Long-Term Testosterone Therapy Improves Cardiometabolic Function and Reduces Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Men with Hypogonadism: A Real-Life Observational Registry Study Setting Comparing Treated and Untreated (Control) Groups

Testosterone and resistance training improved physical performance and reduced fatigue in frail older men: 1 year follow-up of a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To improve health conditions among hypogonadal men ≥70 years of age using testosterone undecanoate (TU) injections, progressive strength training, and oral supplements of vitamin D, calcium, and protein.

METHODS

This study is a 1-year follow-up of a double-blind RCT lasting 20 weeks, including 148 older men ≥70 years old with low testosterone levels and mobility problems. During 52 weeks, 4 groups received either testosterone therapy (TU) or progressive resistance training (Training), both (Combo), or no intervention (Controls). Physiotherapists supported the training groups until week 20, while these participants continued trained on their own during weeks 21 to 52. The main outcome measure was the 30-s chair stand test.

RESULTS

The following numbers of participants completed the trial: 20 (Combo), 20 (Controls), 24 (TU), and 14 (Training). When examining 30-s chair stand test performance within each group at baseline, and at weeks 4, 20 and 52, only the Combo group improved (p = 0.001, Friedman Test). Compared to controls, only the Combo group experienced reduced fatigue and tiredness (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Fifty-two weeks of testosterone supplementation combined with progressive resistance training may enhance physical performance, alleviate fatigue, and had no notable detrimental impacts among males aged ≥70 suffering from mobility issues and testosterone insufficiency.Trial registration - Clinical Trials NCT02873559.

Testosterone therapy over 60 months improves aging male symptoms scores in all men with adult-onset testosterone deficiency

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated change (Δ) in AMSS in men with adult-onset testosterone deficiency (TD) on/not on testosterone undecanoate (TU) by analysing a registry of men with adult-onset TD.

METHODS

Analyses were performed using non-parametric statistics to determine ΔAMSS at 6-12 monthly intervals in men on/not on TU and movement in AMSS. Factors predicting ΔAMSS were established via linear/multiple regression.

RESULTS

TU was significantly associated with lower AMSS values compared with that at baseline/prior assessment during the initial 42 months treatment; 259 of the 260 men showed improvement. In the 361 men not on TU, AMSS values increased during 60 months of follow-up compared with that at baseline/prior assessment; improvement after 60 months was evident in 1 man, whilst AMSS remained the same or worsened in 213 and 147 men, respectively. In men on TU, baseline AMSS was inversely associated with ΔAMSS (R2 = 0.97), with no other factors reaching significance. Baseline AMSS, age, serum total testosterone (TT), waist circumference (WC), and diastolic blood pressure (BP) were associated with ΔAMSS in men not on TU.

DISCUSSION

We show that TU was associated with lower AMSS in men with adult-onset TD whilst non-treatment led to increased values. Baseline AMSS values inversely predicted ΔAMSS in both groups.

Mechanisms in endocrinology: hypogonadism and metabolic health in men-novel insights into pathophysiology

Hypogonadism in men is associated with an adverse metabolic phenotype and increased mortality. Reciprocally, obesity and insulin resistance can suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in the absence of structural organic disease, further perpetuating a cycle of metabolic dysfunction and low testosterone. The mechanisms underpinning this bidirectional association are complex as hypogonadism is a heterogenous syndrome, and obesity is associated with metabolic perturbations in glucose and lipid metabolism even in the presence of normal testicular function. However, distinct molecular defects specific to testosterone deficiency have been identified in pathways relating to glucose and lipid metabolism in target metabolic depots such as adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. This review discusses the etiology and prevalence of metabolic disease in male hypogonadism, with a specific focus on both disease mechanisms and novel potential approaches to enhance our understanding.

Androgen Society Position Paper on Cardiovascular Risk With Testosterone Therapy

The Androgen Society is an international, multidisciplinary medical organization committed to advancing research and education in the field of testosterone deficiency and testosterone therapy (TTh). This position paper is written in response to results of the TRAVERSE study, published in June 2023, which reported no increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in men who received TTh compared with placebo. In 2013-2014, 2 observational studies reported increased cardiovascular (CV) risks with TTh and received wide media attention. Despite strong criticism of those 2 studies, in 2015, the Food and Drug Administration added a CV warning to testosterone product labels and required pharmaceutical companies to perform a CV safety study, which became the TRAVERSE trial. TRAVERSE enrolled 5246 men at high risk for MACE based on existing heart disease or multiple risk factors. Participants were randomized to daily testosterone gel or placebo gel, with a mean follow-up of 33 months. Results revealed no greater risk of MACE (myocardial infarction, stroke, or CV death) or venothrombotic events in men who received TTh compared with placebo. Review of the prior literature reveals near uniformity of studies reporting no increased MACE with TTh. This includes 2 additional large randomized controlled trials, multiple smaller randomized controlled trials, several large observational studies, and 19 meta-analyses. In view of these findings, it is the position of the Androgen Society that it has now been conclusively determined that TTh is not associated with increased risks of heart attack, stroke, or CV death.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Effects on Blood Pressure in Hypogonadal Men

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.

Testosterone replacement therapy: association with mortality in high-risk patient subgroups

OBJECTIVES

We describe studies determining the association between testosterone therapy (TTh) and mortality.

MATERIALS & METHODS

We used a registry database of 737 men with adult-onset testosterone deficiency defined as presenting with low serum total testosterone (TT) levels ≤12.1 nmol/L and associated symptoms over a near 10-year follow-up. We compared associations between testosterone undecanoate (TU), cardio-metabolic risk factors and mortality using non-parametric statistics followed by separate Cox regression models to determine if any association between TU and morality was independent of age and cardio-metabolic risk factors. Finally, the association between TU and mortality was studied in men stratified by cardio-metabolic risk.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up interquartile range (IQR) of 114 (84-132) months, 94 of the 737 men died. TU (ref: non-treatment) was associated with mortality; hazard ratio = 0.23, 95% confidence intervals = 0.14-0.40. Cox's regression models showed the above association to be independent of baseline age, waist circumference, hemoglobin A1c, lipids, blood pressure, smoking, and type 2 diabetes. These variables remained associated with mortality. We finally stratified the men by the high-risk baseline variables and established that the association between mortality and TU was only evident in men at higher risk. A possible explanation could lie with the "law of initial value," where greater improvements are evident following treatment in patients with worse baseline values.

