Low glycogen level could explain violent drunks: study

HELSINKI (AFP) – Low glycogen levels could explain why some people always turn aggressive or violent when they drink, a Finnish study showed Monday, suggesting the problem could be avoided with medication and regular meals.

The University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital study analysed the insulin and glycogen levels of 49 "impulsive, violent, antisocial male offenders" who had alcohol problems and committed violent acts when drunk.

Researchers compared their insulin and glycogen levels with a control group of 40 healthy men.

During the eight-year follow-up period, 17 out of 49 men committed at least one new act of violence while under the influence of alcohol.

Tests showed that insulin levels among the repeat offenders was higher and glycogen levels were lower than among men in the control group or those who did not commit violent offences again.

The human body converts carbohydrates such as bread into glucose and some of it is stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles.

When the blood insulin level is low, for example after a fast, the liver converts glycogen back into glucose and releases it into the bloodstream.

"This might suggest that substances increasing glycogen formation and decreasing the risk of hypoglycemia might be potential treatments for impulsive violent behavior," researchers said in a statement.

They added that regular eating habits while drinking alcohol were also important in preventing new violent crimes.

Study Reported Tadalafil Taken Once Daily Improved Erectile Function In Men With ED And Sexual Quality Of Life In Couples.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) announced results from a double-blind, placebo-controlled study which showed that tadalafil 5 mg dose taken once daily was generally well-tolerated, improved erectile function for men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and reported improvement in the sexual quality of life scores for men and their female partners. The 12-week study monitored 342 men and their partners, using several scientific questionnaires to assess changes in erectile function and sexual quality of life before and after treatment with a tadalafil once daily dose. The study appears in the May issue of the peer-reviewed Journal of Sexual Medicine.

"This is the first study of tadalafil 5 mg once daily dose in the treatment of men with ED in which the female partner reported improvement in sexual quality of life scores," said lead investigator Eusebio Rubio-Aurioles M.D., Ph.D. "The sexual quality of life scores also improved among males being treated. In addition, this study showed that daily dose of tadalafil is effective and generally well tolerated in the treatment of erectile dysfunction."

Study Findings

The 16-week double-blind, multicenter, randomized study followed 342 men with a minimum three-month history of ED, as well as their female partners who had adequate sexual function as measured by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Male candidates were excluded from the study if they: 1) had previously used tadalafil; 2) experienced ED as a result of other primary sexual disorders or related surgeries; 3) had a history of other medical conditions or treatments that could negatively impact erectile or cardiovascular function; or 4) had found other phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor treatments to be ineffective in treating ED. The 26 investigation sites were located in Austria, France, Germany, Mexico and the United States.

In the first, four-week run-in phase of the study, men remained ED treatment-free and were asked to make a minimum of four sexual attempts with their partners. In the second, 12-week treatment phase of the study, men were randomized to receive either a placebo (N=78) or tadalafil 5 mg (N=264) taken once daily and were asked to make at least one sexual attempt with their partner per week.

Subjects were evaluated throughout the study using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) Erectile Function (EF) Domain,(1) Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) diary(2) and the Sexual Quality of Life (SQoL) domain of the Sexual Life Quality Questionnaire (SLQQ).(3) Each couple's responses were captured at entry, the end of each phase and following each sexual attempt. Changes in vital signs were also monitored to evaluate safety.

Results showed that tadalafil 5 mg taken daily significantly improved erectile function according to changes from baseline measured by the IIEF and SEP. The average increase from baseline to endpoint in the IIEF-EF domain was 7.9 points in the tadalafil group, compared with 0.7 points in the placebo group. Men in the tadalafil group reported a 28.6 percent increase on average (compared with 2.7 percent in the placebo group) in the ability to achieve an erection sufficient for vaginal penetration. When asked if their erections lasted long enough for successful intercourse, men in the tadalafil group reported a 46 percent increase on average in positive responses from baseline to endpoint, compared with 10.8 percent in the placebo group.

The study also reported a significant improvement in the sexual quality of life scores for men taking tadalafil once daily and their partners. The average increase in SQoL scores from baseline to endpoint for men in the tadalafil group was 39.5 points, compared with 12.5 point increase in the placebo group. The average increase in SQoL scores for women whose partners were in the tadalafil group was 32.4 points, compared with 5 points in the placebo group.

Tadalafil 5 mg was generally well-tolerated, and the most frequently reported adverse events were headache, dyspepsia and nasal congestion. Three subjects in the tadalafil group discontinued their participation in the study due to adverse events.

Erectile Dysfunction: Cialis, Viagra and Levitra to Treat ED.

There are only three oral drugs approved by the FDA to treat erectile dysfunction: Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra. All work by increasing the flow of blood into the penis so that when a man is sexually stimulated, he can get an erection.

What Are the Differences Between Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra?

Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra work by a similar mechanism to cause erections. There are subtle differences in how long the drug works and how quickly it works. Levitra works a little longer than Viagra. They both take effect in about 30 minutes. With Levitra, the effects last for about 5 hours. With Viagra, the effects last approximately 4 hours.

Cialis works a bit faster (within about 15 minutes), and the effects last much longer -- up to 36 hours in some cases.

If One of These Drugs Isn't Effective for Erectile Dysfunction, Can I Try Another?

Yes, but because these drugs work the same way, it's unlikely that you'll have success with one if you've failed to achieve an adequate erection with another.

What Precautions Should I Take Before Taking One of These Drugs?

There are certain situations in which these drugs may not be safe to take. Before taking them, tell your doctor:

* If you are allergic to any drugs, including Viagra or other ED medications.

* About any prescription or nonprescription medications you are currently taking, including herbal and dietary supplements.

* If you are scheduled for surgery, including dental surgery.

* If you take nitroglycerin or a long-acting nitrate to treat chest pain. The combination of Cialis, Levitra or Viagra with these drugs can cause dangerously low blood pressure.

* If you take alpha-blockers for blood pressure or prostate problems. The combination of Cialis or Levitra with these drugs can also cause dangerously low blood pressure.

In addition, always follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part that you do not understand. Take these drugs exactly as directed. Do not take more or less or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not take these drugs more than once a day.