Apolipoprotein markers linked to erectile dysfunction risk

Alterations in the levels of apolipoprotein (Apo) A and B, as well as the ratio between the two molecules (Apo A/Apo B), seem to predict the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED), a recent study has found.

Fasting blood samples were drawn from 152 ED patients (mean age 33.69±8.31 years) and 39 healthy controls (mean age 32.9±9.85 years), in whom Apo A and Apo B levels were measured. ED severity was assessed through the International Erectile Function Index (IIEF-5), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive performances of Apo A, Apo B, and Apo A/Apo B.

Apo B levels were significantly elevated in ED patients (p=0.001), while Apo A1 was significantly suppressed (p=0.029). In turn, the Apo A/Apo B ratio was likewise significantly lower among ED patients (p<0.001). Anxiety and depression were also significantly worse in men with ED, while testosterone levels remained comparable.

Based on IIEF-5 scores, participants were divided into four ED groups according to severity: none, mild, mild-to-moderate, and moderate-to-severe. Apo B levels correlated positively and significantly with ED severity (p=0.002), while Apo A1 (p=0.037) and Apo A/Apo B ratio (p<0.001) showed inverse associations.

ROC analysis revealed that only the Apo A/Apo B ratio was significantly predictive of overall ED, with medium diagnostic value (area under the curve [AUC], 0.743, 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 0.68–0.80). On the other hand, when looking at moderate-to-severe ED, Apo A (AUC, 0.759, 95 percent CI, 0.66–0.84), Apo B (AUC, 0.703, 95 percent CI, 0.60–0.79), and the Apo A/Apo B ratio (AUC, 0.808, 95 percent CI, 0.72–0.88) were all predictive, with medium diagnostic values.

“These results suggest these three lipid profile indicators have value as serum markers indicating the risk of ED and that they play a critical role in the aetiology of ED,” the researchers said.