Gene Variants in Premature Ejaculation: Systematic Review and Future Directions

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Urology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Pharmacogenomics

Background:

• Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common male sexual dysfunction.
• Genetic factors are hypothesized to contribute to PE susceptibility.
• Previous genetic association studies have yielded inconsistent results.

Approach:

• A systematic literature review was conducted across multiple scientific databases.
• Included 25 genetic association studies investigating 11 genes in relation to PE.
• Analyzed data from 2,624 men with PE and 9,346 controls.

Key Points:

• Significant associations between PE and gene variants were found in 19 of 25 studies.
• The SLC6A4 gene polymorphism was most frequently studied, with mixed results.
• Other genes, including DAT1, androgen receptor, oxytocin, and tryptophan hydroxylase 2, also showed potential associations.

Conclusions:

• Several genes, notably SLC6A4, may be associated with PE.
• Limitations include methodological variations, small sample sizes, and lack of reproducibility.
• Further research using standardized methodologies and genome-wide association studies is recommended.