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Green DJ, Chasland LC, Naylor LH, Yeap BB. New Horizons: Testosterone or Exercise for Cardiometabolic Health in Older Men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:2141-2153. [PMID: 36964918 PMCID: PMC10438896 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Middle-aged and older men have typically accumulated comorbidities, are increasingly sedentary, and have lower testosterone concentrations (T) compared to younger men. Reduced physical activity (PA) and lower T both are associated with, and may predispose to, metabolically adverse changes in body composition, which contribute to higher risks of cardiometabolic disease. Exercise improves cardiometabolic health, but sustained participation is problematic. By contrast, rates of T prescription have increased, particularly in middle-aged and older men without organic diseases of the hypothalamus, pituitary, or testes, reflecting the unproven concept of a restorative hormone that preserves health. Two recent large randomized trials of T, and meta-analyses of randomized trials, did not show a signal for adverse cardiovascular (CV) events, and T treatment on a background of lifestyle intervention reduced type 2 diabetes by 40% in men at high risk. Men with both higher endogenous T and higher PA levels have lower CV risk, but causality remains unproven. Exercise training interventions improve blood pressure and endothelial function in middle-aged and older men, without comparable benefits or additive effects of T treatment. Therefore, exercise training improves cardiometabolic health in middle-aged and older men when effectively applied as a supervised regimen incorporating aerobic and resistance modalities. Treatment with T may have indirect cardiometabolic benefits, mediated via favorable changes in body composition. Further evaluation of T as a pharmacological intervention to improve cardiometabolic health in aging men could consider longer treatment durations and combination with targeted exercise programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Green
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Lauren C Chasland
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- Allied Health Department, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Louise H Naylor
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- Allied Health Department, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Bu B Yeap
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA, 6150, Australia
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Chang S, Larsen OH, Hvas AM, Skakkebaek A, Gravholt CH, Münster AMB. Platelet aggregation in Klinefelter syndrome is not aggravated by testosterone replacement therapy: A longitudinal follow-up study. Andrology 2023; 11:456-463. [PMID: 36300871 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) are routinely offered testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) suggested to potentially promote platelet aggregation and increase cardiovascular risk. OBJECTIVE We investigated platelet aggregation in men with KS before and during TRT. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-one adult men with KS participated, of which 20 had no history of TRT at baseline, with 15 completing follow-up after 18 months TRT. Further, we included 21 adult men with KS on long-term TRT (>10 years) and a male reference population. We assessed platelet impedance aggregometry using adenosine diphosphate (6.5 μM), thrombin-receptor-activating-peptide-6 (TRAP 32 μM), and arachidonic acid (ASPI 0.5 mM) as agonists in KS compared to a male reference population and stratified by route of TRT administration. RESULTS Platelet aggregation among men with KS at baseline or during TRT was not increased compared with the male reference population. For all three agonist, no change was seen in platelet aggregation in KS at follow-up compared with baseline (p ≥ 0.2). Platelet aggregation was not associated with total testosterone and furthermore, platelet count was not affected by treatment with testosterone. Men with KS treated with testosterone gel showed slightly increased TRAP- and ASPI-induced platelet aggregation compared with those treated with testosterone injection (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04, respectively). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS We observed normal platelet aggregation in men with KS before TRT and following both short and long term treatment. Our findings do not support an independent role of platelets in driving the cardiovascular risk in KS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Chang
- Unit for Thrombosis Research, University of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark.,Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ole Halfdan Larsen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne-Mette Hvas
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne Skakkebaek
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Claus Højbjerg Gravholt
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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3
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Thirumalai A, Anawalt BD. Relationships between endogenous and exogenous testosterone and cardiovascular disease in men. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2022; 23:1305-1322. [PMID: 36219323 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-022-09752-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In this narrative review, we discuss the evidence about the controversy about the cardiovascular effects of endogenous and exogenous testosterone in men. Prospective cohort studies with follow-up of ~5-15 years generally indicate no association or a possible inverse relationship between serum endogenous testosterone concentrations and composite major cardiovascular events, cardiovascular deaths and overall mortality. Pharmacoepidemiological studies of large databases generally show no association between testosterone therapy and incident major cardiovascular events, and some pharmacoepidemiological studies demonstrate an association with decreased overall mortality. Randomized, placebo-controlled trials indicate that there is no increased incidence of overall major cardiovascular events with 1-3 years of testosterone therapy. These placebo-controlled trials have major limitations including small numbers of participants, short duration of testosterone therapy and follow-up, and lack of systematic