The existing research on the association between apolipoproteins (Apos) and erectile dysfunction (ED) primarily relies on observational studies and does not distinguish between organic and psychogenic causes when diagnosing ED. It is difficult to believe that Apos play a role in psychogenic ED. To address these issues, our study explored the causal relationship between lipoproteins and ED using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and differentiate between organic and psychogenic ED through the use of nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR) monitoring. Multivariate MR analysis revealed significant causal associations between high-density lipoprotein (HDL), Apo A1, and Apo B/A1 with ED (OR and 95% CI were 0.33 (0.14-0.78), 3.58 (1.52-8.43), and 0.30 (0.13-0.66)). we conducted statistical and analytical analyses on the data of 212 patients using multivariate analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Patients with organic ED had significantly lower levels of HDL, Apo A1 and Apo A1/B, whereas patients with organic ED had considerably higher levels of Apo B and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The diagnostic value of Apos in predicting the risk of organic ED was evaluated using ROC curves. The results indicated that Apo A1 and Apo A1/B demonstrated good predictive value. HDL, Apo A1, and Apo A1/B have been identified as risk factors for ED in our study. Furthermore, our research highlights the significance of Apo A1 and Apo A1/Apo B in the development of organic ED and suggests their potential use as indicators to assess the risks associated with organic ED.

UNASSIGNED: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level is associated with erectile dysfunction (ED) in observational studies. However, whether there is a causal association between them remains uncertain.
UNASSIGNED: Conduct a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the causal effect between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and ED risk.
UNASSIGNED: Genome-wide association study (GWAS) data of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels comprising 6,896,093 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) from 496,949 people of European ancestry were regarded as exposure for the MR analysis. Additional GWAS data involving 9,310,196 SNPs of 6,175 European ED cases and 217,630 controls were used as outcome data. The MR-Egger, inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode were employed to evaluate causal effects, among which IVW was the primary MR analysis method. The stability of the MR analysis results was confirmed by a heterogeneity test, a horizontal pleiotropy test, and the leave-one-out method.
UNASSIGNED: There were 103 SNPs utilized as instrumental variables (p < 5 × 10-8). The results of MR analysis showed no causal effects of serum 25(OH) D concentration on ED risks (IVW; OR = 0.9516, 95% CI = 0.7994 to 1.1328, p = 0.5772). There was no heterogeneity and pleiotropy in the statistical models.
UNASSIGNED: The present MR study did not support a causal association for genetically predicted serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in the risk of ED in individuals of European descent.

We aimed to establish the prevalence of atypical masturbation in the general population and explore the association between atypical masturbation and male sexual dysfunction in heterosexual males. Atypical masturbation refers to stimulation significantly distinct from that encountered during partnered sexual activity. We posted questionnaires that contained the abridged International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-6) and the premature ejaculation diagnostic tool on social media in China. We collected 2743 valid questionnaires from December 9, 2020, to April 18, 2021. We found that the prevalence of atypical masturbation in the general population was 10.97%. Men with atypical masturbation had lower IIEF-6 scores and higher rates of erectile dysfunction (ED) than men with typical masturbation. The prevalence of premature ejaculation and estimated intravaginal ejaculatory latency time were not significantly different among men with different patterns of masturbation. Our study demonstrated that atypical masturbation is associated with ED, and a clinician dealing with sexual issues should inquire more fully about masturbation patterns than has been done to date.

UNASSIGNED: Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a common challenge post Radical Prostatectomy (RALP), affecting men\'s sexual health after undergoing definitive cancer therapy. Despite employing nerve-sparing techniques, ED remains a prevalent issue in this population. Studies indicate that approximately 70%-85% of men experience varying degrees of ED following RALP. The existing treatment landscape for post-RALP-ED presents limitations, and a discernible knowledge gap persists. To address this, our study aims to investigate the efficacy of Shockwave Therapy (SWT) as a potential intervention for managing ED after RALP.
UNASSIGNED: This prospective, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial aims to recruit 189 eligible patients post-RP and assess the effects of SWT. Comprehensive screening, including medical history, physical examinations, and biochemical evaluations, will be conducted to confirm eligibility. The intervention involves utilizing a device to administer focal shockwaves targeted at cavernosal tissue. Safety measures include continuous monitoring for adverse events and rigorous reporting protocols. The primary endpoint assesses changes in participants\' ability to engage in penetrative intercourse from baseline to study completion, while secondary endpoints encompass various measures of erectile function, including questionnaire-based assessments, ultrasound parameters, and clinical outcomes.
UNASSIGNED: Statistical analysis, encompassing ANOVA for continuous variables and Fisher\'s exact test for categorical ones, will evaluate demographic characteristics, baseline data, and primary as well as secondary outcomes for statistical significance. Detailed analysis of trends, subgroup comparisons, and treatment effects will provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of SWT on post-RP ED.
UNASSIGNED: This study protocol represents a rigorous investigation into the potential therapeutic role of SWT in managing post-RP ED. The outcomes from this study aim to contribute valuable insights into the efficacy, safety, and potential improvements in erectile function following SWT, providing significant guidance for future interventions aimed at addressing this challenging condition affecting men\'s health and quality of life.

