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Pharmacological management of erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common medical condition that affects the sexual life of millions of men worldwide. Many drugs are now available for treating ED; oral pharmacotherapy represents the first-line option for most patients with ED. Sildenafil, an inhibitor of the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5, is currently the most widely prescribed oral agent and has a very satisfactory efficacy-safety profile in all patient categories. Apomorphine SL is a dopamine D1- and D2-receptor agonist which has recently been approved for marketing in Europe. It is best selected for treating patients with mild to moderate ED. Vardenafil and tadalafil are new phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors which are expected to be approved this year. Both of them have significant positive efficacy-safety profiles. Patients who do not respond to oral pharmacotherapy or who cannot use it are good candidates for intracavernosal and intraurethral therapy. Alprostadil is the most widely used drug, both for injection therapy and for the intraurethral route. The efficacy of second-line treatment is high but the attrition rate remains significant.

Administration, Oral↗

Vascular aetiology of erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) shares the same vascular risk factors (VRFs) with coronary arteries disease (CAD). A reduced biological activity of endothelium-derived nitric oxide links human atherosclerosis to ED and underscores the role of an altered endothelium in the pathogenesis of both conditions. ED is associated to a systemic endothelial cell activation/dysfunction independent from VRFs or from a diffuse vascular damage, indicating that ED is a marker of an early systemic endothelial damage, a relevant determinant of atherosclerosis. A diffuse vascular damage of carotid arteries indicative of pre-clinical atherosclerosis is significantly associated to an increased risk of severe ED in men with VRFs but without clinical atherosclerosis and ED was the most efficient predictor of angiographically verified silent CAD among different VRFs in uncomplicated type 2 diabetes. In conclusion, ED may be the only clinical correlate of a diffuse, unrecognized vascular damage that is associated to a documented future risk of acute vascular events. Searching ED might be of relevance in men with VRFs but no other clinical atherosclerosis to identify patients that should aggressively reduce their VRFs while treating ED.

Arteriosclerosis↗

Comparison of clinical trials with sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil in erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects up to 50% of men, between 40 and 70 years of age. In the first major trial of sildenafil in ED, at 24 weeks, improved erections were reported by 77 and 84% of men taking sildenafil 50 and 100mg, respectively. Subsequently, sildenafil has been reported to be effective in men with ED associated with diabetes and prostate cancer, and in psychogenic ED. Sildenafil is safe in men with coronary artery disease, provided it is not used with the nitrates (a contraindication). The most commonly reported adverse effects with sildenafil are headache, flushing and dyspepsia. Vardenafil is more potent and more selective than sildenafil at inhibiting phosphodiesterase-5. Vardenafil is similarly effective to sildenafil in the treatment of ED. The only advantage that vardenafil has over sildenafil is that it does not inhibit phosphodiesterase-6 to alter colour perception, a rare side effect which sometimes occurs with sildenafil. Tadalafil has a longer duration of action than sildenafil and vardenafil. Tadalafil is similarly effective as sildenafil in the treatment of ED. In comparison studies, tadalafil is preferred to sildenafil (50/100mg) by men with ED, possibly because of its longer duration of action. Of the phosphodiesterase inhibitors, tadalafil may displace sildenafil as the drug of choice among men with ED.

