Erectile dysfunction is defined as a repeated interference of getting or keeping a firm erection for sexual intercourse. During an appropriate erectile response, proper blood flow is needed to get and keep an erection. The most common causes of Erectile dysfunction are damage to nerves, arteries, muscles, or tissue. Approximately 70% of erectile dysfunction are a result of diseases such as neurological disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, kidney disease, and vascular disease.
Current treatment for erectile dysfunction have been with prescription medications including Viagra or Cialis. While these medications may increase blood flow, the response is temporary and can cause adverse side effects such as heart attack or stroke.
Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cell therapy can address tissue defects or vascular disease and may provide a long term or permanent effect compared to alternative treatments.
Current Research Studies
“Determining the Feasibility of using Stem Cells to treat Erectile Dysfunction in Humans” This study examined 7 patients with Erectile Dysfunction who were not post prostatectomy. These patients were injected with stem cells. Follow up was done at 6 weeks and 3 months with no reported complications. While the study was small, the results were promising. (April 2014).
“Stem-cell therapy for Erectile Dysfunction” This is a review article that looked at research studies conducted from 2011-2013. The review reported that there was promising reports using stem cells with intracavernous injection. Conclusions were that an intracavernous injection should be the choice protocol for current and future clinical trials. (Nov 2013).
“Tracking Intracavernously Injected Adipose-Derived Stem Cells to Bone Marrow” This research study investigated intracavernous injection of adipose-derived stem cells in various tissues of animals to improve erectile function in animals with Erectile Dysfunction. The study discusses the significance of results in terms of using stem cell therapy for Erectile Dysfunction. (November 2011).
“The Effect of Intracavernous Injection of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells on Hyperlipidemia Associated Erectile Dysfunction in a Rat Model” The aim of this study was to determine the therapeutic effects of adipose-derived stem cells on hyperlipidemia associated Erectile Dysfunction. Hyperlipidemia-associated Erectile Dysfunction occurs because of damage to nerves and cavernous endothelium. The animal study included 28 rats with diet induced hyperlipidemia and 10 rats with a normal diet as the control group. After 5 months, adipose derived stem cells were collected from paragonadal fat and injected back into their corpus cavernosum. Conclusions of the study indicate that adipose derived stem cell therapy makes improvements to hyperlipidemia associated abnormalities and has the potential as a treatment for Erectile Dysfunction. (November 2011).
“Transplantation of Nonhematopoietic Adult Bone Marrow Stem/Progenitor Cells Isolated by p75 Nerve Growth Factor Receptor into the Penis Rescues Erectile Function in a Rat Model of Cavernous Nerve Injury” This study investigated the effects of transplanting bone marrow derived adult mesenchymal stem cells into the corpus cavernosum in a rat model. The objective is to use this model on humans who have undergone radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer resulting in erectile dysfunction and decreased quality of life. Results of this study showed that an intracavernous injection of stem cells resulted in significant improvement. Conclusions indicate that stem cells may be an effective therapy for erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy, which will also improve quality of life. (October 2010).
“Advance of Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction Therapy by Stem Cells” This review article looked at recent research studies focused on using stem cell therapy to repair erectile nerve damage. Their conclusions are that future research and future use of stem cell therapy can be used to treat Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction. (June 2010).
“Progress in Research on Stem Cell Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction” This article reviews studies that focused on stem cell therapy targeted at repairing Erectile Dysfunction. The studies mentioned potentials and advantages of stem cells repairing endothelial dysfunction and erectile nerve damage. (October 2009).
“Potential of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells for Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction” This review article looked at current data spanning from 1964 to 2008 concerning the effects of adipose-derived stem cells as a therapy source for Erectile Dysfunction. Results showed functional recovery of damaged erectile function from the use of adipose-derived stem cells. This study concluded that adipose-derived stem cells have the potential to be used as an effective therapy for Erectile Dysfunction. (March 2009).