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| References
- Heart,
circulation, and the effects of testosterone. |
2.
Alexandersen P, Haarbo J, Christiansen C. The
relationship of natural androgens to coronary heart disease
in males: a review. [Review] [85 refs]. Atherosclerosis
1997;125:1-13.
Abstract: Published studies dealing with the relationship
between circulating levels of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone
(sulfate) (DHEA(S)) and coronary heart disease (CHD) in males,
as well as corresponding experimental animal studies are reviewed.
One randomized intervention study, eight prospective and 30
cross-sectional studies have evaluated this relationship. In
the intervention study, testosterone undecanoate given orally
significantly improved angina pectoris in 62 patients with CHD
as compared to placebo. No significant association between serum
testosterone and CHD was reported in the prospective studies,
whereas those studies concerning DHEAS found either no or an
inverse association with CHD. Of 30 cross-sectional studies,
18 reported reduced concentrations of testosterone (primarily),
and/or DHEA(S) in CHD patients as compared to normals, 11 found
similar circulating levels of these androgens in controls and
patients with CHD, and one study found elevated levels of DHEA(S)
in patients. Animal studies (six male rabbits and one in male
chicks) suggest an anti-atherogenic effect of testosterone and
DHEA. In conclusion, one intervention, eight cohort and several
cross-sectional studies suggest either a neutral or a favourable
effect of testosterone and DHEA(S) on CHD in males. [References:
85]
Notes: Authoritative review overall suggesting a favourable
effect of testosterone and its precursor DHEA on heart disease
in men. |
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