Relation between hypertension and erectile dysfunction: a meta-analysisof cross-section studies

Association between telomere length and erectile dysfunction: a cross-sectional study

Background

Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) serves as a significant biomarker of aging. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a commonly observed condition among middle-aged and older men. The objective of this study is to explore the potential association between LTL and ED.

Methods

We utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to examine the association between LTL and ED. Weighted multivariate regression analyses were performed as the primary statistical method. Subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate specific population subsets, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses were employed to assess the non-linear relationship between LTL and ED.

Results

The results of weighted multivariate regression analyses revealed a negative correlation between LTL and the risk of ED. Individuals with ED exhibited shorter LTL compared to those without ED. For each unit increase in LTL, there was a 54% reduction in the risk of ED (odds ratios[OR] 0.46, 95% confidence intervals[CI] 0.25-0.85). When LTL was considered as a categorical variable, the group with the longest LTL (Q5) had a 44% lower risk of ED compared to the group with the shortest LTL(Q1) (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.39-0.81). A non-linear relationship was observed between TL and ED. Various sensitivity analyses were conducted to validate the stability of the results, and consistent findings were obtained.

Conclusion

The negative association between leukocyte LTL and ED suggests that delaying the shortening of LTL may decrease the risk of ED.

Relationship Between Hypertension, Antihypertensive Drugs and Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women: A Literature Review

Sexual dysfunction pertains to any issue that hinders an individual from attaining sexual contentment. This health issue can have a significant impact on the quality of life and psychological health of affected individuals. Sexual dysfunction can generate stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, which can lead to a reduction in overall life satisfaction and the quality of interpersonal relationships. Sexual dysfunction can manifest as erectile dysfunction in men or lack of sexual desire in women. Although both sexes can experience sexual problems, there are some significant differences in the manifestation of sexual dysfunction between men and women. In men, sexual dysfunction is usually physical and associated with problems such as erectile dysfunction, while in women, sexual dysfunction is usually related to psychological factors. Additionally, there was an association between hypertension and sexual dysfunction in both the sexes. In men, hypertension can cause erection problems, whereas in women, it can cause vaginal dryness and a decrease in sexual desire. Furthermore, antihypertensive drugs can negatively impact sexual function, which can decrease adherence to drug treatment. However, nebivolol, an antihypertensive drug, has beneficial effects on erectile dysfunction in men. This is believed to be because nebivolol improves blood flow to the penis by producing nitric oxide, which can help improve erections.

Genetically predicted cardiovascular diseases could increase the risk of erectile dysfunction: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization

PURPOSE

Erectile dysfunction (ED) often appears concomitantly with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, the causal relationship between ED and CVDs is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the causal effects between CVDs and ED using bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR).

METHODS

ED data (6175 cases and 217,630 controls) were obtained from the IEU OpenGWAS project. Seven types of CVDs were acquired in our study, including stroke (Sample size = 440,328), myocardial infection (Sample size = 184,305), coronary heart disease (Sample size = 86,995), hypertension (Sample size = 36,683), heart failure (Sample size = 208,178), atrial fibrillation (Sample size = 1,030,836), and coronary artery disease (Sample size = 141,217). Inverse variance weighted (IVW) was selected as the primary method for MR analysis.

RESULTS

IVW results indicated that stroke (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.02-1.29, P = 0.025), coronary artery disease (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.02-1.16, P = 0.013), coronary heart disease (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.01-1.13, P = 0.017), myocardial infection (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.02-1.17, P = 0.011), and atrial fibrillation (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.00-1.12, P = 0.04) were causally associated with ED. The reverse MR analysis suggested that ED did not influence the prevalence of CVDs.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlighted CVDs as causal risk factors for ED, but ED did not directly result in the development of CVDs. Regular monitoring of the erectile function of individuals with CVDs, along with implementing appropriate preventive measures, might help reduce the incidence of ED and enhance the sexual well-being of patients with CVDs.

Metabolic syndrome and erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis study

PURPOSE

The clinical significance of metabolic syndrome (MetS) versus its single components in erectile dysfunction (ED) is conflicting. Thus, the purpose is to analyze the available evidence on the relationship between MetS-along with its components-and ED.

