Smoking and low serum testosterone associates with high concentration of oxidized LDL.
BACKGROUND
The interplay between smoking, oxidized low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (ox-LDL) and gonadal hormones has been scarcely investigated.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate associations in ox-LDL and gonadal hormones in smokers and non-smokers


METHODS
Participants (n=164) were obtained from a population cohort of Finnish men aged 40-70 years. The subjects answered a detailed questionnaire on their health behaviour, medication, diseases, and different symptoms, and the hormonal and lipid profiles were measured.


RESULTS
Smokers (n=33) had higher levels of ox-LDL (21%) and more free testosterone (12%) (P<0.01 for all) than non-smokers (n=131). The difference between smokers and non-smokers in ox-LDL persisted after controlling for possible confounding factors. When the smokers were divided into two subgroups (n=16 and n=17) according to total testosterone (< or =15 and >15 nmol/L), the ox-LDL in the low-testosterone subgroup was significantly higher (30%) than in the high-testosterone group (P=0.006). Similarly in the corresponding non-smoking subgroups (n=72 and n=59), ox-LDL was significantly higher (11%) in the low-testosterone subgroup than in the high-testosterone subgroup (P=0.012).


CONCLUSIONS
Smoking men have significantly more ox-LDL than non-smoking men. Furthermore, if smoking is combined with a low serum testosterone, ox-LDL is even higher. This may suggest a higher risk for atherosclerosis.
Linna
Meri S
MS
Department of Health and Exercise, Paavo Nurmi Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
Ahotupa
Markku
M
Irjala
Kerttu
K
Pöllänen
Pasi
P
Huhtaniemi
Ilpo
I
Mäkinen
Juha
J
Perheentupa
Antti
A
Vasankari
Tommi J
TJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000209:etiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism
D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL; C099252:oxidized low density lipoprotein; D013739:Testosterone