Evaluation the effect of testosterone on the number of endothelial progenitor cells and amount of SDF-1alpha, PDGF, bFGF, and NO

Abstract

Background: Recent therapeutic advances in cardiovascular disease, thanks to the discovery of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and nitric oxide (NO) play a role in migration, homing, and differentiation of EPCs into mature endothelial cells. The incidence of cardiovascular disease is higher in men than in women. This fact suggests the influence of sex hormones on incidence of cardiovascular disease. Methods: Twenty-four female wistar rats weighing 160-180 g were randomly divided into four groups (N = 6): 1. sham-treated by sesame oil, 2. ovariectomized (OVX)-treated by sesame oil, 3. OVX-treated by 10 mug/kg/day testosterone, and 4. OVX-treated by 100 mug/kg/day testosterone. After 21 days, the animals were euthanized and blood samples were saved for determination of EPC count and serum levels of SDF-1alpha, PDGF, bFGF, and NO production. Results: High-dose testosterone induced significant increase in EPC count in OVX rats (P < 0.05). Also 100 mug/kg/day testosterone increased serum level of SDF-1alpha more than OVX-treated by 10 mug/kg/day testosterone (P < 0.05). But 10 mug/kg/day testosterone increased significantly the serum level of PDGF >100 mug/kg/day testosterone-treated group (P < 0.05). The serum level of bFGF in sham-treated by sesame oil was equal with its concentration in OVX-treated by 100 mug/kg/day testosterone. And the serum concentration of NO production in testosterone-treated groups were significantly less than other groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study suggests that testosterone might be effective on cardiovascular disease in females by increasing EPC count through SDF-1alpha and PDGF mechanisms which are some of the vascular healing factors.