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Testosterone decreases lipoprotein(a) in men
J M Zmunda1, P D Thompson, R Dickenson
1Division of Cardiology, The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
The American Journal of Cardiology
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Testosterone administration in men significantly lowered lipoprotein(a) levels. This reduction appears primarily driven by testosterone's direct androgenic effects, rather than its conversion to estradiol.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Science
- Lipid Metabolism
Background:
- Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Testosterone's influence on Lp(a) levels is not fully understood.
- Estradiol, a metabolite of testosterone, may also affect Lp(a).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of testosterone on Lp(a) levels in normal men.
- To determine whether testosterone's effect on Lp(a) is mediated by its aromatization to estradiol.
Main Methods:
- Normal men received testosterone alone or in combination with testolactone, an aromatase inhibitor.
- Lp(a) levels were measured before and during treatment.
Main Results:
- Testosterone administration alone resulted in a 37% decrease in average Lp(a) levels.
- Combined administration of testosterone and testolactone led to a 28% decrease in average Lp(a) levels.
- The reduction in Lp(a) was less pronounced when aromatization was inhibited.
Conclusions:
- Testosterone significantly reduces Lp(a) levels in men.
- The primary mechanism for testosterone-induced Lp(a) reduction is through its androgenic action.
- Conversion to estradiol plays a minor role in testosterone's effect on Lp(a).