The role of androgens in women's health and wellbeing. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bianchi, Vittorio E.; Bresciani, Elena; Meanti, Ramona; Rizzi, Laura; Omeljaniuk, Robert J.; Torsello, Antonio
• Is Part Of: Pharmacological research. Volume 171(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: 17β-HSD 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase -- 3α-HSOR 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase -- 3βHSD 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase -- A androstenedione -- AD Alzheimer disease -- ALS amyotrophic lateral sclerosis -- APP amyloid precursor protein -- AR androgen receptor -- ASC adipose stem cell -- Aβ β-amyloid -- BBB blood-brain barrier -- BDNF brain-derived neurotrophic factor -- BMD bone mineral density -- C/EBPα CCAAT-enhancer-binding prontein α -- C/EBPβ CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein β -- CNS central nervous system -- CVDs cardiovascular diseases -- DHEA dehydroepiandrosterone -- DHEAS dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate -- DHT dihydrotestosterone -- EPIC European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition -- ERα estrogen receptor α -- ERβ estrogen receptor β -- FAI free androgen index -- fALS familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis -- FSH follicle-stimulating hormone -- GLUT-4 glucose transporter type 4 -- GSM genitourinary syndrome of menopause -- HA iperhydrogenism -- HC hormonal contraceptives -- HER2 human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 -- HRT hormone replacement therapy -- RLS reproductive life span -- HSDD hypoactive sexual desire disorder -- IARC International Agency for Research on Cancer -- IGF-1 insulin-like growth factor 1 -- IL-6 interleukin-6 -- KO knock out -- LC-MS/MS liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry -- LH lutheinizing hormone -- LSD1 lysine-specific demethylase 1 A -- ND nandrolone decanoate -- NDs neurodegenerative diseases -- NR3C4 nuclear receptor subfamily 3, group C, member 4 -- PCOS polycystic ovary syndrome -- PD Parkinson disease -- PKA-RegIIβ protein kinase A regulatory-IIβ component -- PNS peripheral nervous system -- PPARγ peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ -- PR progesterone receptor -- sALS sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis -- SARMs selective androgen receptor modulators -- SC subcutaneous -- SERMs selective estrogen receptor modulators -- SHBG sex hormone-binding globuline -- SOD1 superoxide dismutase 1 -- SSEs satisfying sexual events -- T2DM type 2 diabetes mellitus -- TMN Tumor Size Nodal Status and Distant Metastasis Staging -- TNBCs Triple-Negative Breast Cancers -- TNFα tumor necrosis factor α -- VEGF vascular endothelial growth factor -- VVA vulvovaginal atrophy; Androgens -- Women -- Reproductive apparatus -- Cardiovascular diseases -- Bone -- Muscle; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; Research -- Periodicals; Médicaments -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Pharmacologie -- Périodiques; 615.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105758
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-6618

Abstract

Abstract: 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. Graphical Abstract: ga1