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Sonic Hedgehog - A New Treatment for ED?
Posted: Monday, 14 June, 2010 | Categories: Erectile Dysfunction
Scientists have suggested that a new therapy could be effective in preventing erectile dysfunction after surgery for prostate cancer.
Scientists from the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University have estimated that up to 80% of men who undergo prostate cancer surgery will lose the ability to achieve an erection. This is because the procedure often damages a critical nerve that runs along the prostate.
However, they believe that a protein called sonic hedgehog could help the damaged nerve regenerate more quickly. The protein is delivered via a nanofiber gel and is named after a video game popular in the ‘90s.
Currently sonic hedgehog has only been tested on rats and was shown to help the nerve regenerate twice as quickly than it took to mend with no medical assistance. They also believe that it could have potential to help diabetes patients, who frequently suffer from erectile dysfunction as diabetes can damage the nerves.
Professor Carol Podlasek, who is leading the study, said, “The biggest concern for many men before they undergo surgery for prostate cancer is quality of life after surgery.
“It not only affects the men undergoing surgery but also their partners. So for patients with prostate cancer, being able to have an erection and lead a normal life after treatment is very important."
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