OBJECTIVE: Hypogonadism has major effects on the urogenital system, in addition to other systems, the cardiovascular system in particular.
There have been few studies conducted on markers of atherosclerosis, such as flow mediated dilatation (% FMD), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and adipocytokine levels in idiopatic hypogonadotropic hypogonadal (IHH) males mostly in adult patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between androgens and adipocytokines and parameters of vascular functions in hypogonadal men.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 11 treatment naive IHH patients (group 1) and 15 age-matched healthy control males (group 2). A fasting blood sample was obtained for leptin, adiponectin and resistin. The endothelial functions were evaluated by studying % FMD and CIMT by high resolution B-mode ultrasound.
RESULTS: No significant differences in age, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were recorded between the two groups. The leptin level was significantly higher in group 1, whereas adiponectin and resistin levels were same between two groups. There was a negative correlation between total testosterone and carotid intima-media thickness (r=-0.656, p=0.008), and a negative correlation between total testosterone and leptin level (r=-0.794, p< 0.001). No correlation was found between leptin and CIMT (p=0.184).
CONCLUSION: Testosterone deficiency in hypogonadal men is associated with vascular parameters of atherosclerosis. The findings may establish indications for testosterone replacement therapy in hypogonadal men.
Written by:
Tuna MM, Doğan BA, Karakılıç E, Arduç A, Işık S, Yılmaz FM, Topçuoğlu C, Berker D, Güler S. Are you the author?
Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical Faculty, Dicle University, Turkey; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital, Turkey; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Diabetes, Endocrine and Obesity Branch, Washington, USA; Department of Medical Biochemistry, Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital, Turkey; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical Faculty, Hitit University, Turkey.
Reference: Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2014 Dec 24;35(7):640-644.
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25617889