CONCLUSIONS

This study with long follow-up confirms that TTh is associated with lower mortality in men with adult-onset TD. This association was evident only in men with greater cardio-metabolic risk factors who demonstrated greater benefit.

Testosterone: A Review for Orthopaedic Surgeons

» Testosterone replacement treatment (TRT) and anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use is common and possibly increasing.» Diagnosing and treating hypogonadism in men is controversial.» Hypogonadism and the use of AASs seem to have a detrimental effect on the musculoskeletal system. The current literature on TRT and the musculoskeletal system shows an increased risk of tendon injury.» There may be a role for testosterone supplementation in the postoperative period.

Testosterone replacement therapy and vascular thromboembolic events: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To evaluate the relationship between testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and arterial and/or venous thrombosis in patients with pre-treatment total testosterone (TT) <12 nmol l -1 , we performed a meta-analysis following the Population Intervention Comparison Outcome model. Population: men with TT <12 nmol l -1 or clear mention of hypogonadism in the inclusion criteria of patients; intervention: TRT; comparison: placebo or no therapy; outcomes: arterial thrombotic events (stroke, myocardial infarction [MI], upper limbs, and lower limbs), VTE (deep vein thrombosis [DVT], portal vein thrombosis, splenic thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism), and mortality. A total of 2423 abstracts were assessed for eligibility. Twenty-four studies, including 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), were finally included, with a total of 4027 and 310 288 hypotestosteronemic male patients, from RCTs and from observational studies, respectively. Based on RCT-derived data, TRT did not influence the risk of arterial thrombosis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-3.43, P = 0.64), stroke (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.09-18.97, P = 0.83), MI (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.11-2.31, P = 0.39), VTE (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.22-9.03, P = 0.71), pulmonary embolism (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 0.27-7.04, P = 0.70), and mortality (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.20-2.38, P = 0.56). Meanwhile, when only observational studies are considered, a significant reduction in the risk of developing arterial thrombotic events, MI, venous thromboembolism, and mortality was observed. The risk for DVT remains uncertain, due to the paucity of RCT-based data. TRT in men with TT <12 nmol l -1 is safe from the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Further studies specifically assessing the risk of DVT in men on TRT are needed.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Cardiovascular Disease: Balancing Safety and Risks in Hypogonadal Men

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to analyze the link between testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and adverse cardiovascular (CV) events. RECENT FINDINGS: A few published studies suggest a link between TRT and CV events. These studies contained flaws, and many other studies reveal a reduction in CV events. Hypogonadism is associated with increased mortality in men with CVD. TRT in hypogonadal men can improve many CVD risk factors, reduce QT interval prolongation, lead to better outcomes in heart failure patients, and slow the progression of atherosclerosis. The use of TRT to achieve physiologic testosterone concentrations in men does not pose a threat to CV health and has demonstrated a cardioprotective effect.

Major cardiovascular disease risk in men with testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism): appraisal of short, medium and long-term testosterone therapy - a narrative review

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.

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

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

Renin-Angiotensin System and Sex Differences in COVID-19: A Critical Assessment

The current epidemic of corona virus disease (COVID-19) has resulted in an immense health burden that became the third leading cause of death and potentially contributed to a decline in life expectancy in the United States. The severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 binds to the surface-bound peptidase angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2, EC 3.4.17.23) leading to tissue infection and viral replication. ACE2 is an important enzymatic component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) expressed in the lung and other organs. The peptidase regulates the levels of the peptide hormones Ang II and Ang-(1-7), which have distinct and opposing actions to one another, as well as other cardiovascular peptides. A potential consequence of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 infection is reduced ACE2 activity by internalization of the viral-ACE2 complex and subsequent activation of the RAS (higher ratio of Ang II:Ang-[1-7]) that may exacerbate the acute inflammatory events in COVID-19 patients and possibly contribute to the effects of long COVID-19. Moreover, COVID-19 patients present with an array of autoantibodies to various components of the RAS including the peptide Ang II, the enzyme ACE2, and the AT1 AT2 and Mas receptors. Greater disease severity is also evident in male COVID-19 patients, which may reflect underlying sex differences in the regulation of the 2 distinct functional arms of the RAS. The current review provides a critical evaluation of the evidence for an activated RAS in COVID-19 subjects and whether this system contributes to the greater severity of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 infection in males as compared with females.

Osteosarcopenia in NAFLD/MAFLD: An Underappreciated Clinical Problem in Chronic Liver Disease

Chronic liver disease (CLD), including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its advanced form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), affects a significant portion of the population worldwide. NAFLD is characterised by fat accumulation in the liver, while NASH is associated with inflammation and liver damage. Osteosarcopenia, which combines muscle and bone mass loss, is an emerging clinical problem in chronic liver disease that is often underappreciated. The reductions in muscle and bone mass share several common pathophysiological pathways; insulin resistance and chronic systemic inflammation are the most crucial predisposing factors and are related to the presence and gravity of NAFLD and to the worsening of the outcome of liver disease. This article explores the relationship between osteosarcopenia and NAFLD/MAFLD, focusing on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of this condition in patients with CLD.

Cardiovascular and metabolic actions of the androgens: Is testosterone a Janus-faced molecule?

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.

