<i>In vitro</i> experiments further showed that CdCl<sub>2</sub> exposure led to a concentration- and time-dependent reduction in HUVEC viability, accompanied by upregulation of <i>ESR2</i> expression.<h4>Conclusion</h4>CdCl<sub>2</sub> exposure may be associated with the onset and progression of erectile dysfunction, and its potential effects may involve multiple aspects, including vascular endothelial dysfunction, disruption of endocrine homeostasis, and abnormal <i>ESR2</i> related signaling. The gene discussed is ESR2; the disease is erectile dysfunction.