Prevalence of low testosterone and its relationship to body mass index in older men with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Abstract

Purpose: We examined the prevalence of low testosterone (LT) and its relationship with body mass index (BMI) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), who were enrolled in a clinical trial of drug therapy, the Medical Therapy of Prostatic Symptoms (MTOPS) Study.

Materials and methods: MTOPS enrolled 3047 men, and of these, 1896 had total testosterone (TT) measured at baseline. LT was defined as a single measurement of TT of <300?ng/dL.

Results: The overall prevalence of LT was 25.7%. Prevalence increased with increasing BMI; 14.7% among men who were normal weight (BMI <25?kg/m²) and 24.2% and 39.3% among overweight (BMI 25 to <30?kg/m²), and obese (baseline BMI ≥30?kg/m²) men, respectively.

Conclusions: LT was observed in about one in four MTOPS study participants with baseline TT measurements. The prevalence of LT increased markedly with increasing BMI. Our findings suggest a high prevalence of LT in obese men with LUTS/BPH. Physicians should be alert to the possibility of symptoms of hypogonadism in this population.     

Interleukin-18 and testosterone levels in men with metabolic syndrome

Objective: Interleukin 18 (IL-18) is an adipokine associated with obesity. Data about the relationship of IL-18 to the metabolic syndrome (MS) are still scarce. Low testosterone (T) levels are common in men with MS, but we did not find data about the levels of IL-18 in men with low T. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of IL-18 in men with MS with or without low T.

Patients and methods: A total of 251 men were included in the study. Of them 218 had MS (IDF 2005) and they were divided according to their morning total testosterone (TT) level (cutoff 10.4?nmol/l) into two groups: MS-low T (N?=?84) and MS-normal T (N?=?134). The control group consisted of 33 men without MS and low T. IL-18 was determined in serum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A small group of eight men with MS and low T levels received testosterone therapy for three months and physical and laboratory parameters were monitored at the end of that period.

Results: MS men were at mean age (±SD)?=?53.77?±?9.59 years; body mass index (BMI)?=?34.0?±?6.3?kg/m²; and TT?=?12.59?±?5.66?nmol/l. The control group was at age?=?52.12?±?5.2 years (NS); BMI?=?25.6?±?2.4?kg/m² (p?p?p?p?p?p?Conclusions: In this study, higher IL-18 levels were found in the presence of MS compared to healthy men, but they did not differ between men having MS with or without LOH.     

Predictors of low bone mineral density in elderly males with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the role of body mass index

Objective.?The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between nutritional indices (Body mass index (BMI), serum albumin), sarcopenia, bone mineral density (BMD) and the severity of their pulmonary obstruction in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods.?The method involved was a prospective transversal study; 82 males >65 years old, 41 stable patients with COPD and 41 healthy elderly individuals (controls). All subjects underwent spirometry, biochemical analyses and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The significance of the differences between mean values and prevalence rates was tested. The relationships between BMD and independent predictors were analysed by multiple linear regressions. Logistic regression models were applied on dichotomised variables.

Results.?In patients with COPD, the prevalence of osteoporosis was higher in subjects with sarcopenia (46% vs. 0%; p?<?0.05) and with BMI?<?25.1?kg/m² (58% vs. 15%; p?<?0.02). Multiple regression analysis indicated that BMI, appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM), albumin, and forced expiration volume after 1?s (FEV1) explained the 70% of BMD variability at the hip and 56% at the spine. Logistic regression showed that a BMI?<?25.1?kg/m² was independently associated with osteoporosis risk (OR?=?10.0; 95%CI 1.3–76); no independent effect emerged for FEV1% (<and ?50%).

Conclusion.?In elderly males with COPD, the BMI values?≤25?kg/m² are more strongly related to low BMD levels than albumin values. Among those patients, BMI values within the normal range for younger adults might point out a higher risk of osteoporosis.     

Significant association between serum dihydrotestosterone level and prostate volume among Taiwanese men aged 40–79 years

Introduction.?We evaluated the association between serum sex hormone levels and prostate volume in Taiwanese men.

Methods.?A cross-sectional study was conducted in 505 men (aged 40–79 years, mean age 58 years). Serum total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and estradiol (E2) levels were measured. Total prostate volume (TPV) and transition zone volume (TZV) were measured by transrectal ultrasonography. Body mass index (BMI), DHT/TT and E2/TT were calculated. Correlations were determined using univariate and multivariate regression analyses.

