Local delivery of COMP-angiopoietin-1 protein as a novel therapeutic strategy for vascular disease-induced erectile dysfunction

초록

Introduction & Objectives : Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) is a specific growth factor functioning to generate a stable and functional vasculature. We have recently created a soluble, stable and potent Ang1 variant, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP)-Ang1. Here, we investigated whether and how COMP-Ang1 protein restores penile erection in a mouse model of hypercholesterolemic erectile dysfunction. Conclusions: These results indicate that intracavernous delivery of COMP-Ang1 protein induces long-lasting recovery of erectile function through enhanced angiogenesis in a hypercholesterolemic mouse model. This can be a novel curative therapeutic strategy targeting both erectile dysfunction and cavernous angiopathy.