Kidney Week

Abstract: TH-PO610

Testosterone and Endothelial Function in Females With CKD

Session Information

• Hypertension and CVD: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Prevention
  November 03, 2022 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Orange County Convention Center‚ West Building
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Hypertension and CVD

• 1501 Hypertension and CVD: Epidemiology‚ Risk Factors‚ and Prevention

Authors

• Gulamhusein, Nabilah, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Nabilah Gulamhusein,

• Buchan, Marrissa Shelby, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Marrissa Shelby Buchan,

• Ahmed, Sofia B., University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Sofia B. Ahmed,

• Anderson, Todd Jeffrey, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Todd Jeffrey Anderson,

• Sola, Darlene Y., University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Darlene Y. Sola,

• Pajevic, Milada, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Milada Pajevic,

• Dumanski, Sandi M., University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Sandi M. Dumanski,

Background

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in females with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Elevated testosterone has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women and premenopausal women with polycystic ovarian syndrome in the general population, but whether testosterone levels are associated with cardiovascular risk in this high-risk population is unknown. The goal of this study was to determine the association between testosterone levels and endothelial function, a validated measure of cardiovascular risk, in females with CKD.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed in premenopausal-aged females with CKD (18-51 years). Demographic and metabolic measurements were collected, alongside measurement of total testosterone. Standardized protocols were utilized to measure endothelial function, including right brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and hyperemic velocity time integral (VTI). The associations between total testosterone and each outcome (FMD and VTI) were examined using multivariate linear regression analyses.

Results

52 females with non-dialysis-dependent CKD (mean estimated glomerular filtration rate 84 ± 30 mL/min/1.73m², range: 13 - 138 mL/min/1.73m²) and 9 females treated with dialysis (89% hemodialysis, 11% peritoneal dialysis) were enrolled, with a mean age of 37 ± 8 years. Total testosterone levels ranged from <0.2nmol/L to 3.4nmol/L (mean testosterone 0.73 ± 0.63 nmol/L). No association was observed between estimated glomerular filtration rate and testosterone or body mass index and testosterone. There was a trend towards a negative relationship between age and testosterone (p=0.06). After adjusting for age and mean arterial pressure, testosterone was positively associated with VTI (R²=0.19, p<0.01), but not FMD (R²=0.05, p=0.43).

Conclusion

Reduced testosterone levels are associated with impaired microvascular endothelial function in young females with CKD, and may be an important marker of future cardiovascular risk. Given the high cardiovascular risk in the CKD population, further investigation into this risk factor is warranted.

Funding

• Government Support – Non-U.S.