Carbolines↗

Drug Insight: oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common medical condition that affects the sexual life of millions of men. At present, first-line oral pharmacotherapy for most patients with ED is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor, of which three are currently available worldwide. Sildenafil (Viagra, Pfizer) has a very satisfactory efficacy-safety profile in all patient categories. The first PDE-5 inhibitor to reach the market, it is now the most widely prescribed oral agent for ED. Tadalafil (Cialis, Lilly ICOS) and vardenafil (Levitra, Bayer/GlaxoSmithKline) were introduced to the European Union and the US in 2003 and 2004, respectively. These three PDE-5 inhibitors share many characteristics, but each has unique features. This review describes the chemical, pharmacologic and clinical features of sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil as oral first-line treatments for ED. First, we describe the physiology of penile erection and PDE-5 inhibitor pharmacology, including chemistry, PDE selectivity, pharmacokinetics, and possible drug interactions. We then summarize data on the efficacy and safety profiles of the three PDE-5 inhibitors for the treatment of ED in the general population, in patients with diabetes mellitus and in men that have undergone bilateral nerve-sparing retropubic radical prostatectomy.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Relation of C-reactive protein and other cardiovascular risk factors to penile vascular disease in men with erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) may be an early sign or symptom of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We examined the relation of traditional and emerging risk factors for CVD to the severity of penile vascular disease in men with ED and without clinical coronary artery disease (CAD). In total, 137 men with ED were evaluated for penile vascular disease severity by penile Doppler ultrasound. These men were divided into the following groups based on ultrasound results: normal, cavernous venous occlusive disease, mild arterial insufficiency, and severe arterial insufficiency. Traditional (fasting lipid panel, fasting glucose, age, BMI, smoking, Framingham coronary artery disease risk score) and emerging (C-reactive protein, Lp(a), homocysteine) risk factors for CVD were correlated to severity of penile vascular disease in men with ED and without clinical CAD. Using univariate analysis, penile Doppler groups showed significant positive correlation to CRP (r=0.21; < or = 0.05) and age (r=0.30; < or = 0.01). For CRP, this correlation remained significant even when adjusted for age (< or = 0.05). Men displaying evidence of penile arterial disease (mild and severe arterial insufficiency) were characterized by elevated CRP levels (0.17 mg/dl) compared to men with no evidence of arterial abnormalities in the penis (0.04 mg/dl). CRP levels correlate significantly with increasing severity of penile vascular disease as measured by penile Doppler.

Adult↗

Role of the cardiologist: clinical aspects of managing erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is often a marker for serious underlying cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cardiologists are increasingly involved in the care of men with ED. It is important to ask specifically about ED when evaluating men with CVD, since they may be embarrassed to volunteer this information. During the clinical workup, it is also important to check for contributing factors to ED such as diabetes, depression, stress, alcohol abuse, and cardiovascular risk factors. Patients should be advised that many treatment options are available for ED, including the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. The PDE5 inhibitors are safe and effective in most patients with CVD, including those taking multiple antihypertensive drugs. Furthermore, they have no deleterious effect on exercise capacity, heart rate, or extent of exercise-induced ischemia. In the future, the PDE5 inhibitors may have a role in reducing pulmonary hypertension in persons with primary pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) or congestive heart failure. The one major precaution for men taking PDE5 inhibitors is to avoid concomitant administration of therapeutic and recreational nitrate preparations. Patients with chest pain suggestive of a heart attack need to inform emergency room (ER) personnel if they are taking a PDE5 inhibitor. Similarly, before giving nitrates, ER personnel need to ask patients if they have used PDE5 inhibitors. Nitrates should not be given for at least 24 h after a patient uses sildenafil or vardenafil and at least 48 h after a patient uses tadalafil.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Emerging oral drugs for erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common medical condition that affects the sexual life of millions of men worldwide. Many drugs are now available for the treatment of ED, with oral pharmacotherapy representing the first-line option for most patients. Sildenafil citrate, an inhibitor of the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), is the most widely prescribed oral agent and has a very satisfactory efficacy-safety profile in all patient categories. Tadalafil (Cialis; Eli Lilly & Co., ICOS) and vardenafil (Levitra; Bayer Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline) are new PDE5 inhibitors that have recently been approved worldwide. Both have been associated with significant positive efficacy-safety profiles. Apomorphine sublingual is a dopamine D1 and D2 receptor agonist, which has been approved for marketing in Europe. It is best selected for treating patients with mild-to-moderate ED, but it is seldom used in clinical practice due to its limited efficacy and side effects, particularly nausea. Patients who do not respond to oral pharmacotherapy or who are unable to use it are appropriate candidates for intracavernosal and intraurethral therapy. The efficacy of second-line treatment is high, but the attrition rate remains significant. For the purpose of this review, clinical and pharmacological analysis focuses on the recent advances in the field of oral therapy, including PDE5 inhibitors and sublingual apomorphine.

