The 5-HT1A receptor C(1019)G polymorphism influences the intravaginal ejaculation latency time in Dutch Caucasian men with lifelong premature ejaculation

Abstract

IntroductionLifelong premature ejaculation (LPE) is characterized by persistent intravaginal ejaculation latency times (IELTs) of less than 1min, and has been postulated as a neurobiological dysfunction related to diminished serotonergic neurotransmission with 5-HT1A receptor hyperfunction and 5-HT2C hypofunction. AimTo investigate the relationship between 5-HT1A receptor gene (HTR1A)-C(1019)G promoter polymorphism and IELT in men with LPE. This polymorphism is known to increase 5-HT1A receptor expression. MethodsA prospective study was conducted in 54 Dutch Caucasian men with LPE. Baseline IELT during coitus was assessed by stopwatch over a 1-month period. All men were genotyped for HTR1A gene polymorphism. Allele frequencies and genotypes of C and G variants of HTR1A polymorphism were determined. Association between CC, CG, and GG genotypes and the IELT in men with LPE were investigated. Main outcome measuresIELT measured by stopwatch, HTR1A polymorphism. ResultsIn this cohort of men with LPE, the geometric mean IELT was 23.8s. Of the 54 men, the CC, CG and GG genotype frequency for the C(1019)G polymorphism of the 5-HT1A gene was 33%, 43% and 24%, respectively. The geometric mean IELT for the CC, CG and GG genotypes were 14.5, 27.7 and 36.0s, respectively (p=0.019). Compared to GG and CG genotypes, men with CC genotype had a 250% and 190% shorter ejaculation time, respectively. ConclusionsHTR1A gene polymorphism is associated with the IELT in men with LPE. Men with CC genotype have shorter IELTs than men with GG and CG genotypes.