Serum From Patients With Erectile Dysfunction and Vascular Risk Factors Triggered an Oxidative Stress-Dependent Mitochondrial Apoptotic Pathway in Ex Vivo Expanded Circulating Angiogenic Cells of Healthy Men

An oxidative stress-dependent mitochondrial dysfunction was triggered in ex vivo expanded CACs of healthy men by serum from men with vascular risk factors and ED, the only clinical correlate for diffuse vascular disease. The activation of apoptosis and inhibition of CAC differentiation might generate a defective mechanism of vascular repair.