METHODS

All prospective and retrospective observational studies reporting information on ED and MetS were included. In addition, we here reanalyzed preclinical and clinical data obtained from a previously published animal model of MetS and from a consecutive series of more than 2697 men (mean age: 52.7 ± 12), respectively.

RESULTS

Data derived from this meta-analysis showed that MetS was associated with an up to fourfold increased risk of ED when either unadjusted or adjusted data were considered. Meta-regression analysis, performed using unadjusted statistics, showed that the MetS-related risk of ED was closely associated with all the MetS components. These associations were confirmed when unadjusted analyses from clinical models were considered. However, fully adjusted data showed that MetS-associated ED was more often due to morbidities included (or not) in the algorithm than to the MetS diagnostic category itself. MetS is also associated with low testosterone, but its contribution to MetS-associated ED-as derived from preclinical and clinical models-although independent, is marginal.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our analysis suggest that MetS is a useless diagnostic category for studying ED. However, treating the individual MetS components is important, because they play a pivotal role in determining ED.

The Activities of the Slovenian Strategic Council for Nutrition 2023/24 to Improve the Health of the Slovenian Population and the Sustainability of Food: A Narrative Review

The health status of individuals in Slovenia across age groups is a matter of concern, as current unsustainable lifestyle choices are already leading to various chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Outdated national dietary guidelines, their inconsistent implementation, and a lack of structural changes represent obstacles to promoting healthy and sustainable nutrition. Limited access to and rising prices of healthy, sustainable foods, in addition to the high availability of low-priced, highly processed foods, increase the risk of NCDs. The lack of systematic health monitoring and early disease detection poses a challenge. Global and local environmental issues, resistance, and/or the inability to adopt healthier diets hinder individuals from changing their nutritional behaviours. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of the current situation in Slovenia as well as planned activities initiated by the Slovenian government and the Prime Minister's Strategic Council for Nutrition, aiming to make progress in supporting healthy and sustainable nutrition, limiting food waste, and increasing the availability of healthier foods for all. Improving the sustainability of the Slovenian food system can contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring Slovenia's commitment to internationally agreed-upon targets. This could lead Slovenia to take a role as a pilot country in testing and implementing the necessary systemic changes, which could be further applied in other countries.

The Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS), along with ten other Italian Scientific Societies, guidelines on the diagnosis and management of erectile dysfunction

PURPOSE

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most prevalent male sexual dysfunctions. ED has been in the past mistakenly considered a purely psycho-sexological symptom by patients and doctors. However, an ever-growing body of evidence supporting the role of several organic factors in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying ED has been recognized.

METHODS

The Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS) commissioned an expert task force involving several other National Societies to provide an updated guideline on the diagnosis and management of ED. Derived recommendations were based on the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system.

RESULTS

Several evidence-based statements were released providing the necessary up-to-date guidance in the context of ED with organic and psychosexual comorbidities. Many of them were related to incorrect lifestyle habits suggesting how to associate pharmacotherapies and counseling, in a couple-centered approach. Having the oral therapy with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors as the gold standard along with several other medical and surgical therapies, new therapeutic or controversial options were also discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

These are the first guidelines based on a multidisciplinary approach that involves the most important Societies related to the field of sexual medicine. This fruitful discussion allowed for a general agreement on several recommendations and suggestions to be reached, which can support all stakeholders in improving couple sexual satisfaction and overall general health.

Mechanisms Suggesting a Relationship between Vitamin D and Erectile Dysfunction: An Overview