UNASSIGNED: Penile plication is commonly performed for Peyronie\'s disease under general or spinal anesthesia. Conscious sedation (CS) offers decreased anesthetic risks, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to perform the procedure in outpatient settings with shorter wait times. We sought to compare tolerability of penile plication under deep intravenous sedation (DIS) administered by anesthesiologists and nursing-administered CS (NACS).
UNASSIGNED: Tolerability for penile plication was prospectively evaluated, excluding revision surgeries and those with hourglass or hinge deformities. DIS included midazolam and ketamine with infusion of propofol and remifentanil. NACS consisted of midazolam and fentanyl. Baseline characteristics, procedural information, and patient- and surgeon-reported pain assessments were collected. Patients were administered a standardized tolerability questionnaire on follow-up.
UNASSIGNED: Forty patients were enrolled (23 DIS; 17 NACS) with similar baseline characteristics. Median curvature of the DIS cohort was 55° (interquartile range = 43.75-76.25) and 45° (interquartile range = 45-60) in NACS. There was a 100% success rate with no procedure abortion or conversion to general anesthetic. On follow-up, all patients had functional curvature (<20°), and 100% of patients in the DIS and NACS cohorts reported that they would recommend CS to others. Over 93% of patients in both cohorts would choose CS over general anesthetic in the future, with no differences in perioperative and postoperative pain between groups.
UNASSIGNED: Penile plication with CS, whether administered by an anesthesiologist or nursing, is well tolerated with no differences in pain or complications. This indicates that outpatient penile plication with trained nursing staff administering CS can safely reduce costs, risks, and wait times.

Peyronie\'s disease (PD) affects the penile albuginea, resulting in penile deformity, pain, erectile dysfunction (ED), and an anxious-depressive state. PD diagnosis involves a thorough medical history, penile palpation, documentation of the penile deformation, a dynamic penile echo color Doppler ultrasound (PCDU), and the completion of questionnaires for the evaluation of pain, ED, and psychometric tests. The aim of this study was to evaluate the symptoms of PD and their prevalence in PD patients in the active phase who had access to our andrology clinic. Inclusion criteria: availability of data on patients diagnosed with PD, including detailed medical history, blood tests, penile palpation, photographic documentation of penile deformity, and penile PCDU. Exclusion criteria: PD patients in the stable phase or those without the specified tests and data mentioned above. Our study found a higher prevalence of PD in younger patients (24.2%), a higher coexistence of PD with chronic prostatitis (35.6%), a higher percentage of cases of association between penile deformity and penile curvature (84.4%), a higher prevalence of \"significant anxiety\" (88.4%), a higher presence of plaque calcification (35.6%), and the detection of a longer duration of the first phase of PD (>18 months). The most frequently observed type of penile curvature was dorsal, followed by left lateral, right lateral, and, less commonly, ventral. We observed a significant statistical correlation between patient age and IIEF score, indicating that patients over the age of 40 years are at a higher risk of experiencing ED. We found a strong statistical relationship between VAS score and age. As age increases, the VAS score decreases, suggesting that younger patients reported more penile pain compared to those who were older than 40 years. Furthermore, we found that penile pain has a significant impact on the psychological state of PD patients. We also found that 38.8% of PD patients suffered from severe anxiety. In relation to this, psychotherapy should be integrated into PD treatment to improve the quality of life and treatment adherence.

