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Corona DG, Vena W, Pizzocaro A, Rastrelli G, Sparano C, Sforza A, Vignozzi L, Maggi M. Metabolic syndrome and erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis study. J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:2195-2211. [PMID: 37515706 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02136-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- D G Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Azienda AUSL Bologna, Largo Nigrisoli 2, 40133, Bologna, Italy.
| | - W Vena
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Medical Andrology, IRCSS, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - A Pizzocaro
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Medical Andrology, IRCSS, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - C Sparano
- Endocrinology Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - A Sforza
- Endocrinology Unit, Azienda AUSL Bologna, Largo Nigrisoli 2, 40133, Bologna, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Interactions between erectile dysfunction, cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular drugs. Nat Rev Cardiol 2022; 19:59-74. [PMID: 34331033 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-021-00593-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Sexual health has a fundamental role in overall health and well-being, and a healthy and dynamic sex life can make an important contribution to a good quality of life. Sexual dysfunction, and especially erectile dysfunction (ED) in men, is highly prevalent in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD and ED have shared risk factors and pathophysiological links, such as endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and low plasma testosterone levels. ED has been shown to be an independent and early harbinger of future CVD events, providing an important window to initiate preventive measures. Therefore, screening and diagnosing ED is essential for the primary and secondary prevention of CVD because the assessment of ED offers an easy and low-cost prognostic tool that is an alternative to other investigational cardiovascular biomarkers. Moreover, ED is a major contributing factor to the discontinuation of, or poor adherence to, cardiovascular therapy. Cardiovascular drugs have divergent effects on erectile function, with diuretics and β-blockers having the worst profiles, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors and nebivolol having the best profiles. Pharmacological treatment of ED has an equivocal effect on the risk of CVD, suggesting a complex interaction between ED and drugs for CVD. In this Review, we discuss how sexual function could be incorporated into the patient history taken by physicians treating individuals with CVD, not merely as part of the diagnostic work-up but as a means to pursue tangible and essential benefits in quality of life and cardiovascular outcomes.
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Corona G, Rastrelli G, Isidori AM, Pivonello R, Bettocchi C, Reisman Y, Sforza A, Maggi M. Erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular risk: a review of current findings. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2020; 18:155-164. [PMID: 32192361 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2020.1745632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda-Usl Bologna, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Andrology, Female Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - A M Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - R Pivonello
- Division of Endocrinology, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - C Bettocchi
- Department of Urology, University of Bari, Bari, Apulia, Italy
| | - Y Reisman
- Department of Urology, Amstelland Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Sforza
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda-Usl Bologna, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Andrology, Female Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Arnold AP, Cassis LA, Eghbali M, Reue K, Sandberg K. Sex Hormones and Sex Chromosomes Cause Sex Differences in the Development of Cardiovascular Diseases. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2017; 37:746-756. [PMID: 28279969 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.116.307301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This review summarizes recent evidence concerning hormonal and sex chromosome effects in obesity, atherosclerosis, aneurysms, ischemia/reperfusion injury, and hypertension. Cardiovascular diseases occur and progress differently in the 2 sexes, because biological factors differing between the sexes have sex-specific protective and harmful effects. By comparing the 2 sexes directly, and breaking down sex into its component parts, one can discover sex-biasing protective mechanisms that might be targeted in the clinic. Gonadal hormones, especially estrogens and androgens, have long been found to account for some sex differences in cardiovascular diseases, and molecular mechanisms mediating these effects have recently been elucidated. More recently, the inherent sexual inequalities in effects of sex chromosome genes have also been implicated as contributors in animal models of cardiovascular diseases, especially a deleterious effect of the second X chromosome found in females but not in males. Hormonal and sex chromosome mechanisms interact in the sex-specific control of certain diseases, sometimes by opposing the action of the other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur P Arnold
- From the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles (A.P.A.); Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington (L.A.C.); Department of Anesthesiology (M.E.) and Department of Human Genetics (K.R.), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; and Department of Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC (K.S.).
| | - Lisa A Cassis
- From the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles (A.P.A.); Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington (L.A.C.); Department of Anesthesiology (M.E.) and Department of Human Genetics (K.R.), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; and Department of Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC (K.S.)
| | - Mansoureh Eghbali
- From the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles (A.P.A.); Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington (L.A.C.); Department of Anesthesiology (M.E.) and Department of Human Genetics (K.R.), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; and Department of Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC (K.S.)
| | - Karen Reue
- From the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles (A.P.A.); Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington (L.A.C.); Department of Anesthesiology (M.E.) and Department of Human Genetics (K.R.), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; and Department of Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC (K.S.)
| | - Kathryn Sandberg
- From the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles (A.P.A.); Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington (L.A.C.); Department of Anesthesiology (M.E.) and Department of Human Genetics (K.R.), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; and Department of Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC (K.S.)
