IMPACT OF METABOLIC AGE ON SEXUAL AND ANDROGENIC FUNCTION IN YOUNG PATIENTS

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction is increasingly prevalent with age. Metabolic Age (metAge) refers to the number calculated by comparing Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) of an individual to BMR average of his chronological age (chAge) group. It hence serves to reflect the metabolic status which is believed to influence sexual function. The aim of this study is to assess the relation between metAge & sexual function in men younger than 40 years of age Prospective observational study. A total of 120 male healthcare workers of a tertiary medical center were randomly selected through computer generated randomization tables. Subjects receiving exogenous testosterone or erectogenic medications were excluded. In addition to providing an early morning serum testosterone (T) sample, subjects were requested to fill the International Index of erectile function questionnaire (IIEF-5) & to undergo Bioelectric Impedance Analysis [BIA] of their metabolic status using TANITA body analyzer (TBF-410GS) (Illinois, USA). Risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED) such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease & dyslipidemia were also assessed. Participants were divided according to their chAge into two groups (<40 & > 40 years). Ninety subjects were included (< 40 years, n=53; > 40 year, n=37). ED was reported by 48 (53%) subjects, while a low T level was detected in 18 (20%). Risk factors were detected in 41% of subjects. No significant relationship between risk factors & serum T or IIEF-5 results were observed. Participants with ED had significantly lower T levels (12.7 ± 4.6 vs.14.8 ± 3.9, p=0.02) compared to those without ED. Older chAge & metAge were observed in ED vs no ED participants as well, however without statistical significance. 24 (45.3%) subjects < 40 years of age had ED. Significantly lower T levels & significantly higher metAge & BMI were observed in participants <40 years with ED compared with their counterparts without ED (table 1). In this participant group (< 40years), significant correlations were observed between metAge & T (r-0.347, p=0.01), chAge (r0.384, p=0.005), visceral fat (r0.747, p<0.001), fat % (r0.78, p<0.001), weight ( r0.524. p<0.001), BMI (r 0.635, p<0.001) & BMR (0.347, p=0.01). Metabolic status may significantly influence the sexual & androgenic status of young men. An older metAge is observed in young men with ED & hypogonadism.Tabled 1Parameters< 40 years with ED (n=24)< 40 years without ED (n=29)P valueTestosterone (nmol/L)19.8 ± 4.114.5 ± 4.10.002metAge (years)44.6 ± 6.839.9 ± 8.50.034BMI (kg/m2)30.4 ± 4.227.9 ± 4.40.044Fat% (%)27.5 ± 5.324.5 ± 5.90.064Visceral fat (rate)10.6 ± 3.88.7 ± 3.80.072Muscle mass (kg)63.8 ± 8.861.4 ± 8.10.296BMR (Kj)8413.5 ± 1277.88022.0 ± 1128.90.242 Open table in a new tab