Lipid metabolism and neuromuscular junction as common pathways underlying the genetic basis of erectile dysfunction and obstructive sleep apnea

Author(s)

Adami, Luana N. G. ; Moyses-Oliveira, Mariana ; Souza-Cunha, Lais Amanda ; Vasco, Matheus Brandao ; Tufik, Sergio ; Andersen, Monica L.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMPOTENCE RESEARCH; v. 36, n. 6, p. 7-pg., 2023-11-21.

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) incidence is higher in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Studies have suggested that ED and OSA may activate similar pathways; however, few have investigated the links between their underlying genotypic profiles. Therefore, we conducted an in-silico analysis to test whether ED and OSA share genetic variants of risk and to identify any molecular, cellular and biological interactions between them. Two gene lists were manually curated through a literature review based on a PUBMED search, which resulted in one gene list associated with ED (total of 205 genes) and the other with OSA (total of 2622 genes). Between those gene sets, 35 were common for both lists (Fisher exact test, p-value = 0.027). The Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis using the intersect list as input showed that 3 of them had direct interactions (LPL, DGKB and PLCB1). In addition, the biological function of the genes contained in the intersect list suggested that pathways related to lipid metabolism and the neuromuscular junction were commonly found in the genetic basis of ED and OSA. From the shared genes between both conditions, the biological pathways highlighted in this study may serve as preliminary findings for future functional investigations on OSA and ED association. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/11995-5 - Sleep disorders, male sexual and fertile function: a cellular and molecular approach
• Grantee: Luana Nayara Gallego Adami
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Support Program for Fixating Young Doctors
• FAPESP's process: 21/09089-0 - High throughput genomic edition to investigate neurodevelopmental disorders using isogenic cellular models
• Grantee: Mariana Moysés Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/13467-8 - The relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and its comorbidities with the intestinal microbiome: interface with sexuality and reproductive function
• Grantee: Monica Levy Andersen
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants