IMPACT OF POSTPRANDIAL DYSLIPIDEMIA ON ERECTILE FUNCTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and severity of ED in men with isolated postprandial dyslipidemia (PPD) compared to subjects without PPD.

We designed an observational study by recruiting patients from the outpatient clinic of our Institution. Consecutive men with an age equal or major of 18 years old, with stable relationship (at least 3 months), and sexually active were included. Diabetes mellitus or prediabetic state, digestion or absorption alterations, eating disorders, hypogonadism, psychiatric disorders, history of pelvic surgery, intake of medications impacting sexual function or blood lipid levels, penile diseases impacting erectile function, being professional athletes, weight loss diet, vegetarian or vegan diet were considered exclusion criteria. ED was diagnosed (less than 21 points) and classified using the International Index of Erectile Function 5-item version (IIEF-5). Dyslipidemia was defined according to Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Serum lipid levels were measured in the “fasting” (9 hours from the last meal) and “postprandial” (2 hours from the last meal) periods on the same day.

A total of 67 men were included in our study. Isolated PPD was recorded in 37 subjects, while 30 individuals did not present postprandial (not fasting) dyslipidemia. The two groups did not differ significantly in any of the risk factors for ED investigated. No significant differences were recorded in fasting lipids levels (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides) between the groups (p > 0.05). Median (IQR) TyG index was 4.95 (4.65-5.12) for PDD group and 4.78 (4.67-4.92) for non-PPD group (p = 0.332). ED was detected in 26 (70.3%) men with PPD and 9 (30.0%) men without PPD (p = 0.041). Median.

(IQR) IIEF-5 was significantly lower in patients with PPD compared to subjects without PDD.

(19 [15.8-22.5] vs. 23 [19.8-25] points; p = 0.037).

Men with isolated PPD compared to men without PPD appear to have a greater likelihood of ED and lower IIEF-5 scores. Further studies are needed to confirm our promising results.

The authors deny all conflict of interests.