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Isolation of Adipose Derived Regenerative Cells for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction Following Radical Prostatectomy
Published on: December 28, 2021
Circulating CD34+ KDR+ endothelial progenitor cells correlate with erectile function and endothelial function in
Katherine Esposito1, Miryam Ciotola, Maria Ida Maiorino
1Department of Geriatrics and Metabolic Diseases, Division of Metabolic Diseases, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy. katherine.esposito@unina2.it
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
|January 28, 2009
Summary
Circulating CD34(+)KDR(+) endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are lower in overweight men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and correlate with ED severity. This specific EPC phenotype may be crucial for understanding ED pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Urology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are vital for maintaining and repairing blood vessels.
- Endothelial dysfunction is a known contributor to erectile dysfunction (ED).
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare circulating EPC phenotypes in overweight men with and without ED.
- To investigate the relationship between ED, endothelial function, and EPC levels.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to quantify seven EPC subpopulations based on CD34, CD133, and KDR expression.
- Erectile function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5).
- Endothelium-dependent vasodilation was measured using flow-mediated dilation (FMD).
Main Results:
- Men with ED had significantly lower counts of CD34(+)KDR(+) EPCs compared to controls.
- Circulating CD34(+)KDR(+) EPC levels directly correlated with IIEF scores, indicating a link to ED severity.
- CD34(+)KDR(+) EPC counts, but not other phenotypes, correlated with FMD, suggesting a role in endothelial function.
Conclusions:
- Reduced circulating CD34(+)KDR(+) EPCs are associated with ED in overweight men.
- The CD34(+)KDR(+) EPC phenotype shows a significant relationship with ED severity and endothelial function.
- Future research should focus on the CD34(+)KDR(+) EPC phenotype for ED studies.
