Cardiovascular Risks of Exogenous Testosterone Use Among Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Cardiovascular safety of testosterone replacement therapy in men: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The cardiovascular (CV) safety of testosterone (T) replacement therapy (TRT) is still conflicting. Recent data suggested a TRT-related increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to systematic review and meta-analyze CV risk related to TRT as derived from placebo controlled randomized trials (RCTs).

AREAS COVERED

An extensive Medline, Embase, and Cochrane search was performed. All placebo-controlled RCTs reporting data on TRT-related CV safety were considered. To better analyze the role of T on AF, population-based studies investigating the relationship between endogenous circulating T levels and AF incidence were also included and analyzed.

EXPERT OPINION

Out of 3.615, 106 studies were considered, including 8.126 subjects treated with TRT and 7.310 patients allocated to placebo. No difference between TRT and placebo was observed when major adverse CV events were considered. Whereas the incidence of non-fatal arrhythmias and AF was increased in the only trial considering CV safety as the primary endpoint, this was not confirmed when all other studies were considered (MH-OR 1.61[0.84;3.08] and 1.44[0.46;4.46]). Similarly, no relationship between endogenous T levels and AF incidence was observed after the adjustment for confounders Available data confirm that TRT is safe and it is not related to an increased CV risk.

Association between testosterone replacement therapy and cardiovascular outcomes: A meta-analysis of 30 randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The Cardiovascular safety of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) among men with hypogonadism is not well established to date. Hence, we sought to evaluate the cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes among patients receiving testosterone therapy by using all recently published randomized controlled trials.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature search on PubMed, EMBASE, and Clinicaltrial.gov for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception until September 30th, 2023.

RESULTS

A total of 30 randomized trials with 11,502 patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age was ranging from 61.61 to 61.82 years. Pooled analysis of primary and secondary outcomes showed that the incidence of any CVD events (OR, 1.12 (95%CI: 0.77-1.62), P = 0.55), stroke (OR, 1.01 (95%CI: 0.68-1.51), P = 0.94), myocardial infarction (OR, 1.05 (95%CI: 0.76-1.45), P = 0.77), all-cause mortality (OR, 0.94 (95%CI: 0.76-1.17), P = 0.57), and CVD mortality (OR, 0.87 (95%CI: 0.65-1.15), P = 0.31) was comparable between TRT and placebo groups.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis indicates that for patients with hypogonadism, testosterone replacement therapy does not increase the CVD risk and all-cause mortality.

The Current Landscape of Pharmacotherapies for Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is a skeletal muscle disorder characterized by progressive and generalized decline in muscle mass and function. Although it is mostly known as an age-related disorder, it can also occur secondary to systemic diseases such as malignancy or organ failure. It has demonstrated a significant relationship with adverse outcomes, e.g., falls, disabilities, and even mortality. Several breakthroughs have been made to find a pharmaceutical therapy for sarcopenia over the years, and some have come up with promising findings. Yet still no drug has been approved for its treatment. The key factor that makes finding an effective pharmacotherapy so challenging is the general paradigm of standalone/single diseases, traditionally adopted in medicine. Today, it is well known that sarcopenia is a complex disorder caused by multiple factors, e.g., imbalance in protein turnover, satellite cell and mitochondrial dysfunction, hormonal changes, low-grade inflammation, senescence, anorexia of aging, and behavioral factors such as low physical activity. Therefore, pharmaceuticals, either alone or combined, that exhibit multiple actions on these factors simultaneously will likely be the drug of choice to manage sarcopenia. Among various drug options explored throughout the years, testosterone still has the most cumulated evidence regarding its effects on muscle health and its safety. A mas receptor agonist, BIO101, stands out as a recent promising pharmaceutical. In addition to the conventional strategies (i.e., nutritional support and physical exercise), therapeutics with multiple targets of action or combination of multiple therapeutics with different targets/modes of action appear to promise greater benefit for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia.

The association of testosterone with sarcopenia and frailty in chronic liver disease

BACKGROUND

Testosterone is an important anabolic hormone responsible for maintaining body composition and muscle mass and circulates mostly albumin-bound, or sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)-bound or free in the plasma. Of these fractions, the latter is bioactive and exerts the androgenic effects on male population. Liver cirrhosis, the advanced stage of any chronic liver disease characterized by permanent distortions to the hepatic architecture, disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to diminished levels of free testosterone and hypogonadism.

METHODS

We retrieved the PubMed database to provide a synopsis of testosterone's physiology and action and summarize the effect of sarcopenia in pre-cirrhotic and cirrhotic patients. Moreover, we scoped to provide insight into the relationship of testosterone levels with sarcopenia, frailty and survival in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic population as well as to discuss the efficacy of exogenous testosterone supplementation on the anthropometric parameters and survival of those patients.

RESULTS

Low testosterone levels have been associated with sarcopenia, reduced body lean mass, decreased bone mineral density and frailty, thus leading to increased morbidity and mortality especially among cirrhotic patients. Furthermore, exogenous testosterone administration significantly ameliorated body composition on patients with chronic hepatic disease, without significant adverse effects. However, the current literature does not suggest any significant effect on survival of those patients. Moreover, the long-term safety of testosterone use remains an open question.

CONCLUSION

Low serum testosterone is strongly correlated with sarcopenia, frailty, higher rate of hepatic decompensation and mortality. Nonetheless, exogenous supplementation of testosterone did not ameliorate the liver-related outcomes and complications.

Testosterone replacement therapy: clinical considerations

INTRODUCTION

As an increasingly popular therapeutic option, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has gained significant notoriety for its health benefits in indicated populations, such as those suffering from hypogonadism.

AREAS COVERED

Benefits such as improved libido, muscle mass, cognition, and quality of life have led to widened public interest in testosterone as a health supplement. No therapy exists without side effects; testosterone replacement therapy has been associated with side effects such as an increased risk of polycythemia, benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH), prostate cancer, gynecomastia, testicular atrophy, and infertility. Testosterone replacement therapy is often accompanied by several prophylactic co-therapies aimed at reducing the prevalence of these side effects. Literature searches for sections on the clinical benefits and risks associated with TRT were performed to include clinical trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews from the last 10 years.

EXPERT OPINION

Data from clinical studies over the last decade suggest that the benefits of this therapy outweigh the risks and result in overall increased quality of life and remission of symptoms related to hypogonadism. With this in mind, the authors of this review suggest that carefully designed clinical trials are warranted for the investigation of TRT in symptomatic age-related hypogonadism.

Long-term Outcomes of Testosterone Treatment in Men: A T4DM Postrandomization Observational Follow-up Study

CONTEXT

The T4DM study randomized 1007 men with impaired glucose tolerance or newly diagnosed diabetes to testosterone undecanoate (TU, 1000 mg) or matching placebo (P) injections every 12 weeks for 24 months with a lifestyle program with testosterone (T) treatment reducing diabetes diagnosis by 40%.

