(584) Independent Associations of DHEA-S and Estradiol with Erectile Dysfunction in Community-Dwelling Men

Introduction In addition to testosterone, various endocrine hormones may be involved in erectile function. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is the most abundant steroid hormone in humans, which is reported to play a multifunctional protective role in cellular well-being. Additionally, estradiol and prolactin have been reported to affect erectile function. However, the role of these sex hormones in the erectile function of men without hypogonadism remains unclear. Objective The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between sex hormone levels and erectile dysfunction (ED) in community-dwelling men without hypogonadism. Methods This cross-sectional study included 398 community-dwelling men without hypoandrogenism. The participants were categorized into the non-ED and ED groups. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between ED and serum sex hormone levels, including total testosterone, DHEA-S, estradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin. Results Among the 398 men, 66 (17%) and 332 (83%) were categorized into the non-ED and ED groups, respectively. In the multivariable analyses, serum DHEA-S and estradiol levels were significantly associated with ED (odds ratio [OR]: 0.996, P = 0.030; OR: 1.082, P = 0.002; respectively), whereas serum total testosterone, LH, FSH, and prolactin levels did not demonstrate significant association. After adjusting for age, none of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, serum plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels, and skin advanced glycation end-products levels demonstrated significant correlation with serum DHEA-S and estradiol levels. Conclusions In conclusion, lower testosterone levels did not affect ED in men with normal testosterone levels, whereas serum DHEA-S and estradiol levels were significantly associated with ED. Nevertheless, well-established risk factors for ED, including low-grade systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and AGEs accumulation, did not exhibit any correlation with serum DHEA-S and estradiol levels. Disclosure No