GENE THERAPY - NEW HOPE FOR THE TREATMENT OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION?

Česká verzia

Authors: MUDr. Libor Zámečník; Febu
Authors place of work: Urologická klinika 1. LF UK a VFN
Published in the journal: Urol List 2007; 5(3): 34-37

Summary

Current available treatment options for erectile dysfunction (ED) are effective but not without failure and/or side effects. Although the development of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors (i.e. sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil) has revolutionized the treatment of ED, these oral medications required on-demand are less efficacious in some hard-to-treat populations (diabetics, men after radical prostatectomy). Recent trials have demonstrated that gene therapy strategies may be applicable for such purposes. Improvement in the treatment of ED depends on the understanding of the regulation of human corporal smooth muscle tone and on the identification of relevant molecular targets. Tissue engineering and gene therapy are currently investigated in animal studies for reconstructing penile tissue or treating erectile dysfunction. Future ED therapies might consider the application of molecular technologies, such as gene therapy. As a potential therapeutic tool, gene therapy might provide an effective and specific means of altering intracavernous pressure "on demand" without affecting the other penile functions. Gene therapy is applicable to the penis because of its location and accessibility, low penile circulatory flow in flaccid state and the presence of endothelial lined lacunar spaces. Gene therapy approaches have focused on a number of signalling pathways that are crucial for penile erection (i.e. nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate, RhoA/Rho-kinase, growth factors, ion channels, peptides). This review provides a brief insight of the current role of gene therapy in the management of ED.

Key words:
gene therapy, erectile dysfunction

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