The effect of using tadalafil 5 mg/day on neutrophil–lymphocyte and platelet–lymphocyte ratios in mild‐medium and severe erectile dysfunction patients; and comparison of clinical response

Evaluation of tadalafil supplementation on the neutrophil/lymphocyte and the platelet/lymphocyte ratios in patients with erectile dysfunction: A prospective study

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the effect of daily 5 mg tadalafil on the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

30 subjects with ED were given tadalafil as well as 30 subjects with ED who were not receiving tadalafil were recruited. 30 healthy individuals served as controls.

RESULTS

Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) showed that the best cut off point of pre-treatment and post treatment NLR in the ED treatment group was found <1.51, <1.51, sensitivity of 68.3%, 58.3%, specificity of 53.3%, 53.3%, lower bound of 0.558, 0.517, upper bound of 0.789, 0.757, total accuracy of 67.4%, 63.7% and p 0.003, 0.0025, respectively. Additionally, the best cut off point of pre-treatment and post treatment PLR in the ED treatment group was found <5.89, <5.99, sensitivity of 65%, 63.3%, specificity of 63.3%, 53.3%, lower bound of 0.515, 0.435, upper bound of 0.755, 0.687, total accuracy of 63.5%, 56.1% and p 0.027, 0.341, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Daily 5 mg Tadalafil supplementation significantly improves erectile function through decreasing these markers as well as depression and anxiety.

Association between inflammatory indexes and erectile dysfunction in U.S. adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2004

Background

The association of inflammatory biomarkers with erectile dysfunction (ED) is still largely unknown.

Aim

The study sought to explore the association of inflammatory biomarkers with ED in U.S. adults.

Methods

Participant data for this study were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and individuals that lacked information on clinical variables were excluded. Dose-response curve analysis was applied to explore the association of inflammatory biomarkers with ED prevalence. The confounders were adjusted for with weighted logistic regression analysis. We employed 1:1 propensity score matching to eliminate the effects of clinical variables to confirm the reliability of the results.

Outcomes

ED prevalence was investigated with potential risk factors.

Results

A total of 2331 men ≥20 years of age who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2004 were included in this study. Compared with individuals without ED, ED cohort displayed higher levels of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, systemic immune-inflammatory index, and systemic inflammation response index. Dose-response curve analysis indicated ED prevalence increased with the increase of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, systemic immune-inflammatory index, and systemic inflammation response index. Weighed logistic regression analysis revealed neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was positively associated with ED. The reliability of the results was confirmed by 1:1 propensity score matching reanalysis.

Clinical Implications

Individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions should be alert for the development of ED.

Strengths and Limitations

It is a large controlled study to investigate the relationship between inflammatory indexes and ED. However, it is a cross-sectional study and it lacks an accurate assessment of the degree of ED.

Conclusion

Inflammatory biomarkers were associated with ED prevalence.

The interplay between neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, erectile dysfunction, and Peyronie's disease: A meta-analysis of observational studies

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to investigate the relationship between Neutrophil- Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) with Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Peyronie's disease (PD).

METHODS

We conducted a meta-analysis of the observational study by searching for the appropriate keywords in eight databases. The risk of publication bias of the included studies was assessed by Egger's test and Kendall's t. The data extraction was carried out for each study and analysed using Revman 5.0.

RESULTS

There were eleven eligible studies out of the 411 studies retrieved. Eight studies were conducted on cases of erectile dysfunction, and three studies on Peyronie's disease. There was a significant relationship between NLR, PLR and ED (SMD: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.33-0.85 and SMD: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.13-1.16, respectively). The same was also found for PD. The active phase of PD tended to have higher NLR (SMD: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.43-0.92) and PLR (SMD: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.06-0.49) compared to the chronic phase. No publication bias was found in both ED and PD studies.

CONCLUSIONS

NLR and PLR indicate an ongoing inflammatory process in both ED and PD. These findings can be used as markers of treatment and prognosis of both diseases in sexual health care.

