Circulating endothelial progenitor cells and endothelial function after chronic Tadalafil treatment in subjects with erectile dysfunction

Int J Impot Res. 2006 Sep-Oct;18(5):484-8. doi: 10.1038/sj.ijir.3901465. Epub 2006 Mar 16.

Abstract

We evaluated the effect of a chronic treatment with Tadalafil on progenitor cells (PCs) number and endothelial function in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) with or without cardiovascular risk factors. Twenty-six subjects with ED and 23 aged matched controls were studied. All subjects underwent blood tests, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), Nocturnal Penile Tumescence Rigidity Monitoring test (NPTRM), brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and PCs count. International index of erectile function, FMD and PC count were re-evaluated in all subjects at the end of Tadalafil and placebo treatment. With respect to controls patients had lower basal FMD (P < 0.05) and basal PCs (P < 0.05). Treatment with Tadalafil determined a significant increase in PCs (P < 0.001) and FMD (P < 0.001) with respect to basal level. Positive correlation was found between basal FMD and PCs (P < 0.05) and between basal FMD and PCs increase after Tadalafil treatment (P < 0.05). Tadalafil promotes a mobilization of PCs and improves endothelial function in ED patients.

Publication types

  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carbolines / administration & dosage
  • Carbolines / pharmacology*
  • Carbolines / therapeutic use*
  • Cell Movement*
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology
  • Endothelial Cells / drug effects*
  • Endothelial Cells / pathology
  • Erectile Dysfunction / drug therapy*
  • Erectile Dysfunction / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Stem Cells / drug effects*
  • Tadalafil

Substances

  • Carbolines
  • Tadalafil