Efficacy of tadalafil on improvement of men with erectile dysfunction caused by COVID-19:A randomized placebo-controlled trial

Objective: According to the high prevalence of COVID-19 and the subsequent risk of men's sexual health, we decided to investigate the efficacy of tadalafil on improvement of men with erectile dysfunction caused by COVID-19.Methods: In this study, 70 outpatients who were recovered from COVID-19 without acute respiratory distress syndrome with negative polymerase chain reaction test and a complaint of erectile dysfunction were divided into two groups: 35 patients who received tadalafil 5 mg daily and 35 who received placebo. For each patient, basic assessment of sexual function was performed using the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. Then, treatment was started from 2 months after complete recovery of COVID-19 with negative polymerase chain reaction test for 3 months. At the end of the treatments, the patients were re-evaluated for sexual function using the complete version of IIEF questionnaire. Finally, the results before and after treatment in the intervention group were compared with those of the control group.Results: Treatment with both tadalafil and placebo improved the patients' sexual function criteria compared to the baseline. However, this improvement was significantly higher in the intervention group with tadalafil than the control group with placebo (p<0.05).Conclusion: Daily administration of tadalafil 5 mg seems to be effective and safe for improvement of erectile dysfunction caused by COVID-19.

Mesenchymal stem cell secretome: A promising therapeutic strategy for erectile dysfunction?

Objective:The secretome,comprising bioactive chemicals released by mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs),holds therapeutic promise in regenerative medicine.This review aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of the MSC secretome in regenerative urology,particularly for treating erectile dysfunction(ED),and to provide an overview of preclinical and clinical research on MSCs in ED treatment and subsequently to highlight the rationales,mechanisms,preclinical investigations,and therapeutic potential of the MSC secretome in this context.Methods:The review incorporated an analysis of preclinical and clinical research involving MSCs in the treatment of ED.Subsequently,it delved into the existing knowledge regarding the MSC secretome,exploring its therapeutic potential.The methods included a comprehensive examination of relevant literature to discern the processes underlying the therapeutic efficacy of the MSC secretome.

The mechanistic study on Wa medicine Niang-Mu-Liang medicinal liquor mitigating diabetes mellitus erectile dysfunction in rats by inhibiting ferroptosis

Background:This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of Wa medicine Niang-Mu-Liang medicinal liquor(NML)on rats with diabetes mellitus erectile dysfunction(DMED)and its impact on the ferroptosis signaling pathway.Methods:Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups:Control,DMED,and NML.After establishing the DMED model,treatments were administered for 8 weeks.After the administration,apomorphine hydrochloride tests were conducted to measure the mass and organ index of testes and epididymides,sperm concentration and viability in each group.Penile corpus cavernosum tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin.Nitric oxide and cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels in the penile corpus cavernosum tissues were determined using biochemical kits and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,while the expression of proteins related to the ferroptosis signaling pathway was measured by Western blot.Results:Compared to the DMED group,the DMED rats treated with NML showed significantly increased erection frequency,testicular and epididymal mass and index,sperm count and viability,along with noticeable improvement in the pathological morphology of penile corpus cavernosum.The content of nitric oxide and cyclic guanosine monophosphate,and the expression of ferritin heavy chain,ferritin light chain,and glutathione peroxidase 4 proteins in penile corpus cavernosum tissue were elevated,while the expression of transferrin and STEAP3 proteins was reduced.Conclusion:NML can improve erectile function in DMED rats by inhibiting the ferroptosis signaling pathway.

Pathogenesis and treatment of diabetes mellitus-related erectile dysfunction: current therapies and potential challenges

Erectile dysfunction(ED)is one of the important complications of diabetes,which is very common in diabetic patients,affecting more than half of male patients,and the incidence of the disease is about 3.5 times that of the normal population.The pathogenesis of diabetic erectile dysfunction(DMED)is complex,involving nerve,vascular,endocrine,muscular and psychological aspects.At present,the therapeutic approaches of DMED include drug therapy,surgery,physical therapy and so on.This article provides a review of current research on the pathogenesis and treatment of DMED.Further elucidation of the pathogenesis of DMED and the development of new therapeutic approaches are of great significance for the prevention and treatment of DMED.