Conservative Non-surgical Options for Erectile Dysfunction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This study aimed to review recent evidence on conservative non-surgical options for erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. A narrative review of the literature was performed. A comprehensive search in the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases was done. Papers in English language, published from May 2017 until May 2022, were included. Papers reporting basic research or animal research were excluded, as long as reviews or meta-analyses. Congress reports, clinical cases, or clinical trials protocols with no results were also excluded.

RECENT FINDINGS

We found a multitude of different treatment modalities for ED. We must take into account the type of patient, their comorbidities, the origin of their ED, and its severity in order to reproduce effective results using these therapies. Some of the treatments show good results with a good level of evidence (new IPDE5 formulations, intracavernous injections, shock wave therapy, hormonal theraphy, psycho-sexual theraphy). However, others (some new molecules, stem cell theraphy, platelet-rich plasma injections, oxygenation-based therapy, nutraceuticals), although some of them present promising results, require randomized studies with a larger number of patients and a longer follow-up time to be able to establish firm recommendations. Regarding the conservative treatment of erectile dysfunction, in recent years, some therapies have been consolidated as effective and safe for certain types of patients. On the other hand, other treatment modalities, although promising, still lack the evidence and the necessary follow-up to be recommended in daily practice.

Subclinical inflammation as a predictor for erectile dysfunction after brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer

PURPOSE

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a marker for subclinical inflammation, has been previously shown to be associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). We studied the potential predictive value of the NLR on ED after prostate brachytherapy (PB) for PCa.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between July 2005 and January 2021, 842 patients were included in this retrospective study of a prospectively maintained database. ED was assessed using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) physician-reported scale. ED was defined as a Grade 2 or 3 function. NLR count was determined 1-2 months before PB and separated into values PB <2 and ≥2. Patient characteristics and erectile function at last follow-up were compared for patients with a Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the predictive value of baseline NLR ≥2 on post-PB ED.

RESULTS

Baseline NLR ≥2 was found to be a statistically significant predictor of post-PB ED on both univariate (p = 0.002) and multivariate analyses (p = 0.008). Furthermore, the difference in ED prevalence between the NLR <2 and NLR ≥2 groups became more pronounced with longer follow-up after PB. The ED rate at 5 years post-PB was 43% for the NLR ≥2 groups, compared to 29% for the NLR <2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Subclinical systemic inflammation is a potentially important factor for predicting sexual toxicity after pelvic radiotherapy. NLR may be used as a proxy for predicting post-PB ED.

The NO/cGMP/PKG pathway in platelets: The therapeutic potential of PDE5 inhibitors in platelet disorders

Platelets are the "guardians" of the blood circulatory system. At sites of vessel injury, they ensure hemostasis and promote immunity and vessel repair. However, their uncontrolled activation is one of the main drivers of thrombosis. To keep circulating platelets in a quiescent state, the endothelium releases platelet antagonists including nitric oxide (NO) that acts by stimulating the intracellular receptor guanylyl cyclase (GC). The latter produces the second messenger cyclic guanosine-3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) that inhibits platelet activation by stimulating protein kinase G, which phosphorylates hundreds of intracellular targets. Intracellular cGMP pools are tightly regulated by a fine balance between GC and phosphodiesterases (PDEs) that are responsible for the hydrolysis of cyclic nucleotides. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) is a cGMP-specific PDE, broadly expressed in most tissues in humans and rodents. In clinical practice, PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5i) are used as first-line therapy for erectile dysfunction, pulmonary artery hypertension, and lower urinary tract symptoms. However, several studies have shown that PDE5i may ameliorate the outcome of various other conditions, like heart failure and stroke. Interestingly, NO donors and cGMP analogs increase the capacity of anti-platelet drugs targeting the purinergic receptor type Y, subtype 12 (P2Y12) receptor to block platelet aggregation, and preclinical studies have shown that PDE5i inhibits platelet functions. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of PDE5i on platelet activation and aggregation focusing on the therapeutic potential of PDE5i in platelet disorders, and the outcomes of a combined therapy with PDE5i and NO donors to inhibit platelet activation.

High Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Facilitates Cancer Growth-Currently Marketed Drugs Tadalafil, Isotretinoin, Colchicine, and Omega-3 to Reduce It: The TICO Regimen

Simple Summary

Several elements that are composed of, or related to, neutrophils, have been shown to inhibit strong immune responses to cancer and promote cancers’ growth. This paper presents the collected data showing these elements and how their coordinated actions as an ensemble facilitate growth in the common cancers. The paper goes on to present a drug regimen, TICO, designed to reduce the cancer growth enhancing effects of the neutrophil related elements. TICO uses four already marketed, readily available generic drugs, repurposed to inhibit neutrophil centered growth facilitation of cancer.

Abstract

This paper presents remarkably uniform data showing that higher NLR is a robust prognostic indicator of shorter overall survival across the common metastatic cancers. Myeloid derived suppressor cells, the NLRP3 inflammasome, neutrophil extracellular traps, and absolute neutrophil count tend to all be directly related to the NLR. They, individually and as an ensemble, contribute to cancer growth and metastasis. The multidrug regimen presented in this paper, TICO, was designed to decrease the NLR with potential to also reduce the other neutrophil related elements favoring malignant growth. TICO is comprised of already marketed generic drugs: the phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor tadalafil, used to treat inadequate erections; isotretinoin, the retinoid used for acne treatment; colchicine, a standard gout (podagra) treatment; and the common fish oil supplement omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. These individually impose low side effect burdens. The drugs of TICO are old, cheap, well known, and available worldwide. They all have evidence of lowering the NLR or the growth contributing elements related to the NLR when clinically used in general medicine as reviewed in this paper.

Is there a relationship between mean platelet volume and response to treatment with daily tadalafil in patients with erectile dysfunction?

Mean platelet volume (MPV) has been related to erectile dysfunction (ED). However, its value in predicting therapeutic response to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors is not evaluated. This study aimed to investigate the value of MPV as a marker for the prediction of the response of the tadalafil treatment of ED. A retrospective analysis of patients who were admitted to the andrology outpatient clinic between 2020-2022 were performed. The inclusion criteria were, ≥40 years old male, International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function domain score < 26, not received any ED treatment before, have a stable heterosexual relationship, and prescribed 5 mg daily tadalafil for primary treatment of ED. A total of 116 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 53.7 ± 8.7 years. The response rate to 5 mg tadalafil treatment was 52.6% (Group-1; N = 61). An MPV value ³ 10.05 fL was associated with 66% sensitivity and 75,4% specificity for no response to 5 mg daily tadalafil treatment (Area under curve = 76.9% [95% CI 68.2%-85.6%; p < 0.001]). Initial IIEF-EF score, fasting blood glucose, and MPV level was independently associated with the response to the tadalafil treatment. This is the only study to evaluate the value of MPV level on the therapeutic response of ED to tadalafil. Strict inclusion criteria were applied to the cohort. However, the diagnose of vascular ED has been made by clinical evaluation and retrospective design of the study were the limitations of the study. The results of our study suggest that MPV might be used to predict the result of 5 mg daily tadalafil treatment in selected ED patients as a fast and cost-effective test.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between erectile dysfunction and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios

Several studies were conducted to explore the association between haematological parameters and erectile dysfunction (ED), but the conclusions were contradictory with small sample size. The extensively search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of science from inception to August 2021. Studies comparing the haematological parameter (at least NLR, PLR) between ED patients and healthy controls were eligible for the present meta-analysis. The differences in NLR and PLR between ED patients and healthy controls were assessed by calculating the standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Eventually, 7 studies were remained for our meta-analysis, with a total of 929 ED patients and 737 healthy controls. For the methodological quality based on NOS, 5 studies were of high quality, scored 7, and 8. 2 studies were of moderate quality, scored 6. There were statistically significant differences in NLR values between ED patients and healthy controls, based on the pooled results (SMD: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.24-0.82). Pooled results from the 6 studies revealed that ED patients had higher PLR values than healthy controls (SMD: 0.70, 95%CI: 0.12-1.28). Our meta-analysis solidly confirmed the association between NLR, PLR and ED. Increased NLR and PLR should be independent risk factors for ED.

