Essential role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (bdnf) in diabetic erectile dysfunction

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a worldwide problem threatens men's health. The incidence of ED in diabetic patients is higher than that in the healthy population. The incidence of peripheral and autonomic neuropathy is significantly higher in diabetic patients than in normal men. Vasomotor nerves play an important role in the regulation of erectile function. Degeneration of autonomic and sensory nerves is a common type of diabetic neuropathy (DNP) and is closely related to erectile function. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been demonstrated to improve diabetic erectile dysfunction in rat models and in humans. However, this process has not yet been fully elucidated yet. In this article, we summarise the mechanisms by which BDNF improves diabetic erectile dysfunction.

Keywords: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF); diabetic neuropathy; erectile dysfunction.