Administration, Oral↗

Topical alprostadil cream for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) has serious negative consequences on both sexual experience and emotional well being and affects a broad range of age groups. The prevalence of ED is associated with increasing age and has been reported to be as high as 70%. Although the disorder is common and underdiagnosed, its treatment can significantly improve patients' quality of life. Systemic treatment with oral phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors is the current standard of care for patients with ED. Some patients, however, have absolute contraindications for PDE-5 inhibitors. In addition, these agents can be associated with adverse effects. Furthermore, because PDE-5 inhibitors are not as effective in patients who have undergone radical prostatectomy or who have severe vascular disease, a substantial unmet medical need exists among patients who have ED as a result of these conditions. Consequently, PDE-5 inhibitor therapy is associated with a high rate of discontinuation, as are intracavernosal or transurethral therapies, which are inconvenient and invasive. Several studies, including four double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase II trials, show that alprostadil topical cream is efficacious and well-tolerated in ED in patients with mild-to-severe symptoms, in those undergoing treatment for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes and in otherwise healthy ED patients. Thus, alprostadil topical cream is a potential first-choice alternative for ED in patients who do not respond or who cannot tolerate or do not accept PDE-5 inhibitor therapy.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗

[Erectile dysfunction].

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. The disorder is age-associated, with estimated prevalence rates of 39% among men 40 years old and 67% among those 70 years old. ED is a common (2 to 3 million males in Italy) and multifactorial disease due to organic and/or psychological factors that strongly impair the quality of life in man. During the last decade many advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of ED have been made and new therapeutic strategies have become available. It has been established that an insufficient production of nitric oxide by penile nerve terminals and/or vascular endothelium may result in an impaired erection or complete impotence. Nowadays, intracavernous injection of vasoactive drugs represents a standardised approach for the diagnosis and a treatment option for ED, but is not widely accepted by the patients. The possibility of treating ED with new oral agents (i.e. sildenafil, apomorphine, phentolamine) or intraurethral administration of prostaglandin-E1 made this therapy more acceptable. Vacuum erection devices and penile prostheses represent second-line treatments. Men with ED caused by endocrine disorders (i.e. hypogonadism, prolactinomas) should be treated appropriately (i.e. testosterone and dopaminergic agonists, respectively). Amongst new drugs, sildenafil is considered the most promising: it is a potent inhibitor of type-5 phosphodiesterase in the corpus cavernosum and therefore increases the penile response to sexual stimulation. Oral sildenafil (25-100 mg when needed) is an effective and well-tolerated treatment in impotent men suffering from ED of unknown etiology.

Administration, Oral↗

Molecular pathophysiology and gene therapy of aging-related erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a major public health problem that seriously affects the quality of life of patients and their partners. ED is mainly associated with vascular disease, diabetes, smoking, and radical prostatectomy, and its prevalence increases significantly with aging. Vasculogenic ED, specifically corporal veno-occlusive dysfunction (CVOD), is caused by the impairment of the relaxation of the smooth muscle in the penile corpora cavernosa and occurs in 2/3 of cases, whereas the less common neurogenic ED is due to a defective nitrergic neurotransmission triggered by the sexual stimulus, either at the central hypothalamic and spinal levels or at the penile nerves. Based on animal and cell studies, neurogenic ED is assumed to be caused mainly by: (a) an insufficient synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) due to a decrease in the levels of the penile neuronal nitric oxide synthase (PnNOS) or the impairment of its regulation by protein effectors (NMDA receptor, protein inhibitor of nNOS: PIN), occurring in the neuronal bodies or nerve terminals, or (b) a loss of the cells themselves by apoptosis caused by the induction of inducible NOS (iNOS) and the production of peroxynitrite. In contrast vasculogenic ED, although may involve endothelial damage and down-regulation of endothelial NOS (eNOS), appears to be mainly caused by the relative loss of smooth muscle cells and replacement by collagen fibers (fibrosis) that impairs tissue compliance. In this case, iNOS induction may not be deleterious, but a defense mechanism preventing excessive collagen deposition. Gene therapy to the penile corpora cavernosa of cDNAs expressing PnNOS or eNOS, or counteracting PIN, has been effective in ameliorating ED in the aging rat model that exhibits both neurogenic ED and CVOD. cDNA constructs for other genes involved in the control of penile erection have also been successfully tested. Gene transfer into the penis may soon translate to the clinic as a therapy aimed to cure the underlying conditions in ED, including fibrosis, as opposed to the facilitation of erection on demand offered by the current oral therapies.

