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Wang W, Liu Y, Zhu ZB, Pang K, Wang JK, Gu J, Li ZB, Wang J, Shi ZD, Han CH. Research Advances in Stem Cell Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction. BioDrugs 2024; 38:353-367. [PMID: 38520608 PMCID: PMC11055746 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-024-00650-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common clinical condition that mainly affects men aged over 40 years. Various causes contribute to the progression of ED, including pelvic nerve injury, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, age, Peyronie's disease, smoking, and psychological disorders. Current treatments for ED are limited to symptom relief and do not address the root cause. Stem cells, with their powerful ability to proliferate and differentiate, are a promising approach for the treatment of male ED and are gradually gaining widespread attention. Current uses for treating ED have been studied primarily in experimental animals, with most studies observing improvements in erectile quality as well as improvements in erectile tissue. However, research on stem cell therapy for human ED is still limited. This article summarizes the recent literature on basic stem cell research on ED, including cavernous nerve injury, aging, diabetes, and sclerosing penile disease, and describes mechanisms of action and therapeutic effects of various stem cell therapies in experimental animals. Stem cells are also believed to interact with host tissue in a paracrine manner, and improved function can be supported through both implantation and paracrine factors. To date, stem cells have shown some preliminary promising results in animal and human models of ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zuo-Bin Zhu
- Xuzhou Engineering Research Center of Medical Genetics and Transformation, Key Laboratory of Genetic Foundation and Clinical Application, Department of Genetics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Kun Pang
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jing-Kai Wang
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jun Gu
- The Affiliated Jiangsu Shengze Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhen-Bei Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhen-Duo Shi
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China.
| | - Cong-Hui Han
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China.
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Giagulli VA, Lisco G, De Tullio A, Guastamacchia E, Triggiani V, Jirillo E. The pathogenic role of the immune system in erectile dysfunction and Peyronie's disease: focusing on immunopathophysiology and potential therapeutic strategies. Sex Med Rev 2024; 12:210-220. [PMID: 38196188 DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qead055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Erectile dysfunction (ED) represents the major cause of male sexual dysfunction, which is often associated with obesity, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and cigarette smoking. Peyronie's disease is a chronic disorder associated with irreversible fibrotic damage of the tunica albuginea leading to ED, painful erection, coital disturbance, and physical and social complaints. Both conditions are characterized by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and significant changes in intracavernous hydrodynamics. In this scenario, oxidized lipoproteins, M1-polarized macrophages, proinflammatory cytokines (such as the tumor necrosis factor α), endothelial nitric oxide synthase, penile smooth muscle cells, and toll-like receptors represent the main triggers of the inflammatory process in ED. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors are the most common treatment for ED. This treatment is used intermittently, as it is conceived as a symptomatic and not curative therapy. Moreover, not all patients respond to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (35%-85%), particularly those with dysmetabolic phenotypes. Additional or alternative treatments are therefore desirable, mostly in refractory cases. OBJECTIVES In this review, we describe the immune-mediated pathogenesis of ED and Peyronie's disease (PD). In our literature search we placed particular emphasis on potentially practical therapeutic approaches, including natural products (such as polyphenols), due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, stem cell therapy, and platelet-derived preparations. METHODS We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and institutional websites. Original studies, narrative reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses written in English were searched, screened, and selected. RESULTS In animal models of ED and PD, therapeutic approaches, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents, stem cell therapy, and platelet-derived preparations, have provided positive results, including improved penile function, reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, and promotion of tissue repair. However, clinical evidence of improvement in human patients is still insufficient. CONCLUSION Promising results for treating ED and PD have been shown in preclinical and pilot clinical studies, but specific clinical trials are needed to validate the efficacy of these therapeutic approaches in men with ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Angelo Giagulli
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology, and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lisco
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology, and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Anna De Tullio
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology, and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Edoardo Guastamacchia
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology, and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Triggiani
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology, and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Emilio Jirillo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology, and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
