NADPH oxidase and male erectile dysfunction
Rao, K.; Liu, J.-H.
Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue 15(5): 455-458
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 1009-3591 PMID: 19514562 Document Number: 633065
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common disease in men. Oxidative stress is indicated to be one of the important mechanisms of ED. NADPH oxidase expresses and plays significant psychological functions in many human organs, including the penis. In a variety of pathophysiological conditions, NADPH oxidase causes excessive oxidative stress through overproducing reactive oxygen species in the penis, and consequently induces erectile dysfunction. This paper reviews the composition, homologues, activation and physiological functions of NADPH oxidase, its role in ED, and its application in the treatment of ED.