The potential impact of metabolic syndrome on erectile dysfunction in aging Taiwanese males

Recently, metabolic syndrome (MtS) has received increasing attention. However, investigations regarding the potential impact of MtS and its components on erectile dysfunction (ED) have not been completely clarified.

To determine the potential impact of MtS on ED in aging Taiwanese males.

The definition of MtS was according to the modified criteria developed by the Bureau of Health Promotion in Taiwan. The presence and severity of ED were evaluated by International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) scores.

A total of 639 subjects with a mean age of 60.2 years (range 40-83) were enrolled during a free health screening. All the men had complete clinical data and questionnaires taken. Clinical variables were compared according to MtS and ED prevalence. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors of ED and MtS.

Using age-adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis, our results showed that subjects with ED had significantly higher prevalence of MtS (P<0.01, OR=2.30, 95% CI: 1.44-3.69). The presence of MtS had significant correlation with lower IIEF-5 scores (P<0.01), which were associated with the increment of MtS components number (P<0.01). Among the MtS components, abnormal fasting blood glucose (FBG) was the most significantly independent factor of MtS for ED (P=0.01, OR=1.60, 95% CI: 1.09-2.35). Testosterone levels were significantly lower in subjects with MtS (P=0.05), while inversely correlated with number of MtS components (P<0.01).

In aging Taiwanese males, the presence of MtS is strongly associated with ED and abnormal FBG is the most independent predictor for ED. Low testosterone level might be viewed as another possible common denominator for various pathologies linking MtS to ED.