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Yang S, Shi W, Liu Q, Song Y, Fang J. Nrf2 enhances the therapeutic efficiency of adipose-derived stem cells in the treatment of neurogenic erectile dysfunction in a rat model. Basic Clin Androl 2023; 33:39. [PMID: 38114903 PMCID: PMC10731878 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-023-00214-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Erectile dysfunction (ED) caused by intraoperative nerve injury is a major complication of pelvic surgery. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have presented therapeutic potential in a rat model of bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI), while inadequate in vivo viability has largely limited their application. Nuclear factor-E2-related Factor (Nrf2) is a key transcription factor that regulates cellular anti-oxidative stress. In this work, we investigated the effect of Nrf2 expression regulation on the viability of ADSCs, and explore its repair potential in a BCNI rat model. RESULTS The survival time of tert-Butylhydroquinone (tBHQ)-ADSCs in BCNI model increased obviously. In addition, the tBHQ-ADSCs group presented better restoration of major pelvic ganglion (MPG) nerve contents and fibers, better improvement of erectile function, and less penile fibrosis than the other groups. Moreover, the expression of Nrf2 and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) were higher than those of other groups. CONCLUSION Nrf2 could enhance the anti-oxidative stress ability of ADSCs, so as to improve the therapeutic effect of ADSCs on BCNI rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangbin Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe Road 600, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Wancheng Shi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shenshan Medical Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shanwei, 516621, China
| | - Qianhui Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe Road 600, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yingqiu Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe Road 600, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jiafeng Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe Road 600, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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Pérez-Aizpurua X, Garranzo-Ibarrola M, Simón-Rodríguez C, García-Cardoso JV, Chávez-Roa C, López-Martín L, Tufet i Jaumot JJ, Alonso-Román J, Maqueda-Arellano J, Gómez-Jordana B, Ruiz de Castroviejo-Blanco J, Osorio-Ospina F, González-Enguita C, García-Arranz M. Stem Cell Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction: A Step towards a Future Treatment. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020502. [PMID: 36836859 PMCID: PMC9963846 DOI: 10.3390/life13020502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The improvement of absent or partial response in the medical treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) has led to the development of minimally invasive new treatment modalities in the field of regenerative medicine. Methods: A literature review on stem cell therapy for the treatment of ED was performed. We searched for the terms "erectile dysfunction" and "stem cell therapy" in PubMed and Clinicaltrials.gov. Literature searching was conducted in English and included articles from 2010 to 2022. Results: New treatment modalities for ED involving stem cell therapy are not only conceived with a curative intent but also aim to avoid unnecessary adverse effects. Several sources of stem cells have been described, each with unique characteristics and potential applications, and different delivery methods have been explored. A limited number of interventional studies over the past recent years have provided evidence of a safety profile in their use and promising results for the treatment of ED, although there are not enough studies to generate an appropriate protocol, dose or cell lineage, or to determine a mechanism of action. Conclusions: Stem cell therapy is a novel treatment for ED with potential future applications. However, most urological societies agree that further research is required to conclusively prove its potential benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xabier Pérez-Aizpurua
- Urology Department, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | | | | | | | - César Chávez-Roa
- Urology Department, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Leticia López-Martín
- Urology Department, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Josué Alonso-Román
- Urology Department, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Macarena, 41009 Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Blanca Gómez-Jordana
- Urology Department, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Felipe Osorio-Ospina
- Urology Department, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Mariano García-Arranz
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS-FJD), Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Wang B, Gao W, Zheng MY, Lin G, Lue TF. Recent advances in stem cell therapy for erectile dysfunction: a narrative review. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2023; 23:565-573. [PMID: 37078259 PMCID: PMC10330142 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2023.2203811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5is) and others are used to treat Erectile dysfunction (ED), many patients are either unresponsive or resistant to it. Stem cell therapy (SCT) is a promising alternative approach. Numerous preclinical trials have demonstrated improved erectile function in animal models using SCT, although the number of clinical trials investigating SCT for men with ED is limited. Nonetheless, findings from human clinical trials suggest that SCT may be a useful treatment option. AREAS COVERED Biomedical literature, including PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and European Union Clinical Trials Registry, were analyzed to summarize and synthesize information on stem cell therapy for ED in this narrative review. The achievements in preclinical and clinical evaluations are presented and critically analyzed. EXPERT OPINION SCT has demonstrated some benefits in improving erectile function, while further studies are urgently needed. Such studies would provide valuable insights into the optimal use of stem cell therapy and its potential as a therapeutic option for ED. Taking advantage of different mechanisms of action involved in various regenerative therapies, combination therapies such as SCT and low-energy shock waves or platelet-rich plasma may provide a more effective therapy and warrant further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohan Wang
