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Lopez DS, Mulla JS, El Haddad D, Tahashilder MI, Polychronopolou E, Baillargeon J, Kuo YF, Gilani S, Khalife WI. Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Relation With Cardiovascular Disease in Cisgender Women and Transgender People. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:e1515-e1523. [PMID: 37392459 PMCID: PMC10655536 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
AIMS This study aimed to investigate the association of testosterone replacement therapy (TTh) with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and CVD-specific outcomes, in cisgender women and transgender population, and to determine whether this association varies by menopausal status. METHODS In 25 796 cisgender women and 1580 transgender people (≥30 years old) who were enrolled in the Optum's deidentified Clinformatics Data Mart Database (2007-2021), we identified 6288 pre- and postmenopausal cisgender women and 262 transgender people diagnosed with incident composite of CVD (coronary artery disease [CAD], congestive heart failure, stroke, and myocardial infarction). Prediagnostic prescription of TTh was ascertained for this analysis. Multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the independent association of TTh with incident CVD. RESULTS We found a 24% increased risk of CVD (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.24; 95% CI, 1.15-1.34), 26% risk of CAD (HR = 1.26; 95% CI, 1.14-1.39), and a 29% risk of stroke (HR = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.14-1.45) after comparing cisgender women who used TTh with nonusers. Stratification by age group showed similar effects of TTh on CVD, CAD, and stroke. Among transgender people, TTh did not increase the risk of composite CVD, including by age stratification. CONCLUSION Use of TTh increased the risk of CVD, CAD, and stroke among cisgender women but not among transgender people. TTh is becoming more widely accepted in women, and it is the main medical treatment for transgender males. Therefore, use of TTh should be further investigated for the prevention of CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Lopez
- School of Public and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0553, USA
| | - Juwairia S Mulla
- Division of Cardiology, Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0553, USA
| | - Danielle El Haddad
- Division of Cardiology, Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0553, USA
| | - Md Ibrahim Tahashilder
- School of Public and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0553, USA
| | - Efstathia Polychronopolou
- School of Public and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0553, USA
| | - Jacques Baillargeon
- School of Public and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0553, USA
| | - Yong-Fang Kuo
- School of Public and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0553, USA
| | - Syed Gilani
- Division of Cardiology, Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0553, USA
| | - Wissam I Khalife
- Division of Cardiology, Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0553, USA
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Blinc A, Schernthaner GH, Poredoš P, Anagnostis P, Jensterle M, Studen KB, Antignani PL, Mikhailidis DP, Šabović M. Testosterone and Peripheral Arterial Disease. Curr Vasc Pharmacol 2023; 21:297-303. [PMID: 37559242 DOI: 10.2174/1570161121666230809143023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Testosterone levels in men begin declining in the early years of adulthood, with a 1-2% reduction/year. Low testosterone levels in men are associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and increased cardiovascular mortality. However, observational studies of testosterone levels in males and their relationship with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) have yielded mixed results; only some cohorts show a clear association with low free testosterone levels. This discrepancy may, in part, be due to methodological issues with estimating free testosterone but also to different effects of testosterone on the vessel wall and metabolism. While testosterone improves glycaemic control, has anti-obesity effects and induces vasodilation, it also stimulates platelet aggregation and increases the haematocrit. Androgen deprivation treatment for advanced prostate cancer may be associated with elevated cardiovascular risk, as is testosterone abuse for performance enhancement. On the other hand, judicious treatment of male hypogonadism or testosterone treatment of trans-men appears to be safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleš Blinc
- Department of Vascular Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Pavel Poredoš
- Department of Vascular Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Panagiotis Anagnostis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Mojca Jensterle
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katica Bajuk Studen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Dimitri P Mikhailidis
- Department of Surgical Biotechnology, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, UK
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Free Hospital Campus (UCL), London, UK
| | - Mišo Šabović
- Department of Vascular Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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3
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Narinx N, David K, Walravens J, Vermeersch P, Claessens F, Fiers T, Lapauw B, Antonio L, Vanderschueren D. Role of sex hormone-binding globulin in the free hormone hypothesis and the relevance of free testosterone in androgen physiology. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:543. [PMID: 36205798 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04562-1] [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: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
