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Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for erectile dysfunction in men with adult-onset diabetes mellitus

Adel Al-Hunayan1, Lukman Thalib, Elijah O Kehinde

  • 1Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Kuwait University, Kuwait. alhunayan@hsc.edu.kw

Urology
|May 6, 2008
PubMed

Insights

High homocysteine levels are linked to erectile dysfunction (ED) in men with diabetes. This study found elevated plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) in diabetic men with ED, suggesting a significant association.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Urology

Background:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis and stroke.
  • The association between HHcy and vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) remains under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) levels and the presence of vasculogenic ED in men with adult-onset diabetes mellitus.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 97 diabetic men with vasculogenic ED and 97 diabetic controls without ED.
  • Logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for risk estimation.
  • Cardiovascular risk factors and HbA1c levels were assessed in both groups.

Main Results:

  • Plasma tHcy was significantly higher in the ED group (11.2 ± 3.5 µmol/L) compared to controls (8.8 ± 2.6 µmol/L).
  • Men with HHcy had 5.2 times higher odds of developing vasculogenic ED (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.4 to 18.9).
  • ED risk was significantly influenced by smoking and hypertension, but not BMI, cholesterol, triglycerides, CRP, or HbA1c.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated plasma tHcy is associated with vasculogenic ED in patients with adult-onset diabetes mellitus.
  • This finding suggests HHcy as a potential contributing factor to ED in this population.
Abstract

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