101
|
Sumien N, Cunningham JT, Davis DL, Engelland R, Fadeyibi O, Farmer GE, Mabry S, Mensah-Kane P, Trinh OTP, Vann PH, Wilson EN, Cunningham RL. Neurodegenerative Disease: Roles for Sex, Hormones, and Oxidative Stress. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6360925. [PMID: 34467976 PMCID: PMC8462383 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases cause severe impairments in cognitive and motor function. With an increasing aging population and the onset of these diseases between 50 and 70 years, the consequences are bound to be devastating. While age and longevity are the main risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases, sex is also an important risk factor. The characteristic of sex is multifaceted, encompassing sex chromosome complement, sex hormones (estrogens and androgens), and sex hormone receptors. Sex hormone receptors can induce various signaling cascades, ranging from genomic transcription to intracellular signaling pathways that are dependent on the health of the cell. Oxidative stress, associated with aging, can impact the health of the cell. Sex hormones can be neuroprotective under low oxidative stress conditions but not in high oxidative stress conditions. An understudied sex hormone receptor that can induce activation of oxidative stress signaling is the membrane androgen receptor (mAR). mAR can mediate nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX)-generated oxidative stress that is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer disease. Further complicating this is that aging can alter sex hormone signaling. Prior to menopause, women experience more estrogens than androgens. During menopause, this sex hormone profile switches in women due to the dramatic ovarian loss of 17β-estradiol with maintained ovarian androgen (testosterone, androstenedione) production. Indeed, aging men have higher estrogens than aging women due to aromatization of androgens to estrogens. Therefore, higher activation of mAR-NOX signaling could occur in menopausal women compared with aged men, mediating the observed sex differences. Understanding of these signaling cascades could provide therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Sumien
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Center for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - J Thomas Cunningham
- Department of Physiology & Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Delaney L Davis
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Center for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Rachel Engelland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Oluwadarasimi Fadeyibi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - George E Farmer
- Department of Physiology & Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Steve Mabry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Paapa Mensah-Kane
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Center for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Oanh T P Trinh
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Center for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Philip H Vann
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Center for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - E Nicole Wilson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Rebecca L Cunningham
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Correspondence: Rebecca L. Cunningham, PhD, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3400 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX, USA, 76107-2699.
| |
Collapse
|
102
|
van Rosendael AR, van den Hoogen IJ, Gianni U, Ma X, Tantawy SW, Bax AM, Lu Y, Andreini D, Al-Mallah MH, Budoff MJ, Cademartiri F, Chinnaiyan K, Choi JH, Conte E, Marques H, de Araújo Gonçalves P, Gottlieb I, Hadamitzky M, Leipsic JA, Maffei E, Pontone G, Shin S, Kim YJ, Lee BK, Chun EJ, Sung JM, Lee SE, Virmani R, Samady H, Sato Y, Stone PH, Berman DS, Narula J, Blankstein R, Min JK, Lin FY, Shaw LJ, Bax JJ, Chang HJ. Association of Statin Treatment With Progression of Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque Composition. JAMA Cardiol 2021; 6:1257-1266. [PMID: 34406326 DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2021.3055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Importance The density of atherosclerotic plaque forms the basis for categorizing calcified and noncalcified morphology of plaques. Objective To assess whether alterations in plaque across a range of density measurements provide a more detailed understanding of atherosclerotic disease progression. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study enrolled 857 patients who underwent serial coronary computed tomography angiography 2 or more years apart and had quantitative measurements of coronary plaques throughout the entire coronary artery tree. The study was conducted from 2013 to 2016 at 13 sites in 7 countries. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcome was progression of plaque composition of individual coronary plaques. Six plaque composition types were defined on a voxel-level basis according to the plaque attenuation (expressed in Hounsfield units [HU]): low attenuation (-30 to 75 HU), fibro-fatty (76-130 HU), fibrous (131-350 HU), low-density calcium (351-700 HU), high-density calcium (701-1000 HU), and 1K (>1000 HU). The progression rates of these 6 compositional plaque types were evaluated according to the interaction between statin use and baseline plaque volume, adjusted for risk factors and time interval between scans. Plaque progression was also examined based on baseline calcium density. Analysis was performed among lesions matched at baseline and follow-up. Data analyses were conducted from August 2019 through March 2020. Results In total, 2458 coronary lesions in 857 patients (mean [SD] age, 62.1 [8.7] years; 540 [63.0%] men; 548 [63.9%] received statin therapy) were included. Untreated coronary lesions increased in volume over time for all 6 compositional types. Statin therapy was associated with volume decreases in low-attenuation plaque (β, -0.02; 95% CI, -0.03 to -0.01; P = .001) and fibro-fatty plaque (β, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.04 to -0.02; P < .001) and greater progression of high-density calcium plaque (β, 0.02; 95% CI, 0.01-0.03; P < .001) and 1K plaque (β, 0.02; 95% CI, 0.01-0.03; P < .001). When analyses were restricted to lesions without low-attenuation plaque or fibro-fatty plaque at baseline, statin therapy was not associated with a change in overall calcified plaque volume (β, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.08 to 0.02; P = .24) but was associated with a transformation toward more dense calcium. Interaction analysis between baseline plaque volume and calcium density showed that more dense coronary calcium was associated with less plaque progression. Conclusions and Relevance The results suggest an association of statin use with greater rates of transformation of coronary atherosclerosis toward high-density calcium. A pattern of slower overall plaque progression was observed with increasing density. All findings support the concept of reduced atherosclerotic risk with increased densification of calcium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R van Rosendael
- Department of Radiology, Dalio Institute of Cardiovascular Imaging, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York.,Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Inge J van den Hoogen
- Department of Radiology, Dalio Institute of Cardiovascular Imaging, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York.,Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Umberto Gianni
- Department of Radiology, Dalio Institute of Cardiovascular Imaging, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Section of Cardiology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Xiaoyue Ma
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York
| | - Sara W Tantawy
- Department of Radiology, Dalio Institute of Cardiovascular Imaging, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York
| | - A Maxim Bax
- Department of Radiology, Dalio Institute of Cardiovascular Imaging, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York.,Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Yao Lu
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York
| | | | - Mouaz H Al-Mallah
- Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Matthew J Budoff
- Department of Medicine, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Torrance, California
| | | | - Kavitha Chinnaiyan
- Department of Cardiology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan
| | | | - Edoardo Conte
- Cardiovascular Imaging Center, SDN IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Hugo Marques
- UNICA, Unit of Cardiovascular Imaging, Hospital da Luz, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Ilan Gottlieb
- Department of Radiology, Casa de Saude São Jose, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Martin Hadamitzky
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, German Heart Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jonathon A Leipsic
- Department of Medicine and Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Erica Maffei
- Department of Radiology, Area Vasta 1/ASUR Marche, Urbino, Italy
| | | | - Sanghoon Shin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Woman's University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong-Jin Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Byoung Kwon Lee
- Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Ju Chun
- Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Sungnam, South Korea
| | - Ji Min Sung
- Division of Cardiology, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea.,Yonsei-Cedars-Sinai Integrative Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang-Eun Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Woman's University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Yonsei-Cedars-Sinai Integrative Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Renu Virmani
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Habib Samady
- Division of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Yu Sato
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Peter H Stone
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Daniel S Berman
- Department of Imaging and Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jagat Narula
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Heart, Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, and Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Cardiovascular Health, New York, New York
| | - Ron Blankstein
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Fay Y Lin
- Department of Radiology, Dalio Institute of Cardiovascular Imaging, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York
| | - Leslee J Shaw
- Department of Radiology, Dalio Institute of Cardiovascular Imaging, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York
| | - Jeroen J Bax
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Heart Center, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Hyuk-Jae Chang
- Division of Cardiology, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea.,Ontact Health Inc, Seoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
103
|
Cyperus esculentus L. and Tetracarpidium conophorum Müll. Arg. Supplemented Diet Improved Testosterone Levels, Modulated Ectonucleotidases and Adenosine Deaminase Activities in Platelets from L-NAME-Stressed Rats. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13103529. [PMID: 34684530 PMCID: PMC8541559 DOI: 10.3390/nu13103529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In hypertensive individuals, platelet morphology and function have been discovered to be altered, and this has been linked to the development of vascular disease, including erectile dysfunction (ED). The impact of nutritional supplementation with Cyperus esculentus (tiger nut, TN) and Tetracarpidium conophorum (walnut, WN) on androgen levels, ectonucleotidases, and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities in platelets from L-NAME (Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride) challenged rats were investigated. We hypothesized that these nuts may show a protective effect on platelets aggregation and possibly enhance the sex hormones, thereby reverting vasoconstriction. Wistar rats (male; 250-300 g; n = 10) were grouped into seven groups as follows: basal diet control group (I); basal diet/L-NAME/Viagra (5 mg/kg/day) as positive control group (II); ED-induced group (basal diet/L-NAME) (III); diet supplemented processed TN (20%)/L-NAME (IV); diet supplemented raw TN (20%)/L-NAME (V); diet supplemented processed WN (20%)/L-NAME (VI); and diet supplemented raw WN (20%)/L-NAME (VII). The rats were given their regular diet for 2 weeks prior to actually receiving L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day) for ten days to induce hypertension. Platelet androgen levels, ectonucleotidases, and ADA were all measured. L-NAME considerably lowers testosterone levels (54.5 ± 2.2; p < 0.05). Supplementing the TN and WN diets revealed improved testosterone levels as compared to the control (306.7 ± 5.7), but luteinizing hormone levels remained unchanged. Compared to control groups, the L-NAME-treated group showed a rise in ATP (127.5%) hydrolysis and ADA (116.7%) activity, and also a decrease in ADP (76%) and AMP (45%) hydrolysis. Both TN and WN supplemented diets resulted in substantial (p < 0.05) reversal effects. Enhanced testosterone levels and modulation of the purinergic system in platelets by TN and WN could be one of the mechanisms by which they aid in vasoconstriction control.