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and erectile dysfunction (ED) heavily burden the male population. The higher prevalence of both conditions in the elderly suggests a possible relationship between the two conditions. In addition, in vitro, animal, and human studies have revealed several mechanisms that may relate VDD to ED. The main mechanism by which vitamin D might exert its action on sexual function appears to be through the regulation of endothelial function. Indeed, VDD correlates with several markers of endothelial function. The action of vitamin D on the endothelium would be exercised both indirectly through its intervention in inflammatory processes and through the production of oxygen free radicals, and directly through the regulation of vascular stiffness, the production of nitric oxide, and the regulation of vessel permeability. Furthermore, the ubiquitous distribution of the vitamin D receptor in the human body means that this hormone can also exert a beneficial effect on erectile function by interfering with those comorbidities significantly associated with ED, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, chronic kidney disease, and hypogonadism. In this review, we thoroughly and carefully presented the evidence and mechanisms that would appear to relate vitamin D levels to erectile function. Furthermore, we have summarized the meta-analytic evidence for and against this association to provide a true representation of this topic. Data published to date suggest that low levels of vitamin D could contribute to worsening erectile function through several mechanisms. Therefore, vitamin D levels should be measured in patients with ED and maintained at adequate levels by specific supplementation in case of deficiency. However, the low quality and heterogeneity of clinical trials evaluating the effects of vitamin D administration on erectile function and ED-associated comorbidities do not allow for a univocal conclusion, and indicate the need for further studies to analyze these aspects.

Psychosocial risk factors of erectile dysfunction among heterosexual men living with HIV

ABSTRACTThe risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) is significantly higher in men living with HIV (MLWH). Despite the adverse effects of ED on quality of life for MLWH, there is a lack of research on the psychosocial factors that may influence ED, especially among heterosexual MLWH. According to a recent systematic review, findings on the psychosocial risk factors of ED in past studies have been largely conflicting or inconclusive. To bridge this gap, we analyzed psychosocial and other correlates of ED among a sample of 317 primarily Black and Latino heterosexual adult MLWH in New York City. Data collection involved quantitative surveys administered using a combination of computer-assisted personal interview and audio computer-assisted self-interview techniques. After adjusting for age and general health, the relative risk of ED among heterosexual men living with HIV was associated with higher HIV-related stigma, anxiety, depression, and negative HIV-coping; greater social support was associated with a lower risk of ED. In addition, the data were consistent with the potential effects of childhood emotional, physical, and sexual abuse and structural discrimination on the risk of ED. Overall, our research findings help provide a better understanding of the psychosocial factors associated with ED among heterosexual MLWH.

Causal effects of hypertension on risk of erectile dysfunction: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Background

Erection dysfunction has been associated with hypertension in several epidemiological and observational studies. But the causal association between hypertension and erectile dysfunction requires further investigation.

Methods

A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was conducted to analyze the causal effect of hypertension on risk of erection dysfunction. Large-scale publicly available genome-wide association study data were used to estimate the putative causality between hypertension and risk of erectile dysfunction. A total of 67 independent single nucleotide polymorphisms were selected as instrumental variables. Inverse-variant weighted, maximum likelihood, weighted median, penalized weighted median, and MR-PRESSO approaches were utilized in MR analyses. Heterogeneity test, horizontal pleiotropy test, and leave-one-out method were used to prove the stability of the results.

Results

In total, all P values were less than 0.05, demonstrating a positive causal link between hypertension and risk of erectile dysfunction in multiple MR methods, such as inverse-variant weighted (random and fixed effect) (OR 3.8315, 95% CI 2.3004-6.3817, P = 0.0085), maximum likelihood (OR 3.8877, 95% CI 2.3224-6.5081, P = 0.0085), weighted median (OR 4.9720, 95% CI 2.3645-10.4550, P = 0.0309), penalized weighted median (OR 4.9760, 95% CI 2.3201-10.6721, P = 0.0355), and MR-PRESSO (OR 3.6185, 95% CI 2.2387-5.8488, P = 0.0092). Sensitivity analysis detected no evidence of heterogeneity, pleiotropy, or outlier single nucleotide polymorphisms.

Conclusion

The study revealed a positive causal link between the presence of hypertension and the risk of erectile dysfunction. More attention should be paid during the management of hypertension with the purpose of preventing erectile dysfunction or improving erectile function.

Magnitude of impaired fasting glucose and undiagnosed diabetic mellitus and associated risk factors among adults living in Woreta town, northwest Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study, 2021

BACKGROUND

Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) is an early warning system that provides prior information to prevent the future development of DM and diabetes-related problems, but early detection of DM is not practically applicable in Ethiopia. This study was aimed to assess the magnitude of impaired fasting glucose and undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM) and associated factors.

