Journal
PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
Volume 208, Issue -, Pages -Publisher
PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107493
Keywords
Human corpus cavernosum; Erectile function; Erectile dysfunction; Peripheral mechanisms; Risk factors, cardiovascular disease
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Penile erection is a perfect example of microcirculation modulated by psychological factors and hormonal status. It is the result of a complex neurovascular process that involves the integrative synchronized action of vascular endothelium; smooth muscle; and psychological, neuronal, and hormonal systems. Therefore, the fine coordination of these events is essential to maintain penile flaccidity or allow erection; an alteration of these events leads to erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is defined as the consistent or recurrent inability of a man to attain and/or maintain a penile erection sufficient for sexual activity. A great boost to this research field was given by commercialization of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Indeed, following the discovery of sildenafil, research on the mechanisms underlying penile erection has had an enormous boost, and many predinical and clinical papers have been published in the last 10 years. This review is structured to provide an overview of the mediators and peripheral mechanism(s) involved in penile function in men, the drugs used in therapy, and the future prospective in the management of ED. Indeed, 30% of patients affected by ED are classified as nonresponders, and there is still an unmet need for therapeutic alternatives. A flowchart suggesting the guidelines for ED evaluation and the ED pharmacological treatment is also provided. (C) 2020 Published by Elsevier Inc.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available