Collapse
|
104
|
Mielke MM, Miller VM. Improving clinical outcomes through attention to sex and hormones in research. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2021; 17:625-635. [PMID: 34316045 PMCID: PMC8435014 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-021-00531-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Biological sex, fluctuations in sex steroid hormones throughout life and gender as a social construct all influence every aspect of health and disease. Yet, for decades, most basic and clinical studies have included only male individuals. As modern health care moves towards personalized medicine, it is clear that considering sex and hormonal status in basic and clinical studies will bring precision to the development of novel therapeutics and treatment paradigms. To this end, funding, regulatory and policy agencies now require inclusion of female animals and women in basic and clinical studies. However, inclusion of female animals and women often does not mean that information regarding potential hormonal interactions with pharmacological treatments or clinical outcomes is available. All sex steroid hormones can interact with receptors for drug targets, metabolism and transport. Genetic variation in receptors or in enzymatic function might contribute to sex differences in therapeutic efficacy and adverse drug reactions. Outcomes from clinical trials are often not reported by sex, and, if the data are available, they are not translated into clinical practice guidelines. This Review will provide a historical perspective for the current state of research related to hormone trials and provide concrete strategies that, if implemented, will improve the health of all people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Mielke
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Science Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Mayo Clinic Specialized Center of Research Excellence, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| | - Virginia M Miller
- Mayo Clinic Specialized Center of Research Excellence, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Mayo Clinic Women's Health Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
105
|
Luo P, Feng X, Deng R, Wang F, Zhang Y, Li X, Zhang M, Wan Z, Xiang AP, Xia K, Gao Y, Deng C. An autofluorescence-based isolation of Leydig cells for testosterone deficiency treatment. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 535:111389. [PMID: 34229003 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Effective procedures for the purification of Leydig cells (LCs) can facilitate functional studies and transplantation therapies. However, current methods to purify LCs from testes are still far from satisfactory. Here, we found that testicular autofluorescence existed in the interstitium along with the gradual maturation of LCs from birth to adulthood. These autofluorescent cells were further isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and determined to be composed of LCs and macrophages. To further purify LCs, we combined two fluorescence channels of FACS and successfully separated LCs and macrophages. Of note, we confirmed that the obtained LCs not only possessed high purity, viability and quantity but also had intact steroidogenic activity and excellent responsiveness to luteinizing hormone. Moreover, subcutaneous transplantation of isolated LCs could alleviate the symptoms of testosterone deficiency in castrated mice. In summary, we established an effective autofluorescence-based method for isolating LCs. This method will aid in the future success of using LCs for basic and translational applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Luo
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Feng
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ronghai Deng
- Department of Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fulin Wang
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yadong Zhang
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangping Li
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zi Wan
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Andy Peng Xiang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Xia
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yong Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Chunhua Deng
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
106
|
Shores MM, Walsh TJ, Korpak A, Krakauer C, Forsberg CW, Fox AE, Moore KP, Heckbert SR, Thompson ML, Smith NL, Matsumoto AM. Association Between Testosterone Treatment and Risk of Incident Cardiovascular Events Among US Male Veterans With Low Testosterone Levels and Multiple Medical Comorbidities. J Am Heart Assoc 2021; 10:e020562. [PMID: 34423650 PMCID: PMC8649267 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.120.020562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Background Testosterone treatment is common in men, although risks for major cardiovascular events are unclear. Methods and Results A study was conducted in US male veterans, aged ≥40 years, with low serum testosterone and multiple medical comorbidities and without history of myocardial infarction, stroke, venous thromboembolism, prostate cancer, or testosterone treatment in the prior year. For the primary outcome, we examined if testosterone treatment was associated with a composite cardiovascular outcome (incident myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or venous thromboembolism). Testosterone use was modeled as intramuscular or transdermal and as current use, former use, and no use. Current testosterone users were compared with former users to reduce confounding by indication. The cohort consisted of 204 857 men with a mean (SD) age of 60.9 (9.9) years and 4.7 (3.5) chronic medical conditions. During follow‐up of 4.3 (2.8) years, 12 645 composite cardiovascular events occurred. In adjusted Cox regression analyses, current use of transdermal testosterone was not associated with risk for the composite cardiovascular outcome (hazard ratio [HR], 0.89; 95% CI, 0.76–1.05) in those without prevalent cardiovascular disease, and in those with prevalent cardiovascular disease was associated with lower risk (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.70–0.91). In similar analyses, current use of intramuscular testosterone was not associated with risk for the composite cardiovascular outcome in men without or with prevalent cardiovascular disease (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.80–1.04; HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.89–1.09, respectively). Conclusions In a large cohort of men without a history of myocardial infarction, stroke, or venous thromboembolism, testosterone treatment was not associated with increased risk for incident composite cardiovascular events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Molly M Shores
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences University of Washington Seattle WA.,VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS) Seattle WA
| | - Thomas J Walsh
- Department of Urology University of Washington Seattle WA
| | - Anna Korpak
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS) Seattle WA.,Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center (ERIC) VAPSHCS Seattle WA
| | - Chloe Krakauer
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute Seattle WA
| | - Christopher W Forsberg
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS) Seattle WA.,Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center (ERIC) VAPSHCS Seattle WA
| | - Alexandra E Fox
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS) Seattle WA.,Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center (ERIC) VAPSHCS Seattle WA
| | - Kathryn P Moore
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS) Seattle WA.,Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center (ERIC) VAPSHCS Seattle WA
| | - Susan R Heckbert
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute Seattle WA.,Department of Epidemiology University of Washington Seattle WA
| | - Mary Lou Thompson
- Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center (ERIC) VAPSHCS Seattle WA.,Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute Seattle WA.,Department of Biostatistics University of Washington Seattle WA
| | - Nicholas L Smith
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS) Seattle WA.,Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center (ERIC) VAPSHCS Seattle WA.,Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute Seattle WA.,Department of Epidemiology University of Washington Seattle WA
| | - Alvin M Matsumoto
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS) Seattle WA.,Department of Medicine University of Washington School of Medicine Seattle WA.,Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) VAPSHCS Seattle WA
| |
Collapse
|
107
|
Measurement of Plaque Characteristics Using Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography: Achieving High Interobserver Performance. CJC Open 2021; 4:189-196. [PMID: 35198936 PMCID: PMC8843959 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2021.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is used to assess plaque characteristics, remodelling, and progression and regression. Few papers address standard operating procedures that ensure achievement of high interobserver reproducibility. Moreover, assessment of coronary artery bypass grafts has not been reported. Methods A training set of images was created of native coronary segments, spanning the full range of atheromatous disease from normal to severe, excluding totally occluded segments, and including segments with or without calcification (n = 24) and completely normal-appearing bypass grafts (n = 16). Three observers used a validated software program during a training phase to establish standard operating procedures and then to achieve high intraobserver performance based on Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Subsequently, interobserver variability for the laboratory as a whole was determined with a focus on measures of plaque volume, low- attenuation plaque (LAP), mixed plaque (MP), and calcified plaque (CP). Results We found no substantive differences in analytical issues between grafts and native vessels and emphasize the aggregated data. The range of mean total plaque percent was approximately 55% of total vessel volume with maximal interobserver mean absolute differences of 2% or less. Percent of LAP, MP, and CP demonstrated interobserver standard errors of 1% to 2% and interobserver mean absolute differences of 0% to 1%. Pearson’s correlations were all highly significant and ranged from 0.969 to 0.999. Conclusions CCTA provides a rich diversity of measures of atherosclerosis in coronary and bypass segments that are highly reproducible with experience and adherence to standard operating procedures.
Collapse
|
108
|
Bhasin S, Ozimek N. Optimizing the Diagnostic Accuracy and Treatment Decisions in Men with Testosterone Deficiency. Endocr Pract 2021; 27:1252-1259. [PMID: 34390882 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This narrative review offers a guideline-based approach to optimizing the diagnostic evaluation and treatment decision-making in men being evaluated for testosterone deficiency. METHODS A narrative review RESULTS: Testosterone deficiency is a clinical syndrome that results from the inability of the testes to produce normal amounts of testosterone, and is characterized by a constellation of symptoms and signs associated with consistently low testosterone concentrations. The diagnosis of testosterone deficiency is made by ascertainment of symptoms and signs; measurement of total and, if indicated, free testosterone levels, in early morning fasting samples on 2 or more days; measurement of LH and FSH to distinguish primary from secondary hypogonadism; and additional evaluation to ascertain the cause of testosterone deficiency. Non-specificity of symptoms and signs; variations in testosterone levels over time; inaccuracy in the measurement of total and free testosterone levels; variations in binding protein concentrations; and the suboptimal reference ranges contribute to diagnostic inaccuracy. Testosterone treatment is indicated for men with symptomatic testosterone deficiency. Testosterone treatment should be avoided in men with prostate or breast cancer, erythrocytosis, thrombophilia, increased risk of prostate cancer or severe lower urinary tract symptoms without prior urological evaluation, recent major adverse cardiovascular event, uncontrolled heart failure or severe untreated sleep apnea. Testosterone replacement therapy should be accompanied by a standardized monitoring plan. CONCLUSION The shared decision to treat should be guided by consideration of the burden of symptoms, potential benefits and risks, patient's values, and the cost and burden of long-term treatment and monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shalender Bhasin
- Harvard Medical School, Research Program in Men's Health: Aging and Metabolism, Boston Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Noelle Ozimek
- Harvard Medical School, Research Program in Men's Health: Aging and Metabolism, Boston Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
109
|
Libman H, Cohen ML, Irwig MS, Smetana GW. How Would You Manage This Male Patient With Hypogonadism? : Grand Rounds Discussion From Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Ann Intern Med 2021; 174:1133-1142. [PMID: 34370516 DOI: 10.7326/m21-2524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Male hypogonadism is defined as an abnormally low serum testosterone concentration or sperm count. As men age, often in the context of obesity and other comorbid conditions, serum testosterone levels may decrease. Normalizing serum testosterone levels in male adults with hypogonadism may improve symptoms related to androgen deficiency, but controversies exist regarding the long-term benefits and risks of hormone supplementation in this setting. In 2020, the American College of Physicians published a clinical guideline for the use of testosterone supplementation in adult men based on a systematic review of available evidence. Among their recommendations were that clinicians discuss whether to initiate testosterone treatment in men with age-related low testosterone with sexual dysfunction who want to improve sexual function and not initiate testosterone treatment in men with age-related low testosterone to improve energy, vitality, physical function, or cognition. Here, two clinicians with expertise in this area, one a generalist and the other an endocrinologist, debate the management of a patient with sexual symptoms and a low serum testosterone level. They discuss the diagnosis of male hypogonadism, the indications for testosterone therapy, its potential benefits and risks, how it should be monitored, and how long it should be continued.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Howard Libman
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (H.L., M.L.C., M.S.I., G.W.S.)
| | - Marc L Cohen
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (H.L., M.L.C., M.S.I., G.W.S.)
| | - Michael S Irwig
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (H.L., M.L.C., M.S.I., G.W.S.)
