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Hackett G, Mann A, Haider A, Haider KS, Desnerck P, König CS, Strange RC, Ramachandran S. Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Effects on Blood Pressure in Hypogonadal Men. World J Mens Health 2024; 42:749-761. [PMID: 38449452 PMCID: PMC11439806 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.230239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE While testosterone therapy can improve the various pathologies associated with adult-onset testosterone deficiency (TD), Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) of five testosterone preparations caution that treatment may be associated with hypertension. This paper evaluates the impact of testosterone undecanoate (TU) on blood pressure (BP) in men with adult-onset TD. MATERIALS AND METHODS Of 737 men with adult-onset TD in an on-going, observational, prospective, cumulative registry, we studied changes in BP using non-parametric sign-rank tests at final assessment and fixed time points. We used multiple regression analysis to establish factors (baseline BP, age, change/baseline waist circumference [WC] and hematocrit [HCT] and follow-up) potentially associated with BP change in men on TU. RESULTS TU was associated with significant reductions in systolic, diastolic BP and pulse pressure, regardless of antihypertensive therapy (at baseline or during follow-up), larger reductions were seen with concurrent antihypertensive therapy. In men never on antihypertensive agents, median changes (interquartile range [IQR]) in systolic BP, diastolic BP and pulse pressure were -12.5 (-19.0, -8.0), -8.0 (-14.0, -3.0), and -6.0 (-10.0, -1.0) mmHg, respectively at final assessment, with only baseline BP values inversely associated with these changes (HCT and WC were not significantly associated). In men not on TU, systolic BP, diastolic BP, and pulse pressure significantly increased. In the TU treated men only 1 of the 152 men (not on antihypertensive agents at baseline) were started on antihypertensives during follow-up. In contrast 33 of the 202 men on antihypertensives (at baseline or follow-up) had the antihypertensive agent discontinued by the end of the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS TU was associated with lowering of BP during follow-up irrespective of antihypertensive therapy, with greater reductions in men with higher baseline BP. In the context of SPC warnings, our long-term data provide reassurance on the effect of TU on BP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Hackett
- School of Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
- Holly Cottage Clinic, Staffordshire, UK.
| | - Amar Mann
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, West Midlands, UK
| | - Ahmad Haider
- Urological Practice Dr Haider, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | | | - Pieter Desnerck
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Carola S König
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Brunel University London, London, UK
| | - Richard C Strange
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Sudarshan Ramachandran
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, West Midlands, UK
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Brunel University London, London, UK
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospitals of North Midlands, Staffordshire, UK
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Fritz AA, Reinert JP. Efficacy and Safety of Testosterone Replacement in Testicular Cancer Survivors With Treatment-Influenced Hypogonadism: A Systematic Review. Ann Pharmacother 2024:10600280241278786. [PMID: 39250190 DOI: 10.1177/10600280241278786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of testosterone supplementation in testicular cancer survivors with treatment-related hypogonadism. DATA SOURCES This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards and used Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, Web of Science Core Collection, Korean Journal Index, SciELO, and Global Index Medicus to obtain data in June of 2024. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION Analyses evaluating testosterone supplementation in testicular cancer survivors with treatment-induced hypogonadism were included. Any analyses not assessing supplementation in this population or deemed unretrievable were excluded. DATA SYNTHESIS Ten analyses were included for analysis. A total of 332 bilateral or unilateral testicular cancer survivors with treatment-influenced hypogonadism were reviewed, with 238 patients receiving testosterone replacement. Eight of the 10 analyses assessed participants without poor quality-of-life (QOL) metrics, metabolic factors, and bone mineral density (BMD) at baseline and only found a significant benefit in fat distribution metrics with testosterone supplementation. Two analyses evaluated participants with poor QOL metrics or BMD at baseline and showed improvements in QOL or BMD with testosterone supplementation. RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE There is robust evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of testosterone replacement in hypogonadal individuals but limited evidence specifically evaluating supplementation in testicular cancer survivors with treatment-influenced hypogonadism. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest testosterone replacement may be beneficial in patients with impaired QOL metrics, metabolic factors, and BMD at baseline; the results also suggest that routine supplementation for all individuals in this patient population lacks efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Fritz
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Justin P Reinert
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
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3
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de Silva NL, Grant B, Minhas S, Jayasena CN. Cardiovascular disease and testosterone therapy in male hypogonadism. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2024. [PMID: 39243393 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
This review assesses the evidence of the physiological effects of testosterone on cardiovascular health, the association between male hypogonadism and cardiovascular health, and the effects of testosterone therapy on cardiovascular health in male hypogonadism. Preclinical studies suggest complex effects of testosterone on cardiovascular risk by acting on skeletal muscle, cardiomyocytes, vasculature, adipocytes, insulin action, and erythropoiesis. Furthermore, low testosterone has a bi-directional association with cardiometabolic risk. Observational studies have reported worse metabolic profiles in men with organic hypogonadism. However, a consistent association between major cardiovascular events and male hypogonadism has not been established. Hematocrit increases with testosterone therapy; however, most studies do not report an increase in venous thromboembolism risk. Although some observational studies and a small randomized controlled study reported an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, recent data confirm the medium-term cardiovascular safety of testosterone therapy in middle-aged and older men with low testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nipun Lakshitha de Silva
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Bonnie Grant
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Suks Minhas
- Department of Urology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Channa N Jayasena
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Lee S, Kim J, Kong H, Kim YS. Ameliorative effects of elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) extract and extract-derived monosaccharide-amino acid on H2O2-induced decrease in testosterone-deficiency syndrome in a TM3 Leydig cell. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302403. [PMID: 38662754 PMCID: PMC11045058 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
With aging, men develop testosterone-deficiency syndrome (TDS). The development is closely associated with age-related mitochondrial dysfunction of Leydig cell and oxidative stress-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS). Testosterone-replacement therapy (TRT) is used to improve the symptoms of TDS. However, due to its various side effects, research on functional ingredients derived from natural products that do not have side effects is urgently needed. In this study, using the mitochondrial dysfunction TM3 (mouse Leydig) cells, in which testosterone biosynthesis is reduced by H2O2, we evaluated the effects of elderberry extract and monosaccharide-amino acid (fructose-leucine; FL) on mRNA and protein levels related to steroidogenesis-related enzymes steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 11A1(CYP11A1, cytochrome P450 17A1(CYP17A1), cytochrome P450 19A1(CYP19A1, aromatase), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase(17β-HSD). We analyzed elderberry extract and extract-derived FL for changes in ROS scavenging activity and testosterone secretion. Elderberry extract and FL significantly reduced H2O2-induced intracellular ROS levels, improved testosterone secretion, and increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of steroidogenesis-related enzymes (StAR, 3b-HSD, 17b-HSD, CYP11A1, CYp17A1). However, the conversion of testosterone to estradiol was inhibited by elderberry extract and extract-derived FL, which reduced the mRNA and protein expression of CYP19A1. In conclusion, elderberry extract and FL are predicted to have value as novel functional ingredients that may contribute to the prevention of TDS by ameliorating reduced steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujung Lee
- Gochang Food & Industry Institute, Gochang, Korea
- Department of Food Science & Technology Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea
| | | | - Hyunseok Kong
- College of Animal Biotechnology and Resource, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Korea
- PADAM Natural Material Research Institute, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong-Suk Kim
- Department of Food Science & Technology Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea
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Morgentaler A, Hanafy HM. The testis, eunuchs, and testosterone: a historical review over the ages and around the world. Sex Med Rev 2024; 12:199-209. [PMID: 38146670 DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qead051] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Testosterone therapy for men with testosterone deficiency is widely used, yet remains controversial. The rich and fascinating history of the testicles, including human castration, provides a valuable perspective on this important topic. OBJECTIVES This study reviewed the history of testosterone from antiquity to the modern day. METHODS Primary sources consisted of books and relevant articles, augmented by a MEDLINE search using the key words "testis," "testicles," "castration," "eunuchs," "testosterone," and "testicular function." RESULTS An early scientific observation was that castration reduced sexual development and activity, originating with domestication of animals approximately 10 000 years ago. Human castration appears in ancient Egyptian mythology more than 4000 years ago, in Greek mythology from 8th century BCE, and in the Bible. The history of eunuchs in China spanned 2000 years, beginning with the Hsia dynasty (2205-1766 BCE). The concept that the testicles produced some factor responsible for male sexual development and behavior was thus known throughout the world since the beginning of recorded history. Testosterone was isolated and synthesized in 1935 and was soon available as a treatment. Multiple benefits of testosterone therapy were apparent by 1940. Recent large, controlled testosterone studies have conclusively demonstrated sexual and general health benefits, with a strong safety profile. CONCLUSION Testosterone has been a known substance for <1% of the historical timeline, yet knowledge that the testes were responsible for male sexual development and behavior has been known since the beginning of recorded history. Today, modern evidence has demonstrated the importance of normal levels of testosterone for general health as well as sexual function and desire. Yet, testosterone therapy remains controversial. We believe this historical review provides a helpful perspective on this age-old issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Morgentaler
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Kanakis GA, Pofi R, Goulis DG, Isidori AM, Armeni E, Erel CT, Fistonić I, Hillard T, Hirschberg AL, Meczekalski B, Mendoza N, Mueck AO, Simoncini T, Stute P, van Dijken D, Rees M, Lambrinoudaki I. EMAS position statement: Testosterone replacement therapy in older men. Maturitas 2023; 178:107854. [PMID: 37845136 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2023.107854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Kanakis
- Department of Endocrinology & IVF Unit, Athens Naval and Veteran Affairs Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | - Riccardo Pofi
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Dimitrios G Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Andrea M Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleni Armeni
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - C Tamer Erel
- İstanbul-Cerrahpaşa University, Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Ivan Fistonić
- Faculty for Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Timothy Hillard
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospitals Dorset, Poole, UK
| | - Angelica-Lindén Hirschberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Blazej Meczekalski
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Nicolás Mendoza
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Granada, Spain
| | - Alfred O Mueck
- Department of Women's Health, University Hospital Tuebingen, Germany; Beijing OB/GYN Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Tommaso Simoncini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Petra Stute
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Clinic Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dorenda van Dijken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, OLVG Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Margaret Rees
- Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Irene Lambrinoudaki
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
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Traish AM. Major cardiovascular disease risk in men with testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism): appraisal of short, medium and long-term testosterone therapy - a narrative review. Sex Med Rev 2023; 11:384-394. [PMID: 37587664 DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qead031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Low testosterone (T) levels are associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus and altered lipid profiles, thus contributing to increased cardiovascular disease risk. Hence T deficiency has a detrimental effect on men's vascular health, quality of life and increased mortality. OBJECTIVES This review aims to present summary of data in the contemporary clinical literature pertaining to the benefits of T therapy in clinical studies with varying durations on vascular health in men with T deficiency. METHODS A Medline search using PubMed and EMBASE was performed using the following key words: "testosterone deficiency," "testosterone therapy," major cardiovascular adverse events", "cardiovascular disease". Relevant studies were extracted, evaluated, and analyzed. We evaluated findings from clinical trials, observational studies and systematic reviews and meta-analyses to develop a comprehensive account of the critical role of T in maintaining vascular health. RESULTS Considerable evidence beginning with studies published in 1940s concomitant with findings from the utmost recent clinical studies suggests a clinical value of T therapy in maintaining vascular health and reducing cardiovascular mortality. The current scientific and clinical evidence demonstrates strong relationship between low circulating T levels and risk of cardiovascular disease and T therapy is deemed safe in men with hypogonadism when given in the physiological range with no apparent harm. CONCLUSION What emerges from the current clinical literature is that, irrespective of the length of study durations, testosterone therapy provides significant health benefits and reduces risk of cardiovascular disease. More important is that data from many observational and registry studies, demonstrated that longer durations of testosterone therapy were associated with greater health benefits and reduced cardiovascular risk. T therapy in men with T deficiency reduces the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events attributed to improving overall metabolic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulmaged M Traish
- Department of Biochemistry & Department of Urology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, United States
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Sanchez KJ, Sanchez RA, Ben Khallouq B, Ellis DB. Perioperative Care of Transgender and Gender-Diverse Patients: A Biopsychosocial Approach. Anesth Analg 2023; 137:234-246. [PMID: 37010957 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000006480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people endure numerous physical and mental health disparities secondary to lifelong stigma and marginalization, which are often perpetuated in medical spaces. Despite such barriers, TGD people are seeking gender-affirming care (GAC) with increased frequency. GAC facilitates the transition from the sex assigned at birth to the affirmed gender identity and is comprised of hormone therapy (HT) and gender-affirming surgery (GAS). The anesthesia professional is uniquely poised to serve as an integral support for TGD patients within the perioperative space. To provide affirmative perioperative care to TGD patients, anesthesia professionals should understand and attend to the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of health that are relevant to this population. This review outlines the biological factors that impact the perioperative care of TGD patients, such as the management of estrogen and testosterone HT, safe use of sugammadex, interpretation of laboratory values in the context of HT, pregnancy testing, drug dosing, breast binding, altered airway and urethral anatomy after prior GAS, pain management, and other GAS considerations. Psychosocial factors are reviewed, including mental health disparities, health care provider mistrust, effective patient communication, and the interplay of these factors in the postanesthesia care unit. Finally, recommendations to improve TGD perioperative care are reviewed through an organizational approach with an emphasis on TGD-focused medical education. These factors are discussed through the lens of patient affirmation and advocacy with the intent to educate the anesthesia professional on the perioperative management of TGD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J Sanchez
- From the Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Bertha Ben Khallouq
- Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, Orlando, Florida
- University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
| | - Dan B Ellis
- Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, Florida
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Zolla L. Biomarkers to Be Used for Decision of Treatment of Hypogonadal Men with or without Insulin Resistance. Metabolites 2023; 13:681. [PMID: 37367840 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13060681] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Male hypogonadism is a result of low testosterone levels, but patients could be insulin-sensitive (IS) or insulin-resistant (IR), showing different impaired metabolic pathways. Thus, testosterone coadministration, which is commonly used to reestablish testosterone levels in hypogonadism, must take into account whether or not insulin is still active. By comparing metabolic cycles recorded in IS and IR plasma before and after testosterone therapy (TRT), it is possible to know what metabolic pathways can be reactivated in the two different groups upon testosterone recovery, and it is possible to understand if antagonism or synergy exists between these two hormones. IS hypogonadism uses glycolysis, while IR hypogonadism activates gluconeogenesis through the degradation of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Upon administration of testosterone, acceptable improvements are observed in IS patients, wherein many metabolic pathways are restored, while in IR patients, a reprogramming of metabolic cycles is observed. However, in both subgroups, lactate and acetyl-CoA increases significantly. In IS patients, lactate is used through the glucose-lactate cycle to produce energy, while in IR patients, both lactate and acetyl-CoA are metabolized into ketone bodies, which are used to produce energy. Thus, in IR patients, an ancestral molecular mechanism is activated to produce energy, mimicking insulin effects. Regarding lipids, in both groups, the utilization of fatty acids for energy (β-oxidation) is blocked, even after TRT; free fatty acids (FFAs) increase in the blood in IS patients, while they are incorporated into triglycerides in those with IR. In both subgroups of hypogonadism, supplementation of useful chemicals is recommended during and after TRT when metabolites are not restored; they are listed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lello Zolla
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie e Forestali, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
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10
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Stallone JN, Oloyo AK. Cardiovascular and metabolic actions of the androgens: Is testosterone a Janus-faced molecule? Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 208:115347. [PMID: 36395900 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and in the Western world, one-third of all deaths are attributed to CVD. A conspicuous characteristic of this healthcare epidemic is that most CVD is higher in men than in age-matched premenopausal women, yet reasons for these obvious sex differences remain poorly understood. Driven by clinical case and epidemiological studies and supported by animal experiments, a strong dogma emerged early on that testosterone (TES) exerts deleterious effects on cardiovascular health and exacerbates development of CVD and metabolic dysfunctions in men. In this review, earlier and more recent clinical and experimental animal evidence of cardiovascular and metabolic effects of androgens are discussed. The more recent evidence overwhelmingly suggests that it is progressive, age-dependent declines in TES levels in men that exacerbate CVD and metabolic dysfunctions, while TES exerts beneficial systemic hypotensive effects and protects against metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Recent findings reveal existence of bi-directional modulation of glucose and fat homeostasis by TES in females vs males, such that age-dependent declines in TES levels in males and abnormal increases in normally low TES levels in females both result in similar dysfunction in glucose and fat homeostasis, resulting in development of MetS and T2DM, central risk factors for development of CVD, in men as well as women. These findings suggest that the long-held view that TES is detrimental to male health should be discarded in favor of the view that, at least in men, TES is beneficial to cardiovascular and metabolic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- John N Stallone
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology and Michael E. DeBakey Institute for Comparative Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4466, United States.
| | - Ahmed K Oloyo
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos 23401, Nigeria
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Morgentaler A, Traish A, Barua RS, Dandona P, Dhindsa S, Khera M, Saad F. Recognizing the True Value of Testosterone Therapy in Health Care. ANDROGENS: CLINICAL RESEARCH AND THERAPEUTICS 2022; 3:217-223. [PMID: 36643964 PMCID: PMC9814113 DOI: 10.1089/andro.2022.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
There has been little recognition within the medical community of the health impact of testosterone (T) deficiency (TD), also known as hypogonadism, and the substantial benefits of testosterone therapy (TTh) on health and quality of life despite high-level clinical evidence. In a roundtable symposium, investigators summarized the contemporary evidence in several key clinical areas. TD negatively impacts human health and quality of life and is associated with increased mortality. Several studies have demonstrated that TTh in men with TD reduced all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. The longstanding belief that TTh is associated with increased prostate cancer (PCa) risk is contradicted by recent evidence, including multiple studies showing that TTh is associated with reduced PCa risk. Similarly, the weight of current evidence indicates the purported concern that TTh is associated with increased cardiovascular risk is incorrect. Normalization of physiological T reduces myocardial infarction, stroke, and deaths compared with men whose testosterone levels failed to normalize. In diabetic men TTh improves insulin resistance, and a large 2-year controlled study in men with abnormal glucose tolerance showed a substantially reduced rate of diabetes among men treated with TTh compared with untreated controls. Long-term TTh in diabetic men resulted in progressive improvements in obesity and insulin requirements, including a substantial number who experienced complete remission of diabetes. Finally, TTh has been shown to reduce severe outcomes with Covid-19 infection. These lines of evidence argue strongly for the need for greater awareness in the medical community of the impact of TD on health, and of the health benefits of TTh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Morgentaler
- Department of Surgery (Urology), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Abdulmaged Traish
- Departments of Urology and Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Medical Affairs, Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Rajat S. Barua
- Department of Cardiology, Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Paresh Dandona
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Sandeep Dhindsa
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Mohit Khera
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Farid Saad
- Medical Affairs, Bayer AG, Berlin, Germany
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12
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Lucas-Herald AK, Touyz RM. Androgens and Androgen Receptors as Determinants of Vascular Sex Differences Across the Lifespan. Can J Cardiol 2022; 38:1854-1864. [PMID: 36156286 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2022.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela K Lucas-Herald
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
| | - Rhian M Touyz
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Nusbaum D, Sudhakar D, Raheem OA. Commentary on: Testosterone replacement therapy and cardiovascular disease. Int J Impot Res 2022; 34:691-692. [PMID: 36198810 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-022-00625-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David Nusbaum
- Section of Urology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Omer A Raheem
- Section of Urology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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14
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Testosterone replacement therapy and cardiovascular disease. Int J Impot Res 2022; 34:685-690. [PMID: 34999717 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-021-00516-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Zolla L. On the Need to Distinguish between Insulin-Normal and Insulin-Resistant Patients in Testosterone Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232112730. [PMID: 36361519 PMCID: PMC9657366 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Male hypogonadism is a disorder characterized by low levels of the hormone testosterone and patients may also have insulin sensitivity (IS) or insulin resistance (IR), such that they show different clinical complications and different metabolic pathways. In this review, we compare metabonomic differences observed between these two groups before and after testosterone therapy (TRT) in order to obtain information on whether the two hormones testosterone and insulin are synergistic or antagonistic. IS hypogonadism uses glucose as the main biofuel, while IR activates gluconeogenesis by the degradation of branched-chain amino acids. The Krebs (TCA) cycle is active in IS but connected with glutaminolysis, while in IR the TCA cycle stops at citrate, which is used for lipogenesis. In both cases, the utilization of fatty acids for energy (β-oxidation) is hampered by lower amounts of acetylcarnitine, although it is favored by the absence of insulin in IR. Increased free fatty acids (FFAs) are free in the blood in IS, while they are partially incorporated in triglycerides in IR. Thus, upon TRT, the utilization of glucose is increased more in IS than in IR, revealing that in IR there is a switch from preferential glucose oxidation to lipid oxidation. However, in both cases, a high production of lactate and acetyl-CoA is the final result, with these levels being much higher in IR. Lactate is used in IS in the glucose–lactate cycle between the liver and muscle to produce energy, while in IR lactate and acetyl-CoA are biotransformed into ketone bodies, resulting in ketonuria. In conclusion, the restoration of testosterone values in hypogonadism gives better results in IS than in IR patients: in IS, TRT restores most of the metabolic pathways, while in IR TRT impairs insulin, and when insulin is inactive TRT activates an ancestral molecular mechanism to produce energy. This evidence supports the hypothesis that, over time, hypogonadism switches from IS to IR, and in the latter case most of the insulin-related metabolisms are not reactivated, at least within 60 days of TRT. However, testosterone therapy in both IS and IR might be of benefit given supplementation with metabolites that are not completely restored upon TRT, in order to help restore physiological metabolisms. This review underlines the importance of using a systems biology approach to shed light on the molecular mechanisms of related biochemical pathways involving insulin and testosterone.