adjudication of cardiovascular events. Overall, the evidence indicates that endogenous testosterone concentrations and testosterone therapy at physiological dosages confer no or minimal effects on the incidence of cardiovascular outcomes. There is insufficient evidence to make conclusions about testosterone therapy for patients at high risk of cardiovascular events (e.g., men with recent myocardial infarctions or stroke and men with recurrent idiopathic deep venous thromboses). In general, clinicians should avoid prescribing supraphysiological testosterone therapy to hypogonadal men or men with slightly low to low-normal serum testosterone concentrations and no identified disorder of the hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular axis because of the uncertain cardiovascular risks and the lack of proven health benefits. For most men with bona fide hypogonadism, benefits of testosterone therapy exceed the potential risk of adverse cardiovascular effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthi Thirumalai
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Box 356420 Department of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Box 356420 Department of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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Wu FCW. Ageing male (part 2): Management of functional hypogonadism in older men, a patient-centric holistic approach. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 36:101626. [PMID: 35461757 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2022.101626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis of functional hypogonadism should prompt a thorough assessment and optimization of general health, including lifestyle changes, weight reduction, care of comorbidities and cessation of offending medications, some of which can lead to meaningful gains in endogenous testosterone (T) concentrations. Having excluded or addressed reversible causes and contra-indications, patients with functional hypogonadism can be offered a trial of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) after full discussion on the anticipated benefits and potential risks. T treatment improves libido but may be less effective for erectile dysfunction (ED). T treatment can also have modest positive effects on insulin resistance, bone strength, some measures of physical strength, and mild depressive symptoms but the clinical significance of these relatively short-term improvements remain uncertain in terms of longer-term patient-important outcomes. Initiation of TRT is a joint decision between patient and clinician since longer-term benefits and risks have not been adequately defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick C W Wu
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Gastroenterology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.
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5
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Exploring the Role of Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer: A Review of Safety. URO 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/uro2010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Increased risk of prostate diseases triggered by testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) remains a worldwide concern. That said, we reviewed the safety of TRT in the spheres of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa), exploring clinical findings in this regard. Compelling evidence based on meta-analyses of randomized and observational studies indicates safety for TRT in patients suffering from prostate disorders such as BPH and PCa, at the same time improving lower tract urinary symptoms. Thus, the harmful relationship geared toward androgens and BPH seems to be overestimated as TRT has sufficient safety and, if properly prescribed, may counteract several metabolic problems. Even after PCa treatment, the benefits of TRT could outweigh the risk of recurrence, but further long-term randomized clinical trials are needed to elucidate unresolved questions.
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Zhong SR, Yang HH, Liao CH, Yang DH, Tu SK, Hung CL, Liao CC. Association Between Low Serum Testosterone and the Development of Metabolic Syndrome in Elderly Taiwanese Men. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2021; 14:99-106. [PMID: 33469327 PMCID: PMC7810670 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s282832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the association between serum testosterone (T) and metabolic syndrome (MS) in different age groups in Taiwanese men. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male participants, regardless of age or any underlying disease, were identified from MJ Health Screening Center in Taiwan from 2007 to 2016 for this cross-sectional study. They were divided into three groups according to age, and further classified according to MS diagnosis. Basic patient characteristics with relevant parameters were obtained. One-way ANOVA of mean T values between different numbers of measures that exceeds the cut-off values of MS components was performed to assess the relationship of T and MS. Logistic regression analysis was also used to estimate the risk for MS with each increment in T, age, and BMI. RESULTS A total of 4,931 men were included. The MS group had significantly lower serum T levels compared to the non-MS group in each age group. The one-way ANOVA found the mean value of T was significantly higher in patients without MS component (6.19±2.12 ng/mL) than those with 1-5 MS components (with one MS component: 5.48±2.13 ng/mL, two MS components: 4.93±2.03 ng/mL, three MS components: 4.37±1.60 ng/mL, four MS components: 4.13±2.89 ng/mL, five MS components: 3.74±1.27 ng/mL, and P<0.001). There was no significant difference between the patients with three components and the patients with four or five components. Logistic regression models with age stratification showed T with lower odds ratio (OR) for MS after adjusting for BMI in those ≥65 years old (OR=0.693; 95% CI=0.559-0.858; P<0.001); 50-64 years old (OR=0.868; 95% CI=0.802-0.940; P<0.001) and <50 years old (OR=0.810; 95% CI=0.758-0.865; P<0.001). CONCLUSION Lower serum T was strongly associated with MS, with the predictive value increasing with age in Taiwanese men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang-Rong Zhong
- Department of Family Medicine, Taichung Armed Forces General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Han-Hsuan Yang