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Azab S, Aoud H, Nabil N. The correlation between high sensitivity C-reactive protein and erectile dysfunction patients with hypertension treated with vardenafil. Int J Impot Res 2016; 29:82-85. [DOI: 10.1038/ijir.2016.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Vlachopoulos C, Ioakeimidis N, Stefanadis C. Biomarkers, erectile dysfunction, and cardiovascular risk prediction: the latest of an evolving concept. Asian J Androl 2016; 17:17-20. [PMID: 25412676 PMCID: PMC4291868 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.143250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of circulating and imaging biomarkers are robustly associated with cardiovascular (CV) risk. The overall expectation from a biomarker in the erectile dysfunction (ED) setting is to enhance the optimal management of a man with this disorder but no clinical atherosclerosis. Evidence demonstrating that these biomarkers enhance risk prediction for individuals with ED is at this stage still limited for most of them. A better identification of the subsets of the ED population that require further risk stratification, as well as the initiation of randomized trials that will formally test the ability of biomarkers to predict CV risk, could make biomarker-guided prevention an attainable goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalambos Vlachopoulos
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Diseases and Sexual Health Unit, Athens Medical School, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Corona G, Rastrelli G, Filippi S, Vignozzi L, Mannucci E, Maggi M. Erectile dysfunction and central obesity: an Italian perspective. Asian J Androl 2015; 16:581-91. [PMID: 24713832 PMCID: PMC4104087 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.126386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a frequent complication of obesity. The aim of this review is to critically analyze the framework of obesity and ED, dissecting the connections between the two pathological entities. Current clinical evidence shows that obesity, and in particular central obesity, is associated with both arteriogenic ED and reduced testosterone (T) levels. It is conceivable that obesity-associated hypogonadism and increased cardiovascular risk might partially justify the higher prevalence of ED in overweight and obese individuals. Conversely, the psychological disturbances related to obesity do not seem to play a major role in the pathogenesis of obesity-related ED. However, both clinical and preclinical data show that the association between ED and visceral fat accumulation is independent from known obesity-associated comorbidities. Therefore, how visceral fat could impair penile microcirculation still remains unknown. This point is particularly relevant since central obesity in ED subjects categorizes individuals at high cardiovascular risk, especially in the youngest ones. The presence of ED in obese subjects might help healthcare professionals in convincing them to initiate a virtuous cycle, where the correction of sexual dysfunction will be the reward for improved lifestyle behavior. Unsatisfying sexual activity represents a meaningful, straightforward motivation for consulting healthcare professionals, who, in turn, should take advantage of the opportunity to encourage obese patients to treat, besides ED, the underlying unfavorable conditions, thus not only restoring erectile function, but also overall health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Mario Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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8
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Vlachopoulos C, Ioakeimidis N, Stefanadis C. Determining the Prognostic Implications of Erectile Dysfunction for Future Cardiovascular Disease with Noninvasive Testing. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s11930-014-0020-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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9
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Martínez‐Jabaloyas JM. Testosterone Deficiency in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction: When Should a Higher Cardiovascular Risk Be Considered? J Sex Med 2014; 11:2083-91. [DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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10
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Isidori AM, Corona G, Aversa A, Gianfrilli D, Jannini EA, Foresta C, Maggi M, Lenzi A. The SIAMS-ED Trial: A National, Independent, Multicentre Study on Cardiometabolic and Hormonal Impairment of Men with Erectile Dysfunction Treated with Vardenafil. Int J Endocrinol 2014; 2014:858715. [PMID: 24976827 PMCID: PMC4052518 DOI: 10.1155/2014/858715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2013] [Revised: 12/08/2013] [Accepted: 12/28/2013] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased cardiovascular risk has been associated with reduced response to proerectile drugs. The Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS) promoted an independent, multicenter study performed in 604 men (55 ± 12 yrs) suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED) to assess multiple health outcomes and response to 6-month vardenafil challenge in a real-life setting. Overall, 30.8% men had metabolic syndrome. Cardiovascular risk stratification revealed a greater number of ED subjects with moderate risk of a major adverse cardiovascular event than the general population (P < 0.01). Age-adjusted pulse pressure was positively correlated with ED severity and negatively with androgens and waist circumference (P < 0.01). A decline in total testosterone was observed with increasing arterial pulse pressure (P < 0.05), which was not accompanied by compensatory LH rise. Follow-up on 185 men treated with vardenafil in an nonrandomized, open, single-arm trial documented a significant rise in IIEF-5 (delta = 6.1 ± 4.8) that was maintained in men with high cardiovascular risk. Mild adverse events occurred in <5%, with no differences between cardiovascular risk classes. In summary, ED is a frequent symptom in patients with an elevated, but often unknown, risk of future cardiovascular events. Androgens predict vascular resistance in ED patients. Vardenafil's response and safety profile were preserved in subjects with higher cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M. Isidori
