Urotensin-II as a new biomarker in erectile function

Background Urotensin II (U-II) and its receptor (UT) are expressed in a variety of peripheral organs and especially in cardiovascular tissue. U-II caused both constrictor and vasodilator effect, depending by vascular bed. We have recently demonstrated an involvement of U-II in the mechanism of penile erection in men. In addition, it has been demonstrated that plasma U-II levels are elevated in patients with vascular endothelial dysfunction-related diseases such as essential hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, and heart failure. All of them are well known risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED). Aims of the study i) to better elucidate the transduction cascade of UII/UT in the erectile mechanism ii), to evaluate if human corpus cavernosum (HCC) endothelial cells produce U-II iii) to measure plasma U-II levels in patients with ED Methods Functional and molecular studies in vitro will be conducted on HCC strips in order to gain further insight into the U-II/UT signaling; local production of the peptide in HCC will be also evaluated. Next, we will enroll patients affected with ED of any etiology and severity, as measured by the IIEF and MSHQ. All patients will be screened for hypertension, diabetes, renal failure, chronic hearth failure, cirrhosis and blood plasma samples will be obtained. A multivariate analysis will be performed in order to find a possible correlation among U-II levels and clinical variables. Author’s expectancies We foresee that U-II plasma could become an useful bio-marker in ED. In addition this clinical and preclinical study will give a further insight in the molecular role of U-II in penile erection and might trigger further research in U-II agonists/antagonist as modulator of erectile function in men.