Autonomic dysfunction in diabetes and erectile function: brain signals and kidney nerves
Official title: Autonomic Dysfunction in Diabetes via Hypothalamic Mechanisms: Role of Renal Nerves : via changes in NO mechanisms at the level of penis
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-11595453 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in diabetic rats explores how brain and kidney nerve signals may contribute to erectile dysfunction in diabetes, with findings that could inform future treatments for men with diabetes who have ED.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | August 21, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $250,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DK146028-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11595453 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be adults with diabetes who experience erectile dysfunction and are interested in future translational research opportunities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetes or erectile dysfunction may not directly benefit from this basic science study.
What this research studies
This project examines whether reduced neuronal nitric oxide production in a specific brain region (PVN) helps drive erectile dysfunction in diabetes, using diabetic rat models. It hypothesizes that kidney nerve activity influences brain pathways that control sexual function, potentially via nitric oxide pathways. The study uses a renal denervation approach to separate central from peripheral sources of NO-related changes and to understand how diabetes alters autonomic control. The research could pave the way for new therapeutic targets to improve erectile function in men with diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Potentially new targets to treat erectile dysfunction in people with diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest NO-related brain pathways influence autonomic control and ED in diabetes, indicating this line of work has scientific promise but is still exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patel, Kaushik P — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Patel, Kaushik P
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.