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Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentrations in men with erectile dysfunction
W J Reiter1, A Pycha, G Schatzl
1Department ofUrology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Urology
|May 3, 2000
Summary
Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels are lower in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) compared to healthy individuals until age 60. This finding suggests a potential link between DHEAS levels and ED in this age group.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Urology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Previous research indicated an inverse correlation between dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and erectile dysfunction (ED).
- A pilot study showed positive results for treating ED with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum DHEAS levels in men with ED, stratified by age.
- To compare DHEAS levels in men with ED versus healthy volunteers.
Main Methods:
- Serum DHEAS concentrations were measured in 309 men with ED and 133 healthy volunteers.
- Participants met specific criteria: ED > 6 months, BMI < 30, good general health.
- Erectile function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function.
Main Results:
- Mean serum DHEAS levels were lower in men with ED than in healthy volunteers up to age 60.
- Men with ED showed a quadratic decrease in DHEAS with age.
- Healthy volunteers exhibited a more linear decrease in DHEAS with age.
Conclusions:
- Serum DHEAS levels are lower in men with ED compared to healthy men until age 60.
- This suggests a potential role for DHEAS in the pathophysiology of ED in younger and middle-aged men.