[Progress in gene-modified stem cell therapy for penile erectile dysfunction].

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common disorder in men and lacks effective treatment. Stem cell (SC) possess the potential in self-renewal and multi-directional differentiation, and secrete a variety of active substances. Stem cell therapy, as a promising option for the treatment of ED, is a focus in regenerative medicine research. However, the effect of stem cell therapy alone on ED is limited due to the complexity of the condition and the limitations of SC. Gene modification can enhance the performance of SC in multiple aspects and play the role of targeted genes, and therefore can better improve ED and its related pathological changes than SC therapy alone. In recent years, gene-modified stem cell therapy has become a hotspot in andrological research. This review summarizes the advances in the studies of gene-modified SC in the treatment of ED, aiming to provide some ideas for further research.