Testosterone replacement therapy and cardiovascular disease

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

American Association of Clinical Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guideline: Developing a Diabetes Mellitus Comprehensive Care Plan-2022 Update

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this clinical practice guideline is to provide updated and new evidence-based recommendations for the comprehensive care of persons with diabetes mellitus to clinicians, diabetes-care teams, other health care professionals and stakeholders, and individuals with diabetes and their caregivers.

METHODS

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology selected a task force of medical experts and staff who updated and assessed clinical questions and recommendations from the prior 2015 version of this guideline and conducted literature searches for relevant scientific papers published from January 1, 2015, through May 15, 2022. Selected studies from results of literature searches composed the evidence base to update 2015 recommendations as well as to develop new recommendations based on review of clinical evidence, current practice, expertise, and consensus, according to established American Association of Clinical Endocrinology protocol for guideline development.

RESULTS

This guideline includes 170 updated and new evidence-based clinical practice recommendations for the comprehensive care of persons with diabetes. Recommendations are divided into four sections: (1) screening, diagnosis, glycemic targets, and glycemic monitoring; (2) comorbidities and complications, including obesity and management with lifestyle, nutrition, and bariatric surgery, hypertension, dyslipidemia, retinopathy, neuropathy, diabetic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease; (3) management of prediabetes, type 2 diabetes with antihyperglycemic pharmacotherapy and glycemic targets, type 1 diabetes with insulin therapy, hypoglycemia, hospitalized persons, and women with diabetes in pregnancy; (4) education and new topics regarding diabetes and infertility, nutritional supplements, secondary diabetes, social determinants of health, and virtual care, as well as updated recommendations on cancer risk, nonpharmacologic components of pediatric care plans, depression, education and team approach, occupational risk, role of sleep medicine, and vaccinations in persons with diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

This updated clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations to assist with person-centered, team-based clinical decision-making to improve the care of persons with diabetes mellitus.

Testosterone in men with hypogonadism and transgender males: a systematic review comparing three different preparations

Testosterone therapy is the cornerstone in the care of men with hypogonadism and transgender males. Gel and intramuscular injections are most frequently used and are registered and included in the international guidelines. The specific preparation should be selected according to the patient's preference, cost, availability, and formulation-specific properties. As the majority of men with hypogonadism and transgender males require lifelong treatment with testosterone, it is important to utilize a regimen that is effective, safe, inexpensive, and convenient to use with optimal mimicking of the physiological situation. This systematic review reviews current literature on differences between the three most used testosterone preparations in adult men with hypogonadism and transgender males. Although it appeared hardly any comparative studies have been carried out, there are indications of differences between the preparations, for example, on the stability of testosterone levels, hematocrit, bone mineral density, and patient satisfaction. However, there are no studies on the effects of testosterone replacement on endpoints such as cardiovascular disease in relation to hematocrit or osteoporotic fractures in relation to bone mineral density. The effect of testosterone therapy on health-related quality of life is strongly underexposed in the reviewed studies, while this is a highly relevant outcome measure from a patient perspective. In conclusion, current recommendations on testosterone treatment appear to be based on data primarily from non-randomized clinical studies and observational studies. The availability of reliable comparative data between the different preparations will assist in the process of individual decision-making to choose the most suitable formula.

The role of testosterone in men's health: is it time for a new approach?

PURPOSE

Because of many unanswered questions regarding men's health, a literature review was performed to better understand the role of testosterone and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in the management of hypogonadism and aging related prostate gland diseases (ARPGD) including prostate cancer (PCa) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

METHODS

The PubMed database was screened for pertinent peer reviewed articles published during the last four decades that culminated in the positions and recommendations in this paper.

RESULTS

Hypogonadism seriously impacts men's health, and the diagnosis remains controversial. The incidence of ARPGD is projected to increase worldwide and treatment still has significant limitations. There is compelling evidence that lower, not higher, testosterone levels trigger the development of PCa and BPH through androgen receptor over-expression. TRT was found to be safe and effective in treating hypogonadism including in PCa survivors and those harboring PCa. There is also evidence that TRT might reduce the incidence and prevalence of ARPGD.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This review synthesizes a wide-ranging compendium of basic science and clinical research that strongly encourages altering the present approach to diagnosing and treating men with hypogonadism and ARPGD. These findings underscore the importance of avoiding significant testosterone decline and support the use of TRT. Ten recommendations are offered as a framework for the way forward. It is now time for clinicians, payers, researchers, funding agencies, professional associations, and patient advocacy groups to embrace this new paradigm to increase longevity and improve the quality of life.

Vascular dysfunction and increased cardiovascular risk in hypospadias

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.

Plasma Metabolomics Profile of "Insulin Sensitive" Male Hypogonadism after Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Male hypogonadism is a disorder characterized by low levels of testosterone, but patients can either show normal insulin (insulin-sensitive (IS)) or over time they can become insulin-resistant (IR). Since the two groups showed different altered metabolisms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) could achieve different results. In this paper, we analyzed plasma from 20 IS patients with low testosterone (<8 nmol/L) and HOMAi < 2.5. The samples, pre- and post-treatment with testosterone for 60 days, were analyzed by UHPLC and mass spectrometry. Glycolysis was significantly upregulated, suggesting an improved glucose utilization. Conversely, the pentose phosphate pathway was reduced, while the Krebs cycle was not used. Branched amino acids and carnosine metabolism were positively influenced, while β-oxidation of fatty acids (FFA) was not activated. Cholesterol, HDL, and lipid metabolism did not show any improvements at 60 days but did so later in the experimental period. Finally, both malate and glycerol shuttle were reduced. As a result, both NADH and ATP were significantly lower. Interestingly, a significant production of lactate was observed, which induced the activation of the Cori cycle between the liver and muscles, which became the main source of energy for these patients without involving alanine. Thus, the treatment must be integrated with chemicals which are not restored in order to reactivate energy production.

