Evidence mapPaperPMID 41971122Full record

ReviewTranslational andrology and urology2026

From symptomatic relief to restorative medicine: a comprehensive review of diabetic erectile dysfunction.

Huan Wang, Chuangui Li, Tianzi Zhang, Siqi Li

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Translational andrology and urology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Huan WangGraduate School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
Chuangui LiDepartment of Urology, The First Central Hospital of Baoding, Baoding, China.
Tianzi ZhangFaculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, City University of Macau, Macau, China.
Siqi LiGraduate School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Diabetic erectile dysfunction (DMED) represents one of the most prevalent and debilitating complications in men with diabetes, characterized by a complex multifactorial pathogenesis and often suboptimal response to conventional therapies. This review comprehensively summarizes the current understanding of DMED mechanisms and evaluates the evolving therapeutic landscape. We highlight oxidative stress as a pivotal central hub triggered by hyperglycemia, which orchestrates a cascade of detrimental events. Beyond classical endothelial dysfunction and RhoA/ROCK pathway activation, we discuss emerging pathogenic targets, including the activation of the NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome leading to pyroptosis, ferroptosis-induced smooth muscle loss, and epigenetic dysregulation (e.g., upregulated miR-155). Furthermore, the "gut-penis axis" is explored as a novel link between microbiota dysbiosis and systemic inflammation affecting erectile function. Critically, this review assesses the paradigm shift from symptomatic management to restorative therapies. While phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) remain the first-line treatment, they exhibit a non-response rate of approximately 40-50% in diabetic men due to severe neuropathy and endothelial damage. Consequently, emerging regenerative modalities are gaining prominence. We evaluate the efficacy of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) in promoting angiogenesis and the strategic transition from stem cell transplantation to cell-free exosome therapies to overcome immunogenicity. Additionally, novel pharmacotherapies such as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are discussed for their potential to reduce sympathetic overactivation. Finally, we propose a comprehensive, stepwise clinical management algorithm-ranging from metabolic optimization to regenerative interventions and penile prostheses-to achieve personalized precision medicine for refractory DMED patients.

Indexed as

Diabetic erectile dysfunction (DMED)low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT)oxidative stressrestorative therapystem cells

Identifiers

PMID41971122
PMCPMC13062855

What Socratic holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.