| | - Gerald W Smetana
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (H.L., M.L.C., M.S.I., G.W.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
110
|
Cittadini A, Isidori AM, Salzano A. Testosterone therapy and cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 118:2039-2057. [PMID: 34293112 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Since it was first synthesised in 1935, testosterone (T) has been viewed as the mythical Fountain of Youth, promising rejuvenation, restoring sexual appetites, growing stronger muscles, and quicker thinking. T is endowed with direct effects on myocardial and vascular structure and function, as well as on risk factors for cardiovascular (CV) disease. Indeed, low serum T levels are a risk factor for diabetes, metabolic syndrome, inflammation, and dyslipidaemia. Moreover, many studies have shown that T deficiency per se is an independent risk factor of CV and all-cause mortality. On this background and due to direct-to-patient marketing by drug companies, we have witnessed to the widespread use of T replacement therapy (TT) without clear indications particularly in late-life onset hypogonadism. The current review will dwell upon current evidence and controversies surrounding the role of T in the pathophysiology of CV diseases, the link between circulating T levels and CV risk, and the use of replacing T as a possible adjuvant treatment in specific CV disorders. Specifically, recent findings suggest that heart failure and type 2 diabetes mellitus represent two potential targets of T therapy once that a state of hypogonadism is diagnosed. However, only if ongoing studies solve the CV safety issue the T orchid may eventually 'bloom'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Cittadini
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.,Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea M Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Salzano
- IRCCS SDN, Diagnostic and Nuclear Research Institute, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
111
|
Abstract
Androgens are potent drugs requiring prescription for valid medical indications but are misused for invalid, unproven, or off-label reasons as well as being abused without prescription for illicit nonmedical application for performance or image enhancement. Following discovery and first clinical application of testosterone in the 1930s, commercialization of testosterone and synthetic androgens proliferated in the decades after World War II. It remains among the oldest marketed drugs in therapeutic use, yet after 8 decades of clinical use, the sole unequivocal indication for testosterone remains in replacement therapy for pathological hypogonadism, organic disorders of the male reproductive system. Nevertheless, wider claims assert unproven, unsafe, or implausible benefits for testosterone, mostly representing wishful thinking about rejuvenation. Over recent decades, this created an epidemic of testosterone misuse involving prescription as a revitalizing tonic for anti-aging, sexual dysfunction and/or obesity, where efficacy and safety remains unproven and doubtful. Androgen abuse originated during the Cold War as an epidemic of androgen doping among elite athletes for performance enhancement before the 1980s when it crossed over into the general community to become an endemic variant of drug abuse in sufficiently affluent communities that support an illicit drug industry geared to bodybuilding and aiming to create a hypermasculine body physique and image. This review focuses on the misuse of testosterone, defined as prescribing without valid clinical indications, and abuse of testosterone or synthetic androgens (androgen abuse), defined as the illicit use of androgens without prescription or valid indications, typically by athletes, bodybuilders and others for image-oriented, cosmetic, or occupational reasons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David J Handelsman
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Andrology Department, Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
112
|
Ouyang L, Su X, Li W, Tang L, Zhang M, Zhu Y, Xie C, Zhang P, Chen J, Huang H. ALKBH1-demethylated DNA N6-methyladenine modification triggers vascular calcification via osteogenic reprogramming in chronic kidney disease. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:146985. [PMID: 34003800 PMCID: PMC8279589 DOI: 10.1172/jci146985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular calcification (VC) predicts cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD). To date, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We detected leukocyte DNA N6-methyladenine (6mA) levels in patients with CKD with or without aortic arch calcification. We used arteries from CKD mice infected with vascular smooth muscle cell-targeted (VSMC-targeted) adeno-associated virus encoding alkB homolog 1 (Alkbh1) gene or Alkbh1 shRNA to evaluate features of calcification. We identified that leukocyte 6mA levels were significantly reduced as the severity of VC increased in patients with CKD. Decreased 6mA demethylation resulted from the upregulation of ALKBH1. Here, ALKBH1 overexpression aggravated whereas its depletion blunted VC progression and osteogenic reprogramming in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, ALKBH1-demethylated DNA 6mA modification could facilitate the binding of octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) to bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) promoter and activate BMP2 transcription. This resulted in osteogenic reprogramming of VSMCs and subsequent VC progression. Either BMP2 or Oct4 depletion alleviated the procalcifying effects of ALKBH1. This suggests that targeting ALKBH1 might be a therapeutic method to reduce the burden of VC in CKD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liu Ouyang
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Cardiology, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoyan Su
- Department of Nephropathy, Tungwah Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Dongguan, China
| | - Wenxin Li
- Department of Cardiology, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liangqiu Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Yuebei People’s Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shaoguan, China
| | - Mengbi Zhang
- Department of Nephropathy, Tungwah Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Dongguan, China
| | - Yongjun Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Changming Xie
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Cardiology, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Puhua Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Cardiology, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
113
|
Schooling CM, Zhao JV. Investigating the association of testosterone with survival in men and women using a Mendelian randomization study in the UK Biobank. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14039. [PMID: 34234209 PMCID: PMC8263740 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93360-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Life expectancy in the developed West is currently stagnated and remains shorter in men than women. Well-established evolutionary biology theory suggests lifespan trades-off against reproductive success, possibly sex-specifically. We examined whether a key driver of reproductive success, testosterone, affected survival using a Mendelian randomization longevity study in the UK Biobank to obtain unbiased estimates, along with control exposures. We applied published genetic instruments for testosterone to obtain inverse variance weighted estimates of associations with survival to (i.e., age at) recruitment, in 167,020 men and 194,174 women. We similarly obtained estimates for a positive control (smoking initiation), and a negative control (absorbate), a marker of vitamin C metabolism. Testosterone was associated with poorer survival (0.10 years younger at recruitment per effect size of testosterone, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.004 to 0.20). As expected, smoking initiation was also associated with poorer survival (0.37 years younger, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.50), but not absorbate (0.01 years younger, 95% CI - 0.09 to 0.11). Several aspects of a healthy lifestyle (low animal fat diet) and several widely used medications (statins, metformin, dexamethasone and possibly aspirin) may modulate testosterone. Explicitly designing interventions sex-specifically based on these insights might help address stagnating life expectancy and sexual disparities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C M Schooling
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 1/F, Patrick Manson Building (North Wing), 7 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
- Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.
| | - J V Zhao
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 1/F, Patrick Manson Building (North Wing), 7 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
114
|
Majumdar S, Mukherjee JJ, Ray S, Goswami S, Jude E, Biswas A, Hanumanthu A, John M, Sinha B, Ghoshal S, Kota S, Sharma SK, Jacob JJ. Testosterone replacement therapy in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus and functional hypogonadism -an Integrated Diabetes and Endocrine Academy (IDEA) consensus guideline. Diabetes Metab Syndr 2021; 15:102191. [PMID: 34245961 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2021.102191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Though testosterone replacement therapy in men with organic hypogonadism is established, its role in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and functional hypogonadism is unclear. METHODS Thirteen experts addressed ten topic-specific questions after an in-depth review of literature, where all relevant issues were critically evaluated. RESULTS Ten recommendations concerning diagnosis and management of men with T2DM and functional hypogonadism have been put forward. CONCLUSION Routine measurement of serum testosterone in all, and inappropriate replacement of testosterone in asymptomatic T2DM men with functional hypogonadism and borderline low serum testosterone values, is not recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sujoy Majumdar
- Peerless Hospital, Kolkata, India; Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, GD Hospital and Diabetes Institute, Kolkata, India.
| | | | - Subir Ray
- Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | - Soumik Goswami
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, NRS Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | - Edward Jude
- Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; Honorary Professor, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom
| | - Ajoy Biswas
- GD Hospital and Diabetes Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Ajay Hanumanthu
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, NRS Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | - Mathew John
- Providence Endocrine and Diabetes Specialty Centre, Trivandrum, India
| | | | | | - Sunil Kota
- Diabetes and Endocare Clinic, Berhampur, Orissa, India
| | | | - Jubbin Jagan Jacob
- Department of Endocrinology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, India
| |
Collapse
|
115
|
Zhang X, Huang K, Saad F, Haider KS, Haider A, Xu X. Testosterone Therapy Reduces Cardiovascular Risk Among Hypogonadal Men: A Prospective Cohort Study in Germany. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021. [DOI: 10.1089/andro.2020.0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Ke Huang
- Department of Statistics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Farid Saad
- Research Department, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | | | | | - Xiaohui Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
116
|
Testosterone, HIV, and cardiovascular disease risk. Cardiovasc Endocrinol Metab 2021; 10:72-79. [PMID: 34124602 PMCID: PMC8189608 DOI: 10.1097/xce.0000000000000236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
There has been a recent increase in the use of testosterone supplementation among young adults in the United States, despite the controversy of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and cardiovascular safety. The lower testosterone levels and earlier age of TRT use in persons living with HIV (PLHIV) is of particular relevance for this population because cardiovascular disease (CVD) comorbidities are known to be increased among PLHIV. There is very limited data on TRT in PLHIV, as such, in this article, we sought to compile current evidence regarding the diagnosis and management of testosterone deficiency and its link to CVD risk including among PLHIV.
Collapse
|
117
|
Gencer B, Bonomi M, Adorni MP, Sirtori CR, Mach F, Ruscica M. Cardiovascular risk and testosterone - from subclinical atherosclerosis to lipoprotein function to heart failure. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2021; 22:257-274. [PMID: 33616800 PMCID: PMC8087565 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-021-09628-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The cardiovascular (CV) benefit and safety of treating low testosterone conditions is a matter of debate. Although testosterone deficiency has been linked to a rise in major adverse CV events, most of the studies on testosterone replacement therapy were not designed to assess CV risk and thus excluded men with advanced heart failure or recent history of myocardial infarction or stroke. Besides considering observational, interventional and prospective studies, this review article evaluates the impact of testosterone on atherosclerosis process, including lipoprotein functionality, progression of carotid intima media thickness, inflammation, coagulation and thromboembolism, quantification of plaque volume and vascular calcification. Until adequately powered studies evaluating testosterone effects in hypogonadal men at increased CV risk are available (TRAVERSE trial), clinicians should ponder the use of testosterone in men with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and discuss benefit and harms with the patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baris Gencer
- Cardiology Division, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Marco Bonomi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases & Lab. of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Adorni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery-Unit of Neurosciences, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Cesare R Sirtori
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - François Mach
- Cardiology Division, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
118
|
Jaffer FA, Blankstein R. Getting Down With Diet and Exercise for Coronary Artery Disease Treatment: Insights From the DISCO-CT Study. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2021; 14:1203-1205. [PMID: 34023271 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Farouc A Jaffer
- Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Ron Blankstein
- Cardiovascular Imaging Program, Departments of Medicine (Cardiovascular Division) and Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
119
|
Budoff M, Lakshmanan S, Bhatt DL. The EVAPORATE trial provides important mechanistic data on plaque characteristics that have relevance to the REDUCE-IT results and clinical use of icosapent ethyl. Eur Heart J 2021; 42:3025-3026. [PMID: 33970207 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Budoff
- Department of Medicine, Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1124 W Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Suvasini Lakshmanan
- Department of Medicine, Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1124 W Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Deepak L Bhatt
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Heart & Vascular Center, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street Boston, MA 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
120
|
