Effects of testosterone on cytokines and left ventricular remodeling following heart failure

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the effects of testosterone treatment on cytokines, ventricular remodeling in rats with heart failure. Materials and methods: Sprague-Dawley male rats with heart failure were divided into testosterone (n = 22) and placebo (n = 22) group. Pseudo surgery was performed on a third group of 15 male rats as control. Results: Compared with the placebo group, the testosterone group had a greater LVEF (P <0.05), a higher serum IL-10 level (P <0.05) and a lower serum TNF-α level (P<0.05). The expression of TNF-α mRNA, MMP-9 mRNA and the myocardial hydroxyproline contents in the testosterone group were also lower than in the placebo group (P<0.05). The mortality rate in the testosterone and placebo group was 31.8% and 68.2%, respectively (P <0.05). Conclusion: Serum testosterone levels were decreased significantly in male rats with heart failure. Testosterone treatment diminishes the imbalance between interleukin-10 and TNF-α, suppresses ventricular remodeling and improves cardiac function. Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG.