BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction is one of the early signs of cardiovascular damage. High androgen levels have been related to inflammatory endothelial markers in pre- and post-menopausal women. AIM: This cross-sectional study aimed at investigating whether free androgen index (FAI) [estimated by dividing total testosterone (nmol/l) by SHBG (nmol/l) x 100] is related to endothelial function during post-menopause. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six post-menopausal women were assessed with the dorsal hand vein compliance technique. Acetylcholine (Ach) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) dose-response curves were constructed to test endothelium-dependent and independent relaxation, respectively. RESULTS: Mean age was 54 yr (+/-4) and median time since menopause was 6 yr (interquartile range: 3-9). Patients were stratified according to FAI levels into two groups: FAI greater than or less than the group median of 2.5. Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was significantly higher in the group with FAI>2.5, as well as median dose of Ach for maximal vasodilation [720 (360-3600) ng/min with FAI>2.5 vs 36 (0.36-360) ng/min with FAI<or=2.5; p=0.005]. Maximal vasodilation with SNP was similar in both groups. Positive correlations were observed between Ach doses and maximal vasodilation and FAI (r=0.473, p=0.015), waist (r=0.510, p= 0.011), and WHR (r=0.479, p=0.021). SHBG was negatively correlated with Ach doses (rs=-0.400, p=0.043). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that FAI, even within normal limits, is related to early changes in endothelial function in healthy post-menopausal women. Longitudinal studies are required to determine the clinical relevance of these findings.
BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction is one of the early signs of cardiovascular damage. High androgen levels have been related to inflammatory endothelial markers in pre- and post-menopausal women. AIM: This cross-sectional study aimed at investigating whether free androgen index (FAI) [estimated by dividing total testosterone (nmol/l) by SHBG (nmol/l) x 100] is related to endothelial function during post-menopause. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six post-menopausal women were assessed with the dorsal hand vein compliance technique. Acetylcholine (Ach) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) dose-response curves were constructed to test endothelium-dependent and independent relaxation, respectively. RESULTS: Mean age was 54 yr (+/-4) and median time since menopause was 6 yr (interquartile range: 3-9). Patients were stratified according to FAI levels into two groups: FAI greater than or less than the group median of 2.5. Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was significantly higher in the group with FAI>2.5, as well as median dose of Ach for maximal vasodilation [720 (360-3600) ng/min with FAI>2.5 vs 36 (0.36-360) ng/min with FAI<or=2.5; p=0.005]. Maximal vasodilation with SNP was similar in both groups. Positive correlations were observed between Ach doses and maximal vasodilation and FAI (r=0.473, p=0.015), waist (r=0.510, p= 0.011), and WHR (r=0.479, p=0.021). SHBG was negatively correlated with Ach doses (rs=-0.400, p=0.043). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that FAI, even within normal limits, is related to early changes in endothelial function in healthy post-menopausal women. Longitudinal studies are required to determine the clinical relevance of these findings.
Authors: C Crandall; S Palla; B Reboussin; P Hu; E Barrett-Connor; D Reuben; G Greendale Journal: J Womens Health (Larchmt) Date: 2006 Jan-Feb Impact factor: 2.681
Authors: A P Nácul; C D Andrade; P Schwarz; P I Homem de Bittencourt; P M Spritzer Journal: Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol Date: 2006-10-17 Impact factor: 2.435
Authors: Johan Arnlöv; Michael J Pencina; Shreyasee Amin; Byung-Ho Nam; Emelia J Benjamin; Joanne M Murabito; Thomas J Wang; Philip E Knapp; Ralph B D'Agostino; Shalendar Bhasin; Ramachandran S Vasan Journal: Ann Intern Med Date: 2006-08-01 Impact factor: 25.391
Authors: Hylton V Joffe; Paul M Ridker; Joann E Manson; Nancy R Cook; Julie E Buring; Kathryn M Rexrode Journal: Ann Epidemiol Date: 2005-10-10 Impact factor: 3.797
Authors: Kathryn M Rexrode; JoAnn E Manson; I-Min Lee; Paul M Ridker; Patrick M Sluss; Nancy R Cook; Julie E Buring Journal: Circulation Date: 2003-09-15 Impact factor: 29.690
Authors: Majon Muller; Annewieke W van den Beld; Michiel L Bots; Diederick E Grobbee; Steven W J Lamberts; Yvonne T van der Schouw Journal: Circulation Date: 2004-04-19 Impact factor: 29.690