METHODS

A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 30, 2021. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Anthropometric measurements were also recorded. A fasting blood sugar (FBS) test was assessed by samples taken early in the morning. Epi-Info 7.2.5.0 was used to enter data, which was then exported to SPSS 25 for analysis. To identify factors associated with IFG, logistics regression was used. The level of statistical significance was declared at p 0.05.

RESULT

Three hundred and twenty-four (324) participants with a mean age of 43.76 ± 17.29 years were enrolled. The overall magnitude of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM) were 43.2% and 10.0%, respectively. Waist circumference (AOR: 1.72, 95% CI 1.23-3.14), hypertension (AOR: 3.48, 95% CI 1.35-8.89), family history of Diabetic mellitus (AOR: 2.34, 95% CI 1.37-5.79) and hypertriglyceridemia (AOR: 2.35, 95% CI 1.41-5.43) were found to be independently associated with impaired fasting glucose.

CONCLUSION

Individuals who are overweight, hypertriglyceridemia, and are hypertensive should have regular checkups and community-based screening.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding erectile dysfunction disease and its medications among community pharmacy technicians in Mogadishu Somalia

Background

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the most common sexual dysfunction worldwide. This study is the first reported from Somalia to the best of our knowledge.

Objective

The current study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding erectile dysfunction disease and its medications among community pharmacy technicians in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Method

The current is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among pharmacy technicians in Mogadishu to assess their KAP regarding erectile dysfunction disease and its medications. A convenient sampling technique was used. A structured questionnaire contained 45 questions, including; demographic characteristics (4 items), the knowledge of erectile dysfunction disease and its medications (18 items), attitudes (5 items), and practice (15 items) were assessed among technicians. A total of 200 respondents participated in the study.

Results

Knowledge. 79 and 72.5% of technicians comprehended the condition of ED and whom it affects; however, about half did not know the underlying risk factors and complications associated with PDE5 inhibitors. Attitude: 77–85% of technicians believe medication requires prescriptions, medications may have complications, and quality medications are essential. Practice: 64% of technicians give ED medication with prescriptions, and 85% do not consult a physician. 64.5% of technicians always provide the same type of medication, and 63% do not give the same dose to each client. About half of the technicians also vend herbal medicines to clients, such as honey, fish, and sea urchins.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest pharmacy technicians have some knowledge, although not sufficient for understanding the risks and complications of medications. Technicians did not engage in good standard practices despite this knowledge and attitudes. These findings highlight the need for regulations to support good practice among pharmacy technicians and the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines in Mogadishu by establishing the National Medicine Regulatory Authority.

•

ED is the most common sexual dysfunction worldwide, approximately 150 million men are affected and impaired their quality of life including a negative psychosocial impact, feelings of shame, embarrassment, and depression.

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Community pharmacy technicians have often been regarded as an underused clinical care resource.

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There can be no one cure-all solution in encouraging men to present early with ED and accept complete lifestyle changes and treatment packages unless continuous medical education and capacity-building programs are promoted throughout primary care and at the national setting level.

Association between erectile dysfunction, cardiovascular risk factors, and coronary artery disease: Role of exercise stress testing and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire

Background

The exercise stress test (EST) is a non-invasive investigation to diagnose coronary artery disease. This research aimed to determine the relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED), cardiovascular risk factors, and coronary artery disease (CAD) in men referred for EST.

Methods

A prospective cohort study enrolling 303 patients from August 2020 through September 2021. All patients filled out the international Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. . They underwent an exercise stress test (EST). A two-tailed independent sample t-test, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.

Results

EST was positive in 110 (36.3%) patients, negative in 154 (50.8%), and inconclusive in 39 (12.8%) patients. ED was present in 225 (74.3%) patients and absent in 78 (25.8%) patients. 278 (91.7%) had one or more cardiovascular risk factors. This study reported a significant relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), and the results of EST and ED. Compared to patients without ED, patients with ED had a positive EST result. Definite CAD was diagnosed in 21% of patients with ED compared to 1.3% in patients without ED. For a one-unit increase in age, the odds of ED increased by about 5%. Similarly, a negative EST is compared to a positive EST. Negative EST reduced the likelihood of ED by 82%.

Conclusions

This research found a statistically significant connection between CAD, certain cardiovascular risk factors, and ED using the EST and IIEF-5 questionnaires. This research is significant because it may alter the way cardiovascular risk stratification is done.

