Erectile Functions

First, A Look at Erectile Function

Erectile function is, to a large extent, determined by the overall health of the vascular system. Most drugs or compounds that enhance erectile function act primarily by increasing blood flow to the corpus cavernosum. So erectile function depends largely upon the integrity of small blood vessels called capillaries, their flexibility, as well as the proper functioning of the smooth muscles around blood vessels. It also depends on healthy functioning of the cavernous nerve.

Stem Cells are the Building Blocks of Blood Vessels

A specific type of stem cell, called Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs), has been vastly documented as the precursor to endothelial cells, which form capillaries throughout the body.[1] Another type of stem cell present in the bloodstream, called Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MCSs), has been documented to have the ability to transform into smooth muscle cells that control blood flow through the capillaries.[2]Finally, stem cells have also been documented to have the capacity to regenerate the cavernous nerve.[3]

Stem Cells Can Improve Erectile Function

All this data strongly suggested that stem cells can improve erectile function, and while various approaches have been investigated, the simple intracavernous injection -which is an injection directly into the penis!- of adult stem cells has continuously led to significant results, which included morning erection and rigidity. , Likewise, simply increasing the number of circulating stem cells through Endogenous Stem Cell Mobilization (ESCM) has been reported to improve erectile function.[6]

Link Between Stem Cells and Erectile Function

In fact, a number of studies have reported that there is a direct link between the number of circulating stem cells, especially EPCs, and erectile function. In one study, erectile function was determined using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) as well as Nocturnal Penile Tumescence and Rigidity Monitoring
(NPTRM). The number of circulating EPCs was quantified in 28 individuals with poor erectile function and was found to be 55% lower than the number of EPCs found in healthy controls.[7] One study determined that there is a direct relationship between the number of circulating EPCs and the IIEF, in other words, more stem cells in circulation equates to better erectile function.[8] The number of circulating EPCs was even proposed to be an independent risk factor for erectile dysfunction.[9]

Means of Increasing Circulating Stem Cells

It is interesting to note that one of the most recommended lifestyle approaches to enhance erectile function is regular intense exercise. While strong physical activity does have an effect on testosterone production, it also increases the number of circulating stem cells.[10,11] Endogenous Stem Cell Mobilization using natural herbal stem cell enhancer could be an effective way of supporting erectile function.

Sources:

1. Human endothelial progenitor cells.
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   Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2012 Jul;2(7):a006692.
2. Thromboxane a(2) induces differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells to smooth muscle-like cells.
   Kim MR, Jeon ES, Kim YM, Lee JS, Kim JH.
   Stem Cells. 2009 Jan;27(1):191-9.
3. Stem cell therapy for erectile dysfunction of cavernous nerve injury rats: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
   Shan H, Chen F, Zhang T, He S, Xu L, Wei A.
   PLoS One. 2015 Apr 10;10(4):e0121428.
4. Stem-cell therapy for erectile dysfunction.
   Albersen M, Lin CS, Lue T.
   Arab J Urol. 2013 Sep;11(3):237-44.
5. Advances in stem cell therapy for erectile dysfunction.
   Gur S, Abdel-Mageed AB, Sikka SC, Hellstrom WJG.
   Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2018 Nov;18(11):1137-1150.
6. Mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells: one of the possible mechanisms involved in the chronic administration of melatonin preventing erectile dysfunction in diabetic rats.
   Qiu XF, Li XX, Chen Y, Lin HC, Yu W, Wang R, Dai YT.
   Asian J Androl. 2012 May;14(3):481-6.
7. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells in subjects with erectile dysfunction.
   Foresta C, Caretta N, Lana A, Cabrelle A, Palù G, Ferlin A.
   Int J Impot Res. 2005 May-Jun;17(3):288-90.
8. Circulating CD34+ KDR+ endothelial progenitor cells correlate with erectile function and endothelial function in overweight men.
   Esposito K, Ciotola M, Maiorino MI, Giugliano F, Autorino R, De Sio M, Jannini E, Lenzi A, Giugliano D.
   J Sex Med. 2009 Jan;6(1):107-14.
9. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells correlate with erectile function in patients with coronary heart disease.
   Baumhäkel M, Werner N, Böhm M, Nickenig G.
   Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(18):2184-8.
10. Circulating hematopoietic progenitor cells in runners.
    Bonsignore MR, Morici G, Santoro A, Pagano M, Cascio L, Bonanno A, Abate P, Mirabella F, Profita M, Insalaco G, Gioia M, Vignola AM, Majolino I, Testa U, Hogg JC.