The Indicative Effects of Apolipoproteins on organic Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosed by the Nocturnal Penile Tumescence and Rigidity Test

Abstract

Background Erectile dysfunction (ED) is closely associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Apolipoprotein (Apo) B, Apo A1, and Apo A1/Apo B are predictive indicators of CVD. A strong association among these proteins, ED and CVD has been partially demonstrated. However, Previous studies have confirmed the correlation between apolipoproteins and ED, but does not confirm that apolipoproteins are associated with organic ED but not with psychogenic ED. The results of the The nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR) test and the scale allowed the diagnosis of organic or psychogenic ED, and we more accurately confirmed the association between Apo B, Apo A1, Apo A1/Apo B and organic ED. Results In our study, patients with organic ED had considerably lower levels of Apo A1 and Apo A1/Apo B (P = .013 and P < .001, respectively), whereas patients with organic ED had considerably higher levels of Apo B (P = .024). With an AUC of 0.612 (95% CI: 0.537–0.688, cut-off < 0.95) and 0.655 (95% CI: 0.581–0.728, cut-off < 1.263), respectively, Apo A1 and Apo A1/Apo B exhibited a medium diagnostic value for the risk of organic ED, according to the ROC curve; however, Apo B had no sufficient diagnostic value. Conclusion According to our findings, through the NPTR test, Apo B, Apo A1, and Apo A1/Apo B were all risk factors for organic ED and CVD, but not for psychogenic ED. Additionally, it demonstrated that the proteins Apo A1 and Apo A1/Apo B are crucial in the genesis of organic ED and can be utilized as indicators to evaluate the risks of organic ED.