Effects of Testosterone Treatment on Quality of Life in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

Testosterone therapy for functional hypogonadism in middle-aged and elderly males: current evidence and future perspectives

Population aging is a global phenomenon driving research focus toward preventing and managing age-related disorders. Functional hypogonadism (FH) has been defined as the combination of low testosterone levels, typically serum total testosterone below 300-350 ng/dL, together with manifestations of hypogonadism, in the absence of an intrinsic pathology of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis. It is usually seen in middle-aged or elderly males as a product of aging and multimorbidity. This age-related decline in testosterone levels has been associated with numerous adverse outcomes. Testosterone therapy (TTh) is the mainstay of treatment for organic hypogonadism with an identifiable intrinsic pathology of the HPT axis. Current guidelines generally make weak recommendations for TTh in patients with FH, mostly in the presence of sexual dysfunction. Concerns about long-term safety have historically limited TTh use in middle-aged and elderly males with FH. However, recent randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated safe long-term outcomes regarding prostatic and cardiovascular health, together with decreases in all-cause mortality and improvements in various domains, including sexual function, body composition, physical strength, bone density, and hematopoiesis. Furthermore, there are numerous insightful studies suggesting additional benefits of TTh, for instance in cardio-renal-metabolic conditions. Specifically, future trials should investigate the role of TTh in improving symptoms and prognosis in various clinical contexts, including sarcopenia, frailty, dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, fracture risk, heart failure, stable angina, chronic kidney disease, mood disorders, and cognitive dysfunction.

Testosterone deficiency in men with end stage renal disease and kidney transplantation: a narrative review

Testosterone deficiency is a prevalent condition that frequently affects individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and those who have undergone renal transplantation. While the etiology of this condition is complex, its implications in this population are far-reaching, impacting various domains such as endocrine profile, sexual and erectile function, bone mineral density (BMD), anemia, and graft survival following renal transplantation. Herein, we review the most recent literature exploring the pathophysiology of testosterone deficiency in ESRD and renal transplant patients, examining its diverse effects on this demographic, and assessing the advantages of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Existing evidence suggests that TRT is a safe intervention in ESRD and renal transplant patients, demonstrating improvements across multiple domains. Despite valuable insights from numerous studies, a critical need persists for larger, high-quality prospective studies to comprehensively grasp the nuances of TRT, especially in this vulnerable population. Proactive screening and treatment of testosterone deficiency may prove beneficial, emphasizing the urgency for further research in this area.

Is There a Two-Way Risk between Decreased Testosterone Levels and the Progression and Prognosis of Chronic Kidney Disease? A Cohort Study Based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Database

PURPOSE

The causal relationship between the incidence and prognosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and serum testosterone levels in patients is not yet fully understood. This study aims to use the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a large-scale nationally representative sample, to investigate the relationship between CKD and testosterone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included six NHANES cycles for linear regression analysis, verified by multiple imputation methods. Stratified analysis and subgroup analysis were used to demonstrate the stability of CKD's effect on testosterone. Furthermore, we used Kaplan-Meier plots and log-rank tests to evaluate differences in survival rates between CKD male patients with low and normal levels of testosterone.

RESULTS

From a total of 71,163 subjects, the cohort selected 28,663 eligible participants. Results showed that CKD patients had testosterone levels 28.423 ng/mL (24.762, 32.083) lower than non-CKD patients. The results of multiple imputations (β=27.700, 95% confidence interval: 23.427, 31.974) were consistent with those of linear regression analysis, and the numerical match was good. Stratified regression analysis, and subgroup analysis results showed that CKD had a significant impact on testosterone at different dimensions. Kaplan-Meier plots showed significantly reduced survival rates in low testosterone CKD male patients (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this big data analysis suggest that there may be a two-way risk between low levels of testosterone and CKD. The testosterone levels of CKD patients were significantly lower than those of the non-CKD population, and CKD patients with low testosterone levels had poorer prognoses. These results suggest that correcting testosterone levels in a timely manner can have preventive and therapeutic effects on the progression of CKD.

Nutrition Management in Geriatric Patients with CKD

Sarcopenia, defined as age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass and functional capacity, is a hallmark nutritional abnormality observed in patients with moderate-to-advanced CKD. Uremic state and associated medical conditions also predispose older patients with CKD to protein-energy wasting, a nutritional abnormality that could include sarcopenia. Prevention of protein and energy depletion and replenishing the already low nutritional reserves elderly patients with CKD should focus on conventional and innovative strategies. This review aims to provide an overview of the mainstay of nutritional therapy in this patient population, such as intake of adequate amounts of protein and energy along with preserving fluid, electrolyte, and mineral balance, and to discuss more innovative interventions to aid these approaches.

