but few of the studies showed a significant improvement on uroflowmetry. PDE5 inhibitors increase the concentration of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in plasma and smooth muscle, promoting erection of the penis, as well as relaxation of the bladder neck and prostate, leading to natural voiding. Sexual function and LUTS should be assessed and discussed with the patient when choosing the appropriate strategy and the patient's response to treatment should also be evaluated at the same time.

Translational Research and Functional Changes in Voiding Function in Older Adults

Age-related LUT dysfunctions result from complex processes controlled by multiple genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors and account for high costs of health care. This article discusses risk factors that may play a role in age-related LUT dysfunction and presents available data comparing structural and functional changes that occur with aging in the bladder of humans and animal models. A better understanding of factors and mechanisms underlying LUT symptoms in the older population may lead to therapeutic interventions to reduce these dysfunctions.

An update on sexual function and dysfunction in women

Sexual function of women can be affected by many factors resulting in female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Sexual dysfunction is a common problem among women of all ages and has negative effects not only on their quality of lives but also on the sexual function and quality of life of their partners. It can also affect mental health of the entire family and society. Regarding the multidimensional nature of female sexual dysfunction and considering its consequences, this condition needs to be recognised in its early stages in order to prevent future consequences and impacts. This article discusses biopsychosocial aspect of female sexual function, classifications and risk factors of female sexual dysfunction and investigates current approaches to identify and treat this problem.

Are phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors effective for the management of lower urinary symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia?

AIM: To review the efficacy of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5-Is) in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostate hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH).

METHODS: A comprehensive research was conducted to identify all publications relating to benign prostate hyperplasia and treatment with sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil. To assess the efficacy, the changes in total international prostate symptom score (IPSS), IPSS subscore including voiding, storage and quality of life (QoL), Benign prostatic hyperplasia Impact Index (BII), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were extracted. A meta-analytical technique was used for the analysis of integrated data from the included studies to evaluate the mean difference in the results.

RESULTS: Total IPSS score, IIEF and BII showed a significant improvement in trials in which LUTS/BPH with or without erectile dysfunction (ED) were compared with the placebo. For LUTS/BPH, the mean differences of total IPSS score, IIEF and BII are -2.17, 4.88 and -0.43, P < 0.00001, respectively. For LUTS/BPH with comorbid ED, the mean difference are -1.97, 4.54 and -0.52, P < 0.00001, respectively. PDE5-Is appear to improve IPSS storage, voiding and QoL subscore (mean difference = -0.71, -1.23 and -0.33, P < 0.00001, respectively). Although four doses of tadalafil (2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg) failed to reach significance in Qmax (mean difference = 0.22, P = 0.10), the 5 mg dose of tadalafil significantly improved the Qmax (mean difference = 0.33, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION: PED5-Is demonstrated efficacy for improving LUTS in BPH patients with or without ED and could be considered to be the first line treatment for LUTS/BPH.

The new horizons of pharmacotherapy. Unexpected pharmacological actions and a new therapeutic strategy of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors

INTRODUCTION

Benign prostate hyperplasia and erectile dysfunction affect a significant subset of men. BPH and ED may have the same promoting conditions and are the strong predicting risk factors to each other. A significant number of these patients are bothered by lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Direct correlation of age, sexual dysfunction and LUTS severity has been well documented. Many sexually dysfunctional patients with concomitant BPH receive alpha-adrenergic antagonists and any Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor simultaneously. PDE5 inhibitors relieve LUTS symptoms in the course of BPH and reduce independent detrusor contractions. This paper presents the results of clinical trials on the efficacy of PDE5 inhibitors on LUTS, new perspectives on its use and newly-identified side effects.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The review is based on an internet search of PubMed and Medscape databases. The search terms were as follows: LUTS and ED, BPH and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, LUTS clinical trials, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors mechanisms.

RESULTS

Clinical trials show an epidemiological and pathophysiological relationship between BPH, LUTS and ED. Numerous studies reveal the alleviating effect of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors on LUTS, expressed as the reduction of IPSS score, but not followed by a change in Qmax. Opponents raise a link of PDE5 inhibitors with increased risk of melanoma. New studies reveal that phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors are effective in the treatment of neurological disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Researches reveal the efficacy of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors in LUTS along with an improvement of erectile function. The molecular mechanism of action of such drugs suggests imminent novel applications. Potential benefits will be multidimensional. Unfortunately, interfering with particular molecular mechanisms may alleviate some diseases, but may lay groundwork for others - new and even more devastating.

