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Background
It is difficult to diagnose hypogonadism because of the lack of objective assessments of erectile dysfunction (ED), which is caused by hypogonadism.
Aim
To provide a new approach for diagnosing hypogonadism, this study evaluated the efficacy of nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR) testing with RigiScan for patients with ED wi...
Context in source publication
Citations
... To date, there is a dearth of studies examining the potential correlation between gastric cancer and ED. Notably, Junke Chang et al.'s research identi ed a certain correlation between gastric cancer and testosterone levels [19], while testosterone is closely linked to ED [20][21][22]. ...
Digestive system diseases are common in the population and may have a potential relationship with erectile dysfunction (ED), however, there are few studies on the effect of digestive system diseases on ED, and its relationship is not clear. This study aims to investigate the causal relationship between digestive system diseases and ED, and assesses their potential mechanisms and effect sizes. Our study included the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) datasets for 23 digestive system diseases to retrieve single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), employing the univariable Mendelian randomization (MR) approach for analysis. Additionally, we utilized multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) to investigate the direct causal effects between exposure and ED. Through MR analysis, we found that celiac disease (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01–1.16, p = 0.03), Crohn's disease (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01–1.12, p = 0.04), colorectal cancer (OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.03–1.35, p = 0.02), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04–1.18, p = 0.003) are positively associated with the risk of ED. Gastric cancer (OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.84–0.99, p = 0.03) is negatively associated with the risk of ED. After adjusting for BMI, alcohol consumption, and smoking by MVMR, we found that only Crohn's disease and colorectal cancer had a direct causal effect on ED. Based on MR analysis of the association between 23 digestive system diseases and ED, we identified 5 digestive system diseases causally related to ED. These identified digestive diseases can be used as early warning factors for future clinical monitoring of patients' erectile function status. This provides a theoretical basis for attending to the sexual health of male patients concerned with digestive system diseases.
Introduction
Androgens play important roles in regulating the growth and development of the male reproductive system and maintaining libido and erectile function. The specific mechanisms by which androgen deficiency leads to erectile dysfunction (ED) are not yet fully understood.
Objectives
To understand the mechanisms and treatment of androgen deficiency–related ED.
Methods
A literature search in the past 10 years was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar to determine the effects of androgen deficiency on erectile function and the treatment of androgen deficiency.
Results
Androgen deficiency can be caused by hypothalamic-pituitary lesions and injuries, testicular-related diseases and injuries, endocrine and metabolic disorders, the side effects of medication, and age. Androgen deficiency can lead to ED by inhibiting the NOS/NO/cGMP pathway (nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate) and altering the expression of ion channel proteins, as well as by inducing oxidative stress, death, and fibrosis in penile corpus cavernosum cells. Testosterone replacement therapy is effective at improving the serum testosterone levels and erectile function in patients with androgen deficiency. For patients who need to maintain a low androgenic state, erectile function can be improved by lifestyle changes, treatment with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy, and stem cell therapy.
Conclusions
Androgen deficiency can affect the structure and function of the penile corpus cavernosum, leading to ED. Areas of further study include how androgen replacement therapy can improve erectile function and how to improve the maintenance of erectile function in patients with hypoandrogenic status.
