758 OXIDATIVE STRESS-INDUCED SYSTEMIC AND CAVERNOSAL MOLECULAR ALTERATIONS – THEIR ROLE IN THE PROGRESSION OF DIABETIC ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

VEGFexpressing control. Additionally, the total number of implanted cells expressing human nuclear markers was significantly higher in VEGF-expressing grafts. More cells also expressed endothelial markers (CD 31 and vWF) and smooth muscle markers (-smooth muscle actin, desmin and myosin) in the VEGF group. Finally, the number of peripheral nerve fibers observed in the USC/Ad-VEGF plus endothelial cells group increased compared to the other controls in vivo. However, a few human nuclei staining were observed in the newly-formed nerve fibers, suggesting that most of the regenerated nerve fibers were derived from host nerve tissue. CONCLUSIONS: VEGF over-expression in implanted USC enhanced the in vivo survival of these cells and increased endothelial and smooth muscle differentiation of USC. Neovascularization and nerve regeneration significantly increased within the USC/Ad-VEGF grafts. This approach might have important clinical implications for urological cell therapy, including the correction of neurovascular ED.