The correlation between atherogenic indexes and erectile dysfunction

The role of lipidic balance on erectile dysfunction in prostate cancer patients undergoing robotic surgery

OBJECTIVE

New indices of dyslipidemia, such as the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) or Castelli Risk Index I and II (CR-I/II), have been tested to predict erectile dysfunction (ED). The aim of this study was to assess the role of these lipidic scores in predicting severe ED and erectile function (EF) worsening in patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

METHODS

Data from 1249 prostate cancer patients who underwent RARP at our single tertiary academic referral center from September 2021 to April 2023 were reviewed. RARP patients with a complete lipid panel were included in the final analysis. Two independent multivariable logistic regression models (LRMs) were fitted to identify predictors of ED severity and worsening in RARP patients.

RESULTS

Among the 357 RARP patients, the median age was 70 (interquartile range [IQR]: 65-74), and the median BMI was 28.4 (IQR: 26-30.4). According to the preoperative IIEF5, 115 (32.2%), 86 (24.5%), 26 (7.3%), and 40 (11.2%) were mild, mild-moderate, moderate, and severe ED patients, respectively. After multivariable LRMs predicting severe ED, only the nerve-sparing (NS) approach (odds ratio [OR]: 0.09) as well as the preoperative IIEF5 score (OR: 0.32) were independent predictors (p < 0.001). After LRMs predicting EF worsening, only preoperative IIEF5 was an independent predictor (OR: 1.42, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The power of novel lipidic scores in predicting severe ED and EF worsening in RARP patients was low, and they should not be routinely applied as a screening method in this patient subgroup. Only preoperative IIEF5 and nerve-sparing approaches are relevant in EF prediction after RARP.

Association of quality and quantity of macronutrients intake with obesity, new anthropometric indices, lipid accumulation, and blood lipid risk index in Tehranian women

Background

This study examines the association between micronutrient intake, anthropometric indices, lipid accumulation, and blood lipid risk index among Tehranian women.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 556 Tehranian women. Dietary intake was measured using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Biochemical assessment and anthropometric indices were measured, and demographic information and physical activity were collected.

Results

Participants with the highest intake of carbohydrates were more prone to obesity. Conversely, those in the top tertile for protein intake had a lower likelihood of obesity and higher levels of lipid accumulation product (LAP). The highest fat consumers had a 63% decreased chance of having a high Castelli's Risk Index 1 (CRI-1). A higher glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) were linked to an increased probability of a high atherogenic coefficient (AC). Women in the top tertile of GL were significantly more likely to be obese and had lower odds for high LAP. Participants in the top tertile of aromatic amino acids/branched chain amino acids (AAA/BCAA) had significantly lower chances of high CRI-1 and a high atherogenic index of plasma (AIP). Those in the highest tertile of monounsaturated fatty acids/polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFA/PUFA) had lower odds of obesity and high AIP.

Conclusions

The amount of carbohydrate (g) and protein intake (%), dietary GL, and the ratio of MUFA to PUFA were associated with obesity. The amount of fat intake (g) and AAA/BCAA indices were associated with CRI-1. LAP decreased with an increase in GL. AC increased with an increase in GI and GL. AAA/BCAA and MUFA/PUFA were associated with AIP.

Association between atherogenic indexes and erectile dysfunction: a cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2004

PURPOSE

Elevated blood lipids are considered a risk factor for atherosclerosis, which can lead to erectile dysfunction. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), atherogenic coefficient (AC), Castelli's risk index-I (CRI-I), Castelli's risk index-II (CRI-II), and erectile dysfunction.

METHODS

Based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2001-2004, multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between AIP, AC, CRI-I, and CRI-II with ED. Smooth curve fitting was employed to assess the linear association.

RESULTS

A total of 1806 male participants with complete data were enrolled in the study. In Model 1, those in the highest tertile of AIP had a 49% increased risk of ED compared to the lowest tertile (OR 1.49; 95% CI 1.15-1.91 p = 0.0021). After adjusting for the variables of age, race, education, body mass index, and poverty income ratio (PIR), significant positive correlations were found between ED and AIP, with each 1-unit increase in AIP associated with a 65% increase in the risk of developing ED (OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.03-2.64 p = 0.0361).

CONCLUSIONS

AIP is positively associated with the development of ED in US adults. More prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm the link between AIP and ED.

