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. Epub 2006 Mar 16.
Foresta C, Ferlin A, De Toni L, Lana A, Vinanzi C, Galan A, Caretta N.

Department of Histology, Microbiology and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Padova, Padova, Italy. carlo.foresta@unipd.it

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.

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