[Testosterone has beneficial effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cells]

To investigate the influences of testosterone with varied concentrations on the functions of HUVEC.

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells within 2-3 passages were cultured with testosterone (3 x 10(-10) to 3 x 10(-8), 3 x 10(-6), 3 x 10(-5) mol/ L), and the control confluent cells were cultured in the same medium without steroid. MTT experiment was repeated for 7 days to investigate each groups' cell proliferation. The values of NO were tested as recommended. The tPA and PAI-1 antigen levels were assayed with ELISA Kits.

Testosterone at physiologic or lower concentrations (3 x 10(-10) to 3 x 10(-8) mol/L ) had no adverse effect on A490 and NO level, meanwhile, stimulated the secretion of tPA (P < 0.01). However, tPA levels markedly reduced at larger dose (3 x 10(-6) to 3 x 10(-5) mol/L). On the other hand, PAI-1 antigen levels decreased significantly at the testosterone concentrations ranging from 3 x 10(-10) to 3 x 10(-5) mol/L (P < 0.05).

Testosterone at physiologically relevant concentrations affectively decreased PAI-1, while increased tPA levels, which suggested that testosterone might have beneficial effects on the Human umbilical vein endothelial cells and cardiovascular system to prevent atherosclerosis.