Low testosterone levels are inversely correlated with carotid artery plaque formation in elderly women.
- Author:
Qiang MA
;
Qing-Li CHENG
;
Jian MA
;
Qiang-Guo AO
;
Guo-Juan TAN
;
Guang ZHI
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Aged; Atherosclerosis; blood; Carotid Arteries; pathology; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Carotid Stenosis; blood; Female; Humans; Male; Prospective Studies; Testosterone; blood
- From: Chinese Journal of Applied Physiology 2013;29(6):554-558
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVETo study the relationship between serum testosterone levels and the plaque formation of the carotid artery in a population-based cohort of independently living healthy women above 60 years of age.
METHODSAnalysis of the healthy elders from a population-based cohort study in 9 communities of Beijing. Carotid intima-media thickness and atherosclerotic plaques were determined ultrasonographically. Serum testosterone levels were measured by immunoassay. The data were analyzed with ANOVA and logistic regression analysis.
RESULTSThere was an inverse correlation between testosterone and plaque formation in old females (P < 0.01), while no association was found in males. Female with testosterone levels in the lowest quartile (< 0.49 nmol/L) had more risk of plaque formation (OR = 3.805, P < 0.01) after adjusted with age and other traditional factors of atherosclerosis.
CONCLUSIONTestosterone concentrations are negatively associated with carotid artery atherosclerosis in old women in Beijing, experimental and prospective studies are needed to determine the possible therapeutic role of testosterone in atherosclerosis.