The interaction between inflammation, urinary symptoms and erectile dysfunction in early-stage prostate cancer treated with brachytherapy

Erectile function has been shown to decline as a function of increasing peripheral blood inflammatory markers, namely the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). We evaluated if the association between NLR and erectile dysfunction (ED) applies to patients with localised prostate cancer. We included 1,282 patients who underwent brachytherapy. ED was classified before treatment according to the Terminology Criteria for Adverse Event Scale version 3.0. ED was defined as the need for the use of oral pharmacologic or mechanical assistance to have satisfactory sexual function. We found that patients with ED were older (p < .001), more likely to have hypertension (p = .002), statin use (p = .002), diabetes (p < .001) or an IPSS ≥ 8 (p < .001). On univariable logistic regression analysis, an NLR of ≥3 was statistically significantly associated with ED (OR 1.32, p = .029). But on multivariable analysis, the association between elevated NLR and ED was not statistically significant (p = .17). Significant were age (OR 1.12, p < .001), IPSS ≥ 8 (OR 1.50, p = .008), the presence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes (OR 2.27, p < .001), and prostate volume (OR 0.99, p = .041). The NLR does appear to be a surrogate marker of chronic inflammation that causes baseline ED in patients with localised prostate cancer.

The effect of cardiovascular morbidity on clinical response provided by tadalafil in patients with erectile dysfunction

We aimed to investigate the association between erectile dysfunction and severity of cardiovascular morbidity and to assess clinical responses to tadalafil of patients in different cardiovascular risk groups. Between November 2019 and August 2020, a total of 258 male patients aged 45-70 years with ED were included. They were divided into three groups according to the Framingham risk score: low-risk (n: 86, 33.3%), intermediate-risk (n: 103, 39.9%) and high-risk (n: 69, 26.8%). At admission, all domains of the International Index of Erectile Function score were worse in high-risk group compared to other risk groups (p < .001). After a 12-week follow-up, a more significant improvement was observed in all domains of erectile function in all risk groups, but high-risk group had lower sexual scores (p < .001). The lowest rate for complete responsiveness to tadalafil was observed in the high-risk group (37.7%). The rate of failure in complete responsiveness was found to be 4.127 times greater with higher Framingham score and 3.102 times greater with higher erectile dysfunction severity at admission. Our preliminary findings show that more severe sexual disorders are observed in high-risk patients with cardiovascular morbidity. Individualised treatment may be important in high-risk group since they may benefit less from tadalafil, and failure in complete responsiveness can be more common in this group.

Comparison of hormone profile and systemic inflammation in patients presenting with sexual dysfunction: Which is important?

INTRODUCTION

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. Although the definition is well known, there are controversial issues about the effects of hormones and inflammation on ED.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to compare the clinical value of the hormonal and inflammation parameters in sexual dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 152 patients diagnosed with erectile dysfunction between September 2018 and March 2019 and 101 healthy males were included in this prospective study as case group and control group, respectively. The 152 patients were divided into three groups based on their total International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores: (I) severe ED, (II) mild-moderate ED and (III) mild ED. All groups were compared in terms of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and total testosterone (TT), estradiol, prolactin, testosterone-to-estradiol ratio and 25 (OH) vitamin D.

RESULTS

Patient and control groups differed significantly in term of NLR, PLR, prolactin and vitamin D (p<0.001, p=0.004, p=0.002, p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). NLR was more significant in determining the severity of ED (p<0.001). It was observed that libido score (the total score of IIEF items #11 and #12) was negatively associated with prolactin and NLR (p<0.001, p=0.023, respectively), was positively associated with vitamin D and TT (p<0.001, p=0.02, respectively), and was lower in severe ED patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Although more clinical studies are needed, we think that our findings may be useful on these controversial issues of ED.