A review of the use of tadalafil in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in men with and without erectile dysfunction

Epidemiological data link erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-associated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), two highly prevalent conditions in aging men, assuming common pathophysiological pathways. Tadalafil 5 mg once daily has been approved for the treatment of men with LUTS with or without comorbid ED. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of current knowledge on the epidemiological and pathophysiological links between ED and LUTS and to focus on tadalafil as a new treatment option in men with BPH-associated LUTS. A Medline search was completed using the Medical Subject Headings (MESH® keywords) 'prostatic hyperplasia' and 'phosphodiesterase inhibitors'. This search revealed 125 relevant references (entire Medline database up to 11 March 2014). The efficacy of tadalafil 5 mg once daily for the treatment of LUTS has been reported by several well-designed studies. Tadalafil improves significantly the total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the voiding and storage subscores, the IPSS Quality of Life (QoL) and the BPH Impact Index (BII). Its efficacy is irrelevant to the erectile function status of the patients. However, in the majority of these studies tadalafil is not associated with improvement in maximum urine flow or post-void residual volume (PVR). Its safety profile is well established and no new or unexpected adverse events other than those reported in ED studies have been recorded. Tadalafil is today a new treatment alternative to other established drugs for LUTS such as the α-adrenergic antagonists or 5α-reductase inhibitors. However, it is not just an alternative, since sexual adverse events associated with these drugs are avoided and tadalafil is the only drug that can treat both ED and LUTS at the same time.

Undertreatment of erectile dysfunction: claims analysis of 6.2 million patients

INTRODUCTION

Prior research conducted on treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) has been derived from surveys involving relatively small populations of men. There are needs for large population-based studies in this area. Our study addresses that need.

AIM

The aim of this study was to characterize ED treatment among a large population of men.

METHODS

Patients ≥30 years in commercial insurance dataset with diagnosis code for ED during 12-month period ending June 2011 were identified. Men were considered "treated" if prescription was filled for phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5i), injection or urethral prostaglandins, or androgen replacement (ART) during study period. "Untreated" patients received the diagnosis but did not fill prescription. Statistical analyses were used to compare prescription frequency with clinical characteristics, including age and comorbidities.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

ED treatment rates among large population of insured men, treatment types employed, patient demographics, associated medical comorbidities of this population, and prescriber details were the main outcome measures.

RESULTS

Only 25.4% of 6,228,509 men with ED were treated during study period. While PDE5is were the most commonly prescribed medical therapy (75.2%), ART was utilized as monotherapy or in combination therapy in 30.6% of men. ART was significantly (P < 0.0001) more frequently used in men <40 and >65 years. Although ED frequency was associated with increased age and number of comorbidities, men >60 years were significantly (P < 0.0001) less likely to be treated compared with men aged 40-59 years. Additionally, treatment frequency did not vary as a function of number of comorbidities. However, compared with men with prostate cancer, men with comorbid hypogonadism, sleep disorders, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or components of metabolic syndrome were (P < 0.0001) more likely to be treated.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite high prevalence of ED with age and comorbidities, most men continue receiving no treatment. Although benefits of medical intervention for ED are well-recognized, many barriers to treatment continually exist including physician, patient and partner preference and knowledge.

Lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with liver cirrhosis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men with liver cirrhosis.

METHODS

In total, 128 men with known liver cirrhosis were prospectively evaluated using the validated German version of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire. In parallel, all men underwent a detailed examination including medical history; physical examination; Child-Pugh liver function score (CPS) assessment; and measurement of blood levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), total and free testosterone, sexual hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), prolactin, luteotropic hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

RESULTS

Mean patient age and mean IPSS was 56 ± 9 years and 8 ± 6, respectively. Mild (IPSS: 1-7), moderate (IPSS: 8-19), and severe (IPSS: 20-35) LUTS were present in 60.2 % (77/128), 31.3 % (40/128), and 7.0 % (9/128) of the patients, respectively. Storage symptoms increased with the CPS (p = 0.04). Voiding symptoms and overall IPSS did not differ between the CPS groups (p = 0.93 and p = 0.67). No correlation was found between ascites volume and IPSS, storage symptoms, voiding symptoms, or quality of life (QoL) (p = 0.46, p = 0.26, p = 0.81, p = 0.87). From CPS groups A to C, mean PSA levels (p = 0.04), total and free testosterone levels (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001), and SHBG levels decreased (p = 0.03); however, prolactin levels increased (p = 0.03). LH and FSH levels did not differ between the CPS groups (p = 0.15 and p = 0.35).