Electrophysiological evaluation of alterations in penile sensation due to penile prosthesis implantation in patients with erectile dysfunction

Objective The present study was aimed to determine the effect of penile prosthesis implantation(PPI)surgery on penile sensation by evaluating the penile electromyography(EMG)variables.Methods The research was designed as a prospective study.Thirty patients who were diagnosed with organic erectile dysfunction and had underwent PPI surgery between January 2017 and January 2018 in the Urology Clinic of Antalya Training and Research Hospital were included in this study.Penile sensory EMG was performed on each patient 1 day prior to the surgery by the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation clinic.Additionally,the control EMG study was also performed in the 3rd and 6th postoperative months.Results We included 27 patients in this study who attended regular follow-ups and had complete EMG results.Out of the 27 patients,23(85.2%)patients had received malleable(ProMedon)penile prosthesis,one(3.7%)patient had received a two-piece inflatable(Ambicor)penile prosthesis,and three(11.1%)patients had received a three-piece inflatable(AMS 700 CXR)penile prosthesis.The mean nerve conduction value(NCV)of the patients was 29.85(standard derivation:22.54;range:0-78.4)m/s during the preoperative period,whereas it was 27.64(standard derivation:24.72;range:0-83.3)m/s in the 3rd postoperative month and 24.80(standard derivation:22.31;range:0-88.4)m/s in the 6th postoperative month.There was no significant difference between preoperative NCV and 3rd postoperative month NCV(p=0.607).Similarly,no significant difference was observed between preoperative NCV and 6th postoperative month NCV(p=0.276).Additionally,the change between NCV values at postoperative 3rd and 6th months was not statistically significant(p=0.553).Conclusion Significant loss of penile sensation does not occur in patients who undergo PPI surgery.

Frequency and Associated Factors of Erectile Dysfunction among Patients with Liver Cirrhosis in Parakou, Republic of Benin in 2022

Introduction: Erectile dysfunction is a pathology less expressed by patients, but it affects their quality of life. The objective of this work is to study erectile dysfunction among patients with cirrhosis in Parakou in 2022. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection, conducted from February 1 to June 30, 2022 at the Teaching Hospital of Borgou/Alibori and the Military Teaching Hospital of Parakou. Men with liver cirrhosis who gave their informed verbal consent were included. Erectile dysfunction was diagnosed using IIEF-5 score. The prognosis of cirrhosis was assessed using Child-Pugh score. The data were analyzed by Epi Data analysis 2.3 software. Results: A total of 64 patients were included. Their mean age was 43.53 ± 13.13 years. Cirrhosis was secondary to chronic hepatitis B virus infection in 55 patients (85.94%). In this study, 42 patients (65.63%) had at least one decompensation of cirrhosis. Among the 64 patients included, 27 (42.18%) had erectile dysfunction. This erectile dysfunction was moderate in 12 patients (44.44%). The other sexual disorders found in these patients were decreased libido and ejaculation disorders. After multivariate analysis, the factors statistically associated with erectile dysfunction were: age (p Conclusion: Erectile dysfunction is common in patients with liver cirrhosis. It is more frequent when the cirrhosis is complicated and the patients are elderly. Nevertheless, it should be systematically sought in any patient with liver cirrhosis.

Mechanism of the Xuefu Zhuyu decoction in treating diabetes mellitus erectile dysfunction based on the CaSR/Gq-PLC-PKC pathway

