The Current Status of Stem-Cell Therapy in Erectile Dysfunction: A Review

Abstract

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that are capable of renewal and repair of tissue due to their capacity for division and differentiation. The purpose of this review is to describe recent advances in the use of stem cell (SC) therapy for male erectile dysfunction (ED). We performed a MEDLINE database search of all relevant articles regarding the use of SCs for ED. We present a concise summary of the scientific principles behind the usage of SC for ED. We discuss the different types of SCs, delivery methods, current pre-clinical literature, and published clinical trials. Four clinical trials employing SC for ED have been published. These articles are summarized in this review. All four report improvements in ED after SC therapy. SC therapy remains under investigation for the treatment of ED. It is reassuring that clinical trials thus far have reported positive effects on erectile function and few adverse events. Safety and methodical concerns about SC acquisition, preparation and delivery remain and require continued investigation prior to wide-spread application of these methods.

The Combined Use of Stem Cells and Platelet Lysate Plasma for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: A Pilot Study–6 Months Results

“…The corpora cavernosa play a significant role in establishing an erection [2]. Corpora cavernosa consist of sinusoids, which are covered by a single layer of endothelial cells (ECs), multiple layers of cavernous smooth muscle cells (CSMCs), and the cavernous nerves (CNs) [2,3].…”

“…The corpora cavernosa play a significant role in establishing an erection [2]. Corpora cavernosa consist of sinusoids, which are covered by a single layer of endothelial cells (ECs), multiple layers of cavernous smooth muscle cells (CSMCs), and the cavernous nerves (CNs) [2,3]. Once stimulated, the activated neuronal NOS (nNOS) produces NO that leads to the relaxation of the cavernosal smooth muscle cells (CSMCs) and as a consequence blood fills up the sinusoids [2,4].…”

“…Corpora cavernosa consist of sinusoids, which are covered by a single layer of endothelial cells (ECs), multiple layers of cavernous smooth muscle cells (CSMCs), and the cavernous nerves (CNs) [2,3]. Once stimulated, the activated neuronal NOS (nNOS) produces NO that leads to the relaxation of the cavernosal smooth muscle cells (CSMCs) and as a consequence blood fills up the sinusoids [2,4]. Furthermore, ECs are expressing significant levels of NO during intercourse, which maintain CSMCs in this induced state [2,5].…”

“…Once stimulated, the activated neuronal NOS (nNOS) produces NO that leads to the relaxation of the cavernosal smooth muscle cells (CSMCs) and as a consequence blood fills up the sinusoids [2,4]. Furthermore, ECs are expressing significant levels of NO during intercourse, which maintain CSMCs in this induced state [2,5]. Damage in key components of erections, such as endothelial cells (ECs), cavernous smooth muscle cells (CSMCs) and neuronal cells can lead to ED [2,[6][7][8].…”

“…Furthermore, ECs are expressing significant levels of NO during intercourse, which maintain CSMCs in this induced state [2,5]. Damage in key components of erections, such as endothelial cells (ECs), cavernous smooth muscle cells (CSMCs) and neuronal cells can lead to ED [2,[6][7][8].…”