Glymphatic system activity revealed by diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space analysis in...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Radiology
• Urology

Background:

• Lifelong premature ejaculation (PE) is a prevalent male sexual dysfunction.
• Glymphatic system investigations in lifelong PE are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate glymphatic function alterations in lifelong PE patients.
• To explore the correlation between the diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index and clinical symptoms of lifelong PE.

Main Methods:

• 36 lifelong PE patients and 30 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled.
• Diffusion tensor imaging was used to calculate the DTI-ALPS index.
• Statistical analyses included intergroup comparisons and correlation assessments.

Main Results:

• Lifelong PE patients exhibited a significantly lower DTI-ALPS index compared to HCs.
• The decreased DTI-ALPS index negatively correlated with lifelong PE severity.
• Patients with high depressive states showed significantly lower DTI-ALPS index values.

Conclusions:

• Glymphatic system dysfunction may be implicated in lifelong PE pathophysiology.
• Abnormal intracranial waste clearance is evident in lifelong PE.
• Findings suggest potential for novel diagnostic tools and therapies targeting the glymphatic system.