BACKGROUND

The long-term effects on new diagnosis of diabetes, cardiovascular and prostate disease, sleep apnea, weight maintenance trajectory and androgen dependence were not yet described.

METHODS

A follow-up email survey after a median of 5.1 years since last injection obtained 599 (59%) completed surveys (316 T, 283 P), with participants in the follow-up survey compared with nonparticipants in 23 anthropometric and demographic variables.

RESULTS

Randomization to was TU associated with stronger belief in study benefits during (64% vs 49%, P < .001) but not after the study (44% vs 40%, P = .07); there is high interest in future studies. At T4DM entry, 25% had sleep apnea with a new diagnosis more frequent on TU (3.0% vs 0.4%, P = .03) during, but not after, the study. Poststudy, resuming prescribed T treatment was more frequent among TU-treated men (6% vs 2.8%, P = .03). Five years after cessation of TU treatment there was no difference in self-reported rates of new diagnosis of diabetes, and prostate or cardiovascular disease, nor change in weight maintenance or weight loss behaviors.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that randomized T treatment for 24 months in men with impaired glucose tolerance or new diabetes but without pathological hypogonadism was associated with higher levels of self-reported benefits and diagnosis of sleep apnea during, but not after, the study as well as more frequent prescribed poststudy T treatment consistent with androgen dependence in some men receiving prolonged injectable TU.

EMAS position statement: Testosterone replacement therapy in older men

INTRODUCTION

Late-onset hypogonadism is the clinical entity characterised by low testosterone concentrations associated with clinical symptoms in the absence of organic disease in ageing men. It has been associated with metabolic syndrome, reduced bone mineral density, and increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality risk. Although testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) reverses most of these conditions in young hypogonadal men, the risk/benefit ratio of TRT in older men is debatable.

AIM

To update the 2015 EMAS statement on TRT in older men with new research on late-onset hypogonadism and TRT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literature review and consensus of expert opinion.

SUMMARY RECOMMENDATIONS

TRT should be offered only to symptomatic older men with confirmed low testosterone concentrations after explaining the uncertainties regarding the long-term safety of this treatment. TRT may be offered to men with severe hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction to improve sexual desire, erectile, and orgasmic function. It should also be considered in hypogonadal men with severe insulin resistance or pre-diabetes mellitus. TRT may also be considered, in combination with proven treatment strategies, for osteoporosis, or for selected patients with persistent mild depressive symptoms and/or low self-perceived quality of life, combined with standard medical care for each condition. TRT is contraindicated in hypogonadal men actively seeking fertility treatment. Due to a lack of data, TRT should not be routinely used in older men to improve exercise capacity/physical function, improve cognitive function, or prevent cognitive decline. TRT must be avoided in older, frail men with known breast cancer or untreated prostate cancer and all men who have had myocardial infarction or stroke within the last four months, and those with severe or decompensated heart failure. The quality of evidence regarding patients with previous prostate cancer or cardiovascular disease is too low to draw definitive conclusions. Any limits on duration of use are arbitrary, and treatment should continue for as long as the man feels the benefits outweigh the risks for him, and decisions must be made on an individual basis. Withdrawal should be considered when hypogonadism is reversed after the resolution of underlying disorder. Short-acting transdermal preparations should be preferred for TRT initiation in older men, but injectable forms may be considered subsequently. Older men on TRT should be monitored at 3, 6, and 12 months after initiation and at least yearly thereafter, or earlier and more frequently if indicated. Evaluation should include assessment of the clinical response, and measurement of total testosterone, haematocrit, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentrations. Bone density and/or quality should also be assessed. Obese and overweight patients should be encouraged to undergo lifestyle modifications, including exercise and weight loss, to increase endogenous testosterone.

A case report of myocardial infarction in a young transgender man with testosterone therapy: raising awareness on healthcare issues in the transgender community and a call for further research

Background

People who are transgender may utilize masculinizing or feminizing gender-affirming hormonal therapy. Testosterone and oestrogen receptors are expressed throughout the cardiovascular system, yet the effects of these therapies on cardiovascular risk and outcomes are largely unknown. We report the case of a young transgender man with no discernible cardiovascular risk factors presenting with an acute coronary syndrome.

Case summary

A 31-year-old transgender man utilizing intramuscular testosterone masculinizing gender-affirming hormonal therapy presented with central chest pain radiating to the left arm. He had no past medical history of hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, or smoking. Electrocardiography demonstrated infero-septal ST depression, and high-sensitivity troponin-I was elevated and increased to 19 686 ng/L. He was diagnosed with a non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Inpatient coronary angiography confirmed a critical focal lesion in the mid right coronary artery, which was managed with two drug-eluting stents. Medical management (i.e. aspirin, ticagrelor, atorvastatin, ramipril, and bisoprolol) and surveillance of residual plaque disease evident in the long tubular left main stem, proximal left anterior descending, and proximal circumflex vessels was undertaken. The masculinizing gender-affirming hormonal therapy was continued.

Discussion

Despite a greater awareness of the potential risk of increased cardiovascular disease in transgender people, the fundamental lack of data regarding cardiovascular outcomes in transgender people may be contributing to healthcare inequalities in this population. We must implement better training, awareness, and research into transgender cardiovascular health to facilitate equitable and evidence-based outcomes.

Leflutrozole in male obesity-associated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: Ph 2b double-blind randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Assessment of the efficacy and safety/tolerability of the aromatase inhibitor leflutrozole to normalise testosterone in Obesity-associated Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism (OHH).

DESIGN

Placebo-controlled, double-blind, RCT, in 70 sites in Europe/USA.

METHODS

Patient inclusion criteria: men with BMI of 30-50 kg/m2, morning total testosterone (TT) < 10.41 nmol/L, and two androgen deficiency symptoms (at least one of sexual dysfunction). Patients randomised to weekly leflutrozole (0.1/0.3/1.0 mg) or placebo for 24 weeks. Primary endpoint: normalisation of TT levels in ≥75% of patients after 24 weeks. Secondary endpoints (included): time to TT normalisation and change in LH/FSH. Safety was assessed through adverse events and laboratory monitoring.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Of 2103 screened, 271 were randomised, 81 discontinued. Demographic characteristics were similar across groups. Mean BMI was 38.1 kg/m2 and TT 7.97 nmol/L. The primary endpoint was achieved in all leflutrozole-treated groups by 24 weeks with a dose-tiered response; mean TT 15.89; 17.78; 20.35 nmol/L, for leflutrozole 0.1 mg, 0.3 mg, and 1.0 mg groups respectively, vs 8.04 nmol/L for placebo. LH/FSH significantly increased in leflutrozole vs placebo groups. No improvements in body composition or sexual dysfunction were observed. Semen volume/total motile sperm count improved with leflutrozole vs placebo. Treatment-emergent adverse events, more common in leflutrozole-treated groups included, raised haematocrit, hypertension, increased PSA, and headache. Some reduction in lumbar bone density was observed with leflutrozole (mean -1.24%, -1.30%, -2.09%) and 0.66% for 0.1 mg, 0.3 mg, 1.0 mg, and placebo, respectively, without change at the hip. This RCT of leflutrozole in OHH demonstrated normalisation of TT in obese men. FSH/LH and semen parameter changes support that leflutrozole may preserve/improve testicular function.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02730169.

