Impact of testosterone therapy at different ages on vascular function

• Grant number: 24/18125-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Program to Stimulate Scientific Vocations
• Start date: January 03, 2025
• End date: February 16, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Cardiorenal Pharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Rita de Cassia Aleixo Tostes Passaglia
• Grantee: Ruthe Maria de Sousa Pereira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Testosterone is used in the gender transition process by transmasculine people and, although considered safe, it can increase cardiovascular risk for this population. Testosterone, in supraphysiological doses, exerts deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system of men and male animal models, but its effects on the vasculature of women, especially in gender-affirming hormone therapy (THAG), and in females of animal models are still unknown. little known. In clinical practice, individuals begin THAG at different stages of life - in adolescence, adulthood, and even aging. In this study, we will evaluate whether the treatment of female mice with testosterone - an experimental model of hormoneization - induces vascular dysfunction differentially depending on the age at which the treatment is started. Considering that during aging, structural and functional changes occur in the arterial system, our hypothesis is that aging will aggravate endothelial dysfunction promoted by testosterone. Vascular function will be evaluated by vascular reactivity assays in aortas isolated from female mice after treatment with vehicle or testosterone (48 mg.Kg-1.week-1). (AU)