madman
Super Moderator
ABSTRACT
Erectile dysfunction after nerve injury is a common disease after radical prostatectomy. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophin family, which plays an important role in the survival of existing neurons, the differentiation of new neurons, and synaptic plasticity. It has been demonstrated that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) accelerates bone healing and axonal regeneration after injury. LIPUS may also be able to stimulate neuronal activity and enhance the levels of neurotrophic factors. Evidence suggests that elevated levels of BDNF in the brain have protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases. Previous studies have shown that the treatment of cavernous nerve injury repair, and protective effect plus neuro-regeneration effect by low-intensity pulsed ultrasound. They shared a similar mechanism including several trophic factors stimulation, Pl3K/Akt pathway activation, and anti-fibrosis mechanism. We hypothesized that due to its combined neuro regenerative and protective effects, the non-invasive and easy-to-use method of LIPUS stimulation could have a therapeutic effect on erectile dysfunction stemming from cavernous nerve injury.
Conclusions
LIPUS is a noninvasive procedure that is easy to perform. It can stimulate increased levels of neurotrophic factors and decreased inflammation in neural tissues. We believe that it could serve as an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction not only via vascular mechanisms but also via its effects on direct and indirect nerve injuries caused by surgical procedures such as radical prostatectomy.
Erectile dysfunction after nerve injury is a common disease after radical prostatectomy. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophin family, which plays an important role in the survival of existing neurons, the differentiation of new neurons, and synaptic plasticity. It has been demonstrated that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) accelerates bone healing and axonal regeneration after injury. LIPUS may also be able to stimulate neuronal activity and enhance the levels of neurotrophic factors. Evidence suggests that elevated levels of BDNF in the brain have protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases. Previous studies have shown that the treatment of cavernous nerve injury repair, and protective effect plus neuro-regeneration effect by low-intensity pulsed ultrasound. They shared a similar mechanism including several trophic factors stimulation, Pl3K/Akt pathway activation, and anti-fibrosis mechanism. We hypothesized that due to its combined neuro regenerative and protective effects, the non-invasive and easy-to-use method of LIPUS stimulation could have a therapeutic effect on erectile dysfunction stemming from cavernous nerve injury.
Conclusions
LIPUS is a noninvasive procedure that is easy to perform. It can stimulate increased levels of neurotrophic factors and decreased inflammation in neural tissues. We believe that it could serve as an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction not only via vascular mechanisms but also via its effects on direct and indirect nerve injuries caused by surgical procedures such as radical prostatectomy.