New Horizons: Testosterone or Exercise for Cardiometabolic Health in Older Men

Middle-aged and older men have typically accumulated comorbidities, are increasingly sedentary, and have lower testosterone concentrations (T) compared to younger men. Reduced physical activity (PA) and lower T both are associated with, and may predispose to, metabolically adverse changes in body composition, which contribute to higher risks of cardiometabolic disease. Exercise improves cardiometabolic health, but sustained participation is problematic. By contrast, rates of T prescription have increased, particularly in middle-aged and older men without organic diseases of the hypothalamus, pituitary, or testes, reflecting the unproven concept of a restorative hormone that preserves health. Two recent large randomized trials of T, and meta-analyses of randomized trials, did not show a signal for adverse cardiovascular (CV) events, and T treatment on a background of lifestyle intervention reduced type 2 diabetes by 40% in men at high risk. Men with both higher endogenous T and higher PA levels have lower CV risk, but causality remains unproven. Exercise training interventions improve blood pressure and endothelial function in middle-aged and older men, without comparable benefits or additive effects of T treatment. Therefore, exercise training improves cardiometabolic health in middle-aged and older men when effectively applied as a supervised regimen incorporating aerobic and resistance modalities. Treatment with T may have indirect cardiometabolic benefits, mediated via favorable changes in body composition. Further evaluation of T as a pharmacological intervention to improve cardiometabolic health in aging men could consider longer treatment durations and combination with targeted exercise programs.

Hormones and Aging: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement

Multiple changes occur across various endocrine systems as an individual ages. The understanding of the factors that cause age-related changes and how they should be managed clinically is evolving. This statement reviews the current state of research in the growth hormone, adrenal, ovarian, testicular, and thyroid axes, as well as in osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency, type 2 diabetes, and water metabolism, with a specific focus on older individuals. Each section describes the natural history and observational data in older individuals, available therapies, clinical trial data on efficacy and safety in older individuals, key points, and scientific gaps. The goal of this statement is to inform future research that refines prevention and treatment strategies in age-associated endocrine conditions, with the goal of improving the health of older individuals.

Cardiovascular Safety of Testosterone-Replacement Therapy

BACKGROUND

The cardiovascular safety of testosterone-replacement therapy in middle-aged and older men with hypogonadism has not been determined.

METHODS

In a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, noninferiority trial, we enrolled 5246 men 45 to 80 years of age who had preexisting or a high risk of cardiovascular disease and who reported symptoms of hypogonadism and had two fasting testosterone levels of less than 300 ng per deciliter. Patients were randomly assigned to receive daily transdermal 1.62% testosterone gel (dose adjusted to maintain testosterone levels between 350 and 750 ng per deciliter) or placebo gel. The primary cardiovascular safety end point was the first occurrence of any component of a composite of death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke, assessed in a time-to-event analysis. A secondary cardiovascular end point was the first occurrence of any component of the composite of death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or coronary revascularization, assessed in a time-to-event analysis. Noninferiority required an upper limit of less than 1.5 for the 95% confidence interval of the hazard ratio among patients receiving at least one dose of testosterone or placebo.

RESULTS

The mean (±SD) duration of treatment was 21.7±14.1 months, and the mean follow-up was 33.0±12.1 months. A primary cardiovascular end-point event occurred in 182 patients (7.0%) in the testosterone group and in 190 patients (7.3%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.78 to 1.17; P<0.001 for noninferiority). Similar findings were observed in sensitivity analyses in which data on events were censored at various times after discontinuation of testosterone or placebo. The incidence of secondary end-point events or of each of the events of the composite primary cardiovascular end point appeared to be similar in the two groups. A higher incidence of atrial fibrillation, of acute kidney injury, and of pulmonary embolism was observed in the testosterone group.

CONCLUSIONS

In men with hypogonadism and preexisting or a high risk of cardiovascular disease, testosterone-replacement therapy was noninferior to placebo with respect to the incidence of major adverse cardiac events. (Funded by AbbVie and others; TRAVERSE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03518034.).

A Case of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection in the Setting of Exogenous Testosterone

ABSTRACT

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome, occurring when there is separation of the coronary artery walls by intramural hemorrhage creating a false lumen. This compresses the arterial lumen, compromising the ability of the coronary artery to perfuse the myocardial tissue. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is usually fatal, with risk factors including pregnancy, young age, and female sex, birth control, and other hormonal therapies.In this case report, we describe the case of a 31-year-old biological female transitioning to male with exogenous testosterone who experienced a SCAD. Given the known risk factors for SCAD, such as pregnancy and exogenous hormone therapy, this case raises additional considerations regarding rare unintended consequences of testosterone therapy.

A review of testosterone supplementation and cardiovascular risk

Testosterone therapy is commonly utilized to treat hypogonadism. After diagnosis with morning serum testosterone level in patients with symptoms of hypogonadism, therapy has been shown to improve symptoms. Research focusing on cardiovascular risks associated with testosterone therapy has produced contradictory statements. We review trials that have investigated the impact of testosterone supplementation on heart failure, coronary artery disease, and myocardial ischemia.

The British Society for Sexual Medicine Guidelines on Male Adult Testosterone Deficiency, with Statements for Practice

Testosterone deficiency (TD) is an increasingly common problem with significant health implications, but its diagnosis and management can be challenging. A multi-disciplinary panel from BSSM reviewed the available literature on TD and provide evidence-based statements for clinical practice. Evidence was derived from Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane searches on hypogonadism, testosterone therapy (T Therapy) and cardiovascular safety from May 2017 to September 2022. This revealed 1,714 articles, including 52 clinical trials and 32 placebo-controlled randomised controlled trials. A total of twenty-five statements are provided, relating to five key areas: screening, diagnosis, initiating T Therapy, benefits and risks of T Therapy, and follow-up. Seven statements are supported by level 1 evidence, eight by level 2, five by level 3, and five by level 4. Recent studies have demonstrated that low levels of testosterone in men are associated with increased risk of incident type 2 diabetes mellitus, worse outcomes in chronic kidney disease and COVID 19 infection with increased all-cause mortality, along with significant quality of life implications. These guidelines should help practitioners to effectively diagnose and manage primary and age-related TD.

