Re: A HOW TO for: SERMs, Aromatize inhibitors, Gyno and PCT *A must read
This is getting off-topic from the OP, but since E2 has been stated as causing "bloat," which is then the cause of PB [sic] problems, I will address this in a brief manner. "Newly" found elevated BP after administering AAS can be a challenge to the user as well as the caretaker.
The simple idea that this problem arises from E2 is without supportive evidence. I came to this conclusion very early in treating AAS users by the fact that no amount of E2 control managed the BP. I am sure this is the experience of many AAS users. This is further confirmed by the fact that non-aromatizable AAS can cause elevated BP. [Proviron is reported to cause an increased BP.] This observation would lead one to conclude that the AAS itself is the source of the BP problems and lowering E2 while AAS are high will have limited success.
As the elegant study below shows, androgens (Testosterone) do appear to be the cause.
I have never argued against E2 control, but directed therapies at their cause, thus SERM for gynecomastia. In the clinical context where an AI is being used for E2 control and BP is a problem do not look at more AI to further lower E2, but treat the BP.
The researchers present new evidence on genomic and nongenomic mechanisms of testosterone action on vascular smooth muscle cells in arterial hypertension through modulating associated cellular events, thus setting the stage for further aggravation of hypertension. Using animal models of normotension and polygenic hypertension, the investigators found that, in vascular smooth muscle cells from male animals, testosterone regulates cellular processes, which mediates vascular contraction and hypertrophy, key events contributing to the increased vascular resistance in hypertension. They also observed greater production of reactive oxygen species in response to testosterone in vascular smooth muscle cells from hypertensive as compared with normotensive animals.
These effects were not attributed to conversion of testosterone to 17Beta-estradiol, because the aromatase inhibitor anastrazole had no effect on reactive oxygen species formation.
Barton M, Prossnitz ER, Meyer MR. Testosterone and Secondary Hypertension: New Pieces to the Puzzle. Hypertension. Testosterone and Secondary Hypertension
Chignalia AZ, Schuldt EZ, Camargo LvL, et al. Testosterone Induces Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Migration by NADPH Oxidase and c-Src-Dependent Pathways. Hypertension. Testosterone Induces Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Migration by NADPH Oxidase and c-Src–Dependent Pathways
Testosterone has been implicated in vascular remodeling associated with hypertension. Molecular mechanisms underlying this are elusive, but oxidative stress may be important. We hypothesized that testosterone stimulates generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), with enhanced effects in cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The mechanisms (genomic and nongenomic) whereby testosterone induces ROS generation and the role of c-Src, a regulator of redox-sensitive migration, were determined.
VSMCs from male Wistar-Kyoto rats and SHRs were stimulated with testosterone (10?7 mol/L, 0–120 minutes). Testosterone increased ROS generation, assessed by dihydroethidium fluorescence and lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence (30 minutes [SHR] and 60 minutes [both strains]). Flutamide (androgen receptor antagonist) and actinomycin D (gene transcription inhibitor) diminished ROS production (60 minutes). Testosterone increased Nox1 and Nox4 mRNA levels and p47phox protein expression, determined by real-time PCR and immunoblotting, respectively. Flutamide, actinomycin D, and cycloheximide (protein synthesis inhibitor) diminished testosterone effects on p47phox. c-Src phosphorylation was observed at 30 minutes (SHR) and 120 minutes (Wistar-Kyoto rat). Testosterone-induced ROS generation was repressed by 3-(4-chlorophenyl) 1-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-day]pyrimidin-4-amine (c-Src inhibitor) in SHRs and reduced by apocynin (antioxidant/NADPH oxidase inhibitor) in both strains. Testosterone stimulated VSMCs migration, assessed by the wound healing technique, with greater effects in SHRs. Flutamide, apocynin, and 3-(4-chlorophenyl) 1-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-day]pyrimidin-4-amine blocked testosterone-induced VSMCs migration in both strains.
Our study demonstrates that testosterone induces VSMCs migration via NADPH oxidase–derived ROS and c-Src–dependent pathways by genomic and nongenomic mechanisms, which are differentially regulated in VSMCs from Wistar-Kyoto rats and SHRs.