Do Androgens Modulate the Pathophysiological Pathways of Inflammation? Appraising the Contemporary Evidence

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Endocrinology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• The role of testosterone in inflammation pathophysiology is clinically significant but not fully understood.
• Existing research highlights complex androgen pathways in modulating inflammatory processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the mechanisms by which testosterone (androgens) attenuates inflammatory processes.
• To review clinical and basic science evidence on testosterone's anti-inflammatory effects.

Main Methods:

• Conducted PubMed and EMBASE searches using keywords: "testosterone", "androgens", "inflammatory cytokines", "inflammatory biomarkers".
• Focused on clinical, human, and animal model studies.

Main Results:

• Testosterone therapy demonstrated significant benefits in ameliorating symptoms of chronic inflammatory diseases.
• Testosterone therapy in hypogonadal men reduced key inflammatory markers: tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-1β, and IL-6.

Conclusions:

• Testosterone therapy attenuates inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory cytokine expression and function.
• Androgens regulate multiple cellular and molecular pathways, involving immune cells and biochemical factors, to reduce inflammation.