Causal links between brain multimodal features (morphometry, metabolomics, networks) and erectile dysfunction: evidence from Mendelian randomization.

BACKGROUND

Integrating brain multimodal features (e.g. structural, functional, and cerebrospinal fluid metabolomic data) offers a promising approach to elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying erectile dysfunction (ED).

METHODS

Using two-sample Mendelian randomization, we assessed causal effects of 83 whole-brain morphological, 191 resting-state fMRI, and 338 cerebrospinal fluid metabolite phenotypes on ED. A p-value < 0.05 indicated statistical significance.

RESULTS

Reduced volumes in the left and right accumbens and enlarged volumes in the left pars opercularis and right putamen were associated with increased ED risk. Increased connectivity between occipital/precuneus and superior frontal gyrus (default/executive networks) elevated ED risk, while connectivity between postcentral/precentral and subcortical regions (motor/subcortical-cerebellum networks) reduced risk. Several metabolites were identified: elevated 4-Methylcatechol sulfate, adenine, gulonate, pyroglutamine, and thioproline increased ED risk, while higher cortisone, malate, phosphate, and X-21733 decreased risk.

CONCLUSION

We identified four morphological, two functional connectivity, and nine metabolic causal relationships with ED, enhancing understanding and suggesting novel therapeutic targets.