Testosterone and vascular function in aging

Lopes, Rheure A. M. and Neves, Karla B. and Carneiro, Fernando S. and Tostes, Rita C. (2012) Testosterone and vascular function in aging. Frontiers in Physiology, 3 (89). ISSN 1664-042X (https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2012.00089)

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Abstract

Androgen receptors are widely distributed in several tissues, including vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Through classic cytosolic androgen receptors or membrane receptors, testosterone induces genomic and non-genomic effects, respectively. Testosterone interferes with the vascular function by increasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and arterial thickness. Experimental evidence indicates that sex steroid hormones, such as testosterone modulate the synthesis and bioavailability of NO and, consequently, endothelial function, which is key for a healthy vasculature. Of interest, aging itself is accompanied by endothelial and vascular smooth muscle dysfunction. Aging-associated decline of testosterone levels is accompanied by age-related diseases, such as metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, indicating that very low levels of androgens may contribute to cardiovascular dysfunction observed in these age-related disorders or, in other words, that testosterone may have beneficial effects in the cardiovascular system. However, testosterone seems to play a negative role in the severity of renal disease. In this mini-review, we briefly comment on the interplay between aging and testosterone levels, the vascular actions of testosterone and its implications for vascular aging. Renal effects of testosterone and the use of testosterone to prevent vascular dysfunction in elderly are also addressed.

  • Item type:Article
    ID code:82752
    Dates:
    Date
    Event
    10 April 2012
    Published
    25 March 2012
    Accepted
    Notes:Lopes RA, Neves KB, Carneiro FS, and Tostes RC (2012) Testosterone and vascular function in aging. Front. Physio. 3:89. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2012.00089
    Subjects:Medicine
    Department:Faculty of Science > Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
    Depositing user: Pure Administrator
    Date deposited:13 Oct 2022 13:01
    Last modified:25 Apr 2024 01:29
    URI:https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/82752
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