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Updated: Jun 30, 2025
Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
The Association Between Testosterone and Vascular Function in Reproductive-Aged Females With Chronic Kidney Disease
Nabilah Gulamhusein1,2, Sofia B Ahmed1,2,3,4, Jessalyn K Holodinsky4,5,6
1Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Insights
In women with chronic kidney disease (CKD), testosterone levels were not linked to vascular function. However, a higher testosterone-to-estradiol ratio was associated with improved flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in these high-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of mortality in women.
- Women with chronic kidney disease (CKD) face a significantly higher risk of CVD.
- Understanding factors influencing vascular function in this population is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between testosterone levels and vascular function in reproductive-aged women with CKD.
- To explore potential links between sex hormone profiles and endothelial function in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-one reproductive-aged females with CKD were included in the study.
- Vascular function was assessed using pulse wave velocity, aortic augmentation, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and velocity time integral.
- Multivariable linear regression analyses were employed to examine relationships.
Main Results:
- No significant associations were found between testosterone levels and measures of vascular function.
- A significant positive association was observed between the testosterone-to-estradiol ratio and FMD.
- Testosterone alone did not independently predict vascular function outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Testosterone levels are not independently associated with vascular dysfunction in reproductive-aged women with CKD.
- The testosterone-to-estradiol ratio may play a role in endothelial function, specifically FMD, in this high-risk group.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of sex hormone balance in cardiovascular health among women with CKD.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, and women with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience especially elevated risk. This study examined the association between testosterone and vascular function in 61 reproductive-aged females with CKD. Testosterone levels and measures of vascular function were assessed, including pulse wave velocity, aortic augmentation, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and velocity time integral. Multivariable linear regression analyses assessed the relationship between testosterone and each measure of vascular function. No associations were observed between testosterone and vascular function outcomes, although a significant positive association between testosterone-to-estradiol ratio and FMD was demonstrated. Although testosterone levels were not independently predictive of vascular function, the level of testosterone relative to estradiol was associated with FMD and may therefore influence endothelial function in the high-risk population of reproductive-aged female patients with CKD.
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