Elevated Homocysteine Levels Associated with Erectile Dysfunction

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Elevated Homocysteine Levels Associated with Erectile Dysfunction

http://www.vitasearch.com/CP/weeklyupdates/

Reference: " Hyperhomocysteinemia: a novel risk factor for erectile

dysfunction, " Demir T, Comlekei A, et al, Metabolism, 2006; 55(12):

1564-1568. (Address: Dokuz Eylul University, School of Medicine,

Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Izmir, Turkey).

Summary: In a study involving 31 subjects with erectile dysfunction and

33 healthy controls, elevated levels of homocysteine were found to be a

risk factor for erectile dysfunction. Subjects in the study were free

from diabetes, coronary artery disease, vitamin B12 deficiency and

folate deficiency. Subjects with erectile dysfunction were, on average,

55.6 years, while control subjects were, on average, 44.5 years of age.

Results of logistic regression analysis found age and homocysteine (Hcy)

levels to be the main determinants of erectile dysfunction. Homocysteine

levels were negatively associated with erectile function, assessed via

the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire. Results of

the penile color Dupplex ultrasound - used to detect vascular

abnormalities - found that Hcy levels were negatively associated with

the 1st, 5th, and 10th minute's peak-systolic velocity. In addition to

Hcy, subjects with erectile dysfunction were found to have higher levels

of p lasma glucose, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. The authors

discuss the relationships between nitric oxide, endothelial function,

homocysteine, and erectile dysfunction. The results of this study

suggest that elevated homocysteine levels may be a determinant in

erectile dysfunction, and the authors conclude, " …Slightly elevated Hcy

levels are significantly related with arterial and probably endothelial

dysfunction in patients with ED. "

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