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Muhammed AA, Eid RMHM, Mohammed WS, Abdel-Fadeil MR. An association between adropin hormone and total testosterone in obese men: a case-control study. BMC Endocr Disord 2022; 22:192. [PMID: 35897011 PMCID: PMC9327160 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-022-01102-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is associated with low testosterone levels that could be caused by many mechanisms. Adropin, a peptide hormone, its levels are decreased in obesity and its receptors are expressed in the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the testis. Adropin association to total testosterone in obese men is not detected yet. This study tries to find out possible associations between serum levels of adropin, adiponectin, total testosterone, and lipid profile in obese men. METHODS Serum levels of adropin, adiponectin, total testosterone, and lipid profile parameters were measured in 43 obese men and 40 age-matched normal-weight men. RESULTS Adropin, adiponectin, and testosterone levels were significantly lower in obese men versus normal-weight men. In all participants, positive correlations between adropin, adiponectin, and total testosterone were detected. Adropin is considered a predictor risk factor for testosterone. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests a possible causal relationship between adropin and total testosterone which needs further investigation. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clincialtrials.gov NCT03724825 , registered October 30th, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa A Muhammed
- Departments of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, 81511, Egypt.
| | - Rania M H M Eid
- Departments of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, 81511, Egypt
| | - Wafaa Salah Mohammed
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud R Abdel-Fadeil
- Departments of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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17
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Li H, Mawanda F, Mitchell L, Zhang X, Goodloe R, Vincent M, Motsko S. Potential Channeling Bias in the Evaluation of Cardiovascular Risk: The Importance of Comparator Selection in Observational Research. Pharmaceut Med 2022; 36:247-259. [PMID: 35788962 PMCID: PMC9334378 DOI: 10.1007/s40290-022-00433-z] [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] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Comparator selection is an important consideration in the design of observational research studies that evaluate potential associations between drug therapies and adverse event risks. It can affect the validity of observational study results, and potentially impact data interpretation, regulatory decision making, and patient medication access. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the impact of comparator selection bias using two real-world case studies evaluating an increased rate of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods Data from the Truven Health Analytics MarketScan® electronic medical claims database were used to conduct two retrospective observational cohort studies, utilizing a cohort new-user design, comparing AMI risk between testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5is) in men treated for hypogonadism, and triptans versus other prescribed acute treatments for migraine in adults. All patients were enrolled continuously in a health plan (no enrollment gap > 31 consecutive days) for ≥ 1 year before index. Baseline period was defined as 365 days prior to index. Exposure was defined by prescription and outcome of interest was defined as occurrence of AMI. Using Cox proportional hazard models, primary analysis for the TRT cohort compared AMI risk between propensity score (PS)-matched TRT-treated and untreated patients; secondary analysis evaluated risk between PS-matched TRT-treated and PDE5i-treated patients. For the triptan cohort, primary analysis compared AMI/ischemic stroke risk between PS-matched triptan-treated and opiate-treated patients; secondary analysis evaluated risk between PS-matched triptan-treated and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-treated patients and PS-matched non-prescription-treated migraine patients and general patients. Results No significant association between TRT and AMI was observed among TRT-treated (N = 198,528, mean age 52.4 ± 11.4 years) versus PDE5i-treated men (N = 198,528, mean age 52.3 ± 11.5 years) overall (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.01; 95% CI 0.95–1.07; p = 0.80). Among patients with prior cardiovascular disease (CVD), risk of AMI was significantly increased for TRT-treated versus PDE5i-treated patients (aHR 1.13; 95% CI 1.03–1.25). The triptan study included three comparisons (triptans [N = 436,642] vs prescription NSAIDs [N = 334,152], opiates [N = 55,234], and untreated migraine [N = 1,168,212]), and a positive control (untreated vs general non-migraine patients [N = 11,735,009]). Analyses of MI risk in migraine patients prescribed triptans versus NSAIDs/opiates had mixed results: the point estimate ranged from 0.33 to 0.84 depending on chosen study window. Conclusions Cardiovascular outcomes were not worse in hypogonadism patients with TRT versus PDE5i; however, a potential association with AMI was found in patients with prior CVD receiving TRT versus PDE5i. Findings pointed to a pseudo-protective effect of triptans versus untreated migraine patients or those potentially older and less healthy patients exposed to prescription NSAIDs or opiates. Triptan users should not be compared with those using other anti-migraine prescriptions when evaluating cardiovascular outcomes in migraine patients. Presence of high cardiovascular risks may contribute to channeling bias—healthier subjects being selected to receive treatment—highlighting the importance of choosing comparators wisely in observational studies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40290-022-00433-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Li
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN, 46285, USA
| | - Francis Mawanda
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN, 46285, USA
| | - Lucy Mitchell
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly UK, Erl Wood Manor, Windlesham, Surrey, UK
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN, 46285, USA
| | - Robert Goodloe
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN, 46285, USA
| | - Maurice Vincent
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN, 46285, USA.