Sex steroids receptors, hypertension, and vascular ageing

Sex hormone receptors are expressed throughout the vasculature and play an important role in the modulation of blood pressure in health and disease. The functions of these receptors may be important in the understanding of sexual dimorphism observed in the pathophysiology of both hypertension and vascular ageing. The interconnectivity of these factors can be exemplified in postmenopausal females, who with age and estrogen deprivation, surpass males with regard to hypertension prevalence, despite experiencing significantly less disease burden in their estrogen replete youth. Estrogen and androgen receptors mediate their actions via direct genomic effects or rapid non-genomic signaling, involving a host of mediators. The expression and subtype composition of these receptors changes through the lifespan in response to age, disease and hormonal exposure. These factors may promote sex steroid receptor-mediated alterations to the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), and increases in oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby contributing to the development of hypertension and vascular injury with age.

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

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

Long-term testosterone undecanoate treatment in the elderly testosterone deficient male: An observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

Quarterly intramuscular injections with long-acting testosterone undecanoate (TU) provide stable serum testosterone concentrations over time and are therefore preferred by many testosterone-deficient patients. However, the use of long-acting TU in elderly patients is limited due to lack of safety and feasibility studies.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate long-acting TU pharmacokinetics and assess differences in treatment regimens and risk of adverse outcomes in younger versus elderly testosterone-deficient patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Single-center longitudinal observational study. Patients who initiated long-acting TU treatment between 2005 and 2010 were included. Elderly patients were born before 1956 and younger patients between 1965 and 1985. TU dose was adjusted yearly through shortening or prolongation of time between injections. Treatment targets were as follows: (1) free testosterone between 0 and -1 SD from the age-adjusted mean, (2) no symptoms of testosterone deficiency, and (3) hematocrit within the normal range.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 63 elderly and 63 younger patients. Median follow-up time during testosterone replacement was 12.1 years. Increasing intervals between TU injections were performed 44% more often in the elderly compared to younger patients and time between TU injections were prolonged 4% more in the elderly patients. The hematocrit, as well as the hematocrit for a given serum testosterone (hematocrit: testosterone ratio), increased with treatment time but did not differ between age groups. During follow-up, 40% of patients-both elderly and younger-experienced polycythemia. Risk of polycythemia did not differ with age.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

An increased number of adjustments of TU dose are necessary in elderly patients in order to reach treatment targets. TU treatment in elderly testosterone-deficient patients is not associated with an increased risk of polycythemia compared to younger patients if age-adjusted treatment targets are reached.

Estrogens and the regulation of glucose metabolism

The main estrogens: estradiol, estrone, and their acyl-esters have been studied essentially related to their classical estrogenic and pharmacologic functions. However, their main effect in the body is probably the sustained control of core energy metabolism. Estrogen nuclear and membrane receptors show an extraordinary flexibility in the modulation of metabolic responses, and largely explain gender and age differences in energy metabolism: part of these mechanisms is already sufficiently known to justify both. With regard to energy, the estrogen molecular species act essentially through four key functions: (1) Facilitation of insulin secretion and control of glucose availability; (2) Modulation of energy partition, favoring the use of lipid as the main energy substrate when more available than carbohydrates; (3) Functional protection through antioxidant mechanisms; and (4) Central effects (largely through neural modulation) on whole body energy management. Analyzing the different actions of estrone, estradiol and their acyl esters, a tentative classification based on structure/effects has been postulated. Either separately or as a group, estrogens provide a comprehensive explanation that not all their quite diverse actions are related solely to specific molecules. As a group, they constitute a powerful synergic action complex. In consequence, estrogens may be considered wardens of energy homeostasis.

The serum levels of testosterone in coronary artery disease patients; relation to NO, eNOS, endothelin-1, and disease severity

OBJECTIVES

The changes in testosterone level and its correlation with the endothelial nitric oxide systems balance in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) remains uncertain. Therefore, in our study, we aimed to evaluate the levels of testosterone, endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), and endothelial NOS (eNOS) in CAD patients, and control group to find the relationship between these parameters and disease severity.

METHODS

Forty-four patients as CAD group with significant (≥50%) stenosis confirmed by angiography was included in the study, and 40 healthy men were included as the control group. According to the number of vessels obstruction, CAD severity was determined. The serum indicated parameters were assessed to discriminate between patients and controls.

RESULTS

It was found that testosterone levels in the CDA group were significantly lower than those of the control group (p<0.05). In addition, the level of ET-1 in the CAD group was higher than that in the control group, but levels of NO and eNOS in observation were significantly lower than those in the control group (p<0.05). The correlation analysis revealed that testosterone was passivity correlated with serum NO levels (r=0.550, p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study reports that serum levels of testosterone are closely related to endothelial NO levels and might be of relevance to the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction and disease severity in CAD patients.

The genetics of testosterone contributes to "femaleness/maleness" of cardiometabolic traits and type 2 diabetes

The genetic architecture of testosterone is highly distinct between sexes. Moreover, obesity is associated with higher testosterone in females but lower testosterone in males. Here, we ask whether male-specific testosterone variants are associated with a male pattern of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in females, and vice versa. In the UK Biobank, we conducted sex-specific genome-wide association studies and computed polygenic scores for total (PGS_TT) and bioavailable testosterone (PGS_BT). We tested sex-congruent and sex-incongruent associations between sex-specific PGS_Ts and metabolic traits, as well as T2D diagnosis. Female-specific PGS_BT was associated with an elevated cardiometabolic risk and probability of T2D, in both sexes. Male-specific PGS_TT was associated with traits conferring a lower cardiometabolic risk and probability of T2D, in both sexes. We demonstrate the value in considering polygenic testosterone as sex-related continuous traits, in each sex.

Cardiovascular Disease, Hypogonadism and Erectile Dysfunction: Early Detection, Prevention and the Positive Effects of Long-Term Testosterone Treatment: Prospective Observational, Real-Life Data

Purpose

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is associated with testosterone deficiency and is a symptom of functional hypogonadism. A correlation between ED and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been recognized, and ED has been proposed as an early marker of CVD. However, the relationship between ED and CVD risk in hypogonadism requires clarification and whether testosterone therapy (TTh) can be a beneficial treatment strategy, but long-term data are limited. This study investigates long-term TTh in men with hypogonadism and ED with a history of CVD.