A Natural History of Erectile Dysfunction in Elderly Men: A Population-Based, Twelve-Year Prospective Study

There is a wide variation in the development and course of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men, which confirms the need for prospective studies. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis among the general male population at the baseline (n = 359) and in a follow-up survey (n = 218) 12 years later. The prospective 12-year study included 189 men. ED was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire. The mean age of the participants was 62.0 years at the baseline, while at the 12-year follow-up it was 71.6 years. The crude prevalence of ED was 61.6% at the baseline and 78.9% at the follow-up, and the prevalence tended to increase with age. All of the men aged 75 years or more had at least mild ED. The incidence of ED in every thousand person years was 53.5. A total of 54.5% of the men experienced ED progression, while 39.2% reported no changes in erectile function, and 6.3% experienced ED regression during the 12-year study. The likelihood of ED progression was higher in the older compared with younger age group (odds ratio, OR 5.2 (95% CI: 1.1-26.2)), and the likelihood of ED regression was lower among men with increased depression symptoms (OR 0.3 (95% CI: 0.1-0.6)) and among men with a decreased interest in their sexual life (OR 0.1 (95% CI: 0.0-0.6)). Lifestyle factors such as the consumption of alcohol and smoking were not significantly associated with ED.

Contemporary cost-analysis comparison of direct-to-consumer vs. traditional prescriptions of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors

After a focused telehealth visit, patients can now access phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5 inhibitor) prescriptions through online direct-to-consumer (DTC) healthcare companies. This study seeks to quantify the cost of DTC PDE5 inhibitor treatment compared to a traditional physician visit and local pharmacy prescription. Two DTC companies, two compounding pharmacies with national reach, three online Canadian pharmacies, and sixteen American pharmacy chains were queried for prices of 90-day regimens of common PDE5 inhibitors. Prices for chains were determined using their publicly available price on GoodRx^® with coupon. Cost of physician visit was determined using 2020 Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services reimbursement for a level 3 new patient visit. For sildenafil 20 mg, a physician visit and local prescription cost a low of $125.45 compared to $144.35 for compounding, $169.34 for Canadian, and $195.00 for DTC. For sildenafil 100 mg, a physician visit and local prescription cost a low of $137.16 compared to $289.35 for compounding, $200.36 for Canadian, and $900.00 for DTC. For tadalafil 5 mg, a physician visit and local prescription cost a low of $125.80 compared to $169.35 for compounding, $195.34 for Canadian, and $720.00 for DTC. For tadalafil 20 mg, a physician visit and local prescription cost a low of $161.00 compared to $289.35 for compounding, $229.00 for Canadian, and $2880.00 for DTC. Thus, local pharmacies, in conjunction with online coupons, consistently provide a markedly less-expensive option for fulfillment of PDE5 inhibitor prescriptions than online DTC services.

Fig (Ficus exasperata and Ficus asperifolia)-Supplemented diet improves sexual function, endothelial nitric oxide synthase and suppresses tumour necrosis factor-alpha genes in hypertensive rats

We measured the effect of varieties of Fig leaves, Ficus exasperata Vahl. (FE) and Ficus asperifolia Miq (FA), commonly found in Sub-sahara Africa for managing hypertension on sexual performance in hypertensive rats, which is unknown. Hypertensive rats experienced erectogenic damage after exposure to 40 mg kg^-1  bw^-1 , N(G)-nitro-l-arginine-methyl-ester (L-NAME). Experimental rats were grouped into eight groups (n = 6) namely: control rats, hypertensive rats, hypertensive treatment groups with atenolol (10 mg kg^-1  day^-1 ) and sildenafil (5.0 mg/kg), rats treated with FE- and FA-formulated biscuits at proportions of 2.5 g and 5.0 g respectively. Furthermore, we measured the level of sexual performance (Intromission number, latency, Mounting number, and latency), hormonal levels, phosphodiesterase-5 enzyme (PDE-5) activity and genes expressed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in hypertensive rats. The result deduced revealed that treated hypertensive rats showed significantly reduced follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone levels, PDE-5 enzyme activity, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression while having a marked increase in testosterone level, sexual performance and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression. Therefore, this study revealed the comparative dietary enhancing effect of FE- and FA-formulated biscuit on sexual behaviour activity, hormonal levels and the level of eNOS and TNF-α genes expressed in hypertensive rats.