Results.?Apart from DHT, an age-dependent change of sex hormone levels were observed. On univariate analyses, age, BMI, serum DHT level and DHT/TT ratio, as well as serum E2 level and E2/TT ratio, but not serum TT and FT levels showed a significant association with prostate volume. On multivariate analysis, however, only serum DHT level and DHT/TT ratio remained significant. Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of the second, third, and fourth quartiles of serum DHT levels for benign prostatic hyperplasia (defined as TPV?≥20?ml) risk were 2.06 (1.21–3.51), 2.66(1.56–4.53) and 7.15(4.0–12.6), respectively (p?<?0.001).

Conclusions.?Higher serum DHT level and DHT/TT ratio were associated with larger prostate volume and higher prevalence of BPH in Taiwanese men.     

Hormone profiles,body mass index and aging male symptoms: results of the Androx Vienna Municipality study

Aging in the male is accompanied by steroid hormonal decline, and men may develop symptoms associated with hypogonadism. Increased awareness of ‘andropause’ in recent years has led to greater demand for hormonal assessments, resulting in a rising burden for health economics. We conducted a cross-sectional study to define men at risk for hypogonadism, in whom further hormonal investigation should be performed.

We examined 664 blue-collar workers aged 40–60 years at their workplace and determined hormonal status and body mass index (BMI). Men with an abnormal urogenital status and those on medication that might affect endocrine status were excluded from the study. All participants completed the validated Aging Male Symptom (AMS) questionnaire and obtained scores for psychological symptoms, somatovegetative symptoms, and sexual symptoms.

Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed a significantly increased risk (represented by the odds ratio) of psychological symptoms for men with low levels of testosterone and/or bioavailable testosterone (BAT). Increased BMI as well as low testosterone levels and/or low BAT levels raised the risk of somatovegetative symptoms. Each decrease of BAT by 1?ng/ml caused an approximately 1.8-fold increase of the risk (odds ratio?=?1.832, p?=?0.005). Additional independent risk factors were increased age and low luteinizing hormone (LH) level. Men aged 55 years with BMI >?28?kg/m² and with somatovegetative symptoms and moderate or severe psychological symptoms had a 7.2-fold increase in the risk of a BAT level <?1.5?ng/ml compared to men without these risk factors (p <?0.001). Sensitivity and specificity were 75% and 71%, respectively.

The AMS score combined with age and BMI provides an easy and convenient method to identify men with probable androgen deficiency who require hormonal assessment.     

Inverse association between total testosterone concentrations,incident hypertension and blood pressure

Background.?Studies on the relationship between testosterone concentrations and blood pressure have yielded inconsistent results. Therefore, this study investigated the prospective association of total testosterone (TT) concentrations with risk of incident hypertension and blood pressure change in 1484 men aged 20–79 years.

Methods.?Data from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania, Germany, were used. Serum TT concentrations, measured by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassays, were categorised into age-specific quartiles. Generalised Estimating Equation (GEE) models, adjusted for age, waist circumference, physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption were specified.

Results.?During a median follow-up time of 5.0 years, the prevalence of hypertension increased from 50.6% to 57.1%. TT concentrations were significantly lower in men with baseline and incident hypertension. Analyses revealed that men with baseline TT concentrations in the lowest quartile had an increased risk of incident hypertension (odds ratio (OR), 1.19 (95% CI, 1.10–1.28)) compared to men with higher TT concentrations. Furthermore, we found a significant inverse association of TT concentrations and blood pressure, showing that men with baseline TT concentrations in the lowest quartile showed the slightest change in systolic blood pressure (?6.01?mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (?2.11?mmHg) and pulse pressure (?3.98?mmHg). Sensitivity analyses in a subpopulation of men without antihypertensive medication confirmed these findings.

Conclusion.?These results show that low male TT concentrations are predictive of hypertension, suggesting TT as a potential biomarker of increased cardiovascular risk.     

Soy protein based supplementation supports metabolic effects of resistance training in previously untrained middle aged males

Abstract

Objective.?To determine changes in body composition, physical performance, metabolic and hormonal parameters induced by lifestyle counselling, resistance training and resistance training with soy protein based supplemention in middle aged males.

