Progress in the mechanism of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for erectile dysfunction: a narrative review

Avances en el mecanismo de la terapia hiperbárica con oxígeno para la disfunción eréctil: una revisión sistemática

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent sexual disorder characterized by the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an adequate penile erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse, primarily affecting middle-aged and elderly men. Current treatment options include oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5-i), intracavernous injections, vacuum erection devices, extracorporeal low-energy shockwave therapy and penile prostheses, each with its limitations. This review article aims to synthesize recent research findings on hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as a potential alternative or adjunctive treatment for ED. The review analyzes various mechanisms by which HBOT may improve erectile function, focusing on its effects on vascular function, nerve regeneration, nitric oxide (NO) levels, RhoA protein expression, inflammation, androgen levels and mood disturbances. The review highlights HBOT’s impact on erectile function through its effects on vascular health, nerve regeneration, NO levels, RhoA protein expression, inflammation and hormonal balance. HBOT shows promise in enhancing erectile function by improving vascular health, promoting nerve regeneration, increasing NO levels, reducing RhoA protein expression and alleviating inflammation. It may also help preserve androgen levels and address mood disturbances associated with ED. Recent research suggests that HBOT could be a valuable addition to the therapeutic arsenal for ED, offering a multifaceted approach to management. Further studies are needed to elucidate its efficacy and establish optimal treatment protocols.

Resumen

La disfunción eréctil (DE) es un trastorno sexual prevalente caracterizado por la incapacidad persistente para alcanzar o mantener una erección penile adecuada para una relación sexual satisfactoria, que afecta principalmente a hombres de mediana y avanzada edad. Las opciones de tratamiento actuales incluyen inhibidores orales de la fosfodiesterasa tipo 5 (PDE5-i), inyecciones intracavernosas, dispositivos de erección por vacío, terapia de ondas de choque extracorpóreas de baja energía y prótesis penianas, cada una con sus limitaciones. Este artículo de revisión tiene como objetivo sintetizar los hallazgos de investigaciones recientes sobre la terapia hiperbárica con oxígeno (THO) como un posible tratamiento alternativo o adyuvante para la DE. La revisión analiza los diversos mecanismos por los cuales la THO puede mejorar la función eréctil, centrándose en sus efectos sobre la función vascular, la regeneración nerviosa, los niveles de óxido nítrico (NO), la expresión de la proteína RhoA, la inflamación, los niveles de andrógenos y los trastornos del estado de ánimo. La revisión destaca el impacto de la THO en la función eréctil a través de sus efectos sobre la salud vascular, la regeneración nerviosa, los niveles de NO, la expresión de la proteína RhoA, la inflamación y el equilibrio hormonal. La THO muestra promesas para mejorar la función eréctil al mejorar la salud vascular, promover la regeneración nerviosa, aumentar los niveles de NO, reducir la expresión de la proteína RhoA y aliviar la inflamación. También puede ayudar a preservar los niveles de andrógenos y abordar los trastornos del estado de ánimo asociados con la DE. Investigaciones recientes sugieren que la THO podría ser una adición valiosa al arsenal terapéutico para la DE, ofreciendo un enfoque multifacético para su manejo. Se necesitan más estudios para aclarar su eficacia y establecer protocolos de tratamiento óptimos.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy; Erectile dysfunction; Research advances

Palabras Clave

Terapia hiperbárica con oxígeno; Disfunción eréctil; Avances en la investigación

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