Androgenicity and venous endothelial function in post-menopausal women

• Published in: Journal of endocrinological investigation 2010-04, Vol.33 (4), p.239-243
• Main Authors: Maturana, M. A., Rubira, M. C., Consolim-Colombo, F., Irigoyen, M. C., Spritzer, P. M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acetylcholine - pharmacology; Androgens - blood; Body Mass Index; Cross-Sectional Studies; Endocrinology; Endothelium, Vascular - physiology; Endothelium, Vascular - physiopathology; Female; Humans; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Metabolic Diseases; Middle Aged; Nitroprusside - pharmacology; Original Articles; Postmenopause - physiology; Vasodilator Agents - pharmacology; Veins - anatomy & histology; Veins - drug effects; Veins - physiology; Waist-Hip Ratio
• ISSN: 0391-4097; 1720-8386
• DOI: 10.1007/BF03345786

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) × 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≤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.