| | - Stephen Motsko
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN, 46285, USA
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18
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Babcock MC, DuBose LE, Hildreth KL, Stauffer BL, Cornwell WK, Kohrt WM, Moreau KL. Age-associated reductions in cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity are exaggerated in middle-aged and older men with low testosterone. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2022; 133:403-415. [PMID: 35771224 PMCID: PMC9359637 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00245.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with reductions in cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity (cBRS), which increases cardiovascular disease risk. Preclinical data indicate that low testosterone reduces cBRS. We determined whether low testosterone is associated with reduced cBRS in healthy men. METHODS Twenty-six men categorized as young (N=6; age=31±4 years; testosterone=535±60 ng/dL), middle-aged/older with normal (N=10; aged 56±3 years; testosterone=493±85 ng/dL), or low (N=10; age=57±6 years; testosterone=262±31 ng/dL) testosterone underwent recordings of beat-by-beat blood pressure and R-R interval during rest and two Valsalva maneuvers, and measures of carotid artery compliance. IL-6, CRP, oxidized LDL cholesterol and TAS were measured. RESULTS Middle-aged/older men had lower cBRS compared to young men (17.0±6.5 ms/mmHg; p=0.028); middle-age/older men with low testosterone had lower cBRS (5.5±3.2 ms/mmHg; p=0.039) compared to age-matched men with normal testosterone (10.7±4.0 ms/mmHg). No differences existed among groups during Phase II of the Valsalva maneuver; middle-aged/older men with low testosterone had reduced cBRS (4.7±2.6 ms/mmHg) compared to both young (12.8±2.8ms/mmHg; p<0.001) and middle-aged/older men with normal testosterone (8.6±4.4ms/mmHg; p=0.046) during Phase IV of the Valsalva maneuver. There were no differences in oxidized LDL, (p=0.882) or TAS across groups (p=0.633). IL-6 was significantly higher in middle-aged/older men with low testosterone compared to the other groups (p<0.05 for all) and inversely correlated with cBRS (r=-0.594, p=0.007). Middle-aged/older men had reduced carotid artery compliance compared to young, regardless of testosterone status (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS These observations indicate that low testosterone in middle-aged/older men may contribute to a reduction in cBRS; increased inflammation may also contribute to a reduction in cBRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Babcock
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States.,Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Educational and Clinical Center, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Lyndsey E DuBose
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States.,Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Educational and Clinical Center, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Kerry L Hildreth
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Brian L Stauffer
- Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States.,Division of Cardiology, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO, United States
| | - William K Cornwell
- Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Wendy M Kohrt
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States.,Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Educational and Clinical Center, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Kerrie L Moreau
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States.,Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Educational and Clinical Center, Denver, CO, United States
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Dhar M, Mittal K, Parchani A, Sharma M, Bahurupi Y, Kalra S, Bhat NK. Adjuvant testosterone therapy in chronic heart failure (ATTIC): a randomised open-label trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056994. [PMID: 35641010 PMCID: PMC9157332 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Heart failure is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in the geriatric population, with no promising therapy currently available with considerable benefit. Testosterone therapy is an emerging viable treatment option given its beneficial effects, including improving cardiac functional capacity, alleviating symptoms and low cost, among others. METHODS We have planned an open-label, parallel design, 1:1 randomised controlled trial, which aims to recruit 986 adult males above the age of 60 diagnosed with chronic stable heart failure fulfilling the eligibility criteria. The participants will be randomised into 2 groups of 493 each. Both groups will receive standard recommended treatment regimen of chronic stable heart failure and intervention arm participants will receive additional testosterone gel. All participants will be assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. The primary endpoints will assess the differences in functional capacity, frailty and quality of life at 3 months compared with baseline. The secondary endpoints will include the mean change from baseline at 3 months in cardiac remodelling using echocardiography, serum brain natriuretic peptide levels, the incidence of adverse drug reaction. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS The data will be analysed with the help of SPSS 23 software. Primary objectives of change in 6-minute walk test, frailty index and quality of life will be analysed using the student's t-test. The statistical significance will be defined as p value<0.05 and taking confidence level as 95%. ETHICAL CLEARANCE Institutional Ethics Committee clearance taken via letter no AIIMS/IEC/20/847, dated 21 November 2020. This study involves human participants and was approved by institutional ethical committee, DHR Reg: EC/NEW/Inst/2020/1046CDSCO, Reg No: ECR/736/Inst/UK/2015/RR-18. Participants gave informed consent to participate in the study before taking part. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER (CTRI)-REF/2020/12/030292.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minakshi Dhar
- Internal Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences-Rishikesh, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Kartik Mittal
- Internal Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences-Rishikesh, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ashwin Parchani
- Internal Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences-Rishikesh, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Manu Sharma
- Internal Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences-Rishikesh, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Yogesh Bahurupi
- Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences-Rishikesh, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sanjay Kalra
- Department of Endocrinology, Bharti Hospital, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Nowneet Kumar Bhat
- Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences-Rishikesh, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
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20
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Lucas-Herald AK, Montezano AC, Alves-Lopes R, Haddow L, Alimussina M, O’Toole S, Flett M, Lee B, Amjad SB, Steven M, Brooksbank K, McCallum L, Delles C, Padmanabhan S, Ahmed SF, Touyz RM. Vascular dysfunction and increased cardiovascular risk in hypospadias. Eur Heart J 2022; 43:1832-1845. [PMID: 35567552 PMCID: PMC9113289 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Hypogonadism is associated with cardiovascular disease. However, the cardiovascular impact of hypogonadism during development is unknown. Using hypospadias as a surrogate of hypogonadism, we investigated whether hypospadias is associated with vascular dysfunction and is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. METHODS AND RESULTS Our human study spanned molecular mechanistic to epidemiological investigations. Clinical vascular phenotyping was performed in adolescents with hypospadias and controls. Small subcutaneous arteries from penile skin from boys undergoing hypospadias repair and controls were isolated and functional studies were assessed by myography. Vascular smooth muscle cells were used to assess: Rho kinase, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide, and DNA damage. Systemic oxidative stress was assessed in plasma and urine. Hospital episode data compared men with a history of hypospadias vs. controls. In adolescents with hypospadias, systolic blood pressure (P = 0.005), pulse pressure (P = 0.03), and carotid intima-media thickness standard deviation scores (P = 0.01) were increased. Arteries from boys with hypospadias demonstrated increased U46619-induced vasoconstriction (P = 0.009) and reduced acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent (P < 0.0001) and sodium nitroprusside-induced endothelium-independent vasorelaxation (P < 0.0001). Men born with hypospadias were at increased risk of arrhythmia [odds ratio (OR) 2.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-5.6, P = 0.003]; hypertension (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.5-11.9, P = 0.04); and heart failure (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.7-114.3, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION Hypospadias is associated with vascular dysfunction and predisposes to hypertension and cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Underlying mechanisms involve perturbed Rho kinase- and Nox5/ROS-dependent signalling. Our novel findings delineate molecular mechanisms of vascular injury in hypogonadism, and identify hypospadias as a cardiovascular risk factor in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela K Lucas-Herald
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G45 8TF, UK
| | - Augusto C Montezano
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Rheure Alves-Lopes
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Laura Haddow
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Malika Alimussina
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G45 8TF, UK
| | - Stuart O’Toole
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G45 8TF, UK
| | - Martyn Flett
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G45 8TF, UK
| | - Boma Lee
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G45 8TF, UK
| | - S Basith Amjad
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G45 8TF, UK
| | - Mairi Steven
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G45 8TF, UK
| | - Katriona Brooksbank
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Linsay McCallum
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Christian Delles
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Sandosh Padmanabhan
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - S Faisal Ahmed
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G45 8TF, UK
| | - Rhian M Touyz
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
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Babcock MC, DuBose LE, Witten TL, Stauffer BL, Hildreth KL, Schwartz RS, Kohrt WM, Moreau KL. Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Are Associated With Age-Related Endothelial Dysfunction in Men With Low Testosterone. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e500-e514. [PMID: 34597384 PMCID: PMC8764347 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Vascular aging, including endothelial dysfunction secondary to oxidative stress and inflammation, increases the risk for age-associated cardiovascular disease (CVD). Low testosterone in middle-aged/older men is associated with increased CVD risk. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that low testosterone contributes to age-associated endothelial dysfunction, related in part to greater oxidative stress and inflammation. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 58 healthy, nonsmoking men categorized as young (N = 20; age 29 ± 4 years; testosterone 500 ± 58 ng/dL), middle-aged/older with higher testosterone (N = 20; age 60 ± 6 years; testosterone 512 ± 115 ng/dL), and middle-aged/older lower testosterone (N = 18; age 59 ± 8 years; testosterone 269 ± 48 ng/dL). Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMDBA) was measured during acute infusion of saline (control) and vitamin C (antioxidant). Markers of oxidative stress (total antioxidant status and oxidized low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), inflammation (interleukin [IL]-6 and C-reactive protein [CRP]), and androgen deficiency symptoms were also examined. RESULTS During saline, FMDBA was reduced in middle-aged/older compared with young, regardless of testosterone status (P < 0.001). FMDBA was reduced in middle-aged/older lower testosterone (3.7% ± 2.0%) compared with middle-aged/older higher testosterone (5.7% ± 2.2%; P = 0.021), independent of symptoms. Vitamin C increased FMDBA (to 5.3% ± 1.6%; P = 0.022) in middle-aged/older lower testosterone but had no effect in young (P = 0.992) or middle-aged/older higher testosterone (P = 0.250). FMDBA correlated with serum testosterone (r = 0.45; P < 0.001), IL-6 (r = -0.41; P = 0.002), and CRP (r = -0.28; P = 0.041). CONCLUSION Healthy middle-aged/older men with low testosterone appear to have greater age-associated endothelial dysfunction, related in part to greater oxidative stress and inflammation. These data suggest that low testosterone concentrations may contribute to accelerated vascular aging in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Babcock
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Lyndsey E DuBose
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Teresa L Witten
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Brian L Stauffer
- Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kerry L Hildreth
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Robert S Schwartz
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Educational and Clinical Center, Denver, CO 80045, USA
| | - Wendy M Kohrt
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Educational and Clinical Center, Denver, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kerrie L Moreau
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Educational and Clinical Center, Denver, CO 80045, USA