Aged↗

Neuropathy is a major contributing factor to diabetic erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) in diabetes is multifactorial. So far, the impact of neuropathy has not been well determined. This study was performed to assess the frequency of abnormal neurophysiological tests in patients with ED due to diabetes compared to patients with ED due to nondiabetic neuropathies in order to estimate the contribution of neuropathy in diabetic ED. Forty-nine men with ED were studied. We classified ED as 'diabetic', 'neuropathic' or 'ED of other origin'. 26.6% of the men fulfilled the criteria of diabetic ED, 42.9% had neuropathic ED. In every patient history taking, a questionnaire focusing on autonomic symptoms other than ED, clinical examination, nerve conduction studies (NCS), sphincter ani electromyography (EMG), heart rate variability testing (HRV) and quantitative sensory testing (QST) was performed. Vascular function was assessed by the intracavernosal prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) injection test. The frequency of abnormal results in diabetic and neuropathic patients was compared. Vascular function was abnormal in only one patient with diabetic ED and three patients with neuropathic ED. Both groups had similar frequencies of autonomic symptoms other than ED (64% in diabetic vs. 64% in neuropathic patients), abnormal EMG (33% vs. 40%) and abnormal QST (vibratory perception 83% vs. 84%, cold perception 9% vs. 19%, warm perception 42% vs. 43%). Abnormal clinical findings (50% vs. 33%), NCS (75% vs. 50%) and HRV (39% vs. 25%) were slightly, but not significantly more frequent in men with diabetic ED than neuropathic ED. The tests indicating neuropathy showed abnormalities in men with diabetic ED as frequently as in men with neuropathic ED. Some tests even suggested neuropathy more often in diabetic than in neuropathic ED. The findings support the hypothesis that neuropathy contributes significantly to the pathophysiology of ED in diabetes mellitus.

Adult↗

[Clinical and diagnostic approach to erectile dysfunction].

Erectile dysfunction (ED), defined as the inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection sufficiently long for a satisfactory sexual performance or intercourse, is an important and common medical problem. ED is not a life-threatening disorder, but it influences the daily routine, social interactions, well-being and quality of life of the patient. Recent epidemiological data have shown a high prevalence and incidence of ED. The Massachusetts Male Aging Study found that 52% of men between the ages of 40 and 70 years reported ED with 9.6% having mild, 22.2% moderate and 17.2% complete or severe ED. In a large Italian cross-sectional study the overall prevalence of self-reported ED was 12.8% and the frequency of ED increases with age. ED may signal serious underlying and potentially life-threatening diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease and other neurological and endocrine disorders. Also well documented is the role of some drug groups, certain types of surgery, injuries and the role of risk factors related to lifestyle such as smoking, alcohol consumption and inappropriate dietary habits accompanied by an abnormal serum level of cholesterol. The current availability of effective and safe oral drugs for ED in conjunction with the tremendous media interest in the condition, have resulted in an increasing number of men seeking help for ED. As a consequence, many physicians without background knowledge and clinical experience in the diagnosis of ED are involved in making decisions concerning the evaluation of such patients. The result of this is that some males with ED may undergo little or no evaluation before treatment is initiated and, in such circumstances, the disease causing the symptom (ED) may remain untreated. Baseline diagnostic evaluation for ED can identify the underlying pathological condition or the risk factors associated with ED in 80% of patients. This article reports a sequential approach for the diagnosis of ED that may diagnose reversible causes of ED and also unmask medical conditions that manifest with ED as the first symptom.