Androgens and Androgen Receptors as Determinants of Vascular Sex Differences Across the Lifespan

Androgens, including testosterone and its more potent metabolite dihydrotestosterone, exert multiple actions in the body. Physiologically, they play a critical role in male sex development. In addition, they influence vascular function, including arterial vasodilation and mediation of myogenic tone. Androgens are produced from 9 weeks' gestation in the human fetal testis, as well as in small amounts by the adrenal glands. Serum concentrations vary according to age and sex. The vasculature is a target for direct actions of androgens, which bind to various sex hormone receptors expressed in endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. Androgens exert both vasoprotective and vasoinjurious effects, depending on multiple factors including sex-specific effects of androgens, heterogeneity of the vascular endothelium, differential expression of androgen and sex hormone receptors in endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells, and the chronicity of androgen administration. Long-term administration of androgens induces vasoconstriction and influences endothelial permeability, whereas acute administration may have opposite effects. At the cellular level, androgens stimulate endothelial cell production of nitric oxide and inhibit proinflammatory signalling pathways, inducing vasorelaxation and vasoprotection. However, androgens also activate endothelial production of vasoconstrictors and stimulate recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells. In humans, both androgen deficiency and androgen excess are associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This review discusses how androgens modulate vascular sex differences across the lifespan by considering the actions and production of androgens in both sexes and describes how cardiovascular risk is altered as levels of androgens change with aging.

Sex Differences in the Immune System in Relation to Hypertension and Vascular Disease

Hypertension is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality worldwide. Despite intensive research into the mechanisms underlying the development of hypertension, it remains difficult to control blood pressure in a large proportion of patients. Young men have a higher prevalence of hypertension compared with age-matched women, and this holds true until approximately the fifth decade of life. Following the onset of menopause, the incidence of hypertension among women begins to surpass that of men. The immune system has been demonstrated to play a role in the pathophysiology of hypertension, and biological sex and sex hormones can affect the function of innate and adaptive immune cell populations. Recent studies in male and female animal models of hypertension have begun to unravel the relationship among sex, immunity, and hypertension. Hypertensive male animals show a bias toward proinflammatory T-cell subsets, including interleukin (IL) 17-producing T_H17 cells, and increased renal infiltration of T cells and inflammatory macrophages. Conversely, premenopausal female animals are largely protected from hypertension, and have a predilection for anti-inflammatory T regulatory cells and production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10. Menopause abrogates female protection from hypertension, which may be due to changes among anti-inflammatory T regulatory cell populations. Since development of novel treatments for hypertension has plateaued, determining the role of sex in the pathophysiology of hypertension may open new therapeutic avenues for both men and women.

Relationships between endogenous and exogenous testosterone and cardiovascular disease in men

In this narrative review, we discuss the evidence about the controversy about the cardiovascular effects of endogenous and exogenous testosterone in men. Prospective cohort studies with follow-up of ~5-15 years generally indicate no association or a possible inverse relationship between serum endogenous testosterone concentrations and composite major cardiovascular events, cardiovascular deaths and overall mortality. Pharmacoepidemiological studies of large databases generally show no association between testosterone therapy and incident major cardiovascular events, and some pharmacoepidemiological studies demonstrate an association with decreased overall mortality. Randomized, placebo-controlled trials indicate that there is no increased incidence of overall major cardiovascular events with 1-3 years of testosterone therapy. These placebo-controlled trials have major limitations including small numbers of participants, short duration of testosterone therapy and follow-up, and lack of systematic adjudication of cardiovascular events. Overall, the evidence indicates that endogenous testosterone concentrations and testosterone therapy at physiological dosages confer no or minimal effects on the incidence of cardiovascular outcomes. There is insufficient evidence to make conclusions about testosterone therapy for patients at high risk of cardiovascular events (e.g., men with recent myocardial infarctions or stroke and men with recurrent idiopathic deep venous thromboses). In general, clinicians should avoid prescribing supraphysiological testosterone therapy to hypogonadal men or men with slightly low to low-normal serum testosterone concentrations and no identified disorder of the hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular axis because of the uncertain cardiovascular risks and the lack of proven health benefits. For most men with bona fide hypogonadism, benefits of testosterone therapy exceed the potential risk of adverse cardiovascular effects.

Testosterone replacement therapy and cardiovascular disease

The use of testosterone therapy has a complex history of apprehension and questions regarding its safety. Despite an eventual consensus that testosterone therapy was safe and effective, several studies relating to cardiovascular risks emerged in the last decade, rekindling skepticism regarding the safety of testosterone therapy. Given the utility of testosterone therapy in treating the symptoms of hypogonadism, it remains crucial to closely examine the safety of testosterone therapy. The present article synthesizes the current evidence regarding cardiovascular risks that may be associated with testosterone therapy, the potential mechanisms regarding testosterone's efficacy, and future directions in evaluating the safety of its use.

Adverse cardiovascular events and mortality in men during testosterone treatment: an individual patient and aggregate data meta-analysis

Background

Testosterone is the standard treatment for male hypogonadism, but there is uncertainty about its cardiovascular safety due to inconsistent findings. We aimed to provide the most extensive individual participant dataset (IPD) of testosterone trials available, to analyse subtypes of all cardiovascular events observed during treatment, and to investigate the effect of incorporating data from trials that did not provide IPD.

Methods

We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials including IPD. We searched MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print, Embase, Science Citation Index, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Database of Abstracts of Review of Effects for literature from 1992 onwards (date of search, Aug 27, 2018). The following inclusion criteria were applied: (1) men aged 18 years and older with a screening testosterone concentration of 12 nmol/L (350 ng/dL) or less; (2) the intervention of interest was treatment with any testosterone formulation, dose frequency, and route of administration, for a minimum duration of 3 months; (3) a comparator of placebo treatment; and (4) studies assessing the pre-specified primary or secondary outcomes of interest. Details of study design, interventions, participants, and outcome measures were extracted from published articles and anonymised IPD was requested from investigators of all identified trials. Primary outcomes were mortality, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular events at any time during follow-up. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. We did a one-stage meta-analysis using IPD, and a two-stage meta-analysis integrating IPD with data from studies not providing IPD. The study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42018111005.