Methods

Seventy-seven patients with a history of CVD and diagnosed with functional hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction (erectile function domain score <21 on the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF questions 1–5)) were enrolled and TTh effects on anthropometric and metabolic parameters investigated for a maximum duration of 12 years. All men received long-acting injections of testosterone undecanoate at 3-monthly intervals. Eight-year data were analysed. Data collection registry started in November 2004 till January 2015.

Results

In hypogonadal men receiving TTh, IIEF increased by 5.4 (p<0.001). Total weight loss was 23.6 ± 0.6 kg after 8 years. HbA1c had declined by an average of 2.0% (P<0.0001). Total cholesterol levels significantly declined following TTh after only 1 year (P<0.0001), and HDL increased from 1.6±0.5 at baseline to 2±0.5 mmol/L following 8 years of TTh (P<0.0001). SBP decreased from 164±14 at baseline to 133±9 mmHg, signifying a reduction of 33±1 mmHg (P<0.0001).

Conclusion

In hypogonadal men with a history of CVD, TTh improves and preserves erectile function over prolonged periods with concurrent sustained improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors. Measuring ED and testosterone status may serve as an important male health indicator predicting subsequent CVD-related events and mortality and TTh may be an effective add-on treatment in secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in hypogonadal men with a history of CVD.

The impact of long-term Testosterone Therapy (TTh) in renal function (RF) among hypogonadal men: An observational cohort study

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.

Male hypogonadism: therapeutic choices and pharmacological management

Male hypogonadism, defined as an inadequate testosterone production, recognizes a testicular (primary hypogonadism) or a hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction (central hypogonadism), although combined forms can also occur. Moreover, it has been known that intensive exercise training might be a cause of functional hypogonadism. Many therapeutic choices are currently available, depending on the timing of hypogonadism onset and fertility issue. The aim of this review was to comprehensively supply therapeutic options and schemes currently available for male hypogonadism, including pharmacological management of primary and central forms. Evidence on testosterone formulations, human chorionic gonadotropin, selective estrogen receptor modulators and aromatase inhibitors will be provided.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Hypogonadal Men and Myocardial Infarction Risk: Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has become increasingly popular over the years and there has been an increasing debate on whether testosterone replacement should be offered to older men due to its association with cardiovascular events. In this study, we evaluated the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) associated with TRT in hypogonadal men through a meta-analysis. We carried out the analysis by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and conducted a literature search utilizing the following databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane Library trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The search strategy resulted in a total of 782 articles, after applying our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Six observational studies and two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included for the analysis. A total of 55,806 hypogonadal men with baseline testosterone levels <300ng/mL were included in the analysis. The intervention group received testosterone in various routes including transdermal patches, gels, mouth patches, testosterone injections, and deposits. The incidence of MI was taken to be the primary measure outcomes. The pooled data from eight studies showed MI incidence in 249 out of 11,720 (2.1%) in the TRT group and 1420 out of 33,086 (4.3%) in the control group. The pooled OD showed no statistically significant association of TRT and MI compared to the control group (OR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.36-1.31; p=0.48). The model revealed high heterogeneity with I2 =79%. With sensitivity analysis and, excluding two studies out of the eight, the pooled data was able to achieve low heterogeneity with I2 = 0%. The newly pooled data from six studies showed MI incidence in 226 out of 10,137 (2.2%) in the TRT group and 969 out of 36,304 (2.7%) in the control group. The pooled OD shows no statistical significance in the association between TRT treatment and MI compared to the control group. (OR =0.87, 95% CI 0.75-1.01; P =0.08). It appears that TRT does not increase the risk of MI as compared to the non-intervention group. Further RCTs with greater population size are needed that could produce more solid results, allowing more definitive conclusions to be made on this topic.

Testosterone Deficiency, Long-Term Testosterone Therapy, and Inflammation

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the association of testosterone deficiency with inflammation and how long-term testosterone therapy affects inflammation biomarkers over time.

METHODS

We conducted a 2-component study. First, we conducted a cross-sectional study using the recently released 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data to examine the association between testosterone deficiency and inflammation biomarkers including high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the US general population. Then we conducted a longitudinal study to investigate the longitudinal effect of testosterone therapy on inflammation biomarkers and the risk of cardiovascular events, using data from 776 hypogonadal men based on a registry study in Germany with up to 11 years' follow-up.

RESULTS

The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) describing the associations between testosterone deficiency and hsCRP ≥ 3mg/L, ALT > 40U/L, and AST > 40U/L were 1.81 (P-value < 0.001), 1.46 (P-value = 0.009), and 0.99 (P-value = 0.971), respectively. In the control group, CRP, ALT, and AST levels increased by 0.003 (95%CI: -0.001, 0.007) mg/L, 0.157 U/L (95%CI: 0.145, 0.170), and 0.147 (95%CI: 0.136, 0.159) U/L per month, while in the treatment group, CRP, ALT, and AST levels decreased by 0.05 (95%CI: -0.055, -0.046) mg/L, 0.142 U/L (95%CI: -0.154, -0.130), and 0.148 (95%CI: -0.158, -0.137) U/L per month.

CONCLUSION

Testosterone deficiency was associated with an increased level of inflammation; long-term testosterone therapy alleviated inflammation among hypogonadal men, which may contribute to the reduced cardiovascular risk. Future large trials are warranted to confirm our observational study findings.

Effects of a Novel Oral Testosterone Undecanoate on Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Hypogonadal Men

BACKGROUND

Testosterone replacement therapies may increase blood pressure (BP) with chronic use but the mechanism is not clear. TLANDO™ is a new oral testosterone undecanoate (TU) under development for the treatment of male hypogonadism.

