Relationship between Serum Adropin Levels and Erectile Dysfunction

This study aimed to assess the relationship between serum adropin levels and the severity of erectile dysfunction (ED) and to investigate serum adropin levels as a potential biomarker of ED severity.

This prospective case-control study was conducted amongst patients who applied to our outpatient clinic. Patients' medical histories were obtained, and comprehensive systemic examinations were conducted. Fasting glucose levels, lipid profiles, total testosterone levels, adropin levels and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores were measured and analysed through logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis.

Of the 89 patients, 45 complained of ED and matched with 44 patients without ED. Adropin levels were significantly lower in the ED group (p = 0.001; p < 0.05). Using a cut-off value of 2.1 for adropin, the sensitivity was 91.11%, and the specificity was 45.45% with a positive predictive value of 63.08%, negative predictive value of 83.33% and accuracy of 68.54%. The area under curve was 0.711. Logistic regression analysis revealed that adropin values below 2.1 were associated with a 6.31-fold increased risk of developing ED. Furthermore, a significant relationship was observed between serum adropin levels and IIEF scores.

Adropin levels below 2.1 may serve as an independent risk factor of developing ED. This finding may contribute to the development of possible predictive models for individualising andrological patient management.