Background:To investigate the mechanism of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction in the treatment of diabetes mellitus erectile dysfunction.Methods:Rats with diabetes mellitus erectile dysfunction were developed using streptozocin and randomly assigned into model,low-dose herbal,and high-dose herbal groups.All rats were administered normal saline or the corresponding drugs by oral gavage for 4 weeks.The related indices were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays,immunohistochemistry,western blotting,and transmission electron microscopy.Results:The levels of lectin-like oxidized low-density protein receptor-1,endothelin-1,NADH oxidase,vascular cell adhesion molecule-1,and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in the model group were significantly higher than they were in the mock group but lower than they were in the herbal treatment group.The level of nitric oxide was lower in the model group than was in the mock group but higher than the level in the herbal treatment group.The calcium-sensitive receptor,phospho-protein kinase Cδ/protein kinase Cδ,phosphorylated c-Jun amino-terminal kinase/c-Jun amino-terminal kinase,and phospho-P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase expression levels in the model group were higher than were in the mock group but lower than were in the herbal treatment group.The structures of the Corpus cavernosum penis endothelial cells were significantly improved in the herbal treatment group than they did in the model group.Conclusion:Xuefu Zhuyu decoction can decrease injury to the endothelium,improve vascular endothelial diastolic and contractive function,and inhibit vascular fibrosis in rats with diabetes mellitus erectile dysfunction.This mechanism may be related to the CaSR/Gq-PLC-PKC pathway.

Headaches and Erectile Dysfunction Medications at UTH-Kara (Togo)

Introduction: Headaches are a common symptom affecting individuals worldwide, including in the tropical zone, and have been extensively studied in Togo. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction, are known to induce headaches, yet there is a lack of research on this topic in sub-Saharan Africa and Togo. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted from February 1st to June 30th, 2023, including adult patients seeking erectile dysfunction treatment and prescribed PDE-5 inhibitors. Results: A total of 28 patients were included in the study, with an average age of 34.46 ± 7.5 years. The age group of 30 - 39 years was the most represented (53.57%). Among the participants, 67.86% had a history of chronic headaches. During the intake of PDE-5 inhibitors, 71.43% reported the onset of headaches. Among the 19 patients with chronic headaches, 68.42% developed headaches following PDE-5 inhibitor use (RR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.55 - 1.40, p = 0.484). The characteristics of the induced headaches were similar to the patients’ pre-existing headaches in 78.95% of cases. Additional symptoms included nasal congestion (36.84%) and an urge to have a bowel movement (26.32%). Sildenafil (75.00%) and Tadalafil (25.00%) were the primarily prescribed PDE-5 inhibitors. The incidence of headaches did not significantly differ between the two groups (RR = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.67 - 2.64, p = 0.306). Treatment for the induced headaches involved self-medication with paracetamol (65.00%) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (35.00%). Conclusion: Headaches induced by PDE-5 inhibitors are a well-established reality, emphasizing the need for caution and warning in patients with pre-existing headache conditions, while individualized approaches are necessary to address the potential interplay between migraine medications and erectile dysfunction treatments.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Erectile Dysfunction in Diabetic Patients at the National University Hospital Center Hubert Koutoukou Maga in Cotonou

Erectile dysfunction was one of the most common complications in diabetic patients. According to several studies, its prevalence was two to three times higher in diabetics than in the general population. But it has often been overlooked despite the fact that it seriously affects the quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction and its associated factors in diabetics’ patients. This was a cross-sectional analysis study of 76 male diabetic patients who consulted by the Department of Endocrinology from June 22, 2019 to September 25, 2019. Erectile dysfunction was diagnosed by calculating the IIEF score. Statistical comparisons were made between patients without and with Erectile dysfunction chi-square test with a significance level p Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of erectile dysfunction in diabetics. Significant concomitant factors were hypertension, diabetes imbalance and the duration of diabetes. It was, therefore, important to include systematic screening for erectile dysfunction at least annually, as well as other complications of diabetes.