- Correspondence: Kerrie L. Moreau, Ph.D., University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, 12631 East 17th Ave., Mail Stop B179, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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Zornitzki T, Tshori S, Shefer G, Mingelgrin S, Levy C, Knobler H. Seasonal Variation of Testosterone Levels in a Large Cohort of Men. Int J Endocrinol 2022; 2022:6093092. [PMID: 35782408 PMCID: PMC9242810 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6093092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to evaluate in a large cohort of males with a wide range of age, metabolic status, and coexistent morbidities whether month of blood test performance was associated with total and bioavailable testosterone levels independent of age, body mass index (BMI), existing cardiovascular disease (CVD), and CVD risk factors. METHODS Cross-sectional study includes data from computerized medical records of 27,328 men aged 20-70, treated by the largest healthcare organization in Israel, who had undergone testosterone measurement. In 7,940 subjects with available sex-hormone-binding globulin levels, bioavailable testosterone was calculated. RESULTS Total and bioavailable testosterone levels gradually decreased with age and BMI (P < 0.001) and were significantly lower in men with diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and known CVD, but were higher in current smokers compared with nonsmokers (P < 0.001). Hormone levels were highest in August-October declined after and lowest in March. Overall, both total and bioavailable testosterone levels were significantly lower in March compared to August-October (P < 0.001). In a linear regression analysis, age, BMI, current smoking, and month of testing were independently associated with total (P < 0.001) and bioavailable testosterone levels (P=0.002), and diabetes was associated with total testosterone (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION In a large cohort of men with a wide range of age, BMI, and comorbidities, month of testing was independently associated with total and bioavailable testosterone levels. These data provide strong evidence that seasonal variation has to be considered in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiba Zornitzki
- Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Disease Institute, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel
- Hebrew University, The Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sagi Tshori
- Hebrew University, The Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
- Research Authority, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Galit Shefer
- Hebrew University, The Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
- Research Authority, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shira Mingelgrin
- Hebrew University, The Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
- Research Authority, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Carmit Levy
- Department of Human Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hilla Knobler
- Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Disease Institute, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel
- Hebrew University, The Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
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Singh P, Covassin N, Marlatt K, Gadde KM, Heymsfield SB. Obesity, Body Composition, and Sex Hormones: Implications for Cardiovascular Risk. Compr Physiol 2021; 12:2949-2993. [PMID: 34964120 PMCID: PMC10068688 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prachi Singh
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | | | - Kara Marlatt
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Kishore M Gadde
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Steven B Heymsfield
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
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Alwani M, Al-Zoubi RM, Al-Qudimat A, Yassin A, Aboumarzouk O, Al-Rumaihi K, Talib R, Al-Ansari A. The impact of long-term Testosterone Therapy (TTh) in renal function (RF) among hypogonadal men: An observational cohort study. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2021; 69:102748. [PMID: 34471531 PMCID: PMC8387920 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Testosterone therapy (TTh) is the main treatment for elderly men with hypogonadism. No evidence of the long-term effectiveness of TTh on renal function is reported to date. METHODS In this study, we evaluated the long-term TTh of testosterone undecanoate (TU) administration on renal function parameters in 496 symptomatic hypogonadal men, with T levels ≤350 ng/dL. The treatment group (T-group) consisted of 312 patients and obtained TU 1000 mg for 12 weeks followed by 6-week intervals and for up to 8 years. The remaining 184 hypogonadal men, who opted against TTh, served as a control group (C-group). The two groups were similar in criteria prior to treatment. We evaluated renal function by calculating serum creatinine, urea, uric acid, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) according to Mayo Clinic guidelines for 8 years. This study obeys the ethical guidelines of German medical association according to Section 15 of the Professional Code, document for AY- Ref. EK/CH/AU signed on Jun 2015. RESULTS During the study period, the T-group exhibited lower levels of urea (47.0 ± 11.8 to 34.0 ± 13.9 mg/dL), uric acid (6.57 ± 1.2 to 5.49 ± 1.5 mg/dL), serum creatinine (0.90 ± 0.10 to 1.12 ± 0.9 mg/dL), and higher-level in GFR (87.0 ± 12.9 to 98.0 ± 8.0 mL/min/1.73 m2), which were significant. Alternatively, the C-group exhibited an increase in their serum creatinine (1.16 ± 0.31 to 1.19 ± 0.58 mg/dL), an increase in uric acid (5.54 ± 1.2 to 5.44 ± 1.7 mg/dL), and a decrease in GFR (92.0 ± 20.1 to 87.0 ± 26.1 mL/min/1.73 m2). A total of 25 deaths (7.8%) was recorded in the T-group, among them 11 (44%) were cardiovascular. On the other hand, 28 patients (15.2%) died in C-group and all deaths (100%) were found to cardiovascular causes. CONCLUSION The results suggest that long-term TTh could improve renal function in hypogonadal men comparing to slight deterioration observed in patients without intervention. In addition to reduce mortality in cardiovascular patients, almost to the half.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Alwani
- Surgical Research Section, Department of Surgery Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- School of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O.Box 3030, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Raed M. Al-Zoubi
- Surgical Research Section, Department of Surgery Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Chemistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O.Box 3030, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Ahmad Al-Qudimat
- Surgical Research Section, Department of Surgery Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Aksam Yassin
- Surgical Research Section, Department of Surgery Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology/Andrology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Center of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dresden International University, Dresden, Germany
| | - Omar Aboumarzouk
- Surgical Research Section, Department of Surgery Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Khaled Al-Rumaihi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology/Andrology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Raidh Talib
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology/Andrology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdulla Al-Ansari
- Surgical Research Section, Department of Surgery Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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25
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Kim SH, Park JJ, Kim KH, Yang HJ, Kim DS, Lee CH, Jeon YS, Shim SR, Kim JH. Efficacy of testosterone replacement therapy for treating metabolic disturbances in late-onset hypogonadism: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Urol Nephrol 2021; 53:1733-1746. [PMID: 34089171 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-021-02876-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Late onset hypogonadism (LOH) is an age-dependent reduction of testosterone associated with alterations of metabolic profile, including glucose control, insulin sensitivity, and lipid profile. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for treating metabolic disturbances through a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs). METHODS A systematic review of literature published from 1964 to November, 2019 was performed using the PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Among the 1562 articles screened, 17 articles were selected for qualitative analysis and 16 articles (n = 1373) were included for data synthesis following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA). Criteria for final inclusion were RCTs. RESULTS Sixteen studies were finally included (TRT group, n = 709; placebo group, n = 664). Among the metabolic markers, HbA1C [Mean difference (MD) = - 0.172, 95% CI - 0.329, - 0.015], HOMA IR (MD = - 0.514, 95% CI - 0.863, - 0.165), serum insulin (MD = - 12.622, 95% CI - 19.660, - 5.585), and leptin (MD = - 2.381, 95% CI - 2.952, - 1.810) showed significant improvement after TRT versus placebo. Among the lipid profiles, total cholesterol showed significant improvement (MD = - 0.433, 95% CI - 0.761, - 0.105) after TRT. However, HDL showed a decrease (MD = - 0.069, 95% CI - 0.121, - 0.018) after TRT. Among anthropometric markers, waist circumference showed significant improvement (MD = - 0.1640, 95% CI - 2.857, - 0.423). CONCLUSION This study demonstrated greater improvement in metabolic profiles for patients given TRT versus placebo. Further well-designed trials are needed to verify our findings and further elucidate effects of TRT on lipid profiles. This systematic review demonstrates that TRT can exert a net beneficial effect on metabolic profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Hyun Kim
- Department of Urology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University Medical College, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Jae Joon Park
- Department of Urology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Soonchunhyang University Medical College, 59 Daesagwan-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 04401, Korea
| | - Ki Hong Kim
- Department of Urology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University Medical College, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Hee Jo Yang
- Department of Urology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University Medical College, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Doo Sang Kim
- Department of Urology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University Medical College, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Chang Ho Lee
- Department of Urology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University Medical College, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Youn Soo Jeon
- Department of Urology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University Medical College, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Sung Ryul Shim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Anamdong 5Ga, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 136-701, Korea.
| | - Jae Heon Kim
- Department of Urology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Soonchunhyang University Medical College, 59 Daesagwan-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 04401, Korea.
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26
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Gencer B, Bonomi M, Adorni MP, Sirtori CR, Mach F, Ruscica M. Cardiovascular risk and testosterone - from subclinical atherosclerosis to lipoprotein function to heart failure. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2021; 22:257-274. [PMID: 33616800 PMCID: PMC8087565 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-021-09628-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The cardiovascular (CV) benefit and safety of treating low testosterone conditions is a matter of debate. Although testosterone deficiency has been linked to a rise in major adverse CV events, most of the studies on testosterone replacement therapy were not designed to assess CV risk and thus excluded men with advanced heart failure or recent history of myocardial infarction or stroke. Besides considering observational, interventional and prospective studies, this review article evaluates the impact of testosterone on atherosclerosis process, including lipoprotein functionality, progression of carotid intima media thickness, inflammation, coagulation and thromboembolism, quantification of plaque volume and vascular calcification. Until adequately powered studies evaluating testosterone effects in hypogonadal men at increased CV risk are available (TRAVERSE trial), clinicians should ponder the use of testosterone in men with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and discuss benefit and harms with the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baris Gencer
- Cardiology Division, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Marco Bonomi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases & Lab. of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Adorni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery-Unit of Neurosciences, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Cesare R Sirtori
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - François Mach
- Cardiology Division, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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27
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Tenório MCC, Paz CL, Valladares F, Guimarães M, Sá CKCD, Correia L. Effects of Low-to-Moderate Doses of Anabolic Steroids on Lipid Profile and Muscle Hypertrophy in Resistance Training Practitioners: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.36660/ijcs.20200107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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28
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Mielewczyk J, Świętochowska E, Ostrowska Z, Miczek I. Diagnosis and Management of Testosterone Deficiency
in men: A review of the European and American Urology
Associations. POSTEP HIG MED DOSW 2021. [DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0014.8308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ambiguous data on both terminology, diagnostics, and treatment of testosterone deficiency in
men prompted us to attempt a critical analysis of existing knowledge on this subject.
Current guidelines of both American and European Association of Urology (AUA, EUA) define
testosterone therapy as effective and safe. However, media reports and some scientific reports
indicating negative effects of the abovementioned therapy arouse aversion to its use by doctors
and potential patients for fear of developing prostate cancer or cardiovascular incidents. The
peak of scepticism about testosterone therapy was observed after the publication in 2013 and
2014, respectively, two retrospective data analysis on this topic, which resulted in the discontinuation
of therapy in many patients with long histories of benefits from testosterone therapy.