- Department of Family Medicine, Taichung Armed Forces General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Professional Education and Continuing Studies, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsi Liao
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Taichung Armed Forces General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Taichung Armed Forces General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Deng-Ho Yang
- School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Taichung Armed Forces General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of Rheumatology/Immunology/Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Armed Forces General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Kai Tu
- Department of Family Medicine, Taichung Armed Forces General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Lien Hung
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Taichung Armed Forces General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Cheng Liao
- Department of Family Medicine, Taichung Armed Forces General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Taichung Armed Forces General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Correspondence: Chun-Cheng Liao Email
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Khera M, Miner M, Jaffe J, Pastuszak AW. Testosterone Therapy and Cardiovascular Risk: A Critical Analysis of Studies Reporting Increased Risk. J Sex Med 2020; 18:83-98. [PMID: 33317996 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of "adult-onset hypogonadism" (AOH) with exogenous testosterone therapy (TTh) to raise serum testosterone (T) levels may influence cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in patients with AOH, whereas low endogenous T levels are associated with an increased CV risk and mortality. AIM To critically evaluate studies reporting increased CV risk associated with TTh and to provide an overview of the risks and benefits of restoring T levels through exogenous TTh. METHODS A review of publications focusing on the association between TTh and increased CV risk was conducted, and the study methodologies and conclusions of each were critically evaluated. Further, recent clinical and epidemiological studies associating AOH or TTh with a change in CV risk, and pertinent hematologic and vascular effects noted in animal studies and in vitro, as well as in clinical practice were also reviewed. OUTCOMES A review of the literature shows that untreated testosterone deficiency and/or low T is associated with an increase in CV risk and adverse outcomes, with numerous studies and meta-analyses to support a positive association between exogenous TTh and an improvement in CV risk factors in men with AOH. RESULTS Numerous studies in the literature demonstrate the positive benefits of using TTh; however, since 2013, some publications have suggested a link to increased CV risk associated with TTh. A number of these studies retrospectively analyzed insurance claims databases using diagnosis codes, procedures codes, and prescription information. Many reviews published since have pointed out the methodological flaws and debatable conclusions of these studies. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS A careful assessment of the patient's current health status and CV risk factors should be weighed against the benefits and possible risks resulting from TTh, and consideration should be given to deferring treatment pending resolution or stabilization of CV disease or risk factors. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS In this review, we provide an in-depth analysis of studies reporting increased CV risk with TTh. Many of the studies were not well-designed, randomized, double-blind, prospective clinical trials but rather post hoc analyses of cohort data. These studies may reflect bias in how treatment and nontreatment decisions are made or reflect conclusions based on widely cited methodological flaws. CONCLUSION Appropriate patient selection supported by low pre-treatment T levels and monitoring T levels during treatment with the goal of achieving and maintaining physiologic levels all contribute to the safe and effective use of TTh in men with AOH. Khera M, Miner M, Jaffe J, et al. Testosterone Therapy and Cardiovascular Risk: A Critical Analysis of Studies Reporting Increased Risk. J Sex med 2021;18:83-98.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Khera
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Martin Miner
- Clinical Professor of Family Medicine and Urology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Alexander W Pastuszak
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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8
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Jasuja GK, Ameli O, Reisman JI, Rose AJ, Miller DR, Berlowitz DR, Bhasin S. Health Outcomes Among Long-term Opioid Users With Testosterone Prescription in the Veterans Health Administration. JAMA Netw Open 2019; 2:e1917141. [PMID: 31825502 PMCID: PMC6991198 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.17141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Androgen deficiency is common among male opioid users, and opioid use has emerged as a common antecedent of testosterone treatment. The long-term health outcomes associated with testosterone therapy remain unknown, however. OBJECTIVE To compare health outcomes between long-term opioid users with testosterone deficiency who filled testosterone prescriptions and those with the same condition but who did not receive testosterone treatment. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study focused on men in the care of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities throughout the United States from October 1, 2008, to September 30, 2014. It included male veterans who were long-term opioid users, had low testosterone levels (<300 ng/dL), and received either a testosterone prescription or any other prescription. It excluded male patients with HIV infection, gender dysphoria, or prostate cancer and those who received testosterone in fiscal year 2008. Data were analyzed from April 1, 2017, to April 30, 2019. EXPOSURE Prescription for testosterone. