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Context Cardiovascular disease (CVD) in transgender women (TW) may be affected by gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and HIV, but few data compare TW on contemporary GAHT to well-matched controls. Objective We compared CVD burden and biomarker profiles between TW and matched cisgender men (CM). Methods Adult TW on GAHT (n = 29) were recruited for a cross-sectional study (2018-2020). CM (n = 48) from the former Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study were matched 2:1 to TW on HIV serostatus, age ±5 years, race/ethnicity, BMI category and antiretroviral therapy (ART) type. Cardiac parameters were measured by CT and coronary atherosclerosis by coronary CT angiography; sex hormone and biomarker concentrations were measured centrally from stored samples. Results Overall, median age was 53 years and BMI 29 kg/m2; 69% were non-white. All participants with HIV (71%) had viral suppression on ART. Only 31% of TW had testosterone suppression (<50 ng/dL, TW-S). Traditional CVD risk factors were similar between groups, except that TW-S had higher BMI than TW with non-suppressed testosterone (TW-T). TW-S had no evidence of non-calcified coronary plaque or advanced coronary stenosis, whereas TW-T and CM had similar burden. TW had lower prevalence of any coronary plaque, calcified plaque and mixed plaque than CM, regardless of testosterone concentrations and HIV serostatus. Estradiol but not testosterone concentrations moderately and negatively correlated with the presence of coronary plaque and stenosis. Small sample size limited statistical power. Conclusion Older TW with suppressed total testosterone on GAHT had no CT evidence of non-calcified coronary plaque or advanced coronary stenosis. Longitudinal studies to understand relationships between GAHT and CVD risk in TW are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic posed unique challenges to cancer-related care as health systems balanced competing risks of timely delivery of care and minimizing exposure to infection in a high-risk, immunocompromised patient population. This study aimed to better understand how pandemic-related factors affected the patient experience of cancer care during this time. Methods: We conducted fifteen semi-structured interviews with adults from rural counties in Maryland who were diagnosed with and/or actively treated for cancer at the TidalHealth healthcare network between January 2020 and October 2022. Results: Interviews from fifteen participants were analyzed. Two major themes emerged including COVID Impact on Care, and COVID Impact on Mental Health. Subthemes under COVID Impact on Care include Staffing Shortages, Hospital Regulations, Visitation, Importance of Advocacy, and Telehealth Utilization, and subthemes under COVID Impact on Mental Health include Loneliness, Support Networks, and Perceptions of COVID and Personal Protection. Overall, participants described positive care experiences despite notable delays, disruptions to continuity of care, difficult transitions to telemedicine, visitation policies that limited patient support, increased mental health struggles related to social distancing measures, and greater desire for patient advocacy. Conclusion: Our findings reveal significant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on experiences of cancer treatment and survivorship in a more vulnerable, rural patient population with lower healthcare access and income level. Our findings suggest areas for targeted interventions to limit disruptions to quality care in future public health emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between testosterone and related hormones and cardiovascular and mortality outcomes is debated. The authors of this study obtained individual patient–level data from 9 cohort studies and aggregate data from 11 studies in total. These data enabled them to describe the associations of testosterone, sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone (LH), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, and incident cardiovascular events while accounting for other cardiac risk factors. Background: Whether circulating sex hormones modulate mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in aging men is controversial. Purpose: To clarify associations of sex hormones with these outcomes. Data Sources: Systematic literature review to July 2019, with bridge searches to March 2024. Study Selection: Prospective cohort studies of community-dwelling men with sex steroids measured using mass spectrometry and at least 5 years of follow-up. Data Extraction: Independent variables were testosterone, sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone (LH), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol concentrations. Primary outcomes were all-cause mortality, CVD death, and incident CVD events. Covariates included age, body mass index, marital status, alcohol consumption, smoking, physical activity, hypertension, diabetes, creatinine concentration, ratio of total to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipid medication use. Data Synthesis: Nine studies provided individual participant data (IPD) (255 830 participant-years). Eleven studies provided summary estimates (n = 24 109). Two-stage random-effects IPD meta-analyses found that men with baseline testosterone concentrations below 7.4 nmol/L (<213 ng/dL), LH concentrations above 10 IU/L, or estradiol concentrations below 5.1 pmol/L had higher all-cause mortality, and those with testosterone concentrations below 5.3 nmol/L (<153 ng/dL) had higher CVD mortality risk. Lower SHBG concentration was associated with lower all-cause mortality (median for quintile 1 [Q1] vs. Q5, 20.6 vs. 68.3 nmol/L; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.85 [95% CI, 0.77 to 0.95]) and lower CVD mortality (adjusted HR, 0.81 [CI, 0.65 to 1.00]). Men with lower baseline DHT concentrations had higher risk for all-cause mortality (median for Q1 vs. Q5, 0.69 vs. 2.45 nmol/L; adjusted HR, 1.19 [CI, 1.08 to 1.30]) and CVD mortality (adjusted HR, 1.29 [CI, 1.03 to 1.61]), and risk also increased with DHT concentrations above 2.45 nmol/L. Men with DHT concentrations below 0.59 nmol/L had increased risk for incident CVD events. Limitations: Observational study design, heterogeneity among studies, and imputation of missing data. Conclusion: Men with low testosterone, high LH, or very low estradiol concentrations had increased all-cause mortality. SHBG concentration was positively associated and DHT concentration was nonlinearly associated with all-cause and CVD mortality. Primary Funding Source: Medical Research Future Fund, Government of Western Australia, and Lawley Pharmaceuticals. (PROSPERO: CRD42019139668) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Assessment of the efficacy and safety/tolerability of the aromatase inhibitor leflutrozole to normalise testosterone in Obesityassociated Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism (OHH). Design: Placebo-controlled, double-blind, RCT, in 70 sites in Europe/USA. Methods: Patient inclusion criteria: men with BMI of 30-50 kg/m², morning total testosterone (TT) < 10.41 nmol/L, and two androgen deficiency symptoms (at least one of sexual dysfunction). Patients randomised to weekly leflutrozole (0.1/0.3/1.0 mg) or placebo for 24 weeks. Primary endpoint: normalisation of TT levels in ≥75% of patients after 24 weeks. Secondary endpoints (included): time to TT normalisation and change in LH/FSH. Safety was assessed through adverse events and laboratory monitoring. Results and Conclusions: Of 2103 screened, 271 were randomised, 81 discontinued. Demographic characteristics were similar across groups. Mean BMI was 38.1 kg/m² and TT 7.97 nmol/L. The primary endpoint was achieved in all leflutrozole-treated groups by 24 weeks with a dosetiered response; mean TT 15.89; 17.78; 20.35 nmol/L, for leflutrozole 0.1 mg, 0.3 mg, and 1.0 mg groups respectively, vs 8.04 nmol/L for placebo. LH/FSH significantly increased in leflutrozole vs placebo groups. No improvements in body composition or sexual dysfunction were observed. Semen volume/total motile sperm count improved with leflutrozole vs placebo. Treatment-emergent adverse events, more common in leflutrozole-treated groups included, raised haematocrit, hypertension, increased PSA, and headache. Some reduction in lumbar bone density was observed with leflutrozole (mean -1.24%, -1.30%, -2.09%) and 0.66% for 0.1 mg, 0.3 mg, 1.0 mg, and placebo, respectively, without change at the hip. This RCT of leflutrozole in OHH demonstrated normalisation of TT in obese men. FSH/LH and semen parameter changes support that leflutrozole may preserve/improve testicular function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To describe patterns of testosterone concentrations among men across a range of sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health characteristics, the authors systematically searched and obtained individual participant and aggregate data from eligible cohort studies. This study reports the findings from a 2-stage random-effects meta-analysis of 9 studies with individual patient data and 2 studies with aggregate data. Background: Various factors modulate circulating testosterone in men, affecting interpretation of testosterone measurements. Purpose: To clarify factors associated with variations in sex hormone concentrations. Data Sources: Systematic literature searches (to July 2019). Study Selection: Prospective cohort studies of community-dwelling men with total testosterone measured using mass spectrometry. Data Extraction: Individual participant data (IPD) (9 studies; n  = 21 074) and aggregate data (2 studies; n  = 4075). Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health factors and concentrations of total testosterone, sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone (LH), dihydrotestosterone, and estradiol were extracted. Data Synthesis: Two-stage random-effects IPD meta-analyses found a nonlinear association of testosterone with age, with negligible change among men aged 17 to 70 years (change per SD increase about the midpoint, −0.27 nmol/L [−7.8 ng/dL] [CI, −0.71 to 0.18 nmol/L {−20.5 to 5.2 ng/dL}]) and decreasing testosterone levels with age for men older than 70 years (−1.55 nmol/L [−44.7 ng/dL] [CI, −2.05 to −1.06 nmol/L {−59.1 to −30.6 ng/dL}]). Testosterone was inversely associated with body mass index (BMI) (change per SD increase, −2.42 nmol/L [−69.7 ng/dL] [CI, −2.70 to −2.13 nmol/L {−77.8 to −61.4 ng/dL}]). Testosterone concentrations were lower for men who were married (mean difference, −0.57 nmol/L [−16.4 ng/dL] [CI, −0.89 to −0.26 nmol/L {−25.6 to −7.5 ng/dL}]); undertook at most 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week (−0.51 nmol/L [−14.7 ng/dL] [CI, −0.90 to −0.13 nmol/L {−25.9 to −3.7 ng/dL}]); were former smokers (−0.34 nmol/L [−9.8 ng/dL] [CI, −0.55 to −0.12 nmol/L {−15.9 to −3.5 ng/dL}]); or had hypertension (−0.53 nmol/L [−15.3 ng/dL] [CI, −0.82 to −0.24 nmol/L {−23.6 to −6.9 ng/dL}]), cardiovascular disease (−0.35 nmol/L [−10.1 ng/dL] [CI, −0.55 to −0.15 nmol/L {−15.9 to −4.3 ng/dL}]), cancer (−1.39 nmol/L [−40.1 ng/dL] [CI, −1.79 to −0.99 nmol/L {−51.6 to −28.5 ng/dL}]), or diabetes (−1.43 nmol/L [−41.2 ng/dL] [CI, −1.65 to −1.22 nmol/L {−47.6 to −35.2 ng/dL}]). Sex hormone–binding globulin was directly associated with age and inversely associated with BMI. Luteinizing hormone was directly associated with age in men older than 70 years. Limitation: Cross-sectional analysis, heterogeneity between studies and in timing of blood sampling, and imputation for missing data. Conclusion: Multiple factors are associated with variation in male testosterone, SHBG, and LH concentrations. Reduced testosterone and increased LH concentrations may indicate impaired testicular function after age 70 years. Interpretation of individual testosterone measurements should account particularly for age older than 70 years, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Primary Funding Source: Medical Research Future Fund, Government of Western Australia, and Lawley Pharmaceuticals. (PROSPERO: CRD42019139668) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Testosterone, many steroidal androgens, and nonsteroidal ligands that bind to androgen receptor and exert tissue-specific transcriptional activity (selective androgen receptor modulators [SARMs]) are being developed as function-promoting therapies to treat functional limitations associated with aging and chronic diseases. This narrative review describes preclinical studies, mechanisms, and randomized trials of testosterone, other androgens, and nonsteroidal SARMs. Sex differences in muscle mass and strength and empiric use of anabolic steroids by athletes to increase muscularity and athletic performance provide supportive evidence of testosterone's anabolic effects. In randomized trials, testosterone treatment increases lean body mass, muscle strength, leg power, aerobic capacity, and self-reported mobility. These anabolic effects have been reported in healthy men, hypogonadal men, older men with mobility limitation and chronic diseases, menopausal women, and HIV-infected women with weight loss. Testosterone has not consistently improved walking speed. Testosterone treatment increases volumetric and areal bone mineral density, and estimated bone strength; improves sexual desire, erectile function, and sexual activity; modestly improves depressive symptoms; and corrects unexplained anemia in older men with low testosterone levels. Prior studies have not been of sufficient size or duration to determine testosterone's cardiovascular and prostate safety. The efficacy of testosterone in reducing physical limitations, fractures, falls, progression to diabetes, and correcting late-onset persistent depressive disorder remains to be established. Strategies to translate androgen-induced muscle mass and strength gains into functional improvements are needed. Future studies should evaluate the efficacy of combined administration of testosterone (or a SARM) plus multidimensional functional exercise to induce neuromuscular adaptations required for meaningful functional improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a critical need for a streamlined process to identify genotype matched individuals eligible for enrollment into clinical trials and/or targeted therapies, as current methodologies face challenges in integrating diverse molecular data sources. We have developed a precision oncology platform to assist molecular tumor boards and community oncologists in reviewing patients’ phenotypes, evaluating related knowledge, and identifying genotype-matched therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive condition characterized by cortisol deficiency and excess androgen production. The current standard of care is glucocorticoid (GC) therapy, and sometimes mineralocorticoids, to replace endogenous cortisol deficiency; however, supraphysiologic GC doses are usually