Algorithms↗

Selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibition using tadalafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) pharmacotherapy has undergone dramatic advances over the past decade, since the introduction of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5). The availability of an oral agent, sildenafil, able to restore erectile function in the majority of men with an organic basis to their dysfunction, transformed the management. The numbers of men seeking medical attention for ED, along with the increased comfort of physicians treating it, has resulted in enhanced management of this condition. In spite of these advances, there exist a significant number of men who remain unsuccessfully treated with sildenafil. Development of new PDE5 inhibitors, with the promise of enhanced selectivity, longer duration of action, increased potency and greater ease of use are currently in the final stages of regulatory review in many countries. Tadalafil is the first such agent to gain preliminary EU approval and is reviewed in detail in this report. Focusing on its phase II/III trial results, tadalafil appears to have an enhanced period of responsiveness extending out to 36 hours in 60% of men using the 20 mg dose. Efficacy across a large population of men with ED of various causes (n = 1112) is in accordance with the other PDE5 inhibitors at 81%. Side effects are generally mild-to-moderate with study drop-out rate at 1.7% in the active arm compared to 1.1% among those receiving placebo. In summary, this agent will likely play an important role in the management of ED across a broad spectrum of aetiologies, once past the ongoing regulatory review process.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Laboratory evaluation of the patient with erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) as a clinical entity is a problem that more than 50% of men will face as they age, and it can adversely affect overall quality of life and impact sexual partners. Our understanding of the pathophysiology and the multiple risk factors that contribute to ED has led to successful treatments, both non- surgical and surgical, over the past two decades. Now, more nonurologists and primary care providers are seeing patients for their initial evaluation. It is imperative that they approach the workup and evaluation in a logical and efficient manner. After a thorough history and physical examination, followed by a relevant and systematic laboratory evaluation, most cases can be effectively identified and medical treatment can be initiated. However, patients who continue to have erectile difficulties or fail initial oral treatment are candidates for specialized evaluation of vascular, neurogenic, and hormonal dysfunction, which can lead to more specific treatment or possible surgical management.

Clinical Laboratory Techniques↗

Gene therapy techniques for the delivery of endothelial nitric oxide synthase to the corpora cavernosa for erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the consistent inability to obtain or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse. In the last decade, significant advancements in the pathophysiology of male ED have occurred. Basic science research on erectile physiology has been devoted to investigating the pathogenesis of ED and has led to the conclusion that ED is predominately a disease of vascular origin. Nitric oxide (NO) is the principal mediator of penile erection. NO is synthesized by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and neuronal NOS (nNOS) in the penis. Loss of the functional integrity of the endothelium and subsequent endothelial dysfunction plays an integral role in the occurrence of ED. This chapter reviews the use of two gene transfer techniques: adenoviral gene transfer of eNOS and eNOS gene-modified rat marrow stromal cells (rMSCs) to the penis of aged rats for the potential application of gene therapy for the treatment of ED.

Adenoviridae↗

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) has multifactor pathogenesis, with neurological, vascular, endocrinological and psychogenic components described. However, about 50-85% of ED population report the presence of one or more comorbidities i.e. hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia which all impair endothelial function and, erection is a basically vascular event that necessitates an intact endothelium to occur. Hence, ED may be mostly considered as the clinical manifestation of a disease affecting penile circulation as a part of a generalized vascular disorder due to atherosclerosis. Orally active drugs, i.e. phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (PDE5-i), are a group of on-demand drugs licensed for ED treatment and appear to offer advantages over past therapies in terms of ease of administration and cost, and they are now widely advocated as first-line therapy. The recent discovery that chronic not on-demand administration of these drugs may improve erectile and endothelial response in men previously unresponding to on-demand regimes, opens a new scenario in the treatment of men with ED and comorbidities. Finally, the recent approval of PDE5-i sildenafil for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension represents the new challenge for these class of drugs. Aim of this article will be to provide an update on the pathophysiology of ED and how to use of different available PDE5-i in approaching sexual dysfunctional men, pointing out on their characteristic of efficacy and safety and different indications in special sub-populations.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Exploring the relationship between depression and erectile dysfunction in aging men.

Normal sexual function is a biopsychosocial process; sexual dysfunction almost always has organic and psychological components and requires multidisciplinary, goal-directed evaluation and treatment. Factors such as aging, declining testosterone levels, medical illness, certain medications. and comorbid depressive illness can contribute to sexual dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is one of the more common male sexual dysfunctions encountered in the clinical setting. Comorbidity between erectile dysfunction and depressive illness is high, but the causal relationship is unclear. The psychosocial distress that often accompanies erectile dysfunction might stimulate the development of depressive illness, or, as some data suggest, depression might cause erectile dysfunction. This article reviews the literature on the relationship between depression and erectile dysfunction, as well as the design of a new study that may provide some answers, and concludes that erectile dysfunction is a common, treatable condition that may cause or be the result of depression. Recent data suggest that sildenafil is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction in men with comorbid depression. Erectile dysfunction should be considered a multifactorial condition that may require a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, especially when depression is present.

Adult↗