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Gao
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Micha Y. Zheng
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Guiting Lin
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tom F Lue
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Bonanni M, Rehak L, Massaro G, Benedetto D, Matteucci A, Russo G, Esperto F, Federici M, Mauriello A, Sangiorgi GM. Autologous Immune Cell-Based Regenerative Therapies to Treat Vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction: Is the Immuno-Centric Revolution Ready for the Prime Time? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051091. [PMID: 35625828 PMCID: PMC9138496 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
About 35% of patients affected by erectile dysfunction (ED) do not respond to oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i) and more severe vasculogenic refractory ED affects diabetic patients. Innovative approaches, such as regenerative therapies, including stem cell therapy (SCT) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), are currently under investigation. Recent data point out that the regenerative capacity of stem cells is strongly influenced by local immune responses, with macrophages playing a pivotal role in the injury response and as a coordinator of tissue regeneration, suggesting that control of the immune response could be an appealing approach in regenerative medicine. A new generation of autologous cell therapy based on immune cells instead of stem cells, which could change regenerative medicine for good, is discussed. Increasing safety and efficacy data are coming from clinical trials using peripheral blood mononuclear cells to treat no-option critical limb ischemia and diabetic foot. In this review, ongoing phase 1/phase 2 stem cell clinical trials are discussed. In addition, we examine the mechanism of action and rationale, as well as propose a new generation of regenerative therapies, evolving from typical stem cell or growth factor to immune cell-based medicine, based on autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) concentrates for the treatment of ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Bonanni
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Institute of Cardiology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (G.M.); (D.B.); (A.M.); (G.R.)
| | - Laura Rehak
- Athena Biomedical Innovations, 50126 Florence, Italy;
| | - Gianluca Massaro
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Institute of Cardiology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (G.M.); (D.B.); (A.M.); (G.R.)
| | - Daniela Benedetto
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Institute of Cardiology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (G.M.); (D.B.); (A.M.); (G.R.)
| | - Andrea Matteucci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Institute of Cardiology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (G.M.); (D.B.); (A.M.); (G.R.)
- Division of Cardiology San Filippo Neri Hospital, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Russo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Institute of Cardiology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (G.M.); (D.B.); (A.M.); (G.R.)
| | | | - Massimo Federici
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Massimo Sangiorgi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Institute of Cardiology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (G.M.); (D.B.); (A.M.); (G.R.)
- Correspondence:
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Koga S, Horiguchi Y. Efficacy of a cultured conditioned medium of exfoliated deciduous dental pulp stem cells in erectile dysfunction patients. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:195-201. [PMID: 34845823 PMCID: PMC8742184 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Majority of current treatment strategies against erectile dysfunction (ED) has been consisted of only a supportive care to sustain enough erection during a sexual intercourse. In this study, we investigated whether the cultured conditioned medium of human exfoliated deciduous dental pulp stem cells (SHED-CM) had an ability to treat ED through fundamentally repairing the pathological damage of vascular endothelial cells of the corpus cavernosum. An open-label pilot study was performed from April 2016 to October 2020. SHED-CM was injected directly into the corpus cavernosum of penis of 38 ED patients who visited our clinic and fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Efficacy was assessed using the simplified International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. The average age and initial IIEF-5 score of the patients enrolled in this study was 56 (31-79) years old and 13.1 (5-20) points, respectively. Medical history revealed 7 patients with diabetes, 7 patients with hypertension and 1 patient with priapism undergone shunt operation. Of these, 37 patients (97.4%) showed an improvement in IIEF-5 of an average of 19.3 (7-25) points or 64.4 (10-300) % increase after three injections of SHED-CM. Eighteen patients (47.4%) achieved more than 21 points (no ED) in IIEF-5. No adverse events were encountered. This is the first clinical report of ED treatment in the literatures evaluating the efficacy of SHED-CM. Treatment with SHED-CM is expected to repair vascular damages of the corpus cavernosum, which are the main cause of ED, and to be widely spread as a fundamental clinical application for ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoji Koga
- Ginza Solaria ClinicPanagy Co., Ltd.TokyoJapan
- Department of UrologyEdogawa HospitalTokyoJapan
