Increased walking pace reduces the rate of erectile dysfunction: results from a multivariable Mendelian randomization...

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Observational studies suggest a link between walking and erectile dysfunction (ED) risk.
• The causal nature of this association remains undetermined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal relationship between walking pace and ED risk.
• Utilizing Mendelian randomization (MR) to address potential confounding and reverse causation.

Main Methods:

• Genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for walking pace and ED.
• Primary analysis using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method.
• Sensitivity analyses with MR-Egger and weighted median (WM) methods.
• Multivariable MR (MVMR) to adjust for confounders.

Main Results:

• Genetically predicted faster walking pace showed a significant inverse causal relationship with ED risk (OR: 0.24).
• Consistent protective effects were observed across different MR methods and sensitivity analyses.
• MVMR confirmed brisk walking as an independent protective factor against ED.

Conclusions:

• A faster walking pace is causally associated with a reduced risk of ED.
• Promoting brisk walking may be a viable strategy for ED prevention.
• Further research is needed to validate findings in diverse populations and explore mechanisms.