Budoff MJ, Bhatt DL, Kinninger A, Lakshmanan S, Muhlestein JB, Le VT, May HT, Shaikh K, Shekar C, Roy SK, Tayek J, Nelson JR. Effect of icosapent ethyl on progression of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with elevated triglycerides on statin therapy: final results of the EVAPORATE trial. Eur Heart J 2021; 41:3925-3932. [PMID: 32860032 PMCID: PMC7654934 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims Despite the effects of statins in reducing cardiovascular events and slowing progression of coronary atherosclerosis, significant cardiovascular (CV) risk remains. Icosapent ethyl (IPE), a highly purified eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester, added to a statin was shown to reduce initial CV events by 25% and total CV events by 32% in the REDUCE-IT trial, with the mechanisms of benefit not yet fully explained. The EVAPORATE trial sought to determine whether IPE 4 g/day, as an adjunct to diet and statin therapy, would result in a greater change from baseline in plaque volume, measured by serial multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), than placebo in statin-treated patients. Methods and results A total of 80 patients were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients had to have coronary atherosclerosis as documented by MDCT (one or more angiographic stenoses with ≥20% narrowing), be on statin therapy, and have persistently elevated triglyceride (TG) levels. Patients underwent an interim scan at 9 months and a final scan at 18 months with coronary computed tomographic angiography. The pre-specified primary endpoint was change in low-attenuation plaque (LAP) volume at 18 months between IPE and placebo groups. Baseline demographics, vitals, and laboratory results were not significantly different between the IPE and placebo groups; the median TG level was 259.1 ± 78.1 mg/dL. There was a significant reduction in the primary endpoint as IPE reduced LAP plaque volume by 17%, while in the placebo group LAP plaque volume more than doubled (+109%) (P = 0.0061). There were significant differences in rates of progression between IPE and placebo at study end involving other plaque volumes including fibrous, and fibrofatty (FF) plaque volumes which regressed in the IPE group and progressed in the placebo group (P < 0.01 for all). When further adjusted for age, sex, diabetes status, hypertension, and baseline TG, plaque volume changes between groups remained significantly different, P < 0.01. Only dense calcium did not show a significant difference between groups in multivariable modelling (P = 0.053). Conclusions Icosapent ethyl demonstrated significant regression of LAP volume on MDCT compared with placebo over 18 months. EVAPORATE provides important mechanistic data on plaque characteristics that may have relevance to the REDUCE-IT results and clinical use of IPE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Budoff
- Department of Medicine, Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1124 W Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Deepak L Bhatt
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital Heart & Vascular Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - April Kinninger
- Department of Medicine, Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1124 W Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Suvasini Lakshmanan
- Department of Medicine, Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1124 W Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Joseph B Muhlestein
- Intermountain Heart Institute, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Viet T Le
- Intermountain Heart Institute, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Department of Medicine, Rocky Mountain University of Health Profession, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Heidi T May
- Intermountain Heart Institute, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Kashif Shaikh
- Department of Medicine, Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1124 W Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Chandana Shekar
- Department of Medicine, Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1124 W Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Sion K Roy
- Department of Medicine, Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1124 W Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - John Tayek
- Department of Medicine, Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1124 W Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - John R Nelson
- California Cardiovascular Institute, Fresno, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
121
|
Trane I, Sager G, Dietrichs ES, Westrheim Ravna A. Molecular modeling study of the testosterone metabolizing enzyme UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2B17. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 36:116060. [PMID: 33691270 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The dominant sex hormone testosterone is mainly metabolized by liver enzymes belonging to the uridine-diphospho (UDP) glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) family. These enzymes are the main phase II enzymes, and they have an important role in the detoxification of endogenous and exogenous compounds in humans. The aim of the present study was to improve the understanding of the binding properties of UGT2B17. A homology modelling procedure was used to generate models of the UGT2B17 enzyme based on templates with known crystal structures. Molecular docking of inhibitors was performed to gain further insights in the interactions between ligand and binding site, and to determine which of the models had the best accuracy. ROC curves were made to evaluate the ability of the models to differentiate between binders (inhibitors) and non-binders (decoys). When comparing the four models, which were based on four different crystal structures, the model based on the 4AMG crystal structure was the most accurate in distinguishing between true binders and non-binders. Investigating pharmacological UGT2B17 inhibition may provide novel treatment for patients with low testosterone levels. Such treatment may elevate endogenous testosterone levels and provide a more predictable increase in serum concentrations rather than un-physiological elevation of serum levels through direct treatment with testosterone, and this could be favorable both for giving a predictable treatment regime with reduced chances of serious adverse effects. The present study may serve as a tool in the search for novel drugs aiming for increasing testosterone levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingmar Trane
- Experimental & Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø- The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway; Research Group in Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø- The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Georg Sager
- Experimental & Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø- The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Erik Sveberg Dietrichs
- Experimental & Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø- The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway; Division of Diagnostic Services, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Aina Westrheim Ravna
- Experimental & Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø- The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
122
|
Yu J, Wu Y, Li H, Zhou H, Shen C, Gao T, Lin M, Dai X, Ou J, Liu M, Huang X, Zheng B, Sun F. BMI1 Drives Steroidogenesis Through Epigenetically Repressing the p38 MAPK Pathway. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:665089. [PMID: 33928089 PMCID: PMC8076678 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.665089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Testosterone biosynthesis progressively decreases in aging males primarily as a result of functional changes to Leydig cells. Despite this, the mechanisms underlying steroidogenesis remain largely unclear. Using gene knock-out approaches, we and others have recently identified Bmi1 as an anti-aging gene. Herein, we investigate the role of BMI1 in steroidogenesis using mouse MLTC-1 and primary Leydig cells. We show that BMI1 can positively regulate testosterone production. Mechanistically, in addition to its known role in antioxidant activity, we also report that p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling is activated, and testosterone levels reduced, in BMI1-deficient cells; however, the silencing of the p38 MAPK pathway restores testosterone production. Furthermore, we reveal that BMI1 directly binds to the promoter region of Map3k3, an upstream activator of p38, thereby modulating its chromatin status and repressing its expression. Consequently, this results in the inhibition of the p38 MAPK pathway and the promotion of steroidogenesis. Our study uncovered a novel epigenetic mechanism in steroidogenesis involving BMI1-mediated gene silencing and provides potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of hypogonadism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yibo Wu
- Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Cong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tingting Gao
- Center of Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Meng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiuliang Dai
- Center of Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Jian Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Meiling Liu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| |
Collapse
|
123
|
Chasland LC, Yeap BB, Maiorana AJ, Chan YX, Maslen BA, Cooke BR, Dembo L, Naylor LH, Green DJ. Testosterone and exercise: effects on fitness, body composition, and strength in middle-to-older aged men with low-normal serum testosterone levels. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2021; 320:H1985-H1998. [PMID: 33739155 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00010.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
As men age, serum testosterone (T) concentrations decrease, as do fitness, strength, and lean mass. Whether testosterone treatment confers additive benefit to reverse these changes when combined with exercise training in middle-to-older aged men remains unclear. We assessed the effects of T treatment and exercise, alone and in combination, on aerobic capacity (V̇o2peak), body composition, and muscular strength in men 50-70 yr, waist circumference ≥95 cm and low-normal serum T (6-14 nmol·L-1). Participants (n = 80) were randomized to AndroForte5 (testosterone 5.0% wt/vol, 100 mg/2 mL) cream (T), or matching placebo (P), applied transdermally daily, and supervised center-based exercise (Ex) or no additional exercise (NEx), for 12-wk. Exercise increased V̇o2peak and strength versus nonexercise (V̇o2peak: T + Ex: +2.5 mL·kg-1·min-1, P + Ex: +3.2 mL·kg-1·min-1, P < 0.001; leg press: T + Ex: +31 kg, P + Ex: +24 kg, P = 0.006). T treatment did not affect V̇o2peak or strength. Exercise decreased total (T + Ex: -1.7, P + Ex: -2.3 kg, P < 0.001) and visceral fat (T + Ex: -0.1 kg, P + Ex: -0.3 kg, P = 0.003), and increased total (T + Ex: +1.4 kg, P + Ex: +0.7 kg, P = 0.008) and arm lean mass (T + Ex: +0.5 kg, P + Ex: +0.3 kg, P = 0.024). T treatment did not affect total or visceral fat, but increased total (T + Ex: +1.4 kg, T + NEx: +0.7 kg, P = 0.015), leg (T + Ex: +0.3 kg, T + NEx: +0.2 kg, P = 0.024), and arm lean mass (T + Ex: +0.5 kg, T + NEx: +0.2 kg, P = 0.046). T + Ex increased arm lean mass (T + Ex: +0.5 kg vs. P + NEx: -0.0 kg, P = 0.001) and leg strength (T + Ex: +31 kg vs. P + NEx: +12 kg, P = 0.032) compared with P + NEx, with no other additive effects. Exercise training was more effective than T treatment in increasing aerobic capacity and decreasing total and visceral fat mass. T treatment at therapeutic doses increased lean mass but conferred limited additional benefit when combined with exercise. Exercise should be evaluated as an antiaging intervention in preference to testosterone treatment in men.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We illustrate that exercise training generates superior outcomes to testosterone treatment for improving aerobic fitness, muscular strength, and total and visceral fat mass in men 50-70 yr with low-normal serum testosterone concentrations. Adding testosterone treatment to exercise did not provide any additive benefit for these variables. Testosterone treatment alone and exercise alone had similar impacts on lean mass. Therefore, men unable to exercise may obtain benefit from testosterone treatment alone to improve lean mass.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C Chasland
- School of Human Sciences, Exercise and Sport Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Allied Health Department, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Bu B Yeap
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Andrew J Maiorana
- Allied Health Department, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Yi X Chan
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Barbara A Maslen
- School of Human Sciences, Exercise and Sport Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Brian R Cooke
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lawrence Dembo
- Advanced Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplantation Unit, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Louise H Naylor
- School of Human Sciences, Exercise and Sport Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Allied Health Department, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Daniel J Green
- School of Human Sciences, Exercise and Sport Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
124
|
Won KB, Heo R, Park HB, Lee BK, Lin FY, Hadamitzky M, Kim YJ, Sung JM, Conte E, Andreini D, Pontone G, Budoff MJ, Gottlieb I, Chun EJ, Cademartiri F, Maffei E, Marques H, de Araújo Gonçalves P, Leipsic JA, Lee SE, Shin S, Choi JH, Virmani R, Samady H, Chinnaiyan K, Berman DS, Narula J, Shaw LJ, Bax JJ, Min JK, Chang HJ. Atherogenic index of plasma and the risk of rapid progression of coronary atherosclerosis beyond traditional risk factors. Atherosclerosis 2021; 324:46-51. [PMID: 33813155 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) has been suggested as a marker of plasma atherogenicity. This study aimed to assess the association between AIP and the rapid progression of coronary atherosclerosis using serial coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). METHODS A total of 1488 adults (60.9 ± 9.2 years, 58.9% male) who underwent serial CCTA with a median inter-scan period of 3.4 years were included. AIP was defined as the base 10 logarithm of the ratio of the concentrations of triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Rapid plaque progression (RPP) was defined as the change of percentage atheroma volume (PAV) ≥1.0%/year. All participants were divided into three groups based on AIP tertiles. RESULTS Baseline total PAV (median [interquartile range (IQR)]) (%) (group I [lowest]: 1.91 [0.00, 6.21] vs. group II: 2.82 [0.27, 8.83] vs. group III [highest]: 2.70 [0.41, 7.50]), the annual change of total PAV (median [IQR]) (%/year) (group I: 0.27 [0.00, 0.81] vs. group II: 0.37 [0.04, 1.11] vs. group III: 0.45 [0.06, 1.25]), and the incidence of RPP (group I: 19.7% vs. group II: 27.3% vs. group III: 31.4%) were significantly different among AIP tertiles (all p < 0.05). In multiple logistic regression analysis, the risk of RPP was increased in group III (odds ratio: 1.52, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-2.26; p = 0.042) compared to group I after adjusting for clinical factors and baseline total PAV. CONCLUSIONS Based on serial CCTA findings, AIP is an independent predictive marker for RPP beyond traditional risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Bum Won
- Department of Cardiology, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, South Korea; Department of Cardiology, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea; Yonsei-Cedars-Sinai Integrative Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ran Heo
- Yonsei-Cedars-Sinai Integrative Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Cardiology, Hanyang University Seoul Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyung-Bok Park
- Yonsei-Cedars-Sinai Integrative Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Cardiology, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Byoung Kwon Lee
- Department of Cardiology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Fay Y Lin
- Department of Radiology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Martin Hadamitzky
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, German Heart Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Yong-Jin Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji Min Sung
- Department of Cardiology, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea; Yonsei-Cedars-Sinai Integrative Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | | | | | - Matthew J Budoff
- Department of Medicine, Lundquist Institute at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Ilan Gottlieb
- Department of Radiology, Casa de Saude São Jose, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eun Ju Chun
- Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Sungnam, South Korea
| | | | - Erica Maffei
- Department of Radiology, Area Vasta 1/ASUR Marche, Urbino, Italy
| | - Hugo Marques
- UNICA, Unit of Cardiovascular Imaging, Hospital da Luz, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro de Araújo Gonçalves
- UNICA, Unit of Cardiovascular Imaging, Hospital da Luz, Lisboa, Portugal; Nova Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jonathon A Leipsic
- Department of Medicine and Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sang-Eun Lee
- Yonsei-Cedars-Sinai Integrative Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Cardiology, Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sanghoon Shin
