Recent advances in stem cell therapy for erectile dysfunction: a narrative review

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 Trails 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.

Treatment of erectile dysfunction by intracavernosal administration of mesenchymal stem cells in patients with diabetes mellitus

“…Several studies have examined the impact of different types of mesenchymal stem cells on the state of erection in men, among which positive effects were obtained from the treatment of HUCMSCs, BMSCs, and ADSCs ( 20 ). Starting in 2004, Bochinski et al ( 21 ) first described the therapeutic benefits of treating ED as a secondary pathology due to various aetiologies.…”

Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis of Stem Cell Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction

“…Although current research on SCT and ED is chiefly centered on animal experiments, there are still some clinical trials exploring the effectiveness and safety of SCT in the treatment of ED. 17 Among the 15 retrieved clinical trials ( Supplementary Table 1 ), the types of stem cells used in the studies were diverse, with the majority of patients developing DMED and CNI-ED. All studies showed that patients experienced no severe adverse events or were not at increased risk of severe adverse events during SCT.…”

“…A number of basic and clinical trials have established that SCT could partially restore erectile function caused by various factors and improve the quality of sexual life. 11 , 17 , 18 More importantly, stem cells can alleviate not only symptoms but also ED by addressing pathological mechanisms, including differentiating into specific effector cells and secreting numerous growth factors and exosomes, thereby improving the local pathological environment and stimulating tissue repair. 16 , 19 , 20 …”

“…A number of basic and clinical trials have established that SCT could partially restore erectile function caused by various factors and improve the quality of sexual life. 11,17,18 More importantly, stem cells can alleviate not only symptoms but also ED by addressing pathological mechanisms, including differentiating into specific effector cells and secreting numerous growth factors and exosomes, thereby improving the local pathological environment and stimulating tissue repair. 16,19,20 While many studies have contributed to the basic research and clinical translation of SCT in ED treatment, researchers are typically unable to quickly grasp current research progress, frontiers, and future development directions in this field based on the complicated literature.…”