According to the free hormone hypothesis, biological activity of a certain hormone is best reflected by free rather than total hormone concentrations. A crucial element in this theory is the presence of binding proteins, which function as gatekeepers for steroid action. For testosterone, tissue exposure is governed by a delicate equilibrium between free and total testosterone which is determined through interaction with the binding proteins sex hormone-binding globulin and albumin. Ageing, genetics and various pathological conditions influence this equilibrium, hereby possibly modulating hormonal exposure to the target tissues. Despite ongoing controversy on the subject, strong evidence from recent in vitro, in vivo and human experiments emphasizes the relevance of free testosterone. Currently, however, clinical possibilities for free hormone diagnostics are limited. Direct immunoassays are inaccurate, while gold standard liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) coupled equilibrium dialysis is not available for clinical routine. Calculation models for free testosterone, despite intrinsic limitations, provide a suitable alternative, of which the Vermeulen calculator is currently the preferred method. Calculated free testosterone is indeed associated with bone health, frailty and other clinical endpoints. Moreover, the added value of free testosterone in the clinical diagnosis of male hypogonadism is clearly evident. In suspected hypogonadal men in whom borderline low total testosterone and/or altered sex hormone-binding globulin levels are detected, the determination of free testosterone avoids under- and overdiagnosis, facilitating adequate prescription of hormonal replacement therapy. As such, free testosterone should be integrated as a standard biochemical parameter, on top of total testosterone, in the diagnostic workflow of male hypogonadism.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Narinx
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, ON1bis box 902, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - K David
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, ON1bis box 902, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - J Walravens
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - P Vermeersch
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - F Claessens
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - T Fiers
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - B Lapauw
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - L Antonio
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, ON1bis box 902, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - D Vanderschueren
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, ON1bis box 902, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. .,Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Yu YM, Zhou BH, Yang YL, Guo CX, Zhao J, Wang HW. Estrogen Deficiency Aggravates Fluoride-Induced Liver Damage and Lipid Metabolism Disorder in Rats. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 200:2767-2776. [PMID: 34392477 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-02857-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen exerts essential role in liver metabolism, and its deficiency is frequently accompanied by a series of metabolic disorder diseases. To investigate the role of estrogen deficiency in fluorine ions (F-) induced liver injury, the ovariectomy (OVX) rat models were performed by surgically removing the ovaries, and the rats from OVX and non-OVX models were exposed to differential dose of F- (0, 25, 50 and 100 mg/L) in drinking water for 90 days. The liver morphological structure was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Proliferation ability of hepatocytes was evaluated by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) assay. And distribution of lipid droplets in liver tissue was observed via oil red O staining. In addition, the liver function and lipid metabolism parameters in serum were detected by commercial kits. Results showed that F- induced hepatocytes morphological damage and inhibited the proliferation ability of hepatocytes; estrogen deficiency exacerbated these changes. The deposition of lipid droplets in the liver tissue was multiplicative with increased F- dose, especially after estrogen deficiency. In addition, F- exposure increased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) serum aminotransferase (ALT), aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) activities and total bilirubin (T-bil) level; meanwhile, serum triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (TC) levels were also elevated (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). F--induced liver function and lipid metabolism indexes were further increased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) in the state of estrogen deficiency. In conclusion, estrogen deficiency aggravated F--induced liver damage and lipid metabolism disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ming Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Bian-Hua Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, Henan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yi-Lin Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Xiang Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Wei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, Henan, People's Republic of China
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5
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Nascimento JHFD, Cunha AG, Andrade ABD, Cerqueira MMBDF. In-hospital mortality in patients with acute limb ischemia over a 12-year period in the Brazilian public health-care system. J Vasc Bras 2021; 20:e20210107. [PMID: 35096031 PMCID: PMC8759584 DOI: 10.1590/1677-5449.210107] [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: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Arterial diseases represent a severe public health problem in the 21st century. Although men have a higher overall prevalence, reports have suggested that women may exhibit atypical manifestations, be asymptomatic, and have hormonal peculiarities, resulting in worse outcomes and severe emergencies, such as acute limb ischemia (ALI). Objectives To analyze the morbidity and mortality profile of ALI emergencies in Brazil between 2008 and 2019. Methods An ecological study was carried out with secondary data from SIH/SUS, using ICD-10 code I.74 The proportions of emergency hospital admissions and in-hospital mortality rates (HMR) by gender, ethnicity, and age were extracted from the overall figures. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results From 2008 to 2019, there were 195,567 urgent hospitalizations due to ALI in Brazil, 111,145 (56.8%) of which were of men. Women had a higher HMR (112:1,000 hospitalizations) than men (85:1,000 hospitalizations) (p<0.05), and a higher chance of death (OR=1.36; p<0.05). Furthermore, mean survival was significantly higher among men (8,483/year versus 6,254/year; p<0.05). Stratified by ethnicity, women who self-identified as white (OR=1.44; p<0.05), black (OR=1.33; p<0.05), and brown (RR=1.25; p <0.05) had greater chances of death than men in the same ethnicity categories. Moreover, women over the age of 50 years had a higher chance of death, with a progressive increment in risk as age increased. Conclusions There was a trend to worse prognosis in ALI emergencies associated with women, especially in older groups. The literature shows that the reasons for these differences are still poorly investigated and more robust studies of this relevant disease in the area of vascular surgery are encouraged.