- Yonsei-Cedars-Sinai Integrative Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Cardiology, Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung Hyun Choi
- Department of Cardiology, Pusan University Hospital, Busan, South Korea
| | - Renu Virmani
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Habib Samady
- Department of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Daniel S Berman
- Department of Imaging and Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jagat Narula
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Heart, Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, And Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Cardiovascular Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leslee J Shaw
- Department of Radiology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeroen J Bax
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - James K Min
- Department of Radiology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hyuk-Jae Chang
- Department of Cardiology, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea; Yonsei-Cedars-Sinai Integrative Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
125
|
El Mahdiui M, Smit JM, van Rosendael AR, Neglia D, Knuuti J, Saraste A, Buechel RR, Teresinska A, Pizzi MN, Roque A, Magnacca M, Mertens BJ, Caselli C, Rocchiccioli S, Parodi O, Pelosi G, Scholte AJ. Sex differences in coronary plaque changes assessed by serial computed tomography angiography. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2021; 37:2311-2321. [PMID: 33694122 PMCID: PMC8286938 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-021-02204-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Long-term data on sex-differences in coronary plaque changes over time is lacking in a low-to-intermediate risk population of stable coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of sex on long-term plaque progression and evolution of plaque composition. Furthermore, the influence of menopause on plaque progression and composition was also evaluated. Patients that underwent a coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) were prospectively included to undergo a follow-up coronary CTA. Total and compositional plaque volumes were normalized using the vessel volume to calculate a percentage atheroma volume (PAV). To investigate the influence of menopause on plaque progression, patients were divided into two groups, under and over 55 years of age. In total, 211 patients were included in this analysis, 146 (69%) men. The mean interscan period between baseline and follow-up coronary CTA was 6.2 ± 1.4 years. Women were older, had higher HDL levels and presented more often with atypical chest pain. Men had 434 plaque sites and women 156. On a per-lesion analysis, women had less fibro-fatty PAV compared to men (β -1.3 ± 0.4%; p < 0.001), with no other significant differences. When stratifying patients by 55 years age threshold, fibro-fatty PAV remained higher in men in both age groups (p < 0.05) whilst women younger than 55 years demonstrated more regression of fibrous (β -0.8 ± 0.3% per year; p = 0.002) and non-calcified PAV (β -0.7 ± 0.3% per year; p = 0.027). In a low-to-intermediate risk population of stable CAD patients, no significant sex differences in total PAV increase over time were observed. Fibro-fatty PAV was lower in women at any age and women under 55 years demonstrated significantly greater reduction in fibrous and non-calcified PAV over time compared to age-matched men. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04448691.)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed El Mahdiui
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jeff M Smit
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander R van Rosendael
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Danilo Neglia
- Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Viale Giuseppe Moruzzi 1 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Juhani Knuuti
- Heart Center and PET Centre, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Antti Saraste
- Heart Center and PET Centre, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Ronny R Buechel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cardiac Imaging, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Maria N Pizzi
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Roque
- Department of Radiology, Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Bart J Mertens
- Department of Medical Statistics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Chiara Caselli
- Institute of Clinical Physiology CNR, Viale Giuseppe Moruzzi 1 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Rocchiccioli
- Institute of Clinical Physiology CNR, Viale Giuseppe Moruzzi 1 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Oberdan Parodi
- Institute of Clinical Physiology CNR, Viale Giuseppe Moruzzi 1 56124, Pisa, Italy.,Institute of Information Science and Technologies CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gualtiero Pelosi
- Institute of Clinical Physiology CNR, Viale Giuseppe Moruzzi 1 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Arthur J Scholte
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
126
|
Jenkins CR, Rittel A, Sturdivant RX, Wan J, Clerc PG, Manning E, Jenkins LM, Wardian JL, Graybill SD. Glycemic benefits with adherence to testosterone therapy in men with hypogonadism and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Andrology 2021; 9:1076-1085. [PMID: 33606360 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While previous studies have demonstrated testosterone's beneficial effects on glycemic control in men with hypogonadism and Type 2 Diabetes, the extent to which these improvements are observed based on the degree of treatment adherence has been unclear. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects of long-term testosterone therapy in A1C levels in men with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and hypogonadism, controlling for BMI, pre-treatment A1C, and age among different testosterone therapy adherence groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of 1737 men with diabetes and hypogonadism on testosterone therapy for 5 years of data from 2008-2018, isolating A1C, lipid panels, and BMI results for analysis. Subjects were categorized into adherence groups based on quartiles of the proportion of days covered (> 75% of days, 51-75% of days, 26-50% of days and 0-25% of days), with >75% of days covered considered adherent to therapy. RESULTS Pre-treatment median A1C was 6.8%. Post-treatment median A1C was 7.1%. The adherent group, >75%, was the only group notable for a decrease in A1C, with a median decrease of -0.2 (p = 0.0022). BMI improvement was associated with improved post-treatment A1C (p = 0.007). When controlling for BMI, age, and pre-treatment A1C, the >75% adherence group was associated with improved post-treatment A1C (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION When controlling for all studied variables, testosterone adherence was associated with improved post-treatment A1C. The higher the initial A1C at the initiation of therapy, the higher the potential for lowering the patient's A1C with >75% adherence. Further, all groups showed some reduction in BMI, which may indicate that testosterone therapy may affect A1C independent of weight loss. CONCLUSION Even when controlling for improved BMI, pre-treatment A1C, and age, testosterone positively impacted glycemic control in diabetes patients with hypogonadism, with the most benefit noted in those most adherent to therapy (>75%).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Craig R Jenkins
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology Service, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft Sam Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alex Rittel
- Data Innovation Branch, Defense Healthcare Management Systems, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Rodney X Sturdivant
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jen Wan
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology Service, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft Sam Houston, TX, USA
| | - Philip G Clerc
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology Service, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft Sam Houston, TX, USA
| | - Evan Manning
- Department of Medicine, Internal Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft Sam Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lydia M Jenkins
- Department of Pediatrics, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft Sam Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jana L Wardian
- Diabetes Center of Excellence, Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Lackland AFB, TX, USA
| | - Sky D Graybill
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology Service, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft Sam Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
127
|
Yeap BB, Dwivedi G. Androgens and Heart Failure: New Observations Illuminating an Aging Conundrum. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e1476-e1478. [PMID: 32960971 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bu B Yeap
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Girish Dwivedi
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
128
|
Shaw LJ, Blankstein R, Bax JJ, Ferencik M, Bittencourt MS, Min JK, Berman DS, Leipsic J, Villines TC, Dey D, Al'Aref S, Williams MC, Lin F, Baskaran L, Litt H, Litmanovich D, Cury R, Gianni U, van den Hoogen I, R van Rosendael A, Budoff M, Chang HJ, E Hecht H, Feuchtner G, Ahmadi A, Ghoshajra BB, Newby D, Chandrashekhar YS, Narula J. Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography / North American Society of Cardiovascular Imaging - Expert Consensus Document on Coronary CT Imaging of Atherosclerotic Plaque. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2021; 15:93-109. [PMID: 33303383 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcct.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) provides a wealth of clinically meaningful information beyond anatomic stenosis alone, including the presence or absence of nonobstructive atherosclerosis and high-risk plaque features as precursors for incident coronary events. There is, however, no uniform agreement on how to identify and quantify these features or their use in evidence-based clinical decision-making. This statement from the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography and North American Society of Cardiovascular Imaging addresses this gap and provides a comprehensive review of the available evidence on imaging of coronary atherosclerosis. In this statement, we provide standardized definitions for high-risk plaque (HRP) features and distill the evidence on the effectiveness of risk stratification into usable practice points. This statement outlines how this information should be communicated to referring physicians and patients by identifying critical elements to include in a structured CCTA report - the presence and severity of atherosclerotic plaque (descriptive statements, CAD-RADS™ categories), the segment involvement score, HRP features (e.g., low attenuation plaque, positive remodeling), and the coronary artery calcium score (when performed). Rigorous documentation of atherosclerosis on CCTA provides a vital opportunity to make recommendations for preventive care and to initiate and guide an effective care strategy for at-risk patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leslee J Shaw
- Weill Cornell School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Ron Blankstein
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - James K Min
- Weill Cornell School of Medicine; Cleerly, Inc. (started in 2020), New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel S Berman
- Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Damini Dey
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Fay Lin
- Weill Cornell School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Harold Litt
- Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Diana Litmanovich
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ricardo Cury
- Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute and Baptist Health of South Florida, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | | | | | - Matthew Budoff
- David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Amir Ahmadi
- Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - David Newby
- University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jagat Narula
- Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
129
|
Pataky MW, Young WF, Nair KS. Hormonal and Metabolic Changes of Aging and the Influence of Lifestyle Modifications. Mayo Clin Proc 2021; 96:788-814. [PMID: 33673927 PMCID: PMC8020896 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Increased life expectancy combined with the aging baby boomer generation has resulted in an unprecedented global expansion of the elderly population. The growing population of older adults and increased rate of age-related chronic illness has caused a substantial socioeconomic burden. The gradual and progressive age-related decline in hormone production and action has a detrimental impact on human health by increasing risk for chronic disease and reducing life span. This article reviews the age-related decline in hormone production, as well as age-related biochemical and body composition changes that reduce the bioavailability and actions of some hormones. The impact of hormonal changes on various chronic conditions including frailty, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dementia are also discussed. Hormone replacement therapy has been attempted in many clinical trials to reverse and/or prevent the hormonal decline in aging to combat the progression of age-related diseases. Unfortunately, hormone replacement therapy is not a panacea, as it often results in various adverse events that outweigh its potential health benefits. Therefore, except in some specific individual cases, hormone replacement is not recommended. Rather, positive lifestyle modifications such as regular aerobic and resistance exercise programs and/or healthy calorically restricted diet can favorably affect endocrine and metabolic functions and act as countermeasures to various age-related diseases. We provide a critical review of the available data and offer recommendations that hopefully will form the groundwork for physicians/scientists to develop and optimize new endocrine-targeted therapies and lifestyle modifications that can better address age-related decline in heath.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Pataky
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - William F Young
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - K Sreekumaran Nair
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
| |
Collapse
|
130
|
Testosterone stimulates cholesterol clearance from human macrophages by activating LXRα. Life Sci 2021; 269:119040. [PMID: 33453241 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Low testosterone in men is associated with increased cardiovascular events and mortality. Testosterone has beneficial effects on several cardiovascular risk factors including cholesterol, endothelial dysfunction and inflammation as key mediators of atherosclerosis. Although evidence suggests testosterone is anti-atherogenic, its mechanism of action is unknown. The present study investigates whether testosterone exerts anti-atherogenic effects by stimulating cholesterol clearance from macrophages via activation of liver X receptor (LXRα), a nuclear master regulator of cellular cholesterol homeostasis, lipid regulation, and inflammation. MAIN METHODS Using human monocyte THP-1 cells differentiated into macrophages, the effect of testosterone (1-10 nM) treatment (24-72 h) on the expression of LXRα and LXR- targets apolipoprotein E (APOE), ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1 (SREBF1) and fatty acid synthase (FAS), was investigated via qPCR and western blotting, with or without androgen receptor blockade with flutamide or LXR antagonism with CPPSS-50. Cholesterol clearance was measured by monitoring fluorescent dehydroergosterol (DHE) cellular clearance and ABCA1 cellular translocation was observed via immunocytochemistry in testosterone treated macrophages. KEY FINDINGS Testosterone increased mRNA and protein expression of LXRα, APOE, ABCA1, SREBF1 and FAS. These effects were blocked by flutamide and independently by LXR antagonism with CPPSS-50. Furthermore testosterone stimulated cholesterol clearance from the macrophages and promoted the translocation of ABCA1 toward the cell membrane. SIGNIFICANCE Testosterone acts via androgen receptor-dependent pathways to stimulate LXRα and downstream targets to induce cholesterol clearance in human macrophages. This may, in part, explain the anti-atherogenic effects of testosterone frequently seen clinically.
