Korean J Androl.  2011 Apr;29(1):10-20. 10.5534/kja.2011.29.1.10.

Effects of Androgen on the Cardiovascular System in the Aging Male

• Kim JW
• Kim JJ
• Moon DG

• KMID: 2298621
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5534/kja.2011.29.1.10

Abstract

Testosterone decrease in men with age has become well established. As such, several modes of testosterone replacement therapy have become available, primarily for supplementation to alleviate the effects of age associated hypogonadism, as manifested by frailty, sarcopenia, poor muscle quality, decreased libido and erectile functions. Recent investigations have found significant association between hypogonadism and cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and dyslipidemia. The association is more clearly presented in patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. Furthermore, testosterone supplementation restores arterial vasoreactivity, reduces proinflammatory cytokines, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, and improves endothelial function and insulin sensitivity. Future long term trials should be performed to identify persistent benefits and safety of this treatment.

Keyword

Androgens; Testosterone; Hormone replacement therapy; Cardiovascular diseases; Metabolic syndrome

MeSH Terms

Aging
Androgens
Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular System
Cholesterol
Cytokines
Dyslipidemias
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Humans
Hypogonadism
Insulin Resistance
Libido
Male
Muscles
Obesity
Prostatic Neoplasms
Sarcopenia
Testosterone
Androgens
Cholesterol
Cytokines
Testosterone

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1. Kaplan-Meier survival curves for 3 testosterone level groups.1

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  Fig. 2. The interrelationships between metabolic syndrome and hypogonadism with chronic illnesses and cardiovascular risks are shown and do appear to be quite inter-14

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  Fig. 3. Immune and inflammatory reaction.50

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  Fig. 4. Group I: high initial fasting glucose, Group II: low initial fasting glucose. Glucose level of group I decreased more than that of group II.62

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