A 5‐year follow‐up study of disease incidence in men with an abnormal hormone pattern

Abstract

Abstract. Rosmond R, Wallerius S, Wanger P, Martin L, Holm G, Björntorp P (The Cardiovascular Institute, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg; and Huddinge University Hospital, Huddinge; Sweden). A 5-year follow-up study of disease incidence in men with an abnormal hormone pattern. J Intern Med 2003; 254: 386-390.Objectives. Previous studies have suggested that abnormal levels of cortisol and testosterone might increase the risk of serious somatic diseases. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a 5-year follow-up study in middle-aged men. Methods. A population-based cohort study conducted in 1995 amongst 141 Swedish men born in 1944, in whom a clinical examination supplemented by medical history aimed to disclose the presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, stroke), type 2 diabetes and hypertension were performed at baseline and at follow-up in the year 2000. In addition, salivary cortisol levels were measured repeatedly over the day. Serum testosterone concentrations were also determined. Using the baseline data, an algorithm was constructed, which classified the secretion pattern of cortisol and testosterone from each individual as being normal or abnormal. Results. By the end of follow-up, men with an abnormal hormone secretion pattern (n ¼ 73) had elevated mean arterial pressure (P ¼ 0.003), fasting insulin (P ¼ 0.009) and insulin : glucose ratio (P ¼ 0.005) compared with men with a normal secretion pattern (n ¼ 68). Body mass index, waist circumference, and waist : hip ratio were significantly elevated in both groups. However, the 5-year incidence of CVD, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in men with an abnormal neuroendocrine secretory pattern compared to men with a normal pattern. Conclusions. These data suggest that an abnormal neuroendocrine secretory pattern is prospectively associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular-related events and type 2 diabetes.

Detrimental effects of endogenous oestrogens on primary acute myocardial infarction among postmenopausal women

“…As in the case of trauma, it may be an acute response [18,19]. Moreover, the high ratio of cortisol to testosterone (C/T) has recently been reported to increase CHD risk in men [20,21]. Taken together, in our study a high oestradiol level promotes the occurrence of AMI among postmenopausal women instead of being acute stress response.…”

Ageing, depression, anxiety, social support and the diurnal rhythm and awakening response of salivary cortisol

“…For example, individuals suffering from a chronic illness compared to healthy controls show an elevated CAR alongside a lower AUC (Kudielka and Kirschbaum, 2003). Further, a flatter cortisol diurnal pattern is related to a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes (Rosmond et al, 2003), and earlier mortality in cancer patients . The impact of an altered diurnal cortisol pattern may be particularly important for older individuals, for whom changes in endocrine function are associated with immunosenescence, disturbances in physical function, and independence.…”

Testosterone modifies the effect of APOE genotype on hippocampal volume in middle-aged men

“…Due to the well-established relationship between low testosterone, increased body mass index (BMI), and increased health problems, [25][26][27] we included measures of BMI and overall health as additional covariates. Each participant underwent a medical history interview during which they were asked whether a physician had diagnosed them with any of 48 medical conditions (e.g., hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes).…”