Findings

9871 citations were identified through database searches and after exclusion of duplicates and of irrelevant citations, 225 study reports were retrieved for full-text screening. 116 studies were subsequently excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria in terms of study design and characteristics of intervention, and 35 primary studies (5601 participants, mean age 65 years, [SD 11]) reported in 109 peer-reviewed publications were deemed suitable for inclusion. Of these, 17 studies (49%) provided IPD (3431 participants, mean duration 9·5 months) from nine different countries while 18 did not provide IPD data. Risk of bias was judged to be low in most IPD studies (71%). Fewer deaths occurred with testosterone treatment (six [0·4%] of 1621) than placebo (12 [0·8%] of 1537) without significant differences between groups (odds ratio [OR] 0·46 [95% CI 0·17-1·24]; p=0·13). Cardiovascular risk was similar during testosterone treatment (120 [7·5%] of 1601 events) and placebo treatment (110 [7·2%] of 1519 events; OR 1·07 [95% CI 0·81-1·42]; p=0·62). Frequently occurring cardiovascular events included arrhythmia (52 of 166 vs 47 of 176), coronary heart disease (33 of 166 vs 33 of 176), heart failure (22 of 166 vs 28 of 176), and myocardial infarction (10 of 166 vs 16 of 176). Overall, patient age (interaction 0·97 [99% CI 0·92-1·03]; p=0·17), baseline testosterone (interaction 0·97 [0·82-1·15]; p=0·69), smoking status (interaction 1·68 [0·41-6·88]; p=0.35), or diabetes status (interaction 2·08 [0·89-4·82; p=0·025) were not associated with cardiovascular risk.

Interpretation

We found no evidence that testosterone increased short-term to medium-term cardiovascular risks in men with hypogonadism, but there is a paucity of data evaluating its long-term safety. Long-term data are needed to fully evaluate the safety of testosterone.

Funding

National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme.

Evaluation of the Interaction of Sex Hormones and Cardiovascular Function and Health

Purpose of Review

Sex hormones drive development and function of reproductive organs or the development of secondary sex characteristics but their effects on the cardiovascular system are poorly understood. In this review, we identify the gaps in our understanding of the interaction between sex hormones and the cardiovascular system.

Recent Findings

Studies are progressively elucidating molecular functions of sex hormones in specific cell types in parallel with the initiation of crucial large randomized controlled trials aimed at improving therapies for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) associated with aberrant levels of sex hormones.

Summary

In contrast with historical assumptions, we now understand that men and women show different symptoms and progression of CVDs. Abnormal levels of sex hormones pose an independent risk for CVD, which is apparent in conditions like Klinefelter syndrome, androgen insensitivity syndrome, and menopause. Moreover, sex hormone–based therapies remain understudied and may not be beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Effects of long-term testosterone treatment on cardiovascular outcomes in men with hypogonadism: Rationale and design of the TRAVERSE study

BACKGROUND

Testosterone exerts some effects on the cardiovascular system that could be considered beneficial; some other effects may potentially increase the risk of cardiovascular (CV) events. Neither the long-term efficacy nor safety of testosterone treatment has been studied in an adequately-powered randomized trial.

METHODS

The Testosterone Replacement therapy for Assessment of long-term Vascular Events and efficacy ResponSE in hypogonadal men (TRAVERSE) study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, non-inferiority, multicenter study. Eligible participants are men, 45 to 80 years, with serum testosterone concentration <300 ng/dL and hypogonadal symptoms, who have evidence pre-existing CV disease or increased risk of CV disease. Approximately 6,000 subjects will be randomized to either 1.62% transdermal testosterone gel or a matching placebo gel daily for an anticipated duration of up to 5 years. The primary outcome is CV safety defined by the major adverse CV event composite of nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or death due to CV causes. The trial will continue until at least 256 adjudicated major adverse CV event endpoints have occurred to assess whether the 95% (2-sided) upper confidence limit for a hazard ratio of 1.5 can be ruled out. Secondary endpoints include prostate safety defined as the incidence of adjudicated high grade prostate cancer and efficacy in domains of sexual function, bone fractures, depression, anemia, and diabetes.

RESULTS

As of July 1, 2021, 5,076 subjects had been randomized.

CONCLUSIONS

The TRAVERSE study will determine the CV safety and long-term efficacy of testosterone treatment in middle-aged and older men with hypogonadism with or at increased risk of CV disease.

Testosterone, Diabetes Risk, and Diabetes Prevention in Men

Middle-aged and older men with lower testosterone concentrations are more likely to have or to develop metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Central adiposity is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome and diabetes and predisposes to lower testosterone concentrations. Conversely, testosterone treatment reduces fat mass and insulin resistance. In a randomized controlled trial of 1007 men with either impaired glucose tolerance or newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, 2 years of testosterone treatment on a background of lifestyle intervention reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 40%; this demonstrates the potential utility for testosterone pharmacotherapy to prevent diabetes in men.

Obesity, Body Composition, and Sex Hormones: Implications for Cardiovascular Risk

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the leading cause of death in adults, highlighting the need to develop novel strategies to mitigate cardiovascular risk. The advancing obesity epidemic is now threatening the gains in CVD risk reduction brought about by contemporary pharmaceutical and surgical interventions. There are sex differences in the development and outcomes of CVD; premenopausal women have significantly lower CVD risk than men of the same age, but women lose this advantage as they transition to menopause, an observation suggesting potential role of sex hormones in determining CVD risk. Clear differences in obesity and regional fat distribution among men and women also exist. While men have relatively high fat in the abdominal area, women tend to distribute a larger proportion of their fat in the lower body. Considering that regional body fat distribution is an important CVD risk factor, differences in how men and women store their body fat may partly contribute to sex-based alterations in CVD risk as well. This article presents findings related to the role of obesity and sex hormones in determining CVD risk. Evidence for the role of sex hormones in determining body composition in men and women is also presented. Lastly, the clinical potential for using sex hormones to alter body composition and reduce CVD risk is outlined. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:1-45, 2022.

The Effect of Testosterone on Cardiovascular Disease and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Men: A Review of Clinical and Preclinical Data

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. The effects of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, on cardiovascular risk have been of special interest due to the increased risk of CVD in men. Although it is well established that testosterone levels decline and cardiovascular mortality increases with age, the association between testosterone and CVD remains unclear. Observational and randomized studies on the effects of endogenous and exogenous testosterone have produced conflicting data, and meta-analyses have been inconclusive, suggesting significant study heterogeneity. Despite a lack of adequately powered randomized controlled trials, large observational studies in the early 2010s led to advisories on the use of testosterone replacement therapy. Similar advisories have been mandated for certain types of androgen deprivation therapy. Additional research suggests that testosterone shortens the heart-rate-corrected QT interval, improves glycemic control, induces vasodilation, is prothrombotic, and has anti-obesity effects, whereas associations with atherosclerosis and inflammation are less clear. Despite inconclusive evidence on cardiovascular risk and inconsistencies among clinical practice guidelines, millions of men continue to use testosterone replacement and androgen deprivation therapy. In addition to summarizing clinical and preclinical data, this review provides insight on potential mechanisms of action of testosterone on CVD, applications of this knowledge to clinical settings, and avenues for future research.

