The connection between type 2 diabetes and erectile dysfunction in Taiwanese aboriginal males.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a growing global epidemic, especially among aboriginal Taiwanese. This study aimed to identify the relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED), markers of endothelial function, serum testosterone level and type 2 DM in aboriginal Taiwanese. Data were obtained from a baseline survey of 240 aboriginal adults. Their demographic data, presence of type 2 DM, markers of endothelial function, serum testosterone and ED status were assessed. The mean age of the samples was 51.62 ± 7.76 years. The International Index of Erectile Function-5 total score had a mean of 21.99 ± 2.34 and a median of 23; 134 participants had ED (55.8%). The results showed an increased risk of ED for participants with type 2 DM and lower serum testosterone level. Among the predictors of ED, type 2 DM, lower serum free testosterone and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were significantly independent factors. Interleukin-6 had a negative relationship with ED. The study results suggest there is a strong association between type 2 DM and erectile function among aboriginal Taiwanese that is similar to the general population. This study also supports the idea that type 2 DM, markers of endothelial function and serum testosterone may provide warning signs of ED and, at the same time, an opportunity for early intervention for aboriginal adult male.

Association of metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis risk factors, sex hormones in ED in aboriginal Taiwanese.

The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in aboriginal male Taiwanese is very high. Many studies have found that those with cardiovascular disease and MS have a significantly higher risk of ED. In this study, we attempted to find the correlation among MS risk factor, atherosclerosis risk factors and low serum testosterone in relation to the development of ED. This was a cross-sectional study of 238 cases, and collected data included demographic data, lifestyle questionnaires, sexual desire scale, sexual satisfaction scale and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Among our 238 subjects, 146 had MS (61.3%) and 114 subjects with MS had ED (85.7%). Using age-adjusted multivariate logistic regressive analysis, this study showed that aboriginal males with ED had a significantly higher prevalence of MS (OR=12.02, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 6.33-22.83, P<0.001). Among the MS components, abnormal fasting blood sugar was the most significantly independent factor for ED in aboriginal males (OR=8.94, 95% CI: 4.71-16.97, P<0.001). The presence of MS had a significant correlation with lower IIEF-5 scores, lower sexual desire scores, lower testosterone serum level (P<0.01) and abnormal interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (HsCRP). The results of this study support the idea that MS, low serum testosterone and HsCRP may predict ED in aboriginal Taiwanese males. Further studies with population-based and longitudinal design should be conducted to confirm this finding and design to compare rates of ED in aboriginal men with MS.

In vivo nitric oxide sensor using non-conducting polymer-modified carbon fiber.

Nitric oxide (NO) is emerging as a very important and ubiquitous gaseous messenger in the body. The response characteristics of NO sensors made of non-conducting polymer modified carbon fiber electrodes are investigated to determine their selectivity, sensitivity, and stability for in vivo use. A composite polymer, comprising Nafion, m-phenylenediamine, and resorcinol, showed the best selectivity and stability to amperometric NO detection. The non-conducting, self-limiting polymer film protects the electrode from interference and fouling by other biochemicals. Although the relative sensitivity to NO of the modified sensor is lower than that of the unmodified carbon fiber electrodes (less than 6%), the composite polymer electrode showed high selectivity against ascorbic acid (> 2000:1), nitrite (> 600:1), and dopamine (> 200:1). The stability of the NO sensor was maintained for at least 1 week. The NO sensitivity after in vivo experiments (n = 8) is 88.1 +/- 5.6% of initial sensitivity data obtained before in vivo experiments. Preliminary in vivo experiments done with this electrode are shown to capture elevated NO levels in brain following an ischemic injury.