The near-infrared dye IR-61 restores diabetic erectile function

Although the treatment of erectile dysfunction has been well studied, treatment for diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction (DMED) remains a challenge. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of IR-61, a novel mitochondrial heptamethine cyanine dye with antioxidant effects, on DMED. Our study suggested IR-61 was highly accumulated in the penis after intravenous injection and improved erectile function of diabetic rats by protecting the mitochondria of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs), which may be mediated by activation of the SIRT1, SIRT3 and Nrf2 pathways. Please refer to pages 249–258 for details.