Design.?Randomised controlled study consisting of resistance training without (RT-G) or with (RTS-G) a soy protein based supplement and a control group with lifestyle education only (LE-G).

Subjects.?Forty healthy middle aged men (50–65 years, BMI 25–29.9 kg/m²).

Measurements.?Changes in body weight (BW) and waist circumference (WC) were measured and body composition (BC), fat mass (FM), lean body mass (LBM) were measured by skin fold anthropometry at baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention. In addition, changes in physical fitness, metabolic and hormonal parameters (lipids, glucose, fructosamines, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1, Leptin, human growth hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone, hs-CRP, Il-6) were evaluated.

Results.?Thirty-five participants completed the 12 week study. No significant changes in BW were noted although RM and WC dropped and LBM increased after training, particularly in the RTS group (FM 22.6?±?5.5?kg to 21.2?±?4.7?kg; LBM 68.5?±?7.2?kg to 70.1?±?7.4; p?<?0.01). Subjects in the RTS group experienced more pronounced improvements in the strength measurements than the RT group. After the training intervention there were significant changes in hormonal and metabolic parameters as well as in glycemic control, particularly in the RTS group.

Conclusions.?Our data suggest that resistance training, particularly in combination with a soy protein based supplement improves body composition and metabolic function in middle aged untrained and moderately overweight males.     

Effect of testosterone therapy on lumbar spine and hip mineral density in elderly men

Objective.?The aim of the present study was to analyse the effect of testosterone therapy on bone mineral density in healthy elderly men who had low levels of total testosterone.

Design.?Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Participants.?Forty-eight men over 60 years old with decreased testosterone levels (≤320 ng/dL) comprised the study. Twenty-five out of 48 received intramuscular injections of testosterone enanthate every three weeks during 12 months; the remaining 23 participants formed the control group. All participants had measurements of bone mineral density (BMD) in both lumbar spine and hip before and at the end of the study as well as testosterone and 17-β estradiol levels.

Results:?Testosterone treated group exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) increment (from 1.198 ± 0.153 to 1.240 ± 0.141 g/cm²) in lumbar BMD in parallel with a significant (p < 0.001) increment (from 301 ± 32 to 471 ± 107 ng/dL) in testosterone concentrations, whereas no significant change occurred in femoral neck BMD.

Conclusions.?Testosterone therapy elicited a positive effect only in lumbar BMD in elderly men with diminished testosterone serum levels.     

Association between serum levels of testosterone and biomarkers of subclinical atherosclerosis

Objective: To investigate the association between serum levels of testosterone and biomarkers of subclinical atherosclerosis based on data from 119 middle-aged men of the general population.

Methods: Testosterone, Apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA-1), Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), Apolipoprotein B-to-Apolipoprotein A-1 ratio (ApoB-to-ApoA-1), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and fibrinogen levels were measured. Data were also gathered based on age, BMI, waist circumference, smoking, alcohol consumption, and family history of cardiovascular diseases. Men were classified into two groups based on testosterone levels: hypogonadal (testosterone ≤12?nmol/L) and eugonadal men (testosterone >12?nmol/L).

Results: When compared to eugonadal, the hypogonadal men were significantly older (56?years vs. 55?years, p?=?.03), had greater BMI (28?kg/cm² vs. 26?kg/cm², p?=?.01), and higher waist circumference (104?cm vs. 100?cm, p?=?.01). Moreover, ApoB, ApoB-to-ApoA-1 ratio, and hsCRP were significantly higher in hypogonadal men compared to eugonadal men (1.1?g/L vs. 1.0?g/L, p?=?.03), (0.8 vs. 0.7, p?=?.03), (3.3?mg/L vs. 2.0?mg/L, p?=?.01), respectively. On the other hand, ApoA-1 and fibrinogen levels did not differ significantly between groups (p?>?.05). In an adjusted multivariate regression analysis model, only ApoB showed a significant negative association with testosterone levels (β?=??0.01; 95% CI?=??0.02, ?1.50; p?=?.04).

Conclusion: Testosterone levels showed an inverse relation to ApoB, a biomarker implicated in subclinical atherosclerosis. These findings support the hypothesis that low testosterone levels play a role in atherosclerosis.     

Association between testosterone levels and the metabolic syndrome in adult men

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between testosterone levels and the metabolic syndrome (MS) in men older than 45 years.