Enhancing Erectile Function and Alleviating Andropause Symptoms: Clinical Efficacy of a Human Stem Cell Conditioned Medium Cream

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is increasingly prevalent in Japan, exceeding 30%, and increasing with age. Unhealthy lifestyle habits, obesity, insufficient exercise, and smoking have been implicated in its pathogenesis, along with endothelial dysfunction of the corpora cavernosa and impaired blood flow to the penis considered underlying factors. However, the current treatments are limited to Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. ED is the primary symptom of andropathy. This study reports the clinical efficacy of human stem cell-conditioned medium cream for ED treatment. Ten men without underlying diseases suspected of andropause with ED (mean age 43.2 ± 4.4 y, Hb 15.2 ± 0.6 gm/dL, AST/ALT 30.2/37.9 ± 12.4/14.0, eGFR 82.7 ± 12.4 mL/min/1.73 m2) were targeted. The cream was applied twice daily to the genital and scrotal areas. The erectile hardness score (EHS), International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), and Aging Male Symptoms (AMS) scale were used to evaluate the participants before and 30 days after use, and the results were compared using paired t-tests. The post-use qualitative opinions were collected through interviews. Significant improvements were observed compared to baseline in the IIEF-5 (11.8 ± 4.6→17.2 ± 5.1, P < 0.001), and AMS (46.3 ± 6.7→37.6 ± 5.3, P < 0.001) scores post cream use. EHS did not show a statistically significant difference, but a trend towards improvement was observed. Qualitative feedback included increased morning erection, improved maintenance of erection during intercourse, and reduced post work fatigue. Human stem cell-conditioned medium contains endothelial growth factors that potentially contribute to the improvement of ED and andropause by enhancing corporal endothelial function. Future studies should include control groups to further investigate the efficacy of these treatments.

Dual innervation method to preserve erectile function following prostatectomy

Prostate cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in men.Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy(RARP)has altered the landscape of prostate cancer treatment.Despite the excellent oncological outcomes associated with RARP,the rate of erectile dysfunction(ED)remains high.Primary repair of disrupted cavernous nerves with interpositional nerve grafts has been described;however,the outcomes have been inconsistent.We hypothesize that this is attributed to Schwann cell atrophy and axonal regeneration limitations caused by long nerve grafts.We proposed the use of nerve transfer to support axonal regrowth via an inter-positional graft with additional donor axons.A cadaveric study was performed to evaluate the anatomical feasibility of a vastus lateralis nerve(VLN)transfer to the distal recipient cavernous nerve stump.The VLN is long with multiple branching patterns that allow tension-free coaptation of the cavernous nerve.We postulate that a dual innervation method using VLN nerve transfer together with interpositional nerve graft repair of the transacted cavernous nerves may improve the outcomes of ED post-RARP.

Epidemio-Clinical Aspects of Ecrectile Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetics at Abeche Chu

Introduction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a frequent complication of diabetes and more frequently affects type 2 diabetics. It is often unrecognised or its management is delayed because it is often overshadowed by other complications. The aim of our study was to describe the epidemiological and clinical aspects of ED. Patients and Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study over an 8-month period from April to December 2021, of type 2 diabetic subjects with erectile dysfunction (ED) seen at the University Hospital of Abeche. Erectile function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEFS5). Results: Out of a total of 112 patients with type 2 diabetes, 64 agreed to take part in the study. Only 40 patients correctly completed the survey form. Of these, 34 (85%) had erectile dysfunction. On average, our patients were over 49.4 years old, and 55.9% of them had had diabetes for more than 10 years. Erectile dysfunction had affected the social life of 21 patients (61.76% of cases) and 28 (82.35%) had not been informed by a healthcare professional. Most of them, 31 cases or 91.17%, had never told their GP about their erectile dysfunction. The patients who thought that diabetes had an influence on their erectile dysfunction represented 74%. Diabetes was poorly controlled in 22 patients (64.70%). According to the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF5), 85% of diabetic patients suffer from erectile dysfunction, including 28.6% with severe erectile dysfunction, 35.7% with moderate erectile dysfunction and 14.3% with mild erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction was significantly more frequent in diabetics with arterial hypertension and poor diabetic control. Conclusion: The hospital prevalence of erectile dysfunction in our patients is high. Early detection of this disorder therefore remains a challenge to be met in order to organise better psychological and drug treatment.

