Genetic link to erectile dysfunction raises hopes for impotence cure, researchers say

'This is an exciting discovery because it opens the door for investigations into new therapies,' says lead researcher Dr Eric Jorgenson

Genetics are thought to be factor in a third of erectile dysfunction cases (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Erectile dysfunction has been linked to a variation in DNA for the first time, according to new research.

Scientists say they have identified an area of the genome which increases the risk of impotence, raising hopes of new therapies to treat the condition.

The variation was found near the SIM1 gene, which is also thought to play a role in brain development.

"This is a big deal because it provides the long sought-after proof that there is a genetic component to the disease," said lead researcher Dr Eric Jorgenson, from US health service providers Kaiser Permanente. "Identifying the first genetic risk factor for erectile dysfunction is an exciting discovery because it opens the door for investigations into new, genetic-based therapies."

Erectile dysfunction or impotence is a common problem in men that can be caused by stress, tiredness, anxiety or drinking too much alcohol.

The condition has also been linked to hormonal deficiencies and damage to nerves or arteries.

While drugs such as Viagra can be effective, around half of all men who try them do not respond to treatment.

It has been estimated that genetic factors are involved in around one third of cases of impotence but researchers had previously failed to make an association with any specific location in the genome.

The new research, reported in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, analysed the complete genomes, or genetic codes, of more than 36,000 American and 222,000 British men.

A search was made for differences that occurred more often in men with a history of erectile dysfunction.

Variations in the SIM1 locus, the region of DNA containing the SIM1 gene, was associated with a 26 per cent increased risk of impotence.

Resear​chers said they ruled out the involvement of other known risk factors such as body mass index, or differences in how men describe their erectile dysfunction.

They believe a genetic "promoter" that turns SIM1 on and off may explain their findings rather than the gene itself.

Co-author Dr Hunter Wessells, from the University of Washington School of Medicine, said: "This study points to a new research direction for erectile dysfunction that could help us identify other key genetic variants that trigger the disease and lead to investigations to better understand the precise mechanisms by which they operate.

"Hopefully, this will translate into better treatments and, importantly, prevention approaches for the men and their partners who often suffer silently with this condition."

Additional reporting by Press Association