The aim of this study was to evaluate relationships between serum
estradiol concentration and
carotid atherosclerosis in addition to major cardiovascular risk factors in men with
type 2 diabetes mellitus because previous reports concerning the role of
estrogen on
atherosclerosis in men are conflicting. Serum
estradiol concentrations were measured in 305 consecutive men with
type 2 diabetes mellitus. Relationships were evaluated between serum
estradiol concentration and
carotid atherosclerosis, as determined by ultrasonographically evaluated intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque score, in a subgroup of 144 diabetic patients, as well as major cardiovascular risk factors, including age, blood pressure, and
lipid concentrations. An inverse correlation was found between serum
estradiol concentration and IMT (r = -0.174, P = .0369), but no correlation was found between serum
estradiol concentration and plaque score. Patients with serum
estradiol concentrations in the lowest tertile displayed significantly higher IMT compared with patients in the highest tertile (P = .0083). Serum
estradiol concentration was not a determinant of IMT (beta = -.121, P = .1396) in the multiple regression analysis. An inverse correlation was found between serum
estradiol concentration and
triglyceride concentration (r = -0.136, P = .0186). In conclusion, serum
estradiol concentration is inversely associated with
carotid atherosclerosis as determined by ultrasonographically evaluated IMT in men with
type 2 diabetes mellitus.