Association between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and erectile dysfunction among US males: a population-based cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult American males using a large database. MethodsWe adopted a series of statistical analyses of the relationship between NLR indices and ED prevalence among participants in the 2001-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database using the R software. ResultsThe study included a total of 3012 participants, of whom 570 (18.9%) presented with ED. NLR levels were 2.13 (95% CI: 2.08,2.17) in those without ED and 2.36 (95% CI: 2.27,2.45) in those with ED. After adjusting for confounding variables, NLR levels were higher in patients with ED, (& beta;, 1.21, 95% CI, 1.09-1.34, P < 0.001). In addition, a U-shaped relationship between NLR and ED was observed after controlling for all confounders. A more significant correlation (& beta;, 1.35, 95% CI, 1.19 to 1.53, P < 0.001) existed to the right of the inflection point (1.52). ConclusionThe results of the large cross-sectional study showed a statistically significant association between the occurrence of ED and NLR, a simple, inexpensive, and readily available parameter of inflammation, in US adults. Further studies are still needed in the future to validate and replicate our findings and to investigate the specific mechanisms involved.

Automated summary

This study investigated the relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult American males. Statistical analysis of the NHANES database showed that higher NLR levels were associated with ED, and a U-shaped relationship between NLR and ED was observed. The large cross-sectional study concluded that NLR is a significant parameter of inflammation that is associated with the occurrence of ED in US adults.