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
• ISSN: 1720-8386
• DOI: 10.3275/6559

BACKGROUNDEndothelial 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. AIMThis 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 METHODSTwenty-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. RESULTSMean 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