The role of androgens in women's health and wellbeing.

Androgens in women, as well as in men, are intrinsic to maintenance of (i) reproductive competency, (ii) cardiac health, (iii) appropriate bone remodeling and mass retention, (iii) muscle tone and mass, and (iv) brain function, in part, through their mitigation of neurodegenerative disease effects. In recognition of the pluripotency of endogenous androgens, exogenous androgens, and selected congeners, have been prescribed off-label for several decades to treat low libido and sexual dysfunction in menopausal women, as well as, to improve physical performance. However, long-term safety and efficacy of androgen administration has yet to be fully elucidated. Side effects often observed include (i) hirsutism, (ii) acne, (iii) deepening of the voice, and (iv) weight gain but are associated most frequently with supra-physiological doses. By contrast, short-term clinical trials suggest that the use of low-dose testosterone therapy in women appears to be effective, safe and economical. There are, however, few clinical studies, which have focused on effects of androgen therapy on pre- and post-menopausal women; moreover, androgen mechanisms of action have not yet been thoroughly explained in these subjects. This review considers clinical effects of androgens on women's health in order to prevent chronic diseases and reduce cancer risk in gynecological tissues.

Reactive Oxygen Species Response to Exercise Training and Weight Loss in Sedentary Overweight and Obese Female Adults.

PURPOSE: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in cardiovascular disease and in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and its complications, and it has been shown to increase insulin resistance. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of aerobic exercise training and weight loss on ROS in overweight and obese patients as applied in a community clinical setting. METHODS: Fifty healthy female clinic patients (M ± SEM: age, 41.0 ± 1.8 years; body mass index, 28.2 ± 0.8 kg/m2), free of cardiovascular events and not on drug therapy were evaluated before and after 3 months of dietary restriction (∼150 to 300 kcal/day deficit) and aerobic training (3 days/week for 1 hour at ∼75% VO2max). Measures included ROS, maximal power (kg/min) on cycle ergometry, postexercise heart rate recovery responses at 1 and 2 minutes, and selected anthropometric and hematologic variables. RESULTS: Significant (P < .01) improvements were observed after aerobic training and weight loss in body weight in kilograms (-7.1%); maximal power in kg/min (+32.6%), ROS in U.CARR (Carratelli units) (-25.7%); and heart rate recovery 1 minute in beats per minute (-37.6%) following the program. Significant improvements were also noted in other anthropometric, cardiovascular, and hematologic measures. CONCLUSIONS: A 12-week program of nutritional and exercise intervention in overweight/obese sedentary women improves levels of oxidative stress when accompanied by weight loss and improved fitness. More than restricted caloric intake, physical activity at a relatively high intensity was effective in improving cardiovascular risk markers. The reduction in ROS may be an additional mechanism by which physical activity may contribute to preventing metabolic syndrome and subsequent atherosclerotic disease.

Relationship of obstructive sleep apnea and cardiometabolic risk factors in elderly patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm.

PURPOSE: This study seeks to determine the risks for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiometabolic disease (CMR) in elderly patients with mild-moderate abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). METHODS: Three hundred two elderly patients with diagnosed small AAA disease were subjects. CMR was assessed by several biomarkers, with special focus on the Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP) and the Triglyceride-Glucose Index (TyG Index), two validated screening indicators of CMR related to central obesity and insulin resistance, respectively. Analysis of OSA risk was assessed with the Berlin Questionnaire. RESULTS: The patients (60.6 %) had increased risk of OSA; those at high risk also were at increased (p < 0.05) risk for CMR (15/25 biomarkers). CONCLUSIONS: As a group, elderly AAA patients are at risk for both OSA and cardiometabolic disease. Given that OSA and CMR may both amplify risk for AAA expansion, these patients should be screened for OSA, and when indicated, referred for definitive evaluation and treatment.

Effect of GH/IGF-1 on Bone Metabolism and Osteoporsosis.

Background. Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) are fundamental in skeletal growth during puberty and bone health throughout life. GH increases tissue formation by acting directly and indirectly on target cells; IGF-1 is a critical mediator of bone growth. Clinical studies reporting the use of GH and IGF-1 in osteoporosis and fracture healing are outlined. Methods. A Pubmed search revealed 39 clinical studies reporting the effects of GH and IGF-1 administration on bone metabolism in osteopenic and osteoporotic human subjects and on bone healing in operated patients with normal GH secretion. Eighteen clinical studies considered the effect with GH treatment, fourteen studies reported the clinical effects with IGF-1 administration, and seven related to the GH/IGF-1 effect on bone healing. Results. Both GH and IGF-1 administration significantly increased bone resorption and bone formation in the most studies. GH/IGF-1 administration in patients with hip or tibial fractures resulted in increased bone healing, rapid clinical improvements. Some conflicting results were evidenced. Conclusions. GH and IGF-1 therapy has a significant anabolic effect. GH administration for the treatment of osteoporosis and bone fractures may greatly improve clinical outcome. GH interacts with sex steroids in the anabolic process. GH resistance process is considered.