A considerable body of evidence exists suggesting that androgen deficiency contributes to the onset and/or progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

It is our objective to evaluate the relationships between Testosterone (T) deficiency and risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and to discuss the implications of androgen deficiency in men with cardiovascular risk factors. The relationship between androgen deficiency and endothelial function, lipid profiles, inflammatory responses, altered smooth muscle and hypertension are discussed with regard to CVD. A comprehensive literature search was carried out using Pub Med from 1980 through 2008 and relevant articles pertinent to androgen deficiency and vascular disease were evaluated and discussed. Low testosterone, whether attributed to hypogonadism or androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), in men with prostate carcinoma, produces adverse effects on cardiovascular health. Androgen deficiency is associated with increased levels of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), increased production of pro-inflammatory factors, increases thickness of the arterial wall, and contributes to endothelial dysfunction. T supplementation restores arterial vasoreactivity, reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels and improves endothelial function, but may also reduce high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. In conclusion, T is an anabolic hormone with a wide range of beneficial effects on men's health. The therapeutic role of T in men's health, however, remains a hotly debated issue for a number of reasons, including the purported risk of prostate cancer. In view of the emerging evidence suggesting that androgen deficiency is a risk factor for CVD, androgen replacement therapy may potentially reduce CVD risk in hypogonadal men. It should be emphasized, however, that androgen replacement therapy should be done with very thorough and careful monitoring for prostate diseases.

Written by:
Traish AM, Saad F, Feeley RJ, Guay AT.   Are you the author?

Reference:
J Androl. 2009 Apr 2. Epub ahead of print.
doi:10.2164/jandrol.108.007245

PubMed Abstract
PMID:19342698

UroToday.com Androgen Deficiency Section

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