Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026
Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
Published on: October 12, 2017
Fibrinogen, lipoprotein (a) and lipids in patients with erectile dysfunction. A preliminary study
M E Sullivan1, M A Miller, C R Bell
1Department of Urology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Insights
Erectile dysfunction (ED) may indicate underlying vascular disease. Higher fibrinogen levels were observed in men with ED, regardless of smoking status, suggesting a link to cardiovascular risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Urology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) is frequently linked to cardiovascular disease and its risk factors.
- Vascular event predictors like fibrinogen and lipoprotein-a are often elevated in patients with cardiovascular issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of fibrinogen and lipoprotein-a in men with and without erectile dysfunction.
- To explore the association between erectile dysfunction and key cardiovascular risk markers.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving men aged 45-70 with and without ED, categorized by smoking status.
- Measurement of serum total cholesterol, plasma fibrinogen, and serum lipoprotein-a levels.
Main Results:
- Men with ED who smoked had higher plasma fibrinogen than control smokers.
- Non-smoking men with ED showed elevated plasma fibrinogen compared to both control smokers and non-smokers.
- Serum total cholesterol was higher in non-smoking men with ED compared to controls and smoking ED patients.
- No significant differences in serum lipoprotein-a were observed between groups.
Conclusions:
- Elevated plasma fibrinogen levels in men with ED support the role of cardiovascular risk factors.
- Erectile dysfunction may represent an early manifestation of broader vascular disease.
Background:
Erectile dysfunction is associated with cardiovascular risk factors (e.g. hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia and diabetes) and is more common in patients with cardiovascular disease. We therefore assessed the prevalence of two predictors of vascular events, fibrinogen and lipoprotein-a, in patients with and without erectile dysfunction.
Methods:
Men with erectile dysfunction (48 non-smokers, 48 smokers), aged 45-70 years, were compared with controls (21 non-smokers, 21 smokers) with normal erectile function and no known pathology.
Results:
Serum total cholesterol was significantly higher in non-smokers with erectile dysfunction compared to both control non-smokers and erectile dysfunction smokers. Men with erectile dysfunction who smoked had a significantly higher plasma fibrinogen level than control smokers. Similarly, men with erectile dysfunction, who did not smoke had higher levels of plasma fibrinogen compared to both smokers and non-smokers without erectile dysfunction. No significant difference in serum lipoprotein-a values was found.
Conclusions:
These findings support the concept that cardiovascular risk factors are predictors of erectile dysfunction and that this may be another manifestation of vascular disease.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin, delayed...
01:20Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
01:25Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...