Lowering of Intima Media Thickness (IMT) in patients with erectile dysfunction, after daily treatment with a natural compound
The aim of our study is to evaluate the endothelial response, based on Intima Media Thickness (IMT), in patients with mild and moderate erectile dysfunction after a daily treatment with a natural compound Tradamixina® (Tribulus Terrestris + Alga Ecklonia Bicyclis + Chitosan Oligosaccharide Water Soluble)
Methods: We enrolled 50 male patients (aged 27–76 yr) with diagnosis of mild/moderate erectile dysfunction evaluated with IIEF-5. All patients received IMT assessment by ultrasound, in B-mode with high intensity linear probe (Philips IU22 – 12 to 17 Mhz) of carotid arteries and penile cavernous arteries at baseline and at 3 and 9 months, after twice daily treatment with Tradamixina® for 9 months. Carotid arteries were studied 1 cm under bifurcation; penile cavernous arteries were assessed in penile flaccid state at the proximal part of the organ. Two different radiologists conducted the exams.
Results: There was no significant (p > 0,05) IMT lowering at 3 months compared to baseline, for both carotid and cavernous arteries. Media right carotid arteries IMT decreased significantly (p < 0,05) from baseline 0,69 mm (0,25sd) to 0,62 mm (0,17sd) at 9 months; similarly, media left carotid arteries IMT decreased significantly (p < 0,05) from baseline 0,70 mm (0,25sd) to 0,63 mm (0,17sd) at 9 months. Media right cavernous IMT also decreased significantly (p < 0,05) from baseline 0,25 mm (0,07sd) to 0,22 mm (0,05sd) at 9 months; media left cavernous IMT decreased significantly (p < 0,05) from baseline 0,27 mm (0,11sd) to 0,22 mm (0,05sd) at 9 months. Mean IIEF improved from 15,8 (±1,5sd) to 21,8 (±1,9sd) – from baseline to 9 months (p ≤ 0,05).
Conclusions: Carotid artery IMT is widely used as a non-invasive technique for assessment of cardiovascular risk in adulthood. An increase of IMT can be considered as a marker of sub-clinical atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction; it reflects the burden of atherosclerosis in coronary arteries. Our preliminary data shows a positive effect of Tradamixina® on erectile dysfunction together with beneficial effects on the vascular system.
