title: Testosterone replacement, cardiovascular system and risk factors in the aging male.
abstract: Investigations concerning the role of testosterone replacement on cardiovascular risk show conflicting results. Treatments with supraphysiological doses seem detrimental in animal models and men. On the other hand, cross-sectional, prospective and angiographic studies frequently find an inverse, favorable relationship between plasma testosterone and cardiovascular events. Testosterone replacement therapy in the hypogonadic elderly has a positive or at least neutral effect on several coronary disease risk factors. Testosterone appears to decrease LDL-cholesterol without adversely affecting HDL cholesterol, and improve insulin sensibility and the thrombotic/fibrinolytic balance; testosterone does not negatively influence the inflammatory response and arterial wall vasoreactivity. These findings provide a measure of reassurance concerning potential adverse heart effects of testosterone substitutional therapy in older men, even if more specific trials than reported are needed to overcome residual suspicions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, Gerontology and Geriatrics, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy. vgg@unife.it
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Vigna
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bergami
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000187:drug effects*; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D013739:Testosterone / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D008055:Lipids; D013739:Testosterone