Objective: The association between eNOS polymorphism and erectile dysfunction risk remains conflicting. We conducted a meta-analysis to examine the eNOS T894G, 4VNTR, C-786T polymorphism in relation to the susceptibility of erectile dysfunction.
Methods: Studies concerning this association were searched and related information was extracted from the included studies. The STATA 12.0 software was used to perform a meta-analysis.
Results: Significant association was observed between eNOST894G polymorphism and erectile dysfunction risk for all genetic models (T vs. G: OR =1.73; 95% CI, 1.52-1.97; P=0.000; TT vs. GG: OR =1.99; 95% CI, 1.40-2.84; P=0.000; TG vs. GG: OR =1.67; 95% CI, 1.42-1.98; P=0.000; TT+TG vs. GG: OR =1.89; 95% CI, 1.61-2.22; P=0.000; TT vs. TG+GG: OR =2.33; 95% CI, 1.69-3.22; P=0.000; TG vs. TT+GG: OR =1.47; 95% CI, 1.25-1.73; P=0.000). Subgroup analysis by population produced significant results in Asian population as well. The meta-analyses of 4VNTR and C-786T polymorphism yielded inconsistent results.
Conclusions: In conclusion, the results of the meta-analysis indicated that the T allele of eNOS gene T894G polymorphism is a risk factor for erectile dysfunction in Asians. However, the results should be interpreted with caution and further studies are required.