Comment on: Adipokines, Hormonal Parameters, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Similarities and Differences Between Patients with Erectile Dysfunction of Arteriogenic and Nonarteriogenic Origin

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) is often associated with metabolic disorders. Leptin and adiponectin are adipose tissue‐derived hormones involved in the regulation of metabolic homeostasis and considered important players in the relationship among obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Aim Leptin, adiponectin, leptin to adiponectin ratio (L/A), and their correlation with hormonal and metabolic parameters were examined in male with arteriogenic‐ (A‐ED) and nonarteriogenic‐ED (NA‐ED). Main Outcome Measures Biochemical, metabolic, and hormonal parameters of men with A‐ED were compared with those of male with NA‐ED. Methods Diagnosis of ED was based on the International Index of Erectile Function Score. Its etiology was classified with penile echo‐color Doppler at baseline and after intracavernous injection of prostaglandin E1. Leptin and adiponectin were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results In A‐ED subjects, increased levels of insulin, glycated hemoglobin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) index, body mass index (BMI), leptin, and L/A and decreased levels of total, free, and bioavailable testosterone were observed compared with NA‐ED subjects. A trend toward lower estradiol level was also present in A‐ED patients, even if not statistically significant. Reduced levels of adiponectin have been observed in both groups compared with patients without ED. Leptin and L/A correlated similarly with several parameters (negatively with testosterone/estradiol ratio and positively with BMI, insulin, HOMA‐IR, and 17‐beta estradiol). L/A resulted further correlated negatively with high‐density lipoprotein and positively with triglycerides. Conclusions Not all ED cases are similar. In fact, A‐ED patients display a more complicated metabolic status characterized by overweight and obesity and associated to sexual hormone alteration. Whether changes in body composition and modulation of adipokine levels can improve local endothelial function need further investigation. Dozio E, Barassi A, Dogliotti G, Malavazos AE, Colpi GM, D'Eril GVM, and Corsi MM. Adipokines, hormonal parameters, and cardiovascular risk factors: Similarities and differences between patients with erectile dysfunction of arteriogenic and nonarteriogenic origin. J Sex Med 2012;9:2370–2377.