METHODS

We studied the effects of the TU at 225 mg twice daily on ambulatory BP (ABP) and heart rate, in 138 men with hypogonadism (mean age, 54 years, 79% white, 48% with hypertension). Ambulatory BP and heart rate and hematologic assessments were obtained at baseline and following 4-months of therapy.

RESULTS

Changes from baseline in ambulatory 24-hour, awake, and sleep systolic BP (SBP) of 3.8 (P < 0.001), 5.2 (P < 0.001), and 4.3 mmHg (P = 0.004) were observed post-treatment, respectively. Lesser changes in the diastolic BP (DBP) were observed (1.2 (P = 0.009), 1.7 (P = 0.004), and 1.7 mmHg (P = 0.011) for 24-hour, awake, and sleep, respectively). Hematocrit and hemoglobin were increased by 3.2% and 0.9 g/dL (P < 0.001), respectively. In those men in the top quartile of changes in hematocrit (range of 6% to 14%), the largest increases in ambulatory SBP (mean, 8.3 mmHg) were observed, whereas the changes in ambulatory SBP in the lower 3 quartiles were smaller (mean, 1.9, 3.3, and 2.1 mmHg in 1st, 2nd and 3 rd quartiles, respectively).

CONCLUSION

These data demonstrate that small increases in ABP occurred following 4 months of the oral TU. For those men whose hematocrit rose by >6%, BP increases were of greater clinical relevance. Hence, hematocrit may aid in predicting the development of BP increases on testosterone therapy.

CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT03868059.

[Practical recommendations for the management of testosterone deficiency]

OBJECTIVES

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

These recommendations should help improve the management of TD.

Testosterone replacement therapy in hypogonadal male patients with hypogonadism and heart failure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

BACKGROUND

The recently published guidelines of the European Academy of Andrology (EAA) recommended not to prescribe testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in male patients with hypotestosteronemia and severe heart failure (HF) [New York Hearth Association (NYHA) class III and IV] since the risk in these patients has not been formally documented. Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the risk of TRT on the cardiac function and angina, in male patients with hypotestosteronemia and HF or coronary heart disease.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on male patients with hypotestosteronemia and chronic HF (ejection fraction <40%) or stable angina documenting the effect of TRT on NYHA class, left ventricula ejection fraction (LVEF), adverse events, ST depression and other indexes of cardiovascular function.

RESULTS

Seven articles were included, for a total of 140 participants with HF (71 on TRT and 69 on placebo or no treatment). Included patients were of NYHA class II and III. TRT had no effect on death and rehospitalization rates of patients with HF and significantly delayed the time to ischemia in patients with chronic angina. TRT had not effect on the NYHA class, the LVEF, and on the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire. Although a significant increase of oxygen consumption was found in the TRT group, no improvement to the physical exercise tolerance tests was observed. TRT showed no effect on systolic nor diastolic blood pressure, but it significantly ameliorated the heart rate. It significantly decreased the insulin serum levels and the HOMA index.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest the safety of TRT, in patients with hypotestosteronemia and severe HF (class NYHA II and III). Although deriving from a limited number of studies, these data could prompt to perform other RCTs on the effects of TRT in patients with hypotestosteronemia and severe HFrEF (NYHA class III).

Glycemic benefits with adherence to testosterone therapy in men with hypogonadism and type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

While previous studies have demonstrated testosterone's beneficial effects on glycemic control in men with hypogonadism and Type 2 Diabetes, the extent to which these improvements are observed based on the degree of treatment adherence has been unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of long-term testosterone therapy in A1C levels in men with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and hypogonadism, controlling for BMI, pre-treatment A1C, and age among different testosterone therapy adherence groups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 1737 men with diabetes and hypogonadism on testosterone therapy for 5 years of data from 2008-2018, isolating A1C, lipid panels, and BMI results for analysis. Subjects were categorized into adherence groups based on quartiles of the proportion of days covered (> 75% of days, 51-75% of days, 26-50% of days and 0-25% of days), with >75% of days covered considered adherent to therapy.

RESULTS

Pre-treatment median A1C was 6.8%. Post-treatment median A1C was 7.1%. The adherent group, >75%, was the only group notable for a decrease in A1C, with a median decrease of -0.2 (p = 0.0022). BMI improvement was associated with improved post-treatment A1C (p = 0.007). When controlling for BMI, age, and pre-treatment A1C, the >75% adherence group was associated with improved post-treatment A1C (p < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

When controlling for all studied variables, testosterone adherence was associated with improved post-treatment A1C. The higher the initial A1C at the initiation of therapy, the higher the potential for lowering the patient's A1C with >75% adherence. Further, all groups showed some reduction in BMI, which may indicate that testosterone therapy may affect A1C independent of weight loss.

CONCLUSION

Even when controlling for improved BMI, pre-treatment A1C, and age, testosterone positively impacted glycemic control in diabetes patients with hypogonadism, with the most benefit noted in those most adherent to therapy (>75%).

Testosterone Therapy and Cardiovascular Risk: A Critical Analysis of Studies Reporting Increased Risk

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.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and sarcopenia: pathophysiological connections and therapeutic implications

INTRODUCTION

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently one of the most common liver diseases worldwide. Recent data suggest that loss of skeletal muscle mass and function (i.e. sarcopenia) is highly prevalent and frequently overlooked in NAFLD patients. Experimental and clinical data suggest that the relationship between NAFLD and sarcopenia is pathophysiologically complex and bi-directional and there is a growing interest in unveiling how sarcopenia could influence NAFLD development and progression.

AREAS COVERED

PubMed/MEDLINE was searched for articles related to concomitant occurrence of NAFLD and sarcopenia between January 2013 and April 2020. Areas covered in this review include: (1) updated sarcopenia diagnosis strategy, (2) discussion of current data on pathophysiological connections between NAFLD and sarcopenia, and (3) analysis of current and future therapeutic implications of this knowledge.