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) most often has vascular etiology and usually is the earliest symptom of vascular dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate vascular dysfunction with the use of the Flow-Mediated Skin Fluorescence (FMSF) technique in men with and without ED. Methods: Included were 39 men (median age 53) with ED and 40 men (median age 41.5) without ED. Medical interview, physical examination, and anthropometrical measurements were performed for all participants. The serum total testosterone, LH, and SHBG determinations were performed in patients with ED, and the Free Testosterone Index (FTI) was calculated. The FMSF technique was used to measure the microcirculatory oscillations at the baseline and to determine the flowmotion (FM) and vasomotion (VM) parameters. The Normoxia Oscillatory Index (NOI) was calculated, which represents the contribution of the endothelial (ENDO) and neurogenic (NEURO) oscillations relative to all oscillations detected at low-frequency intervals (<0.15 Hz): NOI = (ENDO + NEURO)/(ENDO + NEURO + VM). Results: In men with ED were found significantly lower FM and VM parameters, but the NOI was significantly higher in comparison to men without ED. VM and FM correlated significantly positively with erectile function, orgasmic function, and general sexual satisfaction in the whole group and the FTI in the ED group. The thresholds of 53.5 FM (AUC = 0.7) and 8.4 VM (AUC = 0.7) were predictive values for discriminating men with ED. Conclusions: It was shown that the FMSF diagnostic technique may be helpful in the early diagnosis of microcirculation dysfunction due to impaired vasomotion caused by decreased testosterone activity.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MS) has emerged as a new health risk, and its associated metabolic derangements have detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system. In recent years, MS has been reported to affect reproductive health in males. It has been reported to be associated with erectile dysfunction (ED) and has been attributed to be due to endothelial dysfunction. Poor endothelial function in ED usually affects small-sized vasculature, so it can be looked at as a predictor for the endothelial dysfunction of macro vasculature. The aim of the present study was to determine the association of ED in patients with MS and to determine its correlation with endothelial dysfunction.
METHODS: It was a hospital-based case-control study in which 120 male patients with MS and 120 age-matched controls were enroled. Demographic profiles, anthropometry, past illnesses, and medical history of patients were obtained. MS was diagnosed according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria and was measured using the flow-mediated dilation (FMD) method with the help of ultrasound used to assess endothelial dysfunction. Diagnosis of ED was based on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scale.
RESULTS: The study participants had a mean age of 40.91 ± 11.41 years. The majority of cases (57.5%) had ≤6 months of history of MS. The prevalence of ED was 31.7% in cases compared to 5% in controls, thus showing a significant difference between cases and controls. Mean IIEF scores were significantly lower in cases (18.82 ± 5.59) compared to those in controls (23.00 ± 2.57). A moderate positive and significant correlation was observed between FMD and IIEF scores. With an increasing number of MS components, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of ED. Those with ED had significantly lower mean FMD values (5.1 ± 1.1%) compared to those not having ED (10.9 ± 3.3%).
CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study showed that there is a significant association between ED and MS. We observed that the increase in components of MS increased the prevalence of ED in MS. Endothelial dysfunction measured by FMD was correlated with ED.

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BACKGROUND: Previous research has underscored the correlation between Alzheimer\'s disease (AD) and erectile dysfunction (ED). However, due to inherent limitations of observational studies, the causative relationship remains inconclusive.
METHODS: Utilizing publicly available data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics, this study probed the potential causal association between AD and ED using univariate Mendelian randomization (MR). Further, the multivariable MR assessed the confounding effects of six cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The primary approach employed was inverse variance weighted (IVW), supplemented by three additional methods. A series of sensitivity analyses were conducted to ensure the robustness of the results.
RESULTS: In the forward MR analysis, the IVW method revealed causal evidence of genetically predicted AD being a risk factor for ED (OR = 1.077, 95% CI 1.007∼1.152, P = 0.031). Reverse analysis did not demonstrate any causal evidence linking ED to AD (OR = 1.018, 95% CI 0.974∼1.063, P = 0.430). Multivariable MR analysis showed that after adjusting for coronary heart disease (OR = 1.082, 95% CI 0.009∼1.160, P = 0.027), myocardial infarction (OR = 1.085, 95% CI 1.012∼1.163, P = 0.022), atrial fibrillation (OR = 1.076, 95% CI 1.002∼1.154, P = 0.043), heart failure (OR = 1.103, 95% CI 1.024∼1.188, P = 0.010), ischemic stroke (OR = 1.079, 95% CI 1.009∼1.154, P = 0.027), hypertension (OR = 1.092, 95% CI 1.011∼1.180, P = 0.025), and all models (OR = 1.115, 95% CI 1.024∼1.214, P = 0.012), the causal association between AD and ED persisted. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the absence of pleiotropy, heterogeneity, and outliers, validating the robustness of our results (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: This MR study consistently evidences a causal effect of genetically predicted AD on the risk of ED, independent of certain CVDs, yet offers no evidence for a reverse effect from ED.