A biomarker of erectile dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis

In rheumatoid arthritis, the identification of blood biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction, a precursor of atherosclerosis, would enable us to better assess risk and define appropriate prevention strategies. While ischemia-modified albumin is already used in the assessment of oxidative stress, ischemia and erectile dysfunction, this biomarker had not previously been evaluated in erectile dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis patients. This study, conducted on 113 patients with no prior cardiovascular history, demonstrated a significant inverse association between peripheral vasodilator capacity and ischemia-modified albumin levels. The association between erectile dysfunction and ischemia-modified albumin remained significant after adjustment for factors influencing rheumatoid arthritis.