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6
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Heikkilä K, Coughlin PA, Pentti J, Kivimäki M, Halonen JI. Physical activity and peripheral artery disease: Two prospective cohort studies and a systematic review. Atherosclerosis 2019; 286:114-120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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7
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Decaroli MC, Rochira V. Aging and sex hormones in males. Virulence 2017; 8:545-570. [PMID: 27831823 PMCID: PMC5538340 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2016.1259053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Several large cohort studies have disclosed the trajectories of sex steroids changes overtime in men and their clinical significance. In men the slow, physiological decline of serum testosterone (T) with advancing age overlaps with the clinical condition of overt, pathological hypogonadism. In addition, the increasing number of comorbidities, together with the high prevalence of chronic diseases, all further contribute to the decrease of serum T concentrations in the aging male. For all these reasons both the diagnosis of late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) in men and the decision about starting or not T replacement treatment remain challenging. At present, the biochemical finding of T deficiency alone is not sufficient for diagnosing hypogonadism in older men. Coupling hypogonadal symptoms with documented low serum T represents the best strategy to refine the diagnosis of hypogonadism in older men and to avoid unnecessary treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Decaroli
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Rochira
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Azienda USL of Modena, Modena, Italy
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8
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Boese AC, Kim SC, Yin KJ, Lee JP, Hamblin MH. Sex differences in vascular physiology and pathophysiology: estrogen and androgen signaling in health and disease. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2017. [PMID: 28626075 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00217.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences between women and men are often overlooked and underappreciated when studying the cardiovascular system. It has been long assumed that men and women are physiologically similar, and this notion has resulted in women being clinically evaluated and treated for cardiovascular pathophysiological complications as men. Currently, there is increased recognition of fundamental sex differences in cardiovascular function, anatomy, cell signaling, and pathophysiology. The National Institutes of Health have enacted guidelines expressly to gain knowledge about ways the sexes differ in both normal function and diseases at the various research levels (molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ system). Greater understanding of these sex differences will be used to steer future directions in the biomedical sciences and translational and clinical research. This review describes sex-based differences in the physiology and pathophysiology of the vasculature, with a special emphasis on sex steroid receptor (estrogen and androgen receptor) signaling and their potential impact on vascular function in health and diseases (e.g., atherosclerosis, hypertension, peripheral artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysms, cerebral aneurysms, and stroke).