- Department Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, 40133 Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonio Aversa
- Department Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Gianfrilli
- Department Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Foresta
- Centre Cryopreservation of Male Gamete, University of Padova, 35122 Padua, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Biomedicine, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Department Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
- *Andrea Lenzi:
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Corona G, Maggi M. Conventional and unconventional cardiovascular risk factors in men with erectile dysfunction. J Sex Med 2013; 10:305-8. [PMID: 23350612 DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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12
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Vlachopoulos CV, Terentes-Printzios DG, Ioakeimidis NK, Aznaouridis KA, Stefanadis CI. Prediction of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality with erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2013; 6:99-109. [PMID: 23300267 DOI: 10.1161/circoutcomes.112.966903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Erectile dysfunction (ED) carries an independent risk for cardiovascular (CV) events. We conducted a meta-analysis of all longitudinal studies for determining the ability of ED to predict risk of clinical events and to dissect factors influencing this ability. METHODS AND RESULTS We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases through July 2012. Longitudinal studies that reported relative risk (RR) estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were included. Of the 14 studies included (92 757 participants; mean follow-up, 6.1 years; 16 articles), 13 (14 articles) reported results on total CV events (91 831 individuals), 4 on CV mortality (34 761 individuals), 4 on myocardial infarction (35 523 individuals), 6 on cerebrovascular events (27 689 individuals), and 5 on all-cause mortality (17 869 individuals). The pooled RRs for the above-mentioned end points were 1.44 (95% CI, 1.27-1.63), 1.19 (95% CI, 0.97-1.46), 1.62 (95% CI, 1.34-1.96), 1.39 (95% CI, 1.23-1.57), and 1.25 (95% CI, 1.12-1.39), respectively, for men with versus without ED. The RR was higher in intermediate- compared with high- or low-CV-risk populations and with younger age. The RR for studies that diagnosed ED with the use of a questionnaire compared with a single question was higher (RR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.38-1.86 versus RR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.18-1.37, respectively; P=0.006). CONCLUSIONS ED is associated with increased risk of CV events and all-cause mortality. RR is higher at younger ages, in intermediate-risk groups, and when a questionnaire is used instead of a single question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalambos V Vlachopoulos
- Cardiovascular Diseases and Sexual Health Unit, First Department of Cardiology, Athens Medical School, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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Rastrelli G, Corona G, Fisher AD, Silverii A, Mannucci E, Maggi M. Two Unconventional Risk Factors for Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Subjects with Sexual Dysfunction: Low Education and Reported Partner's Hypoactive Sexual Desire in Comparison with Conventional Risk Factors. J Sex Med 2012; 9:3227-38. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.02947.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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14
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Fisher AD, Rastrelli G, Bandini E, Corona G, Balzi D, Melani C, Monami M, Matta V, Mannucci E, Maggi M. Metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes of fatherhood: results from a cohort of study in subjects with sexual dysfunction. J Sex Med 2012; 9:2785-94. [PMID: 22897516 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.02865.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous cross-sectional and longitudinal studies reported a negative correlation between fatherhood and testosterone (T) levels, likely due to a centrally mediated downregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Moreover, epidemiological data indicate that fatherhood might affect metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes, although different results have been reported. Up to now, no studies have evaluated these associations in a population of men seeking treatment for sexual dysfunction (SD). AIM To explore biological and clinical correlates of number of children (NoC) and its possible associations with forthcoming major cardiovascular events (MACE) in a sample of men with SD. METHODS A consecutive series of 4,045 subjects (mean age 52 ± 13.1 years old) attending the Outpatient Clinic for SD was retrospectively studied. A subset of the previous sample (N = 1,687) was enrolled in a longitudinal study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Information on MACE was obtained through the City of Florence Registry Office. RESULTS Among patients studied, 31.6% had no children, while 26.3% reported having one child, 33.4% two, and 8.8% three or more children. Although fatherhood was negatively related with follicle-stimulating hormone levels and positively with testis volume, we found a NoC-dependent, stepwise decrease in T plasma levels, not compensated by a concomitant increase in luteinizing hormone. NoC was associated with a worse metabolic and cardiovascular profile, as well as worse penile blood flows and a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). In the longitudinal study, after adjusting for confounders, NoC was independently associated with a higher incidence of MACE. However, when the presence of MetS was introduced as a further covariate, the association was no longer significant. CONCLUSIONS This study supports the hypothesis that bond maintenance contexts and fatherhood are associated with an adaptive downregulation of the gonadotropin-gonadal axis, even in a sample of men with SD. Moreover, our data suggest that NoC predicts MACE, most likely because of an unfavorable, lifestyle-dependent, parenthood-associated behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra D Fisher
