Non-linear association between testosterone and LDL concentrations in men.

Abstract

Contradictory data have been reported about the association between testosterone levels and the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). The aim of this study was to elucidate the association between testosterone and LDL levels. A cross-sectional study was conducted that included 7268 men who had participated in a health examination. Men who took agents that influence serum lipid profiles within the previous 6 months were excluded. A full metabolic work-up and serum testosterone level checks were performed. The main outcome measures included the testosterone level and testosterone<3.5ng/ml prevalence of each decile of LDL and their polynomial trendlines and the odds ratio (OR) of testosterone<3.5ng/ml according to the LDL level. The polynomial trendline suggests the inverse association of testosterone with the deciles of triglycerides, the positive association of testosterone with the deciles of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the inverted U-shaped association between testosterone and the deciles of LDL. The polynomial trendline suggests a U-shaped curvilinear relationship between the deciles of LDL and the prevalence of testosterone<3.5ng/ml. The adjusted ORs of testosterone<3.5ng/ml in men in the lowest and highest deciles were significantly higher than those of men in the 10th-90th deciles of LDL (OR [95% CI],<10th LDL: 1.4[1.2-1.8]; 10th - 90th LDL: 1.0 [reference];>90th LDL: 1.3[1.0-1.6]), which reinforces the U-shaped curvilinear relationship between LDL levels and the prevalence of testosterone<3.5ng/ml. Further research is needed to elucidate the association of very low or very high LDL concentrations with circulating testosterone in men.