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Updated: Dec 10, 2025

Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility
Published on: May 30, 2025
Ionic Channels as Potential Therapeutic Targets for Erectile Dysfunction: A Review
Anderson Fellyp Avelino Diniz1, Rafael Carlos Ferreira1, Iara Leão Luna de Souza2
1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos Bioativos, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil.
Abstract:
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent condition, especially in men over 40 years old, characterized by the inability to obtain and/or maintain penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Several psychological and/or organic factors are involved in the etiopathogenesis of ED. In this context, we gathered evidence of the involvement of Large-conductance, Ca2+-activated K+ channels (BKCa), Small-conductance, Ca2+-activated K+ channels (SKCa), KCNQ-encoded voltage-dependent K+ channels (KV7), Transient Receptor Potential channels (TRP), and Calcium-activated Chloride channels (CaCC) dysfunctions on ED. In addition, the use of modulating agents of these channels are involved in relaxation of the cavernous smooth muscle cell and, consequent penile erection, suggesting that these channels are promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
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