Approach to Obesity in the Older Population

Until recently, weight loss in older obese people was feared because of ensuing muscle loss and frailty. Facing overall increasing longevity, high rates of obesity in older individuals (age ≥ 65 years) and a growing recognition of the health and functional cost of the number of obesity years, abetted by evidence that intentional weight loss in older obese people is safe, this approach is gradually, but not unanimously, being replaced by more active principles. Lifestyle interventions that include reduced but sufficient energy intake, age-adequate protein and micronutrient intake, coupled with aerobic and resistance exercise tailored to personal limitations, can induce weight loss with improvement in frailty indices. Sustained weight loss at this age can prevent or ameliorate diabetes. More active steps are controversial. The use of weight loss medications, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs (liraglutide as the first example), provides an additional treatment tier. Its safety and cardiovascular health benefits have been convincingly shown in older obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In our opinion, this option should not be denied to obese individuals with prediabetes or other obesity-related comorbidities based on age. Finally, many reports now provide evidence that bariatric surgery can be safely performed in older people as the last treatment tier. Risk-benefit issues should be considered with extreme care and disclosed to candidates. The selection process requires good presurgical functional status, individualized consideration of the sequels of obesity, and reliance on centers that are highly experienced in the surgical procedure as well as short-term and long-term subsequent comprehensive care and support.

Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use in Sports, Health, and Society

This consensus statement is an update of the 1987 American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) position stand on the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). Substantial data have been collected since the previous position stand, and AAS use patterns have changed significantly. The ACSM acknowledges that lawful and ethical therapeutic use of AAS is now an accepted mainstream treatment for several clinical disorders; however, there is increased recognition that AAS are commonly used illicitly to enhance performance and appearance in several segments of the population, including competitive athletes. The illicit use of AAS by competitive athletes is contrary to the rules and ethics of many sport governing bodies. Thus, the ACSM deplores the illicit use of AAS for athletic and recreational purposes. This consensus statement provides a brief history of AAS use, an update on the science of how we now understand AAS to be working metabolically/biochemically, potential side effects, the prevalence of use among athletes, and the use of AAS in clinical scenarios.

Androgen Misuse and Abuse

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.

European Association of Urology Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health-2021 Update: Male Sexual Dysfunction

CONTEXT

The present summary of the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines is based on the latest guidelines on male sexual health published in March 2021, with a last comprehensive update in January 2021.

OBJECTIVE

To present a summary of the 2021 version of the EAU guidelines on sexual and reproductive health.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A literature review was performed up to January 2021. The guidelines were updated, and a strength rating for each recommendation was included based on either a systematic review of the evidence or a consensus opinion from the expert panel.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Late-onset hypogonadism is a clinical condition in the ageing male combining low levels of circulating testosterone and specific symptoms associated with impaired hormone production and/or action. A comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic work-up, along with screening recommendations and contraindications, is provided. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the persistent inability to attain and maintain an erection sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual performance. Along with a detailed basic and advanced diagnostic approach, a novel decision-making algorithm for treating ED in order to better tailor therapy to individual patients is provided. The EAU guidelines have adopted the definition of premature ejaculation (PE), which has been developed by the International Society for Sexual Medicine. After the subtype of PE has been defined, patient's expectations should be discussed thoroughly and pharmacotherapy must be considered as the first-line treatment for patients with lifelong PE, whereas treating the underlying cause must be the initial goal for patients with acquired PE. Haemospermia is defined as the appearance of blood in the ejaculate. Several reasons of haemospermia have been acknowledged; the primary goal over the management work-up is to exclude malignant conditions and treat any other underlying cause.

CONCLUSIONS

The 2021 guidelines on sexual and reproductive health summarise the most recent findings, and advise in terms of diagnosis and treatment of male hypogonadism and sexual dysfunction for their use in clinical practice. These guidelines reflect the multidisciplinary nature of their management.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Updated European Association of Urology guidelines on sexual and reproductive health are presented, addressing the diagnosis and treatment of the most prevalent conditions in men. Patients must be fully informed of all relevant diagnostic and therapeutic options and, together with their treating physicians, decide on optimal personalised management strategies.

Cardiovascular risk and testosterone - from subclinical atherosclerosis to lipoprotein function to heart failure

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.

[Practical recommendations for the management of testosterone deficiency]

OBJECTIVES

The Francophone Society of Sexual Medicine (SFMS) and the Andrology and Sexual Medicine Committee (CAMS) of the French Association of Urology (AFU) have brought together a panel of experts to develop French recommendations for the management of testosterone deficiency (TD).

METHODS

Systematic review of the literature between 01/2000 and 07/2019. Use of the method of recommendations for clinical practice (RPC) and the AGREE II grid.

RESULTS

TD is defined as the association of clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of TD with a decrease in testosterone levels or serum androgen activity. Diagnosis requires a T lower than the reference values in young men on 2 successive assays. Sexual disorders are often at the forefront, and concern the whole male sexual function (desire, arousal, pleasure and orgasm). The most evocative symptoms are: decrease in sexual desire, disappearance of nocturnal erections, fatigue, loss of muscle strength. Overweight, depressed mood, anxiety, irritability and malaise are also frequently found. TD is more common in cases of metabolic, cardiovascular, chronic, andrological diseases, and in cases of corticosteroid, opioid, antipsychotic, anticonvulsant, antiretroviral, or cancer treatment. Since SHBG is frequently abnormal, we recommend that free or bioavailable T is preferred over total T. The treatment of TD requires a prior clinical (DRE, breast examination) and biological (PSA, CBC) assessment. Contraindications to T treatment are: progressive prostate or breast cancer, severe heart failure or recent cardiovascular event, polycytemia, complicated BPH, paternity project. It is possible in cases of sleep apnea syndrome, psychiatric history, stable heart disease, prostate cancer under active surveillance and after one year of complete remission of a low or intermediate risk localized prostate cancer treated in a curative manner. It includes long-term testosterone supplementation and life-style counseling. Treatment is monitored at 3, 6, 12 months and annually thereafter. It is clinical (annual DRE) and biological (total T, PSA, CBC), the most frequent side effect being polyglobulia.

CONCLUSION

These recommendations should help improve the management of TD.

Testosterone Disorders and Male Hypogonadism in Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes substantial alterations in the male endocrine system, which affect puberty, libido, and sexual function. A major effect of CKD is a reduction in testosterone levels because of both primary and hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. In addition to impairment of pubertal growth and sexual maturation in children with CKD, clinical evidence suggests that uremic hypogonadism strongly contributes to several CKD complications, including erectile dysfunction, muscle wasting and frailty, anemia, decreased bone mineralization, depression, and cognitive impairment. This review focuses on a reappraisal of the physiologic role of testosterone, with an emphasis on the hypogonadal condition linked to CKD and its complications.

Testosterone therapy in hypogonadal patients and the associated risks of cardiovascular events

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.

Hypogonadism management and cardiovascular health

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.

No evidence found for an association between trial characteristics and treatment effects in randomized trials of testosterone therapy in men: a meta-epidemiological study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to identify potential trial characteristics associated with reported treatment effect estimates in randomized trials of testosterone therapy in adult men.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

This is a meta-epidemiological study. MEDLINE was searched for meta-analyses of randomized trials of testosterone therapy in men published between 2008 and 2018. Data on trial characteristics were extracted independently by two reviewers. The impact of trial characteristics on reported treatment effects was investigated using a two-step meta-analytic approach.