Collapse
|
131
|
Sattar N, Boyle JG, Al-Ozairi E. Testosterone replacement to prevent type 2 diabetes? Not just yet. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2021; 9:5-6. [PMID: 33338416 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(20)30373-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Naveed Sattar
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK.
| | | | - Ebaa Al-Ozairi
- Clinical Research Unit, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| |
Collapse
|
132
|
van Rosendael AR, Lin FY, van den Hoogen IJ, Ma X, Gianni U, Al Hussein Alawamlh O, Al'Aref SJ, Peña JM, Andreini D, Budoff MJ, Cademartiri F, Chinnaiyan K, Choi JH, Conte E, Marques H, de Araújo Gonçalves P, Gottlieb I, Hadamitzky M, Leipsic J, Maffei E, Pontone G, Raff GL, Shin S, Kim YJ, Lee BK, Chun EJ, Sung JM, Lee SE, Han D, Berman DS, Virmani R, Samady H, Stone P, Narula J, Bax JJ, Shaw LJ, Min JK, Chang HJ. Progression of whole-heart Atherosclerosis by coronary CT and major adverse cardiovascular events. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2021; 15:322-330. [PMID: 33451974 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcct.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current study aimed to examine the independent prognostic value of whole-heart atherosclerosis progression by serial coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). METHODS The multi-center PARADIGM study includes patients undergoing serial CCTA for symptomatic reasons, ≥2 years apart. Whole-heart atherosclerosis was characterized on a segmental level, with co-registration of baseline and follow-up CCTA, and summed to per-patient level. The independent prognostic significance of atherosclerosis progression for MACE (non-fatal myocardial infarction [MI], death, unplanned coronary revascularization) was examined. Patients experiencing interval MACE were not omitted. RESULTS The study population comprised 1166 patients (age 60.5 ± 9.5 years, 54.7% male) who experienced 139 MACE events during 8.2 (IQR 6.2, 9.5) years of follow up (15 death, 5 non-fatal MI, 119 unplanned revascularizations). Whole-heart percent atheroma volume (PAV) increased from 2.32% at baseline to 4.04% at follow-up. Adjusted for baseline PAV, the annualized increase in PAV was independently associated with MACE: OR 1.23 (95% CI 1.08, 1.39) per 1 standard deviation increase, which was consistent in multiple subpopulations. When categorized by composition, only non-calcified plaque progression associated independently with MACE, while calcified plaque did not. Restricting to patients without events before follow-up CCTA, those with future MACE showed an annualized increase in PAV of 0.93% (IQR 0.34, 1.96) vs 0.32% (IQR 0.02, 0.90), P < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS Whole-heart atherosclerosis progression examined by serial CCTA is independently associated with MACE, with a prognostic threshold of 1.0% increase in PAV per year.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R van Rosendael
- Department of Radiology, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA; Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Fay Y Lin
- Department of Radiology, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Inge J van den Hoogen
- Department of Radiology, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA; Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Xiaoyue Ma
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Umberto Gianni
- Department of Radiology, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Omar Al Hussein Alawamlh
- Department of Radiology, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Subhi J Al'Aref
- Department of Radiology, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Jessica M Peña
- Department of Radiology, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | | | - Matthew J Budoff
- Department of Medicine, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Torrance, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Hugo Marques
- UNICA, Unit of Cardiovascular Imaging, Hospital da Luz, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Ilan Gottlieb
- Department of Radiology, Casa de Saude São Jose, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Martin Hadamitzky
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, German Heart Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jonathon Leipsic
- Department of Medicine and Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Erica Maffei
- Department of Radiology, Area Vasta 1/ASUR Marche, Urbino, Italy
| | | | - Gilbert L Raff
- Department of Cardiology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, USA
| | - Sanghoon Shin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yong-Jin Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Byoung Kwon Lee
- Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun Ju Chun
- Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Sungnam, South Korea
| | - Ji Min Sung
- Division of Cardiology, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea; Yonsei-Cedars-Sinai Integrative Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, South Korea
| | - Sang-Eun Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea; Yonsei-Cedars-Sinai Integrative Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, South Korea
| | - Donghee Han
- Division of Cardiology, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Imaging and Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniel S Berman
- Department of Imaging and Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Renu Virmani
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Habib Samady
- Division of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Peter Stone
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jagat Narula
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Heart, Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, and Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Cardiovascular Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeroen J Bax
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Leslee J Shaw
- Department of Radiology, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA.
| | - James K Min
- Department of Radiology, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Hyuk-Jae Chang
- Division of Cardiology, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
133
|
Wittert G, Bracken K, Robledo KP, Grossmann M, Yeap BB, Handelsman DJ, Stuckey B, Conway A, Inder W, McLachlan R, Allan C, Jesudason D, Fui MNT, Hague W, Jenkins A, Daniel M, Gebski V, Keech A. Testosterone treatment to prevent or revert type 2 diabetes in men enrolled in a lifestyle programme (T4DM): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-year, phase 3b trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2021; 9:32-45. [PMID: 33338415 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(20)30367-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who are overweight or obese frequently have low serum testosterone concentrations, which are associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes. We aimed to determine whether testosterone treatment prevents progression to or reverses early type 2 diabetes, beyond the effects of a community-based lifestyle programme. METHODS T4DM was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-year, phase 3b trial done at six Australian tertiary care centres. Men aged 50-74 years, with a waist circumference of 95 cm or higher, a serum testosterone concentration of 14·0 nmol/L or lower but without pathological hypogonadism, and impaired glucose tolerance (oral glucose tolerance test [OGTT] 2-h glucose 7·8-11·0 mmol/L) or newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (provided OGTT 2-h glucose ≤15·0 mmol/L) were enrolled in a lifestyle programme and randomly assigned (1:1) to receive an intramuscular injection of testosterone undecanoate (1000 mg) or placebo at baseline, 6 weeks, and then every 3 months for 2 years. Randomisation was done centrally, including stratification by centre, age group, waist circumference, 2-h OGTT glucose, smoking, and first-degree family history of type 2 diabetes. The primary outcomes at 2 years were type 2 diabetes (2-h OGTT glucose ≥11·1 mmol/L) and mean change from baseline in 2-h OGTT glucose, assessed by intention to treat. For safety assessment, we did a masked monitoring of haematocrit and prostate-specific antigen, and analysed prespecified serious adverse events. This study is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12612000287831. FINDINGS Between Feb 5, 2013, and Feb 27, 2017, of 19 022 men who were pre-screened, 1007 (5%) were randomly assigned to the placebo (n=503) and testosterone (n=504) groups. At 2 years, 2-h glucose of 11·1 mmol/L or higher on OGTT was reported in 87 (21%) of 413 participants with available data in the placebo group and 55 (12%) of 443 participants in the testosterone group (relative risk 0·59, 95% CI 0·43 to 0·80; p=0·0007). The mean change from baseline 2-h glucose was -0·95 mmol/L (SD 2·78) in the placebo group and -1·70 mmol/L (SD 2·47) in the testosterone group (mean difference -0·75 mmol/L, -1·10 to -0·40; p<0·0001). The treatment effect was independent of baseline serum testosterone. A safety trigger for haematocrit greater than 54% occurred in six (1%) of 484 participants in the placebo group and 106 (22%) of 491 participants in the testosterone group, and a trigger for an increase of 0·75 μg/mL or more in prostate-specific antigen occurred in 87 (19%) of 468 participants in the placebo group and 109 (23%) of 480 participants in the testosterone group. Prespecified serious adverse events occurred in 37 (7·4%, 95% CI 5·4 to 10·0) of 503 patients in the placebo group and 55 (10·9%, 8·5 to 13·9) of 504 patients in the testosterone group. There were two deaths in each group. INTERPRETATION Testosterone treatment for 2 years reduced the proportion of participants with type 2 diabetes beyond the effects of a lifestyle programme. Increases in haematocrit might be treatment limiting. Longer-term durability, safety, and cardiovascular effects of the intervention remain to be further investigated. FUNDING Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, Bayer, Eli Lilly, University of Adelaide, and WW (formerly Weight Watchers).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gary Wittert
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | - Karen Bracken
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Kristy P Robledo
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Mathis Grossmann
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Bu B Yeap
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia; Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- ANZAC Research Institute, Concord Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bronwyn Stuckey
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; Keogh Institute for Medical Research, Perth, WA, Australia; Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ann Conway
- ANZAC Research Institute, Concord Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Warrick Inder
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Robert McLachlan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Carolyn Allan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - David Jesudason
- Department of Endocrinology, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Mark Ng Tang Fui
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wendy Hague
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Alicia Jenkins
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark Daniel
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Val Gebski
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Anthony Keech
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
134
|
Feng X, Xia K, Ke Q, Deng R, Zhuang J, Wan Z, Luo P, Wang F, Zang Z, Sun X, Xiang AP, Tu X, Gao Y, Deng C. Transplantation of encapsulated human Leydig-like cells: A novel option for the treatment of testosterone deficiency. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 519:111039. [PMID: 32980418 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.111039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that the transplantation of alginate-poly-ʟ-lysine-alginate (APA)-encapsulated rat Leydig cells (LCs) provides a promising approach for treating testosterone deficiency (TD). Nevertheless, LCs have a limited capacity to proliferate, limiting the efficacy of LC transplantation therapy. Here, we established an efficient differentiation system to obtain functional Leydig-like cells (LLCs) from human stem Leydig cells (hSLCs). Then we injected APA-encapsulated LLCs into the abdominal cavities of castrated mice without an immunosuppressor. The APA-encapsulated cells survived and partially restored testosterone production for 90 days in vivo. More importantly, the transplantation of encapsulated LLCs ameliorated the symptoms of TD, such as fat accumulation, muscle atrophy and adipocyte accumulation in bone marrow. Overall, these results suggest that the transplantation of encapsulated LLCs is a promising new method for testosterone supplementation with potential clinical applications in TD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Feng
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Xia
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiong Ke
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongda Deng
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; KingMed Center for Clinical Laboratory CO., LTD, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jintao Zhuang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zi Wan
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fulin Wang
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhijun Zang
- Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangzhou Sun
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Andy Peng Xiang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang'an Tu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yong Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Chunhua Deng
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
135
|
Handelsman DJ. The Illusory Case for Treatment of an Invented Disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:682620. [PMID: 35116001 PMCID: PMC8803734 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.682620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David J. Handelsman
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Andrology Department, Concord Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: David J. Handelsman,
| |
Collapse
|
136
|
Khera M, Miner M, Jaffe J, Pastuszak AW. Testosterone Therapy and Cardiovascular Risk: A Critical Analysis of Studies Reporting Increased Risk. J Sex Med 2020; 18:83-98. [PMID: 33317996 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of "adult-onset hypogonadism" (AOH) with exogenous testosterone therapy (TTh) to raise serum testosterone (T) levels may influence cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in patients with AOH, whereas low endogenous T levels are associated with an increased CV risk and mortality. AIM To critically evaluate studies reporting increased CV risk associated with TTh and to provide an overview of the risks and benefits of restoring T levels through exogenous TTh. METHODS A review of publications focusing on the association between TTh and increased CV risk was conducted, and the study methodologies and conclusions of each were critically evaluated. Further, recent clinical and epidemiological studies associating AOH or TTh with a change in CV risk, and pertinent hematologic and vascular effects noted in animal studies and in vitro, as well as in clinical practice were also reviewed. OUTCOMES A review of the literature shows that untreated testosterone deficiency and/or low T is associated with an increase in CV risk and adverse outcomes, with numerous studies and meta-analyses to support a positive association between exogenous TTh and an improvement in CV risk factors in men with AOH. RESULTS Numerous studies in the literature demonstrate the positive benefits of using TTh; however, since 2013, some publications have suggested a link to increased CV risk associated with TTh. A number of these studies retrospectively analyzed insurance claims databases using diagnosis codes, procedures codes, and prescription information. Many reviews published since have pointed out the methodological flaws and debatable conclusions of these studies. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS A careful assessment of the patient's current health status and CV risk factors should be weighed against the benefits and possible risks resulting from TTh, and consideration should be given to deferring treatment pending resolution or stabilization of CV disease or risk factors. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS In this review, we provide an in-depth analysis of studies reporting increased CV risk with TTh. Many of the studies were not well-designed, randomized, double-blind, prospective clinical trials but rather post hoc analyses of cohort data. These studies may reflect bias in how treatment and nontreatment decisions are made or reflect conclusions based on widely cited methodological flaws. CONCLUSION Appropriate patient selection supported by low pre-treatment T levels and monitoring T levels during treatment with the goal of achieving and maintaining physiologic levels all contribute to the safe and effective use of TTh in men with AOH. Khera M, Miner M, Jaffe J, et al. Testosterone Therapy and Cardiovascular Risk: A Critical Analysis of Studies Reporting Increased Risk. J Sex med 2021;18:83-98.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Khera
