The role of brain derived neurotrophic factor in etiology of premature ejaculation

OBJECTIVES: Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most prevalent male sexual dysfunctions. Serotonin plays an important role in PE etiology and is closely related to the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and, these two mediators work together in neurogenesis. Therefore, it is suggested that BDNF may play a role in etiology of PE. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a relation between the serum level of BDNF and PE. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between July 2016 and May 2017, 40 patients who diagnosed with PE and 40 healthy controls without PE were enrolled in this study. The patients were evaluated with the premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) and erectile function questionnaires. Blood samples were collected from patients and controls. Serum was separated and BDNF levels were measured. The obtained data were compared statistically. RESULTS: The mean age of the PE and control group was 34,97±6,32(22-49), 33,03±3,97 (25-41) years, respectively (p<0.05). There was no difference in body mass index between two groups; 25,95±3,48 kg/m² in PE group, 25,51±2,71 kg/m² in control group (p>0,05). All of the cases in both group were married and there was no difference in mean married time, alcohol drinking and smoking. Orgasmic function, intercourse and overall satisfaction scores were significantly lower in PE group when compered to control group (p<0,05). PEDT scores were 15,11±2,51 and 4,15±2,38 for PE and control group, respectively (p<0,05). The serum level of BDNF was 277,82±226,78 ng/ml in PE group and 542,8±140,5 ng/ml in control group (p<0,05). CONCLUSION: Serum level of BDNF was significantly lower in the PE group when compared to controls. The result of this study suggests that lower serum BDNF levels may be an etiologic factor for patients with PE. Further studies are needed to clarify this relationship.