Relation between Monocyte to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio and Presence and Severity of Erectile Dysfunction

Abstract

Previous studies have evidenced that inflammation and endothelial dysfunction have a crucial role in erectile dysfunction (ED). Increased monocyte count or activity and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels have been associated with inflammation. The monocyte to HDL-C ratio (MHR) is a recently emerged indicator of inflammation. We aimed to investigate the relationship between MHR and ED. In this retrospective study, a total of 120 patients were enrolled, 60 of them having ED and 60 having a normal erectile function. The presence of ED was evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). Patients with ED were compared with the control group for IIEF-5 and MHR. The mean ages of patients and controls were 55.6±5.53 and 56.42±6.63 years, respectively (p = 0.47). The risk factors for ED were similar between cases and controls. The total testosterone, glucose and creatinine levels did not differ between groups. While the HDL-C, LDL-C and triglyceride levels were similar between groups, the monocyte count (0.55±0.20 vs. 0.73±0.18, p < 0.0001) and MHR was significantly greater in patients with ED than in those without ED (1.31 vs. 1.77, p < 0.0001). MHR was significantly negatively correlated with IIEF-5 (p < 0.0001). To our knowledge, this is the first study that has shown a significant and independent association between elevated MHR and ED.