The Relationship Between Sexual Dysfunctions With Disease Prolactin and Genetic Polymorphisms in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Patients Receiving Pharmacotherapy

TL;DR

This study explores how sexual dysfunction is linked to prolactin levels and genetic factors in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Contribution

The study identifies a novel association between the eNOS -786T>C polymorphism and increased risk of sexual dysfunction in psychiatric patients.

Findings

Sexual dysfunction was detected in 45.9% of schizophrenia patients and 59.5% of bipolar disorder patients.

The eNOS -786T>C T allele frequency was significantly higher in patients with sexual dysfunction.

Logistic regression analysis showed that eNOS -786T>C CT and TT genotypes increase the risk of sexual dysfunction.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate sexual dysfunctions (SDs) and related factors in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder receiving pharmacotherapy.

Methods: This study included 111 patients. The Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS), the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), and the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) were applied to the schizophrenia, and the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) to the bipolar patient group. The sociodemographic data form and the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) were applied to both of the patient groups. Blood was drawn from all patients to evaluate the indicated gene polymorphisms and evaluate prolactin levels.

Results: SD was detected in 45.9% (N = 34) of the schizophrenia group, and 59.5% (N = 22) in the bipolar disorder group. SD was significantly higher in elderly patients and patients with a high smoking amount and low education levels. The eNOS -786T>C T allele frequency was found to be significantly higher in patients with SD. The logistic regression analysis determined that eNOS -786T>C CT and TT genotypes increased the risk of SD.

Conclusion: In this study, the high rates of SD in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and the presence of modifiable factors that influence the presence of SD, suggest that SD should be given more attention in these patient groups. On the other hand, the high rate of SD in patients with the eNOS -786T>C T allele indicates the importance of carrying out new studies investigating the factors affecting the enzyme activity in this genotype. There is a need for more studies on eNOS genotypes and enzyme activites in this area.