Homocysteine, insulin-like growth factor one and oestrogen levels in patients with erectile dysfunction-associated chronic hepatitis C virus infection

Abstract

We assessed the change of homocysteine (Hcy), insulin-like growth factor one (IGF-Ι) and oestrogen (E2) levels in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) associated with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Eighty-five male patients with chronic HCV and/or ED were enrolled in this study. Seventy-five men were assigned to three equal groups (n = 25/each); Group A: patients who had chronic HCV and ED. Group B: patients who had chronic HCV and had no ED complaint. Group C: patients who had ED with no chronic HCV. In addition to 10 control patients with no ED or chronic HCV (Group D). All patients were subjected to: detailed medical and sexual history, complete physical examination, laboratory assessment including measurement of serum Hcy, IGF-1 and E2. The means of international index of erectile function scores were 8 and 16 in groups A and C respectively. There were significant differences in Hcy, IGF-I and E2 among study groups (p < 0.05 for each). There were significant differences in Hcy between patients with Child B and Child C. A strong association between severity of ED and chronic HCV was demonstrated. There was statistically significant increase of Hcy and E2 levels and reduction in IGF-I level in patients with ED associated with chronic HCV infection.

Hyperhomocysteinemia: Focus on Endothelial Damage as a Cause of Erectile Dysfunction

“…Moreover, in ED patients, they observed that subjects without diabetes are more likely to have increased levels of Hcys than diabetic subjects [ 23 ]. This is in contrast with previous studies [ 24 , 25 ] and HHcys has been associated with ED in several other medical conditions such as, for example, hepatitis C virus infection [ 26 ]. However, even if it could seem counter-intuitive, some authors suggest that in the presence of comorbidities such as diabetes, even small changes in serum Hcys could negatively affect erectile function acting in a synergistic way and becoming clinically relevant [ 23 ].…”

Viruses and Endocrine Diseases

“…About 30% of male patients with chronic HCV infection, especially those with liver cirrhosis, have erectile dysfunction (ED) [ 115 ]. Significant increases in homocysteine and estrogen levels and a reduction in insulin-like growth factor 1 levels have been observed in patients with ED associated with chronic HCV infection, and a strong association between the severity of ED and chronic HCV has been demonstrated [ 116 ]. Patients with chronic HCV infection have low serum levels of inhibin B and total testosterone, as well as abnormal sperm parameters (a decreased sperm volume, sperm count, and sperm motility), compared to controls, suggesting a possible negative influence of the virus on spermatogenesis [ 117 , 118 ].…”

Considerations for prescribing pharmacotherapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction

“…ED, age, and comorbidities are factors associated with each other. Age is associated with the increased rate of ED and chronic illnesses like; diabetes [110], hypertension, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndromes [44], depression, and cardiovascular dysfunctions [111,112]. Addressing these factors in detail is of critical importance in both diagnostic workup and treatment of ED [27].…”