Nanoparticles as a novel delivery vehicle for therapeutics targeting erectile dysfunction

George Han, Moses Tar, Dwaraka S.R. Kuppam, Adam Friedman, Arnold Melman, Joel Friedman, Kelvin P. Davies

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

53 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Nanoparticles represent a potential novel mechanism for transdermal delivery of erectogenic agents directly to the penis. Aim: To determine if nanoparticles encapsulating known erectogenic agents (tadalafil, sialorphin, and nitric oxide [NO]) can improve erectile function in a rat model of erectile dysfunction (ED) as a result of aging (the Sprague-Dawley retired breeder rat). Methods: Nanoparticles encapsulating the erectogenic agents were applied as a gel to the glans and penile shaft of anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats and the intracorporal pressure/blood pressure (ICP/BP) monitored for up to 2 hours with or without stimulation of the cavernous nerve. Control nanoparticles were made without encapsulating erectogenic agents and applied in a similar manner in separate experiments. Results: Nanoparticles encapsulating NO caused spontaneous visible erections in the rat, with an average time of onset of 4.5 minutes, duration of 1.42 minutes, and ICP/BP of 0.67 ± 0.14. The sialorphin nanoparticles also caused visible spontaneous erections after an average of 4.5 minutes, with a duration of 8 minutes and ICP/BP ratio of 0.72 ± 0.13. The difference in the erectile response between groups of animals treated with NO or sialorphin nanoparticles was significantly different from the control group treated with empty nanoparticles (P < 0.05) Tadalafil nanoparticles showed a significant increase in the mean ICP/BP (0.737 ± 0.029) following stimulation of the cavernous nerve (4 mA) 1 hour after application of the nanoparticles with a visibly improved erectile response. Conclusions: Nanoparticles encapsulating three different erectogenic agents resulted in increased erectile function when applied to the penis of a rat model of ED. Nanoparticles represent a potential novel route for topical delivery of erectogenic agents which could improve the safety profile for existing orally administered drugs by avoiding effects of absorption and first-pass metabolism, and would be less hazardous than injection.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)224-233
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Sexual Medicine
Volume7
Issue number1 PART 1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2010

Keywords

  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Nanoparticles
  • Nitric oxide
  • Sialorphin
  • Small particle therapy for ED
  • Transdermal

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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