Low Testosterone Level and Risk of Adverse Clinical Events among Male Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies

The phenomenon of low testosterone level is extremely common in male patients with chronic kidney diseases (CKDs). This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether the low circulating testosterone could independently predict adverse outcomes among male patients with chronic kidney diseases (CKDs). The data till May 2022 were systematically searched from Pubmed, Web of Science, and Embase from inception. Studies meeting the PICOS (population, intervention/exposure, control/comparison, outcomes, and study design) principles were included in this meta-analysis. Study-specific effect estimates were pooled using fixed-effects (I² > 50%) or random-effects models (I² < 50%). Ultimately, 9 cohort studies covering 5331 patients with CKDs were involved in this meta-analysis. The results suggested that per 1-standard deviation (SD) decrease in total testosterone independently increased the risk of all-cause mortality by 27% [hazard risk (HR) 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16–1.38], cardiovascular mortality by 100% (HR 2.00, 95% CI 1.39–2.86), cardiovascular events by 20% (HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.04–1.39), and infectious events by 41% (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.08–1.84). Besides, with per 1-SD decrease in free testosterone, the risk of overall adverse events increased by 66% (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.34–2.05). Stratified analyses indicated that the negative relationship of the total testosterone with all-cause death risk was independent of factors involving age, race, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, C-reactive protein, creatinine, and sex hormone binding globulin. In conclusion, it was identified that low endogenous testosterone could serve as an independent predictor of adverse clinical events among male patients with CKDs.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

(Background) The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in men with chronic kidney disease and hypogonadism on conservative and hemodialysis treatment. (Methods) The studied population consisted of 38 men on hemodialysis (HD), 46 men with CKD stages II-IV (predialysis group, PreD) and 35 men without kidney disease who were similar in age to others (control group). Serum total testosterone level (TT) was measured, and free testosterone level (fT) was calculated. Hypogonadism criteria according to the EAU definition were fulfilled by 26 men on HD (68.4%) and by 24 men from the PreD group (52%). Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) with testosterone enanthate in intramuscular injections every 3 weeks was applied in 15 men from HD and in 14 men from PreD. The safety of TRT was monitored by measuring PSA and overhydration. (Results) A significant rise of TT and fT was observed after 3 months of TRT, but no significant changes were observed after 6 and 12 months in the HD and PreD group. An intensity of clinical symptoms of hypogonadism measured by ADAM (androgen deficiency in the ageing male) questionnaire gradually decreased, and the intensity of erectile dysfunction measured by the IIEF-5 (international index of erectile functioning) questionnaire also decreased after 3, 6 and 12 months of TRT in the HD and PreD group. (Conclusions) The applied model of TRT is effective in the correction of clinical signs of hypogonadism without a significant risk of overhydration or PSA changes.

Testosterone Deficiency as One of the Major Endocrine Disorders in Chronic Kidney Disease

Reduced testosterone concentration is nowadays thought to be one of the main endocrine disorders in chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is caused by the dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The role of testosterone is multifactorial. Testosterone is responsible not only for reproductive processes, but it is a hormone which increases bone and muscle mass, improves lipid profile, insulin sensitivity, erythropoiesis, reduces blood pressure, and ameliorates mood and perception. The implications of hypogonadism in CKD are infertility and loss of libido, reduction of muscle mass and strength, disorders in bone mineralization, the development of sarcopenia and protein energy wasting (PEW), progression of atherosclerosis, increased visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, and anaemia. Reduced testosterone serum concentrations in CKD are associated with increased mortality rate. Testosterone supplementation improves sexual functions, reduces the level of inflammatory markers and blood pressure, stimulates muscle protein synthesis, improves insulin sensitivity and lipid profile, and increases muscle mass, bone mineral density, and haemoglobin concentration. It positively affects mood and well-being. The modes of testosterone supplementation are intramuscular injections, subcutaneous pellets, and percutaneous methods—patches and gels. Successful kidney transplantation may improve gonadal function and testosterone production, however, half of men with low testosterone concentrations before kidney transplantation do not restore hormonal function.

Does Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy Increase the Risk of Kidney Disease?

Kidney health and manifestation of disease in transgender men, women, and nonbinary individuals are not well understood. Transgender individuals commonly receive gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) to align their outward appearance with their gender. Recent attention to the differences in fundamental kidney parameters has identified that transgender individuals may manifest levels of these biomarkers differently than their cisgender counterparts. Improving understanding of the differences in biomarkers and in the development of kidney disease is essential to providing appropriate kidney care to this vulnerable population. In this review, we introduce the current information related to GAHT and kidney health and highlight the significant gaps in our understanding of how GAHT may affect kidney physiology and pathophysiology.

Multifaceted Sexual Dysfunction in Dialyzing Men and Women: Pathophysiology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics

Patient survival continues to increase with the growing quality of dialysis and management of chronic kidney disease (CKD). As such, chronic therapy must include considerations of quality of life (QOL), and this includes the disproportionate prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) in this patient population. This review aims to describe the pathophysiological and the psychosocial causes of SD with regard to renal replacement therapy, particularly hemo- and peritoneal dialysis. The differences in its manifestation in men and women are compared, including hormonal imbalances—and therefore fertility, libido, and sexual satisfaction—the experience of depression and anxiety, and QOL. The impact of comorbidities and the iatrogenic causes of SD are described. This review also presents validated scales for screening and diagnosis of SD in CKD patients and outlines novel therapies and strategies for the effective management of SD. Increased prevalence of CKD invariably increases the number of patients with SD, and it is crucial for health care professional teams to become familiar with the clinical tools used to manage this sensitive and under-quantified field. As a known predictor of QOL, sexual function should become a point of focus in the pursuit of patient-centered care, particularly as we seek to achieve as “normal” a life as possible for individuals who receive dialysis.

Testosterone Disorders and Male Hypogonadism in Kidney Disease

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