EXPERT OPINION

Clinical studies describe a consistent association between NAFLD and sarcopenia, although a cause-effect relation remains to be determined. Active implementation of current diagnosis algorithms and optimized treatment can prevent sarcopenia related complications in subjects with NAFLD. Pathogenic pathways implicated in this relation are multiple and complex, a better understanding of them can provide novel biomarkers and targeted therapies that will hopefully have an important impact in NAFLD management.

Can myocardial performance index predict early cardiac risks in erectile dysfunction?

Myocardial performance index (MPI) is an easy-to-apply and non-invasive method that shows both systolic and diastolic functions of the heart. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED) and MPI. Methods: The study included 45 male patients admitted to the urology outpatient clinic for ED and 48 healthy male volunteers. Echocardiographic evaluation of all participants was performed. Isovolumetric contraction time (IVCT), isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) and ejection time (ET) were measured. MPI was calculated using the IVCT + IVRT/ET formula. Results: The average age of the study population was 50 ± 5.3. Early diastolic mitral inflow (E)/late diastolic mitral inflow (A) ratio was significantly lower in the ED group (p ≤ 0.05). In the TDI evaluation between the groups, while early diastolic mitral annular velocity (Em) was significantly higher in the ED group, there was no significant difference in late diastolic mitral annular velocity (Am) and systolic peak velocities (Sm) (p < 0.01 and p = 0.417 and p = 0.092, respectively). While IVRT was significantly lower in the ED group (p < 0.05), there was no significant difference in IVCT and ET (p = 311 and p = 0.261, respectively). MPI was statistically significantly higher in the ED group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: ED has been found to affect MPI. This parameter, which is easily and non-invasively measured, can be used to predict the risk of CVDs in ED.

Mobility and Biomechanical Functions in the Aging Male: Testosterone and the Locomotive Syndrome

In the current aging society, the occurrence of the locomotive syndrome, a condition in which the locomotive organs are impaired, is increasing. The locomotive system includes support (bones), mobility and impact absorption (joints and intervertebral disks), drive and control (muscles, nerves), and network (blood vessels). The impairment of any of those systems can lead to a major decrease in quality of life. In recent years, several studies on methods to improve and prevent conditions impairing the locomotive syndrome have been conducted. Almost in parallel with the structure supporting mobility and body functions, testosterone levels decrease with age. Testosterone is a hormone-regulating several pathways affecting each aspect of the locomotive syndrome. Testosterone is regulated by the pituitary gland triggering several processes in the body through genomic and non-genomic pathways, affecting muscles, bones, nerves, joints, intervertebral discs, and blood vessels. The purpose of this review is to investigate the role of testosterone in each of the systems involved in the locomotive syndrome.

Association between metabolic syndrome, hepatic steatosis, and testosterone deficiency: evidences from studies with men and rodents

Testosterone is the predominant androgen in men and the lack of it can be a trigger to the development of the metabolic syndrome. Here we review the relationship between testosterone deficiency, metabolic syndrome, and hepatic steatosis reported by studies with men and rodents. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and testosterone deficiency is higher among older subjects. Low total and free testosterone levels were positively associated with disturbs on energy metabolism, changes in body fat distribution, and body composition. Studies reported visceral fat accumulation in men with hypogonadism and castrated rats. Despite some contradictions, the association between higher adiposity, low testosterone, and metabolic syndrome was a common point among the studies. Few studies evaluated the hepatic steatosis and found an association with hypogonadism. Most of the studies with rodents combined the castration with a high-fat diet to study metabolic disturbs. The importance of proper levels of testosterone for energy metabolism homeostasis in men was also underlined by studies that investigated the metabolic effects of testosterone replacement therapy and androgen deprivation therapy.

Recent testosterone drop-off and risk of cardiovascular events

Low baseline testosterone level has been associated with the development of risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as insulin resistance and obesity. In addition to the absolute testosterone level, remarkable changes in testosterone level may have an acute effect on cardiovascular disease development and progression, which has been rarely investigated. In this study, we used a clinical dataset of 376 hypogonadal men whose testosterone levels were measured every six months for up to 11 years from a registry study in Germany, and conducted survival analyses to investigate the effect of testosterone changes since the last visit (time-varying) on the risk of cardiovascular events. Given the potential discrepancies in comorbidity conditions among patients with prior cardiovascular events and those without, all the analyses were stratified by patients' prior cardiovascular event status. We found the effects were not different among patients with prior cardiovascular events and those without. Regardless of patients' prior cardiovascular event status, patients with larger testosterone declines (≥3.12 nmol/L, 90^th percentile) since the last visit were more likely to experience myocardial infarction. In conclusion, recent pronounced testosterone drop-offs may affect the risk of cardiovascular events among hypogonadal men. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm our exploratory study findings.

Remission of type 2 diabetes following long-term treatment with injectable testosterone undecanoate in patients with hypogonadism and type 2 diabetes: 11-year data from a real-world registry study

AIMS

To investigate whether testosterone therapy (TTh) in men with hypogonadism and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) improves glycaemic control and insulin sensitivity, and results in remission of T2DM.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 356 men who had total testosterone levels ≤12.1 nmol/L (350 ng/dL) and symptoms of hypogonadism were included in the study and followed up for 11 years. All patients received standard diabetes treatment and 178 patients additionally received parenteral testosterone undecanoate 1000 mg every 12 weeks following an initial 6-week interval. A control group comprised 178 hypogonadal patients who opted not to receive TTh.

