Elevated pigment epithelium-derived factor induces diabetic erectile dysfunction via interruption of the Akt/Hsp90β/eNOS complex

Diabetes mellitus erectile dysfunction (DMED) is a common complication of diabetes. The level of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is significantly upregulated in the serum of individuals with obesity and diabetes. However, whether elevated PEDF levels contribute to DMED remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the pathogenic role of PEDF and its related mechanism in DMED. We enrolled 65 men, of whom 20 were nondiabetic control...