Elevated high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in aging men with low testosterone.

Methods. The baseline T, hsCRP, lipid, glycemic, and anthropometric data were obtained from 467 men (mean age: 52 years). Inclusion criteria included low-density lipoprotein cholesterol >= 3.4 to 4.9 mmol/l and triglycerides < 4.0 mmol/l. The baseline hsCRP levels were examined across the following T subgroups: < 6.9 nmol/l (moderate to severe hypogonadism), 6.9 to < 10.4 nmol/l (mild to moderate hypogonadism), 10.4 to < 15 nmol/l (low-normal T), and >= 15 nmol/l (normal T). Results. The median hsCRP levels were significantly (p = 0.041) different across the four T subgroups; patients in the lower T subgroups had higher median hsCRP levels than patients in the higher T subgroups. The percentage of men with elevated hsCRP (> 2 mg/l) was also significantly (p = 0.038) different across the four T subgroups; 83% of men with T < 6.9 nmol/l had elevated hsCRP compared with 40% with T >= 15 nmol/l. Conclusions. This analysis demonstrated an inverse relationship between serum T and hsCRP in aging men. Urologists need to be aware that low T levels may not only adversely affect sexual function but also may worsen cardiovascular risk in aging, hypogonadal men.