Can cardiometabolic index predict erectile and other sexual functions in men with metabolic syndrome?

¿Puede el índice cardiometabólico predecir la función eréctil y otras funciones sexuales en hombres con síndrome metabólico?

Background: We aimed to examine the impact of the cardiometabolic index (CMI) on various aspects of male sexuality across different age groups, with a focus on the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: We included a total of 454 sexually active men, 127 with MetS and 327 without MetS. We assessed sexual function using the long form of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. According to the IIEF guestionnaire, a total score <26 is defined as erectile dysfunction (ED). We calculated the CMI using the formula: (Triglyceride/High Density Lipoprotein-cholesterol) × (Waist circumference/Height). The relationship between sexual function scores and CMI was analyzed in men, using a 50-year age cut-off. We investigated the predictive power of the CMI for ED. Results: The mean CMI was higher in men with MetS than those without (p-value < 0.001). The MetS group had lower mean testosterone levels and erectile function scores than the non-MetS group (p-value < 0.05). Men under 50 with MetS had lower sexual function scores for erectile function, sexual satisfaction, orgasm, desire and overall satisfaction than their non-MetS counterparts (p-value < 0.05). Regardless of MetS grouping, at a CMI cut-off value of 0.50, sensitivity and specificity were 77% and 55%, respectively (p-value < 0.001). However, MetS group had low sensitivity and specificity at a CMI cut-off value of 1.46 (56% and 57%, respectively; p-value > 0.05). Logistic regression revealed that both CMI and age were significant risk factors for sexual dysfunction (Odds Ratio = 2.672 and 1.081, respectively; p-value = 0.001). Conclusions: The CMI predicted sexual dysfunction, including ED, in younger men. The presence of MetS increased the risk of sexual dysfunction. However, CMI did not predict male sexual dysfunction in older men, independent of MetS. Our findings suggest that CMI can be a predictor of various aspects of sexual functions, particularly in younger men.

Resumen

Antecedentes: Nuestro objetivo fue examinar el impacto del índice cardiometabólico (ICM) en varios aspectos de la sexualidad masculina en diferentes grupos de edad, con un enfoque en la presencia del síndrome metabólico (MetS). Métodos: Incluimos un total de 454 hombres sexualmente activos, 127 con MetS y 327 sin MetS. Evaluamos la función sexual utilizando la versión larga de 15 ítems del cuestionario del Índice Internacional de Función Eréctil (IIEF). Según este cuestionario, una puntuación total de 1 a 5, o una puntuación inferior a 26 en las 15 preguntas, se define como disfunción eréctil (DE). Calculamos el ICM utilizando la fórmula: (Triglicéridos/Lipoproteína de alta densidad) × (Circunferencia de cintura/Altura). La relación entre las puntuaciones de la función sexual y el ICM se analizó en hombres, estableciendo un límite de edad de 50 años. Investigamos el poder predictivo del CMI para determinar la gravedad de la disfunción eréctil. Resultados: El CMI promedio fue mayor en hombres con MetS que en aquellos sin él (p < 0.001). El grupo con MetS presentó niveles medios de testosterona y puntuaciones de función eréctil más bajos que el grupo sin MetS (p < 0.05). En hombres menores de 50 años con MetS, las puntuaciones de función sexual, incluida la función eréctil, satisfacción sexual, orgasmo, deseo y satisfacción general, fueron significativamente más bajas que las de sus homólogos sin MetS (p < 0.05). Independientemente de la presencia de MetS, con un valor de corte de CMI de 0.50, la sensibilidad y la especificidad para predecir DE fueron del 77% y 55%, respectivamente (p < 0.001). Sin embargo, en hombres con MetS, la sensibilidad y la especificidad fueron bajas con un valor de corte del CMI de 1.46 (56% y 57%, respectivamente; p > 0.05). El análisis de regresión logística reveló que tanto el IMC como la edad eran factores de riesgo significativos para la disfunción sexual (Razón de probabilidades = 2.672 y 1.081, respectivamente; p = 0.001). Conclusiones: El ICM predijo disfunción sexual, incluida la disfunción eréctil, en hombres más jóvenes. La presencia de MetS aumentó el riesgo de disfunción sexual. No obstante, el CMI no predijo la disfunción sexual masculina en hombres mayores, independientemente del MetS. Nuestros hallazgos sugieren que el CMI puede ser un predictor útil de varios aspectos de la función sexual, particularmente en hombres más jóvenes.

Cardiometabolic index; Desire; Erectile dysfunction; Metabolic syndrome; Orgasm

Palabras Clave

Índice cardiometabólico; Deseo; Disfunción eréctil; Síndrome metabólico; Orgasmo

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