In addition, in many men with indications for testosterone therapy, this treatment was not
used for fear of patient safety. However, the latest data on these concerns do not confirm any
negative effects. More than 100 recently published scientific studies have shown the beneficial effects of testosterone
therapy on many aspects of health. The American Society of Clinical Endocrinologists
(AACE) and the American College of Endocrinology (ACE) have jointly developed their own
literature assessment, stating that there is no convincing evidence that testosterone therapy
increases the risk of cardiovascular incidents. The same conclusions can be drawn from the
current EAU and AUA guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarosław Mielewczyk
- Katedra i Zakład Biologii Medycznej i Molekularnej, Wydział Nauk Medycznych w Zabrzu, Śląski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Katowicach
| | - Elżbieta Świętochowska
- Katedra i Zakład Biologii Medycznej i Molekularnej, Wydział Nauk Medycznych w Zabrzu, Śląski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Katowicach
| | - Zofia Ostrowska
- Katedra i Zakład Biologii Medycznej i Molekularnej, Wydział Nauk Medycznych w Zabrzu, Śląski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Katowicach
| | - Igor Miczek
- Katedra i Zakład Biologii Medycznej i Molekularnej, Wydział Nauk Medycznych w Zabrzu, Śląski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Katowicach
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Isidoro-García L, Villalpando DM, Ferrer M. Vasomotor action of androgens in the mesenteric artery of hypertensive rats. Role of perivascular innervation. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246254. [PMID: 33529222 PMCID: PMC7853503 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens may exert cardiovascular protective actions by regulating the release and function of different vascular factors. In addition, testosterone (TES) and its 5-reduced metabolites, 5α- and 5β-dihydrotestosterone (5α- and 5β-DHT) induce vasorelaxant and hypotensive effects. Furthermore, hypertension has been reported to alter the release and function of the neurotransmitters nitric oxide (NO), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and noradrenaline (NA). Since the mesenteric arteries possess a dense perivascular innervation and significantly regulate total peripheral vascular resistance, the objective of this study was to analyze the effect of TES, 5α- and 5β-DHT on the neurogenic release and vasomotor function of NO, CGRP and NA. For this purpose, the superior mesenteric artery from male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats was used to analyze: (i) the effect of androgens (10 nM, incubated for 30 min) on the neurogenic release of NO, CGRP and NA and (ii) the vasoconstrictor-response to NA and the vasodilator responses to the NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and exogenous CGRP. The results showed that TES, 5α- or 5β-DHT did not modify the release of NO, CGRP or NA induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS) in the arteries of SHR; however, in the arteries of WKY rats androgens only caused an increase in EFS-induced NO release. Moreover, TES, and especially 5β-DHT, increased the vasodilator response induced by SNP and CGRP in the arteries of SHR. These findings could be contributing to the hypotensive/antihypertensive efficacy of 5β-DHT previously described in conscious SHR and WKY rats, pointing to 5β- DHT as a potential drug for the treatment of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Isidoro-García
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| | - Diva M. Villalpando
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Ferrer
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
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De Padova S, Urbini M, Schepisi G, Virga A, Meggiolaro E, Rossi L, Fabbri F, Bertelli T, Ulivi P, Ruffilli F, Casadei C, Gurioli G, Rosti G, Grassi L, De Giorgi U. Immunosenescence in Testicular Cancer Survivors: Potential Implications of Cancer Therapies and Psychological Distress. Front Oncol 2021; 10:564346. [PMID: 33520693 PMCID: PMC7844142 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.564346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular cancer (TC) is the most frequent solid tumor diagnosed in young adult males. Although it is a curable tumor, it is frequently associated with considerable short-term and long-term morbidity. Both biological and psychological stress experienced during cancer therapy may be responsible for stimulating molecular processes that induce premature aging and deterioration of immune system (immunosenescence) in TC survivors, leading to an increased susceptibility to infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Immunosenescence is a remodeling of immune cell populations with inversion of the CD4:CD8 ratio, accumulation of highly differentiated memory cells, shrinkage of telomeres, shift of T-cell response to Th2 type, and release of pro-inflammatory signals. TC survivors exposed to chemotherapy show features of immunological aging, including an increase in memory T-cells (CD4+ and CD8+) and high expression of the senescence biomarker p16INK4a in CD3+ lymphocytes. However, the plethora of factors involved in the premature aging of TC survivors make the situation more complex if we also take into account the psychological stress and hormonal changes experienced by patients, as well as the high-dose chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation that some individuals may be required to undergo. The relatively young age and the long life expectancy of TC patients bear witness to the importance of improving quality of life and of alleviating long-term side-effects of cancer treatments. Within this context, the present review takes an in-depth look at the molecular mechanisms of immunosenescence, describing experimental evidence of cancer survivor aging and highlighting the interconnected relationship between the many factors modulating the aging of the immune system of TC survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia De Padova
- Psycho-Oncology Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Milena Urbini
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Schepisi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Alessandra Virga
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Elena Meggiolaro
- Psycho-Oncology Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Lorena Rossi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Francesco Fabbri
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Tatiana Bertelli
- Psycho-Oncology Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Paola Ulivi
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Federica Ruffilli
- Psycho-Oncology Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Chiara Casadei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Giorgia Gurioli
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Giovanni Rosti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Luigi Grassi
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara and University Hospital Psychiatry Unit, Integrated Department of Mental Health S. Anna University Hospital and Health Authorities, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ugo De Giorgi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
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31
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Roşca AE, Vlădăreanu AM, Mititelu A, Popescu BO, Badiu C, Căruntu C, Voiculescu SE, Onisâi M, Gologan Ş, Mirica R, Zăgrean L. Effects of Exogenous Androgens on Platelet Activity and Their Thrombogenic Potential in Supraphysiological Administration: A Literature Review. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10010147. [PMID: 33406783 PMCID: PMC7795962 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10010147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), simply called “androgens”, represent the most widespread drugs used to enhance performance and appearance in a sporting environment. High-dosage and/or long-term AAS administration has been associated frequently with significant alterations in the cardiovascular system, some of these with severe endpoints. The induction of a prothrombotic state is probably the most life-threatening consequence, suggested by numerous case reports in AAS-abusing athletes, and by a considerable number of human and animal studies assessing the influence of exogenous androgens on hemostasis. Despite over fifty years of research, data regarding the thrombogenic potential of exogenous androgens are still scarce. The main reason is the limited possibility of conducting human prospective studies. However, human observational studies conducted in athletes or patients, in vitro human studies, and animal experiments have pointed out that androgens in supraphysiological doses induce enhanced platelet activity and thrombopoiesis, leading to increased platelet aggregation. If this tendency overlaps previously existing coagulation and/or fibrinolysis dysfunctions, it may lead to a thrombotic diathesis, which could explain the multitude of thromboembolic events reported in the AAS-abusing population. The influence of androgen excess on the platelet activity and fluid–coagulant balance remains a subject of debate, urging for supplementary studies in order to clarify the effects on hemostasis, and to provide new compelling evidence for their claimed thrombogenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Eugen Roşca
- Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Department of Functional Sciences, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (S.E.V.); (L.Z.)
- Victor Babeş National Institute of Research-Development in the Pathology Domain, 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Cardiology, Emergency University Hospital of Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.E.R.); (A.-M.V.)
| | - Ana-Maria Vlădăreanu
- Department of Hematology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Emergency University Hospital of Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania; (A.M.); (M.O.)
- Correspondence: (A.E.R.); (A.-M.V.)
| | - Alina Mititelu
- Department of Hematology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Emergency University Hospital of Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania; (A.M.); (M.O.)
| | - Bogdan Ovidiu Popescu
- Victor Babeş National Institute of Research-Development in the Pathology Domain, 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Neurology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Corin Badiu
- Department of Endocrinology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, 11863 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Constantin Căruntu
- Division of Physiology, Department of Fundamental Disciplines, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Dermatology, “Prof. N.C. Paulescu” National Institute of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, 011233 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Suzana Elena Voiculescu
- Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Department of Functional Sciences, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (S.E.V.); (L.Z.)
| | - Minodora Onisâi
- Department of Hematology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Emergency University Hospital of Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania; (A.M.); (M.O.)
| | - Şerban Gologan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Elias Clinical Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Radu Mirica
- Department of Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Sf. Ioan” Clinical Hospital, 042122 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Leon Zăgrean
- Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Department of Functional Sciences, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (S.E.V.); (L.Z.)
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Midttun M, Overgaard K, Skovgaard Rasmussen R. Testosterone serum levels in elderly fall-prone men do not correlate with age or performance in the 30 seconds chair stand test. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS 2021. [DOI: 10.36150/2499-6564-n285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Khera M, Miner M, Jaffe J, Pastuszak AW. Testosterone Therapy and Cardiovascular Risk: A Critical Analysis of Studies Reporting Increased Risk. J Sex Med 2020; 18:83-98. [PMID: 33317996 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of "adult-onset hypogonadism" (AOH) with exogenous testosterone therapy (TTh) to raise serum testosterone (T) levels may influence cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in patients with AOH, whereas low endogenous T levels are associated with an increased CV risk and mortality. AIM To critically evaluate studies reporting increased CV risk associated with TTh and to provide an overview of the risks and benefits of restoring T levels through exogenous TTh. METHODS A review of publications focusing on the association between TTh and increased CV risk was conducted, and the study methodologies and conclusions of each were critically evaluated. Further, recent clinical and epidemiological studies associating AOH or TTh with a change in CV risk, and pertinent hematologic and vascular effects noted in animal studies and in vitro, as well as in clinical practice were also reviewed. OUTCOMES A review of the literature shows that untreated testosterone deficiency and/or low T is associated with an increase in CV risk and adverse outcomes, with numerous studies and meta-analyses to support a positive association between exogenous TTh and an improvement in CV risk factors in men with AOH. RESULTS Numerous studies in the literature demonstrate the positive benefits of using TTh; however, since 2013, some publications have suggested a link to increased CV risk associated with TTh. A number of these studies retrospectively analyzed insurance claims databases using diagnosis codes, procedures codes, and prescription information. Many reviews published since have pointed out the methodological flaws and debatable conclusions of these studies. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS A careful assessment of the patient's current health status and CV risk factors should be weighed against the benefits and possible risks resulting from TTh, and consideration should be given to deferring treatment pending resolution or stabilization of CV disease or risk factors. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS In this review, we provide an in-depth analysis of studies reporting increased CV risk with TTh. Many of the studies were not well-designed, randomized, double-blind, prospective clinical trials but rather post hoc analyses of cohort data. These studies may reflect bias in how treatment and nontreatment decisions are made or reflect conclusions based on widely cited methodological flaws. CONCLUSION Appropriate patient selection supported by low pre-treatment T levels and monitoring T levels during treatment with the goal of achieving and maintaining physiologic levels all contribute to the safe and effective use of TTh in men with AOH. Khera M, Miner M, Jaffe J, et al. Testosterone Therapy and Cardiovascular Risk: A Critical Analysis of Studies Reporting Increased Risk. J Sex med 2021;18:83-98.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Khera