Hypertension and Erectile Dysfunction: Breaking Down the Challenges

A diagnostic of hypertension increases the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED); likewise, ED can be an early sign of hypertension. In both cases, there is evidence that endothelial dysfunction is a common link between the 2 conditions. During hypertension, the sustained and widespread release of procontractile factors (e.g., angiotensin II, endothelin 1, and aldosterone) impairs the balance between vasoconstrictors and vasodilators and, in turn, detrimentally impacts vascular and erectile structures. This prohypertensive state associates with an enhancement in the generation of reactive oxygen species, which is not compensated by internal antioxidant mechanisms. Recently, the innate immune system, mainly via Toll-like receptor 4, has also been shown to actively contribute to the pathophysiology of hypertension and ED not only by inducing oxidative stress but also by sustaining a low-grade inflammatory state. Furthermore, some drugs used to treat hypertension can cause ED and, consequently, reduce compliance with the prescribed pharmacotherapy. To break down these challenges, in this review, we focus on discussing the well-established as well as the emerging mechanisms linking hypertension and ED with an emphasis on the signaling network of the vasculature and corpora cavernosa, the vascular-like structure of the penis.

Alterations in the phosphodiesterase type 5 pathway and oxidative stress correlate with erectile function in spontaneously hypertensive rats

To explore how alterations in the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) signalling pathway and oxidative stress correlate with changes in the expression of relaxation and contraction molecules and erectile dysfunction (ED) in the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (CCSM) of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In this study, SHR and Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats were used. Erectile function was determined by apomorphine test and electrical stimulation (ES) of cavernous nerve. Masson's trichrome staining and confocal microscopy were performed. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS), PDE5, phosphorylated‐PDE5 and α1‐adrenergic receptor (α1AR) were determined by RT‐PCR and Western blotting while oxidative stress in CC was determined by colorimetric analysis. SHR exhibited obvious ED. CC of SHR showed less SM but more collagen fibres. The expression of NOS isoforms in SHR was significantly decreased while all α1AR isoforms were increased. In addition, PDE5 and phosphorylated‐PDE5 were down‐regulated and its activity attenuated in the hypertensive rats. Meanwhile, the SHR group suffered oxidative stress, which may be modulated by endoplasmic reticulum stress and NADPH oxidase up‐regulation. Dysregulation of NOS and α1AR, histological changes and oxidative stress in CC may be associated with the pathophysiology of hypertension‐induced ED. In addition, PDE5 down‐regulation may lead to the decreased efficacy of PDE5 inhibitors in some hypertensive ED patients and treatment of oxidative stress could be used as a new therapeutic target for this type of ED.

Developing a prediction model for the self-evaluation of erectile dysfunction in an adult male population

The purpose of this study was to develop an erectile dysfunction (ED) risk assessment tool suitable for the general population. Based on an ED network survey of the general adult male population in China from October to November 2019, a total of 612 cases with a mean age of 31 years (interquartile range: 28-37) with valid data were collected: 357 cases were assigned to the training set and 255 to the validation set. The ED risk prediction model was established by multifactor logistic regression analysis, and nomograms were constructed for visualisation. In the validation set, a receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curve analysis and decision curve analysis were used to evaluate the discrimination, calibration and clinical usefulness of the ED risk prediction model. Based on multivariate logistic regression, education, smoking, chronic diseases, feelings about one's spouse, frequency of sexual intercourse, masturbation and self-reported sexual satisfaction were selected as predictors to develop the ED prediction model. The model had good discrimination, calibration and clinical applicability. The ED risk prediction model developed in this study can effectively predict ED risk in the general population.

Evaluation of the Psychological Status, Infertility-Associated Factors, and Erectile Function in Patients with Timely Ovulatory Intercourse Failure in China: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study

Results

A total of 1128 patients were enrolled, and 264 of them (23.40%) suffered from TOIF. TOIF was positively associated with smoking, drinking, hypertension, diabetes, anxiety, unknown cause of infertility, lower semen concentration, lower frequency of intercourse, and decreased erectile function. The total IIEF-15 scores, erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction were significantly decreased in patients with TOIF.

