ED 04. Losartan improves erectile dysfunction in diabetic patients: A clinical trial

Introduction: The activation of cavernous local reninangiotensin system (RAS) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic erectile dysfunction (ED). In our primary study, we find angiotensin Type 1 receptor blocker (ARB) improved the erectile function of diabetic rats. Therefore we explored losartan in clinical treatment for diabetic patients suffering with ED.

Methods: A total of 124 diabetic patients with ED was included in this study and treated with losartan or tadalafil or losartan plus tadalafil or control for 12 weeks. Main outcome measures: Erectile function was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire, the percentage of positive responses to Sexual Encounter Profile questions 2 (SEP2), 3 (SEP3) and the Global Assessment Question (GAQ).

Results: The treatment of losartan or tadalafil or losartan plus tadalafil showed significant improvement on the mean IIEF-5 scores from the baseline (P<0.05). The combination of losartan and tadalafil is more effective than losartan or tadalafil alone (P<0.05). Losartan, tadalafil and losartan plus tadalafil significantly improved the percentage of successful penetrations (SEP2), successful intercourse completions (SEP3) and GAQ (P<0.05).

Conclusions: These results showed ARB was effective and well tolerated in diabetic ED patients, especially for mild to moderate cases. The combination therapy could be more beneficial for treatment of diabetic patients with ED.