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES All-cause mortality and incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), vertebral or femoral fractures, and anemia during the 6-year follow-up through September 30, 2015. RESULTS After exclusions, 21 272 long-term opioid users (mean [SD] age, 53 [10] years; n = 16 689 [78.5%] white) with low total or free testosterone levels were included for analysis, of whom 14 121 (66.4%) received testosterone and 7151 (33.6%) did not. At baseline, compared with opioid users who did not receive testosterone, long-term opioid users who received testosterone treatment were more likely to have obesity (43.7% vs 49.0%; P < .001), hyperlipidemia (43.0% vs 48.8%; P < .001), and hypertension (53.9% vs 55.2%; P = .07) but had lower prevalence of coronary artery disease (15.9% vs 12.9%; P < .001) and stroke (2.4% vs 1.3%; P < .001). After adjusting for covariates, opioid users who received testosterone had significantly lower all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.42-0.61) and lower incidence of MACE (HR = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.51-0.67), femoral or hip fractures (HR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.48-0.96), and anemia (HR = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.68-0.79) during the follow-up period of up to 6 years, compared with their counterparts without a testosterone prescription. In covariate-adjusted models, men who received opioids plus testosterone were more likely to have resolved anemia compared with those who received opioids only during the 6-year follow-up (HR = 1.16; 95% CI, 1.02-1.31). Similar results were obtained in propensity score-matched models and when analyses were restricted to opioid users with noncancer pain or those who did not receive glucocorticoids. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study found that, in the VHA system, male long-term opioid users with testosterone deficiency who were treated with opioid and testosterone medications had significantly lower all-cause mortality and significantly lower incidence of MACE, femoral or hip fractures, and anemia after a multiyear follow-up. These results warrant confirmation through a randomized clinical trial to ascertain the efficacy of testosterone in improving health outcomes for opioid users with androgen deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guneet K. Jasuja
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Omid Ameli
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- OptumLabs, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Joel I. Reisman
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts
| | - Adam J. Rose
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Donald R. Miller
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts
| | - Dan R. Berlowitz
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts
| | - Shalender Bhasin
- Research Program in Men’s Health, Aging and Metabolism, Boston Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Abstract
Introduction: The use of testosterone therapy (TTh) in men with prostate cancer (PCa) is relatively new, and controversial, due to the longstanding maxim that TTh is contraindicated in men with PCa. Scientific advances have prompted a reevaluation of the potential role for TTh in men with PCa, particularly as TTh has been shown to provide important symptomatic and general health benefits to men with testosterone deficiency (TD), including many men with PCa who may expect to live 30-50 years after diagnosis. Areas covered: This review outlines the historical underpinnings of the historical belief that TTh 'fuels' PCa and the experimental and clinical studies that have radically altered this view, including description of the saturation model. The authors review studies of TTh in men with PCa following radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy, in men on active surveillance, and in men with advanced or metastatic PCa. Expert opinion: TTh provides important symptomatic and overall health benefits for men with PCa who have TD. Although more safety studies are needed, TTh is a reasonable therapeutic option for men with low-risk PCa after surgery or radiation. Data in men on active surveillance are limited, but initial reports are reassuring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Morgentaler
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Men's Health Boston , Boston , MA , USA
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10
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Abstract
In this issue of Asian Journal of Andrology (AJA), several experts have reviewed the latest data on the potential and known effects of endogenous and exogenous testosterone (T) on cardiovascular risk. In the review by Meyer and Wittert, low endogenous serum T appears to be associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease and overall mortality in certain populations such as Klinefelter syndrome and older men, but not in men with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.1 Whether this association is causal or whether low serum testosterone is a marker of other risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, or other systemic disease is unknown. In Yeap's review of the relationship between circulating endogenous testosterone and its major metabolites, dihydrotestosterone, and estradiol, he raises the provocative hypotheses that there might be differential effects on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk related to endogenous testosterone and dihydrotestosterone concentrations.2 Based on the same epidemiological studies, Yeap postulates that there might be a U-shaped curve for circulating endogenous androgen concentrations such that lower and higher concentrations might confer greater risk of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality than midrange concentrations. Shores demonstrates in a carefully done review of studies of large prescription databases (including >200 000 men) that testosterone therapy is not associated with overall mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, or deep venous thrombosis events.3
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley D Anawalt
- Division of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Bu B Yeap
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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Yeap BB, Anawalt BD. Why is understanding the relationship of testosterone to cardiovascular risk so important? Asian J Androl 2018; 20:107-108. [PMID: 29405170 PMCID: PMC5858091 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_71_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bu B Yeap
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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