Current Status and Prospects in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction by Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in the Diabetic Animal Model.

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the persistent inability to achieve and maintain an erection status sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual performance. Current evidence suggests that diabetes mellitus erectile dysfunction (DMED) is one of the leading causes of ED which remains a difficult condition to manage because of its complicated pathophysiological mechanisms. Recently, stem cell therapies have been added to the therapeutic treatment options for ED. Stem cells derived from adipose tissue are now considered an alternative approach to DMED with preliminary studies demonstrating their capability of promoting endothelial cell, smooth muscle cell, and cavernous nerve regeneration. We will review the epidemiology and pathophysiology of ED, rat models, and adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) therapy and its effects. The relevant literature and contemporary data, using keywords "adipose-derived stem cells and diabetes erectile dysfunction," were reviewed. The main outcome measure was the evidence supporting the association between ASCs, diabetes ED, and rat model. ASCs can restore erectile function of DMED rats by promoting vascularization and neuralization of corpus cavernosum. They can also inhibit fibrosis and inflammation and protect smooth muscle cells. ASCs have achieved satisfactory therapeutic effects in rat models of ED, but effectiveness and safety of their application in clinical research remain to be determined. Yan H, Ding Y, Lu M. Current Status and Prospects in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction by Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in the Diabetic Animal Model. Sex Med Rev 2020;8:486-491.