Genetics of Erectile Dysfunction: A Review of the Interface between Sex and Molecular Biomarkers

Abstract

Introduction In recent years, new tools for the study of molecular biology and genetics have resulted in significant contributions to the scientific community. The potential use of genetic variations as biomarkers in the management of current and future conditions is generating considerable excitement in health care for disorders such as erectile dysfunction (ED). Aim This review briefly describes the molecular and genetic mechanisms involved in ED and provides an overall view of the literature relevant to possible relationships between genetic factors and ED. Methods This is a narrative review of studies on the potential influence of polymorphisms on the risk of developing ED. Main Outcome Measure We reviewed genetic association studies involving polymorphisms and the ED phenotype. Results There is growing evidence for the influence of genetic polymorphisms on the risk of ED and on the interindividual variability in sildenafil treatment. Conclusions Although this field is still in its infancy, genetic association studies aimed at defining a molecular basis for ED have provided some important evidence that a patient's genotype may be used in the future to assess risk, as well as to plan treatment and prevention programs in the clinic.

Comprehensive insight into functional interaction between GNB3 C825T and eNOS T‐786C, G894T gene polymorphisms and association with susceptibility to diabetic erectile dysfunction

“…The pathophysiology of ED in diabetic men includes vascular and neurogenic causes, oxidative processes, endothelial dysfunction, and changes in the nitric oxide (NO) system (Phé & Rouprêt, ). However, recent candidate gene association studies suggest that human genetic variations could represent a potential supplementary risk factor in the pathogenesis of ED (Andersen et al ., ; Lopushnyan & Chitaley, ). Several epidemiological studies have been performed to identify candidate genes associated with ED (Andersen et al ., ).…”

“…However, recent candidate gene association studies suggest that human genetic variations could represent a potential supplementary risk factor in the pathogenesis of ED (Andersen et al ., ; Lopushnyan & Chitaley, ). Several epidemiological studies have been performed to identify candidate genes associated with ED (Andersen et al ., ). Polymorphisms of endothelial nitric oxide synthase ( eNOS ) and guanine nucleotide‐binding proteins ( GNB3 ) genes were associated with increased ED risk in diverse ethnic groups (Wang et al ., ; Safarinejad et al ., ; Gao et al ., ).…”

Effects of Icariside II on Corpus Cavernosum and Major Pelvic Ganglion Neuropathy in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

“…Erectile dysfunction is a common clinical entity that affects mainly men older than 40 years according to the classical causes of erectile dysfunction, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and several common lifestyle factors [ 1 ]. There are various causes for organic erectile dysfunction (ED), most of which involve damage to nerves, blood vessels, corporal smooth muscle, and/or endothelial cells [ 2 , 3 ]. The incidence of ED among men suffering diabetes mellitus (DM) is three times higher than in non-diabetic men.…”

5-HT2A Receptor -1438 G/A Polymorphism and Serotonergic Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction in Male Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: A Prospective Exploratory Study

“…For the past few decades, research has increased our understanding of the neuroscience underlying SD. The pursuit of genomic regions that confer risk for SD has been the focus of many investigations [6]. Using the study by Santtila et al.…”

“…For the past few decades, research has increased our understanding of the neuroscience underlying SD. The pursuit of genomic regions that confer risk for SD has been the focus of many investigations [6]. Using the study by Santtila et al [7] as an example, the authors showed that the dopamine transporter gene polymorphism is associated with premature ejaculation (PE).…”