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Sex steroids in relation to cardiac structure and function in men
M A J De Smet1, B Lapauw2, T De Backer3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
Andrologia
|May 3, 2016
Summary
Testosterone and sex steroid effects on the heart are increasingly studied. While animal research suggests risks, human data on testosterone therapy and cardiac function remain limited, highlighting a need for more trials.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Increasing use of testosterone substitution and androgen deprivation therapy in men.
- The heart is recognized as a target organ for sex hormones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing knowledge on sex steroid impacts on male cardiac structure and function.
- To identify gaps in human research regarding hormonal interventions.
Main Methods:
- Searched MEDLINE via PubMed for original studies, reviews, and meta-analyses.
- Screened relevant citations and performed a short-term hormonal intervention study in healthy men.
Main Results:
- Preclinical data indicate beneficial effects of oestradiol and adverse effects of testosterone on cardiac function in animals.
- Human observational studies show heterogeneous effects of sex steroids on cardiac parameters.
- Comparative, prospective human studies are lacking.
Conclusions:
- Preclinical evidence suggests testosterone substitution and androgen deprivation may affect cardiac structure and function.
- A significant knowledge gap exists regarding the cardiac effects of hormonal interventions in men.
- Future prospective intervention trials are needed to clarify these effects.
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