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Martin Miner
- Clinical Professor of Family Medicine and Urology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Alexander W Pastuszak
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Hypogonadism is highly prevalent among not only patients with a history of prior treatment for cancer, but also among those patients with a new oncologic diagnosis who have not yet received any cancer therapy. Hypogonadism can cause a wide array of signs and symptoms including: deceased muscle mass; increased fat mass; decreased energy, mood, and overall sense of well being; diminished bone mineral density; infertility; and impaired libido and sexual function. This purpose of this manuscript is to review the mechanisms by which cancer and oncologic treatment regimens can adversely affect the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis, resulting in hypogonadism. Risks and benefits associated with the treatment of testosterone deficiency are also discussed, which are important considerations for clinicians caring for affected patients. RECENT FINDINGS Hypogonadism has a high prevalence in the setting of cancer and is an important survivorship issue. Recent randomized controlled trials confirm testosterone's therapeutic benefits in terms of sexual function, mood body composition, and bone health, but the specific benefits in terms of quality of life are less clear. SUMMARY More prospective studies are needed to further delineate the risks, benefits, and overall outcomes of testosterone replacement therapy in patients with cancer and cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory A Faw
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Urology, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and hypogonadism continues to rise in the United States and around the world. These two conditions are inexorably linked, and understanding their relationship with each other is key to treating men with either of these conditions. RECENT FINDINGS Testosterone has been shown to be a key regulator in the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis. A large volume of research has found that testosterone deficiency is closely linked to metabolic syndrome through complex physiologic mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and glucose metabolism. SUMMARY Interventions through lifestyle modification and testosterone replacement in hypogonadal men may reduce the morbidity and mortality risks associated with metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- William T Berg
- Department of Urology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Martin Miner
- Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Islands, USA
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Melhem AJ, Araújo AC, Figueiredo FNS, Figueiredo DLA. Acute Myocardial Infarction in a Young Bodybuilder: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2020; 21:e924796. [PMID: 32848124 PMCID: PMC7476749 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.924796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Misuse of androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) is a current practice associated with vigorous bodybuilding for muscular hypertrophy, especially among gym practitioners and bodybuilders, influenced by the culture of body image. In addition to liver, psychiatric, genital, urinary, dermatological, and musculoskeletal complications, AAS misuse reportedly can lead to development of cardiovascular complications, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiac hypertrophy, and early coronary disease, and potentially acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and sudden death. CASE REPORT A 26-year-old male farmer who was also an amateur bodybuilder developed an extensive Killip Class I AMI in the anterior wall while using AAS. A few days before the acute event, his lipid and hormone levels were measured and found to be significantly elevated. The patient was asymptomatic after left anterior descending branch angioplasty, but he had significant electrocardiographic sequelae and ventricular dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS We describe the case of a young male bodybuilder using AAS who presented with AMI and was treated with primary angioplasty. Documentation of high levels of lipids and hormones 1 week before the acute event suggests some relationship between AAS and cardiovascular disease. The main effects of using these steroids on the cardiovascular system are reviewed. It is time for a new global warning about the risks of misusing AAS to obtain muscle hypertrophy. Based on current medical knowledge, these hormones should not be prescribed without a clear indication for their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrão José Melhem
- Department of Medicine, Midwest State University of Paraná-UNICENTRO, Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
| | - Amélia Cristina Araújo
- Department of Medicine, Midwest State University of Paraná-UNICENTRO, Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
- Department of Cardiology, São Vicente Hospital, Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
| | - Felipe Nathan S. Figueiredo
- Department of Medicine, Midwest State University of Paraná-UNICENTRO, Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
- Department of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - David Livingstone A. Figueiredo
- Department of Medicine, Midwest State University of Paraná-UNICENTRO, Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
- Institute for Cancer Research, IPEC, Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
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Hanson AE, Perusquia M, Stallone JN. Hypogonadal hypertension in male Sprague-Dawley rats is renin-angiotensin system-dependent: role of endogenous androgens. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:48. [PMID: 32843085 PMCID: PMC7448502 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00324-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acutely, testosterone (TES) and other androgens are efficacious vasodilators, both in vitro and in vivo; however, their long-term effects on arterial blood pressure (BP) remain unclear. It was hypothesized that endogenous androgens exert long-term anti-hypertensive effects on systemic BP through a combination of genomic and nongenomic effects to enhance vasodilation of the systemic vasculature. Methods The long-term effects of endogenous TES and exogenous TES replacement therapy (TRT) on BP were studied in intact (InT) and castrated (CsX) male Sprague-Dawley (SD) and testicular-feminized male (Tfm, androgen receptor defective) rats (12 weeks old). Systolic BP (tail-cuff plethysmography) was determined weekly for 15 weeks in InT-control and CsX rats. Some CsX-SD rats received androgen replacement therapy at 10-15 weeks with TES-enanthate (TRT; 1.75 mg/kg, 2x/week) or DHT-enanthate (DRT; 1.00 mg/kg. 2x/week) and a separate group of CsX-SD rats received losartan-potassium in drinking water (LST, 250 mg/L) for the entire 15 week period. Expression of renin, angiotensinogen (Agt), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), and angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R) mRNA in kidney and aorta were determined by real-time PCR (rt-PCR) and plasma renin levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. Results There was a progressive rise in BP over 10 weeks in CsX (109 ± 3.3 vs. 143 ± 3.5 mmHg), while BP remained stable in InT-control (109 ± 3.0 vs. 113 ± 0.3). BP gradually declined to normal in CsX-TRT rats (113 ± 1.3), while BP remained elevated in CsX (140 ± 1.2) and normal in InT-control (113 ± 0.3). LST prevented the development of hypertension in CsX at 10 weeks (100 ± 1.5 in CsX + LST vs. 143 ± 3.5 in CsX). During the next 5 weeks with TES-RT, BP declined in CsX-TRT (113 ± 1.3) and remained lower in CsX + LST (99 ± 0.4). DHT-RT reduced BP in CxS to a similar extent. In Tfm, CsX resulted in a similar rise in BP (109 ± 0.7 vs. 139 ± 0.4 mmHg), but TRT reduced BP more rapidly and to a greater extent (106 ± 2.8). rt-PCR of the kidney revealed that CsX increased expression of mRNA for renin (92%), ACE (58%), and AT1R (80%) compared to InT, while TES RT normalized expression of renin, AT1R, and ACE mRNA to levels of InT rats. Plasma renin levels exhibited changes similar to those observed for renin mRNA expression. Conclusions This is the first study to examine the long-term effects of endogenous and exogenous androgens on BP in male SD and Tfm rats. These data reveal that endogenous androgens (TES) exert anti-hypertensive effects that appear to involve non-genomic and possibly genomic mechanism(s), resulting in reductions in RAS expression in the kidney and enhanced systemic vasodilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea E Hanson
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4466, USA
| | - Mercedes Perusquia
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, México D.F, Mexico
| | - John N Stallone
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4466, USA. .,Michael E. DeBakey Institute For Comparative Cardiovascular Sciences, Women's Health Division, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4466, USA.
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Abstract
In the early days of its use, testosterone therapy faced skepticism regarding its safety and efficacy. After a converging consensus that testosterone therapy was safe and effective for the treatment of hypogonadism, several recent studies showed adverse cardiovascular outcomes associated with testosterone treatment, ultimately resulting in a mandated FDA label warning about the unknown safety of testosterone therapy. Given the clear efficacy of testosterone therapy in the treatment of hypogonadism, establishing the safety of this therapeutic tool is essential. This article summarizes the current evidence regarding the cardiovascular safety of testosterone therapy for the management of hypogonadism, as well as the proposed mechanisms that may explain testosterone's underlying effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy M Auerbach
- Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mohit Khera
- Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston, TX, USA
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Moreau KL, Babcock MC, Hildreth KL. Sex differences in vascular aging in response to testosterone. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:18. [PMID: 32295637 PMCID: PMC7161199 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00294-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Large elastic arterial stiffening and endothelial dysfunction are phenotypic characteristics of vascular aging, a major risk factor for age-associated cardiovascular diseases. Compared to men, vascular aging in women appears to be slowed until menopause, whereafter vascular aging accelerates to match that seen in men. These sex differences in vascular aging have been attributed to changes in sex hormones that occur with aging. Although the role of estradiol in vascular aging in women has been highlighted in recent aging research, little is known about the impact of declining testosterone concentrations in both sexes. Importantly, while androgen concentrations generally decline with age in men, there are data that indicate reductions in androgen concentrations in women as well. Evidence suggests that low testosterone is associated with impaired endothelial function and increased arterial stiffness in men, although the effect of androgens on vascular aging in women remains unclear. Testosterone may modulate vascular aging by mitigating the effects of oxidative stress and inflammation, although there is sex specificity to this effect. The purpose of this review is to present and summarize the research regarding sex differences in vascular aging in response to androgens, specifically testosterone. Because exercise is a potent lifestyle factor for slowing and reversing vascular aging, we briefly summarize the available literature regarding the regulatory function of testosterone on vascular adaptations to exercise training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerrie L Moreau
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Bldg. L15 Rm 8111, 12631 East 17th Ave., PO Box 6511, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA. .,Denver Veterans Administration Medical Center, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Aurora, 80045, CO, USA.
| | - Matthew C Babcock
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Bldg. L15 Rm 8111, 12631 East 17th Ave., PO Box 6511, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kerry L Hildreth
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Bldg. L15 Rm 8111, 12631 East 17th Ave., PO Box 6511, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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Coronary Embolism and Myocardial Infarction in a Transgender Male Undergoing Hormone Therapy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Case Rep Cardiol 2020; 2020:4829169. [PMID: 32257449 PMCID: PMC7125482 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4829169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Due to the complex interaction between the underlying disease, psychosocial factors, and the high-dose hormonal therapy, transgender patients pose a therapeutic and diagnostic challenge, especially during emergencies. This case presents one such clinical dilemma using the example of a case of myocardial infarction.
