Endothelial progenitor cells and erectile dysfunction: a brief review on diagnostic significance and summary of our experience

Aging Male. 2013 Jun;16(2):29-32. doi: 10.3109/13685538.2013.789159. Epub 2013 Apr 18.

Abstract

The article provides a brief review of the literature concerning the diagnostic use of endothelial progenitor cells in patients with erectile dysfunction. In particular, patients with arterial erectile dysfunction could benefit from the use of this diagnostic marker, which in clinical practice can be used together with more conventional methods such as the penile Doppler. It is very important to acquire diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of sub clinical form of endothelial dysfunction in these patients, in particular when the erectile dysfunction is associated with cardiovascular risk factors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging / physiology
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Erectile Dysfunction / blood
  • Erectile Dysfunction / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Impotence, Vasculogenic / blood
  • Impotence, Vasculogenic / diagnosis*
  • Impotence, Vasculogenic / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler / methods

Substances

  • Biomarkers