CONCLUSIONS

Men with liver cirrhosis commonly have LUTS, with a predominance of storage symptoms. Liver cirrhosis may also affect PSA-based prostate cancer risk assessment. Accurate diagnosis and therapy strategies are warranted to improve the QoL of these patients.

Tadalafil - a therapeutic option in the management of BPH-LUTS

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Men with signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may experience lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such as urinary frequency, urgency, intermittence, nocturia, straining, incomplete emptying or a weak urinary stream. The effective management of LUTS suggestive of BPH (BPH-LUTS) requires careful consideration of several factors, including the severity of a patient's symptoms, concurrent or other coexisting medical conditions, the ability to improve symptoms and impact quality of life (QOL), as well as the potential side effects of available treatment options. Several clinical studies have assessed phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors in reducing LUTS; however, tadalafil is the only PDE5 inhibitor approved for the treatment of signs and symptoms of BPH, as well as in men with both erectile dysfunction (ED) and the signs and symptoms of BPH. This review examined articles that assessed tadalafil in patients with signs and symptoms of BPH, with or without erectile dysfunction (ED), which led to regulatory approval in the United States and Europe.

RESULTS

In dose-ranging and confirmatory studies, results demonstrate that tadalafil significantly improved total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) following 12 weeks of treatment with once daily tadalafil 5 mg. Statistically significant improvements in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Impact Index (BII), IPSS subscores, IPSS QOL and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were also observed. Improvement in urinary symptoms occurred regardless of age, previous treatment with an α1 -adrenergic blocker, BPH-LUTS severity at baseline or ED status.

CONCLUSIONS

While tadalafil is most frequently recognised as a standard treatment option for men with ED, it also represents a well-tolerated and effective treatment option in men with moderate to severe BPH-LUTS.

Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) Secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and LUTS/BPH with Erectile Dysfunction in Asian Men: A Systematic Review Focusing on Tadalafil

This review assesses lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with or without erectile dysfunction (ED) and related therapies focusing on tadalafil. A literature search was obtained and reviewed for the epidemiology, treatment therapies, pathophysiology, and efficacy and safety of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5i) tadalafil in patients with LUTS/BPH. Approximately 42% of men aged 51 to 60 years have BPH. Approximately 90% of men aged 45 to 80 years have LUTS. Occurrence of LUTS increases with age for almost all racial/ethnic groups (range, 32% to 56%) with prevalence of LUTS highest among Hispanic men, then Blacks, Caucasians, and Asians. There is an independent relationship with LUTS/BPH and ED, with approximately 70% of men with LUTS/BPH having ED with severity of one disease often correlating with the other. The European Urological Association guidelines include the use of the PDE5i tadalafil. Tadalafil is the only therapy recommended for treatment of co-existing BPH and ED, while other therapies have unwanted ED side effects. The mode of action of tadalafil may involve different areas of the lower urinary tract such as smooth muscle cell relaxation in the bladder neck, prostate, and urethra, but there may also be resulting modulation of the afferent nerve activity. Tadalafil (5 mg) in Asian men with LUTS/BPH, similar to global studies, is efficacious and safe. Tadalafil (5 mg) improves co-existing LUTS/BPH and ED, independently. Men with LUTS/BPH likely also have ED. Asian men with LUTS/BPH have similar incidence rates, co-existing ED, comorbid diseases, and risks as non-Asian men. Tadalafil can improve co-existing LUTS/BPH and ED.

Prevalence of male pelvic dysfunction: results from the Turkish society of andrology male sexual health study group

