Role of androgens in cardiovascular pathology

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Endocrinology
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Androgen hormones exert complex effects on cardiovascular health.
• Their influence on endothelial cells (ECs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) is crucial for vascular function and pathology.
• Variations in effects may stem from gender-specific actions, endothelial heterogeneity, androgen receptor expression, and administration routes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted effects of androgen hormones on EC and EPC function.
• To explore the beneficial and detrimental cardiovascular impacts of androgens in both normal and pathological states.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on androgen effects on endothelial cells and progenitor cells.
• Analysis of mechanisms underlying androgen actions, including nitric oxide production, cell proliferation, migration, and inflammatory responses.

Main Results:

• Androgens generally promote EC health by enhancing nitric oxide production, proliferation, and motility, while inhibiting inflammation and procoagulant properties.
• Androgens contribute to vascular repair by stimulating EC and EPC proliferation, migration, and recruitment.
• Conversely, androgens can induce vasoconstrictors, potentially leading to detrimental vascular effects.

Conclusions:

• Androgen hormones have a dual role in cardiovascular health, offering protective benefits for endothelial function and repair, but also posing risks through vasoconstriction.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms and factors influencing these variable effects for therapeutic applications.