Dihydrotestosterone induces arterial stiffening in female mice

Androgens are important sex hormones in both men and women and are supplemented when endogenous levels are low, for gender transitioning, or to increase libido. Androgens also circulate at higher levels in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, a condition that increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases including hypertension and arterial stiffness. Since our previous work shows an important role for the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in arterial stiffness, we hypothesized that other hormones including androgens may impact arterial stiffness in female mice via downregulation of GPER. Our findings indicate that androgen promotes arterial stiffening and cardiovascular damage in female mice and is associated with decreased estrogen receptor expression. These data are important both men and women using testosterone for fitness or reduced libido, as well as patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome.