Recent studies have suggested that a relationship could exist between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency and erectile dysfunction (ED). The present study evaluated the relationship between 25(OH)D levels and ED in male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The study included 98 patients with type 2 DM aged between 18–80 years. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) Questionnaire was administered. The patients were divided into three groups according to IIEF-5 scoring: IIEF-5 score between 5–10, severe ED; IIEF-5 score between 11–20, moderate ED; IIEF-5 score between 21–25, no ED. Biochemical parameters, 25(OH)D and hormonal analysis tests were obtained in all patients. All parameters were compared between these three groups. Of 98 patients included in the study, 32 had severe ED, 45 had moderate ED and 21 had no ED. The mean age was 55.12 ± 9.39 years and the mean 25(OH)D level was 13.69 ± 8.15 ng/ml. When the three groups were compared, 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in patients with the IIEF-5 score between 5–10 (p = 0.020). There was a moderate positive relationship between IIEF-5 score and 25(OH)D level (r = 0.21, p = 0.038). The patients with severe ED have considerably lower 25(OH)D levels.

Background: The prevalence rates for both sarcopenia and erectile dysfunction (ED) gradually increase in middle-aged and elderly diabetic male population and they impair physical functioning, sexual functioning, and quality of life. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the sarcopenia in patients with diabetic ED. Methods: The study included 98 male patients with type II diabetes mellitus (DM) aged 18–80 years. Blood chemistry and hormone levels were obtained. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire was administered to the patients. The patients were divided into three groups according to the IIEF-5 score; a score of 5–10 points indicated severe ED, a score of 11–20 indicated moderate ED, and a score of 21–25 points indicated no ED. The muscle mass, handgrip strength, timed up and go test, upper mid-arm circumference, calf circumference, and body mass index were obtained. The statistical analysis was performed using MedCalc Statistical Software version 12.7.7. All parameters were compared between the three groups. Results: Of 98 patients included in the study, 84 patients had severe sarcopenia, 13 had moderate sarcopenia, while only one patient had normal muscle mass. The mean age was 56.59 ± 11.46 years. When patients were divided into three groups according to IIEF-5 score, 38 had severe ED, 39 had moderate ED, and 21 had no ED. There was a significant difference between the three groups in terms of handgrip strength, timed up and go test scores, upper mid-arm circumference, and calf circumference (p < .05 for all). Conclusions: Although muscle mass remains unchanged, muscle strength and physical performance decrease in diabetic ED patients. Diabetic patients with severe and moderate ED have lower muscle strength and physical performance.

Dynapenia is a condition characterized by decreased muscle strength and function in older adults that is not due to a specific underlying disease or medical condition. Dynapenia is common among older adults and has significant health effects, including functional impairment, disability, increased risk of falls, hospitalization, and death. Oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and chronic inflammation are involved in the etiopathophysiology of dynapenia. Diagnosis of dynapenia is based on the evaluation of muscle strength and function using methods such as hand grip strength, timed up and go test and short physical performance battery. Management of dynapenia involves a multifaceted approach that includes exercise, nutrition, pharmacological interventions, management of underlying medical conditions, and fall prevention strategies. With appropriate interventions, older adults with dynapenia can improve muscle strength and function, reduce the risk of falls and disability, and maintain their independence and quality of life.

We evaluated the relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED) and IL-6 levels in males with COVID-19. The study included 80 male patients aged 30–45 years who were hospitalised due to COVID-19. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire was used to assess erectile function. The IIEF-5 questionnaire was re-administered at a 3-month control visit after discharge, and the change score from baseline was recorded. The patients were divided into three groups according to the IIEF-5 score at 3 months as Group 1 (severe ED), Group 2 (moderate ED) and Group 3 (no ED), and into two groups according to IL-6 level at the time of admission as Group A (IL-6 ≤ 50 ng/ml) and Group B (IL-6 > 50 ng/ml). The change in the IIEF-5 score (p < .001) was significantly greater in Group B than in Group A. There was also significant difference in IL-6 between Group 1 and Group 2 (p = .008). The correlation analysis revealed a moderate correlation between IL-6 level and the change in IIEF-5 score and D-dimer level (r:0.529, p < .001) and a weak correlation between IL-6 level and FSH (r:0.309, p = .005). The present study suggests that elevated IL-6 levels in male patients hospitalised due to COVID-19 might be related to the risk of developing ED.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D (25[OH]D) status and the risk of cardiovascular disease as assessed by various cardiovascular risk scoring systems such as QRISK2, BNF, ASSING, SCORE, and Framingham in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM). Methods: The study included 108 patients with vitamin D insufficiency (25[OH]D ≥ 10–30 ng/mL) and 100 patients with vitamin D deficiency (25[OH]D < 10 ng/mL), who were admitted to the diabetes outpatient clinics due to T2DM and who were aged 45–65 years. QRISK2, BNF, ASSING, SCORE, and Framingham were calculated and compared between the two groups. Results: HbA1c levels were significantly higher in patients with vitamin D deficiency. Patients with vitamin D deficiency had significantly higher Framingham risk score (p < .001) and significantly lower BNF score (p < .001), whereas other scores did not significantly differ between the groups. There was a moderate, statistically significant correlation between 25[OH]D levels and Framingham risk score in negative direction (r = 0.537) and a weak but statistically significant correlation between 25[OH]D levels and BNF score (r = 0.295). 25[OH]D levels were significantly higher and HbA1c levels were significantly lower in patients with Framingham cardiovascular risk score ≤10%. Conclusion: We found a close relationship with Framingham cardiovascular risk score in diabetic patients with very low serum vitamin D levels. Cardiovascular risk as assessed by the Framingham’s scale increases with decreasing 25[OH]D levels. BNF score was negatively correlated with 25[OH]D levels.

The Medical Bulletin of Sisli Etfal Hospital