Pathophysiology and treatment of diabetic erectile dysfunction

The pathophysiology of diabetes is multifactorial and no single etiology is at the forefront. The proposed mechanisms of erectile dysfunction （ED） in diabetic patients includes elevated advanced glycation end-products （AGEs） and increased levels of oxygen free radicals, impaired nitric oxide （NO） synthesis, increased endothelin B receptor binding sites and ultrastructural changes, upregulated RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway, NO-dependent selective nitrergic nerve degeneration and impaired cyclic guanosine monophosphate （cGMP）-dependent kinase-1 （PKG-1）. The treatment of diabetic ED is multimodal. Treatment of the underlying hyperglycemia and comorbidities is of utmost importance to prevent or halt the progression of the disease. The peripherally acting oral phosphodiesterase type 5 （PDE5） inhibitors are the mainstay of oral medical treatment of ED in diabetics. Vacuum erection devices are an additional treatment as a non-invasive treatment option. Local administration of vasoactive medication via urethral suppository or intracorpora! injection can be effective with minimal side-effects. Patients with irreversible damage of the erectile mechanism are candidates for penile implantation. Future strategies in the evolution of the treatment of ED are aimed at correcting or treating the underlying mechanisms of ED. With an appropriate vector, researchers have been able to transfect diabetic animals with agents such as neurotrophic factors and nitric oxide synthase （NOS）. Further studies in gene therapy are needed to fully ascertain its safety and utility in humans.

Prevalence and risk factors of erectile dysfunction in three cities of China: a community-based study

Aim: To determine the age-adjusted prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in 3 big cities of China and to explore its potential sociodemographic, medical and lifestyle correlates. Methods: A cross-sectional, population-based survey was conducted in three cities of China. Structured questionnaires were administered to 2 226 men, aged 20 - 86 years, by trained interviewers. Results: The age-adjusted prevalence of ED was 28.34 % (mild 15.99 %, moderate 7.14 %, severe 5.21 %). In the men above 40, the prevalence was 40.2%. Age was positively correlated with ED (P<0.01). Education was negatively correlated with ED (P<0.01). Spouse companionship, living condition were positively correlated with ED (P<0.01). Histories of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia were positively correlated with ED (P<0.01). Cigarette smoking was not correlated with ED (P>0.05), while the cigarette consumption and duration were positively correlated with ED (P<0.01). Alcohol drinking is negatively correlated with ED (P<0.01). The duration of drinking was positively correlated with ED (P<0.01). Weekly alcohol consumption was not correlated with ED (P>0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of ED increased with age. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hyperlipidemia were positively correlated with the increased prevalence. Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, such as education, spouse companionship, living condition, cigarette and alcohol consumption or duration also have association with the prevalence of ED.

Improvement in erectile dysfunction after insulin-like growth factor-1 gene therapy in diabetic rats

Aim： To determine whether adenoviral gene transfer of insulin like growth factor-1 （IGF-1） to the penis of streptozotocin （STZ）-induced diabetic rats could improve erectile capacity. Methods： The STZ diabetic rats were transfected with AdCMV-βgal or AdCMV-IGF-1. These rats underwent cavernous nerve stimulation to assess erectile function and their responses were compared with those of age-matched control rats 1 to 2 days after transfection. In control and transfected STZ diabetic rats, IGF-1 expression were examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）, Western blot and histology. The penis β-galactosidase activity and localization of the STZ diabetic rats were also determined. Results： One to two days after transfection, the β-galactosidase was found in the smooth muscle cells of the diabetic rat penis transfected with AdCMV-βgal. One to 2 days after administration of AdCMV- IGF-1, the cavernosal pressure, as determined by the ratio of maximal intracavernous pressure-to-mean arterial pressure （ICP/MAP） and total intracavernous pressure （ICP）, was increased in response to cavernous nerve stimulation. Transgene expression was confirmed by RT-PCR, Western blot and histology. Conclusion： Gene transfer of IGF-1 significantly increased erectile function in the STZ diabetic rats. These results suggest that in vivo gene transfer of IGF- 1 might be a new therapeutic intervention for the treatment of erectile dysfunction （ED） in the STZ diabetic rats.