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Argalious MY, Steib J, Daskalakis N, Mao G, Li M, Armanyous S, Roselli E. Association of Testosterone Replacement Therapy and the Incidence of a Composite of Postoperative In-Hospital Mortality and Cardiovascular Events in Men Undergoing Cardiac Surgery. Anesth Analg 2020; 130:890-898. [DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000004115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Chang S, Christiansen CF, Bojesen A, Juul S, Münster AMB, Gravholt CH. Klinefelter syndrome and testosterone treatment: a national cohort study on thrombosis risk. Endocr Connect 2020; 9:34-43. [PMID: 31829966 PMCID: PMC6993257 DOI: 10.1530/ec-19-0433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Klinefelter syndrome (KS), 47,XXY, can be viewed as a disease model for investigating the risk of thrombosis in male hypogonadism and the subsequent risk related to testosterone treatment. We describe rates of thrombotic risk factors, thrombosis and thrombosis mortality in KS and the association with testosterone treatment. METHODS National registry-based matched cohort study with follow-up from 1995 to 2016 set in Denmark. For the study, 1155 men with KS were each matched by year and month of birth to 100 men from the background population. First thrombotic events and thrombosis mortality was evaluated by event rates and hazard ratios (HRs) and by applying testosterone treatment as a time-dependent covariate. RESULTS The KS cohort had higher incidence of venous thromboembolism relative to the comparison cohort (HR, 3.95; 95% CI, 2.83-5.52). Total thrombotic deaths were increased in KS (HR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.18-2.62), and all-cause mortality was increased in KS following arterial thrombosis (HR 1.73; 95% CI 1.22-2.47). Only 48.7% of men with KS redeemed prescriptions for testosterone. Untreated men with KS were on average born 12 years before those treated, and the majority of untreated men with KS with available biochemistry were hypogonadal. Testosterone treatment in KS was associated with a non-significant decrease in venous thromboembolism and thrombotic deaths. CONCLUSION Thrombosis and thrombotic deaths are increased in KS. Only half of the men with KS ever received testosterone treatment, despite overt hypogonadism in the non-treated. Testosterone treatment in Klinefelter syndrome was insignificantly associated with lower incidence rates of venous thrombosis and thrombotic deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Chang
- Unit for Thrombosis Research, Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark and Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Hospital of South West Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Correspondence should be addressed to S Chang:
| | | | - Anders Bojesen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Svend Juul
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Anna-Marie B Münster
- Unit for Thrombosis Research, Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark and Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Hospital of South West Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Claus H Gravholt
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
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Nieschlag E. Late-onset hypogonadism: a concept comes of age. Andrology 2019; 8:1506-1511. [PMID: 31639279 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The term Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) was coined in 2002 and defined as a disease entity in the ISA, ISSAM, EAU, EAA and ASA endorsed Recommendations for Investigation, Treatment and Monitoring of LOH (2005 and 2008) as 'a clinical and biochemical syndrome associated with advancing age, characterized by symptoms and a deficiency in serum testosterone (T)'. LOH was classified as a combined primary and secondary hypogonadism since the endocrine capacity of the testes and the pituitary are impaired. Symptoms of LOH include loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass, increased body fat, anemia, osteoporosis, depressed mood, decreased vitality, sweating, and hot flushes. Since these symptoms may also have origins other than LOH, exclusion of other disease entities and subnormal serum T levels are considered prerequisites for the diagnosis and possible treatment of LOH. However, during following years these guidelines were often neglected and, especially in the USA, indiscriminate prescribing of T was widely practised so that the US FDA warned against such irresponsible behavior. In Europe, T prescribing remained largely restricted to LOH as defined above. Nevertheless, a discussion started whether LOH really exists or is only a consequence of age-related comorbidities. Numerous studies have helped to clarify the situation, in particular, the European Male Aging Study (EMAS) and the US-initiated 7 T trials. Consequently, the newest US Endocrine Society Practice Guideline on T treatment (2018) includes advanced age as a cause of organic hypogonadism and recommends that 'in men >65 years who have symptoms or conditions suggestive of T deficiency … and consistently and unequivocally low morning T concentrations we suggest that clinicians offer T therapy on an individualised basis after explicit discussion of the potential risks and benefits'. Thus, the concept of LOH as conceived two decades ago has weathered criticism and survived the times.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Nieschlag
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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44
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The Complex Relationship Between Erectile Dysfunction and Hypogonadism in Diabetes Mellitus. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11930-019-00216-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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45
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Chang S, Biltoft D, Skakkebæk A, Fedder J, Bojesen A, Bor MV, Gravholt CH, Münster AMB. Testosterone treatment and association with thrombin generation and coagulation inhibition in Klinefelter syndrome: A cross-sectional study. Thromb Res 2019; 182:175-181. [DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2019.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Kaufman JM, Lapauw B, Mahmoud A, T'Sjoen G, Huhtaniemi IT. Aging and the Male Reproductive System. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:906-972. [PMID: 30888401 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marc Kaufman
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bruno Lapauw
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ahmed Mahmoud
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy T'Sjoen
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ilpo Tapani Huhtaniemi
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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47
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Abstract
Evidence suggests that providers are not adhering to current testosterone replacement therapy guidelines when treating male hypogonadism. Understanding the diagnosis and management of this condition is further complicated by conflicting recommendations among available guidelines. NPs must select and follow the best guideline recommendations available to optimally treat male hypogonadism. Evidence suggests that providers are not adhering to current testosterone replacement therapy guidelines when treating male hypogonadism. Understanding diagnosis and management is further complicated by conflicting recommendations among available guidelines. NPs must select and follow the best guideline recommendations available to optimally treat this condition.
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48
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Kirby M, Hackett G, Ramachandran S. Testosterone and the Heart. Eur Cardiol 2019; 14:103-110. [PMID: 31360231 PMCID: PMC6659039 DOI: 10.15420/ecr.2019.13.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of a subnormal level of testosterone (T) is not universal in ageing men, with 75% of men retaining normal levels. However, a substantial number of men do develop T deficiency (TD), with many of them carrying a portfolio of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, including type 2 diabetes (T2D) and the metabolic syndrome. TD increases the risk of CV disease (CVD) and the risk of developing T2D and the metabolic syndrome. The key symptoms suggesting low T are sexual in nature, including erectile dysfunction (ED), loss of night-time erections and reduced libido. Many men with heart disease, if asked, admit to ED being present; a problem that is often compounded by drugs used to treat CVD. A large number of studies and meta-analyses have provided evidence of the link between TD and an increase in CVD and total mortality. Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) who have TD have a poor prognosis and this is associated with more frequent admissions and increased mortality compared with those who do not have TD. Conversely, in men with symptoms and documented TD, T therapy has been shown to have beneficial effects, namely improvement in exercise capacity in patients with CHF, improvement of myocardial ischaemia and coronary artery disease. Reductions in BMI and waist circumference, and improvements in glycaemic control and lipid profiles, are observed in T-deficient men receiving T therapy. These effects might be expected to translate into benefits and there are more than 100 studies showing CV benefit or improved CV risk factors with T therapy. There are flawed retrospective and prescribing data studies that have suggested increased mortality in treated men, which has led to regulatory warnings, and one placebo-controlled study demonstrating an increase in coronary artery non-calcified and total plaque volumes in men treated with T, which is open for debate. Men with ED and TD who fail to respond to phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors can be salvaged by treating the TD. There are data to suggest that T and PDE5 inhibitors may act synergistically to reduce CV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Geoffrey Hackett
- Spire Little Aston Hospital Sutton Coldfield, UK.,Aston University Birmingham, UK
| | - Sudarshan Ramachandran
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust Birmingham, UK.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospitals of North Midlands/Keele University/Staffordshire University Staffordshire, UK
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Teeling F, Raison N, Shabbir M, Yap T, Dasgupta P, Ahmed K. Testosterone Therapy for High-risk Prostate Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Urology 2019; 126:16-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2018.07.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Pantalone KM, George J, Ji X, Kattan MW, Milinovich A, Bauman JM, Burguera B, Zimmerman RS, Misra-Hebert AD. Testosterone replacement therapy and the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes and mortality. Basic Clin Androl 2019; 29:5. [PMID: 30976419 PMCID: PMC6440106 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-019-0085-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk of adverse cardiovascular events and mortality associated with testosterone replacement therapy is controversial. The purpose of this report was to evaluate the effect of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in men with secondary hypogonadism on the risk of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke (CVA) or all-cause mortality. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Cleveland Clinic's electronic health record. Men ≥40 years of age, with at least two testosterone levels < 220 ng/dL, with one level obtained between 7 am and 10 am, were identified. Men with primary hypogonadism, secondary hypogonadism related to overt hypothalamic pituitary pathology, human immunodeficiency virus infection, metastatic cancer, and select contraindications to TRT, were excluded. Men exposed to TRT were matched to controls that were not exposed. A survival analysis was performed on the composite outcome of MI, CVA, or all-cause mortality. RESULTS One hundred sixty-five patients exposed to TRT (treatment group) were matched with 210 not exposed to TRT (comparison group). The prevalence of established cardiovascular disease (CVD) was 20.0% in the treatment group vs. 17.1% in the comparison group (P = 0.478). The median [interquartile range (IQR)] age (years) and BMI (kg/m2) were 55 (49, 62) and 35.6 (32.1, 40.1) in the treatment group, and 55 (49, 61.7) and 36.3 (32.1, 40.8) in the comparison group, respectively. There were 12 (7.3%) events observed in the treatment group, and 16 (7.6%) in the comparison group. The median time (years) to the composite event was 2.1 (IQR 0.9, 4.6) and 1.8 (IQR 0.6, 3.4) for treatment and comparison groups, respectively. No difference in the risk of the combined cardiovascular endpoint was observed between the treatment group vs the comparison group, hazard ratio (HR) 0.81 (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.38-1.71; P = 0.57). CONCLUSION In hypogonadal men with a modest prevalence of established CVD, TRT was not observed to confer a protective or adverse effect on the risk of MI, CVA or all-cause mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M. Pantalone
- Department of Endocrinology, Cleveland Clinic, Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk F-20, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 USA
| | - Joyce George
- Southeast Georgia Health System, 2500 Starling St Suite 501, Brunswick, GA 31520 USA
| | - Xinge Ji
- Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Desk JJN3, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 USA
| | - Michael W. Kattan
- Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Desk JJN3, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 USA
| | - Alex Milinovich
- Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Desk JJN3, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 USA
| | - Janine M. Bauman
- Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Desk JJN3, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 USA
| | - Bartolome Burguera
- Department of Endocrinology, Cleveland Clinic, Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk F-20, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 USA
| | - Robert S. Zimmerman
- Department of Endocrinology, Cleveland Clinic, Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk F-20, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 USA
| | - Anita D. Misra-Hebert
- Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Desk JJN3, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 USA
- Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Desk G-10, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 USA
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