Aromatase Activity and Its Association with Coronary Artery Disease in Males
Keywords:
BMI; Cardiac Calcium Score; Coronary Artery Disease; CT Angiography; Testosterone to Estradiol Ratio; Myocardial Infarction.Abstract
Objective: To determine the association among aromatase activity, testosterone-to-estradiol (T/E2) ratio, body mass index (BMI), and coronary artery disease in males.
Study Design: Comparative cross- sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemical Pathology, from Feb2023 –Jan2024.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study used the T/E2 ratio as a marker for aromatase activity and assessed the levels of plasma testosterone, estradiol, and T/E2 in 300 males. In order to evaluate the evolution of CAD, T/E2 was compared across serum quartiles and cardiac calcium score groups using ANOVA. It also showed correlations with atherosclerotic plaque, CRP, cholesterol, and BMI.
Results: T/E2 ratio and plaque calcification score were found to be negatively correlated in atherosclerotic plaques. These effects were observed to be greater in men with elevated body mass indexes (BMI). BMI, CRP, and Calcium Score show statistically significant differences across the three T/E2 ratio groups.
Conclusion: Males with low T/E2 ratio had higher levels of calcified plaque, systemic inflammation and evident atherosclerosis. These effects were strongest in men with higher BMI, which increased risk of future major acute coronary event.
