vitamin-b-12 and Erectile-Dysfunction

To evaluate the relationship between serum levels of folic acid (FA), homocysteine (HCY), vitamin B12 (B12) and erectile dysfunction (ED) and to explore their internal relationships. The study included 134 ED patients and 50 healthy controls. ED was assessed using IIEF-5 scores. ED group had lower median FA (6.08 versus 10.21; p < .001) and B12 (256.0 versus 337.5; p < .001) levels, and higher median HCY (11.4 versus 7.95; p < .001) levels, and these differences seemed to be more pronounced in the younger participants (age < 35 yr). FA decreased with the severity of ED (7.52 versus 6.15 versus 5.49 versus 3.97; p < .001), while HCY increased (10.35 versus 11.8 versus 12.9 versus 15; p < .001). Smoking and shift work were associated with lower FA levels. Multivariate analysis showed that serum FA and HCY revealed significant relation with ED. ROC analysis showed that FA ≤ 8.84 and HCY ≥ 10.35 were the best cut-off values for ED diagnosis. Both FA (r = -0.703, p < .001) and B12 (r = -0.576, p < .001) were negatively correlated with HCY. In conclusion, low FA levels and high HCY levels might be independent risk factors for ED. Low serum FA and B12 levels might co-cause high HCY levels and lead to ED.

Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Erectile Dysfunction; Folic Acid; Homocysteine; Humans; Male; Vitamin B 12

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects up to 53.4% of men aged 30-80 years. In this study, we aimed to examine the association between homocysteine (HCY), vitamin B. Cross-sectional study.. Guangxi, China.. A total of 1381 participants who completed questionnaires were included, between September 2009 and December 2009.. ED was evaluated by the International Index of Erectile Function scores. Also, the values of HCY, B12 and FA were acquired. Then, regression and between-group analyses were performed.. No association between FA and ED was found. Significant correlations between HCY and ED were found-the relationships between these two parameters were most notable in men aged over 60 years and in men living alone (bachelors or bachelorhood). B12 levels were higher in men with ED (718.53±234.37 pg/mL vs 688.74±229.68, p=0.015). Using multinomial logistic regression analyses, B12 levels were related to mild ED (multivariate adjusted analysis: OR 1.620, 95% CI 1.141 to 2.300, p=0.007), especially among men aged 40-49 years (OR 2.907, 95% CI 1.402 to 6.026, p=0.004).. We report, for the first time, a relationship between B12 levels and ED. We also found specific cohorts of men for whom the relationship between HCY levels and ED is most prominent. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these relationships-these may ultimately result in new therapies for ED.

Topics: Adult; Aged; China; Cross-Sectional Studies; Erectile Dysfunction; Folic Acid; Homocysteine; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vitamin B 12

A growing body of evidence suggests a role for homocysteine (Hcys) and folate (FA) in erectile function (EF): Hcys appears to impair EF affecting endothelium via several mechanism whereas the role of FA remains to be elucidated, besides decreasing Hcys. To assess correlation between erectile dysfunction (ED) and serum levels of FA, Hcys, and B12, we enrolled 31 patients affected by ED (Group A; age 52.83 ± 11.89 years) and 31 healthy adults (Group B; age 49.14 ± 13.63 years). Fasting blood samples were taken for each subject. ED was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5). IIEF-5 mean score was significantly lower in Group A than in Group B (10.71 ± 4.24 versus 23.32 ± 1.33, p < .001). Compared to Group B, Group A also showed significantly lower serum FA levels (5.11 ± 1.79 versus 7.9 ± 3.55 ng/ml, p < .001) and significantly higher serum Hcys levels (13.61 ± 3.55 versus 9.17 ± 2.32 µmol/L, p < .001). No significant correlation was observed between Hcys and FA both groups. Our results showed a significant association among ED, FA deficiency and hyperomocisteinemia. Lack of correlation between FA and Hcys suggests that FA deficit may directly impair EF.

Topics: Adult; Case-Control Studies; Erectile Dysfunction; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Homocysteine; Humans; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index; Surveys and Questionnaires; Ultrasonography; Vitamin B 12

Topics: Acupuncture Points; Adolescent; Adult; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Erectile Dysfunction; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Moxibustion; Phytotherapy; Vitamin B 12

Hyperhomocysteinemia is considered one of the most important cardiovascular risk factors increasing considerably the risk of stroke and myocardial infarction. With respect to endothelial function, direct effects of hyperhomocysteinemia on vascular endothelial cells have been demonstrated through the reduction of endothelial nitric oxide production. In this paper, we report the case of a young man with homozygote genotype mutated with 5-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) thermolabile variant who, in the absence of relational stress, developed an erectile dysfunction (ED) refractory to the vasoactive type-V phosphodiesterase (PDE5) inhibitor therapy. After one month of treatment with 5 mg/day folic acid and 1000 microg/day cyanocobalamin, the patient restarted the assumption of 50 mg sildenafil, obtaining satisfying erections during sexual intercourse. We suggest that hyperhomocysteinemia may interfere with penile blood supply and, thus, be responsible for ED. If this relationship is confirmed, plasma levels and urinary homocysteine (HCy) should be evaluated in selected young patients with vascular ED. Furthermore, careful attention should be given to the risk of ED when dealing with this metabolic disturbance.

Topics: Adult; Drug Administration Schedule; Drug Stability; Drug Therapy, Combination; Erectile Dysfunction; Folic Acid; Genetic Variation; Genotype; Hematinics; Homozygote; Hot Temperature; Humans; Male; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2); Mutation; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; Piperazines; Purines; Retreatment; Sildenafil Citrate; Sulfones; Treatment Failure; Treatment Outcome; Vitamin B 12

Topics: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Catatonia; Erectile Dysfunction; Fatigue; Hemiplegia; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders; Neuritis; Paralysis; Spinal Cord; Thiamine; Trigeminal Neuralgia; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex

Topics: Chorion; Chorionic Gonadotropin; Corrinoids; Erectile Dysfunction; Glutamates; Gonadotropins; Hematinics; Humans; Male; Thiamine; Vitamin B 12