Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.

Hypogonadism, erectile dysfunction (ED), visceral adiposity, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome (MetS) often coexist in the same subjects. This cluster of abnormalities is associated with an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), affecting not only quality of life but also life expectancy. Longitudinal studies have also demonstrated that ED and male hypogonadism could be considered surrogate markers of incident CVD and MetS. However, how androgens signal fat depots and lessen them is still a matter of active research and whether or not low testosterone could play a pathogenetic role in CVD is still under debate. Hence, pathogenetic mechanisms linking hypogonadism with obesity and insulin resistance appear to be complex and often multi-directional. Visceral obesity can probably be considered a relevant cause of hypogonadism but at the same time, hypogonadism could be a cause of obesity and insulin resistance, consequently establishing a vicious cycle. To provide a critical analysis of these issues, a comprehensive literary search was carried out to discuss the relationship between insulin resistance ED, visceral adiposity, MetS and hypogonadism focusing on their possible involvement in the development of CVD.

Written by:
Corona G, Mannucci E, Forti G, Maggi M.   Are you the author?

Reference:
Int J Androl. 2009 Feb 10. Epub ahead of print.
doi:10.1111/j.1365-2605.2008.00951.x

PubMed Abstract
PMID:19226407

UroToday.com Androgen Deficiency Section

Please log-in or register in order to submit comments.

Powered by AkoComment!