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of male pelvic dysfunction (MPD) and its correlation in men ≥40 years of age in a population-based study. This study was designed as a non-interventional, observational, cross-sectional field survey. Participating males of ≥40 years were randomly selected from 19 provinces of Turkey. All participants were asked to complete a survey including data regarding demographics, socio-economic status, socio-cultural factors, medical and sexual history, current medications, comorbidities and three validated questionnaires assessing lower urinary tract symptoms (International Prostate Symptom Score), erectile dysfunction (International Index of Erectile Function) and ejaculatory behaviour (Male Sexual Health Questionnaire-4). MPD was defined by combining abnormal scores calculated from all three questionnaires. All data were analysed statistically and p < 0.05 was accepted as significant. A total of 2730 males of ≥40 years (mean, 54.2 ± 10.6 years) were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of MPD was calculated as 24.4% among all participants. The prevalence of MPD was lowest at age between 40 and 49 years (9.1%) and highest at ≥70 years (76.6%), exhibiting correlation with age. Each decade of increase in age was associated with a 3.4-fold increase in presence of MPD. At logistic regression analyses; age, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, obesity and lower income were found to be independent predictors for increased prevalence of MPD. This study reports prevalence of MPD as 24.4% in males of ≥40 years. Furthermore, age was found to be the main independent predictor of having MPD.

Erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms: a consensus on the importance of co-diagnosis

Despite differences in design, many large epidemiological studies using well-powered multivariate analyses consistently provide overwhelming evidence of a link between erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Preclinical evidence suggests that several common pathophysiological mechanisms are involved in the development of both ED and LUTS. We recommend that patients seeking consultation for one condition should always be screened for the other condition. We propose that co-diagnosis would ensure that patient management accounts for all possible co-morbid and associated conditions. Medical, socio-demographic and lifestyle risk factors can help to inform diagnoses and should be taken into consideration during the initial consultation. Awareness of risk factors may alert physicians to patients at risk of ED or LUTS and so allow them to manage patients accordingly; early diagnosis of ED in patients with LUTS, for example, could help reduce the risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease. Prescribing physicians should be aware of the sexual adverse effects of many treatments currently recommended for LUTS; sexual function should be evaluated prior to commencement of treatment, and monitored throughout treatment to ensure that the choice of drug is appropriate.

Future direction in pharmacotherapy for non-neurogenic male lower urinary tract symptoms

BACKGROUND

The pathophysiology of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is highly complex and multifactorial. The shift in perception that LUTS are not sex or organ specific has not been followed by significant innovations regarding the available drug classes.

OBJECTIVE

To review pathophysiologic mechanisms and clinical and experimental data related to the development of new pharmacologic treatments for male LUTS.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The PubMed database was used to identify articles describing experimental and clinical studies of pathophysiologic mechanisms contributing to male LUTS and, supported by them, new pharmacotherapies with clinical or experimental evidence in the field.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Several pathologic processes (eg, androgen signaling, inflammation, and metabolic factors) and targets (eg, the urothelium, prostate, interstitial cells, detrusor, neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and receptors) have been implicated in male LUTS. Some newly introduced drugs, such as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and β3-adrenergic agonists, have just started broad use in clinical practice. Drugs with potential benefit, such as vitamin D3 receptor analogs, gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists, cannabinoids, and drugs injected into the prostate, have been evaluated in experimental studies and have progressed to clinical trials. However, safety and efficacy data for these drugs are still scarce. Some compounds with interesting profiles have only been tested in experimental settings (eg, transient receptor potential channel blockers, Rho-kinase inhibitors, purinergic receptor blockers, and endothelin-converting enzyme inhibitors).

CONCLUSIONS

New pathophysiologic mechanisms of male LUTS are described that lead to the continuous development of new pharmacotherapies. To date, few drugs have been added to the current armamentarium, and several are in various phases of clinical or experimental investigation.

Tadalafil: a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor for benign prostatic hyperplasia

Tadalafil is a phosphodiesterase (PDE)-5 inhibitor recently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for lower urinary tracts symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The mechanism for improved LUTS is thought to be related to three principal theories: alterations in nitric oxide levels, Rho-associated protein kinase deactivation, and reductions in pelvic atherosclerosis. The efficacy of PDE-5 inhibitors for the treatment of LUTS associated with BPH has been demonstrated in several randomized placebo-controlled trials. Tadalafil is thought to be superior based on an extended half-life; however, other PDE-5 inhibitors have positive results in BPH and have not been proved to be inferior to tadalafil. Before administration, concomitant use of medications such as nonselective α-adrenergic antagonists, nitrates, and cytochrome P450 inhibitors should be assessed for possible drug interactions. Potential adverse drug events seen in Food and Drug Administration-approved tadalafil include back pain, dyspepsia, headache, and dizziness. Given the efficacy and safety data currently available, the PDE-5 inhibitor tadalafil represents a reasonable alternative for selected male patients with LUTS associated with BPH, especially with concomitant erectile dysfunction.