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The following is a summary of “J-Shaped relationship between the red cell distribution width to albumin ratio and erectile dysfunction: a cross-sectional study from NHANES 2001-2004,” published in the March 2025 issue of Frontiers in Endocrinology by Xu and Li. 

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to analyze the association between the red cell distribution width to albumin ratio (RAR) and erectile dysfunction (ED).  

They analyzed data from 3,950 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001–2004 cycle to assess the association between the RAR and ED risk. A multivariable logistic regression model estimated this relationship, while a generalized additive model (GAM) and dose-response analysis examined potential nonlinear associations. Subgroup analyses explored interactions with demographic and lifestyle factors.  

The results showed that 1,157 individuals reported a history of ED, with a higher prevalence in those aged 50 years and older (86.78%), ED was significantly associated with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease (P < 0.001). A J-shaped relationship was identified between the RAR and ED risk, with a significant increase below an RAR threshold of 3.42 (OR = 3.01, 95% CI: 2.08–4.36, P < 0.001), while risk plateaued at higher values. Subgroup analyses showed significant interactions with ethnicity (P = 0.018) and moderate-intensity physical activity (P = 0.004). Non-Hispanic whites (OR = 2.85) and those engaging in moderate-intensity activity (OR = 3.83) had a higher ED risk. No significant interactions were found for age or body mass index (BMI).  

Investigators concluded that RAR showed a J-shaped relationship with ED risk, with increase in risk below an RAR of 3.42 and saturation above that threshold. 

Source: frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2025.1545272/full