Genetic analysis reveals a causal relationship between air pollution and erectile dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the causal relationship between air pollution and erectile dysfunction (ED).

METHODS

This study was evaluated by the method of double sample Mendelian random grouping (MR). The exposure data were from the GWAS data set of British biological bank (n = 461). Results the data were integrated into three cohorts (223805 healthy controls and 6175 ED patients). Inverse variance weighted (IVW) analysis was mainly used, supplemented by Mr egger regression, weighted median and Cochran's Q test. One analysis was reserved for quality control, and Bonferroni correction was used for multiple tests.

RESULTS

The increase of PM2.5 predicted by gene was significantly correlated with the increased risk of ED (IVW or = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.12 - 2.43, P = 0.010), which was still significant after Bonferroni correction (p < 1.67 × 10-2) After adjusting for confounding factors, multivariate MR analysis confirmed that PM2.5 had an independent causal effect on ed. Mr egger regression showed no horizontal pleiotropy (intercept P > 0.05), and no heterogeneity or abnormal single nucleotide polymorphisms were found.

CONCLUSION

This is the first genetic evidence that PM2.5 is an independent risk factor for ED. it is emphasized that air pollution control is the key public health strategy for global ed prevention.