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin C Boese
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Seong C Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Ke-Jie Yin
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jean-Pyo Lee
- Department of Neurology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana; and.,Center for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Milton H Hamblin
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana;
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Viña J, Tarazona-Santabalbina FJ, Pérez-Ros P, Martínez-Arnau FM, Borras C, Olaso-Gonzalez G, Salvador-Pascual A, Gomez-Cabrera MC. Biology of frailty: Modulation of ageing genes and its importance to prevent age-associated loss of function. Mol Aspects Med 2016; 50:88-108. [PMID: 27164416 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Frailty is associated with loss of functional reserve as well as with the prediction of adverse events in the old population. The traditional criteria of frailty are based on five physical determinations described in the Cardiovascular Health Study. We propose that biological and genetic markers of frailty should be used to increase the predictive capacity of the established clinical indeces. In recent times, research for biological markers of frailty has gained impetus. Finding a biological markers with diagnostic and prognostic capacity would be a major milestone to identify frailty risk, and also pre-frailty status. In the first section of the manuscript, we review the available biomarkers that help to monitor and prevent the evolution and the efficacy of interventions to delay the onset of frailty and to prevent its progression to incapacity. We also discuss the contribution of genetics to frailty. There are scientific bases that support that genetics influences frailty, although environmental factors probably will have the highest contribution. We review the known SNPs of the genes associated with frailty and classify them, taking into account the pathway in which they are involved. We also highlight the importance of longevity genes and their possible relation with frailty, citing centenarians who reach a very old age as an example of successful ageing. Finally, the reversibility of frailty is discussed. It can potentially be treated with nutritional or pharmacological interventions. However, physical exercise seems to be the most effective strategy to treat and prevent frailty. The last section of the manuscript is devoted to explaining the recommendations on the appropriate design of an exercise protocol to maximize its beneficial effects in a population of frail individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Viña
- Department of Physiology, Investigación Hospital Clínico Universitario/INCLIVA, University of Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Pilar Pérez-Ros
- School of Nursing, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Spain
| | | | - Consuelo Borras
- Department of Physiology, Investigación Hospital Clínico Universitario/INCLIVA, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Gloria Olaso-Gonzalez
- Department of Physiology, Investigación Hospital Clínico Universitario/INCLIVA, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Andrea Salvador-Pascual
- Department of Physiology, Investigación Hospital Clínico Universitario/INCLIVA, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Mari Carmen Gomez-Cabrera
- Department of Physiology, Investigación Hospital Clínico Universitario/INCLIVA, University of Valencia, Spain.
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Davis SR, Wahlin-Jacobsen S. Testosterone in women--the clinical significance. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2015; 3:980-92. [PMID: 26358173 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(15)00284-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2015] [Revised: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone is an essential hormone for women, with physiological actions mediated directly or via aromatisation to oestradiol throughout the body. Despite the crucial role of testosterone and the high circulating concentrations of this hormone relative to oestradiol in women, studies of its action and the effects of testosterone deficiency and replacement in women are scarce. The primary indication for the prescription of testosterone for women is loss of sexual desire, which causes affected women substantial concern. That no formulation has been approved for this purpose has not impeded the widespread use of testosterone by women--either off-label or as compounded therapy. Observational studies indicate that testosterone has favourable cardiovascular effects measured by surrogate outcomes; however, associations between endogenous testosterone and the risk of cardiovascular disease and total mortality, particularly in older women, are yet to be established. Adverse cardiovascular effects have not been seen in studies of transdermal testosterone therapy in women. Clinical trials suggest that exogenous testosterone enhances cognitive performance and improves musculoskeletal health in postmenopausal women. Unmet needs include the availability of approved testosterone formulations for women and studies to elucidate the contribution of testosterone to cardiovascular, cognitive, and musculoskeletal health and the risk of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan R Davis
- Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Sarah Wahlin-Jacobsen
- Department of Sexological Research, Sexological Clinic, Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Thaler MA, Seifert-Klauss V, Luppa PB. The biomarker sex hormone-binding globulin - from established applications to emerging trends in clinical medicine. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2015; 29:749-60. [PMID: 26522459 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a serum glycoprotein exhibiting the unique feature of binding sex steroids with high affinity and specificity. Its serum levels are regulated not only by androgens and estrogens but also by thyroid hormones and other metabolic factors. Several disease conditions are accompanied by altered SHBG levels such as hyper- and hypoandrogenism, thyroid disorders, pituitary diseases, liver disorders, and breast as well as prostate cancer. Additionally, several drugs and alcohol consumption influence serum concentrations of SHBG. In some cases, altered SHBG levels are a specific result of the underlying pathology. In others, they merely constitute an epiphenomenon, which still might offer the possibility of using serum measurements of SHBG as surrogate marker. This review article portrays the different disorders associated with altered SHBG levels and discusses the usefulness of SHBG as disease biomarker from a clinicians as well as from an endocrinological researchers point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus A Thaler
- Institut für Klinische Chemie und Pathobiochemie, Klinikum rechts der Isar der TU München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 München, Germany.
| | - Vanadin Seifert-Klauss
- Frauenklinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar der TU München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 München, Germany.
| | - Peter B Luppa
- Institut für Klinische Chemie und Pathobiochemie, Klinikum rechts der Isar der TU München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 München, Germany.
