Treatment of erectile dysfunction by intracavernosal administration of mesenchymal stem cells in patients with diabetes mellitus

Erectile dysfunction is observed in about 50% of men. It has been found that diabetes mellitus increases its prevalence to 19-86.3%, necessitating attention to a therapeutic strategy. Among the available treatment methods, intracavernosal injections of mesenchymal stem cells have proven to be particularly effective. Objective The purpose of study is to assess and analyse the effectiveness of their use in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in patients with diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods The literature search was conducted using systematic methods and analysis in databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Elsevier, and Springer, with 41 sources included for further review. Results The study highlights microangiopathic and neuropathic links as key factors in erectile dysfunction development in diabetic patients, stemming from endothelial dysfunction and conductivity disturbances. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy from bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord mitigates pathogenic impact through regenerative and anti-apoptotic effects. Due to this, most studies indicate high efficacy of the treatment and rapid therapeutic action through intracavernosal administration. Some studies suggest an increase in the body's receptor sensitivity to other drugs, such as sildenafil. Conclusion From the perspective of further research on this issue, standardising the preparation of stem cells and the treatment method using a large sample size is essential to introduce such a method as an extremely promising therapy for this delicate issue in men into practical medicine. The practical value of the study lies in the systematisation of information on different sources of mesenchymal stem cells for treating erectile dysfunction.