Improved spontaneous erectile function in men with mild-tomoderate arteriogenic erectile dysfunction treated with a nightly dose of sildenafil for one year： a randomized trial

Aim： To test the hypothesis that sildenafil （50 mg nightly for one year） can improve spontaneous erectile function （EF） in men with mild-to-moderate arteriogenic erectile dysfunction （ED） responsive to erectogenic treatment. Methods： In a prospective open-label trial, 112 men with ED were randomized to sildenafil 50 mg nightly or sildenafil 50 or 100 mg as needed for 12 months, followed by one-month and 6-month non-medicated periods. Non-randomized, non-medicated men with ED were also assessed. The EF domain of the International Index of Erectile Function （IIEF EF） and the peak systolic velocity （PSV） of penile cavernous arteries were used to measure the efficacy. Results： After sildenafil treatment and a subsequent non-medicated month, IIEF EF was normal in 29 of 48 （60.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI]： 45.3-74.2%） of the nightly group vs. 4 of 49 （8.2%, 95% CI： 2.3-19.6%） of the as-needed group. PSV improved by 11.2 cm/s （95% CI： 4.7-21.4; P = 0.012） in the nightly group but only by 3.4 cm/s （-5.1- 14.7; P = 0.435） in the as-needed group. IIEF EF normalized in 1 of 18 （5.6%, 95% CI： 0.1-27.3%） non-medicated men and the PSV declined slightly. Six months after treatment, the IIEF EF remained normal and PSV was stabilized in most （28/29, 97%） nightly group men who had initially normalized. Conclusion： Sildenafil nightly for one year resulted in ED regression that persisted well beyond the end of treatment, so that spontaneous EF was characterized as normal on the IIEF in most men. The results from this open-label, randomized trial warrant verification under double-blind, placebo-controlled conditions.

Erectile dysfunction after transurethral prostatectomy for lower urinary tract symptoms:results from a center with over 500 patients

Aim： To identify possible risk factors for erectile dysfunction （ED） after transurethral resection of prostate （TURP） for benign prostatic hyperplasia （BPH）. Methods： Between March 1999 and March 2004, 629 patients underwent TURP in our department for the treatment of symptomatic BPH. All patients underwent transrectal ultrasound examination. In addition, the flow rate, urine residue, International Prostate Symptom Score （IPSS） and quality of life （QOL） were recorded for those who presented without a catheter. Finally, the erectile function of the patient was evaluated according to the International Index of Erectile Function Instrument （IIEF-5） questionnaire. It was determined that ED existed where there was a total score of less than 21. The flow rate, IPSS and QOL assessment were performed at 3 and 6 months post-treatment. The IIEF-5 assessment was repeated at a 6-month follow-up. A logistic regression analysis was used to identify potential risk factors for ED. Results： At baseline, 522 （83 %） patients answered the IIEF-5 questionnaire. The mean patient age was （63.7 ± 9.7） years. The ED rate was 65%. After 6 months, 459 （88%） out of the 522 patients returned the IIEF questionnaire. The rest of the group was excluded from the statistical analysis. Six months after TURP, the rate of patients reporting ED increased to 77 %. Statistical analysis revealed that the only important factors associated with newly reported ED after TURP were diabetes mellitus （P = 0.003, r = 3.67） and observed intraoperative capsular perforation （P = 0.02, r = 1.12）. Conclusion： The incidence of postoperative, newly reported ED after TURP was 12%. Risk factors for its occurrence were diabetes mellitus and intraoperative capsular perforation. （Asian J Androl 2006 Jan; 8： 69-74）

