Exploring the causal associations of gout and serum uric acid levels on erectile dysfunction: A Mendelian randomization study

Several observational studies have suggested a possible link between gout, serum uric acid (UA) levels, and erectile dysfunction (ED). Nonetheless, the current body of evidence does not allow for a conclusive determination regarding the influence of gout and serum UA on the likelihood of developing ED. The primary aim of this research was to explore the potential causal relationship between gout and serum UA levels in relation to ED utilizing Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. The principal analytical method employed was inverse variance weighting (IVW). Following this, a sensitivity analysis was performed using Cochran Q-test, funnel plots, MR-Egger regression, and the leave-one-out method. The findings from the IVW analysis revealed no significant association between gout and ED (odds ratio [OR] = 1.004, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.948-1.063, P = .888), nor between serum UA levels and ED (OR = 1.013, 95% CI: 0.775-2.126, P = .333). The results from the supplementary methods corroborated those obtained from the IVW approach. This study confirmed the absence of heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy, with consistent results across all sensitivity analyses. The MR analysis did not yield genetic-level evidence to substantiate a direct causal relationship between gout, serum UA, and ED.