New biomarker for erectile dysfunction: Soluble tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis

The soluble tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK) is a cytokine that modulates inflammatory and atherogenic reactions. In our study, we aimed to determine whether sTWEAK could be a biomarker of erectile dysfunction (ED).

Ninety patients diagnosed with ED and 90 healthy participants were prospectively enrolled during the period of September 2021-September 2023. Participants were divided into three groups according to International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) Erectile Function Domain scores; severe disease (1-10), moderate-mild disease (11-21) and healthy control (22-30). All participants filled out Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Blood samples were collected for complete blood count, biochemical analysis and hormonal assessment.

sTWEAK levels were higher in patients and increased with the severity of the disease as well. Healthy participants had lower BDI score (P = .001) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P = .001). Analysis with ROC curve demonstrated good area under curve value for sTWEAK (0.776, P = .001) in predicting ED. Optimal threshold level was determined as 5,41 ng/mL (71.1% sensitivity and 71.1% specificity).

We revealed that there is a significant association between sTWEAK levels and severity of disease, therefore we belive that sTWEAK pathway has a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in patients with ED.