Erectile dysfunction and central obesity： an Italian perspective

Erectile dysfunction （ED） is a frequent complication of obesity. The aim of this review is to critically analyze the framework of obesity and ED, dissecting the connections between the two pathological entities. Current clinical evidence shows that obesity, and in particular central obesity, is associated with both arteriogenic ED and reduced testosterone （T） levels. It is conceivable that obesity-associated hypogonadism and increased cardiovascular risk might partially justify the higher prevalence of ED in overweight and obese individuals. Conversely, the psychological disturbances related to obesity do not seem to play a major role in the pathogenesis of obesity-related ED. However, both clinical and preclinical data show that the association between ED and visceral fat accumulation is independent from known obesity-associated comorbidities. Therefore, how visceral fat could impair penile microcirculation still remains unknown. This point is particularly relevant since central obesity in ED subjects categorizes individuals at high cardiovascular risk, especially in the youngest ones. The presence of ED in obese subjects might help healthcare professionals in convincing them to initiate a virtuous cycle, where the correction of sexual dysfunction will be the reward for improved lifestyle behavior. Unsatisfying sexual activity represents a meaningful, straightforward motivation for consulting healthcare professionals, who, in turn, should take advantage of the opportunity to encourage obese patients to treat, besides ED, the underlying unfavorable conditions, thus not only restoring erectile function, but also overall health.

Effect of tankyrase 1 on autophagy in the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells from ageing rats with erectile dysfunction and its potential mechanism

This study compared tankyrase 1 expression and autophagy quantity between erectile dysfunction （ED） and non-ED rats＇ corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells （CSMCs）. This study aslo explored the effect and possible mechanism of tankyrase 1 on autophagy and cell proliferation in ageing ED rats＇ CSMCs. The intracavernous pres- sure and mean systemic arterial pressure were measured to investigate erectile function so that eight 24-month-old ED and eight 8-month-old male Wistar rats were choosed respectively. The rat CSMCs were isolated and cultured by enzyme digestion, in which tankyrase 1 expression and autophagy quantity were compared. Tankyrase 1 over-expression was induced with plasmid transfection by Lipofectamine^TM. The effect of tankyrase 1 overexpression on proliferation, autophagy and mTOR pathway in 24-month-old ED rats＇ CSMCs was measured by the cell growth curve in MTT assay, cell cycle analysis in flow cytometry （FCM）, key protein expression in Western blot, autophagy quantity in transmission electron microscopy, monodansylcadaverine staining and GFP-LC3 fluorescence. The primary CSMCs were confirmed by immunofluorescence, and the purity was 99.1% in FCM. Compared with that of 8-month-old rats, tankyrase 1 expression and autophagy quantity significantly decreased in 24-month-old ED rats＇ primary CSMCs （P 〈 0.01）. Tankyrase 1 overexpression significantly increased the growth rate （P 〈 0.05） and increased the S phase of cell cycle （P 〈 0.01）. The autophagosome quantity was remarkably increased （P 〈 0.01）, LC3-Ⅰ/Ⅱ and Beclin 1 were upregulated （P 〈 0.01 and P 〈 0.05）, and p-p70S6K （Thr389） was downregulated in 24-month-old ED rat CSMCs （P 〈 0.05）. In conclusion, Tankyrase 1 and autophagy decrease in the CSMCs from aging rats with ED, and tankyrase 1 may have a positive effect on proliferation by enhancing autophagy and regulating the mTOR signalling pathway.

Regaining of morning erection and sexual confidence in patients with erectile dysfunction

Aim： To investigate how erectile dysfunction （ED） medications affect morning erection in patients with ED and how they respond to the return of morning erection. Methods： This study was conducted in 120 patients who experienced successful intercourse with either tadalafil or sildenafil. Using a random face-to-face interview and a questionnaire （about the quality and number of days getting morning erection after using the two medications）, the impact of the medications on the morning erections was investigated, and the participants were asked about their feelings on regaining morning erection. Results： Of the respondents, 81% （68% of those with sildenafil and 99% of those with tadalafil） experienced morning erections after taking an oral ED medication. The men who took tadalafil mainly for 2 days with one dose, while those who took sildenafil experienced morning erections mainly for 1 day. The major sentiment upon regaining a morning erection was, ＂having more confidence as a man＂ （74%）. Among the 96 respondents who experienced morning erections with tadalafil, 52% preferred tadalafil over sildenafil, not only because of freedom from concerns about a specific time to have relations, but also regaining morning erection. Conclusion： Regaining a morning erection affects the recovery of confidence as a man and influences the preference for tadalafil over sildenafil.