Association of Low Serum Free Testosterone with Carotid Atherosclerosis in Male

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Radiology

Background:

• Carotid atherosclerosis is a significant risk factor for stroke.
• The role of sex hormones, particularly testosterone, in cardiovascular disease is under investigation.
• Low testosterone levels have been implicated in various chronic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum free testosterone levels and carotid atherosclerosis in male patients.
• To determine if reduced free testosterone is a risk factor for the development of carotid artery stenosis.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional descriptive observational study involving 59 male patients with carotid atherosclerosis (categorized by stenosis severity) and 27 healthy controls.
• Serum total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin were measured using chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay.
• Free testosterone levels were calculated using the Vermeulen formula.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in free testosterone concentrations were observed among the study groups (p=0.004).
• Patients with <50% carotid stenosis exhibited significantly lower free testosterone levels compared to other groups.
• Logistic regression analysis indicated that low free testosterone (≤0.24 nmol/L) was independently associated with carotid atherosclerosis (p=0.04, OR 3.07).

Conclusions:

• Low serum free testosterone is associated with the presence of carotid atherosclerosis in men.
• Reduced free testosterone may serve as an independent risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis development.
• Further research is warranted to explore the therapeutic implications of testosterone levels in managing carotid atherosclerosis.