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12
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Vaidya D, Golden SH, Haq N, Heckbert SR, Liu K, Ouyang P. Association of sex hormones with carotid artery distensibility in men and postmenopausal women: multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis. Hypertension 2015; 65:1020-5. [PMID: 25753974 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.114.04826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The decline in carotid distensibility with age is steeper in women than in men, however, the correlates of this sex difference are not known. We examined the association of bioavailable testosterone, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin, in 2783 postmenopausal women and 2987 men aged 45 to 84 years at the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis baseline examination. Carotid artery lumen diameters by ultrasound and brachial artery blood pressures were measured at systole and diastole. Regression models to determine the association of carotid distensibility coefficient and lumen diameter with sex-specific quartiles of sex hormones were adjusted for age, race, height, weight, diabetes mellitus, current smoking, antihypertensive medication use, total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and hormone replacement therapy in women. A higher DC indicates a more distensible vessel. In women, higher dehydroepiandrosterone (P=0.008) and lower sex hormone-binding globulin (P=0.039) were associated with lower distensibility; higher dehydroepiandrosterone and lower estradiol were associated with smaller carotid diameters. In men, higher Bio-T (P=0.009) and lower estradiol (P=0.007) were associated with greater distensibility and also with smaller diameters (P=0.012 and 0.002, respectively). An androgenic internal milieu is associated with lesser carotid distensibility and diameter remodeling in women, but the opposite is true for men. Higher levels of estradiol are associated with smaller carotid diameters in both the sexes. Future longitudinal and experimental studies are needed to reveal the mechanism and clinical consequences of these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhananjay Vaidya
- From the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (D.V., S.H.G., N.H., P.O.); Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle (S.R.H.); and Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (K.L.).
| | - Sherita H Golden
- From the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (D.V., S.H.G., N.H., P.O.); Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle (S.R.H.); and Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (K.L.)
| | - Nowreen Haq
- From the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (D.V., S.H.G., N.H., P.O.); Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle (S.R.H.); and Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (K.L.)
| | - Susan R Heckbert
- From the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (D.V., S.H.G., N.H., P.O.); Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle (S.R.H.); and Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (K.L.)
| | - Kiang Liu
- From the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (D.V., S.H.G., N.H., P.O.); Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle (S.R.H.); and Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (K.L.)
| | - Pamela Ouyang
- From the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (D.V., S.H.G., N.H., P.O.); Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle (S.R.H.); and Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (K.L.)
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13
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Yeap BB, Flicker L. Hormones and Cardiovascular Disease in Older Men. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2014; 15:326-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2013.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Abstract
There are increasing data indicating profound ethnic differences in the levels of virilization of males. It is well understood that the intensity of testosterone-mediated effects is modulated by sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and the CAG repeat lengths in the androgen receptor (AR) gene. We determined the serum testosterone, estradiol and SHBG levels and average CAG repeat lengths among a group of healthy older Indian men living in Connecticut, USA and compared these parameters with those of a reference group of white Caucasian men. We also compared various parameters that represent the end-manifestations of testosterone activity - serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, lean body mass, skeletal mineralization and visceral fat. Our data suggest that men from the Indian subcontinent are smaller, manifest lower levels of circulating free testosterone, lower mean PSA levels and lean body mass, but are comparable to white Caucasian men in terms of SHBG, estradiol, levels of visceral fat and CAG repeat length. These data suggest that Indian men manifest a lower level of virilization compared to white Caucasian males and that this might be due to lower mean circulating testosterone levels rather than higher AR CAG repeat length or SHBG.
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Affiliation(s)
- T V Rajan
- Departments of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine and Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center , Farmington, CT , USA
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15
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Su JJ, Park SK, Hsieh TM. The Effect of Testosterone on Cardiovascular Disease. Am J Mens Health 2014; 8:470-91. [DOI: 10.1177/1557988314522642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Testosterone is the principal male sex hormone and plays an important role in men’s health and well-being. Historically, testosterone was believed to adversely affect cardiovascular function. However, contemporary literature has refuted this traditional thinking; testosterone has been suggested to have a protective effect on cardiovascular function through its effects on the vascular system. Data from modern research indicate that hypogonadism is closely related to the development of various cardiovascular risk factors, including hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance. Several studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of testosterone supplementation therapy on reversing symptoms of hypogonadism and improving cardiovascular disease risk profiles. In this review, we perform a critical analysis on the association between testosterone and cardiovascular disease.
