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Published on: July 5, 2017
Aerobic physical activity improves endothelial function in the middle-aged patients with erectile dysfunction.
Sandro La Vignera1, Rosita Condorelli, Enzo Vicari
1Section of Endocrinology, Andrology and Internal Medicine and Master in Andrological, Human Reproduction and Biotechnology Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine and Systemic Diseases, University of Catania, Catania, Italy. sandrolavignera@email.it
Summary
Regular aerobic physical activity significantly improves erectile function in men with arterial erectile dysfunction (ED). This exercise intervention enhanced penile blood flow and reduced markers of endothelial dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Urology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Physical activity (PhA) is recognized for its protective role in maintaining normal erectile function.
- Erectile dysfunction (ED), particularly arterial ED, represents a significant health concern impacting quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of a structured aerobic physical activity protocol on erectile function in patients diagnosed with arterial ED.
- To investigate the effects of physical activity on endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and endothelial microparticles (EMPs) as indicators of endothelial health.
Main Methods:
- Fifty male patients (48-62 years) with arterial ED participated in a 3-month aerobic PhA program (150 min/week moderate intensity).
- A control group of 20 age-matched men with vascular ED did not undergo the PhA protocol.
- Evaluations included the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire, penile color Doppler ultrasound, and flow-cytometric analysis for serum EPCs and EMPs.
Main Results:
- The physical activity group demonstrated significantly higher IIEF-5 scores and peak systolic velocity after 3 months compared to controls (p < 0.05).
- Acceleration time was significantly reduced in the physical activity group (p < 0.05).
- Serum concentrations of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and endothelial microparticles (EMPs) were significantly lower in the physical activity group (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Aerobic physical activity can improve the quality of arterial ED without requiring pharmacological interventions, likely by mitigating endothelial apoptosis.
- This study highlights the utility of novel circulating cell markers, such as EPCs and EMPs, in characterizing endothelial dysfunction.
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