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Martin Miner
- Clinical Professor of Family Medicine and Urology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Alexander W Pastuszak
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
137
|
Hiremath PG, Bhondoekhan F, Haberlen SA, Ashikaga H, Palella FJ, D'Souza G, Budoff MJ, Kingsley LA, Dobs AS, Post WS, Soliman EZ, Brown TT, Wu KC. Testosterone use and shorter electrocardiographic QT interval duration in men living with and without HIV. HIV Med 2020; 22:418-421. [PMID: 33270338 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Testosterone usage (T-use) may alter risk factors for sudden cardiac death in men living with HIV (MLWH). Electrocardiographic QT interval prolongation, which could potentiate ventricular arrhythmias, has previously been associated with HIV infection and, separately, with low testosterone levels. We investigated whether T-use shortens the QT interval duration in MLWH and HIV-uninfected men. METHODS We utilized data from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study, a prospective, longitudinal study of HIV infection among men who have sex with men. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to evaluate associations between T-use and corrected QT interval (QTc) duration. RESULTS Testosterone usage was more common in MLWH compared with HIV-uninfected men (19% vs. 9%). In a multivariable regression analysis, T-use was associated with a 5.7 ms shorter QT interval [95% confidence interval (CI): -9.5 to -1.9; P = 0.003). Furthermore, stronger associations were observed for prolonged duration of T-use and recent timing of T-use. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first known analysis of T-use and QTc interval in MLWH. Overall, our data demonstrate that recent T-use is associated with a shorter QTc interval. Increased T-use duration above a threshold of ≥ 50% of visits in the preceding 5 years was associated with a shorter QTc interval while lesser T-use duration was not.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P G Hiremath
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - F Bhondoekhan
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - S A Haberlen
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - H Ashikaga
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - F J Palella
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - G D'Souza
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - M J Budoff
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - L A Kingsley
- Departments of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology and Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - A S Dobs
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - W S Post
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - E Z Soliman
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Epidemiological Cardiology Research Center (EPICARE), Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - T T Brown
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - K C Wu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
138
|
Taron J, Lee S, Aluru J, Hoffmann U, Lu MT. A review of serial coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) to assess plaque progression and therapeutic effect of anti-atherosclerotic drugs. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2020; 36:2305-2317. [PMID: 32076919 PMCID: PMC7434668 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-020-01793-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Change in coronary artery plaque on serial catheter intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is an established technique to monitor the therapeutic effect of drugs on coronary atherosclerosis. Recent advances in coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) now allow for non-invasive assessment of change in coronary plaque. Because coronary CTA is noninvasive, it enables clinical trials with lower-risk populations, higher retention rates, and lower costs. This review presents an overview of serial coronary CTA as a noninvasive imaging technique to gauge the therapeutic effect of anti-atherosclerotic therapies. Furthermore, it reviews the increasing use of serial CTA as an imaging endpoint in completed and ongoing clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Taron
- Department of Radiology, Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 165 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Department for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Saeyun Lee
- Division of Rheumatology/Immunology/Pulmonology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA
| | - John Aluru
- Cardiovascular Imaging Core Laboratory, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Udo Hoffmann
- Department of Radiology, Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 165 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Michael T Lu
- Department of Radiology, Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 165 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| |
Collapse
|
139
|
Rodrigues Dos Santos M, Bhasin S. Benefits and Risks of Testosterone Treatment in Men with Age-Related Decline in Testosterone. Annu Rev Med 2020; 72:75-91. [PMID: 33217248 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-med-050219-034711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The substantial increase in life expectancy of men has focused growing attention on quality-of-life issues associated with reproductive aging. Serum total and free testosterone levels in men, after reaching a peak in the second and third decade of life, decline gradually with advancing age. The trajectory of age-related decline is affected by comorbid conditions, adiposity, medications, and genetic factors. Testosterone treatment of older men with low testosterone levels improves overall sexual activity, sexual desire, and erectile function; improves areal and volumetric bone density, as well as estimated bone strength in the spine and the hip; corrects unexplained anemia of aging; increases skeletal muscle mass, strength and power, self-reported mobility, and some measures of physical function; and modestly improves depressive symptoms. The long-term effects of testosterone on major cardiovascular events and prostate cancer risk remain unclear. The Endocrine Society recommends against testosterone therapy of all older men with low testosterone levels but suggests consideration of treatment on an individualized basis in men who have consistently low testosterone levels and symptoms or conditions suggestive of testosterone deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Rodrigues Dos Santos
- Research Program in Men's Health: Aging and Metabolism, Boston Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA; .,Heart Institute (InCor), University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo 05508-220, Brazil;
| | - Shalender Bhasin
- Research Program in Men's Health: Aging and Metabolism, Boston Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
140
|
Male Sexual Health and Cardiovascular Disease. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11930-020-00281-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
141
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND This manuscript is a review and discussion of the published results of the T Trials. OBJECTIVE To re-examine the efficacy of testosterone replacement of hypogonadal men >65 years of age in the T Trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS The T Trials were a complex collection of seven double blind, placebo-controlled trials of the efficacy of testosterone as replacement therapy for older men with unequivocal hypogonadism. There were three main trials (sexual function; physical function; vitality) and four sub-trials (cognition; bone; anemia; and cardiovascular). All subjects participated in the main trials while more selective inclusion/exclusion criteria existed for the sub-trials. Subjects were excluded for perceived higher risk of prostate cancer and recent myocardial or cerebral vascular events. RESULTS The previously published results are reviewed here as seen in the context of this special issue on late-onset hypogonadism. In the T Trials, positive benefits were seen in the sexual function, bone, and anemia trials with small but significant benefits in the vitality trial. No benefit was seen in the cognition trial, partial benefit in physical function, and a negative benefit outcome seen in the cardiovascular trial. The later trial was underpowered and the results were described as exploratory. Adverse events were relatively uncommon in the 12-month treatment phase and additional 12-month post-treatment phase. The most frequent adverse effect ascribed to testosterone was erythrocytosis. CONCLUSIONS The T Trials studied the efficacy of testosterone replacement therapy on 788 men with low testosterone and symptoms of hypogonadism. The studies demonstrated benefits in four trials (sexual function, vitality, bone, and anemia); partial benefit in the physical function trial; no effect in the cognition trial; and a negative effect in the exploratory cardiovascular trial. The T Trials were not designed to assess long-term risks of testosterone in men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Swerdloff
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Christina Wang
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
142
|
Chih H, Reid CM, Yeap BB, Dwivedi G. Effect of Testosterone Treatment on Cardiovascular Events in Men: Protocol for a Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis. JMIR Res Protoc 2020; 9:e15163. [PMID: 33118952 PMCID: PMC7661242 DOI: 10.2196/15163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Testosterone prescriptions have increased dramatically in recent decades, with increasing usage in men. Despite epidemiological associations reported high circulating concentrations of endogenous androgens and low risk of cardiovascular events and mortality, the effects of exogenous androgens in the form of testosterone therapy for maintaining physiological circulating androgen concentrations on the cardiovascular system remain uncertain with no published meta-analysis on this topic. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of prescribed testosterone treatment, in all forms and durations, from well-developed randomized controlled trials, on cardiovascular events in men aged 18 years or older. Methods Peer-reviewed journal articles published from 1980 to 2019 will be searched from databases (ie CINAHL [Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature], Embase, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials as well as the Clinical Trial Registry). Randomized controlled trials or cluster randomized controlled trials with at least one intervention arm of testosterone and a control group of usual care or no testosterone treatment will be included in this review and meta-analysis. Studies on men with previous cardiovascular events or cardiac vascularization (coronary bypass surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention) will be excluded. Data related to primary outcomes such as clinical events of any type of stroke or transient ischemic attack, nonfatal myocardial infarction or acute coronary syndrome, emergency coronary artery revascularization, carotid surgery, cardiac mortality, and all-cause mortality will be extracted for analysis. The criteria for PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) will be followed in the evaluation of evidence. Results Search terms have been piloted and finalized. This study will be completed by the end of 2020. Conclusions This protocol will guide a systematic literature review of the evidence around prescribed testosterone and its effect on cardiovascular events in men aged 18 years or older. The findings will inform clinical management of hypogonadal men. Trial Registration PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42019134278; https://tinyurl.com/y6t7ggge International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/15163
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- HuiJun Chih
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Christopher M Reid
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.,School of Public Health & Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bu B Yeap
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia
| | - Girish Dwivedi
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Department of Cardiology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
143
|
Osadchiy V, Jiang T, Mills JN, Eleswarapu SV. Low Testosterone on Social Media: Application of Natural Language Processing to Understand Patients' Perceptions of Hypogonadism and Its Treatment. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e21383. [PMID: 33026354 PMCID: PMC7578816 DOI: 10.2196/21383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the results of the Testosterone Trials, physicians remain uncomfortable treating men with hypogonadism. Discouraged, men increasingly turn to social media to discuss medical concerns. OBJECTIVE The goal of the research was to apply natural language processing (NLP) techniques to social media posts for identification of themes of discussion regarding low testosterone and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in order to inform how physicians may better evaluate and counsel patients. METHODS We retrospectively extracted posts from the Reddit community r/Testosterone from December 2015 through May 2019. We applied an NLP technique called the meaning extraction method with principal component analysis (MEM/PCA) to computationally derive discussion themes. We then performed a prospective analysis of Twitter data (tweets) that contained the terms low testosterone, low T, and testosterone replacement from June through September 2019. RESULTS A total of 199,335 Reddit posts and 6659 tweets were analyzed. MEM/PCA revealed dominant themes of discussion: symptoms of hypogonadism, seeing a doctor, results of laboratory tests, derogatory comments and insults, TRT medications, and cardiovascular risk. More than 25% of Reddit posts contained the term doctor, and more than 5% urologist. CONCLUSIONS This study represents the first NLP evaluation of the social media landscape surrounding hypogonadism and TRT. Although physicians traditionally limit their practices to within their clinic walls, the ubiquity of social media demands that physicians understand what patients discuss online. Physicians may do well to bring up online discussions during clinic consultations for low testosterone to pull back the curtain and dispel myths.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vadim Osadchiy
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Consortium for Health Activity on Social Media, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Tommy Jiang
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Consortium for Health Activity on Social Media, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jesse Nelson Mills
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sriram Venkata Eleswarapu
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Consortium for Health Activity on Social Media, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
144
|
Okubo R, Nakanishi R, Dailing C, Yabe T, Noike R, Matsumoto S, Aikawa H, Okamura Y, Hashimoto H, Amano H, Toda M, Maehara A, Budoff MJ, Ikeda T. The relationship between coronary artery calcium density and optical coherence tomography-derived plaque characteristics. Atherosclerosis 2020; 311:30-36. [PMID: 32919282 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2020.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Although coronary artery calcium (CAC) density has been associated with plaque stability, pathological evidence is lacking. We investigated the relationship between coronary computed tomography (CCT)-derived CAC density and multiple calcified and high-risk plaque (HRP) characteristics using optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS We analyzed 83 plaques from 33 stable angina patients who underwent both CCT and OCT. CAC density was measured at calcium plaques with ≥90 Hounsfield units (HU) and ≥130 HU using custom CT software. The correlation between median CAC density and OCT-derived calcium size (thickness and area) was assessed. To investigate whether median CAC densities measured at the 90 HU threshold were associated with plaque vulnerability, OCT-derived plaque characteristics and HRP characteristics were compared between the low (90-129 HU), intermediate (130-199 HU) and high (≥200 HU) CAC HU groups. RESULTS Median CAC densities at 130 HU were moderately associated with calcium thickness (R = 0.573, p < 0.001) and area (R = 0.560, p < 0.001). Similar results were observed at 90 HU (thickness, R = 0.615, p < 0.001; area, R = 0.612, p < 0.001). Among groups with low, intermediate and high HU levels, calcium thickness (0.42 ± 0.14 mm, 0.60 ± 0.17 mm and 0.77 ± 0.19 mm, respectively; p < 0.001) and area (0.55 ± 0.29 mm2, 1.20 ± 0.58 mm2 and 1.78 ± 0.87 mm2, respectively; p < 0.001) were significantly greater in the high HU group. HRP characteristics, however, did not differ among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS OCT-derived calcium size, but not HRP characteristics, were associated with CAC density, suggesting that CAC density is driven mainly by calcified plaque size but not local plaque vulnerability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Okubo
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rine Nakanishi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Toho University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA.
