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Testosterone and high-sensitive C-reactive protein in coronary artery disease patients awaiting coronary artery
C M Wickramatilake1, M R Mohideen, B P S Withanawasam
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, Galle, Sri Lanka.
Insights
Men with coronary artery disease have lower testosterone and higher high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels. While hs-CRP correlates with disease severity, testosterone does not, indicating hs-CRP
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Natural androgens are known to inhibit atherosclerosis in men.
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a significant health concern.
- Inflammatory markers like high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) are implicated in CAD pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare serum total testosterone and hs-CRP levels between male patients with and without CAD.
- To determine the association between these markers and the severity of coronary artery disease.
Main Methods:
- Recruitment of 206 male subjects (CAD patients and controls).
- Measurement of serum total testosterone and hs-CRP levels.
- Assessment of coronary artery disease severity using angiographic scores (e.g., Gensini score).
Main Results:
- Total testosterone levels were significantly lower in CAD patients compared to controls (11.4 vs. 18.1 ng/mL).
- Hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in CAD patients compared to controls (3.37 vs. 1.71 mg/L).
- Hs-CRP showed a significant positive correlation with CAD severity scores, while testosterone did not.
Conclusions:
- Lower testosterone and higher hs-CRP levels are associated with the presence of coronary artery disease in men.
- Hs-CRP is a significant indicator of coronary artery disease severity, unlike testosterone levels.
- These findings highlight the distinct roles of testosterone and inflammation in the context of atherosclerosis.
Abstract:
Natural androgens inhibit atherosclerosis in men. This study aimed to examine whether testosterone and high-sensitive C-reactive protein differ between patients with coronary artery disease and those without coronary artery disease and to determine the association with the severity of coronary artery disease. Two hundred and six male subjects were recruited. Serum total testosterone and high-sensitive C-reactive protein were estimated. Severity of coronary artery disease was assessed by angiographic scores. Total testosterone level in patients was significantly different from controls (11.4 ± 2.7 vs. 18.1 ± 7.2 nmP = 0.001) and high-sensitive protein level in cases was significantly higher compared to controls (3.37 ± 1.62 mg l(-1) vs. 1.71 ± 0.60 mg l(-1) , P = 0.001). Testosterone levels were not significantly different with vessel (P = 0.592), Leaman (P = 0.694) and Gensini (P = 0.329) score groups, but high-sensitive C-reactive protein showed significant positive correlation among the respective groups (P = 0.005, P = 0.028, P = 0.015). Testosterone was lower, while high-sensitive C-reactive protein was higher in patients compared to controls. Testosterone showed no correlation with the severity of atherosclerosis, but high-sensitive C-reactive protein showed significant positive correlation.
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