Methods: Six hundred and sixty men (45–70 years) selected from 2906 participants of a population screening for prostate cancer were included in this study. Testosterone and the components of MS were assessed in all men. MS was diagnosed according to NCEP-ATP III criteria. Triglycerides (TG)/HDL-cholesterol (chol) index was calculated.

Results: The presence of MS was inversely associated with testosterone (χ², p?<?0.001), independently of age (OR 0.802, CI 95%: 0.724–0.887, p?<?0.0001). Hypertension was the most frequent abnormality observed followed by elevated TG and waist circumference (WC). Testosterone correlated positively with HDL-chol (r: 0.14, p?<?0.0001) and negatively with body mass index (BMI)(r: ?0.29, p?<?0.0001), WC (r: ?0.26, p?<?0.0001), TG (r: ?0.20, p?<?0.0001), TG/HDL-chol (r: ?0.20, p?<?0.0001), glucose (r: ?0.11, p?=?0.005) and MS score (r: ?0.23, p?<?0.0001).

Conclusions: Our results show that in men older than 45 years, as long as testosterone levels decline, the prevalence of MS increases, independently of age. The correlations found between testosterone and four of the five components of MS, as well as with BMI and TG/HDL-chol ratio, a surrogate marker of insulin resistance, suggest considering male hypogonadism as a determinant of developmental abnormalities typical of MS.     

The imbalance of sex-hormones related to depressive symptoms in obese men

Obese men may present hypogonadothrofic hypogonadism, mainly related to higher insulinemia and aromatase activity. Our objectives were to evaluate the relationship of sex-hormones profiles and frequency of depressive symptoms in 43 obese men, in a cross-sectional study. They had 19–60 years, and body mass index 30–50?kg/m². LH, total and free testosterone (TT and FT), estradiol (E₂), sex hormone binding globulin, estradiol/total testosterone ratio (E₂/T) were analyzed. Depressive symptoms were evaluated by “beck depression inventory” (BDI), and significant depression was considered if BDI?≥?16.Thirty-four (80%) presented low TT levels, but only 4 (14%) had low free testosterone and hypogonadism symptoms; 12 of 43 (28%) presented increased E₂. Forty five (56%) presented depressive symptoms, but 16 (28% of the 45) had significant depression. BDI correlated positively with E₂ (r?=?0.407; p?=?0.001) and E₂/T (r?=?0.473; p?=?0.001), but not TT or FT. Patients with significant depressive showed higher levels of estradiol (136?±?48 versus 103?±?48?pg/ml, p?=?0.02) and E₂/T (16.0?±?9.9 versus 9.8?±?4.6; p?=?0.002) (mean?±?SD).In conclusion, obese men may present relatively excess of estradiol and deficiency in testosterone, leading to an imbalance between these two hormones. The greater this imbalance, the more depressive symptoms had our patients.     

Prevalence,incidence and risk factors of testosterone deficiency in a population-based cohort of men: results from the study of health in Pomerania

Objective.?Low total testosterone levels (TT) have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, the prevalence and incidence of testosterone deficiency (TD) in association with its risk has not been assessed systematically to date.

Methods.?Data from the prospective population-based Study of Health in Pomerania were used. From the 2117 men aged 20–79 years at baseline, 1490 men with complete TT data were analysed. Crude and age-specific prevalence and incidence rates of TD were estimated by TT levels below the age-specific 10th percentile. Analysis of covariance and Poisson regression models were used to assess the association of socio-demographic characteristics, health-related lifestyle, as well as somatometric, medical and laboratory measures with risk of incident TD.

Results.?TD baseline prevalence was 10.4% (N?=?155) and incidence 11.7 per 1000 person-years. TT levels showed a significant age-related decline with an unadjusted rate of 0.05 nmol/l per year. Obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and dyslipidaemia were identified as risk factors of incident TD. Subpopulations of men without the revealed risk factors at both examinations maintained constant TT levels over time.

Conclusions.?Besides aging alone, lifestyle and different comorbidities were associated with TT level decline, suggesting that the age-related TT decline may be at least partly prevented through the management of potentially modifiable risk factors and health related behaviour.     