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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15
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Salonia A, Castagna G, Saccà A, Ferrari M, Capitanio U, Castiglione F, Rocchini L, Briganti A, Rigatti P, Montorsi F. Is erectile dysfunction a reliable proxy of general male health status? The case for the International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function domain. J Sex Med 2012; 9:2708-15. [PMID: 22897643 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.02869.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Erectile dysfunction (ED) has emerged progressively as a sentinel marker of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The correlation between ED and the burden arising from multiple comorbid conditions has been incompletely analyzed. AIM Assess whether erectile function, defined with the International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) domain score, is associated with health-significant comorbidities scored with the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). METHODS Clinical and hemodynamic variables of the last 140 consecutive patients who underwent penile color Doppler ultrasonography for new-onset ED were considered. Patients were assessed with a thorough medical and sexual history. Health-significant comorbidities were scored with the CCI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Descriptive statistics and either linear or logistic regression models tested the association among IIEF-EF, hemodynamic parameters, and CCI, which was included in the model both as continuous and categorized variable (0 vs. ≥1). RESULTS Complete data were available for 138 patients (98.6%) (mean age 46.6 years [standard deviation 13.0]; range 21-75 years). CCI was 0, 1, and ≥2 in 94 (68.1%), 23 (16.7%), and 21 (15.25%) patients, respectively. Of all, 35 patients (79.5%) did not have a CVD comorbidity. Mean IIEF-EF was 13.7 (9.3). ED severity was no ED, mild, mild to moderate, moderate, and severe in 12 (9.1%), 28 (20.2%), 12 (9.1%), 23 (16.2%), and 63 (45.5%) patients, respectively. At multivariable linear regression analysis, CCI significantly worsened with increased age (β=0.33; P=0.001) and decreased IIEF-EF values (β=-0.25; P=0.01). At logistic regression analysis, age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.05; P=0.004) and IIEF-EF (OR: 0.95; P=0.04) emerged as significant predictors of categorized CCI. CONCLUSIONS Severity of ED, as objectively interpreted with IIEF-EF, accounts for a higher CCI, which may be considered a reliable proxy of a lower general male health status regardless of the etiology of ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Salonia
- Department of Urology, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
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Vlachopoulos C, Terentes-Printzios D, Ioakeimidis N, Rokkas K, Samentzas A, Aggelis A, Kardara D, Stefanadis C. Beneficial Effect of Vardenafil on Aortic Stiffness and Wave Reflections. J Clin Pharmacol 2012; 52:1215-1221. [DOI: 10.1177/0091270011413586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
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17
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Miner M, Seftel AD, Nehra A, Ganz P, Kloner RA, Montorsi P, Vlachopoulos C, Ramsey M, Sigman M, Tilkemeier P, Jackson G. Prognostic utility of erectile dysfunction for cardiovascular disease in younger men and those with diabetes. Am Heart J 2012; 164:21-8. [PMID: 22795278 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2012.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Multiple published studies have established erectile dysfunction (ED) as an independent risk marker for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In fact, incident ED has a similar or greater predictive value for cardiovascular events than traditional risk factors including smoking, hyperlipidemia, and family history of myocardial infarction. Here, we review evidence that supports ED as a particularly significant harbinger of CVD in 2 populations: men <60 years of age and those with diabetes. Although addition of ED to the Framingham Risk Score only modestly improved the 10-year predictive capacity of the Framingham Risk Score for myocardial infarction or coronary death data in men enrolled in the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, other epidemiologic studies suggest that the predictive value of ED is quite strong in younger men. Indeed, in the Olmstead County Study, men 40 to 49 years of age with ED had a 50-fold higher incidence of new-incident coronary artery disease than those without ED. However, ED had less predictive value (5-fold increased risk) for coronary artery disease in men 70 years and older. Several studies, including a large analysis of more than 6300 men enrolled in the ADVANCE study, suggest that ED is a particularly powerful predictor of CVD in diabetic men as well. Based on the literature reviewed here, we encourage physicians to inquire about ED symptoms in all men more than 30 years of age with cardiovascular risk factors. Identification of ED, particularly in men <60 years old and those with diabetes, represents an important first step toward CVD risk detection and reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Miner
- Department of Family Medicine, Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Urol 2011; 21:535-40. [PMID: 21975510 DOI: 10.1097/mou.0b013e32834c87d0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Fisher AD, Bandini E, Corona G, Monami M, Cameron Smith M, Melani C, Balzi D, Forti G, Mannucci E, Maggi M. Stable extramarital affairs are breaking the heart. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 35:11-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2011.01176.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
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