Conclusion

TOIF is associated with lower semen concentration, anxiety, and other comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes. Clinicians are required to focus on these associated factors in addition to improve the erectile function.

Association between Frailty and Erectile Dysfunction among Chinese Elderly Men

Objective

This study is aimed at assessing association between frailty and erectile dysfunction among Chinese elderly men.

Methods

This community-based study was conducted with a sample of 341 Chinese elderly men (aged 60 to 83 years old) in Fuyang City (Anhui Province, China). Each of the participants completed a standard questionnaire, including demographics (age, height, weight, yearly income, educational status, comorbidity, lifestyle factors, etc.), medical and sexual history, and the Chinese version of Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) and International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) for assessing frailty and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Results

The prevalence of ED and frailty in Chinese elderly men was 77.13% and 68.04%, respectively. Compared with the non-ED group, the ED group had increased age, spouse's age, BMI, prevalence of diabetes, and scores of TFI and lower yearly income, educational levels, and ratio of irregular intercourse (less than once per week) (all P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that age (OR: 0.860, 95% CI: 0.763-0.969), diabetes (OR: 0.330, 95% CI: 0.165-0.661), irregular intercourse (OR: 3.416, 95% CI: 1.874-6.229), and scores of TFI (OR: 0.906, 95% CI: 0.846-0.970) were regarded as independent risk factors for ED (all P < 0.05). And after adjusting for age, the TFI score had a negative significant association with the IIEF score (r = −0.134, P = 0.013).

Conclusion

This study confirmed the strong associations between ED and frailty among elderly men. Sexual health care for elderly men with ED should be assessed and taken addressed on the multidimensional assessments of frailty.

Erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular risk: a review of current findings

Introduction: A large body of evidence has clearly documented that erectile dysfunction (ED) represents not only a complication of cardiovascular (CV) diseases (CVD) but often an early sign of forthcoming CVD.Areas covered: All the available data from meta-analyses evaluating the association between ED and CV risk were collected and discussed. Similarly, all available meta-analyses investigating the significance of ED as a possible early marker for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were analyzed. In addition, data originally obtained in a Florence cohort, dealing with a large series of patients seeking medical care for sexual dysfunction, will be also reported.Expert opinion: Available evidence indicates that ED represents a risk factor of CV mortality and morbidity. Not only conventional CV risk factors but also unconventional ones, derived from a perturbation of the relational and intrapsychic domains of ED, might play a possible role in CV risk stratification of ED subjects. Finally, penile doppler ultrasound can give important information on CV risk, especially in younger and low risk subjects. The presence of ED should become an opportunity - for the patient and for the physician - to screen for the presence of comorbidities improving not only sexual health but, more importantly, men's overall health.

Prevalence of Asymptomatic Coronary Artery Stenosis Based on Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography in Adults with Erectile Dysfunction: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prevalence of asymptomatic coronary artery stenosis (CAS) using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in Korean men with erectile dysfunction (ED).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 108 men who underwent CCTA at a health promotion center in Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital. Each subject who was evaluated for ED using the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF) questionnaire did not have a past history or symptoms of coronary artery disease (CAD). We assessed the association between ED and CCTA-based CAS.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of ED was 57.4%; furthermore, age (p = 0.001) and fasting blood glucose (p =0.035) were the metabolic risk factors that were most significantly associated with the presence of ED. The overall frequency of CAS was 31.5%, and ED (p = 0.022), age (p < 0.001), fasting blood glucose (p = 0.021), and total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.029) were significantly associated with the presence of CAS. The prevalence of CAS was 40.3 and 19.6% in the ED and non-ED groups, respectively. Men with ED were 2.778 times more likely to present with CAS than those without ED (OR 2.778, 95% CI 1.143-6.749, p = 0.024); however multivariate logistic regression analysis, while controlling for age, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose, suggested the absence of a significant association between ED and CCTA-based CAS.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that CCTA-based CAS is a common phenomenon in men who have ED. Furthermore, ED patients without cardiac symptoms need to be investigated for the possibility of hidden CAD.