title: [Hypogonadism, erectile dysfunction and endothelial dysfunction among HIV-infected men].
abstract: HIV-associated hypogonadism is known to be a prevalent endocrine disorder, with a multifactorial etiology. Low testosterone levels are associated with decreased muscle mass, exercise capacity loss, erectile dysfunction, cognitive impairment, depression and decreased quality of life. In the same way, hypogonadism in HIV-infected men is associated with decreased muscle mass quantity and function, changes in corporal fat mass distribution and quantity, secretion of adipocytokines and endothelial dysfunction. This combined effect renders the entire body less sensitive to insulin, promoting development of atherosclerosis and glucose metabolism disorders. The clinical presentation is non-specific and hypogonadism screening scales are not useful in this population. Diagnostic procedures must include determination of free testosterone (FTc) in any HIV-infected men at the time of first HIV diagnosis and periodically, because of the clinical implications and the absence of specific predictive disease factors. Substitutive hormonal treatment must be offered only for HIV-infected men with FTc under reference levels and when reversible causes have been ruled out. Metabolic impact of hypogonadism suggests the incorporation of low testosterone levels to the list of cardiovascular risk factor in HIV-infected men.
authors.affiliation: Sección de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, España.
authors.forename: Oscar
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Moreno-Pérez
authors.forename: Antonio Miguel
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Picó Alfonso
authors.forename: Joaquín
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Portilla
mesh_terms: D000728:Androgens / Q000172:deficiency; D003663:Decision Trees; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens