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Review
. 2024 Dec 31;10(1):2365125.
doi: 10.1080/20565623.2024.2365125. Epub 2024 Aug 25.

Evaluating the impact of testosterone replacement therapy on carotid atherosclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Syed Hamza Haider  1 , Areeka Irfan  1 , Samir Mustafa Sheikh  1 , Muhammad Taha Abid  1 , Turba Naz  1 , Mudassir Abbas  1 , Alishba Raza  1
Affiliations
Review

Evaluating the impact of testosterone replacement therapy on carotid atherosclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Syed Hamza Haider et al. Future Sci OA. .

Abstract

Aim: This meta-analysis investigates the association between testosterone replacement therapy [TRT] and carotid artery atherosclerosis. Methods: 3 databases were searched for studies up to June 2023 per the PRISMA guidelines. The eligibility criteria comprised RCTs and observational studies involving hypogonadal males receiving exogenous testosterone, in which CIMT was assessed. CAA was the primary outcome, whereas secondary outcomes included HDL, LDL, CRP, total cholesterol and total testosterone. The statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager. Results: Statistical analysis revealed no association between TRT and assessed outcomes. There was a significant increase in total testosterone levels, depicting indirect anti-atherosclerotic effects of TRT. Conclusion: Meta-analysis shows no relation between TRT and CIMT or other markers, allowing its safe usage for hypogonadal males.

Keywords: atherosclerosis; carotid artery; carotid intima media thickness; exogenous testosterone; hormone replacement therapy; hypogonadal males; inflammatory markers; lipid markers; meta-analysis; testosterone replacement therapy.

Plain language summary

[Box: see text].

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Forest Plot of CIMT.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Forest Plot of HDL.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Forest Plot of LDL.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Forest plot of CRP.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Forest plot of total cholesterol.
Figure 6.
Figure 6.
Forest plot of total testosterone.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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