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Cellular signaling pathways modulated by low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 31, pages 170–176 (2019)Cite this article

Abstract

Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) is a form of energy transfer that is of lower intensity (<0.2mJ/mm2) relative to traditional Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) used for management of urinary stones. At this intensity and at appropriate dosing energy transfer is thought to induce beneficial effects in human tissues. The proposed therapeutic mechanisms of action for Li-ESWT include neovascularization, tissue regeneration, and reduction of inflammation. These effects are thought to be mediated by enhanced expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Upregulation of chemoattractant factors and recruitment/activation of stem/progenitor cells may also play a role. Li-ESWT has been studied for management of musculoskeletal disease, ischemic cardiovascular disorders, Peyronie’s Disease, and more recently erectile dysfunction (ED). The underlying mechanism of Li-ESWT for treatment of ED is incompletely understood. We summarize the current evidence basis by which Li-ESWT is thought to enhance penile hemodynamics with an intention of outlining the fundamental mechanisms by which this therapy may help manage ED.

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Acknowledgements

This publication was supported by NIDDK of the National Institutes of Health under award number R56DK105097 and 1R01DK105097–01A1. It was also supported by Army, Navy, NIH, Air Force, VA and Health Affairs to support the AFIRM II effort, under Award number W81XWH-13–2–0052. Opinions, interpretations, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author and are not necessarily endorsed by the Department of Defense and do not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

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  1. Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA

    Tianshu Liu, Alan W. Shindel, Guiting Lin & Tom F. Lue

  2. Department of Urology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100038, Beijing, China

    Tianshu Liu

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Liu, T., Shindel, A.W., Lin, G. et al. Cellular signaling pathways modulated by low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Int J Impot Res 31, 170–176 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-019-0113-3

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