RigiScan data under long-term testosterone therapy: improving long-term blood circulation of penile arteries,penile length and girth,erectile function,and nocturnal penile tumescence and duration

Background: Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) presents with low serum testosterone (TT) levels and sexual and nonsexual symptoms. Erectile dysfunction affects a man’s self-esteem and as a result partner relationship and quality of life.

Objectives: To investigate the andrological clinical profile outcomes of testosterone therapy (TTh) in men (n?=?88) with symptomatic LOH complaints and symptoms.

Main outcome measures: Erectile function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire at baseline and at 6 and 12 months of TTh. In addition, penile length was measured at baseline and 12 months. We also evaluated nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT, using RigiScan) and blood flow of cavernous arteries (penile Doppler ultrasonography) at baseline and 12 months of TT.

Materials and methods: Eighty-eight LOH men (M_age 51.1 years) with erectile dysfunction, all with serum TT?<10.4?nmol/L before TTh. Patients received intramuscular long-acting testosterone undecanoate for 12 months.

Results: Following TTh, in all patients, serum TT levels were restored within 3 months to normal levels. Compared with baseline values, erectile function significantly improved at 6 (mean score increase 1.95) and 12 months (mean score increase 2.16). No significant changes in penile length were observed. NPT significantly improved at 12 months in terms of both the frequency (mean increase 1.27 times) and duration of rigidity (mean increase 5.12?min). As regards the blood flow of the cavernous arteries, we observed a significant improvement (decrease of 1.16?cm/s) and end diastolic velocity of the penile arteries.

Conclusion: TTh in men with LOH resulted in improvement of the erectile function, NPT, and to some extent the blood flow of the cavernous arteries.     

Elevated high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in aging men with low testosterone

Objective.?We examined baseline data from a lipid treatment study to assess the relationship between testosterone (T) and the cardiovascular inflammatory marker, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP).

Methods.?The baseline T, hsCRP, lipid, glycemic, and anthropometric data were obtained from 467 men (mean age: 52 years). Inclusion criteria included low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥?3.4 to 4.9?mmol/l and triglycerides?≤?4.0?mmol/l. The baseline hsCRP levels were examined across the following T subgroups: <6.9?nmol/l (moderate to severe hypogonadism), 6.9 to <10.4?nmol/l (mild to moderate hypogonadism), 10.4 to <15?nmol/l (low-normal T), and?≥?15?nmol/l (normal T).

Results.?The median hsCRP levels were significantly (p?=?0.041) different across the four T subgroups; patients in the lower T subgroups had higher median hsCRP levels than patients in the higher T subgroups. The percentage of men with elevated hsCRP (>2?mg/l) was also significantly (p?=?0.038) different across the four T subgroups; 83% of men with T < 6.9?nmol/l had elevated hsCRP compared with 40% with T ≥ 15?nmol/l.

Conclusions.?This analysis demonstrated an inverse relationship between serum T and hsCRP in aging men. Urologists need to be aware that low T levels may not only adversely affect sexual function but also may worsen cardiovascular risk in aging, hypogonadal men.     

The relationship between serum total testosterone and free testosterone levels with serum hemoglobin and hematocrit levels: a study in 1221 men

Objective: To investigate the relationship between serum total testosterone (TT) and free testosterone (FT) levels in men with anemia.

Methods: We reviewed the records of 1221 subjects between March 2009 and December 2014. All the subjects’ blood samples were drawn for TT and FT assays. Their serum hemoglobin (Hb) and serum hematocrit (Hct) levels were measured. The primary objective of our study was to investigate the association between TT and FT levels with Hb and Hct levels.

Results: The mean age was 59.82?±?12.71 years. The mean TT and FT levels were 4.54?±?2.02?ng/mL and 10.63?±?3.69?pg/mL, respectively. The mean Hb and Hct levels were 14.72?±?1.34?g/dL and 43.11?±?3.75%, respectively. Subjects with low TT (<2.35?ng/mL) had low Hb and Hct levels (p?p?Conclusions: Subjects with low TT and FT levels had low Hb and Hct levels. This suggests that TT and FT play a significant role in erythropoiesis. Testosterone replacement therapy may be effective in men with hypogonadism to reduce the incidence of anemia.     

Caffeine intake is not associated with serum testosterone levels in adult men: cross-sectional findings from the NHANES 1999–2004 and 2011–2012

Objective: The association of caffeine intake with testosterone remains unclear. We evaluated the association of caffeine intake with serum testosterone among American men and determined whether this association varied by race/ethnicity and measurements of adiposity.