needed to reduce excess androgen production. Monitoring/titrating GC treatment remains a major challenge, and there is no agreement on assessment of treatment adequacy. This study surveyed expert opinions on current treatment practices and unmet needs in adults with classic CAH. Methods: A modified two-round Delphi process with adult endocrinologists was conducted via online questionnaire. Survey questions were organized into three categories: practice characteristics/CAH experience, GC management, and unmet needs/complications. Anonymized aggregate data from Round 1 were provided as feedback for Round 2. Responses from both rounds were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Consensus was defined a priori as: full consensus (100%, n=9/9); near consensus (78% to <100%, n=7/9 or 8/9); no consensus (<78%, n<7/9). Results: The same nine panelists participated in both survey rounds; five (56%) were based in North America and four (44%) in Europe. Most panelists (78%) used hydrocortisone in the majority of patients, but two (22%) preferred prednisone/prednisolone. Panelists agreed (89%) that adequate control is best evaluated using a balance of clinical presentation and androgen/precursor laboratory values; no consensus was reached on optimal timing of collecting samples for androgen testing or laboratory values indicating good control. Despite lack of consensus on many aspects of CAH management, panelists agreed on the importance of many disease- and GC-related complications, and that there is a large unmet need for new treatments. With currently available treatments, panelists reported that 46% of classic CAH patients did not have optimized androgen levels, regardless of GC dose. Conclusions: The limited areas of consensus obtained in this study reflect the variability in treatment practices for adults with classic CAH, even among clinicians with expertise in treating this population. However, all panelists agreed on the need for new treatments for classic CAH and the importance of many disease- and GC-related complications, which are difficult to manage with currently available treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The association of testosterone concentrations with dementia risk remains uncertain. We examined associations of serum testosterone and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) with incidence of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Methods: Serum total testosterone and SHBG were measured by immunoassay. The incidence of dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) was recorded. Cox proportional hazards regression was adjusted for age and other variables. Results: In 159,411 community‐dwelling men (median age 61, followed for 7 years), 826 developed dementia, including 288 from AD. Lower total testosterone was associated with a higher incidence of dementia (overall trend: P =.001, lowest vs highest quintile: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13‐1.81), and AD (P =.017, HR = 1.80, CI = 1.21‐2.66). Lower SHBG was associated with a lower incidence of dementia (P <.001, HR = 0.66, CI = 0.51‐0.85) and AD (P =.012, HR = 0.53, CI = 0.34‐0.84). Discussion: Lower total testosterone and higher SHBG are independently associated with incident dementia and AD in older men. Additional research is needed to determine causality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examine prospective relationships between erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs and CD4 and CD8 T-cells, and immune markers among men who have sex with men (MSM). Data from Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study, an observational prospective cohort study, with semiannual follow-ups conducted in four U.S. centers from 1998 onwards was used. Marginal structural models using g-computation were fitted to estimate the mean differences for the effects of self-reported ED drug use on CD4 and CD8 T-cell outcomes and immune biomarkers. Total of 1,391 men with HIV (MWH) and 307 men without HIV (MWOH) was included. Baseline mean CD4 cell count among MWH and MWOH was 499.9 and 966.7 cells/μL, respectively. At baseline, 41.8% of MWH were virally suppressed. ED drug users reported a mean of 44.4 months of exposure to ED drugs. ED drug use was associated with increased CD4 cell outcomes among MWH but not MWOH. Mean differences in CD4 cell counts after 1 year of ED drug use was 57.6 cells/μL and increased to 117.7 after 10 years among MWH. CD8 counts were higher in ED drug users among MWH over 10 years than non-users; no consistent differences were found among MWOH. ED drug use appeared to reduce immune marker levels, such as IL-6 and increase markers, such as IL-10. We observed similar effects of ED drug use on biomarker levels among MWOH. Long-term use of ED drugs do not adversely affect immune function among MWH or MWOH. Future studies on the relationships between different types of ED drugs and effects on T-cell subtypes are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]