Galectin-3 is involved in inflammation and fibrosis in arteriogenic erectile dysfunction via the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a multifunctional protein that has been linked to fibrosis and inflammation in the cardiovascular system. In this study, we examined the impact of Gal-3 on inflammation and fibrosis in patients with arteriogenic erectile dysfunction (A-ED) and the underlying mechanisms involved. To induce arterial injury, we utilized cuffs on the periaqueductal common iliac arteries of Sprague‒Dawley (SD) rats and administered a high-fat diet to co-induce local atherosclerosis. Our results showed that we successfully developed a novel A-ED model that was validated based on histological evidence. In vivo, the vascular lumen of rats subjected to a high-fat diet and cuff placement exhibited significant narrowing, accompanied by the upregulation of Gal-3, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88) expression in the penile cavernosa. This led to the activation of nuclear factor kappa B 65 (NF-κB-p65), resulting in reduced intracavernosal pressure, endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression, and smooth muscle content, promoting inflammation and fibrosis. However, treatment with Gal-3 inhibitor-modified citrus pectin (MCP) significantly normalized those effects. In vitro, knocking down Gal-3 led to a significant reduction in TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB-p65 expression in corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs), decreasing inflammation levels. In conclusion, inhibiting Gal-3 may improve A-ED by reducing inflammation, endothelial injury, and fibrosis in the penile corpus cavernosum through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. These findings highlight the potential therapeutic target of Gal-3 in A-ED.

Can atherogenic indices and the triglyceride-glucose index be used to predict erectile dysfunction?

Background

Atherosclerosis and insulin resistance play an important role in the development of erectile dysfunction (ED), and few studies have comprehensively evaluated more specific indicators like atherogenic indices and the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index in the assessment of ED.

Aim

This study aimed to reveal the role of atherogenic indices (atherogenic index of plasma [AIP], Castelli risk index-1/2 [CRI-1/2], and atherogenic coefficient [AC]) based on plasma lipid ratios, which have been used as more sensitive indicators of atherosclerosis in recent years, and the TyG index, a practical indicator of insulin resistance, in predicting vasculogenic ED.

Methods

The study included a total of 199 patients who met the inclusion criteria and a total of 51 control subjects without ED complaints according to the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) scores (>21) between May 2021 and October 2022. For all participants, the demographic and biochemical parameters were evaluated, and atherogenic indices, namely CRI-1 (total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein [HDL]), CRI-2 (LDL/HDL) AIP [log10(triglycerides/HDL)], and AC (non-HDL/HDL), as well as the TyG index [Ln {fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2}] were calculated.

Outcomes

The TyG index, which is an indicator of insulin resistance, and atherogenic indices such as CRI-1, AIP, and AC were significantly associated with ED, and especially AIP and the TyG index seem to be more important in the evaluation of ED.

Results

According to the univariate analysis, the patient group had significantly higher CRI-1 (5.3 ± 1.4 vs 4.7 ± 1.3; P = .005), AIP (0.31 ± 0.26 vs 0.13 ± 0.2; P < .001), AC (4.1 ± 1.4 vs 3.70 ± 1.2; P = .026), and TyG (9.16 ± 0.71 vs 8.77 ± 0.52; P < .001) values compared with the control group. In the correlation analysis, a significant negative correlation was found between the AIP and TyG index and the IIEF-5 scores (r2 = 0.120, P < .001 between AIP and IIEF-5; r2 = 0.091, P < .001 between TyG index and IIEF-5). The multivariate analysis revealed AIP and the TyG index as independent predictive factors for ED.

Clinical Implications

The use of atherogenic indices and TyG index in daily urology practice can help physicians in the diagnosis and follow-up of ED.

Strengths and Limitations

The lack of sex hormone-binding globulin and free testosterone levels represents a limitation of our study. Another limitation is that the severity of ED was determined using the IIEF-5 scores, rather than a more objective method, such as penile artery ultrasound.

Conclusion

Atherogenic indices and the TyG index can be used as inexpensive and practical markers to predict the severity of arteriogenic ED.

Pathological Significance of Macrophages in Erectile Dysfunction Including Peyronie's Disease

Erectile function is regulated by complex mechanisms centered on vascular- and nerve-related systems. Hence, dysregulation of these systems leads to erectile dysfunction (ED), which causes mental distress and decreases the quality of life of patients and their partners. At the molecular level, many factors, such as fibrosis, lipid metabolism abnormalities, the immune system, and stem cells, play crucial roles in the etiology and development of ED. Although phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are currently the standard treatment agents for patients with ED, they are effective only in a subgroup of patients. Therefore, further insight into the pathological mechanism underlying ED is needed to discuss ED treatment strategies. In this review, we focused on the biological and pathological significance of macrophages in ED because the interaction of macrophages with ED-related mechanisms have not been well explored, despite their important roles in vasculogenic and neurogenic diseases. Furthermore, we examined the pathological significance of macrophages in Peyronie’s disease (PD), a cause of ED characterized by penile deformation (visible curvature) during erection and pain. Although microinjury and the subsequent abnormal healing process of the tunica albuginea are known to be important processes in this disease, the detailed etiology and pathophysiology of PD are not fully understood. This is the first review on the pathological role of macrophages in PD.