RESULTS

We identified 132 randomized trials, included in 19 meta-analyses, comprising data from 10,725 participants. None of the investigated design characteristics, including year of publication, sample size, trial registration status, center status, regionality, funding source, and conflict of interest were statistically significantly associated with reported treatment effects of testosterone therapy in men. Although trials rated at high risk of bias overall reported treatment effects that were 21% larger compared with trials rated at low risk of bias overall, the 95% confidence interval included the null (ratio of odds ratio: 0.79, 95% confidence interval: 0.60 to 1.03).

CONCLUSION

The present study found no clear evidence that trial characteristics are associated with treatment effects in randomized trials of testosterone therapy in men. To establish stronger evidence about the treatment effects of testosterone therapy in men, future randomized trials should not only be adequately designed but also transparently reported.

STUDY REGISTRATION

osf.io/x9g6m.

Male hypogonadism: a review

This article contains a systematic review of the main developments that have occurred in the area of male hypogonadism between the publication of the Endocrine Society Guidelines of 2010 and 2018 and after 2018.

Testosterone replacement therapy and cardiovascular risk

Testosterone is the main male sex hormone and is essential for the maintenance of male secondary sexual characteristics and fertility. Androgen deficiency in young men owing to organic disease of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland or testes has been treated with testosterone replacement for decades without reports of increased cardiovascular events. In the past decade, the number of testosterone prescriptions issued for middle-aged or older men with either age-related or obesity-related decline in serum testosterone levels has increased exponentially even though these conditions are not approved indications for testosterone therapy. Some retrospective studies and randomized trials have suggested that testosterone replacement therapy increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, which has led the FDA to release a warning statement about the potential cardiovascular risks of testosterone replacement therapy. However, no trials of testosterone replacement therapy published to date were designed or adequately powered to assess cardiovascular events; therefore, the cardiovascular safety of this therapy remains unclear. In this Review, we provide an overview of epidemiological data on the association between serum levels of endogenous testosterone and cardiovascular disease, prescription database studies on the risk of cardiovascular disease in men receiving testosterone therapy, randomized trials and meta-analyses evaluating testosterone replacement therapy and its association with cardiovascular events and mechanistic studies on the effects of testosterone on the cardiovascular system. Our aim is to help clinicians to make informed decisions when considering testosterone replacement therapy in their patients.

Systemic effects of the hormonal treatment of male hypogonadism with preliminary indications for the management of COVID-19 patients

Male hypogonadism, defined as an inadequate production of testosterone (T), is associated with a greater morbidity and mortality. Epidemiological studies identified T deficiency as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Also, low serum T levels impact on glucose homeostasis through a worse glucose uptake, utilization, and disposal, and the general negative impact on metabolism. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive and updated overview of the effects of T replacement therapy on metabolic and cardiovascular systems and prostate tissue in patients with hypogonadism, including molecular mechanisms through which T exerts its actions. Furthermore, recent findings on novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemiology have shown a greater mortality in male compared with female patients and a role of T in promoting the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection of the host cells has been demonstrated. Hence, the secondary aim of this review is to provide preliminary indications on the management in patients with COVID-19.

Male Sexual and Reproductive Health-Does the Urologist Have a Role in Addressing Gender Inequality in Life Expectancy?

Despite considerable public health initiatives in the past century, there remains a significant gender inequality in life expectancy. The Global Burden of Diseases study has highlighted that the life expectancy for men is 70.5years, compared with 75.6years for women. This discrepancy in mortality appears to be related to a disproportionately higher number of preventable and premature male deaths. Whilst there has been an increased focus on men's health, as evidenced by the establishment of men's health charities and governmental legislation promoting equality, a recent World Health Organization report has highlighted that there is still a prevailing misconception that the higher rate of premature mortality amongst men is a natural phenomenon. We explore the association of male sexual and reproductive health-related diseases and the potential role of a urologist in addressing gender inequality in life expectancy. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this report, we discuss the causes for the gender gap in life expectancy and highlight that men continue to have a higher rate of premature death than women, which is associated with diseases of the male reproductive system. Furthermore, this not only appears to be related to a number of metabolic and lifestyle factors, but may also be the result of the increased risk of cancer in men with sexual and reproductive health-related diseases.

Testosterone and Cardiovascular Risk: Meta-Analysis of Interventional Studies

BACKGROUND

The relationship between testosterone (T) and cardiovascular (CV) risk in men is conflicting.

AIM

To verify whether T therapy (TTh) represents a possible risk factor for CV morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

We conducted a random effect meta-analysis considering all available data from pharmaco-epidemiological studies as well as randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs).

OUTCOMES

CV mortality and morbidity were investigated.

RESULTS

After screening, 15 pharmaco-epidemiological and 93 RCT studies were considered. The analysis of pharmaco-epidemiological studies documented that TTh reduces overall mortality and CV morbidity. Conversely, in RCTs, TTh had no clear effect, either beneficial or detrimental, on the incidence of CV events. However, a protective role of TTh on CV morbidity was observed when studies enrolling obese (body mass index >30 kg/m²) patients were scrutinized (Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio 0.51 [95% CI 0.27-0.96]; P = .04), although this association disappeared when only high-quality RCTs were considered (Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio 0.64 [95% CI 0.22-1.88]; P = .42). Finally, an increased risk of CV diseases was observed in RCTs when T preparations were prescribed at dosages above those normally recommended, or when frail men were considered.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Pharmaco-epidemiological studies showed that TTh might reduce CV risk, but this effect was not confirmed when RCTs were considered.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

Meta-analysis of pharmaco-epidemiological studies indicates that TTh reduces overall mortality and CV morbidity. In addition, even in RCTs, a protective role of TTh on CV morbidity was envisaged when studies enrolling obese (body mass index >30 kg/m²) patients were considered. Pharmaco-epidemiological studies should be considered with caution due to the lack of completeness of follow-up and of the management of missing data. In addition, properly powered placebo-controlled RCTs with a primary CV end point, in men with late-onset hypo-gonadism, are not yet available. Finally, the duration of all studies evaluated in the present meta-analysis is relatively short, reaching a maximum of 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Data from RCTs suggest that treatment with T is not effective in reducing CV risk, however, when TTh is correctly applied, it is not associated with an increase in CV risk and it may have a beneficial effect in some sub-populations. Corona G, Rastrelli G, Di Pasquale G, et al. Testosterone and Cardiovascular Risk: Meta-Analysis of Interventional Studies. J Sex Med 2018;15:820-838.