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16
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Yeap BB, Alfonso H, Chubb SAP, Handelsman DJ, Hankey GJ, Golledge J, Flicker L, Norman PE. Lower plasma testosterone or dihydrotestosterone, but not estradiol, is associated with symptoms of intermittent claudication in older men. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2013; 79:725-32. [PMID: 23509861 DOI: 10.1111/cen.12208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Revised: 01/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In men, testosterone (T) levels decline with age, and lower T predicts all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. However, the associations of T and its metabolites, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and estradiol (E2), with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease remain unclear. We assessed associations of T, DHT and E2 with lower limb intermittent claudication in older men. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS Community-dwelling men aged 70-89 years resident in Perth, Western Australia. MEASUREMENTS Intermittent claudication was ascertained by the Edinburgh Claudication Questionnaire. Early morning, plasma T, DHT and E2 were assayed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS There were 268 men with intermittent claudication and 2435 without claudication or any leg pain. Men with nonspecific leg pain (n = 986) were excluded. After adjusting for age, smoking, BMI, waist/hip ratio, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, creatinine and prevalent cardiovascular disease (CVD), higher T was associated with reduced risk of having claudication (per 1 SD increase, odds ratio [OR] = 0·80, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0·69-0·94, P = 0·006; quartiles, Q4/Q1, OR = 0·54, 95% CI = 0·36-0·81). Higher DHT was associated with reduced risk of having claudication (per 1 SD increase, OR = 0·86, 95% CI = 0·73-1·00, P = 0·048; Q4/Q1, OR = 0·64, 95% CI = 0·43-0·95). E2 was not associated with claudication (per 1 SD increase, OR = 0·96, 95% CI = 0·83-1·11, P = 0·565; Q4/Q1, OR = 0·88, 95% CI = 0·60-1·29). CONCLUSIONS Lower T or DHT levels, but not E2, are associated with symptoms of intermittent claudication in older men. Reduced exposure to androgens may represent a causal factor or biomarker for symptomatic peripheral arterial disease. Further studies are needed to examine underlying mechanisms and evaluate therapeutic options in ageing men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bu B Yeap
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Fremantle Hospital, Fremantle, WA, Australia
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17
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SHBG and endothelial function in older subjects. Int J Cardiol 2013; 168:2825-30. [PMID: 23618430 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2013.03.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2013] [Revised: 03/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelial dysfunction is predictor of cardiovascular diseases that have different prevalence in men and women before menopause. Sex hormones and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), novel risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases even in older individuals, might explain this difference. However, the relationship between these hormones and endothelial function has never been addressed in the elderly. METHODS AND RESULTS 430 men and,424 women 70 years older of Prospective Study of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors study, with complete data on SHBG, testosterone(T), estradiol(E2), endothelium-independent vasodilation (EIDV), endothelium-dependent vasodilation(EDV), flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and the pulse wave analysis (reflection index, RI) were evaluated. Multivariate regression analysis adjusted for confounders was used to assess the relationship between T, E2, SHBG and endothelial function. In men we found a positive relationship between SHBG and EDV (β ± SE 3.60 ± 0.83, p<0.0001), EIDV (2.42 ± 0.58, p<0.0001) but not with FMD. The relationship between SHBG and EDV and EIDV was maintained after adjustment for sex (1.64 ± 0.47, p<0.001 and 1.79 ± 0.35, p<0.0006, respectively). After adjustment for confounders, the relationship between SHBG and EDV and EIDV was still statistically significant (2.63 ± 0.90 and 1.86 ± 0.63, p = 0.004 for both). In women SHBG and EIDV were positively associated (1.58 ± 0.46; p = 0.0007), and this relationship was independent of sex (1.79 ± 0.35; p<0.001). No significant interaction SHBG * SEX was found for EIDV (p = 0.72). In a combined analysis in two sexes, SHBG and EIDV were positively associated (1.13 ± 0.45; p = 0.01). SHBG was not associated with EDV, FMD and RI. No significant relationship was found between T or E2 and EDV, EIDV, FMD or RI in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS In older men SHBG, but not T and E2, is positively and independently associated with EDV in resistance arteries. In both sexes, SHBG was positively and independently associated with EIDV.
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