Platelet-rich plasma for erectile dysfunction: a review of the current research landscape

Erectile Dysfunction: Update on Clinical Management

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition affecting patients' quality of life. Clinical management has changed over the past three decades, with new diagnostic and therapeutic options available. Our aim was to provide an overview of novel evidence regarding clinical management of ED.

METHODS

A non-systematic literature review was conducted to identify relevant studies on the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction. The review encompassed pharmacological, regenerative, and surgical approaches, summarising recent advances and highlighting persisting gaps in clinical practice.

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS

ED is a common reason for seeking medical consultation. The correlation between ageing and ED prevalence is rooted in neurovascular tissue impairment. Medical history, along with the use of validated questionnaires, still represents the mainstay of ED assessment because of the lack of reliable imaging tests. The most widely used and effective treatment is an oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, but this is lifelong therapy that is associated with high dropout rates. Among novel regenerative treatments, low-intensity shockwave therapy is supported by more evidence, although high-quality trials and long-term data are lacking. More conclusive evidence is needed for platelet-rich plasma injections and stem cell treatment. Botulinum neurotoxin and new emerging oral drugs are also under investigation.

CONCLUSIONS

Several treatment options are available for ED. Clinical tailoring of treatment for individual patients and rigorous research are crucial for further advances.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common medical problem. Various types of treatment can improve ED, but there is still no cure for this condition.

Factors Influencing Continued Usage of Intracavernosal injections for Erectile Dysfunction: A Retrospective Analysis

PURPOSE

Intracavernosal injections are used to treat erectile dysfunction. Patient compliance with intracavernosal injections is required for success, though factors influencing compliance are unknown. This study aimed to identify factors that influence compliance with intracavernosal injections among men with erectile dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted using men who were prescribed intracavernosal injections between 2017 and 2022 at an academic medical center in a cosmopolitan area. Custom Python code was used to capture the first and last prescription refill events, and the duration of intracavernosal injection use was calculated. Additional patient-related data, including demographics and comorbidities, were gathered through chart reviews. Cox Proportional Hazards Regression models were used to evaluate the effects of predictor variables on the duration of intracavernosal injection use.

RESULTS

A total of 4,072 patients were included in the analysis. The study revealed that age significantly predicted discontinuation of intracavernosal injection therapy, showing an elevated hazard ratio of 1.007 for each additional year of age (p<0.001). Men who preferred to speak Spanish as their primary language was a significant predictor of discontinuation of injection therapy, showing a hazard ratio of 1.163 compared to those who preferred English (p=0.004). Men with a history of prostate cancer treatment stayed on treatment for 80 days fewer on average than those without (p=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Older age, prior history of prostate cancer treatment, and men who preferred to speak Spanish were all identified as factors potentially associated with reduced continuation of intracavernosal injection therapy for erectile dysfunction. Understanding these factors can help healthcare providers in both patient selection and counseling when discussing treatment options for erectile dysfunction.

Intravenous peptides and amino acids for erectile dysfunction: a narrative review of current applications and future directions

INTRODUCTION

Erectile dysfunction (ED) pathophysiology involves complex interactions between vasculogenic, hormonal, and neurological mechanisms, with endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress playing crucial roles. There is growing interest in intravenous (IV) peptides and amino acids as potential therapeutic options for ED treatment.

AREAS COVERED

This narrative review examines recent developments in peptide and amino acid therapies for ED, focusing on PT-141, PnPP-19, L-arginine, and L-citrulline. The literature search utilized PubMed to identify relevant English-language publications up to October 2024, emphasizing studies from the past decade.

EXPERT OPINION

IV peptides and amino acids offer promising therapeutic options for ED through mechanisms of action distinct from PED5 inhibitors. PT-141 and PnPP-19 show efficacy through central nervous system activation and nitric oxide regulation, while L-arginine and L-citrulline enhance endothelial function. Although evidence suggests potential benefits, large-scale clinical trials are needed to establish safety profiles, optimal dosing regimens, and possible synergistic effects with existing ED treatments.

The pathogenic role of the immune system in erectile dysfunction and Peyronie's disease: focusing on immunopathophysiology and potential therapeutic strategies

INTRODUCTION

Erectile dysfunction (ED) represents the major cause of male sexual dysfunction, which is often associated with obesity, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and cigarette smoking. Peyronie's disease is a chronic disorder associated with irreversible fibrotic damage of the tunica albuginea leading to ED, painful erection, coital disturbance, and physical and social complaints. Both conditions are characterized by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and significant changes in intracavernous hydrodynamics. In this scenario, oxidized lipoproteins, M1-polarized macrophages, proinflammatory cytokines (such as the tumor necrosis factor α), endothelial nitric oxide synthase, penile smooth muscle cells, and toll-like receptors represent the main triggers of the inflammatory process in ED. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors are the most common treatment for ED. This treatment is used intermittently, as it is conceived as a symptomatic and not curative therapy. Moreover, not all patients respond to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (35%-85%), particularly those with dysmetabolic phenotypes. Additional or alternative treatments are therefore desirable, mostly in refractory cases.

OBJECTIVES

In this review, we describe the immune-mediated pathogenesis of ED and Peyronie's disease (PD). In our literature search we placed particular emphasis on potentially practical therapeutic approaches, including natural products (such as polyphenols), due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, stem cell therapy, and platelet-derived preparations.

METHODS

We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and institutional websites. Original studies, narrative reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses written in English were searched, screened, and selected.

RESULTS

In animal models of ED and PD, therapeutic approaches, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents, stem cell therapy, and platelet-derived preparations, have provided positive results, including improved penile function, reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, and promotion of tissue repair. However, clinical evidence of improvement in human patients is still insufficient.

CONCLUSION

Promising results for treating ED and PD have been shown in preclinical and pilot clinical studies, but specific clinical trials are needed to validate the efficacy of these therapeutic approaches in men with ED.