Relation of Testosterone Normalization to Mortality and Myocardial Infarction in Men With Previous Myocardial Infarction

The effect of normalization of serum testosterone levels with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of recurrent MI and all-cause mortality in subjects with a history of MI and low total testosterone (TT) with and without TRT. We retrospectively examined 1,470 men with documented low TT levels and previous MI, categorized into Gp1: TRT with normalization of TT levels (n = 755) Gp2: TRT without normalization of TT levels (n = 542), and Gp3: no TRT (n = 173). The association of TRT with all-cause mortality and recurrent MI was compared using propensity score-weighted Cox proportional hazard models. All-cause mortality was lower in Gp1 versus Gp2 (hazard ratio [HR] 0.76, confidence interval [CI] 0.64 to 0.90, p = 0.002), and Gp1 versus Gp3 (HR 0.76, CI 0.60 to 0.98, p = 0.031). There was no significant difference in the risk of death between Gp2 versus Gp3 (HR 0.97, CI 0.76 to 1.24, p = 0.81). Adjusted regression analyses showed no significant differences in the risk of recurrent MI between groups (Gp1 vs Gp3, HR 0.79, CI 0.12 to 5.27, p = 0.8; Gp1 vs Gp2 HR 1.10, CI 0.25 to 4.77, p = 0.90; Gp2 vs Gp3 HR 0.58, CI 0.08 to 4.06, p = 0.58). In conclusion, in a large observational cohort of male veterans with previous MI, normalization of TT levels with TRT was associated with decreased all-cause mortality compared with those with non-normalized TT levels and the untreated group. Furthermore, in this high-risk population, TRT was not associated with an increased risk of recurrent MI.

Low-Dose Testosterone and Evoked Resistance Exercise after Spinal Cord Injury on Cardio-Metabolic Risk Factors: An Open-Label Randomized Clinical Trial

The purpose of the work is to investigate the effects of low-dose testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and evoked resistance training (RT) on body composition and metabolic variables after spinal cord injury (SCI). Twenty-two individuals with chronic motor complete SCI (ages 18-50 years) were randomly assigned to either TRT+RT (n = 11) or TRT (n = 11) for 16 weeks following a 4 -week delayed entry period. TRT+RT men underwent twice weekly progressive RT using electrical stimulation with ankle weights. TRT was administered via testosterone patches (2-6 mg/day). Body composition was tested using anthropometrics, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, and magnetic resonance imaging. After an overnight fast, basal metabolic rate (BMR), lipid panel, serum testosterone, adiponectin, inflammatory and anabolic biomarkers (insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 [IGFBP-3]), glucose effectiveness (Sg), and insulin sensitivity (Si) were measured. Total body lean mass (LM; 2.7 kg, p < 0.0001), whole muscle (p < 0.0001), and whole muscle knee extensor cross-sectional areas (CSAs; p < 0.0001) increased in the TRT+RT group, with no changes in the TRT group. Visceral adiposity decreased (p = 0.049) in the TRT group, with a trend in the TRT+RT (p = 0.07) group. There was a trend (p = 0.050) of a 14-17% increase in BMR following TRT+RT. Sg showed a trend (p = 0.07) to improvement by 28.5-31.5% following both interventions. IGFBP-3 increased (p = 0.0001) while IL-6 decreased (p = 0.039) following both interventions, and TRT+RT suppressed adiponectin (p = 0.024). TRT+RT resulted in an increase in LM and whole thigh and knee extensor muscle CSAs, with an increase in BMR and suppressed adiponectin. Low-dose TRT may mediate modest effects on visceral adipose tissue, Sg, IGFBP-3, and IL-6, independent of changes in LM.

Aging and the Male Reproductive System

This narrative review presents an overview of current knowledge on fertility and reproductive hormone changes in aging men, the factors driving and modulating these changes, their clinical consequences, and the benefits and risks of testosterone (T) therapy. Aging is accompanied by moderate decline of gamete quality and fertility. Population mean levels show a mild total T decline, an SHBG increase, a steeper free T decline, and a moderate LH increase with important contribution of comorbidities (e.g., obesity) to these changes. Sexual symptoms and lower hematocrit are associated with low T and are partly responsive to T therapy. The relationship of serum T with body composition and metabolic health is bidirectional; limited beneficial effects of T therapy on body composition have only marginal effects on metabolic health and physical function. Skeletal changes are associated primarily with estradiol and SHBG. Cognitive decline is not consistently linked to low T and is not improved by T therapy. Although limited evidence links moderate androgen decline with depressive symptoms, T therapy has small beneficial effects on mood, depressive symptoms, and vitality in elderly patients with low T. Suboptimal T (and/or DHT) has been associated with increased risk of stroke, but not of ischemic heart disease, whereas an association with mortality probably reflects that low T is a marker of poor health. Globally, neither severity of clinical consequences attributable to low T nor the nature and magnitude of beneficial treatment effects justify the concept of some broadly applied "T replacement therapy" in older men with low T. Moreover, long-term safety of T therapy is not established.

An analysis of online content related to testosterone supplementation

OBJECTIVE

To describe the quality of online information on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in men.

METHODS

A quantitative content analysis was conducted on websites providing patient-directed information on TRT for the purpose of treating late onset hypogonadism (LOH). Websites were identified through Google in March 2017. The DISCERN instrument was used to determine the quality of health information.

RESULTS

A total of 20 websites met inclusion criteria. Websites were primarily from the United States (45%), United Kingdom (25%), and Australia (15%). Sources of information were cited by 40% of websites. Several websites (40%) claimed that TRT had benefits, with 25% claiming that TRT was effective for treating LOH. TRT was described as a safe therapy by one website (5%), with gynecomastia (35%) and increased hematocrit (35%) representing the most commonly described side effects. Prostate specific antigen (35%) and serum testosterone monitoring (30%) were the most commonly described monitoring parameters. The mean DISCERN score was 46.4, indicating fair quality information. The Flesh-Kincaid Grade Level was 12.2.

CONCLUSION

Online TRT information is incomplete, often failing to describe important safety information and the need for regular monitoring.

Paediatric and adult-onset male hypogonadism

The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is of relevance in many processes related to the development, maturation and ageing of the male. Through this axis, a cascade of coordinated activities is carried out leading to sustained testicular endocrine function, with gonadal testosterone production, as well as exocrine function, with spermatogenesis. Conditions impairing the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis during paediatric or pubertal life may result in delayed puberty. Late-onset hypogonadism is a clinical condition in the ageing male combining low concentrations of circulating testosterone and specific symptoms associated with impaired hormone production. Testosterone therapy for congenital forms of hypogonadism must be lifelong, whereas testosterone treatment of late-onset hypogonadism remains a matter of debate because of unclear indications for replacement, uncertain efficacy and potential risks. This Primer focuses on a reappraisal of the physiological role of testosterone, with emphasis on the critical interpretation of the hypogonadal conditions throughout the lifespan of the male individual, with the exception of hypogonadal states resulting from congenital disorders of sex development.