Association between visceral adiposity index and arteriogenic erectile dysfunction: a multicenter cross-sectional...

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Urology
• Metabolic Syndrome

Background:

• Arteriogenic erectile dysfunction (AED) is a common condition linked to vascular issues.
• The role of visceral adiposity, measured by the Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI), in AED is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between VAI and AED.
• To determine if total testosterone (TT) mediates the relationship between VAI and erectile function.

Main Methods:

• 216 men (111 with AED, 105 controls) were analyzed.
• AED was diagnosed using NPTR and penile CDDU.
• VAI, TT, and erectile function (IIEF-5) were assessed; mediation analysis was performed.

Main Results:

• Men with AED had significantly higher VAI than controls (P < .001).
• VAI was an independent predictor of AED (OR = 2.548, P < .001).
• TT partially mediated the VAI-erectile function link, explaining 23% of the effect.

Conclusions:

• VAI is independently associated with AED.
• Testosterone reduction plays a partial role in the link between visceral adiposity and erectile dysfunction.