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Endocrine Abstracts (2022) 81 P275 | DOI: 10.1530/endoabs.81.P275

1National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieio Hospital, Athens, Greece; 2National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hormonal Laboratory, Aretaieion Hospital, Athens, Greece; 3National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Biochemical Laboratory, Aretaieion Hospital, Athens, Greece; 4National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Athens, Greece; 5National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Biochemical Laboratory, Athens, Greece


Background: Heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), a potentially homeostatic antigen, has been shown to be involved in physiological and non-physiological conditions. Experimental data is supporting the role of HSP60 in placental and mitochondrial steroidogenesis. Under stress conditions, HSP60 are translocated into the endothelial-cell plasma membrane and the extracellular space, promoting the atherosclerotic process.

Aim: We decided to investigate the association between HSP60 and endothelial-cell function in postmenopausal women, considering the possible atherogenic effect of androgenic hormones.

Methods: This study included a total of 160 apparently healthy postmenopausal women. Exclusion criteria were treatment for hypertension or dyslipidaemia, menopause hormone therapy during the last 6 months, previously diagnosed peripheral vascular disease or cardiovascular disease. Fasting venous blood samples were obtained for biochemical, hormonal assessment and evaluation of HSP60. Sonographical assessment of flow mediated dilation (FMD) took place immediately thereafter in one session.

Results: Univariate analysis showed log-HSP60 values differed between women with FMD lower vs higher than the median 5.12% (low vs high FMD, HSP60 values: 2.01±1.16 ng/ml vs 3.22±1.17 ng/ml, p-value=0.031). Multivariable analysis showed that LogHSP60 was associated with FMD (b-coefficient=0.244, p-value=0.031), adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Further adjustment for HOMA-IR and testosterone or DHEAS rendered the result non-significant. In the multivariable analysis, DHEAS was associated with FMD (b-coefficient= -0.199, p-value=0.039), adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate an association between androgens and endothelial function, independent of HSP60 molecules, in women with low insulin resistance and androgenicity. Further prospective studies are needed to explore the significance of our findings.

Volume 81

European Congress of Endocrinology 2022

Milan, Italy
21 May 2022 - 24 May 2022

European Society of Endocrinology 

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