Evaluation of cavernosal oxidative biomarkers following radial Li-ESWT in vasculogenic erectile dysfunction
World Journal of Urology, vol.44, no.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 44 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1007/s00345-026-06560-5
- Journal Name: World Journal of Urology
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE, Gender Studies Database, MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Pharma Collection (ProQuest)
- Keywords: Cavernosal blood, Erectile dysfunction, Oxidative stress, Shock wave therapy
- Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Purpose: Vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) is associated with endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress. This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of radial-type low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) and its effects on cavernosal oxidative stress biomarkers. Methods: In this prospective study, 48 men with vasculogenic ED underwent 12 sessions of radial-type Li-ESWT. Erectile function was assessed at baseline, 1 month, and 6 months using the International Index of Erectile Function–Erectile Function domain (IIEF-EF) and Erection Hardness Score (EHS). Cavernosal blood samples were collected before treatment and one week after completion to measure superoxide dismutase (SOD), ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), thiol-disulfide homeostasis, and glutathione redox status. Results: At 6 months, 43.8% of patients achieved a clinically meaningful improvement in IIEF-EF. Both IIEF-EF and EHS scores improved significantly at 1 and 6 months (p < 0.001). In exploratory multivariable logistic regression analysis, prior PDE5i responsiveness remained independently associated with clinically meaningful improvement (OR 5.59, 95% CI 1.24–25.23; p = 0.025), whereas HbA1c did not retain significance. No significant changes were observed in SOD, IMA, or glutathione redox status. Borderline thiol-disulfide alterations observed in unadjusted analyses did not remain significant after correction for multiple comparisons and were not associated with clinical outcomes. Conclusion: Radial-type Li-ESWT was associated with clinically meaningful improvements in erectile function in men with vasculogenic ED. However, no robust oxidative biomarker changes were observed in cavernosal blood following treatment.