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Adaptation to acute coronary syndrome-induced stress with lowering of testosterone: a possible survival factor

Erkki Pesonen1, Pirkko Pussinen1, Ilpo Huhtaniemi2

  • 1Department of PaediatricsSkåne University Hospital, Skåne University, Lund, SwedenOral and Maxillofacial DiseasesUniversity of Helsinki, Helsinki, FinlandDepartment of Surgery and CancerInstitute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UKDepartment of PhysiologyInstitute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland.

European Journal of Endocrinology
|January 17, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Low-normal testosterone levels during acute coronary syndromes (ACS) indicate better survival. This suggests improved stress adaptation in survivors, warranting further investigation into testosterone

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Circulating testosterone (T) levels are crucial for male health.
  • The association between testosterone and acute coronary syndromes (ACS) remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between serum testosterone concentrations and the risk of ACS.
  • To explore the prognostic value of testosterone levels in ACS patients.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving male patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or unstable angina pectoris (UAP) and healthy controls.
  • Serum samples were collected during acute and recovery phases.
  • Secondary cardiovascular events and mortality were tracked for 6 years.

Main Results:

  • Patients with AMI and UAP exhibited significantly lower serum testosterone during the acute phase compared to controls.
  • Low-normal testosterone levels in the acute phase were associated with a better prognosis for cardiovascular death (HR=0.17).
  • Testosterone levels did not correlate with weight, inflammation, or chronic infection markers.

Conclusions:

  • Low-normal testosterone concentrations during the acute phase of ACS predict improved survival.
  • This finding may suggest better physiological adaptation to stress in survivors.
  • Further research is recommended to elucidate the role of testosterone in ACS outcomes.
Abstract

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