Methods: Data were analyzed for 2581 men (≥20?years old) who participated in the cycles of the NHANES 1999–2004 and 2011–2012, a cross-sectional study. Testosterone (ng/mL) was measured by immunoassay among men who participated in the morning examination session. We analyzed 24-h dietary recall data to estimate caffeine intake (mg/day). Multivariable weighted linear regression models were conducted.

Results: We identified no linear relationship between caffeine intake and testosterone levels in the total population, but there was a non-linear association (p_nonlinearity?p_nonlinearity?≤?.03 both) and only among men with waist circumference <102?cm and body mass index <25?kg/m² (p_nonlinearity?Conclusion: No linear association was identified between levels of caffeine intake and testosterone in US men, but we observed a non-linear association, including among racial/ethnic groups and measurements of adiposity in this cross-sectional study. These associations are warranted to be investigated in larger prospective studies.     

A randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial of testosterone gel on body composition and health-related quality-of-life in men with hypogonadal to low-normal levels of serum testosterone and symptoms of androgen deficiency over 6 months with 12 months open-label follow-up

Introduction: The clinical significance of low to low-normal testosterone (T) levels in men remains debated. Aim: To analyze the effects of raising serum T on lean body mass (LBM), fat mass (FM), total body mass, and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL). Methods: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Men, aged 50–80 years, with serum total T<15 nmol/L and bioavailable T < 6.68 nmol/L, and a Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS) total score >36, received 6 months treatment with transdermal 1% T gel (5–7.5?mg/day; n =183) or placebo gel (n =179), followed by 12 months open-label with T in all. Results: After 6 months, LBM increased in T- treated patients by 1.28?±?0.15?kg (mean ± SE) and FM decreased by 1.16?±?0.16?kg, with minor changes with placebo (LBM +0.02?±?0.10?kg and FM ?0.14?±?0.12?kg; all p < 0.001, T group vs. placebo). Changes were largely similar across subgroups of age, baseline total testosterone, and baseline BMI. Total HRQoL improved compared with placebo (p < 0.05, T group vs. placebo). Conclusions: Six months 1% T gel improved body composition and HRQoL in symptomatic men with low to low-normal T, with further improvements over the following 12 months.     

Three definitions of metabolic syndrome applied to a sample of young obese men and their relation with plasma testosterone

This study tested 60 men, aged <40 years, with a BMI 27–35 kg/m² to determine whether they had metabolic syndrome. The three definitions used to test this were from the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Further, the relationship between a positive definition and plasma testosterone (T) and calculated free T was analysed.

Using the above three definitions of metabolic syndrome (MetS), there was a large degree of overlap of identifying obese men as having the syndrome, but there were quantitatively significant differences as well. So, it is relevant in studies to identify which of the present definitions of the syndrome has been used. With aging there is an increasing prevalence of the syndrome and age itself might be a factor in the lower T levels encountered in these men. But low plasma total T and calculated free T were also consistent features of men <40 years with metabolic syndrome, regardless of which definition had been applied. Including low T levels in the definition of metabolic syndrome, may be helpful.     

Testosterone deficiency in male heart failure patients and its effect on endothelial progenitor cells

Background: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are thought to contribute to reendothelialization and neoangiogenesis. Since it is known that EPCs express a testosterone receptor, we wanted to assess the prevalence of testosterone deficiency in patients with CHF and its impact on circulating EPCs. Methods: 137 male patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) were included (age 61?±?13 years; BMI 29?±?5?kg/m²; New York Heart Association classification (NYHA) I: n = 47, NYHA II: n = 51, NYHA III: n = 39). Numbers of different populations of circulating EPCs were quantified using flow cytometry. Levels of free testosterone and EPC-regulating cytokines were determined using ELISA. Results: The prevalence of testosterone deficiency in our University CHF clinic was 39%. However, there was no difference between patients with and without testosterone deficiency regarding their levels of EPCs. Testosterone levels were inversely correlated with age (R² = ?0.32, p = 0.001) and NYHA status (R² = 0.28, p = 0.001) and correlated with cardiorespiratory capacity (R² = 0.26, p = 0.03). Conclusion: Testosterone deficiency is frequent in male patients with CHF but does not appear to impact the regenerative EPCs.