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New horizons in erectile and endothelial dysfunction research and therapies

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 20, pages S2–S8 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Penile erection is a neurovascular process controlled by numerous tightly regulated events, and occurs in response to the activation of pro-erectile autonomic pathways. It is dependent on an adequate inflow of blood to the erectile tissue through both endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and corporal smooth muscle relaxation. Pathologic alteration in the endothelium of penile vasculature and/or erectile tissue and/or impairment of neurovascular processes can result in erectile dysfunction (ED). Both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and ED have been linked to endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction is a vascular condition resulting in a diminished vasodilatory response to pharmacologic and physiologic stressors. Endothelial dysfunction may be a pathophysiologic mechanism underlying both ED and CVD, forming a unifying link between these two conditions. Furthermore, in the general population and in men with diabetes or obesity, ED may be a valuable early marker for serious subclinical CVD, coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis.

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Acknowledgements

The author would like to acknowledge medical writing support by Jackie Phillipson of Gardiner-Caldwell Communications; this support was funded by Eli Lilly and Company. Diane Stothard (Eli Lilly and Company) provided support by reviewing this article.

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  1. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neuro-Urology-Andrology, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Garches, France

    F Giuliano

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Correspondence to F Giuliano.

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The author is a paid consultant for Pfizer, Eli Lilly and Company and an investigator for Pfizer and Bayer.

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Giuliano, F. New horizons in erectile and endothelial dysfunction research and therapies. Int J Impot Res 20 (Suppl 2), S2–S8 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijir.2008.46

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