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Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial Function: A Technical Guideline of the Flow-mediated Dilation Test
06:35

Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial Function: A Technical Guideline of the Flow-mediated Dilation Test

Published on: April 27, 2016

Low testosterone level is an independent determinant of endothelial dysfunction in men

Masahiro Akishita1, Masayoshi Hashimoto, Yumiko Ohike

  • 1Department of Geriatric Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. akishita-tky@umin.ac.jp

Hypertension Research : Official Journal of the Japanese Society of Hypertension
|February 6, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Low testosterone levels are linked to endothelial dysfunction in men, even when accounting for other risk factors. This suggests testosterone plays a protective role for blood vessel health.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Endocrinology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Endothelial dysfunction is a key factor in coronary artery disease.
  • Testosterone's role in cardiovascular health is increasingly recognized.
  • Men with coronary risk factors may have altered hormone profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between plasma testosterone levels and endothelial dysfunction in men with cardiovascular risk factors.
  • To determine if testosterone levels independently predict endothelial function.

Main Methods:

  • One hundred eighty-seven male outpatients with coronary risk factors were enrolled.
  • Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery was measured using ultrasonography.
  • Plasma levels of testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), estradiol, and cortisol were analyzed in relation to %FMD.

Main Results:

  • Total and free testosterone levels were significantly correlated with %FMD.
  • Higher free testosterone quartiles showed substantially greater %FMD.
  • Testosterone's association with FMD remained significant after adjusting for age, BMI, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and smoking.

Conclusions:

  • Low plasma testosterone levels are associated with endothelial dysfunction in men.
  • Endogenous testosterone may exert a protective effect on the endothelium.
  • Testosterone deficiency could be an independent risk factor for vascular impairment in men.

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