Hyperhomocysteinemia: Focus on Endothelial Damage as a Cause of Erectile Dysfunction |
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| Authors: | Gianmaria Salvio Alessandro Ciarloni Melissa Cutini Giancarlo Balercia |
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| Affiliation: | Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Conca 71, Umberto I Hospital, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (G.S.); (A.C.); (M.C.) |
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| Abstract: | Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to maintain and/or achieve a satisfactory erection. This condition can be influenced by the presence of atherosclerosis, a systemic pathology of the vessels that also affects the cavernous arteries and which can cause an alteration of blood flow at penile level. Among the cardiovascular risk factors affecting the genesis of atherosclerosis, hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcys) plays a central role, which is associated with oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. This review focuses on the biological processes that lead to homocysteine-induced endothelial damage and discusses the consequences of HHcys on male sexual function |
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| Keywords: | Erectile Dysfunction hyperhomocysteinemia endothelial dysfunction |
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