A review of current progress in gene and stem cell therapy for erectile dysfunction

Current gene-based strategies for treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) are based on the nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP system; although growth factors, calcium sensitization, and potassium channel expression have been studied. Initial investigations of stem-cell-based therapy have attracted attention. Results of the first gene transfer clinical trial for treatment of ED with maxi-K channels are positive. Moreover, there is progress in gene and stem-cell therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular (CV) diseases.

To improve understanding of gene and stem-cell therapy for CV disease, with emphasis on ED.

Review of current literature.

Treatment and prevention of ED can be improved by the application of CVD gene/cell-based therapy. New discoveries based on gene- and cell-based therapy will lead to new advances in the treatment of ED.