Atherogenic indices in clinical practice and biomedical research: A short review

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. To date, many physicians still requesting traditional lipid profile tests (TG, TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C) to confirm the clinical diagnosis related to CVD. However, using these tests may be inadequate for the prediction of CVD risk, especially in intermediate risk. For better clinical practice, laboratory diagnostic alternatives should constantly be evaluated and developed by physicians and laboratory scientists. In this review, we sought to focus on the benefits of lipid ratios (CRI-, CRI-II, AIP, AC, and CHOLindex) in supporting clinical diagnosis and how they can be calculated. To attain this aim, a literature search in reputed databases (PubMed and Scopus) was performed and peer-reviewed research articles were included to conduct this review. Short theoretical and practical notes about each index were accordingly included along with calculation formulas. Thus, the current article can assist new researchers and young physicians to review what supports their knowledge in managing early CVDs.    

Heart aging when near vision difficulty begins

OBJECTIVES

Heart, lens, and neuronal cells change significantly with age, and they are older than cells from renewable tissues. Near vision deterioration during aging results from a decrease in accommodation amplitude (AA). Cardiac aging is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We investigated the association between cardiac aging and AA.

METHODS

The subjects (500 mean 50-year-old subjects, with equal males and females) were divided into two groups according to AA measured with a Raf ruler. Biomicroscopy was used to capture images of the lens nucleus in the unaccommodated and accommodated state. The nucleus diameter change at 1 D accommodation was measured using ImageJ. Cardiac conduction system differences were evaluated using electrocardiography, and cardiac autonomic aging was assessed based on heart rate variability. Myocardial aging was assessed based on diastolic dysfunction.

RESULTS

For near distance vision, compared to subjects who could see clearly from 24 to 28 cm, subjects who could see clearly from 29 to 33 cm had a 2.104-fold higher risk of a lateral e' velocity <10 cm/s [95%CI: 1.312-3.374], 2.603-fold higher risk of diastolic dysfunction [95%CI: 1.453-4.662], 1.54-fold higher risk of a low/high frequency ratio >3.1 [95%CI: 1.085-2.197].

CONCLUSIONS

As a simple screening test, subjective AA measurement can predict important heart aging parameters, including diastolic dysfunction.

CLINICALTRIALS.GOV REGISTRY NO

NCT04362215.

Can myocardial performance index predict early cardiac risks in erectile dysfunction?

Myocardial performance index (MPI) is an easy-to-apply and non-invasive method that shows both systolic and diastolic functions of the heart. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED) and MPI. Methods: The study included 45 male patients admitted to the urology outpatient clinic for ED and 48 healthy male volunteers. Echocardiographic evaluation of all participants was performed. Isovolumetric contraction time (IVCT), isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) and ejection time (ET) were measured. MPI was calculated using the IVCT + IVRT/ET formula. Results: The average age of the study population was 50 ± 5.3. Early diastolic mitral inflow (E)/late diastolic mitral inflow (A) ratio was significantly lower in the ED group (p ≤ 0.05). In the TDI evaluation between the groups, while early diastolic mitral annular velocity (Em) was significantly higher in the ED group, there was no significant difference in late diastolic mitral annular velocity (Am) and systolic peak velocities (Sm) (p < 0.01 and p = 0.417 and p = 0.092, respectively). While IVRT was significantly lower in the ED group (p < 0.05), there was no significant difference in IVCT and ET (p = 311 and p = 0.261, respectively). MPI was statistically significantly higher in the ED group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: ED has been found to affect MPI. This parameter, which is easily and non-invasively measured, can be used to predict the risk of CVDs in ED.

Factors that influence marital satisfaction in men with a heart rhythm disorders

BACKGROUND

A diagnosis of a cardiac arrhythmia can affect marital relations and diminish libido and satisfaction with a patient's sex life. The aim of the study was to assess the factors that affect marital satisfaction in men with an arrhythmias who had qualified for cardiac pacemaker implantation.

METHODS

The study included 103 men (aged 58.28 ± 8.72) with recognized heart rhythm disorders who were hospitalized in Department of Electrocardiology. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the International Erectile Function Index (IIEF) and the Index of Marital Satisfaction (IMS) were used in this research.

RESULTS

The greater the severity of the anxiety (r = 0.2492, p = 0.011) and depression symptoms (r = 0.3735, p = 0.000), the less satisfied a patient was with the relationship. An analysis showed that depression (p = 0.000), sexual desire (p = 0.001), overall satisfaction (p = 0.009), erectile function (p = 0.0162) and intercourse satisfaction (p = 0.026) are important predictors of marital satisfaction. Only sexual desire was an important predictor of marital satisfaction in patients with sinus node dysfunction, while the depression, sexual desire and overall satisfaction results were predictors in patients with atrioventricular blocks.

CONCLUSION

Anxiety and depression symptoms affect the assessment of marital satisfaction in men with a heart rhythm disorder. Different factors influence marital satisfaction for different heart rhythm disorders.