RESULTS

Patients with hypogonadism and T2DM treated with testosterone had significant progressive and sustained reductions in fasting glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting insulin over the treatment period. In the control group, fasting glucose, HbA1c and fasting insulin increased. Among the patients treated with testosterone 34.3% achieved remission of their diabetes and 46.6% of patients achieved normal glucose regulation. Of the testosterone-treated group, 83.1% reached the HbA1c target of 47.5 mmol/mol (6.5%) and 90% achieved the HbA1c target of 53.0 mmol/mol (7%). In contrast, no remission of diabetes or reductions in glucose or HbA1c levels were noted in the control group. There were fewer deaths, myocardial infarctions, strokes and diabetic complications in the testosterone-treated group.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term TTh in men with T2DM and hypogonadism improves glycaemic control and insulin resistance. Remission of diabetes occurred in one-third of the patients. TTh is potentially a novel additional therapy for men with T2DM and hypogonadism.

Metabolic Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus or Metabolic Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is commonly used for the treatment of hypogonadism in men, which is often associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome (Mets). Recent compiling evidence shows that TRT has beneficial metabolic effects on these patients.

OBJECTIVE

A meta-analysis has been conducted to evaluate the effects of TRT on cardiovascular metabolic factors.

METHODS

We conducted a systemic search on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, and CNKI and selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to include. The efficacy of TRT on glycemia, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and body weight was meta-analyzed by Review Manager.

RESULTS

A total of 18 RCTs, containing 1415 patients (767 in TRT and 648 in control), were enrolled for the meta-analysis. The results showed that TRT could reduce HbA1c (MD = -0.67, 95% CI -1.35, -0.19, and P=0.006) and improve HOMA-IR (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance) (SMD = -1.94, 95% CI -2.65, -1.23, and P < 0.0001). TRT could also decrease low-density lipoprotein (SMD = -0.50, 95% CI -0.82, -0.90, and P=0.002) and triglycerides (MD = -0.64, 95% CI -0.91, -0.36, and P < 0.0001). In addition, TRT could reduce body weight by 3.91 kg (MD = -3.91, 95% CI -4.14, -3.69, and P < 0.00001) and waist circumference by 2.8 cm (MD -2.80, 95% CI -4.38, -1.21 and P=0.0005). Erectile dysfunction (measured by IIEF-5) did not improve, while aging-related symptoms (measured by AMS scores) significantly improved.

CONCLUSIONS

TRT improves glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and lipid parameters in hypogonadism patients with T2DM and MetS, partially through reducing central obesity.

The causes of adverse changes of testosterone levels in men

INTRODUCTION

As men age, progressive testosterone deficiency syndrome becomes an increasingly common problem. However, the decreased testosterone levels are not only the result of advanced age.

AREAS COVERED

PubMed search of published data on testosterone, nutritional deficiency, stress, sleep, and obesity. Many factors impact the male HPG axis (the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal), including body weight, calorific and nutritional value of a diet, the amount and quality of sleep, as well as the level of stress. In the case of persons of healthy weight, a below-average calorific value of a diet may decrease the levels of testosterone in men. On the other hand, the same caloric deficiency in obese persons may result in a neutral or positive impact on testosterone levels.

EXPERT OPINION

Many factors, including external, environmental and internal factors, influence testosterone levels. Undoubtedly, nutritional deficiency, and particularly of such nutrients as zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, together with low polyphenols intake, affects the HPG axis. The levels of mental and oxidative stress can also adversely impact the axis. Hence, a diagnosis of the cause of disturbance in testosterone levels depends on many factors and requires a broad range of research, as well as a change of patients' lifestyle.

Hypogonadal hypertension in male Sprague-Dawley rats is renin-angiotensin system-dependent: role of endogenous androgens

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.

Hypogonadism management and cardiovascular health

In the early days of its use, testosterone therapy faced skepticism regarding its safety and efficacy. After a converging consensus that testosterone therapy was safe and effective for the treatment of hypogonadism, several recent studies showed adverse cardiovascular outcomes associated with testosterone treatment, ultimately resulting in a mandated FDA label warning about the unknown safety of testosterone therapy. Given the clear efficacy of testosterone therapy in the treatment of hypogonadism, establishing the safety of this therapeutic tool is essential. This article summarizes the current evidence regarding the cardiovascular safety of testosterone therapy for the management of hypogonadism, as well as the proposed mechanisms that may explain testosterone's underlying effects.

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction in Hypertensive Patients: The Need for Good Patient Management

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as a man’s consistent or recurrent inability to attain and/or maintain penile erection enough for successful vaginal intercourse. ED affects a large part of the population, increasing its incidence with age and comorbidities. It is estimated by the year 2025, 322 million men will suffer from ED. Incidence of ED has been related not only to chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, hyperlipidemia, psychiatric diseases or urinary tract diseases, but also to hypertension and especially to antihypertensive treatments. This review summarizes current knowledge about the management of ED in hypertensive men and its role as cardiovascular disease predictor.

Testosterone therapy may reduce prostate cancer risk due to testosterone deficiency at a young age via stabilizing serum testosterone levels

Objectives: To investigate whether testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) reduces prostate cancer (PCa) risk via stabilizing serum testosterone (T) levels beyond simply elevating serum T levels and whether TRT reduces PCa risk due to low serum T levels at a young age.Methods: We analyzed data of 776 hypogonadal men from a urology center in Bremerhaven, Germany through 2004-2016 to investigate whether the TRT group has more stable T levels and whether TRT can reduce the risk of PCa due to low serum T levels at an early age. We derived an index, Maximum Decline of T Relative to Baseline (MDRB), to describe the magnitude of T declines and variations over time.Results: We found the TRT group has more stable serum T levels (e.g. smaller drop-offs) during the follow-up period as compared to the non-TRT group, and the mean of MDRB is significantly higher in the untreated group (1.553 nmol/L VS 0.013 nmol/L; p-value < .001). TRT significantly reduces the risk of PCa associated with T deficiency at a young age (p-value = .00087).Conclusions: TRT may reduce PCa risk via maintaining serum T levels within individual's normal range; T surveillance may be needed for males who have low serum T levels at a young age to monitor abnormal variations of T levels and ensure timely treatment when necessary to reduce PCa risk.