| | - Christopher Dailing
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Takayuki Yabe
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryota Noike
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shingo Matsumoto
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroto Aikawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuriko Okamura
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidenobu Hashimoto
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideo Amano
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Toho University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mikihito Toda
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akiko Maehara
- Cardiovascular Research Foundation, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew J Budoff
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Takanori Ikeda
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Toho University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
145
|
Kharaba ZJ, Buabeid MA, Ibrahim NA, Jirjees FJ, Obaidi HJA, Kaddaha A, Khajehkarimoddini L, Alfoteih Y. Testosterone therapy in hypogonadal patients and the associated risks of cardiovascular events. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 129:110423. [PMID: 32570122 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the male secondary sex characters, libido and fertility are attributed to their major androgen hormone testosterone, the sub-optimum levels of testosterone in young adults may cause infertility and irregularities in their sexual behaviour. Such deficiency is often secondary to maladies involving testes, pituitary or hypothalamus that could be treated with an administration of exogenous testosterone. In the last few decades, the number of testosterone prescriptions has markedly increased to treat sub-optimal serum levels even though its administration in such conditions is not yet approved. On account of its associated cardiovascular hazards, the food and drug authority in the United States has issued safety alerts on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Owing to a great degree of conflict among their findings, the published clinical trials seem struggling in presenting a decisive opinion on the matter. Hence, the clinicians remain uncertain about the possible cardiovascular adversities while prescribing TRT in hypogonadal men. The uncertainty escalates even further while prescribing such therapy in older men with a previous history of cardiovascular ailments. In the current review, we analysed the pre-clinical and clinical studies to evaluate the physiological impact of testosterone on cardiovascular and related parameters. We have enlisted studies on the association of cardiovascular health and endogenous testosterone levels with a comprehensive analysis of epidemiological studies, clinical trials, and meta-analyses on the cardiovascular risk of TRT. The review is aimed to assist clinicians in making smart decisions regarding TRT in their patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zelal Jaber Kharaba
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Al-Ain University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Manal Ali Buabeid
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nihal A Ibrahim
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, 346, United Arab Emirates
| | | | | | | | | | - Yassen Alfoteih
- City University College of Ajman, Ajman, 18484, United Arab Emirates.
| |
Collapse
|
146
|
Al-Sharefi A, Quinton R. Current National and International Guidelines for the Management of Male Hypogonadism: Helping Clinicians to Navigate Variation in Diagnostic Criteria and Treatment Recommendations. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2020; 35:526-540. [PMID: 32981295 PMCID: PMC7520594 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2020.760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Male hypogonadism-rebadged by some as testosterone deficiency syndrome-is a clinical and biochemical diagnosis of increasing worldwide interest. Organic male hypogonadism-usually permanent-is well-established, but aging men may also exhibit lower serum testosterone levels; principally due to burden of extra-gonadal comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, but with an underlying intact hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis capable of springing back into operation once comorbidities are addressed. Despite encouraging observational data and plausible theoretical underpinning, evidence for efficacy and safety of testosterone in this "aging" group of men is lacking; addressing comorbid illnesses remains the key priority instead. Nevertheless, in recent years, accumulation of misleading information online has triggered a global tsunami of testosterone prescriptions. Despite this, many men with organic hypogonadism remain undiagnosed or untreated; many more face a diagnostic odyssey before achieving care by the appropriate specialist. As testosterone therapy is not without risk several clinical practice guidelines have been published specialist societies to guide physicians on best practice. However, these are heterogeneous in key areas, reflecting divergent approaches to the same evidence basis. Herein, we navigate the major clinical practice guidelines on male hypogonadism and test their respective recommendations against current best evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Al-Sharefi
- Department of Endocrinology, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Richard Quinton
- Department of Endocrinology, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
- Translational & Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| |
Collapse
|
147
|
Abstract
In the early days of its use, testosterone therapy faced skepticism regarding its safety and efficacy. After a converging consensus that testosterone therapy was safe and effective for the treatment of hypogonadism, several recent studies showed adverse cardiovascular outcomes associated with testosterone treatment, ultimately resulting in a mandated FDA label warning about the unknown safety of testosterone therapy. Given the clear efficacy of testosterone therapy in the treatment of hypogonadism, establishing the safety of this therapeutic tool is essential. This article summarizes the current evidence regarding the cardiovascular safety of testosterone therapy for the management of hypogonadism, as well as the proposed mechanisms that may explain testosterone's underlying effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy M Auerbach
- Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mohit Khera
- Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
148
|
Sesti F, Pofi R, Minnetti M, Tenuta M, Gianfrilli D, Isidori AM. Late-onset hypogonadism: Reductio ad absurdum of the cardiovascular risk-benefit of testosterone replacement therapy. Andrology 2020; 8:1614-1627. [PMID: 32737921 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low testosterone (T) level is considered a marker of poor cardiovascular health. Ten years ago, the Testosterone in Older Men with Mobility Limitations (TOM) trial was discontinued due to a higher number of adverse events in men receiving T compared with placebo. Since then, several studies have investigated the risks of T replacement therapy (TRT) in late-onset hypogonadism (LOH). OBJECTIVE To review the mechanism by which TRT could damage the cardiovascular system. MATERIALS AND METHODS Comprehensive literature search of recent clinical and experimental studies. RESULTS The mechanisms of T-mediated coronary vasodilation were reviewed with emphasis on calcium-activated and ATP-sensitive potassium ion channels. We showed how T regulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/eNOS signaling pathways in vessel walls and its direct effects on cardiomyocytes via β1-adrenergic and ryanodine receptors and provided data on myocardial infarction and heart failure. Vascular smooth muscle senescence could be explained by the modulation of growth factors, matrix metalloproteinase-2, and angiotensin II by T. Furthermore, leukocyte trafficking, facilitated by changes in TNF-α, could explain some of the effects of T on atheromatous plaques. Conflicting data on prothrombotic risk linked to platelet aggregation inhibition via NO-triggered arachidonate synthesis or increased aggregability due to enhanced thromboxane A in human platelets provide evidence regarding the hypotheses on plaque maturation and rupture risk. The effects of T on cardiac electrophysiology and oxygen delivery were also reviewed. DISCUSSION The effects of TRT on the cardiovascular system are complex. Although molecular studies suggest a potential benefit, several clinical observations reveal neutral or occasionally detrimental effects, mostly due to confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS Attempts to demonstrate that TRT damages the cardiovascular system via systematic analysis of the putative mechanisms led to the contradiction of the initial hypothesis. Current evidence indicates that TRT is safe once other comorbidities are addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franz Sesti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pofi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Minnetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Tenuta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Gianfrilli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea M Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
149
|
Handelsman DJ. Pharmacoepidemiology of testosterone: Impact of reimbursement policy on curbing
off‐label
prescribing. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2020; 29:1030-1036. [DOI: 10.1002/pds.5080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David J. Handelsman
- ANZAC Research Institute University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| |
Collapse
|
150
|
Xia K, Chen H, Wang J, Feng X, Gao Y, Wang Y, Deng R, Wu C, Luo P, Zhang M, Wang C, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Liu G, Tu X, Sun X, Li W, Ke Q, Deng C, Xiang AP. Restorative functions of Autologous Stem Leydig Cell transplantation in a Testosterone-deficient non-human primate model. Theranostics 2020; 10:8705-8720. [PMID: 32754273 PMCID: PMC7392013 DOI: 10.7150/thno.46854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Stem Leydig cells (SLCs) transplantation can restore testosterone production in rodent models and is thus a potential solution for treating testosterone deficiency (TD). However, it remains unknown whether these favorable effects will be reproduced in more clinically relevant large-animal models. Therefore, we assessed the feasibility, safety and efficacy of autologous SLCs transplantation in a testosterone-deficient non-human primate (NHP) model. Methods: Cynomolgus monkey SLCs (CM-SLCs) were isolated from testis biopsies of elderly (> 19 years) cynomolgus monkeys by flow cytometry. Autologous CM-SLCs were injected into the testicular interstitium of 7 monkeys. Another 4 monkeys were injected the same way with cynomolgus monkey dermal fibroblasts (CM-DFs) as controls. The animals were then examined for sex hormones, semen, body composition, grip strength, and exercise activity. Results: We first isolated CD271+ CM-SLCs which were confirmed to expand continuously and show potential to differentiate into testosterone-producing Leydig cells (LCs) in vitro. Compared with CM-DFs transplantation, engraftment of autologous CM-SLCs into elderly monkeys could significantly increase the serum testosterone level in a physiological pattern for 8 weeks, without any need for immunosuppression. Importantly, CM-SLCs transplantation recovered spermatogenesis and ameliorated TD-related symptoms, such as those related to body fat mass, lean mass, bone mineral density, strength and exercise capacity. Conclusion: For the first time, our short-term observations demonstrated that autologous SLCs can increase testosterone levels and ameliorate relevant TD symptoms in primate models. A larger cohort with long-term follow-up will be required to assess the translational potential of autologous SLCs for TD therapy.
Collapse
|