Gene Therapy for Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction

Neurogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of major causes of ED and is often difficult to treat. In this review, we report significant improvements of ED caused by diabetes mellitus (DM) or cavernous nerve injury by using a gene therapy approach in rat models of ED. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors were used to deliver neurotrophic factors, such as neurotrophin 3 (NT3), glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neurturin (NTN), into cavernous nerves. The retrograde transport of HSV vector‐mediated neurotrophic factors to pelvic ganglion neurons occurred after the administration of the vector around the cavernous nerves. HSV vector administration around the cavernous nerves can improve DM‐induced ED and promote the recovery of erectile function after cavernous nerve injury. The HSV vector‐mediated delivery of neurotrophic factors could be applicable for the treatment of neurogenic ED. NT3, GDNF, and NTN would be the possible factors that could be used for this gene therapy application.