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Masuku NP, Unuofin JO, Lebelo SL. Advances in Nanoparticle Delivery System for Erectile Dysfunction: An Updated Review. Sex Med 2021; 9:100420. [PMID: 34388420 PMCID: PMC8498961 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The use of current available treatment for male erectile dysfunction (ED) has some limitations that are related to efficacy and adverse effects. Nanotechnology has been used as a new tool in medicine to improve these limitations and new medications potentially to alleviate and cure ED. AIM To review the currently literature on new nano medications for ED based on scientific and clinical studies, efficacy, safety, mechanisms of action, and to identify gaps for future research. METHODS A comprehensive literature review was conducted via Google Scholar, Science Direct, and PubMed on English publications using different keywords such as "erectile dysfunction", "emerging treatments", "nanotechnology", and "herbal medicine". The retrieved papers were organized into groups according to the sections covered in this review paper. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES We reviewed novel ED treatments such as nanotechnological phosphodiesterase inhibitors, papaverine hydrochloride, sialorphin, adipose tissue-derived stem cells, sonic hedgehog, and herbal medicine. RESULTS Numerous preclinical studies have addressed novel phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors nanoparticle, and their recent delivery systems. Nitric oxide, sialorphin, sonic hedgehog, and herbal medicine loaded nanoparticles and nano adipose tissue-derived stem cells as a potential new treatment for ED. In addition, papaverine-containing nanoparticles have been reported. A limited number of randomized clinical studies have determined the mechanism of these treatments. CONCLUSION A literature review on the application of nanotechnology in ED therapy was successfully conducted. New nano medications are promising to treat ED. However, further studies are warranted to further assess their efficacy and safety. Masuku NP, Unuofin JO, Lebelo SL. Advances in Nanoparticle Delivery System for Erectile Dysfunction: An Updated Review. Sex Med 2021;XX:XXXXXX.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sogolo Lucky Lebelo
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa
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Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Using Stem Cells: A Review. MEDICINES 2021; 8:medicines8010002. [PMID: 33419152 PMCID: PMC7825548 DOI: 10.3390/medicines8010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a disorder that affects the quality of life and the sexual relations of more than half of the male population aged over 40 years. The prediction regarding the incidence of ED is devastating as it is expected that this disorder will affect more than 300 million men in the next five years. Several studies have suggested the use of stem cells for the treatment of ED and showed that this type of treatment is promising in terms of damaged tissue repair as well as of clinical efficacy; however, there are several gaps in the knowledge and evidence is lacking. In order to highlight a few of them in this review, we performed a research of the literature focusing on currently available clinical studies regarding the clinical efficacy of stem cell administration for the treatment of ED. We reviewed the methods of administration, the cell types used in the performed clinical trials and the safety and efficiency of such procedures. We conclude that there are rapidly expanding and promising results from the reported clinical studies indicating that stem cells could indeed be a potential treatment for patients with ED although more studies are necessary.
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Mallis P, Michalopoulos E, Chatzistamatiou T, Stavropoulos-Giokas C. Mesenchymal stromal cells as potential immunomodulatory players in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection. World J Stem Cells 2020; 12:731-751. [PMID: 32952855 PMCID: PMC7477656 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v12.i8.731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 and the related coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is a worldwide emerging situation, which was initially reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Currently, more than 7258842 new cases, and more than 411879 deaths have been reported globally. This new highly transmitted coronavirus is responsible for the development of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. Due to this disorder, a great number of patients are hospitalized in the intensive care unit followed by connection to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for breath supporting and survival. Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome is mostly accompanied by the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-7, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GSCF), interferon-inducible protein 10 (IP10), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP1), macrophage inflammatory protein 1A (MIP1A), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), an event which is known as "cytokine storm". Further disease pathology involves a generalized modulation of immune responses, leading to fatal multiorgan failure. Currently, no specific treatment or vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been developed. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which are known for their immunosuppressive actions, could be applied as an alternative co-therapy in critically-ill COVID-19 patients. Specifically, MSCs can regulate the immune responses through the conversion of Th1 to Th2, activation of M2 macrophages, and modulation of dendritic cells maturation. These key immunoregulatory properties of MSCs may be exerted either by produced soluble factors or by cell-cell contact interactions. To date, several clinical trials have been registered to assess the safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential of MSCs in COVID-19. Moreover, MSC treatment may be effective for the reversion of ground-glass opacity of damaged lungs and reduce the tissue fibrosis. Taking into account the multifunctional properties of MSCs, the proposed stem-cell-based therapy may be proven significantly effective in critically-ill COVID-19 patients. The current therapeutic strategy may improve the patient's overall condition and in parallel may decrease the mortality rate of the current disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Mallis
- Hellenic Cord Blood Bank, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece.
| | - Efstathios Michalopoulos
- Hellenic Cord Blood Bank, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
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